Song of the Week

"Heirloom" is beautiful, haunting, enchanting, exciting--a secretive gift among the rococo pleasures of All Delighted People. For the centerpiece of ornamental wonder, enjoy the title track too.

A word on the EP from Mr. Stevens' bandcamp: "All Delighted People is built around two different versions of Sufjan's long-form epic ballad "All Delighted People," a dramatic homages to the Apocalypse, existential ennui, and Paul Simon's "Sound of Silence." Sounds delightful, yes! The song was originally workshopped on Sufjan's previous tour in the fall of 2009. Other songs on the EP include the 17-minute guitar jam-for-single-mothers "Djohariah," and the gothic piano ballad "The Owl and the Tanager," a live-show maintstay (and Debbie Downer if you ask us; what's it doing on a "Delighted" EP?)."

Classic D Man

Paul Simon has written The Great American Song on more than one ocassion. "Bridge Over Troubled Water." "Sound of Silence." "The Boxer." "Mrs. Robinson." (Just to name a few). He repeated the feat again in the 1980's with "Graceland," among others. But there is another oft-ignored song from that same fruitful period that we should probably add to the list.

Several years ago while delving into Simon's solo work, The D Man discovered this beautifully-penned song: "Hearts and Bones," from the 1983 album of the same name. Apparently, Simon himself thought it was one of the best songs he ever wrote. And rumors have it that it was about his soon-to-be wife Carrie Fisher, er, Princess Leia. The personal nature of this and other songs may be one of the primary reasons Simon and Garfunkel fought so arduously during their post-reunion recording sessions--eventually, Garfunkel left and Simon wiped his partner's vocals from several tracks, refashioning them into a solo production.

"One and one-half wandering Jews" may be the best opening line Simon wrote this side of "Hello darkness my old friend." The lyrical song followers our travelers as they wind through love and distance, accompanied by a graceful guitar line and a traditional verse-chorus verse-chorus climax. But Simon's bridgework is the real payoff: the suspension exquisitely flows to some sort of epiphany in response to the poignant question, "Tell me why you won't love me for who I am, where I am?" We are never certain if the answer to that question is enough, but it doesn't stop our lovers, if for a brief moment, from achieving something more.

Song of the Week

The Drums cashed in early on the recent indie beach-pop trend with "Let's Go Surfing." To accentuate the point, The Drums will be opening for Surfer Blood this fall, another band that rode the waves of a massive water anthem, "Swim (To Reach The End)." But The Drums may be more than a one-trick pony, or at least that is The D Man's first impression after listening to some of the new tracks from the band's anticipated self-titled debut. With strains of New Order, The Smiths, and the Cure, the band's synthy and glossy spaces are both minimalist (see "I'll Never Drop My Sword") and filled with hooks (see "Best Friend"). For maybe the biggest summer glow on the album, enjoy the video for "Forever and Ever (Amen)" below. Randy Travis would be proud.

Five Things

Five songs that grabbed my attention at the perfect time this past week. Thanks to talented people who make great music. The D Man is always appreciative.

• "The End of the World Is Bigger Than Love." We all know Jens Lekman doesn't really believe this. But after a painful breakup since his last proper album, Night Falls Over Kortedala, Jens is back with another bittersweet string and piano-soaked epic, saving your heartaches one soaring melody at a time.
• "Meloncholy Hill" is an utterly glossed-out electro track from Plastic Beach. Enjoy another cool video from your primate friends.
• "Guys Eyes" is another outstanding track from last year's Merriweather Post Pavillion. Check out the surf-and-skate vibe for its chilled-out video.
• "Admiral Fell Promises" has long been a staple at Kozelek shows and only recently became the title track for Sun Kil Moon's graceful new album. Enjoy a lovely live version.
• "Laundry Room" came on at the right time this weekend. Twilight. Mountain road. Pine trees. Perfect. Thanks to The Avett Brothers.