You might have previously seen us writing about Johnny Kills, how good their music is and the fact they had a cover with a dinosaur on it. In fact, you might have previously seen us writing – remember when that used to happen frequently? But anyway, the trio are undoubtedly one of the We Close Tonight highlights of 2017 and you might just be able to spot them when the annual gig comes around.
If you’ve not heard them before, make sure you tune in to all things JK. If you have, here’s your chance to find out a wee bit more about brothers Timmy Kills and Louie Kills as they each share a handful of their favourite tracks. Actually, I doubt that’s their real surname.
But first…
Louie Kills’ Picks
Pavement – Cut Your Hair
Because this is the epitome of Malkmus and co’s tight-rope walk between slackery self-destruction and pop sensibility. The closest they got to the sun.
Radiohead – Karma Police
Because, as choice one also shows, original picks are overrated; painfully beautiful and the first proper song I learned on the piano and about the only one I can remember.
Talking Heads – Heaven
Because our Dad was the person to really get us into music and this was one of his favourites songs from one of his favourite bands, and it sounds just as current now as ever.
Wolf Alice – Moaning Lisa Smile
Because when I used to edit a blog (RIP) I listened to this about 15 times in a row when it dropped and that riff is still iconic as ever.
FIDLAR – No Waves
Because it’s a tune that balances the all production/energy/hooks/lyrics /attitude that we’re trying to s̶h̶a̶m̶e̶l̶e̶s̶s̶l̶y̶ ̶c̶o̶p̶y̶ capture with our own music.
Timmy Kills’ Picks
Wolf Parade – Grounds For Divorce
Because Wolf Parade are a big influence of ours (even though you almost definitely can’t hear it), and this song is potentially the best of a great bunch on their excellent debut ‘Apologies to the Queen Mary’. The lyrics are incredibly opaque but from the way they are delivered you can tell they definitely mean something important, and the drop at 2:13 is expertly done.
Arcade Fire – Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)
Because this song is so atmospheric and such a perfect album opener, and the imagery of digging a tunnel through the snow to your childhood sweetheart is extremely touching even for us wannabe slackers. Young love, eh?
Black Honey – Madonna
Because it’s such a kick ass tune with one of the biggest singalong choruses going. Produced amazingly in an almost wild west rock fashion and about (we think) a lover’s affair, it’s a fine example of an age old truth we heavily believe in: you only need one chord sequence to write a banging tune.
Strokes – Under the Cover of Darkness
Because it’s The Strokes being very cool and moving. Struggled betwbeen this and the more classic Hard to Explain, which has more lofi-coolness and an ear-worm of a chorus melody but UTCOD wins on emotional clout. Isn’t that what music’s about after all? (Maybe).
Weezer – Tired of Sex
Because it has such a cool riff as well as a kickass solo, and also is a good reminder that music can be funny. The tracking rough version on youtube goes extra hard and is even better for it.
SUPER-SECRET EXTRA BONUS PICK
Granddaddy – A.M. 180
Because it’s so damn catchy and heartwarming, and Jason Lytle’s beautifully soft vocals gives them such a unique sound. Also check out ‘Jed’s Other Poem (Beautiful Ground)’, it’s beautifully haunting. In memory of Kevin Garcia.
Catch Johnny Kills here, there and everywhere. Also, Facebook.
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