Song Obsessions for January

British Sea Power – "Waving Flags" off Do You Like Rock Music? (2008)

The return of these Brighton indie rockers couldn't please me more. This song combines the strained urgency of their debut with the relaxed, lush sound of their second release, presenting them with an altogether fuller sound. It doesn't hurt that it also features ex-Arcade Fire drummer Howard Bilerman and Godspeed You! Black Emperor's Efrim Menuck.




Dame Satan – "Sirens" off Dame Satan/Two Sheds [Split 7"] (2007)

When I first came across this song, I could have sworn I had heard it long ago. "Sirens" perfectly captures the overlap of late-60's psychedelic with early-70's blues-inspired rock. The fact that they're 35 years late is of no importance.




Rain Parade - "No Easy Way Down" off Explosions in the Glass Palace (1984)

Part of the Los Angeles 'Paisley Underground' scene back in the mid-80s, this band received brief critical praise for bringing 60's psychedelia into a then-modern college rock sound. The shaky keyboards which seem to hover over the entire song are a perfect compliment to the loose, meandering guitars.