First Ever Deep Cut Friday!

In trying to revive the slumbering Above the Din, I decided that I am going to start a new recurring column that takes a look at some of the tracks that didn't make it to singles, but probably should have. As this is a relatively new column, I could cull from anywhere in the last 5 years, so keep your eyes and ears tuned. But I will try to make note of at least one new release each week.

So without further ado, the first ever Deep Cut Friday.

The first song I want to talk about is "Stamp of Origins: Horizons" by dredg off "The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion" (2009). dredg are recognized for songs like "Bug Eyes", "Savior", and "Information", but they have a very sweet side to them as well. Horizons, a song predominantly led by piano, takes the view of someone ready to die and meditating on their life. It's a thoughtful way to tie up the album, and references many of the songs within (Ireland, Information, Delusions, I Don't Know, Gathering Pebbles, and I believe Mourning This Morning all get nods in the latter half of the LP version of the song).

The Stamp of Origins series off the latest record echoes their first two LPs, Leitmotif (with the "Movement" series) and El Cielo (with the "Brushstroke" series). They took a respite from this concept with their mainstream breakthrough Catch Without Arms, and the return to this is a sign that dredg will not shake their roots just because they have seen the spotlight. Notable in this way is that this album marks the only time that dredg's series have not been instrumentals, although there are instrumentals on the new album (notably "Drunk Slide" and "Long Days and Vague Clues").

Going a bit lighter, the second and final track for this week is one from late last year: "Addicted To Drugs" by Kaiser Chiefs off "Off With Their Heads" (2008). The song is typical fare for Kaiser Chiefs, very wry and danceable, and seems to chronicle the boredom of suburban life. The chorus plays off Robert Palmer's "Addicted To Love": "You're gonna have to face it, you're addicted to drugs." Musically Nick Hodgson makes excellent use of the cowbell to start and supplement the track, Whitey's guitar riff slides under your skin, and Simon Rix's bass sounds like it could be another guitar. Peanut's keys have been understated in this song (and throughout the album), but add the right bump to the song's chorus and instrumental breakdown. It is easily a highlight of the superb album.

That is all we have for today. I leave you with this bit of information: Kaiser Chiefs, Kings of Leon, Bloc Party, and Vampire Weekend are among the bands scheduled to play this year Readings-Leeds Festival, and Kaiser Chiefs have announced a break following their tour with Green Day. StayTuned for new information on Above the Din!