Day 3 - Love Anthems
Despite my cynical shell, I have a deep romantic streak. Love songs may be sweet, but love anthems can sear me to my bones. The kind of songs that make you feel like your heart is going to swell and envelop your lungs.
It would be remiss not to include the adorable Matt Maltese in this. In my opinion, he's the modern master of the romantic pop song. There is something so sweet and authentic in his work, with just the right dash of mischief. Even when he goes full simp-mode in Anytime, anyplace, anyhow, I want to be loved as hard as that lucky woman.
I was shook to my core in the best way when I heard Hamilton Leithauser's newest album this year. My introduction to him was in the early 2000's as lead singer of The Walkmen - full of rage, anger and revenge. However, This Side of the Island is a complete emotional 180. This is the type of music for when you are so infatuated you want to climb a mountain and scream your lover's name for the entire world to know how magical they are. Knockin' Heart is a warm, clever and powerful declaration of love. Also - here's a bonus live version, which is just as fantastic.
Local croon king Hemi Hemingway knows the brief inside and out and has definitely delivered. From the first achingly lonely synth beats (To be) Without You is unrequited desire, longing and passion. Layered over a dramatic drumbeat, this song becomes the deep drama of the heart, yet so danceable. The cherry on top is the perfectly blended hint of saxophone at the end, calling out like a lonely soul.
-HC
