photo by Cuong Lechau
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s featured selection, chosen by Morning Show host John Richards, is Merryland
by Hey Hey My My from the self-titled 2007 Album on Sober & Gentle.
Until recently, Hey Hey My My’s folk/pop sound had no place in France, as everyone was hooked on traditional French music, R&B, and club music. Fortunately, venues have recently opened up to acts like HHMM, and while still part of a more or less underground scene, rock-oriented bands are drawing attention. Hey Hey My My, who obviously name-check a popular Neil Young song, are actually a French duo consisting of Julien Gaulier and Julien Garnier. Much like Neil Young, HHMM experiment with thought-provoking melancholy, but with their beautiful harmonies, bright guitars and sometimes downright chipper vocals, HHMM keep their melancholy light. While at first it may sound like you’ve heard all this before, HHMM keep things interesting with clever breaks and by imposing a European vibe on these heavily American-inspired tunes. Audrey Pic of The Envelopes, a band that toured the states with Ratatat, provides vocals on two tracks, one of which (Morricone
) you can sample on HHMM’s MySpace page. Currently without a US label, HHMM’s album is available digitally, and exclusively, through Other Music. For a great Neil Young throwback, listen to the harmonica during this video for Too Much Space
:
