mewithoutYou: In a Sweater Poorly Knit

This song is a bit of a mini epic with existential query, harp and even mention of mustard greens. mewithoutYou manages to construct unconventional songs, but never to the detriment of accessibility. "In a Sweater Poorly Knit" is off of the album Brother, Sister. This album incorporates an interesting range of instruments and a handful of guest appearances that include Jeremy Enigk. Aaron Weiss from mewithoutYou is one of the more original lyricists, able to find meaningful metaphor in a wide variance of things.

I probably listened to this song twenty times in a row after first hearing it. The song has a way of ushering itself in waves, each building on the next. Intriguing lyrics, whimsical choral refrains and the final climax with rich background vocal, and the music that almost seems to be a canon by this point and the repeated statement of "I do not exist, only you exist" make this a song that you simply can't file away.

Song Breakdown

Best Place and Time for Listen:

Lying on your back in a dark room. Glow in the dark star stickers on your ceiling would really make the experience bitchin'.

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Bill Cosby - a celebrated sweater man.

In a Sweater Poorly Knit - mewithoutYou

Apples In Stereo: Seems So

Confectionery pop so sweet it's going to give you a cavity! Off Tone Soul Evolution, "Seems So" is the perfect song to welcome in summery weather, soda pop socials and care-free strolls through the park. Apples In Stereo have nearly perfected this realm and "Seems So" is their quintessential prototype. At least in my humble, correct opinion.

A mix tape staple, Seems So is finger-tapping good and syrupy...but in a difficult feat, it's substantively syrupy. It's all about getting jazzed for the weekend. The weather is fine (see weather forecast in Southeast and suck it northerners), Easter is here and you have plenty to be celebrating (oh c'mon, there's gotta be something, didn't your boss bring in donuts or something?).

Song Breakdown

Best Place and Time for Listen:

While playing tag (include refreshing cocktails) at the park or beach.

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Elise Cuthbert. The whole Girl Next Door thing.

Seems So - Apples In Stereo

Love and Kisses: Thank God It's Friday

Come on ya'll! You know you like it!

Jay-Z & Notorious B.I.G. - Allure (Ratatat Remix)

In the hip-hop spirit that Rob Roy's Fur in My Cap has put me in:

Oh my Ratatat, this remix is what the kids would call "hawt!" Yet another fantastic posthumous contribution from Biggie. The original "Allure" off Jay-Z's album The Black Album is a more laid back affair with suave background vocals and thin synth-string foundation. It would be unforgivable to not mention the repeated pistol sample (yeah, really original M.I.A.). To be honest, not a real big fan of the original.

So Ratatat came along and gave "Allure" some ballz. Where the original's arrangement was almost passive, this remix is as aggressive as the lyrics. The addition of Notorious B.I.G. "I grew up a fuckin' screw-up," sends it into another stratosphere.

Song Breakdown

Best Place and Time for Listen:

Anywhere your hip-hop cred is being called into question. It's also a great way to incite your weary soul on the morning drive into work . . . hey you, don't turn it down when you hit that red light.

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Vinnie Jones.

Jay-Z & Notorious B.I.G. - Allure - Ratatat

Rob Roy: Fur In My Cap

Hot damn! I can't get this out of my head. And this video is absolutely fantastic.

Starflyer 59: Blue Collar Love

The Silver album was truly a revelation. Could a band on a Christian label really be sculpting out its own unique sound and not just be a poor man's version of what was popular a year prior? Starflyer 59's first album was truly a wonderful discovery and I've been a fan ever since. The Silver album had such a simple and brooding, but forward-thinking and calling up influences as wide ranging as My Bloody Valentine and Black Sabbath.

"Blue Collar Love" delivers a biting progression saturated in distortion and tremolo and is punctuated by the thin, almost airy, vocals. It's heavy, but accessible, gloomy yet invigorating.

Song Breakdown

Best Place and Time for Listen:

Smoke-filled, hole-in-the-wall club, it's just gotta be that way.

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Chuck Norris - walking out to that riff, then telling his foes in a low voice that they better get right or else. Yeah, you feel it too.

Blue Collar Love - Starflyer 59

Flaming Lips: Borderline

This is highly unusual for Listen Up Suckas - A Song a Day, but this is something everyone needs to hear. Wow, what a thin line between pop and fine culture. Borderline like only the Flaming Lips could do it.