Here’s 5 tracks as chosen by Brooklyn garage pop outfit Colatura, following the release of their latest single “Machine” in April.
[powerkit_row cols_nr=”2″][powerkit_col size=”7″]Aretha Franklin – I Say a Little PrayerWe’ve been really into songwriters lately, and who’s better then the legend himself: Burt Bacharach, king of love-ballad cheese. This song has always been one of our guilty-pleasure favourites by him, and Aretha does it the best. It’s really cool to see a chorus that has an 11/4 time signature but still feels like a pop song.
The White Stripes – I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself
Another Bacharach classic that’s been recorded by everybody. I like this version best because Jack White sings it with such urgency, he has this Buddy Holly swagger, and he takes Hal David’s lyrics and really sings them with a desperation that borders on manic. It makes the rather kitschy lyrics feel sinister and hopeless.
Carpenters – (They Long To Be) Close to You
The Carpenters and Burt Bacharach are such a perfect match. They both ride the line between artistry and the kind of music you’re put on hold to. Karen Carpenter really comes through with her icy delivery. There is something about this song that feels surreal, like it would have fit perfectly in a Twin Peaks episode. Also Karen can really shred on the drums.
Elvis Costello, Burt Bacharach – Toledo
Dream team. Love this song. It has this kinda sickly, lounge-bossa vibe. Elvis’ lyrics are top class and really shine against Bacharach’s arrangement. Also I am sucker for some glockenspiel.
Naked Eyes – Always Something There to Remind Me
You did it again Burt, such a hit. Naked Eyes definitely has the best version. I am obsessed with the drum machine on this song. I couldn’t figure out what it was, it didn’t sound like a Linndrum or an 808. I finally tracked it down and it is an obscure Simmons SDSV brain. Too bad they are a small fortune on eBay now.
