In Billboard’s 13th spot is ‘Sing,’ a track by the hobbit-like Ed Sheeran.
This song is a significant departure for Sheeran, who was previously best-known for the sensitive acoustic ballad ‘The A-Team.’ ‘Sing’ sounds more like Maroon 5, with Sheeran himself handling the rap break.
The song, like half of past year’s hits, was co-written by Pharell Williams.
Until I located the video for today’s SOTD, I’d always assumed that Calvin Harris was black.
I made that assumption having never heard one of his own songs (that I know of) though I’m somewhat familiar with his collaborations with artists such as Rihanna. So I was surprised to see a pasty white Scottish guy singing this ode to a love as fleeting as the warmest season.
I’ve noticed a trend in the top Billboard songs, especially as we move into summer.
The big hits tend to either be hedonistic party anthems or touchy-feely motivational songs that could come right out of a self-help book.
As recent examples of the latter, think Pharell’s ‘Happy’ and Nico & Vinz’s ‘Am I Wrong?’ (both in the top ten) as well as today’s SOTD, Paramore’s ‘Ain’t It Fun.’
Once in awhile I come across a song in my iTunes library the origins of which are complete mystery.
Such is the case with today’s Random Weekend selection, ‘I Hear Them All’ by Old Crow Medicine Show.
When I first heard the track, I figured it must have come from a soundtrack — perhaps the Coen Brothers’ O Brother Where Art Thou? or Inside Llewyn Davis. But no… the associated album is the band’s own. And even weirder, this is the only song from that album I own.
The internet is funny.
On the YouTube clip of today’s Random Weekend SOTD, posted by some kind soul in September of 2009, a flame war broke out between somebody comparing Ron Sexsmith to Paul McCartney and a McCartney detractor.
It was a short battle, only a few posts long though it spanned a month. The Sexsmith fan accused his opponent of lacking “couth,” a nice touch.
