Posts tagged Some Kind of Salvation

Back when Jonesy’s Jukebox still existed…greatest radio show ever, by the way…I often heard stuff that I felt retarded for not already being aware of/owning. So one day (this would have been mid to late 2004…I think) I heard a song called “Blow It Out.”

I bought the album it was on, titled Exhibit A, the next day (this was when the bookmines still carried music). It remains one of my “desert island” albums. Exhibit A was released on Universal and the band had, prior to that, released an EP (if memory serves it was either on a small label or independently released).

At some point they left Universal. I have only conjecture as to why that was…probably because Exhibit A wasn’t a breakout success, the label wanted to force the band into changing up their sound on a subsequent recording.

Whatever the reason, The Features next release was a self released EP, titled Contrast, that came out in 2006. Last year the band released a full length album, Some Kind of Salvation, but only did so digitally. Thankfully, Kings of Leon (I know, you’re thinking what?!) helped to get the album actually onto discs that can be purchased in stores and, as of July, said purchasing can be done…I mean, not at my bookmines cause we only have like three CD’s in the store, but I’m sure you can find it at a good music store…do those still exist?…OK, forget that, just buy it here.

Now, I’m not saying Some Kind of Salvation is better than Exhibit A…but I’m also not saying that it is worse. The band continues with it’s perfect blend of pop hooks and rock beats while also seamlessly incorporating horns on several tracks which is a perfect complement to the organ they regularly feature.

Matt Pelham, the singer and principle songwriter (I understand) has the unique ability to make even a song about the birth of his twins rock and groove. I was trying to find an adequate comparison but they blend so much stuff together that any description wouldn’t do the band justice. In any event, check out the following video and see if you don’t find your head nodding or your toe tapping.

Modest Mouse — The Whale Song