Hatchet reporters Rachel Lubitz and Rachel Milkovich share their latest musical obsessions.
Rachel Lubitz
The Secret Sisters: “Big River”
The Secret Sisters are two very lucky ladies. Their newest song, “Big River,” a Johnny Cash cover, gets to feature Jack White’s pretty but dirty guitar riffs. The first single off of their self-entitled album is a mix of Led Zeppelin and No Doubt. The feminine flair is apparent in the almost ambient sounding, soulful voices that are smashed up against the hard blues of Zep. The song makes you want to break up with all your ex-boyfriends again, as horrible as that may sound.
Kanye West feat. Pusha T: “Runaway”
Post-Taylorgate, Kanye wants to get on everyone’s good side and his new single “Runaway” is his first step. The suddenly harmonious West is trying to win everyone back by mixing dramatic piano notes, a husky Cee Lo Green-ish intro and raps about giving toasts to assholes. The T.V. censors’ worst nightmare finally seems just a little bit humbled. But hey, it’s an addictive, confessional lyrical diary about how America hated Kanye West for a really, really long time.
There’s no other place in the world The Black Keys could have been conceived except for Akron, Ohio. No other place is so boring that all a band does is practice for hours and come up with some of the roughest and richest guitar licks on radio today. “Tighten Up” showcases the Keys’ skill with riffs and soul from lead singer and guitarist, Dan Auerbach. If you like the Kings of Leon but don’t want to admit it, The Black Keys are here for you. They’re downtrodden heroes that could only be found on the bored battlegrounds of Ohio.
Rachel Milkovich
Fruit Bats: “When U Love Somebody”
Representing my own hometown, the Fruit Bats are an indie-folk band from Chicago. The track was released in 2003 but you may have recently heard this song featured in the movie “Youth in Revolt” starring Michael Cera. Though I myself consider “When You Love Somebody” a love song, the lyrics are simple and realistic. Especially in this song, Fruit Bats give the folk music genre a more contemporary sound.
White Lies: “Death (Chase & Status Remix)”
Following the trend of multiple UK artists, duo Chase & Status, also known as Saul Milton and Will Kennards, create their own dubstep version of 2009 released song “Death” by White Lies. I personally find Chase & Status’s version more musically creative than the original. Adding a more syncopated rhythm around the original song’s chorus, this new version of “Death” is more appropriate for a dance party than the original’s slow rock feel.
A fan of soundtrack-worthy music, “Oh My God” is Norwegian-based Ida Maria’s second hit in the United States. Up and coming, you may have heard Ida Maria‘s music featured in the trailers for newly released “It’s Kind of a Funny Story” and “The Virginity Hit.” In contrast to Ida Maria’s kitschy first hit, “I Like You So Much Better When You’re Naked”, “Oh My God” is an emotional song about the ability to take control over one’s life in the chaos of the everyday.
