Harmony

I'm in a very music-y mood today, following on from last the gig last night. I've been having a think about what sort of things draw me into a song. There are all sorts of things to attract you - obviously the melody, the beat, the tone, sometimes it's the specific part that one instrument plays. But for me, very often, it's harmonies that make a song for me. There's something magical - even spiritual - about voices in unison, each singing a different part but complimenting each other perfectly. Of course, it's pretty common to find harmonies in a song - and some do it better than others!
Here are some examples of songs/bands where I think the harmonies are just phenomenal, and lift the songs to a whole new level.

1. The Beach Boys

It's almost impossible to think about harmony without The Beach Boys springing to mind. Their dynamic - helped no doubt by the fact that most of the band were related to each other - was stunning, and created some beautiful musical moments. They could apply their harmonies to any type of song, be it a surfer-rock number, or a more thoughtful ballad. This video showcases their talents superbly. It contains vocal takes without the music underneath, from various classics of theirs. It's just beautiful.

2. Midlake - Head Home

A more contemporary number now. This track by Midlake is superb, with the harmonies setting the tone of the song. It's just perfect.

3. The Beatles - There's A Place

Again, The Beatles were past masters when it came to harmonies, and I could have picked almost any song. 'Michelle', 'In My Life', 'Here, There and Everywhere' all spring to mind as beautiful slow songs. But I went for something a bit more up tempo. I love McCartney's voice in this song, really belts it out!

4. Fleet Foxes - 'White Winter Hymnal'

Again, I could have picked almost any Fleet Foxes song - they're a band almost based on harmony more than anything else. But this song is particularly helpful in that it builds the harmony up bit by bit, and you can easily pick out the parts.

5. James Taylor - Shed A Little Light
This song came to my attention through the West Wing tv series (THE best tv series EVER), when Aimee Mann guests in the show, singing the number at a 'Rock The Vote' gig. But the original is by Taylor, and he and his signers knock it out of the park in this live version. Phenomenal and complex harmonies, with a gospel feel.


6. Harold Darke - 'In The Bleak Midwinter'

Forgive my venture into choral music, but this is my all time favourite piece of from that genre. It's not the traditional setting for this carol, but Darke's version has such beauty - especially in the beautiful 2nd and 4th verses, where the choir sing as a whole. Here, the Kings College Choir nail it.

7. Bob Marley and The Wailers - 'One Love'

And from choral Christmas carols, to Reggae! This one is so simple, so easy, but brilliant.

8. Paul Simon with Ladysmith Black Mambazo- 'Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes'

It would be utterly irresponsible of me to do a blog on harmony without including some Paul Simon stuff with LBM involved. Absolutely top class.