The Be Rad Blog

With all the fantastic sounds a yesteryear still making the rounds as well as fresh sounds creeping on to the airwaves, I know I spent much of January trying play catch up on music I should have been and need to be listening to. Now that January is over, I feel the need to share my findings. The four songs described below have been on constant repeat almost all month and they’ll certainly be a staple in my 2010 music listening. I hope you like.

I’ve heard a song or two from The Radio Dept. and I’m sad I haven’t given them more of my time. Hailing from Sweden, it is no surprise that The Radio Dept. produces excellent pop music. The band recently previewed the track “Heaven’s on Fire” off their upcoming album, Clinging to a Scheme, which is due out in March. A noteworthy feel good song, I can’t help but be put in a pleasant mood when listening. This song really reminds me of Peanuts, you know Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang. It’s a modern day “Linus and Lucy” if you ask me. There’s so much goodness wrapped up in this song and I love it!

The Radio Dept. – Heaven’s On Fire (website)(iTunes)(Amazon)

Yeasayer – have you heard of them? You will. Their second LP, Odd Blood, is set to release next week on the ninth and I’m pretty sure it will be on the majority of the “Best of 2010” lists that have yet to be made. Hell it is probably on some people’s “Best of 2009” list too, as it leaked last year. Watching the video for “Ambling Alp,” the first single off Odd Blood, there is a cult presence felt that makes its way from the video into your soul. After giving the song a few listens you will be compelled to give in to the overwhelming drums and chants of Yeasayer. It’s gonna be hard to beat this band in 2010.

Yeasayer – Ambling Alp (website)(iTunes)(Amazon)

Monarchy are a mystery duo coming out of the UK with guns blazing. With 3 original tracks and a couple remixes floating around, 2010 looks like a potentially great year for them. With a hypnotic heavy bass line, “Black The Colour of My Heart” is the best dreamy synth-pop has to offer. As I have been listening to the song over and over, I wondered what makes this song so good? The deep bass, the soothing melody, and the catchy lyrics are all packaged so perfectly together you’ll feel as if your floating away from Earth reminiscing of a love lost. This song is nearly perfect.

Monarchy – Black The Color of My Heart (myspace)

I’m not sure how Basement Jaxx’s two records slipped out from under my radar. From what I’ve been able to hear thus far from their first release, Scars, I can’t stop listening to them; especially “My Turn” featuring Lightspeed Champion. This song tickles my fancy in so many different ways. I love Devonté Hynes’  distinct raspy croon that makes you feel like your victimizing him just listening to him sing. This in contrast to the heavy bass – the ever-present, magnificent bass – make for a dance track you can’t help but move to. This one has been on repeat since I discovered I missed it when it came out last year.

Basement Jaxx feat. Lightspeed Champion – My Turn (website)(iTunes)(Amazon)

Be Rad. Enjoy.