Among the many reasons why I love Two Gallants, one of the most prominent is the way their songs feel alive, as if they posses minds of their own. Guitarist/vocalist Adam Stephens recently told Sentimentalist, “I’m constantly changing things in the songs, even live.” It shows, in both live and recorded versions of their work. The more I go to shows and listen to the songs in their different stages, the more each song seems like a person, growing and evolving in its own ways.

A stunning example of this is “All Your Faithless Loyalties,” which was first released on a compilation by Saddle Creek called Lagniappe: A Saddle Creek Benefit for Hurricane Katrina Relief. It was released shortly after the band had signed with the label. For a long time, it was one of my favorite Two Gallants songs, and I continually hoped they would release it as part of an album.

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If there’s one major aspect of the rise of hipster irony (the only rule of which seems to be, basically, “so bad/ridiculous/awkward it’s good”) that I appreciate, it’s what it’s done for cheesy music.

Toto’s “Africa,” for example, is now widely played and appreciated by countless twentysomethings. Go ahead and cringe, but let’s face it: you liked it once upon a time, too, if you don’t (secretly) still. I even bet that this mention of it will make you want to listen again in the not-too-distant future. You scoff now, but soon enough, that refrain will taunt you. “I bless the rains down in Aaaafrica / Gonna take some time to do the things we never haaaaaaaaad… ” And let’s not forget Hall & Oates, who I’ve legitimately liked — unabashedly — for quite some time now. The past couple of years have been kind to the H2O fanbase. One fan comes out of the woodwork, and dozens follow.

Well, here’s my suggestion for the next ironic hipster anthem: Foreigner’s “Cold as Ice.” (more…)

There’s something so beautifully painful about “Gonna Take a Miracle.” In a way, she sounds almost happy about the hurt that her lover’s leaving has caused her. It’s a jubilant, upbeat song, and yet, she’s upset.

Laura Nyro - Gonna Take a Miracle

It captures such a particular point in time, such a particular feeling. It’s an odd thought, finding joy in the misery of love. Is it because that’s how we know love: when we are willing to suffer so much in its name? (more…)