Hatchet Arts reporters Patrick Rochelle and Emily Katz share their latest musical obsessions.
Emily Katz
Theophilus London: “Life Of A Lover”
This song marks a musical departure for London, separating it from his other significantly less melodic – yet still great – tracks. Both hipsters and their parents will find the song’s smooth R&B sound appealing.
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros: “Janglin”
The band’s debut album, “Up From Below,” was widely considered to be one of the strongest records of 2009, and this song is easily one of the highlights. It has a quirky feel while still maintaining a cool, folky sound. Yes, it was recently featured on “Gossip Girl.” No, that does not mean you can’t like it.
Ellie Goulding feat. Chiddy Bang: “Under The Sheets (Chiddy Bang remix)”
Ellie Goulding, the latest songstress to be signed to boutique indie label Neon Gold, has a sweet and accessible voice that caters effortlessly to Chiddy Bang’s street sound. Both of these artists have a promising future ahead of them; I just hope it will include more collaborations with each other!
Patrick Rochelle
City and Colour: “What Makes A Man”
A friend of mine recommended I listen to City and Colour’s newest album, “Bring Me Your Love,” over spring break. Since then it has been in my rotation; singer Dallas Green’s combination of blues and folk might just entrance you too.
Sometimes life’s stressful, and that’s why God made Ben Gibbard. So many artists these days are fascinated with auto tune and all things computer. It’s nice to slow down every once in a while and just listen to an acoustic guitar and pretty vocals.
Josh Ritter: “Girl In The War”
Ritter’s 2007’s album “Animal Years” has for the moment kept my excitement at bay in anticipation of his May release “So Runs The World Away.” Check out some new tracks on his Myspace page, and don’t miss his concert at the 9:30 Club May 8.
Noah and the Whale: “The First Days Of Spring”
It’s late March and safe to say that spring has arrived, despite the recent cold snap. What better way to embrace the change in season than with a song and album all about it? Not to mention the orchestral arrangements on this track are beautiful.
One might think that an acoustic remake of Outkast’s most famous song would be vastly inferior to the original, but Obadiah Parker pulls it off masterfully. This cover is bursting with just as much passion and soul as Andre 3,000 and company.
