Yes, yes, yes. Everyone is still drooling over Foster the People's May release of Torches, and it definitely deserves props, but I think it's time to shift a little attention to FtP's new stuff. Like "Love".
The best way to describe this song and WHY I love it is by comparing it to songs from the masterpiece album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The song is typical FtP in its catchy melodies and lyrics, but also in that there's this overall creepy undercurrent. Think about it - how many times did you listen to "Pumped Up Kicks" before you realized it was a commentary on gun violence? Sgt. Pepper's is that way too. Everything seems so whimsical and happy, but at the same time, the entire album it feels like bad news is approaching. For me, the closest parallel is "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite".
The first similarity you'll notice when listening is the jaunty boom-tsssh line from the drumset in "Mr. Kite" and the synth (probably) in "Love". These beats shape each song.
The second thing that tugged on my ear was the echo-quality to the word "Love" in the chorus. Doesn't it sound eerily similar to the line "I'd love to turn you on" from the Sgt's Pepper's closing song "A Day in the Life"? Pardon me if I'm wrong, but I believe they also hit the same notes: "turn you on" and "love love love".
Lastly, Mark Foster's vocals stylings (not the timbre as much) are reminiscent of Paul McCartney: "I've got the fever/Got the fever/Got the fever yeah".
Generally, if a band reminds me of the Beatles at all, that's a good sign, and "Love" is no exception.
"Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite" - the Beatles
Download
Or watch:
"A Day in the Life" - The Beatles
Download
Or Watch:
"Love" - Foster the People
PS - This is what happens when I go so long without updating.
