While music bloggers and industry folk alike have been revealing their “Best of 2009” lists, I found myself procrastinating that task. And in this case, I’m glad that I was a slacker because if I had been diligent, I would have excluded one of my favorite albums/bands of 2009. From the first moment I heard Freelance Whales I knew they encompassed all the qualities I find so appealing in music.
Freelance Whales is a five-piece New York dwelling band who only recently stared making music together (2008). While they are typically classified as pop, I believe the Whales are somewhat folk at heart. Even though each track on their debut album, ‘Weathervanes’, has a unique resonance, their celestial disposition remains pretty consistent throughout. The five members seem to possess a soft confidence, individually and combined, yet their sound often emits an introverted vulnerability that can easily resonate with eager ears (ex. the track “Ghosting”).
The Freelance Whales use a plethora of instruments to construct their divine layers such as the harmonium, banjo, glockenspiel, guitar, but my personal favorite has to be the waterphone. Another crucial element that allows the Whales to flourish is Judah Dadone’s low-key tone; it is perfectly suited for ambient melodies and light-hearted lyrics.
‘Weathervanes’ is a well crafted album that I enjoy from start to finish… even the interludes are charming. Just when I think, ok, this is my favorite track on the album (“Location”, “Generator ^ 1st Floor”), another one (“Broken Horse” at the moment) convinces me otherwise.
Take A Listen: Generator ^ First Floor from Freelance Whales
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Download: Generator ^ First Floor (Right click on link and select “Save Target As” in IE or “Save Link As” in Firefox)
Freelance Whales - MySpace
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