The Cover Letter has previously graced the MAGNET website with songs from the recently released Cities Made Of Sand. The band has been nice enough to put together a set of songs they love just so you can get to know them a little better. Listen and read below.
Pink Floyd, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”
Trevor: I really enjoy David Gilmour’s guitar playing and the finely tuned, artistic approach to the recording composition. Video
Ray LaMontagne, “For The Summer”
Trevor: I love Ray’s voice, and in this song particularly, his note changes sound like butter to me. I love how free it feels. Video
Pinegrove, “Cadmium”
Evan: I’ve been obsessed with this band in the past year, since the release of their album Cardinal. This song is a good example of what makes them so fun to listen to. They’re extremely tight and coordinated, so they can play with a really great, loose feel and still keep things together. The way they push and pull at different moments in the song serves to amplify the lyrics and the great vocal performance. Video
Gillian Welch, “Elvis Presley Blues”
Evan: Listening to Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings play together is a master class in blend and group cohesion. There are two guitars playing on this song, but it often feels like just one instrument, subtly shifting and moving under the dry, melancholy lyrics. It’s a meditation on success in America, a beautiful example of finger-style guitar playing and a great lesson in close-harmony singing. Video
Charles Bradley, “Why Is It So Hard”
Jacob: Where do I even start? The pure passion in his voice, the pain in his words … everything about this song (the live performance especially) is amazing. Charles Bradley has a really inspiring story, too, and you can almost feel every step he’s taken in life. Being able to make that emotional connection is just magic to me. Video
Robert Ellis, “California”
Jacob: I really enjoy the composition of this song. I am a sucker for originality, too, so to have a new take on country music, something I think is really needed right now, is really interesting. It just falls together so well. The dynamics in the song are really powerful and just draw me right in. Love this one. Video
Daughter, “Candles”
Angie: I love Candles mainly for the entrancing lyrics and the overall emotion of the song. Elena Tonra has such a haunting, powerful voice, and the lyrics tell such a cryptic, yet seemingly personal story. That combination sort of hypnotizes you, which is heavily inspiring to me. Video
Matt Corby, “Brother”
Angie: Matt Corby’s voice oozes soul, and the buildup of this song commands your attention. There’s so much heart and energy in every part, from the harmonies to the drums. This song just makes you feel. Video
Modest Mouse, “Parting Of The Sensory”
Jarrod: Isaac Brock has a real gift for presenting things in the most unique way. The lyrics in this song break death down to its most basic form. At the end of the day, something’s going to steal our carbon. Video
The Beatles, “A Day In The Life”
Jarrod: Probably my favorite song all day. The composition of this track is just off the charts. I especially love the way Lennon and McCartney switch back and forth between the character’s dream and conscious state. The intense swirl of instruments in the middle and outro give me goosebumps every time. Video
