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The Kooks - Listen

Cat Jack| October 9, 2014

Brighton, England rock band The Kooks recently released their fourth album, Listen. It’s clear from the first track this isn’t the same band you’ve heard in the past.

 

“Around Town” is  the first thing you hear on the album and it lets you know that the Kooks are back and that they are excited about it. The drums at the beginning give you a solid beat to nod your head to as they continue into the first verse. The repetition of “oh yeah” vocal parts reminds me of a quirky gospel choir wearing robes in the background of the band’s recording sessions, just “oh yeahhin'” all over the place. This song has so many pieces to it that

all mix together to make a very balanced, yet fun and upbeat song. I can totally relate to this song because it’s all about having someone to be there for you when you’re going through the bad parts of life and your true self is revealed. Everyone needs someone to love when the chips are down and your true colors come out.

 

“Forgive and Forget” reminds me of a Prince song with a delicious British twist, which means I could listen to it for days. When the song opens, you think its going to be completely different than what it turns out to be. It opens with this steady, slow beat which is somber compared to the rest of the song. The tempo soon picks up with gives off this funky attitude. It is a great track to follow “Around Town” because it has the same type of quirkiness but with a little funky-ness thrown in there. The short bass solo at the end is one of my favorite parts of the song.

 

The coolest offering on Listen is “It Was in London”. When I listen to it, it makes me feel I’m rolling through the streets of this England city wearing a kick-ass outfit featuring Ray-Bans, a black leather jacket, and some pretty awesome boots and jeans. It’s got a very different sound than the other songs. It has more of a classic rock sound, with that Kooks flavor that makes it unique in its own way. I love the guitar in this song: the rhythm is steady, but the instrument shows off just the right amount of rough around the edges.  

 

This is the perfect album for the end of summer.  It makes me want to sit in Piedmont Park, have a really hoppy beer, and enjoy the cooler weather.  The unforgettable Kooks sound mixed with warm soul and funk made for a fun and unpredictable journey.

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