Song Of The Day No.15

Kwangchow

by King Biscuit Time (Black Gold, 2006)

Steve Mason had released a couple of Eps, in 1998 and 2000, under his King Biscuit Time moniker before the surprising break up of his previous band, The Beta Band, in 2004. After the break up he decided to concentrate on his solo stuff and continues releasing material with his next record due out in May on the Domino imprint, Double Six.

It's not only the echoed voice in 'Kwangchow' that recalls The Beta Band stylings. Rhythmic, quick moving lyrics, a pop sensibility coupled with electronic/folktronic quirks and easy-to-get-hooked-to choruses. The song bounces along with a mild hip hop flavour created by the drum beat and guitar crunches. Mason's vocals are often accompanied in chorus by other echo-affected voices which, coupled with the bit of repetition in the lyrics gives an anthem-esque feel to the song without being stadium rock-ish.

AR

Song Of The Day No.7

Yo Sé Que

by Juana Molina (Tres Cosas, 2002)

Successful ex-comedian and actor in Argentina, her parents were a tango singer and a actress/model. In 1996 she moved away from acting and released an album showing that she could achieve success in both of her parents' professions. By her third album, Tres Cosas (Three Things), she had cemented her style as we hear in this song.

Running at almost six minutes 'Yo Sé Que' (I Know That) combines acoustic guitar, electronic effects, beats and rhythms with her breathy, hypnotic voice. Throughout the song the electric beats patter while noises bounce and roll through the air and the acoustic guitar picks on repeat. It makes little difference that she's singing in Spanish because those who understand Spanish find it difficult to understand and decipher all the lyrics from her flowing, pulsing intonation. In this way Molina often utilizes her voice as an extra instrument, layering her voice with delay or echo up, over and in upon itself, although in this song we only hear this towards the end.

AR