The Black Keys are another band that eluded me in 2012, even thought I’ve been vaguely aware of them for a couple of years now. I even downloaded their last album (Brothers) but I’ve yet to listen to it.
In late 2011, they released El Camino to universal acclaim and finally hit the big time with multiple awards (and an energetic performance) at this year’s Grammys.
As a Song of the Day blogger, I love this time of year. Starting in mid-December, I can run year-end recap material for months.
I start with my own personal list of favorite songs from 2012, then move on to great music videos and follow that up with a look at the critical consensus. But even then I find I haven’t hit all the bases. This week I’m featuring a few songs that fell through all of those cracks.
There is something about much of Joe Jackson’s music that keeps me at arm’s length. A broad, theatrical quality merged with a braininess that makes it difficult to form an emotional connection.
I don’t feel that way about all of his songs but I feel that way about enough of them to keep me from listening to him very often.
Randy Newman can probably write songs like this one in his sleep, but that doesn’t stop it from being freaking awesome. It’s amazing how much mileage he can get out of a jaunty New Orleans musical backdrop and some conversational lyrics.
For me, the genius of this song comes right in the first verse, when Newman says/sings “She may be hungry, but she won’t say. You better get a burger or something in her right away. If you don’t, you’re gonna pay.”
Yesterday I was bemoaning the lack of worthwhile new discoveries, and as if in response, the Pazz & Jop poll offered up fun. in spots #14 and #16 with ‘We Are Young’ and ‘Some Nights,’ respectively. Now that’s a new band that has me excited.
In between them sits Icona Pop, who earn the honor of the final spot in my annual recap of the Village Voice poll. This has been a particularly depressing installment, with very little to recommend, so I’m hoping this mystery band will help me go out on a high note.
