So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the tracks:

BARR – Untitled.

BARR – Untitled

Now, I know I’m going to get crucified for this, but believe it or not, I just stumbled across BARR in the last few days. I’m not quite sure how he’s managed to escape my radar until now, but I’m glad that that’s been rectified. Brendan Fowler (aka BARR), releases what are ostensibly spoken word tracks, over looped instrumentation. For some reason, he brings to mind – for me, at least – a mixture of Mike Skinner and Ben Folds.
This track, “Untitled“, is taken from his 2007 “Summary” album, which is an intensely personal experience. “Summary” seems an apt title; filled with pain, redemption, and utlimately realisation, the album really does seem a “summary” of the human experience.

You say that you wondered about the darker place
And I think we all do
But you’ve wandered too far
And it has you
- Barr, “Untitled”

“Untitled” is depressing, and redemptive all at once. Dealing with a suicidal friend, it’s a song about fighting to hold on; and sometimes, fighting for other people.

Listen: BARR – Untitled

The Broderick – Bells

The Broderick – Bells

I’m not sure what it is about this tune that resonates with me. Perhaps it’s the slightly “Stranglers-esque” feeling to it; perhaps it’s the unsettling, disjointed tune. Or perhaps it’s the fact that four guys, all under 21, could produce such a complete, mature sound.
Whatever it is, the song is playing pretty much constantly the last few days. I’m not sure it will be for everyone, but I certainly think that The Broderick are a band to watch out for.

Listen: The Broderick – Bells

The Low Life – Fiona

The Low Life – Fiona

You know, a few years ago (before I grew up and got a “real job”), I used to work at a video store. And it was an awesome gig. One of the best parts was that I could pump whatever music I wanted, as loud as I wanted. And a lot of people actually started liking the playlists I was spinning. I still remember when a guy first heard “Choir Vandals“, by Ben Gibbard, over the store’s speaker system. He put down all the DVD’s, walked over to the counter, and just listened. Afterwards, he looked up at me and smiled. I could tell he was hooked. Actually, I think I might need to put up a “Video Store Music” post one day.

Anyway, what that was, was an extremely long preamble to the fact that this song, “Fiona”, by The Low Life, always used to put a smile on people’s faces when they walked in. The track, off their 2003 release, “Thixotropic”, exemplifies the bouncy tunes and engaging lyrics that made them one of my all-time greats. Lead singer Evan Bliss just had this truly great voice that connected with the breezy reggae beats in a way that I hadn’t heard since the heady Bradley Nowell days.

Unfortunately the band went their separate ways a few years ago… but I’m feeling nostalgic today, so here you go…

Listen: The Low Life – Fiona

This has been a post from Burgo's Music Blog

Tuesday Trio – BARR, The Broderick & The Low Life

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