Santogold - 'Lights Out'
Sometimes you read an interview with an artist and they say one thing that leaves you convinced you are destined to be a fan of their music before you've even heard a note of it. That worked out well for me with Jason Mraz, less so with Calvin Harris, so I freely admit it's not an exact science. However, when I saw Santogold remarking in that "a lot of pop music from the '80s had a depth to it, and I hope to bring back some more good pop songs", I got a good feeling about her.
(Yup, it's a fan-made video)
I can only assume that 'Lights Out' was one of the songs she was thinking of when she made that comment, as the gently-distorted, synth-ed out tones of the track are very evocative of the '80s - though perhaps more the understated, alternative side of '80s music than, say, T'Pau. Though I'm sure Santogold could do a right number on 'China In Your Hand' if she felt like it.
To get back on topic, there's something incredibly intimate about this track - it feels as though the lyrics are being purred directly into your ear, like you're being let in on a deep secret. Santogold's delivery is a little mournful but affectionate - a good comparison on an '80s theme might be Tracy Chapman, but higher-pitched and a touch livelier. It's even, dare I say it, seductive - giving the sense of a world outside filled with danger and distrust but of two people finding seclusion in a little cocoon of their own where there's still hope.
As far as the scope of Santogold's previous songs go, it's much more in the vicinity of 'L.E.S. Artistes' than 'Creator', so if you're looking for futuristic and scuzzy, you're unlikely to find something to please you here. If, however, you're looking for a sweet-sounding pop song with depth and class to spare, your luck's in.
Download: Out now
CD Released:August 11th
(Steve Perkins)
PS: The Consequence of Sound blog has a problem with this song.
Comment number 1.
At 10th Aug 2008, Kat wrote:Think you're spot on, very cutey song. Reminds me of another but I can't for the life of me remember which.
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