Few bands come to mind when I think of the word “beautiful.” For those of you unfamiliar with the Danish pop band Mew, they are renowned for their angelic, surreal instrumentals mixed with a very soft bliss-pop feel and the occasional nostalgic taste of cheap 80’s electro. Mew’s entrancing, original sound first seduced the world in 1997 with their debut A Triumph For Man which set a strong base for the band to grow off of, and they certainly have. Mew(two) (Zack's Note: I had to make the joke at least once. Sorry.) is one of those bands that is always evolving and their sound seems to morph before your brain can even process the beauty. Over the past 8 years Mew has created what is now some of, in my opinion, the most unique music around. It’s hard to recommend just a few songs by Mew because of their diverse track lists. To be honest, choosing a limited amount of Mew songs for this post is as difficult as Ron Jeremy trying to fit his penis in a Snapple bottle….it just doesn’t work. For this reason, I will just attempt to recommend some of the most diverse tracks. Download them all now, get the KY out, turn off the lights and brace yourself.
Visit Mew’s Website not to be confused with http://www.mew.org/ (but you should go there anyway because there are cute kittens)
Downloads 156 [from Half The World Is Watching Me 2000] The opening to this song is just fantastic. Take notice of how many different melodies and time changes there are in this song. Just like in Am I Wry No all the changes come at the perfect times. Comforting Sounds [from Frengers 2003] “Comforting Sounds” is truly that. It sets a tone in the first 2 minutes then explodes and expands before your ears. It's definitely one of my favorite songs by Mew and is gorgeous. Wheels Over Me [from A Triumph For Man 1997] The rhythm in this song is first rate, and, like all Mew songs, each step of the song is blended to perfection. Not only does this song have “ooohs” it also has some dropping the beat and math rock style guitar stops towards the end. Am I Wry No [from Frengers 2003] I posted “Am I Wry No” in my 10 song list. This is the best example of Mew’s seamless musical growth within a song. It hits you in all the right places, and will take you to a dream world of magic no doubt. Their most epic and memorable song. The Zookeeper’s Boy [from And The Glass Handed Kites 2005] Mew’s latest, this is within the realm of Am I Wry No musically. With layered vocals and synth drums they really kick it up a notch. It also keeps with the trend of weird vocals but unfortunately doesn’t have as impressive tempo changes.
5 comments:
Mew are the greatest Denmark has to offer. You should check out their epic "Comforting Sounds" on Frengers, you will not regret it. If possible, get their latest album "And The Glass Handed Kites" -- nothing short of a masterpiece. All the songs are fused together to create a complex blissful, and melancholic journey for those who embark on it. I can't highly recommend them enough to people, glad you like them.
ok, i'm an idiot, forget the stuff after the first sentence and the last as that bit was supposed to be posted in m3 online. anyway, i'm sorry again.
You guys are awesome. It's hard to find obscure and indie music but this site is pretty much my version of heaven.
Love from Boston!
Mew's "Comforting Sounds" is amazing. I can't really think of another way to describe it.
I've amazed by this Denmark Band since years ago. If only they were more known in the US, the people would welcome their US tour. I'm glad I've found more Frengers on the net (we are called Frengers). You should hear "Special" and "Why are You Looking Grave?" from Mew And The Glass Handed Kites. Mew have never dissapoint me, they're the best!
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