(Image retrieved from vse.svetloe) Here's another dose of B-sides from some of my favorite artists, (15 to be exact.) These tracks stretch over the past couple of years from when they were first released, yet still make the world turn by how good they are. Hopefully you'll catch the cover that I've included in the mix that was once used as a B-side. It's a popular track from awhile back that's been covered multiple times, but there's just something about the way this one sounds.
So, which B-side was your favorite?
ICYMI: Yesterday's post covered 12 acts I'd definitely make an effort to see if I was at South By Southwest (SXSW) for the entire week. (Read it here!)
As bold as it is to cover the legendary Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, I was thoroughly impressed by what Japandroids did with "Jack The Ripper." This cover acted as the proper B-side to the duo's stellar jam "The House That Heaven Built" released last May via Polyvinyl Records.
This B-side for the single "The Wilhelm Scream" is what really pulled me out of my ignorant phase where I didn't care much for the legend above. I know what you're thinking, but hey- I've learned my lesson! The only thing wrong with this track is that it's not long enough. ;)
This one is an oldie, but a goodie in my opinion from La Sera aka Katy Goodman of Los Angeles. "Behind Your Eyes" served as the B-side to her 2010 single "Never Come Around." La Sera's breezy tunes always make the blistery days go by (as it did today.) As teased on the official Facebook page for La Sera, we could be hearing new material as early as December! Till then I'll just keep listening to last year's full-length Sees The Light(via Hardly Art,) which remains as one of the most addicting albums from 2012 - in my opinion.
Since this post is heading in a more peaceful direction, I chose to wrap it up with this lovely gem from Still Corners. "Hearts of Fools" was the B-side to their blissful crowd favorite "Fireflies" released just last fall via SubPop. If you're someone who appreciates a good solid album that's as smooth as silk - definitely check out Strange Pleasures. P.S. Don't forget to check out LYED On Facebook LYED On Twitter
B-SIDES! According to the Urban Dictionary, "a B-side was originally known as the song on the flipside of a 12" or 7" vinyl single that backed the A-side, but wasn't the song promoted or received the radio play". Sometimes B-sides are eventually added to full length productions, and sometimes they're a throwaway album cut. B-sides generally have a rep for absolute crap quality, and made it easier to persuade radio stations/DJs to play the correct side. This isn't the case for the tracks I selected for today's post, these B-sides are more than worthy.
The B-Side to The Kills' second single "Future Starts Slow" which was released last year. I'm such a sucker for anything that this duo touches. If you ever have the time to look up more b-sides & unreleased tracks from The Kills THEN DO IT. Gems on gems on gems.
I'm not the biggest St. Vincent fan, but when I watched her set at last year's Treasure Island Music Festival-I was impressed with how amazing she sounded live. For this year's Record Store Day St. Vincent released a red vinyl 7" with "KROKODIL" as the A-side & "GROT" (the track above) as the B-side. I dig it.
Little Dragon can do no wrong, except for not including this track on their 2009 full-length Machine Dreams. The A-side "Feather" was included on the full-length, and is one of my favorites by them.
The B-side for "I Can Talk". Call me crazy, but this track should have been on their 2010 debut album Tourist History. Luckily they perform "Costume Party" live, and I will be seeing them in Philadelphia this September. :D
This is actually a Portishead cover, but this particular recording was used by The Civil Wars as the B-Side for their Billie Jean release on Record Store Day.
Nearly 2 years after releasing her debut album Lungs, Florence and the Machine released Lungs: The B-Sides, 11 tracks including two special covers & a few other gems. This is the opening track on the album, and the lyrics are probably some of my favorite from Flo overall.
