Song of the Day: Will Butler - Take My Side

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 song, featured on the Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Take My Side” by Will Butler from the forthcoming album Policy on Merge Records.

Will Butler - Take My Side (MP3)

Win may be the best known Butler of Grammy-winning group Arcade Fire, but the band’s other Butler, Will, is no stranger to success. The Academy Award nominated multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer will release his debut solo album, Policy, in March 2015. The album recalls the American traditions of Bob Dylan, the Breeders, Smokey Robinson, and alleged honorary “American” John Lennon. Policy was recorded in such a legendary American’s living room; at Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studios in New York. The album mostly features Will’s own well of talent, with the exception of Arcade Fire’s Jeremy Gara on drums.

Butler confidently advances to center stage with “Take My Side,” the first single from the upcoming album. The song is a jangly, prickling rock and roll jam where the wacky Butler lets loose and shows what he's capable of on his own terms. Amid the convulsing riffs and clashes, what Butler really needs to know now is, are you gonna take his side?

Butler doesn't have any plans for a West Coast tour yet, but you can follow his antics on his website, Facebook and "Twittah." For now, watch fan footage of the live debut of "Take My Side" below: