Brandon
“Conundrum Tree” by The Visitations
Davey Wrathgaber is an Athens institution. Strange as he is insightful, he brings joy and wisdom to life on the road (or for that matter, any social situation which does not involve a rabid pack of skinheads). “Why is it that a broken heart doesn’t just stop pounding? /It grows stronger as the days drag on.”
“Landscape” by Candy Bars
These cats are visionaries from the unlikeliest of places—my home town of Tampa, Fla. We didn’t meet until long after I had left, but had we known each other sooner we may have started a killer stadium folk band. How can two dudes so beautifully defile the innocence of Beach Boys arrangements with the creepiest of whispery vocals and enigmatic lyrics while maintaining perfect pop sensibilities and almost single-handedly reviving a music scene that never was? I’ve no answers for you.
“Bee Hive” by Bottom of the Hudson
From day 1 to the final show with the legends who are Bottom of the Hudson, it was the 10 of us against the seemingly impossible odds of a 10-day indie rock tour with no fan base, no local press to speak of and no guarantees—of payment or anything else. It was an exercise in learning how to let go without giving up….giving thanks and loving the absurd. Besides the fact that there is no other group of people with whom I’d rather be journeying, Eli Simon is one of the wisest songwriters making music today. He spoke to me of the frustrating but ephemeral nature of touring vs. satisfying immutability of recorded song. I tend to agree with him.
A.J.
“Yes it Is” by The Beatles
Right from the start it sounds soothing and comforting, although once the chorus comes in it's almost haunting. It sounds quite simple, but I think John outdid himself here.
“Egyptian Shumba” by The Tammys
All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!! I've never heard anything like this. The lead vocals make me smile so hard I feel like I'm going to have a perma-smile.
“Man in a Shed” by Nick Drake
Nick Drake is a God, and his finger picking is extraordinary. The lyrics are what sold me on this song. “Please don't think I'm not your sort, you'll find that sheds are nicer than you thought.” That’s brilliant in so many ways.
Trey
“Soulmate” by Sebadoh
While in high school this was my introduction to the wonderful world of lo-fi. To me, it’s the song that started a lo-fi revolution and made at least a few dozen kids get off their asses, buy a 4-track, and start pouring their hearts out onto magnetic tape.
“Surf’s Up” by The Beach Boys
Beautiful chords, haunting melody and amazing lyrics. I always picture Brian sitting in his sandbox in his home in Laurel Canyon playing this one. I love it!
“Ghost at Number One” by Jellyfish
I recently got re-introduced to this song via YouTube….amazing band with amazing songs. This one stands out to me as a pure pop classic.
Nathan
“Hurdy Gurdy Man” by Donovan
This one has really influenced me musically. I love the drum rolls, quiet vocals and the overall spookiness of the song.
“Dust in the Wind” by Kansas
I've loved this song since I was a kid. It's kinda cheesy......but the violin solo really takes me away.
“Here, There and Everywhere” by The Beatles
I think this is just the perfect love song. It paints the most beautiful picture in my mind. I feel I could fall in love with anyone after listening to this tune.
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King of Prussia's Saving the Scene album will be released January 29, 2008 by Kindercore Records.
