“The cinders, they light the path”

Song: Hysteric
Artist: Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Album: It’s Blitz!

I can’t believe I only today picked up the drumstick taps at 1:48, my eye/ear usually goes right to that stuff. Awesome. Love that opening ring. Simple progression, simple beat, simple lyrics, with a simple buzzing guitar providing subtle, but important structural support. I know everyone swoons for “Maps”– I’m not knocking the song one bit– but I much prefer this song, as it has more emotional depth and resonance. The overall emotions are similar, but there seem more introverted, grounded, and self-contained. Here, they blossom outward, and feel more inclusive. Normally I like me some edge, but the crisply, cleanly enunciated vocals do well to stand back and spotlight the gentle, reassuring melody. Call it the sound of maturity, I don’t know, I just think it’s pretty.

Oh, and don’t forget your Karen O vocal ticks (the short ah’s/uh’s in the end of the chorus).