Seven Most Beautiful Songs I've Ever Heard - Parte Trois

The Seven Most Beautiful Songs I've Ever Heard

Over the next week, I will be blogging the seven most beautiful songs I've ever heard. The genres span from indie rock, like the selected track below, to gangsta rap, to arena rock. What I consider beautiful may be different than readers, but I think that all of these songs are amazing in their own rights.



"In The Beginning" from K'Naan's The Dusty Foot Philosopher, is one of those tracks that does more for its genre than it can hope to receive. It is characterized as a hip/hop track, but I feel as if it every song in the album should be reorganized. True, songs like "Soobax," and "If Rap Gets Jealous," are maintain stubborn connections to traditional rap, however, others, like "Voices in My Head" and "I Was Stabbed By Satan," remind listeners of a Mos Def, Talib Kweli-esque vibe. Some tracks even are akin to Eminem tracks, like "Strugglin'."

But this post is about, to me, the break-out track of this 2005 release. "In The Beginning" was most recently featured as the play-out track from the film Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. The song seems to celebrate general freedom, the idea that someone can do anything at anytime without fear of punishment or opposition. It's startling how much I thought this was some sort of hidden Eminem track when I first heard it, but what sets the two apart is K'Naan's obsession with world music, the inclusion of instruments that span the globe. His raspy voice may remind listeners of a Stephen Marley, but don't expect a groovy stoned-friendly track. This is not for those who want a relaxing reggae mix. This song is designed to be blasted on the beach, preferably with a game of wiffleball or beach volleyball. It's a very summery song.

It's no surprise that it was featured in a montage of stoners running through Amsterdam trying on masks and the absurdities found in the film.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq0pygjQK74
just the track!

part duex!

The Seven Most Beautiful Songs I've Ever Heard

Over the next week, I will be blogging the seven most beautiful songs I've ever heard. The genres span from indie rock, like the selected track below, to gangsta rap, to arena rock. What I consider beautiful may be different than readers, but I think that all of these songs are amazing in their own rights.





Now I'm not one for BritPop, I feel as if it seems The Kooks seem to hit a particularly genius stride with their latest single "Shine On" from Konk. They are talented, and they aren't very adhesive to that "sexy, British accent" image. They're quirky, fun, and just all around very cheery to have around. Bubblegum BritPop aside, what makes this particular track stand out is the precisely what I've come to despise about British indie music, ironically enough.

The Wombats, Arctic Monkeys, and The Kooks have their base, and typical radio friendly hits, media darlings for the punk rock stations across the US, but "Shine On" is precisely the catchy hit that makes a band truly famous.

Now to what I love about this song. There's so much! The steady beat, along with the friendly and familiar tambourine, makes for a nice walking pace, fantastic for singing along in the car. In fact, some of what goes into my choices, is precisely where and how I listen to these songs. In this case, "Shine On" is a fantastic sing-along song while driving to work, or class, or a cheery ballad while walking around the neighborhood. From the "hand that feeds," to the "sha-la-la's" this song is catchy and pretty in every way. Oh, and fellas, don't let the fact that it's in a Michelob Ultra commercial kill this song for you. Chick beer needs an anthem, too.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOHCmr8shWc
official music video!!!!

The Seven Most Beautiful Songs I've Ever Heard

The Seven Most Beautiful Songs I've Ever Heard.

Over the next week, I will be blogging the seven most beautiful songs I've ever heard. The genres span from indie rock, like the selected track below, to gangsta rap, to arena rock. What I consider beautiful may be different than readers, but I think that all of these songs are amazing in their own rights.



7. "Is There A Ghost" is the lead-off track to Band of Horses' second album Cease to Begin. It was featured as a Myspace download in August 2007, and eventually became the first charting single from the album. It reached the 34th place on the Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks List, and was also featured in Rolling Stones' list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007.

What makes this particular track notable is that despite the repetitive lyrics, this song revels in it. Quietly starting with a arpeggio-esque lick, lead singer Ben Bridwell comes in, singing in his trademark My Morning Jacket-esque voice. After the second repetition, the song immediately picks up its pace, rolling heavily to almost double the previous tempo. Power chord critics may say that this indie song does nothing different than your typical Green Day record, however, that's what makes this song brilliant. It's an indie song that takes a typical punk rock element and makes it something different. At 2:30, when the simple lick comes in, it's ultimately satisfying, and the sudden drop when the song ends, leaves you wanting more.

Highly recommend this song for fans of quiet contemplation, or perhaps those who wish for another addition to their indie collection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK716RqoUms (The Music Video)