Fuzzy Tunes of the Week: October 21, 2005

Albeit in shortened form, after the original proved to be relatively successful, I thought I would follow up with a new list of songs that you probably haven't heard of that are well worth listening to...

The Black Keys Work
Erlend Øye
The Black Keys Work EP
2004

For those that haven't heard of Erlend Øye, he's one half of the up-and-coming indie pop duo Kings of Convenience (the one with the glasses), and while not necessarily known for his independent work here in the states, it certainly has not gone unnoticed overseas. This track in particular exemplifies Øye's knack for crafting radio-friendly catchy tunes, which are also personal and slightly introspective. Between the synthesizers, piano, addicting baseline and Øye's soothing vocals, it's an engrossing and particularly beautiful song. For those that like this song and want to hear more be sure to check out his full length released entitled Unrest, particularly the single "Every Party (Has a Winner and a Loser)," and also his work with Kings of Convenience.

Is It Okay If I Call You Mine?
Sondre Lerche
Unreleased

This wonderful cover from the relatively unknown song by Paul McCrane from the movie Fame showcases Sondre's wonderful ability to make any song he performs personal, as it reads as an almost childish plea. Completely acoustic, this is a great song to add to your collection if you can find it.

A Cure
Blonde Redhead
Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons
2000

Dense, dark, yet strangely beautiful, while not necessarily Blonde Redhead's best song, it's certainly captivating. The interplay between Kazu Makino and Amedeo Pace on vocals exemplifies Blonde Redhead's sound, as the two usually split time on vocals for their albums. Combine that with simplistic yet incredibly effective guitars and percussion and it's hard not to want to hear more, which is a good thing, because you hear a lot more in not only this song but with all of theirs in general after the first listen.

Juicebox
The Strokes
Juicebox- Single
2005

The single from their up and coming release The First Impressions of Earth is interesting to say the least. I'm not quite sure what the hell happened to them, but it seems as if they're doing everything they can to shed their poster-boy garage rock revival image, even if it means starting the song with a bass and guitar lick that only Slash would bother coming up with. Besides that, Julian Casablancas' vocals are much more urgent than ever before, like he's actually trying to tell us something rather than just kicking back. This song is definitely worth checking out, particularly if you're a Strokes fan (well, if you hate the Strokes it's probably well worth a listen to), because it'll certainly knock your socks off--whether or not it's in a good way, you'll just have to see for yourself. While I have to admit that the song has grown on me quite a bit, I'm almost afraid to hear what the rest of the album sounds like.

Red Dust
Iron & Wine and Calexico
In The Reins EP
2005

This delta blues-influenced track is actually very well executed by what would appear to be an awkward collaboration. While it doesn't capitalize on either's songwriting prowess, it's impressive just to hear Calexico's groove influence on Iron & Wine and how well he's able to go along with it without missing a step. It's a fun, three and a half minute romp, that's very well worth checking out.