Song of the Week Roundup: November 2020

ICYMI: A roundup of the song of the week features from the past month.

Week 1: November 2nd

Song: "Kiss Them For Me"
Artist: Siouxsie and the Banshees
T&E writer Brian Denton says, "Jayne Mansfield was a sex symbol in the 50s and early 60s whose brief life is honored in the hypnotic pop song Kiss Them For Me by Siouxie and the Banshees. The lyrics reveal glimpses of the stardom and glitz of Mansfield's parties with pink champagne before her untimely death on her way to New Orleans, referenced at the end of the song, 'On the road to New Orleans / A spray of stars hit the screen'. Aside from the undertones of tragedy, the overall sound is upbeat and groovy with percussion bearing eastern influences drones endlessly behind the catchy guitar and synth hooks resulting in a dreamy dance masterpiece."
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Week 2: November 9th

Song: "I'm Only Sleeping"
Artist: The Vines
T&E writer Greg Gonzales says, "The Beatles version is absolutely amazing, but this version by The Vines is more energizing, starting out so explosive it can give listeners a jolt when they first turn it on. It's more uptempo and brash, and I think it captures more of the background anger behind the lyrics — the annoyance of being awoken while adamantly trying to catch some psyched-out shuteye on the tour bus or plane. Plus, it's another banger Beatles cover from the I Am Sam soundtrack."
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Week 3: November 16th

​Song: "Born from the Serpent's Eye"
Artist: Wolves In The Throne Room
T&E writer Daniel says, "Where a great deal of black metal is frigid, 'Born from the Serpent's Eye' is a chilly autumn morning after all of the leaves have fallen.  Riffs and dirges mix to unfailingly bring a chill to my spine every time I hear this - it's the perfect accompaniment to a bleak morning."
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Week 4: November 23rd

Song: "Hills and Valleys" 
Artist: Buju Banton 
T&E writer Brittne MacCleary says, "At times like this reggae can carry us. Buju Banton's chill vibes will get us to keep lifting each other up." 
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Week 5: November 30th

Song: "It's Not Up To You"
Artist: Bjork
T&E writer Brandon Biallas says, "The entire Vespertine album has a cold, wintery vibe to it that always makes me want to immerse myself in blankets when I spin it. This song in particular has so much going on musically. Bells, sweeping strings, choirs, and electronic glitch beats, just to name a few examples of the ear candy available beneath the surface of Bjork's uniquely beautiful vocals. It's reminiscent of Radiohead's Amnesiac album, with that same 2001 electronic feel that is nostalgic to so many listeners who grew up during those years. The song's message about accepting our lack of control over most situations is incredibly comforting and an insightful reminder to just let go and process each day as it comes."
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