Sorry for the delay on this. Was going to get it done last week but it was a pretty crappy week for me and I just wasn't in the mood (or right mind frame). Which means I'm holding back a little on my rhetoric here.
So, without further ado, let's get this show on the road. Fitst up is the dulcet tones of
@montydog with his worndeful
I Have Taken To Walking.
As a lyricist I always take a keen interest in the words as well as the music and Alan does a great job here of telling his story. It was like he was taking me back to my earliest childhood memories, listening to the Seekers on the record player. It all just fit together nicely. A song to sit back, close your eyes, and just chill out to.
As a big fan of Enya I guess I couldn't help but love this next song.
Be With You by
@MonnoDB starts off with haunting, Gregorian chant-like vocals, and then the piano comes in and it moves effortlessly into a Clannad-esque experience. I love the simpleness of this song. It builds up softly and slowy and doesn't try to complicate things. Karen's vocals, as always, are beautiful and the whole production is spot on.
Let's go back to the 90s now. At least that's where
@LostBoy and
@Neil C were taking me, back to my when I was courting the missus and playing, amongst other pinball games, Robocop.
Nah, it doesn't just get in for that memory. It's in because it's a damn catchy tune! Come on, who wasn't singing along (or trying to) to the chorus?
Neon Socks is pop of the highest order. The only thing bad I can say about it is that I'm probably gonna play it waaaaaaay too much! Vocals, musicianship, production. All top notch. Just off to listen to it again before I go to the next song.
(yes I know I've used three grinning smileys but I just couldn't help myself)What do you get if you mix an 80s pop beat with whimsical lyrics? A ride in a
Time Machine with
@MichaelA is what. This could have easily been one of those novelty number ones (hell, if Shaddap Your Face could manage it... :P ). Lyrics are great, tune makes your foot tap (even when you tell it not to!), and it's just a pleasure to listen to.
And lastly, but by no means, leastly, let's wander down to the banks of the Mississippi guided by
@CaliaMoko and her accoustic guitar.
Love the story the lyrics tell in
Mississippi Moon, and Vicki sings them effortlessly. They don't need any musical embelishments and Vicki doesn't, keeping it simple like they deserve. The music is there just to help the story along and it works beautifully.
And that's your lot. There were several great songs that just missed my cut. I went with the ones that just had that little extra something when it came to what piqued my interest.
If I really have to go for a fave (and I'm loathe to do so - they're all great songs) I suppose I would have to lean towards Neon Socks. Song's just too damn catchy. :P