Song of the Day: Lightspeed Champion – Dry Lips

Lightspeed Champion live at Vanity, Tokyo 12/10/07
photo by m.uch

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 Midday Show host Cheryl Waters, is Dry Lips by Lightspeed Champion from the 2008 album Falling Off The Lavender Bridge on Domino Record Co.

Not long after the dissolving of his former band Test Icicles, Devonte Hynes headed to Omaha, Nebraska, the home of Saddle Creek Records and birthplace of the artist known as Lightspeed Champion. The songs range from spry folk/country to pop-rock, sounds that go hand in hand with Saddle Creek producer Mike Mogis. The bliss of the album is derived from Hynes’ undecorated vocals and his harmonies with singer/songwriter Emmy the Great, all atop fun and fresh pop melodies. The melodies are easy to get lost in and will surely have you doing double takes once the lyrics kick in. In addition to Emmy, the album benefits from members of Tilly & the Wall, Faint drummer Clark Baechle, Mogis himself, and others. Hynes has said that he was born in Houston but raised in Essex and it shows when looking at his current tour. Folks stateside won’t see much of Lightspeed Champion over the next couple months outside select major cities. For complete details, check his frequently updated website and MySpace page, where you can also check out his extensive video blog. Meanwhile, here’s the official video for Tell Me What It’s Worth: