Singles Night #2

Photo by Jason Bergman

Welcome back to Singles Night, our round-up of the latest singles we loved or loathed. Now, a slightly belated review of a couple of singles from well-established acts, that somehow slipped between the Stereokill cracks this month…

The Gaslight Anthem – “The ’59 Sound” (SideOneDummy Records, 29th June)

You know that feeling you get when you discover a new band who are just… really, really good and you simultaneously want to tell everyone and keep them to yourself?

Well, imagine getting that feeling with a band who already have everyone talking, who were joined at onstage at Glastonbury by The Boss himself (and were supporting him at his Hard Rock Calling gig in Hyde Park as I write this very review). Its bloody frustrating. I don’t want to be that guy who goes “Aw man, have you heard of this new band? They’re amazing!”, months after everyone else. That would make me a loser!

But, a loser I must be. New single “The ’59 Sound” is shiny disc-shaped proof that this band deserve the all the hype they’ve been receiving. The song is powerful and moving, catchy and upbeat and it makes me want to tell people all about this band whom I want to keep a secret. Luckily, I have this tasty webzine with which to broadcast my approval. Unfortunately, it’s a bit late to keep them a secret. If you haven’t already, go and listen to this band. You’re already a bit late to the party.

(Incidentally, if you already love this band and I go on about how great they are the next time I meet you in the street, at an aeronautics museum or in line for a sale at the Plaid Shirt Co, please be kind. Remember, you were like me once. Only with better shoes.)

Our Arbitrary Numerical Verdict:
  

Papa Roach – “Lifeline” (Interscope Records, 1st June)

I’m going to get this out of the way right at the start: this song’s main riff sounds uncannily like the piano melody in British pop band Keane’s song “Everybody’s Changing.” Seriously. In a Papa Roach song. Go listen, honestly. I’ll wait.

See?

Although its not exactly the same, it sounds so familiar that it can’t help but make the riff stick out. Quite a bit.

The song itself however is a good example of the sort of thing Papa Roach do nowadays: upbeat, emotional, heavy rock. It doesn’t seem like a particularly standout track, to be released as a single, but what really makes the song fly is Jacoby Shaddix’s delivery of the vocals; consistently managing to sound powerful, heartfelt and earnest. He really sounds like he cares about what he’s doing, and to an extent often not reached by his peers. Perhaps that is the key to Papa Roach’s continuing success: they really do care.

Our Arbitrary Numerical Verdict:
  

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