It took a while for New York rockers The Postelles to release their self-titled debut album, but they’ve found ways to keep busy over the last few years. The quartet–Daniel Balk (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), David Dargahi (vocals/lead guitar), John Speyer (bass), and Billy Cadden (percussion)–has toured with Kings of Leon, Vampire Weekend, and Interpol, and they even recently opened for Chuck Berry at Blueberry Hill earlier this year. You know, just another day at the indie-rock office.
Their album, which was released last June, isn’t the only batch of tunes that you’ll find from them, though. Just a few weeks ago, they also announced a collection of cover songs titled Summer Undercovers, which you can download for free on their website. Free music and summer (it’s still summer, right?), it doesn’t get much better than that.
If you’ve yet to see The Postelles live, well, you’re going to get your chance here in the next few months. They’ll be doing a few headlining shows, as well as opening for The Wombats on a national tour, which starts in October.
But, before all that, how about setting aside your afternoon to listen to the tunes that Daniel Balk recently chose for our latest 10 to Spin? It’s titled “Summer Songs,” and we think it’s a pretty good way of extending the remaining dog days that lie ahead. Enjoy!
1. The Beach Boys – “I Get Around”
They mastered the art of making the most pop sounding song sound beautiful and almost classical. The harmonies and melody make the sugary instrumentals work within the song. Also, no band describes the summer better than The Beach Boys.
2. Girls – “Lust for Life”
An incredible song with a perfect vocal and melody that makes you listen to each lyric. And I think he says the word “beach house’ which makes it a summer song, right???
3. Led Zeppelin – “Rock and Roll”
The opening drum fill immediately makes you feel like driving with the top down in the middle of the summer. Also Plant gives a typical amazing vocal on this track.
4. Otis Redding – “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”
A more somber song, but still fits the summer mood, definitely put this on as the sun is going down. Otis is one of the greatest artists ever and it’s a shame he never got to see what an impact he had on musical history.
5. George Harrison – “What is Life”
One of the more poppy songs on ‘All Things Must Pass,’ which makes it fit the list. It almost seemed as if George was showing off, saying, ‘Hey, I can write the perfect motown pop song as well!!!’ I always wanted to write a song that has this perfect doo wop vibe to it.
6. Nick Drake – “From the Morning”
This could either be played as you wake in the morning or head to sleep. But does it ever get more beautiful than Nick Drake’s voice over his amazing guitar style???
7. The Libertines – “Time for Heroes”
The Libertines began and ended in the blink of an eye, so to me they are the perfect nostalgic band to play in the summer months. No one’s voice has more emotion than Pete’s and the songwriting ability is up there with the greats.
8. Bob Marley – “Three Little Birds”
It would be a sin to have a summer list without Bob Marley. One of the greatest songwriters ever singing about his back up singers on this amazing record.
9. Mando Diao – “Long Before Rock ‘n’ Roll”
This is very personal for our band as we used to listen very heavily to Mando Diao as we would drive to the country to create our first record. Mando Diao is probably the most under rated band on the music scene today.
10. Buddy Holly – “Words of Love”
I’ll never understand how Buddy Holly wrote an almost psychedelic, mod era type melody in 1956, with this amazing song. Obviously, The Beatles took advantage and covered it immediately. It sounds more British than American, but Buddy Holly only knew of American blues, so he must have come from the future. It’s the only explanation!!!