NickList #1

Just came up with this cool idea to do a weekly “NickList” of 5 or so songs I’ve been enjoying lately with a couple lines of text about each song and why I picked it. I’ll be looking for youtube videos for most of the songs to make it easier for people to listen without downloading, so excuse the bad quality on some of the songs.  (Also a small side note: I created a facebook fan page so you can “like” the blog and get updates on your News Feed…so like it if you’re into that kind of thing).

1.) “All of the Lights” – Kanye West (from 2010′s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy)

I reviewed Kanye’s new album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy the other day, and this song “All of the Lights” is one of the best tracks.  It’s immense in sound – thundering drums and loud horns, and even a piano solo – and in scope.  The song features Alicia Keys, Elton John, Rihanna, Elly Jackson (La Roux), the Dream, Fergie, and a bunch of other artists.  Like him or not, only Kanye could get away with featuring extremely popular artists like Keys and John on a track in such a limited capacity.  This song really has the potential to be a huge hit based on the “star power” and the “huge” sound.

2.) “Black Guitar” – Blonde Redhead (from 2010′s Penny Sparkle)

Even though Blonde Redhead’s album Penny Sparkle was a little too samey sounding, “Black Guitar” is probably one of the most beautiful tracks released all year.  The production is incredible, and the way the synth comes in with the vocals at the beginning of the song is striking.  It’s very atmospherically electronic in the best possible way.  There’s something special about that minor chord changing to a major one leading into the chorus.

3.) “The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole

I couldn’t resist putting a Christmas song on the list.  I’ve always been into Christmas music and the holiday season, and this is probably the best Christmas song.  Nat King Cole has one of the most soothing and enjoyable voices, and I love the instrumentation.  The combination of soft jazzy guitar and strings together is amazing…and that piano solo – wow.  Eleven more days until Christmas!  (Interesting fact: I read online this song was written in the Summer of 1944 by Vocalist Mel Torme and Bob Wells to “stay cool by thinking cool”)

“Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green (from 1972′s Let’s Stay Together)

Al Green’s voice is so amazingly soulful.  I’m not sure how many of you readers know this, but I make music of my own.  And I really wish that somehow my voice could sound like his.  He has such a unique voice, and the capability he has to sing so well in a higher or low pitched voice really sets him apart from other singers of the era.  I wanted to post a live version to show how well his voice holds up, even off record.

Highchair – Autolux (from 2010′s Transit Transit)

There’s something fucking cool about Autolux’s brand of moody shoegaze.  I really enjoy this song because of how laid back it is, and it never really deviates from that feeling.  The vocal melody is really pleasing to the ear, and the little instrumental changes and effects throughout the song allow the song to stay interesting.  And how awesome is that bassline?  Sorry for the live version, but that was all that was on youtube.