As I write this, the women’s marches are happening all over the world the day after Trump’s inauguration ceremony. I couldn’t take place in a march as my son has a nasty vomiting bug so its all hands on deck here but naturally, my tracks this week are a commentary on the political situation in the US.
Arcade Fire – I Give You Power (feat. Mavis staples)
First up this week is the new release, I Give You Power, from my absolute favourite band Arcade Fire, featuring Mavis Staples. Its been a while since we’ve heard from Arcade Fire. Each new album they tend to do something new and change direction and if this new track is anything to go by then they are going to stay true to their tradition for their fourth album, rumoured to drop later this year.
https://instagram.com/p/g0z7z4uVR7/
The new track is much grimier and bluesy than anything Arcade Fire have put out to date. Staple’s voice is deep, gravelly and powerful, I LOVE hearing her on this track.
The track isn’t from the upcoming album, but is a special release with all proceeds going to the American Civil Liberties Union. A classy move and strong statement from Arcade Fire in this ‘grab em by the p*ssy/build a wall’ political climate. The band goes on to say in their YouTube description, ‘it’s never been more important that we stick together and take care of each other’.
Favourite lyrics: ‘I give you power (power). Where do you think it all comes from? Huh? Who gives you power? (Power). Where do you think it all comes from? I give you power. I can take it all away. Watch me”. Certainly food for thought.
Honeyblood – Sea Hearts
Sticking to my theme, my second track this week isn’t a new release but given the marches, I’ve felt the need to listen to some real badass chicks. Sea Hearts is now 3 months old and is from Honeyblood’s second album, Babes Never Die, that was released November last year.
Stina and Cat are definitely a pair of badass babes and are probably my favourite new band from the past few years. I’ve seen them live twice already and if you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen that I got to meet them recently at their last gig in Newcastle at the Cluny.
https://instagram.com/p/BM50M6cDGRo/
They are riot girl-esque and I could watch Cat bash the crap out of her drums all day. I listen to this song, and it reminds me to stay true to who I am at my core. It could easily have played at the women’s marches as a suitable theme tune. #bbznvrdie
Favourite lyrics: ‘We’re the breakers on the waves and we’ll break hearts that get in our way’ or ‘So what we put off the rest. They’re so awkward in our presence. We don’t give a f*ck; they’re not our friends. And you give me superhuman strength. And I can be whatever I want. But you can’t be free, not once you’re caught’.
Let me know your thoughts on the tracks in the comments.
