Some songs just know how to hold down the fort.
We love a good steady track that has a way of recalibrating the mind back to center. Those are the tracks we listen to on a commute, a lazy afternoon, a quiet hike, and just when we need to unwind. So, we’ve started a new, ongoing playlist of these swell and swaying tunes called “Steady” so you can find some solid tunes and solid ground with us. Below are the tunes we’ve added this month and why. Shuffle to the bottom for the full playlist and follow the playlist on Spotify to keep up with new additions.
—
French for Rabbits – “Middle of the House”
Much like the rest of French for Rabbits’ music, this song’s beauty lies in its ability to harness a sense of wonder, perseverance, and comfort all at the same time. The New Zealand band creates a haunting portrait of these lyrics within the juxtaposition of its sweeping, cinematic chorus and intimate verses. Between the swelling harmonies, the push and pull of the melody feels tethered to the gentle but confident voice of Brooke Singer. We got to see a beautiful live performance from French for Rabbits on their recent stop through Portland and their music is just and magical live.
Listen to more French for Rabbits here.
Francesca Blanchard – “Streets of Philadelphia”
This version of a Bruce Springsteen classic really gave the original a colorful, new life. Teetering between heartbreak and a resonating glow, this cover was approachable, clever, and endearing. Its passion and pain seem to comes from a different place than the original but the tune really blossoms in the harmonized “nah”s. The subdued nature of Francesca’s approach to this track was the thing that drew us in the most.
Listen to more Francesca Blanchard here.
Alexander Biggs – “Madeleine”
We’ve had to have listened to this song at least 100 times at this point. It’s a sparkling combination of so many familiar things with visceral pain and a comfortingly simple melody at its core. What we love most about this song is that there’s no lyrical resolve. The posed question lingers in the numbing state that surrounds and sort of engulfs it. The steadiness of the guitar and bright intrusion of textures creates a sort of sonic blanket of safety to contain the spiraling emotion of the melody. In the way the song was written and arranged, Biggs has opened this window just the right amount for the listener to share in this moment of catharsis.
Listen to more Alexander Biggs here.
Goat Mumbles – “Twilight”
Our friend Rob has an eternally creative musical mind that stretches far beyond the music of The Districts. We love this song off of his most recent solo album for its humble yet vivid presentation. There are so many voices in the distant world he’s created. This melody swirls around the listener like a wandering breeze confidently nipping through this forest of synth and percussive textures.
Listen to more Goat Mumbles here.
Joseph – “Come On Up To The House”
Joseph’s music always feels like it comes directly from the heart and this Tom Waits’ cover seems to come from the very center. From the delicacy of its minimal beginnings to the wall of harmonies rising at full tilt, this song is the kind of spine-tingling tune that always makes the listener feel, quite appropriately, at home. Shifting seamlessly to and from the voices of each sister, this song is a burning fire of solace that never goes out.
Listen to more Joseph here.
TOPS – “Echo of Dawn”
This dreamy tune is anxiety projected into the cosmos. As the lilting vocal melody and plucked guitar drift amongst one another, a certain sharp glow emits. Heavenly in tone, this melody tussles gently between nature-based glimmers of hope and the burden of fear. While this acoustic song is a bit different for TOPS, it is a beautiful showcase of Jane Penny’s enchanting voice.
Listen to more TOPS here.
Valley Queen – “Spit on a Stranger”
There are a lot of Pavement covers out there but not many like this beauty from Valley Queen. It’s more patient than the original and at its most heartbreaking as Natalie Carol’s voice reaches the highest point of this refrain. This gentle tune retains the forlorn magic of Pavement’s guitar riff but uses the softness of Carol’s vocal delivery and supportive gang vocal echos to take a chunk of bitterness out of the lyrics.
Listen to more Valley Queen here.
Angie McMahon – “Silver Springs”
You already know how much we love Angie McMahon. But, this Fleetwood Mac cover is a perfect example of why. She’s removed the coquetry and flair of the original and replaced it by ripping every inch of emotional depth out of this melody. Instead of being driven by pinging, sunny instrumentation, this cover clings to her simple strums and enrapturing voice.
Listen to more Angie McMahon here.
Soak in the whole playlist below:
