If you don't have satellite radio or the free time to sniff through the web, it's extremely easy to forget what really good music sounds like. In most cities terrestrial radio is a god-awful mess of absurdly limited playlists oozing with the latest dreck and mold-ridden classics. Philly is hands down the worst (except for the venerable WXPN), unless you love Ozzy or need to be welcomed to the jungle every hour on the hour.
It's depressing. You just want to give up on music altogether and flip on talk or sports radio so you can hear Anthony from Darby bash McNabb and marvel at his ability to put a letter "t" at the end of the word "cousin."
Thankfully, there is some succor for those who desperately need a healthy dose of uplifting, feel-good euphony.
"Putting the Days to Bed" by The Long Winters is a joyous reminder of what well-made pop rock should sound like, bursting with creative arrangements and the effusive and commanding vocals of John Roderick, who can effortlessly sell each emotion better than any vocalist in the biz. The band — equal parts playful and serious — quashes any hint of pretense and just pumps out stellar, sparkling tuneage that brings to mind everything from Sgt. Pepper's era Beatles to the latest from The Pernice Brothers. Adding to the grandeur, Roderick has a deft touch with his words and phrasing — poetry I dare say — the kind the everyman can easily grasp and fully appreciate.
It's difficult to pick a standout track with the instant sing-along-ability of "Pushover" to the hushed beauty of "Clouds," but "Ultimatum," in all its vibrant, slightly over-the-top glory, takes the cake. This is a song for the ages. Please note Winterheads, this is a different, livelier version than the more ballad-like cut on the 2005 EP. Either way, "Ultimatum" is a soul-pleasing classic.
My Trusted MOGs
i agree - it is very difficult to find good music these days. i am lucky to have one great station locally - KPOO in SF, but most radio is so lowest common denominator or plays music that you love but have heard to many times before. i love sabbath, but why do the stations always play the same 2 songs out of sooo many albums? i guess this is why mog is so cool. finally a way to listen to all kinds of music from all kinds of places. a neccessity for a devourer of sounds like myself.