mid – Suburban Drive-In
Similar artists: The Pesos, The Beach Boys
Genre: Surf Rock, Indie Rock, Indie Pop
For most of us, thankfully, there’s plenty of comfort to be had in modern reality. There is, however, not a lot of natural drama. And, strange as it may sound, like a prizefighter missing deflecting punches of his chin, we miss that.
The only thing that we can do is to search for some dramatism in everyday events. Our daily rounds, our regular friends, and even hamburger dinner have to all contain a trace of Wagnerian theater.
mid’s “Suburban Drive-In” is a symphony dedicated to God from an empty parking lot. It captures the kind of grace that The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson searched for his entire career. The glorious vocal harmonies have something holy about them, sure. But it’s the sacredness of everyday life that is being praised here.
Radiator King – Hammer & Nails
Similar artists: Murder By Death, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Tom Waits, The Dresden Dolls, Lucero
Genre: Americana, Alternative Rock
Does all good pop-rock music cross cultural boundaries like the music documentaries tell us they do? It can, sure. But not everyone that records a good song is destined to become The Beatles, Run-D.M.C., or Leonard Cohen.
Like in any other business, those that want to ensure they’ll have long careers opt to appeal to a certain audience. The more that they know about this segment of the public, the better. If they should also happen to be a member of that group, then that’s just perfect.
Radiator King’s “Hammer & Nails” is working-class pop-rock music, and proud of it. The song doesn’t disguise this fact but rather advertises it with every turn of phrase.
“Hammer & Nails” is a modern blues for the good people doing their best but not always getting what they deserve. It’s an earnest cry designed by hearing the hum of the streets rather than the murmur of art schools, the sound that most modern rockers grow up hearing.