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This Week’s Must Listen Playlist: Springfest Artists And Springtime Favorites

Jillian Morabito |
March 31, 2013 | 4:36 p.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

Every other week, Staff Reporter Jillian Morabito showcases some of the tunes you should be tuning in to. Here are her picks for your new Must Listen Playlist:

“Shiver Shiver” by Walk the Moon

Walk the Moon is a band everyone should already be familiar with because "Anna Sun" was played to death by the radio. Anyways, the Ohio band is a young, fun group ready to rock Springfest this weekend. Essential songs to know include "Quesadilla," "Next in Line," "Tightrope," and "Jenny."

If you want to know some deep cuts, I recommend “Blue Dress” which has never been released; the reference to the “White Album” has never warranted wanting to wear a blue dress as badly. However, “Shiver Shiver” is perhaps the most quintessential song by Walk the Moon because its infectious beat and provocative lyrics make it not only a flawless summer jam, but also a concert sing-along must

“Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities

Beginning to receive more radio play, “Safe and Sound” is another song that is simply just, well, fun. The music video is absolutely adorable and makes you wish dancing was still like it was back in the '50s. Sure, there may have been tons of wars going on, but at least there were suitable places to dance without feeling like you're going to catch something (9-0 and frat parties come to mind).

The lyrics of this song talk about even though the world is in chaos, they'll be okay if they stay together. Be sure not to get this song confused with the same Grammy winning song by she-who-shall-not-be-named and the Civil Wars (they’re actually fantastic musicians). Also, watch out for Capital Cities this weekend at Springfest!

“Out Of My League” by Fitz and the Tantrums

One of the most underrated bands of recent memory, Fitz and the Tantrums are back with a new single, “Out of my League.” The alternative-soul sound the band produces is insanely catchy and different from a lot of the indie acts out there today because of influences from Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, etc.

Highlights of their catalog include “Moneygrabber,” “Don’t Gotta Work it Out,” “Tighter,” and “L.O.V.” The band is quite eccentric (lead singer Michael Fitzpatrick’s trademark is the white streak in his hair) and awesome performers, constantly commanding the stage and engaging the crowd. You may be familiar with Fitz because they played a free show at the House of Blues last month for USC students. 

 

“You’re Too Weird” by Fruit Bats

Okay, so the title attracted me the most. It’s a song about how she thinks he’s too weird, but then comes to the conclusion that she’s a bit odd herself. The music video is a hilarious satire that mocks cheesy '80s videos. If you’ve ever watched those videos, with the smoke and soft lighting, then you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Also, Fruit Bats are an awesome band; they’re very similar musically to Portugal the Man and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. For a particularly gleeful mood, listen to “When U Love Somebody.” For when you’re in a “I hate the world” mood, I recommend another band because the Fruit Bats rarely write passive aggressive tunes. Basically, all their songs are happy. This may seem odd to us due to our anger induced by traffic, smog, and the past football season but hey, we’re all a bit weird right?

“Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman

For this week’s throwback, I have chosen to honor folk singer Tracy Chapman’s album as it celebrates its 25th anniversary this week. As much as it pains me to highlight her most clichéd song, it is one of her best (and also one of the only ones with a music video).

“Fast Car” narrates a story about a woman living with economic troubles having to take care of her alcoholic father; all she wants is to escape as she sings “I had a feeling I could be someone.” The truth and sincerity she sings with is unmatched by almost all. Her whole debut album, in fact, highlighted the struggles many faced in the late '80s. Other standouts include “Why,” “Talkin’ Bout a Revolution,” “Across the Lines,” and “For My Lover.” It is disappointing that Tracy’s later work did not gain as much fame as her debut album, when it was just as impeccable. And for the record, Tracy Chapman is a woman

Reach Staff Reporter Jillian Morabito here. 

Read more Must Listen articles here.



 

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