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 Kid On My Shoulders
by White Rabbits from the 2007 album Fort Nightly on Say Hey Records.
This NYC sextet (2 drummers, 2 guitarists, piano, bass), like Vampire Weekend, incorporates ska and afro-beat to go along with their saloon-style piano and controlled intensity. While the context of the songs is a dark moodiness, the hooks are able to pull listeners away, putting the whole of these complex arrangements into focus. With their instrumental setup and three-part harmonies, anything but White Rabbits’ top notch songwriting would have doomed them to failure. Instead these guys harness their influences and individual stylings to create one of the best debut albums of the year. Tomorrow they appear at the Monolith Festival before having several dates with the Kaiser Chiefs followed by several more dates with Tokyo Police Club. Mark your calendars for one of said Tokyo Police Club dates, 10/18 at Nuemo’s. Being the thorough music fan that you are, head over to their MySpace page for samples and more. Also, watch this video of the band chatting and performing in their practice space:
