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 Our Age
by Constantines from the 2008 album Kensington Heights on Arts & Crafts.
Kensington Heights marks Constantines’ fourth album, their first for Arts & Crafts. The album’s title is derived from the Toronto neighborhood that houses the band’s practice space. Whereas their prior albums were sprawling, energetic affairs -- signs of the band searching for that “Constantines’ sound” -- their latest shows a greater sense of direction and comfort. Lead singer Bryan Webb sounds just as assured as ever, leading the band with classic rock vocals and balladry through slightly calmer waters than past efforts. The focus is still on guitar-driven rock ‘n’ roll and maneuvering through lush musical landscapes, but part of their rawness has fallen away and been replaced by studied precision. While that may sound like a negative thing, Constantines have made these changes on their own terms and executed them in a natural progression. But from this point on, there’s no telling what this talented group might come up with -- witness their collaboration with Feist covering the Bee Gees’ “Islands in the Stream.” Seattle listeners, be sure to check out their renowned live show when they stop at Neumo’s 6/29. Other dates can be found at their MySpace page, as can this video for Hard Feelings
, which highlights their best, old and new:
