Ski Lodge - "I Would Die To Be"

Ski Lodge is the project of multi-instrumentalist Andrew Marr, born not on a snowy mountain resort, but by the ocean side in West Palm, Florida. While Marr's heavily melodic and chord-free guitar play on "I Would Die To Be" recalls the style employed by the Beach Fossils, Marr's vocals take a more melodramatic and heart-on-the-sleeve turn that hint at years of late nights listening to The Smiths. Most importantly though, Ski Lodge delivers the hooks: light, feathery, and catchy as hell.

The EP is out September 13th on Dovecote Records.

Ski Lodge - "I Would Die To Be" (from Ski Lodge)

Digging For Covers: All Things She & Him

She & Him - "Gonna Get Along Without You Now" (Skeeter Davis cover)

She & Him - "I Put A Spell On You" (Screamin' Jay Hawkins cover)

She & Him - "Bring It On Home To Me" (Sam Cooke cover)
She & Him - "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" (Smiths cover)

She & Him- "You Really Got A Hold On Me" (Miracles cover)
She & Him - "Magic Trick" (M. Ward cover)

Digging For Covers: Stars - This Charming Man

The Smiths are not my favorite band. Yes, my taste in contemporary music gravitates towards independent rock bands, but counter to popular belief, liking the Smiths is not a prerequesite. However, I always enjoy the sounds of Smiths' lead guitarist Johnny Marr. Even his collaboration with Modest Mouse on the recent We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank came out brilliant. His shimmering and high-energy leads feel like shots of pure joy—all with an instantly nostalgic flavoring.

Marr's most classic riff is on "This Charming Man." Paired with Morrissey's polished vocals and old-fashioned lyrics, the 1983 single is a simultaneously vulnerable and blissful track that captures the Smiths in the peak of their craft.

Montreal's Stars released a cover of the track on its 2001 debut album Nightsongs. It's a slower take that transfer's Morrissey's emasculated vocals to an almost whispered spoken word interpretation by the Stars' Torquil Campbell. This largely electronic version is sparse with just a bass, drum loop, and keyboards through the first verse and chorus, but when Marr's riff eventually emerges it does so with added weight and in a completely wide open space—perfect for a scenic drive through the country.

The Stars - "This Charming Man" (mp3)

Buy the Stars: Amazon

Buy the Smiths: Amazon