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Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue: Missing the Yeah Yeah Yeahs is a big no, no, no
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Yeah Yeah Yeahs ready to rock DC Friday
There are quite a few bands coming to town this week and one of the most popular of the bunch would have to be Karen Oh and the punk rock alternative band the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Since the show sold out in record time when it was announced on 930 Club's website some may have been shutout unfortunately. But cheer up because if the warm reception to their latest CD It’s A Blitz is any indication the band will likely be back around soon. But now is a good chance to educate those who may not know much about the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. So this week's SONBB is all about this unique Indie underground band turned popular radio favorite. The band is known for their energetic live shows and charismatic lead singer Karen Oh who is a fashion icon for both cutting edge style and her exotic looks. She also is very much the modern day Siouxsie Sioux from Siouxsie and the Banshees (kiddies look Siouxsie Sioux up she’s a legend). But equally talented are Nick Zinner who is a very underrated guitarist and keyboarist and shines on a lot of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs songs and also Brian Chase who is a gifted drummer and gives a lot of the songs flare.
Something Old:
“Gold Lion” (from 2006's Show Your Bones ) is really the predecessor of artists like Tegan and Sara. Both vocally and in the overall sound of the tune. Listen for Karen Oh to flex her vocal muscles which she can change at the drop of a pin. “Maps” (from 2003’s Fever To Tell ) is really the song that put the band on, well for the lack of a better term, the map. It is a very down tempo rock song but there is something infectious about the beat and sound of the song that instantly grabs you. “Down Boy” (from the EP Is Is) is one of the band’s best pure rock tunes. The guitar absolutely steals the show on this song and this song needs to be in any real rock fan’s collection.
Something New:
From the moment the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs cd It's A Blitz came out this year the first single “Zero” was an instant indie/alternative radio hit. "Zero" is a hard rocking, sexy rock anthem that has never made putting on a leather jacket sound sexier. Give it a listen because there is no doubt most people have heard it and may have not known it was the band. Another standout on the CD is "Heads Will Roll" which is very retro 80s new wave but is actually a perfect sound for the band and really showcases the amazing musicianship of Zinner and Chase. "Dull Life" is also an amazing track and is more exotic and melody driven and showcases Karen Oh's unique voice and the skilled musicians that back up the leading lady. "Runaway" is a haunting song that is a bit slower and starts off with limited instrument accompaniment until percussion is slowly added to give the song a sudden punch towards the end.
Something Borrowed:
When the Warchild presents: Heroes cd came out it was quickly made very clear this wasn't your ordinary charitable cause or covers CD. Each artist was handpicked by the band to cover the song. When it came time for the only surviving member of the world famous punk legends the Ramones Marky Ramone to pick he chose the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The song chosen was even too perfect for the band:"Sheena Is A Punk Rocker." The final product was a fun and sultry take on the classic ode to punk rocker girls everywhere. The song seemed even more fitting being sang by a woman who exhibits all the qualities of a punk rock girl like Sheena and she definitely did Joey, Johnny and crew proud. Listen to their awesome version of the song HERE and then discover the brilliant, classic original of the song by the Ramones HERE.
Something Blue:
There aren't many sad tunes but there are a few mellower tunes on the band's CDs to break up the harder rock tunes. A perfect example of that is: “Warrior” (from Show Your Bones) is a very stripped down and more melancholy tune that focuses more on Karen Oh’s dramatic delivery and the guitar is even more acoustic and almost folk rockish. This song is a drastic sound departure for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs but just proves how the Yeah Yeahs can be chameleons and change their sound and make it sound effortless. “Little Shadow” (From Its a Blitz) is simply a gorgeous, simplistic and haunting song. From the subtle organ to Oh’s stripped down vocals this song is a departure for the band and is sad but breathtaking at the same time. This song is definitely one of the band’s best songs to date.
For anyone seeing the Yeah Yeah Yeahs this Friday these songs are obviously only the tip of the iceberg of amazing songs for this brilliant band. But for those who have never heard of this terrific rock band discover some of their songs and check their Myspace. Because one listen will guarantee addiction. After all the hundreds of fans who jam pack their sold out shows can't be wrong and seem to just be cutting edge in music. For more information also check out the band's official site: www.yeahyeahyeahs.com
For future suggestions for SONBB please e-mail your choices to: lizamsk@verizon.net
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