Photo Courtesy of Dan Martensen and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Hatchet reporter Ann Marie MacVey shares her latest musical obsessions.
★★★★★
It’s been almost four years since our speakers have been graced with new Yeah Yeah Yeahs tunes. But Feb. 26, Karen O’s voice crooned once again, belting out lyrics to the band’s newest single, “Sacrilege.” Starting off mellow and slow, the song steadily picks up during the four-minute song. Karen O’s voice riddles the composition, while whispering the word “sacrilege,” adding to the climactic build. The song culminates with Karen’s voice and a church choir belting out the lyrics, creating an energized and strong ending. Yeah Yeah Yeahs upcoming album “Mosquito” is expected to be released April 16.
★★★★★
With summer music festival lineups hitting the web, February is the month for artists to unveil new music. Phoenix follows suit with their brand new, indie single “Entertainment,” and it’s another track that doesn’t disappoint. Staying true to the lyrics – “loud volume turns to low, low, low” – the piece swings in and out of loud and low and fast and slow rhythms. The combination eventually evens out for a finish that will leave the listener pumped up and wanting more of always-upbeat Phoenix. So, yes, “Entertainment” is certainly entertaining. The full album, “Bankrupt!,” is anticipated to be released April 23.
★★★★✩
We know the story of rapper Snoop Dogg becoming reggae guru Snoop Lion. While many of us are still a bit perplexed about this identity switcheroo, Snoop Lion’s single, “Here Comes the King,” released Dec. 18, sheds light on his new style. A steady beat and background rhythm creates a feel that is most definitely reggae. But when Snoop’s familiar, relaxed and loose vocals slip into the picture, it may initially come off as a bit of an awkward surprise. As the song rolls on, however, Snoop’s voice begins to blend with the beat as his lyrics explain his Rastafarian transformation. His words are sung with conviction, leaving listeners wanting the next episode from the former “D-O-double-G.”
