Jam Sessions #5: Sweet Arrivals
The fall list is full of top dogs this year: P!nk, Mumford & Sons, The Killers, and No Doubt. That is, if you’re into them. I, however, am into…
Session #5 playlist
Highlights: Albums
The Mighty Chouffe
The West Town EP
Released: Sept 25, 2012
synth, alternative
First love. It’s supposedly epic and irreplaceable, an emotion that can never again be replicated for sheer purity. I call BS. Always have, argued at length. And I will continue to tow the line. However, soft spots—the things (regardless of being first or not) which tie the soul in knots because of one’s history with them as the things themselves—soft spots have a purity rather unlike anything else. Iris was my introduction to synthpop, and still stands as the band by which all other synth offerings are judged. The Mighty Chouffe is a side project by Andrew Sega of Iris. Click the playlist above and listen. Just listen.
But soft spots aside, the continuity of the EP is incredible. It’s been thought out almost like a book, the threads and twisting plot lines. From the band’s site:
This EP is best experienced when listened to from back to front in one sitting. I know, who does that, right?! But still. It’s true. If you DO that, you’ll notice a lot of musical and lyrical puzzles and references and other clever-boots things we’ve put in there. Trust us, it’ll be great! What’s that, you want an example? Okay, how about these:
The astute listener will note the keyboard solo in the second song becomes the chorus in the third song.
They will also notice the piano line in the third song becomes the verse in the fourth song.
Songs 1 and 5 serve as bookends.
Plus, the EP is by donation—so if you want to download it for free, you can. I didn’t.
Yeah. Soft spots.
Starred: Arrivals & Arrivals, Grace.
Imagine Dragons
Night Visions
Released: Sept 04, 2012
Alternative
Imagine Dragons strikes that perfect note between alternative and rock (much like One Republic), that’s uniquely them. The album’s solid, though most all my favorite singles are…on the EP. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, but the EP’s the cream of the crop.
Starred: Tiptoe, Bleeding Out, Nothing Left to Say.
Highlights: Singles
Sabrina Washington
Hit It Hard
Released: Sept 12, 2012
Dance, pop
Instant inspiration. If I’m running or writing, this song comes on and suddenly everything’s doable. It’s like magic, even for slow scenes. Her first solo album is said to release sometime this year, though no date is set yet.
Ellie Goulding
Anything Could Happen
Released: Aug 21, 2012
Pop
It’s Ellie Goulding. Also included Figure 8 in the playlist. Full Album comes out Oct 9th. One of the few (actually the only) album I’ve preordered.
Calvin Harris feat. Florence Welch
Sweet Nothing
Released: Sept 20, 2012
Alternative, electronic
I neeed this album. It’s set to release Oct 14th in the UK, with details for everywhere else “coming soon.” (Which might be Oct 18 if the interwebs can be believed.) Yes please.
MIKA
Underwater
Released: Sept 28, 2012
Pop
While I have a couple MIKA singles, I’ve never felt the need to delve deeper. Underwater has changed my mind. Melodic and sweeping, it begs for repeat. Already available in the UK, it’ll hit the States on Oct 16th.
Tessa Elwood
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