the crack files: sounds
Explore always-relevant tidbits of funformation in our archives...
 The song title fits the artist: "For Real". That’s the name of one of the previously unreleased songs from the late Tom Petty. “For Real” is autobiographical, telling the real-life story of doing things for real. It’s quintessential Petty and The Heartbreakers, but it’s so… sad. We feel sad. Perhaps it’s because his Earthly departure came too soon and we’re not over it. Or perhaps it’s because there aren’t many authentic “real” artists making music in any genre. “For Real” is featured on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: The Best of Everything, available March 1st. Oh, Meghan Trainor, how we love thee. There’s not one Trainor tune we haven’t enjoyed. This gal can write a catchy thang all day long. Of course, we really can’t escape her newest song “All The Ways”, as it’s featured in Target’s latest ad campaign. But it’s a fun, bubbly number that instantly puts a smile on our face when we hear it. So, all the bad feels disappear. Look! There's a giant teddy bear in the video. We have our giant love monkey Funbassador, Ollie! Awwww. How can you not love this? And with Meghan's recent nuptials we just feel wonderful... Foreigner is on a roll. Not only have they sown and reaped a long-lasting career, but they’re giving back. Proceeds from a new version of “I Want To Know What Love Is” are being donated to Shriners Hospital for Children. The single appears on a new now-available album of live recordings, FOREIGNER LIVE IN CONCERT. “There is a spiritual undertone to ‘I Want To Know What Love Is,’ and when you apply the lyrics to a cause like Shriners Hospitals for Children, it brings a whole new meaing to the song,” said Mick Jones. Check out the video featuring Shriners Hospitals for Children patients. It will warm your heart. If biscuits and sausage gravy could sing, we imagine it would be the voice of Jimmie Allen. This dude has been blessed with a golden voice. If you’re not a country music fan, you might just become one after your hear his tune “Best Shot”. It has the makings of a hit country song: imperfect, humbled-by-life man inspired by his other-worldly woman-love promises to be a better version of himself. We can identify with that. In this instance, it appears “Best Shot” is not about romantic love, but love and appreciation Jimmie has for the maternal figures in his life. We just want to squeeze his adorable-ness! When you’re felling the "blahs" because the weather just won’t cooperate, put this one on from Cayucas.  “Jessica WJ” is still reminiscent of the surf rock that brought twins Zach and Ben Yudin notoriety, but with a little more rock action. Still sunny. Still tasty. The track chronicles a bass-playing friend from high school and the regret of thinking about “what could have been.” Ah, yes. We’ve all fallen down that rabbit hole at one point or another in our lives. Note: Is it us, or does the name Cayucas sound like someone in a hacking fit? Watch that post-nasal drip… The Revivalists will make your head bop back and forth with their tune “Change”. We instantly feel funky-fresh and cool-cat when we listen to this one. It’s like going to the Church of Music and getting a sermon on how to be awesome. It’s an old-school vibe mashed with modern musicality. Cruise down the road with a grin on your face. Because a grin is cool-cat. A full-on smile is too much for this tune. Now that that is out of the way. Let’s focus on their promo picture.  First, how did they get Howard Stern to sit up in this tree? Second, we love how no one is looking at the camera, except for the one guy in the back. Notice his shades are crooked? Punishment for looking at the camera! Third, what are these two guys on the left conveying to each other? “Dude, can’t believe we have to do all these promo shots and look aloof. I just want a Wendy’s Baconator.” “Dude, I think I got a rash.” Not cool-cat. We’re not immersed in the Christian Music scene. The Crack Wise staff is down with good music—of any genre. And we particularly love songs that inspire and touch our hearts. The message behind 7eventh Time Down’s song “The 99” is clear-cut. Crafting the lyrics from Luke 15, the song tells the tale of being lost but sought-after by Jesus. “Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the 99 in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it… Count on it! There is more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over 99 good people in no need of rescue.” Upbeat and uplifting, you may just find yourself singing along. You may be lost. But you can be found, if willing.  We’ve been mildly intrigued by Alice Merton. That damned song of hers “No Roots” was a complete earworm that made us tap to the beat and fist pump a little any time we heard it. Now we’re learning that she ain’t about “Funny Business”. Another subtle driving beat, this time with some smooth vocal stylings and nice synth action. Nothing but good karma here. |
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