One Track at a Time: Architecture in Helsinki - Heart It Races
Published by Kevin March 19th, 2008 in MP3's, One Track at a Time.
A few weeks ago we went through a phase where we mentioned Amy Winehouse like seven times. Okay. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but with all the attention it got, it certainly felt like it. Regardless of Oz’s feelings toward her and her hygiene (or lack-thereof) it did give us an excuse to post Dr. Dog’s excellent cover of “Heart it Races.” Anytime I hear such a cool song, I’m always interested in hearing the original. Boy am I glad I did with Architecture In Helsinki’s version.
While Dr. Dog’s version certainly has more pop sensibility and, you know, uses real instruments, Architecture in Helsinki’s simply displays amazing song writing. The same thing happened when Cracklin Moth covered Daniel Johnston’s “Walking The Cow” in their live session. The original “Heart It Races,” full of electronic and steel drums, ABBA harmonies, and breathy distorted vocals seems odd on its own, yet after dozens of listens I’ve finally come to appreciate it for its own merits. The slow build, then eventual combination of verse and chorus into one cacophony of sound leaves you not wanting the song to end. Good thing you can just hit play again.
Also, if a band’s promo picture ever matched their sound, this is certainly it.
Just can’t stop listening. Amazing!