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 “Hey Luci” by Pablo from the forthcoming album There’s Rope to Leave.
When we say we bring you the latest unreleased songs, we aren’t just blowing smoke. Today’s Song of the Day continues our Seattle-New York connection with a brand new track from an as-yet-unreleased album by NYC band Pablo. Led by Paul Schalda, who is joined by family and friends, Pablo has been haunting the hallways of KEXP for the last few years and made an appearance at KEXP’s CMJ broadcast back in 2006 and then here in Seattle at the John in the Morning at Night New Year’s Bash that same year. (By the way, don’t forget to get your tickets to this Friday’s John in the Morning at Night party at Neumo’s with Two Gallants, Head Like a Kite, Blue Giant, and Harvey Danger!) In 2008, “Hey Luci” finds Pablo moving in a slightly different direction, though longtime fans won’t be disappointed. Gone are the whispered vocals that build up to a yowl and the soulful, strumming guitar; replacing them is an uptempo rhythm right out of the gate and more assured lyrics. The great acoustic guitar work is still here, but when Shalda tears through his vocal lines in the harmonies, we’re reminded more of the Pixies than the oft-compared Replacements. Whoever this “Luci” is and whatever she might have done, she’s certainly done wonders with our band Pablo! Enjoy this new song as you wait for the completion and release of the new album.
