When today’s random song popped up, I had a hard time remembering that English indie rock band Keane ever released an album called Strangeland.
A quick search of the blog revealed my lone post on the 2012 recording, written the year of its release, in which I trashed it as the band’s first misstep after a string of very good albums.
This is the first time I’ve heard a moment of the album in the decade since.
Often these Random iTunes Weekends turn into an installment of ‘Where Are They Now?’
Today’s featured artist, Keane, released a trio of strong LPs and a fun EP between 2004 and 2010 before dropping the dreadful Strangeland in 2012. Following that bomb, the band put out a greatest hits record (presumably featuring nothing from Strangeland) and then fell silent.
Keane is like an NFL running back who has three and a half great seasons, then gets a knee injury, tries to come back the following year and just doesn’t have the same speed or ability to cut anymore.
He bounces around a couple of teams, clinging to a roster spot as a backup, then ends up out of the league selling mattresses or something. You just hope he was smart with his money during his heyday.
Over their first four albums (if you count the 2010 EP Night Train), Keane managed to tread new ground with each new release.
Their first record, Hopes and Fears, put them solidly in Coldplay territory, featuring smart piano pop with earnest lyrics and soaring choruses. On Under the Iron Sea, they hardened and deepened that sound and delivered their best album yet.
Best Songs of 2010 – Honorable Mentions
After three strong albums to start their career, English trio Keane released the experimental EP Night Train in 2010. Recorded while on tour in several different cities, the EP contained collaborations with international rappers and MCs.
Today’s track, ‘Stop For a Minute,’ features Somali rapper-singer-poet K’NAAN who trades verses with lead singer Ben Chaplin and raps toward the end of the song.
Meet Me In Montauk 