Three New Feel Good Songs & A California Summer Soundtrack from the Beach Boys

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Music has always had its feel good songs.  Back in the day,  Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood” helped G.I’s get through World War Two.  Then there was Irving Berlin’s “Blue Skies”, Johnny Mercer’s “Accentuate the Positive”.  Later came the Beatles “Let it Be” and a decade later, Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.

Two new songs fit this genre beautifully.    Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, who thrilled audiences at a recent KCRW Apogee Studios event, have a new album called Here, and on it you find a delightful song called “That’s What’s Up”.  It reminds you a little of his beautiful earlier song “Home”.

The second song is from a new album by Keane called Strangeland.  There is a song on it called “On The Road”.   On both popular indie bands, there is that familiar uplift, that embrace of momentary joy.  No wonder Keane and Edward Sharpe has such large and dedicated followings.  Their music just feels good.

p.s.  The Beach Boys new cd That’s Why God Made the Radio has just come out.  It’s the groups first cd in years.  It’s a musical time capsule for boomers, and makes for a great & fun summer soundtrack.  Add this to the list.

Here are some youtube clips.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros:  Home

the newer song “That’s What’s Up” from SXSW this year:

and Keane’s “On the Road” from the new cd Strangeland, from a UK show: