Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of 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. Each and every Friday we offer songs by local artists. Today’s selection, featured on the Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, is “Something Else” by the Diamond Rings from the 2010 album Special Affections on Secret City Records.
Prior to the release of his new album, Special Affections, Toronto’s John O’Regan had only released a handful of singles, the most notably being his first ever single “Diamond Rings” released solely as a split 7″ with fellow Canadian band P.S. I Love You. Surprisingly, most of O’Regan’s music was inspired by a lengthy hospital stay in 2008, where he was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. In fact, some of the very first Diamond Rings performances were actually held from his hospital bed with his keyboard and guitar. As you can see from the photo above, O’Regan is a colorful character who’s not afraid of pushing the boundaries between art and glamor. His music combines simple Casio keyboards and vintage synth sounds with an irresistible pop/dance twist and his charming vocals. What does that all look and sound like? Think Cindy Lauper meets The Bravery.
Diamond Rings just started a new tour in support of the album and will be at the Vera Project here in Seattle on November 27. You can find out where else Diamond Rings will be on the official website and MySpace page. For now, enjoy the wonderfully catchy video of today’s featured song:
