Artist of the Day: Band of Horses

Band of Horses had everything but a sweet spot.  Critics said that Everything All The Time and Cease To Begin were far too emotional to be effective "alternative folk" albums and they said that Infinite Arms lacked enough emotion to be a great "alternative folk" album.  Even though Band of Horses had created three of the 21st centuries best songs, have created two great albums, and have become one of the more popular acts in their genre, critics made it sound like they couldn't do anything right.  No matter what BOH did the critical hypocrisy sounding their releases would always stop them from being recognized for what they really are: one of the more consistent indie folks acts of our generation.

The Daily Blair: America!

For today's edition of the Daily Blair I tried to give you a song that I think perfectly describes or defines every state. I even included some descriptions!

ALABAMA

Lynyrd Skynyrd - "Sweet Home Alabama"

Nothing symbolizes southern pride more effectively than Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama." In one of the greatest non rap "beefs" ever, Skynyrd completely roasted Neil Young and his hippie ballad "Southern Man" on "Sweet Home Alabama." SHA is everything we love and hate about the south and Alabama in one song: it is southern hospitality yet southern racism, it is beautiful southern weather yet the vicious cloud of southern racism, and it is big hooks yet every weaker lyrics in the verse. SHA like the south has strengths in its weaknesses and weaknesses in its strengths.

ALASKA

Sun Kil Moon - "Trucker's Atlas"

Sun Kil Moon's cover of "Trucker Atlas" just gives you a very "Alaska feel." It is about traveling, fishing, finding "sex on the rocks," and making sure that all of this simpleness somehow makes you feel never ending happiness. Alaska is a state that advertises itself based off its coolness and simplicity. Nothing represents this coolness and this simplicity better than "Trucker's Atlas".