For this week’s top five I thought about songs and groups that really have peaked my interest over the last couple of months. Groups like Portugal. The Man and Greta Van Fleet, groups that have carved out a nice niche in the market of Alternative music. These five songs and groups have solid catalogs that everyone should check out. Enjoy!
High Enough-K.Flay
K.Flay has been a rising alternative artist since the release of the single, “Blood in the Cut.” Since this single was released, K.Flay has also released an album titled, “Everywhere is Some Where” and the single, “High Enough.” This single has been out for a while, but it is still worth listening to and the song feels timeless.
While talking to Vents Magazine, K.Flay said she wrote this song because, “there are some many songs out there about getting fucked up. I think part of me was asking the question: What if I’m already high enough? What if I don’t need anything but what I’ve got?” The song has a dreamy pop/rock feel to it that with the lyrics, works perfectly together. K.Flay’s “High Enough” is a somewhat feel good song, reminding us all that getting fucked up is not a necessity when going through life.
Black Smoke Rising-Greta Van Fleet
Greta Van Fleet was plagued by early comparisons to Led Zeppelin, but if you listen to the bands album, “From The Fires,” you will find that this is not the case for their whole album. Sure, you can hear it in the band’s first two singles, but with the song, “Black Smoke Rising,” the band sounds like they are creating their own original sound.
Greta Van Fleet does sounds and looks like a blast from the past. Their audience usually consists of both a younger crowd and older classic rock fans. Despite comparisons to other bands, they do a good job of creating their own place in the rock and alternative market. If one wants to hear a song from them that sounds different from their first two singles, they should listen to “Black Smoke Rising” and really their whole album for that matter. Also check out this band when they play at this year’s Austin City Limits!
High Hopes-Panic! At The Disco
Looking for a song that will leave you feeling uplifted and give you hope for the future? Well, look no further than Panic! At The Disco’s, “High Hopes.” Panic! At The Disco has been in the music scene for quite some time now. Their musical style usually consists of anthem type songs that most people can sing along to after just one listen. “High Hopes” is no different and will leave you feeling ready to take on the world.
Panic! At The Disco’s Album Pray for the Wicked has other noteworthy singles including, “Say Amen,” “Saturday Night,” and “(Fuck A) Silver Lining.” All three songs have the same feeling as “High Hopes.” It is almost as if with this album, Panic! At The Disco wants to remind its fans that there is hope in the world somehow, even though it may not feel like it all of the time.
Tidal Wave-Portugal. The Man
For a while, Portugal. The Man’s song, “Feel it Still” was all over the airways and TV commercials. One could not turn on a radio without hearing the song at least once. Now I can say that, although “Feel it Still” is most likely the only song most know from the band, Portugal. The Man will not be a one hit wonder. “Tidal Wave” feels fresh, dreamy, and definitely worth the listen.
To me, “Tidal Wave” sounds very different from “Feel it Still.” It is my favorite track from the band’s whole album. Portugal. The Man really sounds like they make sure all their songs off of this album don’t sound the same. If you like “Tidal Wave,” I would suggest also listening to, “Live in the Moment.”
“You Worry Me”-Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats
Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats has always brought the southern side to alternative music. They have a sound that makes one think they are listening to a country station until you realize you are not. With their single, "You Worry Me," they bring out a southern alternative feel. It is a little less harsh as their earlier single, "SOB"
I like this song and this band because that don't sound like anyone else on the radio. "You Worry Me," feels authentic and I like how the lead singers voice sounds. I also like how this band can be listen to by alternative fans and country fans.