Have you ever had one of those moments when you hear a song and instantly assume it's new? Only after telling everyone about it and singing its praises do you actually discover it came out a few years back.
In 2002 the group Zero 7 had a quiet success with their album Simple Things. As usual, I was too wrapped up in one thing or another and missed the release. Thankfully, someone on the production staff of Sex and the City paid attention.
A few years later, during the closing scene of a SATC episode, the Zero 7 track 'In The Waiting Line' captured the entire mood at hand. With a few gentle words from Miss Bradshaw, the music started and the credits rolled. I quickly wiped away the tear that formed, and set out to find the song.
I'm a sucker for a song that fits a mood perfectly. And when I get a track in my head, I can barely think of anything else until I own it. It's a compulsion that I've never been able to conquer. But I suppose it could be worse...
Anyway, I managed to do some heavy internet digging, and as usual, a romp through a message board or two turned up the name of the song. I homed in on the single and purchased it online that evening, completely disregarding the entire album on which it appeared.
Until last week, when it dawned on me that if I liked that track so much, maybe the group had some other good tracks. A quick trip to the CD store and I left for home with a copy of Simple Things.
If I had to choose one word to describe Simple Things it would be 'chill.' It's a very laid back collection of electronic tracks that you can drop into your CD player, kick back, and relax with. Some people like to call it Trip Hop, or Deep Tech, but at the end of the day, it's music to relax with. Or maybe you can share a bottle of wine with someone you like while listening.
Many of the tracks are pure instrumental, but the ones that I dig the most have vocals. The opening track 'I Have Seen' is full of strings and soft keyboards with a down-tempo groove. In a similar theme, heavier on the keyboard, is the title track 'Simple Things,' a male vocal track that is particularly good.
But of course, my spotlight track is the reason I discovered the album. 'In The Waiting Line' swept me away the first time I listened to it from start to finish. The vocals are provided by Sia Furler, whose whispering floats over the melody in perfect harmony. I guarantee you after you listen to this track just once it will haunt you.
So the message this week is to take a moment and think back on music you like. The hottest new CD may not be the best discovery out there. In reality, it may be a record from years ago that you overlooked. New isn't always better.
With you in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik
peter@windycitymediagroup.com