Well this blog concentrates on songs exactly like that. Again I’m not going to be focussing on the big hits of the last ten
years, but rather look at songs that are less well known but are fantastic
lesser known hidden gems. There may be some names in there that you recognise,
there may not, but all these songs are worth listening to. Again its just my opinion, they're just great songs that need to shared. There are 30 in all, plus an extra list of songs that I forgot about until I started writing this up.
Caro Emerald- Back It Up: The debut single from Dutch jazz singer Caro Emerald, she has taken
Europe by storm. Her debut album ‘Songs
from the Cutting Room Floor’ went platinum in both the UK and Germany, and
spent 30 weeks at Number 1 in her native Holland. People may be put off at the
word jazz, but this a very catchy and upbeat song that will stick in your head.
She has a vintage style and her music is very much in the style of 1950s
jazz/rock ‘n’ roll. Certainly makes a change from the generic pop that gets
played.
Charlotte Hatherley-Be Thankful: This is a fantastically relaxing song from ex-Ash
guitarist Charlotte Hatherley. After leaving Ash, Hatherley embarked on a solo
career, with this song off her second album ‘The Deep Blue’. Again it’s a totally
different sound to Ash, but it’s a really peaceful song. It’s definitely one
that will grow on you.
The Crash- Still Alive: This is fantastic song from the now
defunct Finnish indie band The Crash. Along the lines of fellow Scandinavians Of Monsters and Men, The Crash mixed
indie with the New Wave sound of the early 80s, and this helped create this
fantastic gem of a song. It’s a shame this song didn’t get more exposure at the
time of release because it’s really catchy and would have helped gain the band
a wider audience.
Dan Black- Wonder: Not for the first time I’ve included a
song I’ve heard on the Fifa soundtrack, this is a fantastic song. Anyone who
has played Fifa 11 will recognise it immediately. Taken from his debut album
‘Un’, this a brilliantly catchy pop/synthy/dance track. Very easy to listen to,
it’s a song that will stick in your head.
Eagle Eye Cherry- Skull Tattoo: Most people are familiar with Eagle Eye Cherry due to his epic 1998
song ‘Save Tonight’, but this song, three albums down the line, shows that there
is more than one string to his bow. Taken from his 2003 album ‘Sub Rosa’, Skull
Tatoo is a vastly underrated song. In
the same way that ‘Save Tonight’ is a classy guitar driven track, ‘Skull Tatoo’
is along the same lines with a catchy hook and sing along chorus. It’s a
perfect song to out a smile on your face.
Ghosts-
Stay The Night: So far just the one album from indie band Ghosts, but this
catchy effort, shows that this could well be one of the best forgotten gems of
the last decade. Similar to Keane, but with guitars and a trumpet, this song is
very light hearted and will no doubt spend time buzzing round your head.
Idlewild- You Held the World In Your Arms: Another Fifa
soundtrack song, this time from Fifa 2003, this is a song straight out of the
Brit Pop era. This song proved to be most successful single of Idlewild’s
career, entering at number 9 in the charts. It’s the riff that really gets
under your skin then you find yourself singing along to the chorus, it’s a song
people will know without realising it.
Imelda
May- Mayhem: Imelda May is a rockabilly singer/songwriter from Dublin, Ireland.
It has taken time for her to achieve widespread recognition, but this song, the
title track off her third album, shows that hard work pays off. With her unique style, both in style and
sound, an infectious riff and memorable chorus, this song shows what talented
singer she is.
Kassidy-
Oh My God: Kassidy are an alternative folk rock band from Glasgow, Scotland.
Comparisons could be made with Mumford and Sons, but this would be unfair as
they have a different sound and different harmony. Their sound really is one
that deserves to be wider known, they seem to have flown under the radar with
their debut album. This song is typical of that album, a fun and bouncy mix of
catchy choruses and folky guitar overtones. It’s a song that’s hard to dislike.
Lenka- Trouble Is a Friend: You may not know it, but you may
already be familiar with Lenka, with her song ‘Everything at Once’ being used
on the Windows 8 advert. I however had been aware of her music before that,
after ‘Trouble Is a Friend’ featured on Grey’s Anatomy, and I immediately had
to download it. It’s a song that shows that sometimes simplicity is best
policy. It’s a simple tune but very well done and with Lenka’s calming tones
over the top, it makes for a song that is very easy to listen to. Fans of
Marina and the Diamonds will like this.
Lissie- When I’m Alone: American singer/songwriter caused a
bit of a stir when her debut album ‘Catching a Tiger’ was released in 2010 with
it receiving rave reviews. With accurate comparisons made to legendary singer
Stevie Nicks, this is my favourite song off the album. It’s a very catchy
folk/rock song along the same sort of sound as Fleetwood Mac, making it very
accessible. A talented songwriter and musician, Lissie is due to release her
much anticipated second album later this year.
Steve Earle and Sharon Shannon- Galway Girl: If you have seen the film P.S. I Love You, you will be familiar with this song. A song that really stirs my liking for Irish folk music, this is a song that I can play on repeat and never get bored. It’s just a fantastic song, the mixture of Irish folk music mixed with the distinctive intonations of Steve Earle’s voice works really well. Even if you’re not a fan of country music, you’ll like this song.
Missing Andy- Made In England: If you’re looking for
something a bit different from the music scene, then Missing Andy are worth
checking out. With both Mod and Punk influences, Missing Andy sound similar to
The Streets, well in this song at least. The lyrics are clever, giving an
observation on the changes in Britain, but also how things are the same. It looks at the negative aspects, but even
with all that, they’re still proud to be English. It’s a song full of angst,
and that comes across in the lyrics. Missing Andy are definitely an underground
band that deserves more exposure.
Nicole Atkins- Maybe Tonight: I first heard of Nicole Atkins
when she performed this song on Later… With Jools Holland a few years back and
I was captivated. I remember the song finishing and immediately went and
purchased her album. It was one of those that when you first hear it, after it
ends you get that feeling you’ve heard something special. There’s a real depth
to her voice that gets under your skin, it’s one you can listen to all day. She
is a very talented singer/songwriter who deserves a lot more recognition than
she currently has.
Quireboys- Mona Lisa Smiled: One of the best British rock bands that you have probably never
heard of, Quireboys are in the same category as Gun and Thunder as bands who
appeared on the scene as just the wrong time. With grunge becoming the dominant
force, other styles were pushed to the side. While all three have survived,
Quireboys make the list with their 2008 single ‘Mona Lisa Smiled’. It’s a fantastic song that really showcases
what talented songwriters the band are. There’s a nice gentle riff and rhythm guitar
throughout contrasting Spike’s (vocalist) husky vocals (think Rod Stewart and
Kelly Jones (Stereophonics)) which really blend well together. It’s just a
quality song from start to finish that you will find hard not to love.
Rosco Bandana- Time to Begin: A band I discovered through
pure chance, but after hearing this song became a fan of them pretty much
instantly. The mix of two female and one male vocalist provides a great harmony
against the sound of good time rock ‘n’ roll. It makes them something that
little bit different. There’s a real swing and swagger to this song that makes
it really enjoyable, a real foot tapper. Having only released their debut album
late last year, Rosco Bandana are a band worth keeping an eye out for.
Rilo Kiley- Portions for Foxes: Another song that I first
heard on Grey’s Anatomy, this song is an underrated indie classic of the last decade.
The vocals of singer Jenny Lewis really draw you in. In a way, she is similar
to Debbie Harry (Blondie) and along with the catchy guitar it’s a song that
really sticks in your head.
Steve Earle and Sharon Shannon- Galway Girl: If you have seen the film P.S. I Love You, you will be familiar with this song. A song that really stirs my liking for Irish folk music, this is a song that I can play on repeat and never get bored. It’s just a fantastic song, the mixture of Irish folk music mixed with the distinctive intonations of Steve Earle’s voice works really well. Even if you’re not a fan of country music, you’ll like this song.
The Dandy Warhols- We Used to Be Friends: The Dandy Warhols are a band that have, on the quiet, built up a
strong back catalogue, something demonstrated by their recent ‘Best Of’ album.
This song shows that there is more to them than ‘Bohemian Like You’. With
Courtney Taylor-Taylor’s distinctive vocals, the infectious handclapping and
heavy bass line this song really sticks in your head. It’s one of those songs
that when you hear, you’re bound to recognise it. It really is a song that
shows the Dandy’s doing what they do best.
The Killers- The Ballad of Michael Valentine: I’ve included
this song not just because I’m a huge Killers fan, but because this is one
their best songs. You’ll find it midway through ‘Sawdust’, their album of
rarities and B-Sides, and as this is the quality of the songs they leave off
albums, it really shows what a top quality band they are. They could have
included this on Hot Fuss easily. When I
first heard this song, I was singing it for days. I just couldn’t stop
listening to it. It has a fantastic riff, which really sticks in your head. The
guitar coupled with Brandon Flowers’ trademark vocals and brilliant song writing
really makes this a classic that not enough people have heard. If this made the original album, this song
would be huge.
The Thrills- Big Sur: This is one of my favourite ever
songs, one that I just love. With a sound that is very much inspired by Beach
Boys style sound, it’s a song that is impossible not to like. This song proved
to be The Thrills biggest hit back in 2003, but is still very much underrated. It’s
a perfect summer song, one that immediately lifts your mood. The catchy guitar will stick in your head,
while after a couple of listens you’ll be singing to the lyrics as well.
Tiffany Page- On Your Head: Tiffany Page is a
singer/songwriter who I have been aware of for a while now after hearing this
song on TV. I love this song, but a full album for whatever reason has not
since materialised. Along the same lines as KT Tunstall sound wise, this song
is a great example of catchy soft rock. The talent is definitely there, she
just needs more exposure to gain a bigger audience. She has also done fantastic
covers of ‘Supermassive Black Hole’ by Muse and ‘Read My Mind’ by The Killers. ‘Read
My Mind’ in particular is a stunning cover. Certainly a name to keep an out for
that is for sure. (You'll have to google the Read My Mind cover as it isn't on YouTube, but its worth it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGOtQjeRSv8&playnext=1&list=PL07CF65CC3CDE56DE&feature=results_video
Wayward Daughter- For The Keeping: Wayward Daughter are the perfect example of using
YouTube to gain a following with their channel already having close to 5
million hits. It’s where I first heard them; just two girls and a guitar, in a
bedroom, covering various songs. From Wheatus to Paramore, from Ed Sheeran to
The Cranberries and Stereophonics to Jessie J they have covered all sorts. This
really caught my interest and I was hooked. However their original songs are
just as impressive, with their debut EP ‘Live Acoustic’ a great taster of what
this duo are capable of. Singer Lydia
McAllister has a brilliant voice while guitarist Becky east provides a great
accompaniment. There’s a real chemistry between the two of them, just two musicians
enjoying making music. Do yourself a favour and check them out because, you won’t
be disappointed.
Wolfgang- The King and All of His Men: I first heard this
song when Wolfgang played at Hard Rock Calling in 2011 and remember thinking
that this song will be a big hit. I was the song that stood out most, most
impressively because they were the second band on. It certainly has all the
right ingredients; the catchy intro, a big chorus plus a real radio friendly
sound. The song is currently the theme song for the BBC’s Final Score football
coverage so people may be aware of it through that. It’s a really catchy song
that will definitely be floating round your head once you’ve heard it.
Young the Giant- Cough Syrup: Young the Giant are a brilliant
indie band from California. Releasing their debut album in 2011, they are part
of the next wave of indie bands along with the likes of Foster the People, Neon
Trees and The Naked and Famous. This was the second single off that album after
the brilliant ‘My Body’ and, in my opinion, is a marginally better song. There
is a wonderfully calming intro, intermittent ‘woah’s’ throughout the verse before
it bursts into the chorus. Of course its popularity has been helped after it
appeared on Glee, which isn’t a bad thing as quality songs like this deserve
all the exposure they get. Definitely one of my favourite songs from the last
couple of years or so.
I couldn’t include all the songs I wanted to in the list it
would have far too long, so here are a few that didn’t make the list, as well as some that I only thought of halfway through writing:
Amy MacDonald- This Pretty Face
Ash- Starcrossed
Brandon Flowers- Jilted Lovers and Broken Hearts
British Sea Power- Waving Flags
Buffseeds- Sparkle Me
Flogging Molly- Drunken Lullabies
Frankie and the Heartstrings- Hunger
Kings of Leon- On Call
KT Tunstall- Suddenly I See
Marina and the Diamonds- I Am Not a Robot
MGMT- Kids
Neon Trees- Animals
Nerina Pallot- Everybody’s Gone To War
Sandi Thom- I wish I was a punk rocker
The Hoosiers- Goodbye Mr A
Thirteen Senses- Into the Fire
Well there you have it. Hopefully you enjoyed it and found some new favourite songs, or just redisovered songs you had forgotten about.
Thanks for reading
:)
Thanks for reading
:)
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