Sorry to be crass, Winter, but you can go to hell. However, it seems that as December approaches, new music gets dropped daily. So right now I have a love/hate relationship with this sub-40 degree weather. We’re seeing a lot of creative, experimental-form music being released with a focus on structure. Even on the modern pop scene, song structure is becoming the go-to musical aspect to manipulate (see some of the most anticipated releases of the year: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Sidewalks, Come Around Sundown). Make no mistake – we fully support this abandonement of the ‘ol Compound Ternary Form (yeah I took music theory). By leaving the form of the record more malleable, a lot more creative sounds are being developed. Check out these five tracks that have been in rotation since last week, and note some of their reluctance to give into the normal pop arrangement.
Released on Amazon as a free download a week ago, Bibio‘s playful introduction gives way to a sweet and floaty pop refrain. (BUY)
Skinny Love (Das Kapital Redub) – Bon Iver
The redub of this almost-too-mellow song gives the beat it desperately needed. Now Bon Iver isn’t just for listening to in the dark. (BUY)
Satan is a Vampire – Fierce Creatures
I like the name of this song. I love when the drums pick up and its no longer an electric-dreamscape sound, but a more composed indie-folk vibe. (BUY)
A calm, southern folk ballad for cold nights. One review calls them “the most appropriately named band.” (BUY)
I saw this song performed live at Tarrytown Music Hall in NY and loved it. I loved it even more when she had to explain to her young fans that this wasn’t actually her song, but a song by some band named Radiohead.
