Now you wonder how it all could have worked out

This song is a little hard to classify. It has the swing and punchiness of ska, but the vocals tell an entirely different story-more along the lines of down-south country. Which is why I was especially surprised to see the band was from Boston, go figure. The song is "Please Forgive Me" by Westbound Train.

The song starts out with this punching guitar and minimalist percussion that gives it this light and airy feel, however, the vocals courtesy of Obi "Day 19" Fernandez, just kill it with his bluesy voice and totally encompassing vocals. Another great addition to the track is the background horns that carry the tune so well (I'm a sucker for horns). I can't say the songwriting is excellent but this song just draws you in. Probably the most interesting thing I found on the band was the fact that famed Specials guitarist Lynval Golding is a fan of Westbound Train. That is saying a lot when one such an incredibly and acclaimed ska band is a fan. Enjoy the track.

"Please Forgive Me" by Westbound Train from Transitions (2006)

-S

Hey little thing lemme light your candle

Ever since that Black Keys post, I have been feeling the vibe with the blues-rock sound. I tried to find some other songs that really personified that sound, and remembered a song I found a few years ago covered by the Black Crowes called "Hard To Handle," (the original was done by Otis Redding and is and R&B classic)

The vocals come off with a real rock and roll aesthetic, with a raw sound that really just gets you fired up. The music is not particularly complex, a high distortion guitar in the solo really just feels right in a Lynyrd Skynyrd kind of way. What I really love about this song is the intro that really sets the tone for the whole song. It's just a little drum fill followed by this climbing guitar that just combines for a really sweet sound. As far as the blues-rock sound goes, this band/song really hit the nail on the head for me. I'm not a huge fan of country and this song manages to keep it's country roots in check. In the process of writing this post I delved in to the band a little more and remembered they do another great song "She Talks To Angels" which does have a bigger country vibe-but is an incredibly beautiful song (sorry to hate on country-I like some of it, but it's not for me and I know that). Anyway-today is my last day of High School, and then it is off in to the big bad world-I am very excited for a lot of reasons. One big reason though is that I will have a big opportunity to get some more writers and open up to a wider range of music. Anyway, enjoy the songs!

"Hard To Handle" covered by The Black Crowes from Shake Your Money Maker (1990)

"Hard To Handle" by Otis Redding from The Immortal Otis (1967)

"She Talks To Angels" by The Black Crowes from Shake Your Money Maker (1990)

-S

It's times like these, that I need relief

Just recently began listening to The Black Keys. I first heard about them a little late-on the soundtrack of School Of Rock with their song "Set Me Free," at that point I underestimated them a little bit. They arose again on another blog I read-the one put out by my radio station WAMH on the song called "Next Girl" which really showed off their blues influences and vocalist Dan Auerbach's really tight sound.


The song I want to show off now though was just sent to me from a friend called "Tighten Up" which once again showcases this incredibly rich sound that they have going for them. The song starts off with a little whistling hook that really sets the pace for the song. From there it just rolls and sounds pretty amazing-and bluesy which it seems they are known for. Once again, it is my last week of school so I'm a little short on time so I will cut to the chase. The bottom line: this song is great, and so is the band. Also I would note that this song as well as "Next Girl" is off of their litterally brand spankin' new album Brothers which I will now inevitably buy.

"Tighten Up" by The Black Keys from Brothers (2010)

-S