The duo behind Winter Family consists of Israeli singer Ruth Rosenthal, who writes her texts in Hebrew and English, and French musician Xavier Klaine, who plays piano, harmoniums and pipe organ. I came across this enchanting song during my daily perusal of motel de moka and instantly "Garden" gave me chills at first listen. Then I played it ten more times to just begin to absorb it. Can I say that the lyrics are so ridiculously romantic and charming? And Ms. Rosenthal's vocals are beautiful, as are the independent background vocals. The subtle tinkling of the piano in the background is probably the only reason why I would go back to learn more piano, so I could play these types of melodies.
"I remember
I saw you coming closer and closer to me
And maybe it was excitement, I don't know
But I was paralyzed
I fell on my knees
It was me, you
It was... us... finally"
And maybe it was excitement, I don't know
But I was paralyzed
I fell on my knees
It was me, you
It was... us... finally"
4. Badly Drawn Boy - "Promises"Badly Drawn Boy has been getting some mediocre reviews for the past album or two that he's churned out, but I'm one of those that doesn't buy into the negatives on this guy. His music is too good and I continue to faithfully buy what he puts out (within reason. A cover album of Abba songs would probably sour my affection for him just a little). He didn't come out with anything new this year in terms of albums, but he did release this single through iTunes and I instantly snagged it when I saw it featured under new releases. It was one of my favorite iTunes purchases this year. I appreciate how "Promises" layers on itself as it progresses, nothing too fancy, but enough to have me putting this song on permanent repeat status. It's a sad song (what else is new) and consistently socks me in the gut. No better combination.
"I promise you will get old
I promised you everything
To protect you wherever you go
I'll give you this diamond ring
Just promise you will remember
A promise should last forever
Right up to the dying embers
Of a fire that burns so slow"
3. Pete Yorn - "Lose You"Nothing against Pete, but the studio version has always sounded like his voice and emotions are dead, though the use of organs towards the end is personally very enjoyable. Then I listened to his one on the Live From New Jersey album and it knocked me back. It had that appropriate sadness for the lyrics, yet the interaction with the audience brings some levity (and it shows he's an amazing live singer). I would date him, with it ending good or bad, just in hopes he would write a song like this for me. As long as he doesn't call me out by name in his liner notes, I'm ok with it.
"I don’t need a better thing
I’d settle for less
It’s another thing for me
I just have to wander through this world
Alone"
2. Arcade Fire - "Keep the Car Running"The end of 2006 is the when I discovered Arcade Fire and their album Funeral. Then March of 2007 came along and *WHAM* Neon Bible was released. I was genuinely giddy while listening through the tracks, and that sadly doesn't happen so often anymore to me with new music. "Keep the Car Running" is just one of many tracks from Neon Bible that hits me in all the right places and makes me come back for more.
"There’s a weight that’s pressing down.
Late at night you can hear the sound.
Even the noise you make when you sleep.
Can’t swim across a river so deep.
They know my name 'cause I told it to them, But they don’t know where
And they don’t know
When It’s coming, when It’s coming."
1. Peter Gabriel - "San Jacinto"There's not much to say about "San Jacinto" other than I do a little fist pump of victory every time it plays on my iPod. Following the fist pump comes a sing-along. An hour later the urge to see Secret World Live DVD appears. Then I scour the internet to see if he will ever come back to southern California to do a concert. The answer is usually no. I'm sad about this truth for a few minutes, but "In Your Eyes" comes on the radio sometime after that and all is well again in Peter Gabriel lovefest land.
"I hold the line - the line of strength that pulls me through the fear
San Jacinto - I hold the line
San Jacinto - the poison bite and darkness take my sight - I hold the line
And the tears roll down my swollen cheek - think I'm losing it - getting weaker
I hold the line - I hold the line
San Jacinto - yellow eagle flies down from the sun - from the sun"
Runner-Ups:
Sufjan Stevens - "Super Sexy Woman"
Quirky, frisky lyrics and something out of the ordinary for Sufjan.
Radical Face - "Along the Road"
The creaking boards and the low notes that he's not quite reaching, the piano tinkling along, the low hums... It all just works.
Laura Veirs & Saltbreakers - "To the Country"
I really like Laura Veirs. Her music is consistently good and this was my favorite track from her new album. It's simple, clean, and has clapping incorporated into it. How can that fail?
Sea Wolf - "Leaves in the River"
A cool instrumental intro that I wanted to last the whole 5 minutes. But it nicely sets up the rest of the very pretty song. Sea Wolf was a great find this year.
Snow Patrol - "Finish Line"
It's back to my compulsive preference towards "night time" mood songs. And it's not their song "Crashing Cars", so win win for everyone!
