Each day in December, I’ll be reflecting back on a song from the 2000’s. The decade saw the return of post-punk and the popularization of folk music, all while some of music’s biggest acts gained their indie footing. Thankfully, it’s a period that I can look back at fondly without cringing. #31DaysOf2000sSongs
One of the more underrated original songwriters of our time is Matt Slocum of Sixpence None The Richer. It’s a bit unfortunate that most people recognize their covers more than their originals, most notably their renditions of The La’s “There She Goes” and Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over”. But I’ve always found their original songs to be much more intriguing. Slocum’s songwriting and arrangements and Leigh Nash’s whimsical vocals make for one of the most unique pairings in pop. If you’re not that familiar with it, a good place to start is “Melody of You”.
Divine Discontent has the feeling of a comeback album, even though their previous album release was their most successful. The five-year period in between albums certainly contributed to that feeling, but songs like “Melody of You”, “Breath Your Name”, “Tonight” and “A Million Parachutes” felt like they came from a band on a mission. The former is my favorite because of how it uses a 25-piece orchestra to create something deeply personal and intimate. “Melody of You” feels more like a love letter than a string-infused anthem.
“I only write variations to sooth the mood. A drink that will knock me down to the floor. A key that will unlock the door. Where I hear a voice sing familiar themes then beckons me weaves notes in between.”