Tuesday Tunes--September 20, 2016
Shaun Cordingley
I don't know if it's just because there is a chill in the air now, or what, but this week is, again, a list that it largely a bit more laid back, and features a lot of music that fits into your late night playlists, or for sitting in a sweater, enjoying a hot beverage, and watching the leaves fall.
The Guys From do not hold the rights to any of these songs, it is more our hope to expose our readers to new and different music that we are enjoying, or re-expose them to things they may have forgotten about.
At the top of each section, will be the song name, followed by the artists' name linked to their website, so you can fall down the rabbit hole, finding and supporting what you dig.
Sing To You - John Splithoff
Chicago born, New York based singer/songwriter John Splithoff starts us off this week with his soulful, impossible not to sing (or at the very least, groove) along to track "Sing to You". Splithoff is quite new as a singer/songwriter, with "Sing to You" coming as (for all intents and purposes) his second single, and I for one am really looking forward to hearing future releases from him. This track is like some of the best classic blue-eyed soul--it's a beautiful mid-tempo croon, propped up by smooth as silk harmonies, and an almost impossible not to join in with clap-rhythm.
This is a song that I imagine is going to show up on some end of year lists around here...
Nightlife - Old Daisy
Old Daisy is an indie duo who have been working together since 2012, and recently released their second EP Truce, and it is a really fun EP. "Nightlife" is a wonderfully fun track that takes a lot of indie-folk cues, and combines them with some alt-pop style to make a song that beams with a warm energy that makes it really hard to keep a smile from your face while listening. I'm particularly fond of their use of strings on "Nightlife"--it really makes the track stand out as a special indie-pop track.
I also have to recommend, if you enjoy "Nightlife" that you check out Truce; it really showcases a fun musical diversity from Old Daisy. I hope they keep playing with sounds, and that more people check them out.
Black and White Space - Delamere
Delamere has been garnering a fair bit of attention throughout the indie scene in the U.K., primarily through festival gigs, as well as finding their work featuring on Manchester United playlists at Old Trafford (excuse my Liverpool scowl). Recently, the indie-alt band released their self-titled debut album, and I have to say, if you are into lush, heavily atmospheric, and sometimes cinematic pop-alt, Delamere really needs to be on your radar.
"Black and White Space" is a brilliantly layered piece of dream-alt pop, with just the right amount of haze and blur to maintain a soft quality to a song that features a solid alt-rock kick to it (you'll notice it specifically within the drums)--for whatever reason, this blend perfectly underscores the vocals to create a really great track.
Carry On - Afrakite
Montreal-based singer/songwriter Afrakite is up next with "Carry On", a very warm indie track, which relies heavily on a combination of harmony, piano and rhythm to create a song that sounds perfect when you're walking among the falling autumn leaves. This is one of those perfect calming songs, that I know I would have had on one of my "just finished a massive test/walking home after a performance" playlists were I still in University--"Carry On" is just one of those songs that needs to be heard outside.
I think what's best about "Carry On" is that nothing here feels extra--every part of this track needs to be there, and creates a elegantly simple sound that resonates more each and every time you hear it.
Marco Polo - China Lane
Wrapping up Tuesday Tunes this week is "Marco Polo" from Manchester snythpop band China Lane (previously touring as a duo called Hester & Holly Rose before adding a pair of new members). This is a beautifully produced piece of mellow synthpop which lives on it's full-hearted harmonies, piano and a perfectly utilized flute. "Marco Polo" is one of those songs that as soon as I heard it, I knew that I wanted to pass it along to you guys, especially with autumn coming into full swing, as this has already been a great track for me when I'm sitting in the park and enjoying some tea, and watching leaves float down the river.
Here's the Apple Music Playlist for August 2016! You know these 5 week playlists always take a little bit longer, and are that little bit more stressful, but this one wasn't too bad, plus there were a couple of songs missing, so it was really only three more tunes than usual. I also have to say, this is probably one of my favorite months since I've started, and it has made a really solid playlist!
Remember, if you want me to put these playlists on other services (like Spotify), let me know on Twitter (I've linked it below)
If you're looking for more Tuesday Tunes, are late to the party, or just want more theguysfrom.com in your day, here are the playlists for:
December 2015 & January 2016 (because I felt crazy)
We will see you again next week with 5 more indie tracks on Tuesday!
-S (@Shauncord)