Guys!! Our friends are back with another episode of Friends’ of Grind.
In this episode, we will be reminiscing the musical memories of Cherése.
The topic for the month is “I Remember – ” tell us about a moment/period of your life you remember.
Cherése will bless our ears with her selection – I remember losing myself in lyric booklets while listening to CDs.
This playlist is a selection of songs from CDs I’ve collected over the years. Hope you enjoy these sounds from my shelf.
“Tell ‘Em” is the electrifying opening track from Sleigh Bells’ debut album “Treats,” released in 2010. This song encapsulates the duo’s signature sound, combining Alexis Krauss’s bright, melodic vocals with Derek Miller’s powerful, distorted guitar riffs and pounding beats.
The result is an explosive anthem that sets the tone for the entire album.
Fun fact: Before forming Sleigh Bells, Derek Miller was a member of the punk band Poison the Well, while Alexis Krauss was once part of a teen pop group called RubyBlue.
“The Suburbs” is the titular track from Arcade Fire’ third studio album, released in 2010. The song is a reflective and nostalgic exploration of suburban life, blending wistful lyrics with a rich, orchestral arrangement.
Its themes of childhood, growing up, and the passage of time resonate deeply, capturing the bittersweet essence of suburban existence.
Fun fact: Arcade Fire, led by Win Butler and Régine Chassagne on vocals and instruments. Régine, in addition to her role in Arcade Fire, contributed to the jazz ensemble Azúcar and performed with the medieval-themed group Les Jongleurs de la Mandragore Will Butler, a multi-instrumentalist, has ventured into a solo career, while Richard Reed Parry, another multi-instrumentalist, is part of the experimental rock outfit Bell Orchestre. Tim Kingsbury, handling bass and guitar duties, previously played with Sam Patch, and Jeremy Gara, on drums, showcased his skills in various bands, including Kepler. Sarah Neufeld, recognized for her violin expertise, not only contributes to Arcade Fire but also pursues solo endeavors and collaborates with Bell Orchestre.
“Een vir Een” is a reinvented track from Jane Rademeyer’s album “I Think a Halo.” Known for her introspective musical style and heartfelt delivery, Rademeyer brings her unique interpretation to this Afrikaans folk song.
With its mesmerizing melody and emotive vocals, “Een vir Een” showcases Rademeyer’s talent for storytelling through music.
Fun fact: Beyond her musical endeavors, Jane Rademeyer has explored various forms of performance art, including conducting a symphony of car horns in a Cape Town car park and collaborating with renowned artists like Willem Boshoff and Felix Laband.
“Elevator Music” is a groovy track by Beck, known for his eclectic musical style that blends various genres with clever wordplay and inventive production.
Featured on his album “The Information,” the song embodies Beck’s signature sound, with funky beats and catchy melodies that make it impossible not to move along.
Fun fact: Beck initiated an experiment called Record Club in 2009, where he and various musicians recorded cover versions of entire albums in one day. The project covered albums such as The Velvet Underground & Nico, Songs of Leonard Cohen, and Skip Spence’s Oar, with contributors including MGMT, Devendra Banhart, Wolfmother’s Andrew Stockdale, Little Joy’s Binki Shapiro, Wilco, Feist, Jamie Lidell, and James Gadson. The Record Club later covered albums by INXS and Yanni.
“The Shadow” by White Williams, from his debut album “Smoke,” offers a sleek blend of influences and calculated disaffection. Drawing comparisons to Beck, Williams combines glassy, nonchalant dance music with observational lyricism reminiscent of early Roxy Music.
Beneath its shimmering surface, “The Shadow” reveals a world of dark nostalgia and introspection.
Fun Fact: In 2013, White Williams soundtracked the film “12 O’Clock Boys.” His debut album under the Motion Graphics alias, released in 2016, features a unique blend of symphonic software-generated melodies with crystal synths and understated vocals. Described as an “uncanny pop hybrid of human and computer music” by Resident Advisor, the album marked Williams’ first release for Domino Records and reflects on technology and communication in the digital era, as noted by Thump.
“Seven” is a haunting track by Fever Ray, enveloping listeners in its dark and atmospheric soundscapes. Karin Dreijer’s mesmerizing vocals and evocative lyrics draw listeners into a hypnotic journey through emotion and self discovery
With its hypnotic rhythms and ethereal ambiance, “Seven” captivates with its mystic allure.
Fun fact: In the early 1990s, Karin Dreijer was a member of the band Honey Is Cool, where she contributed her talents as a vocalist and musician. Later, Karin found further success as one-half of the electronic music duo The Knife, known for their innovative sound and thought-provoking themes. These musical endeavors showcase Karin’s diverse background and her journey through different genres before establishing herself as Fever Ray.
“Like O, Like H” is a charming track by the Canadian indie pop duo Tegan and Sara. Featured on their album “The Con,” released in 2007.
With its catchy hooks and emotive vocal delivery, “Like O, Like H” showcases Tegan and Sara’s knack for crafting poignant and relatable songs that resonate deeply with their audience.
Fun fact: Tegan and Sara began writing songs at 15, using an old guitar found in their basement. Their early compositions, like “Tegan Didn’t Go To School Today,” were recorded on cassette tape. Initially named “Plunk,” they recorded demo albums using their school’s studio. Winning Calgary’s “Garage Warz” in 1998 awarded them studio time, leading to their first professional demo, “Yellow Tape.” This marked the start of their musical journey, culminating in their debut major performance opening for Hayden in May 1998
“Bone House” is a gritty and intense track by The Dead Weather, known for their raw and electrifying sound.
Featured on their album “Horehound,” released in 2009, the song showcases the band’s dynamic blend of garage rock and blues influences, with Alison Mosshart’s powerful vocals leading the charge.
Fun fact: The members of The Dead Weather are involved in several other notable bands. Alison Mosshart is part of the indie rock duo The Kills, Jack White is known for his work with The White Stripes and The Raconteurs, Dean Fertita is a member of Queens of the Stone Age, and Jack Lawrence is part of The Raconteurs and City and Colour.
“Cherry Lips” is a track by Garbage, featured on their third studio album, “Beautiful Garbage.”
With its melodic and dynamic vocals by Shirley Manson, the song stands out as a memorable moment on the album.
Fun fact: Shirley Manson’s path to Garbage included stints with bands like Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie and Angelfish before joining forces with producers Steve Marker and Butch Vig in 1995. As the lead singer of Garbage, Manson propelled the band to international acclaim with their self-titled debut album, showcasing their unique fusion of alternative rock and electronic elements. Since then, Garbage has continued to evolve their sound, releasing successful albums and maintaining their status as influential figures in the alternative music scene
“Episoda” is a standout track from The Black Hotels’ acclaimed album “Films for the Next Century.”
This song showcases The Black Hotels’ ability to craft captivating and emotionally resonant music that leaves a lasting impression on listeners.
Fun fact: The Black Hotels emerged onto the indie rock scene from Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2006. With their debut EP, “Beautiful Mornings,” released in 2007, they quickly gained critical acclaim, solidifying their position as one of the most promising South African indie bands of the time.
“5 Years Time” is one of the most recognizable songs by Noah and the Whale, known for its upbeat ukulele-driven melody and catchy lyrics.
Released in 2008 as part of their debut album “Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down,” the song captures the band’s whimsical and optimistic sound, inviting listeners on a nostalgic journey through sunny days and carefree moments.
Fun fact: Laura Marling, the acclaimed British folk singer-songwriter, contributed vocals and instrumentation to Noah and the Whale’s early recordings and occasionally performed as part of their live band. Her collaboration with the band added depth and richness to their sound, showcasing her versatility as a musician alongside her own successful solo career.
“”Army of me” reinterpreted by Grisbi offers a fresh take on Björk’s iconic track “Army of Me.”
Released as part of the remix and cover album “Army of Me: Remixes and Covers” in 2005, Grisbi infuses the song with their own unique style and sonic palette.
Fun fact: Grisbi, the French electro-pop band, gained recognition when their cover of Björk’s “Army of Me” was noticed and published by Björk herself in the international compilation “Army Of Me, Remixes & Covers” in 2005. Their eclectic sound draws from influences such as Serge Gainsbourg and Kraftwerk, resulting in a maximalist, wandering electro-pop style. Well-received by the French press and public, Grisbi’s music blends experimentation with meticulous production, creating a captivating sonic experience reminiscent of artists like Young Marble Giants and Boards Of Canada.
“Lazaretto” is a track by the multi-talented musician Jack White. Released as the title track of his second solo album in 2014, “Lazaretto” showcases White’s trademark blend of blues, rock,
and garage rock elements. With its gritty guitar rhythms, and impassioned vocals, the song exemplifies White’s mastery of the rock genre and his ability to captivate listeners with his raw energy and musical mastery.
Fun fact: Jack White is known for his innovative approach to vinyl records. “Lazaretto” holds the Guinness World Record for the “World’s Fastest Released Record,” as White recorded, pressed, and released a limited edition of the single in under four hours during a performance at Third Man Records in Nashville on Record Store Day 2014. The vinyl featured hidden tracks, holograms, and other unique features, making it a coveted collector’s item among music enthusiasts.
“Red Eyes” is a track by the indie rock band The War on Drugs, featured on their critically acclaimed album “Lost in the Dream” released in 2014.
The song captivates listeners with its driving rhythms, shimmering guitars, and ethereal atmosphere, characteristic of the band’s signature sound.
Fun fact: While The War on Drugs is primarily associated with Adam Granduciel’s leadership, several members of the band have also been involved in other notable musical projects. For instance, Kurt Vile, who was a founding member of the band, pursued a successful solo career alongside his contributions to The War on Drugs. Additionally, drummer Charlie Hall has played with various artists, including indie rock band The Warlocks and singer-songwriter Edwyn Collins.
“Punkrocker” is a track by the Swedish electronic music group The Teddybears, featuring the iconic Iggy Pop.
Released in 2006 as a single from their album “Soft Machine,”
Fun fact: Teddybears, formerly known as Teddybears STHLM, originated in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1991. Comprising members Patrik Arve, Joakim Åhlund, and Klas Åhlund, the group initially emerged as a hardcore punk band. However, over the years, Teddybears diversified their sound, seamlessly blending elements from hip hop, pop, rock, dancehall, and electronica into their music.The Teddybears gained international recognition with their hit singles like “Cobrastyle” and “Punkrocker,” featuring Iggy Pop.
“Lotus Flower” is a track by Radiohead, featured on their eighth studio album, “The King of Limbs” (2011).
With its hypnotic rhythms and mesmerizing melodies, the song showcases Radiohead’s innovative sound and Thom Yorke’s distinctive vocals.
Fun fact: Outside of their work with Radiohead, the band members have been involved in various musical projects. Thom Yorke has pursued a solo career and collaborated with artists like Nigel Godrich in Atoms for Peace. Jonny Greenwood has ventured into film scoring, released solo albums, and collaborated with classical musicians. Colin Greenwood has contributed to different musical endeavors, including collaborations with Modeselektor. Ed O’Brien, under the moniker EOB, has released solo material and worked with other artists. Philip Selway has also released solo albums, composed music for films, and engaged in collaborative projects.
“Actor Out of Work” is a vibrant and electrifying track by St. Vincent, featured on her album “Actor” released in 2009.
The song bursts with energy, driven by its punchy rhythms, angular guitar riffs, and Annie Clark’s outstanding vocals.
Fun Fact: St. Vincent, also known as Annie Clark, has collaborated with a variety of artists and bands, including Sufjan Stevens and David Byrne. She was also a touring member of The Polyphonic Spree, contributing her talents as a musician and vocalist to their ensemble performances.
“Heartbeats” is a song by the Swedish-Argentinian musician José González, known for its delicate acoustic guitar melodies and intimate vocals.
Originally written and performed by the electronic music duo The Knife, González’s rendition infuses the track with his signature stripped-down style, emphasizing raw emotion.
Fun fact: José González is a Swedish-Argentinian indie folk singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his soft, melodic sound and introspective lyrics. He gained widespread recognition with his cover of The Knife’s song “Heartbeats,” which was featured in a popular Sony commercial.
“Pan” is a track from The Veils’ album “Nux Vomica,” this song is captivating with its thunderous energy and haunting melodies. Led by frontman Finn Andrews, the song delves into existential themes and crises of
faith, delivering a brooding narrative reminiscent of gothic rock legends. With its theatrical flair and captivating sonic landscape, “Pan” showcases The Veils’ unique blend of gothic Americana and musical brilliance.
Fun Fact: The Veils’ frontman, Finn Andrews, is the son of Barry Andrews, a founding member of the iconic British band XTC.
Won’t You Come Over” is a track by the talented musician Devendra Banhart, featured on his album “Mala”. Devendra’s sense of humor shines through in this song, showcasing his ability to infuse light-heartedness into his music while maintaining his
signature style. With its playful melodies and witty lyrics, “Won’t You Come Over” invites listeners into Banhart’s unique musical world, where every note carries a hint of joy and mischief.
Fun fact: Devendra Banhart was a member of the band Megapuss, which also included Gregory Rogove and Fabrizio Moretti of The Strokes. They released an album titled “Surfing” in 2008. Additionally, he collaborated with the band Little Joy, featuring Rodrigo Amarante and Binki Shapiro, contributing vocals and songwriting to their self-titled debut album released in 2008.
“Crystalised” by The xx, from their debut album “xx”, captivates with their minimalist melodic feel, exploring themes of longing and connection.
Romy Madley Croft’s vocals, complemented by Oliver Sim’s emotive delivery, create an intimate atmosphere.
Fun fact: The xx members have been involved in various musical projects outside the band, including collaborations with artists like Drake and Florence and the Machine. Notably, Jamie xx has contributed production to Drake’s “Take Care” featuring Rihanna and remixed “You Got the Love” by Florence and the Machine. Additionally, Jamie xx’s solo work, including tracks like “Gosh” and “Loud Places” from his acclaimed album “In Colour”.
“Transparence” is a track by Asobi Seksu, featured on their album “Hush.” Asobi Seksu’s trademark blend of dream pop
and shoegaze is on full display here, creating a magical atmosphere that enchants from start to finish.
Fun fact: Asobi Seksu is a New York City-based dream pop band formed in 2004. Their name translates to “playful sex” in Japanese. The band’s sound is characterized by ethereal vocals, lush layers of guitars, and atmospheric textures, drawing influences from shoegaze, indie rock, and dream pop. Asobi Seksu gained recognition for their captivating live performances and their albums such as “Citrus” and “Hush.”
“Love Is a Deserter” emerges as a magnetic force within The Kills’ album “No Wow,” beckoning listeners into a world of raw emotion and unfiltered intensity.
With Alison Mosshart’s scathing vocals and Jamie Hince’s guitar riffs, the track pulsates with a potent blend of defiance and resignation
Fun fact: Alison Mosshart, the vocalist of The Kills, is also recognized for her role as the lead singer of The Dead Weather, a rock band formed with Jack White, Dean Fertita, and Jack Lawrence. Meanwhile, Jamie Hince, the guitarist of The Kills, has engaged in collaborations with various artists and producers, showcasing his talents beyond his role in the band.
“Helicopter” a track from Bloc Party’s album Silent Alarm, embodies the band’s ambition to create a guitar rock album that’s big on sound.
With its driving beat and compelling guitar work, “Helicopter” is a testament to Bloc Party’s ability to craft songs that are both intelligent and intensely engaging.
Fun fact: Members of Bloc Party have pursued various musical projects outside the band. Kele Okereke has released solo albums like The Boxer and Trick, and explored electronic music with his Candy Flip EP. Russell Lissack played with Pin Me Down and collaborated with Ash. Former drummer Matt Tong joined Algiers, and former bassist Gordon Moakes worked with Young Legionnaire and his project Déjà Vu.
“Falling Off a Horse” from Felix Laband’s Dark Days Exit showcases his skill in layering looped sounds over rhythmic pulses. Based in South Africa,
Laband blends whimsical elements with a subtle sinister edge, reflecting the contrasts of his homeland and creating an immersive listening experience.
Fun fact: Felix Laband’s creative process mirrors a collage technique, applied across various mediums including music and visual art. They approach their craft by cutting ideas from different sources and then reassembling them to create something entirely new and unique. Taken from a Daily Maverick article : “So, I try to fill my life with as much inspiration as possible in terms of books and other source material: films and documentaries accessed and downloaded from YouTube have become my latest obsession. In terms of actual art, I think sculpture, especially installation sculpture, is most intriguing to me.”