I have never given much credit to the domestic music charts... you know the ones I'm referring to, the overall top songs or albums, not the genre specific ones. They give you an entire country's perspective, not just one group or style. The musical taste of the ol' USA has been in the crapper for quite some time now, so when I'm bored I visit the charts of other countries for inspiration. You already know my affinity for Australia, and I'll search the Canadian, UK, and other European charts for the next aural gem which 99% of Americans haven't heard of but should. This one is from the German charts, though I'll bet it was also on the charts of their home country of France. The lyrics are English, sung in soft vocals with that European lilt in the cadence and pronunciation, along the lines of Sondre Lerche or Andreas Johnson, and for the older demographic readers, at times like A-Ha or Double. It also reminds me of the final three Klaatu albums with the shimmering, catchy pop songs. The production is top-notch, first sounding like 10cc or Godley & Creme, but after additional spins more like the work of Alan Parsons for his own Project as well as his hand on records by Pink Floyd, Al Stewart, and Sir Paul McCartney. The album has been available in the US since early summer but with little fanfare. The first European single was this track, which should please the many fans of the Mumford & Sons sound, banjo and all. It's not indicative of the entire record, but an example of the variety of instrumentation found on this wonderful album. Put this on at a relaxed gathering of humans and no one will be offended. In fact, I guarantee someone asks you, "Who is this? It's good!"
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