Track of the Day - 12/31/11

The Waterboys - "This Is the Sea"

Well, it's New Year's Eve here at The Casualty Report (and elsewhere, but who cares about anything else, right?) and that means it's time for another Track of the Day! Today's track goes all the way back to 1985 when British band The Waterboys released their album, This Is the Sea. I actually first discovered The Waterboys through random sampling of my parents' CD collection when I was about 11 years old, and I've just recently reconnected with the group.*

This Is the Sea fits into a fairly small genre dubbed "Big Music" that had a surge in Scotland in the 80s, and the title track is perhaps the "biggest" song on the album, filled with lush, naturalistic instrumentation that builds and crashes alongside the water imagery in the lyrics. It seemed like an appropriate choice for the new year, as 2011 was a pretty tough year for me, and statistically speaking, you as well (actually, according to the Blogger tracking stats you have a high chance of being a very confused German that stumbled on this site by accident, so I don't really know how this past year treated you) and the song deals a lot with putting the past in perspective and moving on to the future. So, here's wishing you a happy new year, and let's make 2011 the river, and 2012 the sea.

Previous days' connection: Yeah, both tracks had Karen O. in them. All of you imaginary readers missed out on an easy chance to win some great imaginary prizes with that one. This connection is a bit harder, so here's a hint: it has to do with a repeated lyric in "This Is the Sea." Good luck!




*Fun (or not) sidenote: My musical tastes as a wee lad were very strange, in retrospect, as I combined the shitty pop of the time with completely random music from my parents. I might have been the only person whose stereo system would alternate between R.E.M.'s Monster, Ryan Adams' Gold and The Waterboys, and Backstreet Boys and Pokemon 2 B A Master. I also really liked Rusted Root. What the fuck.

Track of the Day - 12/22/11

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Cheated Hearts"

Ok, the connection between today's track and the last is so obvious I feel a bit like I cheated (see what I did there?), but I've just been in a Yeah Yeah Yeahs mood the past couple weeks. "Cheated Hearts" is off their 2006 album Show Your Bones, an excellent record that I much prefer to their debut Fever to Tell (and an opinion shared by virtually nobody else). The track builds beautifully behind driving drums and Karen O.'s powerful vocals, and seems to me to be one of the most cheerful-sounding and optimistic breakup songs out there - not to mention it just sounds fucking awesome.

Previous day's connection: Couple options here really, as Santigold and Switch from Major Lazer have done a bunch of work together: Santigold is featured on the Major Lazer track "Hold the Line," and Switch has remixed tracks off Santigold's self-titled debut album.

Track of the Day - 6/29/11

Santigold feat. Karen O. - "Go"

Here's a relatively new track from Santigold, a.k.a. that one person with that song in that Bud Light Lime commercial who sounds a lot like M.I.A. but is actually a totally separate individual. In all seriousness though, I enjoyed Santigold's 2008 self-titled debut a great deal, and if you haven't heard it you should absolutely check it out. It's all the fantastic production and exotic vocals of M.I.A. without the crazy politics! "Go" doesn't seem like a huge departure for Santigold, and while I'm still a little ambivalent about the guest spot from Karen O. (of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), the song has a captivating and somewhat menacing sound that's hard to not enjoy. Santigold is supposed to be releasing a new album pretty soon, so look out for that as well.

Previous day's connection: Both The Very Best and Major Lazer are composed of pairs of DJ/Producers; Radioclit and Diplo/Switch, respectively. And while technically Radioclit is now broken up and thus was not acting as a duo for the creation of Super Mom Mixtape, I don't really care, because I can do whatever I want. So put that in your pipe and smoke it.


But don't actually smoke, that shit kills.

Track of the Day - 6/26/11

Major Lazer - "When You Hear the Bassline"

Today's track is off the 2009 debut album of Major Lazer, the bass-thumping, party-starting collaboration between producers Diplo and Switch. "When You Hear the Bassline" features flowing reggae vocals to accompany the pulsing production, which is appropriate given their album was recorded in Jamaica. It also transitions really well into "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas and the Papas, if that happens to be after Major Lazer in your iTunes library. Just so you know.

Previous day's connection: A fairly easy one: both "Baba Yetu" and "Super Mom" are sung in African languages. "Baba Yetu" is, as I mentioned, sung in Swahili, while The Very Best vocals are in Chichewa, the national language of lead singer Esau Mwamwaya's native Malawi. So, they are different languages, but it all sounds like "African" to this enlightened critic.

Track of the Day - 6/12/11

The Very Best - "Super Mom"

Today's track is from the recently released Super Mom Mixtape, which The Very Best released for free this past Mother's Day. I have no idea what the hell singer Esau Mwamwaya is saying, but it sounds pretty damn happy. And catchy! If you haven't listened to their 2009 album Warm Heart of Africa, you also need to get on that shit - it's the most ballerest African music since The Lion King. And if there's one thing I'm an expert on, it's African music. Oh, and I have no idea what's up with this video, so sorry about that.



Previous Day's Connection: Both "Baba Yetu" and Arcade Fire were Grammy winners in 2011. "Baba Yetu" became the first composition designed for a video game to be recognized with a Grammy, and Arcade Fire became the first band named Arcade Fire to win the coveted, extremely prestigious Album of the Year award. They join the esteemed company of other Grammy winners Lady Antebellum, Celine Dion, and Christopher Cross.

Track of the Day - 6/1/11

"Baba Yetu" - Christopher Tin (composer)

Back by popular demand, it's a brand spanking new Track of the Day! I'm reviving this feature because so many people were always asking me, "What ever happened to the Track of the Day?" or "When are you going to do more tracks? I'm dying to know the connection between the last two!" Any rumors that it has to do with my being bored, and that nobody really reads this blog, and my writing here is part of a largely sad and meaningless existence, are absolutely false.

Anyway, for those not familiar with this, each day's track has some loose connection to the previous day's, one that probably only makes sense in my strange little head. Today's track is from Christopher Tin, who composed "Baba Yetu" for the insanely addictive video-game, Civilization IV. The piece is beautifully orchestrated, and the vocal component is genius in it's simplicity - the lyrics are The Lord's Prayer sung in Swahili. Check out the video to see it choreographed with some pretty sweet fountain action.

Previous day's (year's) connection: Jesus, you really expect me to remember that far back? God, y'all are so demanding! Whatever, I'm pretty sure it had something to do with the bands playing Lollapalooza. Or something. Just focus on this new connection, okay?

(The previous TotD was Arcade Fire's "Suburban War" from 8/15/10)

Track of the Day - 8/15/10

"Suburban War" - Arcade Fire
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Off of their new release, The Suburbs, "Suburban War" is one of my favorite tracks from the album. Or maybe not, since every time I listen to the album something different jumps out at me. Whatever, just listen to the damn song if you want.

Previous day's connection: I'm not telling you! But wait, it's not because I'm a douchebag (though that's probably true), it's cause I'm using the same connection for today as well! Cause for celebration, or annoying cop-out? Only time will tell...

Track of the Day - 8/14/10

"King of the Beach" - Wavves
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Today's selection comes to you courtesy of San Diego noise rockers Wavves, who released their third album earlier this month. The album's title track, "King of the Beach" is like an acid-tinged updated Beach Boys track that straddles the line between obnoxious and addictive. I myself lean more towards "addictive," (which is totally funny cause the lead singer has an alcohol problem haha...) but give it a listen and see if you agree! About the song, not whether alcoholism is hilarious. Because who wouldn't agree with that, am I right?

Previous day's connection: Probably a bit of a groaner here, but Wilco is military speak for "Will Comply," used as an affirmative response. So it's literally a way of saying yes. Hence... Yeasayer. Yeah, I'm sorry, it's been a while since I've had to think these through.

Track of the Day - 8/13/10

"O.N.E." - Yeasayer
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Hey, didn't we just have a Yeasayer track? Well, yes, but that was all the way back a month ago, so technically no. Ha! Anyway, this is off their latest release, Odd Blood, which is a bit more pop-ish than their debut LP. "O.N.E." is a pretty good example of that pop influence, as the song bounces along to an addictive rhythm and synth-tastic sound. Check it out!

Previous day's (month's) connection: For anyone who can remember all the way back to the last time I did this thing, the connection between Grizzly Bear and Wilco is that both bands were featured in Volkswagen commercials. Huzzah! Okay, onwards and upwards I guess!

Track of the Day - 7/19/10

"A Shot in the Arm" - Wilco
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One of my favorite Wilco songs off of my favorite Wilco album, Summerteeth. Wilco has always been one of those groups that I enjoy, but something about them usually stops me from getting fully invested in their music. This track however, and most of the rest of the album, is a Wilco that I can get behind completely. Check it out!

Previous day's connection: Actually, two here, though only one was really intentional. First (and intentionally), both Yeasayer and Grizzly Bear were featured on the compilation album Dark Was the Night, which was actually the first place I heard of either band. Second, both groups are based out of Brooklyn. Like I said, all music fucking comes from Brooklyn now. Fortunately, Wilco hails from Chicago, so today's will be a bit less redundant. Give it a go!

Track of the Day - 7/18/10

"Deep Blue Sea" - Grizzly Bear
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Another night where I'm about to collapse, so I've picked a song that's incredibly soothing and dreamy to fit my current mood. "Deep Blue Sea" is a pleasant little track from Grizzly Bear that floats along nicely while utilizing sparse guitar and drums to good effect. Try it out yourself!

Previous day's connection: I'm probably too out of it to actually coherently explain this, but both "2080" and "Five Years" put time limits on the singer's lifetime - five more years for "Five Years" and by the year 2080 for "2080." Hey look at that! That wasn't too terrible. Hopefully I'll be a little more awake tomorrow, though.

Track of the Day - 7/17/10

"2080" - Yeasayer
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Today's track is by Yeasayer. I'm tired right now, so that's about all I can come up with. If you want to know some stuff about it, you should listen to it, cause it's a song and they're for listening, not reading about. Sorry.

Previous day's connection: Both Janelle Monae and David Bowie are artists who have used alter-egos in their careers/made albums based around fictional characters. Janelle Monae based The ArchAndroid around the fictional story of Cindi Mayweather, while Bowie of course had Ziggy Stardust. Fun facts.

Track of the Day - 7/16/10

"Five Years" - David Bowie
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And we move way back to 1973 with today's track, "Five Years," the opener to Bowie's awesome The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. On an album jam-packed with killer songs, this has actually always been one of my favorites, from the great use of keyboard to the way Bowie's voice crescendos to hit just the right level. Check out the link to see an elder Bowie playing it with the Arcade Fire (and check out them doing "Wake Up" at the same venue for some of the most intense tambourine playing ever)!

Previous day's connection: Both Cat Power and Janelle Monae were slated to be on this year's reincarnation of the Lilith Fair tour (though Monae had almost all of her shows canceled, if I recall correctly). This could pretty much apply to half of the female artists in the music industry, but I thought that a Cat Power/Janelle Monae double billing sounded pretty awesome. And it has to be better than animal names, right?

Track of the Day - 7/15/10

"Tightrope" - Janelle Monae feat. Big Boi
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And now for something completely different: the frenetic and addictive single "Tightrope" from Janelle Monae's latest release, The ArchAndroid. Monae is impossible to pin down - she's incredibly diverse, bizarre (check out the music video I linked to - awesomely weird), and talented, but tracks like "Tightrope" show that she could probably take over the music world if she wanted to. Big Boi stops by for a short but killer verse, and the rhythm and Monae's vocal work just make you want to move your body. Also be sure to check it the remixed "Tightrope (Wondamix)" featuring B.o.B. and Lupe Fiasco for some awesome verses from all parties.

Previous day's connection: And the answer to our three-part, epic quest to discover the mysterious link between Frightened Rabbit, Wolf Parade, and Cat Power? They all have animals in their band names! Wow, that was a bit of a let-down, huh? Well, there's plenty more room for groaning and inevitable disappointment in today's connection! Give it a go!

Track of the Day - 7/14/10

"Good Woman" - Cat Power
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Singer-songwriter Chan Marshall of Cat Power delivers one of her prettiest and most effective tunes here on "Good Woman," which is an almost country-fied ballad that just feels heavy to listen to - heavy emotionally, and musically. Warren Ellis (of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds) and Eddie Vedder (of Pearl Jam) help create the beautiful orchestration that makes the track the sad and beautiful piece it is. Check it out, as well as the rest of her excellent 2003 album, You Are Free.

Previous day's connection: I actually can't tell you, because it's the very same connection that I used here. Is that a bit of a cop out? Mayhaps, but I control this blog, and here, my will is king! Bwahahahaha. Okay sorry. But yeah, here's another chance to find the link!

Track of the Day - 7/13/10

"Yulia" - Wolf Parade
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Today's track comes from our lovely, icy neighbors to the north in Canada - specifically some of the fine musicians in the band Wolf Parade. "Yulia" is off of their latest album, Expo 86, which I just reviewed. It's a fun, short track that sounds a little more pop than the rest of the album, but Dan Boeckner knows how to craft a good tune and he does so here. Check it out!

Previous day's connection: Both songs were produced with help from producer Peter Katis, who has done a lot of work for Scotland-based Fat Cat Records (Frightened Rabbit's label) and also has a close relationship with The National - he produced the entirety of Boxer, and that album's cover is a photograph of the group playing at his wedding. So that's done with - but wait! No need to fret, cause another day means yet another connection! Hooray!

Track of the Day - 7/12/10

"The Wrestle" - Frightened Rabbit
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Scottish rockers Frightened Rabbit are one of my favorite emerging bands, and along with their fellow countrymen The Twilight Sad and We Were Promised Jetpacks, they've been producing some fantastic music in the past few years. "The Wrestle" is one of the best songs off of their 2010 album, The Winter of Mixed Drinks. You also won't find a better example of the band's primary strengths: evocative lyrics, sweeping emotions, and some great music to boot. Give it a go!

Previous day's connection: Both The Hold Steady and The National are based out of the fine ol' town of Brooklyn, New York. It seems to me like about 1/3 of the groups making music today are based out of Brooklyn, but that figure might not be totally accurate. Give this next one a try if you feel like it!

Track of the Day - 7/11/10

About Track of the Day: On a roughly daily basis, I'll be posting a link to a song. These will usually be songs that I like from things I'm not reviewing, or newly released singles, or great songs from olden times, or just whatever I feel like at the moment. They don't get a grade - I'm not looking to critique their lyrics or philosophize about their lasting impact on our culture - I'm just pointing my finger dumbly and saying, "Hey, check this out." Also: each song will have some connection to the previous day's song, and there are fabulous prizes (well, somewhere there are - I don't personally have any) for the first person to correctly guess the link.

"Afraid of Everyone" - The National
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As I mentioned a few days ago, The National's latest album is excellent, and "Afraid of Everyone" is probably my favorite track off of it. The track starts slowly, before some awesomely reverbed guitar peals kick in, and slowly expands into one of the most sweeping songs on an album full of fantastic sweeping songs. Check out the band performing it on The Late Show!

Previous day's connection: Both "All to All" and "Sequestered in Memphis" are off of their bands' fourth studio albums. Not much to say there. Give this one a try!

Track of the Day - 7/10/10

About Track of the Day: On a roughly daily basis, I'll be posting a link to a song. These will usually be songs that I like from things I'm not reviewing, or newly released singles, or great songs from olden times, or just whatever I feel like at the moment. They don't get a grade - I'm not looking to critique their lyrics or philosophize about their lasting impact on our culture - I'm just pointing my finger dumbly and saying, "Hey, check this out." Also: each song will have some connection to the previous day's song, and there are fabulous prizes (well, somewhere there are - I don't personally have any) for the first person to correctly guess the link.

"Sequestered in Memphis" - The Hold Steady
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Going way back to 2008, off of their album Stay Positive, today's selection is from another group that I've never really been able to fully get in to - The Hold Steady. I like all the people that are supposedly their influences (Bruce Springsteen, The Band, etc.), but while I enjoy their music, I'm not all that enthusiastic about it. Still, "Sequestered in Memphis" is a pretty fun rocking song that's probably one of their most accessible tracks. Check it out!

Previous day's connection: Two connections here really. Firstly, and more generally, both The New Pornographers and Broken Social Scene are Canadian collaboratives (or "supergroups" despite BSS not being fond of the term), being composed of artists that typically also work with other bands or on solo projects. Also, both songs were off albums released this past May. Good times! Who can guess this one? (Yes I realize that no one reads this blog, except Eli - Hi Eli! - but I am going to continue to write as if people do. Because I feel like it)

Track of the Day - 7/9/10

About Track of the Day: On a roughly daily basis, I'll be posting a link to a song. These will usually be songs that I like from things I'm not reviewing, or newly released singles, or great songs from olden times, or just whatever I feel like at the moment. They don't get a grade - I'm not looking to critique their lyrics or philosophize about their lasting impact on our culture - I'm just pointing my finger dumbly and saying, "Hey, check this out." Also: each song will have some connection to the previous day's song, and there are fabulous prizes (well, somewhere there are - I don't personally have any) for the first person to correctly guess the link.

"All To All" - Broken Social Scene
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Off of their recent album, Forgiveness Rock Record, "All To All" is a fun little synth-y track from Broken Social Scene that rolls along dreamily with nice female vocal accompaniment. While I've never liked Broken Social Scene as much as their critical acclaim would suggest I should, there have always been a few tracks on their albums that I've enjoyed - and this is one of em! Take it for a spin!

Previous day's connection: Both The Velvet Underground and The New Pornographers have incorporated people named Nico/Neko into their work. Yeah, maybe a little bit of a stretch, but I'm counting it especially because Neko Case is only an occasional touring member of The New Pornographers, just as Nico was only present on The Velvet Underground's debut. Let's just move on to the next one, ok?