Ben Lovett, member of the popular London-based folk group Mumford and Sons has released a playlist of some of the songs that are playing on loop in his mind. Although the band is reported to be currently recording their follow up album to “Sigh no More,” band member Ben Lovett has compiled a list of songs to give inspiration or simple enjoyment to fans while we wait for Mumford and Sons new album to be released. Here is a look at the playlist and what one Mumford and Sons enthusiast thinks of Ben’s song selection.
“Tell Me A Tale” by Michael Kiwanuka
“Tell Me a Tale” by Michael Kiwanuka immediately caught my attention by its intricate melody. I was surprised by the choice of this song, but my surprise immediately melted into enjoyment. Once Kiwanuka’s voice came over, the deal was sealed. “Tell Me a Tale” is a solid song with a strong melodic foundation.
“I Just Might Pray” by The David Mayfield Parade
“I Just Might Pray” by The David Mayfield Parade has an upbeat tempo without being sugary sweet. “I Just Might Pray” is an enjoyable track and is easily listened to. As a side note, the video for “I Just Might Pray” is absolutely adorable.
“Somebody That I Used to Know” by Goyte
“Somebody That I Used to Know” by Goyte has an odd, ’80s vibe to it, but that does not mean that I did not like it. Quite the opposite actually. The song is different, and slowly lured me in. The video is just as strange, but definitely enjoyable.
“Salinas” by Laura Marling
If you ask me, Laura Marling can do no wrong. “Salinas” is not her best work but Marling performs a solid song. As always, “Salinas” feels like the singing of a history. Part of what I love most about Marling’s songs is that I feel as if she is revealing a piece of her soul with each one.
“Palms” by Slow Club
Unfortunately, “Palms” was not available to listen to on YouTube, but if it is anything like Slow Clubs other songs, it’s bound to be a good one.
“Landfill” by Daughter
“Landfill” by Daughter has calming, rich tones that are only improved upon by the gorgeous voice of Daughter. “Landfill” tells a moving story, and is an incredible song selection.
“Beneath the Piano” by The Devil Makes Three
“Beneath the Piano” by The Devil Makes Three somehow reminds me of an old Johnny Cash song. The song is a lot of fun and tells a story.
“I Don’t Want Love” by The Antlers
“I Don’t Want Love” by The Antlers is a solid track that would perform well on contemporary radio. Not unbelievably memorable, but an enjoyable track none the less.
“Its About Time” by The Treetop Flyers
“Its About Time” by The Treetop Flyers is another track that I probably won’t remember tomorrow, but while listening to it, it had me tapping my foot. Not something to write home about, but definitely nothing to scoff at either.
“Home is Not Places” by The Apache Relay
“Home is Not Places” by The Apache Relay is now on my mp3 player. A very catchy song with a good melody and memorable lyrics.
“Early Spring Till” by Nathaniel Rateliff
“Early Spring Till” by Nathianiel Rateliff is a beautiful song with folk undertones and a rich, heart warming quality. This song tells a story, and I listened intently as the music piqued my interest.
“Shadows of the City” by Marcus Foster
“Shadows of the City” by Marcus Foster was different and unique enough to pique my interest. I will definitely be downloading this sound. Bluesy in parts, while edgy in others. Overall, “Shadows of the City” is a good song.
If this playlist showed me anything it is that Mumford and Sons attain influence from many different sources and genres, current and from the past. While I patiently wait for Mumford and Sons to release their follow up album, I will be downloading some of the above tracks from iTunes.
More from this Contributor:
Review of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros’ Album “Up From Below”
Mumford and Sons “Sigh No More” Changed the Way I Listened to Music
5 Fantastic Bands and Artists to Watch in 2011: Originality, Inspiration and Diversity Explode from the Indie Music Scene