NEVER LET A WOMAN GO

King Charles is a unique musician. Armed with the adorableness of Noah & the Whale, the playfulness of Mystery Jets, and the raspiness of Mumford & Sons, the regally titled London singer/outfit have been the talk of many tastemakers ever since they started their tour with the aforementioned M&S. I’m not completely familiar with his repertoire, but goddamn if I don’t absolutely love what I’ve heard so far, in particular the catchy-as-all-hell “Love Lust.” The quickened pace, seemingly effortless harmonies, and bouncy piano line come together like Voltron to form a doozy of a folk-pop single. It’s a bit early to crown the band, but if “Love Lust” is a harbinger of things to come, the title may not be too far off.

MP3: King Charles – “Love Lust”

I neeevvverrrrr speak in hyperbole.

Love,
Zack

PRAY TO GOD I SEE HEADLIGHTS

I know that it is diametrically opposed to the typical ATG theme, but I can’t help but love the country classic “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show. Call me a douchey UVa kid or what have you, but when I was first introduced to the song by my study abroad friends Chris, Katie, and Emma in Florence, I couldn’t help but love it. Something about the harmonies teamed with the banjo did it for me. Given the circumstances, “Wagon Wheel” now brings me back to a nostalgic part of my life, and I feel as though the song was created to strike that same nostalgic chord with most listeners. But I digress…

Imagine my excitement when I discover that ATG favorite Mumford & Sons had recorded a cover of “Wagon Wheel” on BBC’s Radio 2 Sessions. Imagine my anger when I realize that it was released back in late March. BUT…Imagine my happiness when I finally listen.

MP3: Mumford & Sons – “Wagon Wheel (OCMS Cover)”

Love,
Zack

Wasted on Fixing All the Problems that You Made in Your Own Head

There’s something not quite normal about Mumford & Sons, a sound that I cannot quite pinpoint. It drives me crazy to listen to the London-based quartet’s rhythm guitar-based sound and almost whiny vocals. My mind runs in circles trying to categorize the sound. I came to the conclusion that lead singer Marcus Mumford sounds like a British Josh Ritter, and that I cannot get enough of the band’s debut, Sigh No More. Check out “Little Lion Man”, which embodies perfectly the sound of the up-and-comers riding the wave of British folk (see: Laura Marling, The Maccabees).

MP3: Mumford & Sons – “Little Lion Man” (removed at label’s request)