Archive for the ‘Peasant’ Category
AWmusic’s Top Songs of 2008 pt 2: #51-75
I forgot to mention that these top songs are still very personal opinions despite trying to take as many suggestions of the rest of the writers. I’m not sure how people will respond to the list, numbering isn’t quite as important as inclusion. I like taking suggestions as there will be millions of tracks I likely missed. As is the goal with this list, 10-limit descriptions included.
Previously:
#76-100
Next in the series:
Part 3: #26-50
Part 4: #1-25
Numbers #51-75:
#51 Creator by Santogold w/ Switch and Freq Nasty (myspace/video -unofficial was canceled?)
The intro is risky, brave and wildly effective.
#52 Crystal Stilts by Crystal Stilts (myspace)
A song should be good if it’s your band name.
#53 I Wish I Could Keep You by Little Pictures (myspace/live)
This song makes me wish I was a kid again.
#54 In The Kitchen by The Pomegranates (myspace/live -poor visual quality)
A song I want to play on the guitar.
#55 Never Miss A Beat by Kaiser Chiefs (homepage/video)
The kids on the street, are scary! Shiiet.
#56 Death To The Los Campesinos! By Los Campesinos! (myspace/video)
“I’ll be control-alt-deleting your face with no reservation”.
#57 Marry Me Annie by Matthew and The Arrogant Sea (myspace)
Hey Annie, I’m serious, MATAS is a great band.
#58 Whiite Fantaseee by Slim Twig (myspace)
How about an Asian fantaseee?
#59 Dance Dance Dance by Lykke Li (myspace/live with Bon Iver)
Lykke Li’s hips lie and she’s shy. I’m in love.
#60 Galaxy Of The Lost by Lightspeed Champion (myspace/video)
Emmy The Great makes this song gold. Weird video.
#61 Skinny Love by Bon Iver
Bon Iver should try BBW. Morbidly Obese Love anyone?
#62 Good Time by Brazilian Girls (myspace/video)
I just want to have a good time too.
#63 Can’t Shake It by Kate Miller-Heidke (myspace/video)
I can’t dance either though this song is danceable…
#64 New Soul by Yael Naim(homepage)
I’m a new ipod product with a new catchy song.
#65 Boneless by The Notwist (homepage)
Great song off a slightly disappointing album.
#66 Shadow Falls by Hello, Blue Roses (myspace/live)
Awesome duet, too bad they were bashed by Pitchfork.
#67 Get Better by Mates of State (myspace/video)
“Forget your politics for awhile”. 2008 was a tough year.
#68 Xavia by The Submarines (myspace)
The Submarines don’t let me down in this song.
#69 Home Sweet Home by Those Dancing Days (myspace/video)
A perfect holiday song.
#70 Not Your Savior by Peasant (myspace)
Peasant keeps it honest, leave him alone.
#71 Call It A Ritual by Wolf Parade (myspace)
I enjoy Spencer Krug’s metaphorical writing.
#72 Black Rice by Women (myspace/live)
Best Song that ends in a whimper.
#73 The Rip by Portishead (homepage/video)
Just beautiful.
#74 That’s Not My Name by The Tings Tings (myspace/video)
Wait..what is her name again?
#75 Gila by Beach House (myspace/live)
Giiiiiiiiillllllllllllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
Peasant – On The Ground Review
Peasant is Damien DeRose’s stage name. His release of “On The Ground” I’ve been listening to for the past month in hopes of writing this review. Peasant is from Doylestown, Pennsylvania where it’s not too far off from major cities and notable places in the area but I guess you can say he lives in some sort of solitary.
Folk rock is a tough thing, I find it easy to like or dislike right off the bat since everything is at face value when it comes to the music. That being said, I liked Peasant’s work almost immediately. DeRose has a nice soothing voice who can write a short folk pop song.
On “Impeccable Manners”, Peasant sings that he’s a “man of impeccable manners, lived all my life and never broke the law” while stating “I’m not sure if this makes any sense” hinting that while I would find a man of impeccable manners boring, he does too. Peasant maintains this humility on “Not Your Savior”. On this record, knows where he’s at, he doesn’t overdo on any level and uses his strengths in his singing and songwriting. While some songs are a bit short, he rarely disappoints.
I can’t really pick and choose which song is “the best” but all songs are good if not great . While I don’t have much to say other then Peasant having an amazing voice that is a little weather beaten but unlike many other artists he’ll be compared to (Bon Iver and Iron and Wine) he has a much sweeter voice with the songwriting that could melt your heart.
Lo-fi or as a minimalist Peasant, brings out the most of songs and after repeated listens I have to say this album IS comparable to the Bon Iver and Iron & Wine when it comes to folk indie. While I am getting carried away with the comparisons, he does experiment with his singing and different types of guitar melodies, giving each song a fresh sound. I’m ultimately entertained all the way throughout.
Rating: 4.75 out of 5
When comparing to For Emma, Forever Ago, I like On The Ground better. Granted both are bit apples and oranges in terms of folk rock, Damien DeRose has made a lovely record that I hope you pick up. I’m going to stop writing this review before I give it a 5….
On The Ground by Peasant
Not Your Savior by Peasant
Impeccable Manners by Peasant
