The War on Drugs take over the top spot on my final Weekly Top 30 of 2021 with their bittersweet “I Don’t Live Here Anymore”, featuring beautiful backing vocals by indie pop band Lucius. Canadian-born and now L.A.-based singer-songwriter Shimmer Johnson enters the top 10 with her lively dance-pop song “Starts With You”, and debuting this week are “Chapstick” by Nashville pop-rock band COIN, and the delightfully funky “Head in the Clouds” by Sydney, Australian band Thunder Fox.
I DON’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE – The War on Drugs featuring Lucius (2)
BEGGIN’ – Måneskin (1)
DON’T BRING ME DOWN – Two Feet (3)
LOVE LOVE LOVE – My Morning Jacket (5)
GOOD FRIEND – dwi (8)
I DON’T WANNA TALK (I JUST WANNA DANCE) – Glass Animals (4)
LOVE IN OCTOBER – Ships Have Sailed (7)
ALL TOO WELL (10 Minute Version) – Taylor Swift (6)
JUSTIFIED – Kacey Musgraves (9)
STARTS WITH YOU – Shimmer Johnson (12)
TIME IN DISGUISE – Kings of Leon (13)
CRUTCH – Band of Horses (15)
SURVIVOR – Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats (11)
Sexy-beautiful Italian rockers Måneskin remain in the top spot for a second week with “Beggin'”, while the War on Drugs’ “I Don’t Live Here Anymore”, featuring Lucius, closes in at #2. Otherwise, all the songs in last week’s top 10 remain in that rarefied group, with a bit of shuffling around of positions here and there. As we approach the end of 2021, two new songs debut this week: “The Hardest Cut” by veteran art-rock band Spoon, and “Until I Come Home”, a wonderful collaborative single by Two Feet and grandson.
BEGGIN’ – Måneskin (1)
I DON’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE – The War on Drugs ft. Lucius (3)
DON’T BRING ME DOWN – Two Feet (2)
I DON’T WANNA TALK (I JUST WANNA DANCE) – Glass Animals (4)
LOVE LOVE LOVE – My Morning Jacket (6)
ALL TOO WELL (10 Minute Version) – Taylor Swift (7)
LOVE IN OCTOBER – Ships Have Sailed (9)
GOOD FRIEND – dwi (10)
JUSTIFIED – Kacey Musgraves (8)
EASY ON ME – Adele (5)
SURVIVOR – Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats (11)
One of the hottest acts to burst onto the global music scene in 2021 has been Italian rock band Måneskin. Though they’ve been around since 2016, it was their win this past May of the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest for their song “ZITTI E BUONI” that catapulted the exciting and sexy band into superstardom. That song entered my Weekly Top 30 in mid-June, and they’ve remained on my chart every single week since with a run of singles – “ZITTI E BUONI”, “I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVE” and “Beggin'”. “Beggin'”, their fiery remake of the 1967 Four Seasons song, takes over the #1 spot this week, dethroning Two Feet’s “Don’t Bring Me Down” after a four-week run. “Beggin'” was a top 20 hit for the Four Seasons, and was reimagined 40 years later by Norwegian hip-hop duo Madcon, who had a #1 hit with it in several European countries. As I write this, Måneskin’s version has been #1 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart for 10 weeks.
In other chart developments, the War on Drugs climb to #3 with their beautiful “I Don’t Live Here Anymore”, featuring added vocals by Lucius. Entering the top 10 are “Love in October” by the immensely talented L.A. duo Ships Have Sailed, and “Good Friend” by Canadian artist dwi, whose marvelous album Mild Fantasy Violence I reviewed in October. The lone debut this week is “Wake Me Up” by British band Foals, currently one of my top 10 favorite bands in the world.
BEGGIN’ – Måneskin (4)
DON’T BRING ME DOWN – Two Feet (1)
I DON’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE – The War on Drugs featuring Lucius (5)
I DON’T WANNA TALK (I JUST WANNA DANCE) – Glass Animals (3)
EASY ON ME – Adele (2)
LOVE LOVE LOVE – My Morning Jacket (6)
ALL TOO WELL (10 Minute Version) – Taylor Swift (7)
JUSTIFIED – Kacey Musgraves (10)
LOVE IN OCTOBER – Ships Have Sailed (11)
GOOD FRIEND – dwi (12)
SURVIVOR – Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats (13)
Not a lot of changes from last week’s chart, with the top four songs remaining in place. “Don’t Bring Me Down” by my favorite artist Two Feet is #1 for a fourth week, while Adele’s “Easy On Me” is #2 for a third week. Entering the top 10 are Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)”, which jumps 12 spots from #19 to #7 (the song fell from #1 to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100), and Kacey Musgraves’ “Justified”, which nods at #10. The two new debut songs this week are both by British bands: “U&ME” by alt-J, which enters at #29, and “One and the Same” by Future Theory, which enters at #30.
DON’T BRING ME DOWN – Two Feet (1) 4th week at #1
EASY ON ME – Adele (2)
I DON’T WANNA TALK (I JUST WANNA DANCE) – Glass Animals (3)
BEGGIN’ – Måneskin (4)
I DON’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE – The War on Drugs ft. Lucius (7)
LOVE LOVE LOVE – My Morning Jacket (8)
ALL TOO WELL (10 Minute Version) – Taylor Swift (19)
NEVER LOOKED BACK – The Zangwills (6)
TAKE THE L – Roadkeeper (5)
JUSTIFIED – Kacey Musgraves (12)
LOVE IN OCTOBER – Ships Have Sailed (13)
GOOD FRIEND – dwi (14)
SURVIVOR – Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats (11)
A little over a month ago, I featured British alternative psychedelic rock band Future Theory when I reviewed their marvelous single “Hang Your Hat”. I’ve been following this talented group since early 2017, and their incredible musicianship has never failed to blow me away on every one of their releases. I’ve written about them numerous times over the years (you can read some of my reviews by clicking on the links under ‘Related’ at the end of this post), and am happy to feature them yet again so soon, as I love their latest single “One and the Same“, which I’ve chosen as my New Song of the Week.
Blending elements of alternative and progressive rock, psychedelia, grunge, shoegaze and funk, Future Theory creates music characterized by lavish, complex instrumentation, intelligent lyrics and mesmerizing vocals. Like many bands, the Lincolnshire-based foursome has experienced some changes in lineup over time, and now consists of Max Sander on rhythm guitar and vocals, Chris Moore on lead guitar, Jacob Brookes on bass and Tom Paton on drums, although as with “Hang Your Hat”, former band members Rex Helley played bass and Rohan Parrett played drums on “One and the Same”. The track was recorded at 2fly Studios by Alan Smith, mixed and produced by Koncide (aka Chris Hengmith), Max and Chris, and mastered by Yves Altana and Chris Ree.
“One and the Same” is magnificent, and quite possibly one of their best songs yet. It starts off slowly and rather introspectively with shimmery strummed guitars, accompanied by gentle bass and crisp drumbeats as Max sings in his distinctive sultry croon that I love so much. Around 45 seconds, the music erupts in the first chorus into a glorious cinematic soundscape, highlighted by a glittery cascade of chiming guitars and fiercely crashing cymbals, instantly covering me with goosebumps. The music calms back down for the second verse, only to return to an even more dramatic crescendo in the final chorus, with Max’s vocals now more impassioned than ever, before the song ends in a trail of reverby distortion.
The official video, produced by Lewis Carter of 3Link Media, is as breathtaking as the song, with beautiful footage of marine life and outer space, combined with images of the band performing, overlain by kaleidoscopic explosions of color.
I’ve featured hundreds of bands on this blog since I began writing reviews in early 2016, and have to say that some of the best hail from the United Kingdom. And among all those great British bands, one that impressed me from the start is alternative psychedelic group Future Theory. Blending elements of alternative and progressive rock, psychedelia, grunge, shoegaze and funk, they write especially compelling songs characterized by lavish, complex instrumentation, intelligent lyrics and mesmerizing vocals. Like many bands, the Lincolnshire-based foursome has undergone some lineup changes over time, and now consists of Max Sander on rhythm guitar and vocals, Chris Moore on lead guitar, Jacob Brookes on bass and Tom Paton on drums, although for the recording of their latest single “Hang Your Hat“, former band members Rex Helley played bass and Rohan Parrett played drums.
I first wrote about them in April 2017 when I reviewed their fantastic 2016 debut EP Fool’s Dream, then twice in 2018 when I reviewed their excellent singles “Fractured Nation” and “Peace of Mind”. (You can read those reviews by clicking on the links under ‘Related’ at the end of this post.) Now the Lincolnshire-based foursome are back with “Hang Your Hat”, their first new single in more than three years. The lead single from their forthcoming self-titled debut album, the song is a biting kiss-off to a romantic partner who’s been unfaithful, and broken the bonds of trust in the relationship. The track was recorded at 2fly Studios by Alan Smith (Arctic Monkeys, Reverend & The Makers, 65daysofstatic), mixed and produced by Koncide (aka Chris Hengmith), Max and Chris, and mastered by Yves Altana and Chris Ree.
Musically, “Hang Your Hat” is a marvelous feast for the ears, with some of the more dramatic and varied guitar work I’ve heard packed into one song in a long while. The song opens with a fairly intense instrumental flourish like you’d normally hear in a bridge or chorus, with a barrage of fuzz-coated psychedelic guitars and lots of crashing cymbals. At around 25 seconds, the music calms to a languid bass-driven groove, accompanied by strummed guitar and light drums as Max begins to sing in his distinctive sultry croon. Those gnarly guitars and aggressive rhythms ramp back up in the chorus, then transition back and forth in another verse and chorus, punctuated with beautiful chiming guitar notes and highlighted by a killer reverb-soaked guitar solo in the bridge.
I love Max’s vocal style that’s equal parts sensuous and raw, and enhanced by echo and reverb that render them particularly effective here in conveying the bitterness and pain expressed in the lyrics: “I don’t want to do this anymore. Where did you go last night? I said I’d lose my mind, where did you go last night? Got to be, where did you hang you’re hat? You’re gonna need that some day, pick it up wrap it up, just for today.” In the calmer moments, he almost sounds a bit like Anthony Keidis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, not a bad thing at all.
With “Hang Your Hat”, Future Theory return in fine form, proving they haven’t lost their stride one bit during their hiatus. It’s a very strong track, and I’m confident we’ll be hearing more gems from them in their forthcoming album.
I’ve featured quite a few artists and bands from the UK on this blog, and one of my favorites is the astonishingly talented Future Theory. The Lincolnshire-based foursome consists of Max Sander on rhythm guitar and vocals, Chris Moore on lead guitar, Rex Helley on bass, and Rohan Parrett on drums. Drawing inspiration from Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Soundgarden, Audioslave, Queens of the Stone Age, Coldplay and The Verve – and how can you possibly go wrong with inspiration from those legendary bands? – they’ve developed a lavish sound built on elements of alternative and progressive rock, shoegaze, psychedelia and funk. I’m not exaggerating when I use the word ‘astonishing’ to describe them, as their outstanding songwriting and musicianship has a complexity and depth that’s impressive for such a young band. And Max’s amazing vocal style possesses a nuanced emotional intensity that seems mature beyond his years.
Future Theory released their spectacular debut EP Fool’s Dream in 2016 (which I reviewed), then followed in April of this year with a brilliant single “Fractured Nation,” which I also reviewed. Today they return with a new single “Peace of Mind,” and it’s another stellar track with complex melodies, intelligent lyrics and dazzling instrumentation.
The song kicks off with exuberant jangly guitars, crystalline synths and sharp percussion, all melding together to paint a rich tapestry of sound. Max’s sultry vocals have a raw, vulnerable quality that’s quite pleasing to my ears, though it’s sometimes difficult to understand some of the lyrics he’s singing. The instrumentals build to a turbulent mix of heavy bass, piercing guitars and crashing cymbals in the bridge, then break down to clear jangly riffs that seem to sparkle like glitter on the airwaves through to the end of the track. It’s a dark and beautiful song.
The lyrics speak to the struggle of maintaining a loving relationship by reassuring your significant other of your love and devotion in the face of her alcohol addiction: “Forget about your day and your worries now. Go back into the warmth and find your wants in supply. Cause I adore you and all the things you do for me.” But then he’s trying to hold on to his peace of mind while applying some tough love to convince her to quit drinking: “I gotta stay here. Piece of warmth. Peace of mind. Be so warm, be so quiet. Love factor aside, you need a kick in your behind. You try to make her realize the alcohol don’t fix inside.”
Two Feet’s gorgeous and sultry “I Feel Like I’m Drowning” is #1 for a second week, and Leon Bridges holds at #2 with his jazzy “Bad Bad News” (after spending three weeks at #1). The sexy and soulful little sleeper “Unwind” by indie artist John Defeo continues to climb, landing at #7 this week.
Two songs make giant leaps up the chart this week: “Sit Next to Me” by one of my favorite bands Foster the People, which jumps 20 spots to #6, and the beautiful “Such a Simple Thing” by Ray LaMontagne, also jumping 20 spots to #9. “Sit Next to Me” reached #1 on my chart in late December, but has had amazing staying power, spending the past seven months in the top 10 on the Billboard Alternative Chart. This is the song’s 39th non-consecutive week on my Top 30.
1. I FEEL LIKE I’M DROWNING – Two Feet (1)
2. BAD BAD NEWS – Leon Bridges (2)
3. HUNGER – Florence + the Machine (4)
4. ZOMBIE – Bad Wolves (3)
5. SAY AMEN (SATURDAY NIGHT) – Panic! At the Disco (8)
6. SIT NEXT TO ME – Foster the People (26) 39th week on list
7. UNWIND – John Defeo (10)
8. PINK LEMONADE – James Bay (5)
9. SUCH A SIMPLE THING – Ray LaMontagne (29)
10. FOUR OUT OF FIVE – Arctic Monkeys (12)
11. THOUGHT CONTAGION – Muse (6)
12. CELEBRATE – Dirty Heads, The Unlikely Candidates (7)
13. BROKEN – lovelytheband (11) 21st week on list
14. COLORS – Beck (16)
15. LIFE TO FIX – The Record Company (17)
16. I HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY – Blue October (15)
17. RED MOON SKY – Face of Stone (19)
18. 44 – Oli Barton & the Movement (20)
19. HANDYMAN – AWOLNATION (13)
20. &RUN – Sir Sly (14) 21st week on list
21. HI HELLO – Johnny Marr (24)
22. QUARTER PAST MIDNIGHT – Bastille (21)
23. THIS IS AMERICA – Childish Gambino (9)
24. KAMIKAZE – WALK THE MOON (25)
25. WHATEVER IT TAKES – Imagine Dragons (18)
26. BLOOM – Troye Sivan (28)
27. GIVE YOURSELF A TRY – The 1975 (30)
28. FRACTURED NATION – Future Theory (22)
29. DEVIL – Shinedown (23)
30. GOLD RUSH – Death Cab for Cutie (N)
1. I FEEL LIKE I’M DROWNING – Two Feet (2)
2. BAD BAD NEWS – Leon Bridges (1)
3. ZOMBIE – Bad Wolves (4)
4. HUNGER – Florence + the Machine (8)
5. PINK LEMONADE – James Bay (3)
6. THOUGHT CONTAGION – Muse (5)
7. CELEBRATE – Dirty Heads, The Unlikely Candidates (7)
8. SAY AMEN (SATURDAY NIGHT) – Panic! At the Disco (12)
9. THIS IS AMERICA – Childish Gambino (6)
10. UNWIND – John Defeo (14)
11. BROKEN – lovelytheband (11)
12. FOUR OUT OF FIVE – Arctic Monkeys (15)
13. HANDYMAN – AWOLNATION (9)
14. &RUN – Sir Sly (10)
15. I HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY – Blue October (13)
16. COLORS – Beck (16)
17. LIFE TO FIX – The Record Company (19)
18. WHATEVER IT TAKES – Imagine Dragons (17)
19. RED MOON SKY – Face of Stone (21)
20. 44 – Oli Barton & the Movement (23)
21. QUARTER PAST MIDNIGHT – Bastille (22)
22. FRACTURED NATION – Future Theory (24)
23. DEVIL – Shinedown (18)
24. HI HELLO – Johnny Marr (27)
25. KAMIKAZE – WALK THE MOON (28)
26. SIT NEXT TO ME – Foster the People (25) 38th week on list
27. SILVER LINING – Mt. Joy (20)
28. BLOOM – Troye Sivan (29)
29. SUCH A SIMPLE THING – Ray LaMontagne (N)
30. GIVE YOURSELF A TRY – The 1975 (N)
1. BAD BAD NEWS – Leon Bridges (1)
2. I FEEL LIKE I’M DROWNING – Two Feet (2)
3. PINK LEMONADE – James Bay (3)
4. ZOMBIE – Bad Wolves (5)
5. THOUGHT CONTAGION – Muse (6)
6. THIS IS AMERICA – Childish Gambino (4)
7. CELEBRATE – Dirty Heads, Unlikely Candidates (9)
8. HUNGER – Florence + the Machine (11)
9. HANDYMAN – AWOLNATION (7)
10. &RUN – Sir Sly (8)
11. BROKEN – lovelytheband (10)
12. SAY AMEN (SATURDAY NIGHT) – Panic! At the Disco (12)
13. I HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY – Blue October (14)
14. UNWIND – John Defeo (15)
15. FOUR OUT OF FIVE – Arctic Monkeys (17)
16. COLORS – Beck (18)
17. WHATEVER IT TAKES – Imagine Dragons (13)
18. DEVIL – Shinedown (16)
19. LIFE TO FIX – The Record Company (20)
20. SILVER LINING – Mt. Joy (19)
21. RED MOON SKY – Face of Stone (23)
22. QUARTER PAST MIDNIGHT – Bastille (24)
23. 44 – Oli Barton & the Movement (25)
24. FRACTURED NATION – Future Theory (26)
25. SIT NEXT TO ME – Foster the People (22) 37th week on list
26. FAVORITE COLOR IS BLUE – Robert DeLong, K.Flay (21)
27. HI HELLO – Johnny Marr (N)
28. KAMIKAZE – WALK THE MOON (29)
29. BLOOM – Troye Sivan (30)
30. DANGEROUS NIGHT – 30 Seconds to Mars (28)
ECLECTIC MUSIC LOVER 