Halftime Report: My favorite 15 tracks of 2011 thus far
10. “Thanks for Nothing,” Middle Brother
Taylor Goldsmith (whose main gig is singing with folk-rock group L.A. folk-rock group Dawes) contributed this acoustic track to the songwriting collaboration that is Middle Brother. In the fine tradition of sad laments about pretty girls, Goldsmith describes himself walking the streets of Nashville, offering bitter, ironic thanks to an English beauty that he can’t get off his mind. More blah blah blah.
9. “June Hymn,” The Decemberists
No track from The King is Dead is a better representation of the Portland group’s rediscovered appreciation for Americana, the joys of nature and simplicity. The folk ballad positively busts out all over in three-part harmony during the bridge, with David Rawlings and Gillian Welch joining Colin Meloy in a ravishing salute to midsummer.
Performing at Outside Lands, Aug. 12-14, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. Tickets are $199.50.
8. “Clap,” Saigon [featuring Faith Evans]
If you’re like me, you primarily knew New York rapper Saigon as the dude that Turtle started managing on Entourage right before you stopped watching the show. In real life, Brian Daniel Carenard has been busy doing battle with the major-label beast, trying to get his debut album released. He finally was victorious, and this track proves the four-year wait was worth it. Brimming with Blueprint-esque soul samples, a gospel choir and, yes, hand claps, the song is a triumphant call for peace, cooperation and action. It’s everything hip hop ought to be, and then some.
7. “Civilian,” Wye Oak
The title track from the Baltimore duo’s third full-length album is a fine example of the group’s brooding brand of plugged-in folk and Jenn Wasner’s haunting voice. More blah blah blah.
[download via Stereogum, or stream the full album via Merge Records]
Performing at Outside Lands, Aug. 12-14, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. Tickets are $199.50.
6. “Violin,” Amos Lee
With an ethereal assist Iron & Wine‘s Sam Beam, Philadelphia singer Amos Lee has created an achingly beautiful slice of gentle acoustic soul—the lamentations of a restless spirit calling out for God’s presence amid all the darker corners of the city.
Performing at 8 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $32.50.
