Music

Friday's Playlist: Songs that start with the letter A

by Ciaran Thompson

This week’s playlist is brought to you by the letter A.

When browsing artists in music shops, it’s sometimes easy to dismiss or bypass the A section and head straight for B or further along to S or T. Not that bands/artists who’s name starts with A are poor or anything like that, but rather it’s the first letter we generally skip in a attempt to find the hidden gem. In terms of songs, there’s lots of quality that begin with the letter A and here are a few that truly makes this an exciting playlist.

The Bird and The Bee – Again & Again

This track is off the Los Angeles-based synth-pop duo’s self-titled debut album released in 2007. The band consists of Inara George (the bird) and Greg Kurstin (the bee).

Au Revoir Simone – All Or Nothing

Brooklyn all-female trio Au Revoir Simone’s latest album Still Night, Still Light was released last year, with this song included.

Joy Divison – Atmosphere

This song was released after Joy Division singer Ian Curtis’ death as a double-a sided single with “She’s Lost Control.”  It was re-released in 1988 along with the compilation album Substance. Heartfelt and a true example of Curtis’ distinct vocals.

Black Mountain – Angels

From the Vancouver band’s second album released in 2008 entitled In The Future. A slower track compared with the band’s other heavily Black Sabbath-influence songs.

Ambulance Ltd – Anecdote

Released in 2004, this song is from the band’s self-titled debut album. The last we heard from them was a 2006 EP called New English.

The Soft Pack – Answer to Yourself

One of the band’s performing at this year’s NXNE Festival, this track was released as a single last year along with a cover of The Cure’s “Grinding Halt.”

Klaxons – As Above, So Below

Recently Klaxons let loose a new song called “Flashover” off their upcoming sophomore album Surfing The Void. This track is from their debut Myths of Near Future, released in 2007.

The Raveonettes – Aly, Walk With Me

Another band we’re extremely excited to see at NXNE, their latest album In and Out of Control was released last year, while this song is from their thrid album Lust Lust Lust.

John Prine – Angel from Montgomery

Considered a country standard, John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” originally appeared on his self-titled album released in 1971.

Handsome Furs – All We Want, Baby, Is Everything

Truly invigorating to see live, this song is off the Canadian husband and wife duo Handsom Furs’ second album Face Control, released last year.