Day 103: Absynth Minded - Space

When I was doing my internship, 2.5 years ago, I used to travel quite a lot by public transport. Equiped with my mp3 player and my favorite songs on it, I actually enjoyed this a lot. One of the records I listened to at that time was the self titled album of a small Belgium band called Absynth Minded; the song I preferred the most was one called Envoi (as a tribute to literature writer Hugo Claus). I could sing along with every word and one day I even wrote out the text on paper, so much I liked it. '

Now the band is back with their new album "As it ever was", a record based on heavy themes, with songs that are easy to listen to; yes, quite a contradiction but so great. Quite often I like albums of artists/ band because of their musicality and the feel a song gives you, without paying attention to the lyrics. This one is different as I discovered that there are also a lot of beautiful secrets hidden in the lyrics of this album. I think my co-writer Peter would call this something like layers that build up the song.

Today's song is called Space. It is the single of the album that was released in february this year. It took me a few times to discover the fantastic aspects of this song but for me that makes a song only more valuable and is always an aspect by which I would recognize a great song.

Please give this "hidden secret from Belgium" a chance.. I bet you will love it.

Day 102: Damien Jurado - Nothing Is The News

This fine song isn’t as much beautiful, as it stands out for being firm and relaxed at the same time. I’ve listened to it for a little while already and did not really know where to put it. ‘Nothing Is The News’ is the opener of Damien Jurado’s 2012 and eleventh album Maraqopa, so Jurado isn’t a newcomer. He is claimed to make music as a singer/songwriter in the tradition of Seattle indierock, yet this song refers back a lot more to, as you like to put it, seventieslike psychedelic rock music.

What I find so cool is the guitar solo that kicks in very early and lasts for almost the whole track. My  co-writer Justin likes to attach his posts to some kind of feel or mood you have in some occasion or moment of the day. This one I think is perfect for late night, just at that switch point between hanging back and eventually coming in action. After sitting down on some Friday night, having a couple of drinks. Taking in the laidback atmosphere of the song, but loading the firmness and confidence at the same time, when making up to go out.

Day 101: Isbells - Elation

A new song from one of my recent discoveries from Belgium, to start your weekend with a very relaxt mood. It's from Isbells, a melancholic pop-folk band that is centered around lead-singer Gaëtan Vandewoude who started this group in 2009.  After singing in many small bands as back-up singer he decided to start his own band. And he did an amazing job.

When I heard on the DWDD show last week I was convinced. I listened to the second album of the group (Stoalin', 2012) and loved it. It reminded me of the self titled album of Bon Iver (2011) but also of Fleet Foxes, not only the music but also the quality of the music. Dreamy, Arabic, Introvert pop-folk songs that suck you in...

This song, Elation, makes you totally feel at ease, creates a smile at your face (especially the part with the singing little children) and makes you think about how great life can be. And the part with which the song starts also ends the song... Slow, quiet and really relaxt...

Enjoy your weekend..

Day 100: The Babysitters Circus - Everythings's Gonna Be Allright

And we're at number 100. We did it. In less than a year we posted 100 songs on 365 singles. But that doesn't mean that we're ready, that we will stop. We will continue; the day after tomorrow song 101 will follow, and after that 102, 103, 104 etc..

On the other hand, soon, within the next two months, we will present you with with some changes to our site: a refreshed style, a new address, another name, a new... who knows. Because we think that we certainly need to upgrade our blog to make sure that it represents the vision and mision we have with our blog. Soon more on this..

But first, let's celebrate day 100, with a happy song, a song that make me feel great and immediately brings up all kind of springlike summery feelings inside my head. And I think it will certainly become one of the summer-songs for 2012.

The Babysitters Circus (TBC) is a four piece New Zealand Electronica/Bass and Funk/Groove freak show that was born when the quartet began throwing sounds and ideas together while babysitting for a friend. They came up with some great creative stuff and thought that it would be a waste if they would not share their creative, shaky tracks with the world. And they did.

The four members of TBC are not new to the music industry; no they all have quite some experience in areas ranging from hiphop to musicals combinded with entertaining expertise. This means that they will not only make great music, they will also put on a great show; so hopefully we will get the chance to see them live this year. And celebrate 100 days of 365singles with them.

(Ps.. Have a look at the video, a lot of fun... ;-)

Day 99: Jason Mraz - The Woman I Love

Jason Mraz has his new album out and I am glad about that. I’m always glad to hear his songs. After having heard the two preview songs I Won’t Give Up and The World As I See It, which was my favorite, I was curious to hearing the full album Love Is A Four Letter Word. It sounds different than its predecessor, but holds again a collection of songs which are all very well crafted. The overall pace seems to be a little slower and Mraz doesn’t show so much of his speech skills (think of The Dynamo Of Volition). Still he definitely knows how to deliver a fine (soft) pop song. Outstanding is always the tight production and his beautifully clear voice. The songs are calm, but without being too laidback or vague.

Here’s a live performance of The Woman I Love. He traded nylon strings for western ones. The song might not be very special, but I love the chords as well as the subtle details on different guitars. And, while not as present as on the album version, those soft organ tones always carry me away.

Day 98: Marlon Roudette - New Age (live at Giel Ochtendshow)

On Friday I always have make a choice. I will either write about a nice, touchy, one that moves me song or one with a beat, to celebrate the start of the weekend. It depends on the mood I'm in and the plans I have for the weekend. This weekend will be relaxt, with some nice stuff to do (drinking a couple of beers, a nice meeting with friends tomorrow) but also some studying on Sunday.

And because I also feel quite relaxt at the moment it's time for a beautiful, relaxing song. It's from Marlon Roudette, a 29 year old singer songwriter from London, who is a former member of the 'one hit wonder' band Matafix. This song has already been a # 1 hit in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Especially the piano loops are one thing that make this song special. Add to that the lyrics and the sweet, soulful voice of Roudette, which even come better to the fore in other songs of his debut album, and a great song is born.

This version is recorded in the morning show of dutch DJ Giel Beelen and I wanted to share this version today as this one is even better than the original.

Have a nice and relaxing weekend...

Artist: Marlon Roudet
From: London, UK
Album: Matter Fixed (2011)
Single: New Age (2011)

Day 97: Team Me - Show Me

This Norwegian band makes happy indie pop from an addictive kind. They are a band that was accidentally formed when frontman Marius Hagen entered a band context and when he was released into the finals had to form band. Their music is fresh and really energetic and I personaly find this really attractive.

In the Netherlands they did already did a great performance on Eurosonic/ Noorderslag in January, they have been support act of the Wombats and now they are ready to conquer Europe. I am really glad that they are coming to London Calling festival in Paradiso (18/19 May, Paradiso, Amsterdam), which we as 365 singles authors will visit.

Show me is the first single from their debut album "To the Treetops", which in Norway has been mentioned as one of the best debut albums ever. According to skopemag.com it is "A playfully experimental album full of depth and warmth, with each track bound together by rich musicality". Enjoy your weekend with this song and album.