In the Evening: Friday music recommendation #7

Today's band -- Georgie James -- has only released one album, but you should definitely give it a listen. That album, Places, ended up being one of my very favorite albums of last year. I first heard their song "Cake Parade" on my friend Lauren's Myspace page and was instantly smitten; it's such a lovely, quietly devastating song. I don't normally post full song lyrics, but these get me every single time:

"The sun is up, looks like a perfect day
to put our soldiers on a cake parade
We can line them up and march them down the hall
where they can play at guns and we don't have to look at all

Another sailor sleeping well today,
another mother misses her lonely son's birthday
His bed is empty, not sure where he'd gone
with his All Stars and Nirvana t-shirt on

And if we try to raise their memory,
you know it makes no difference
They'll send our boys for boot camp fun
and teach them to be men

[CHORUS]
If the sun could shine on us always,
we'd go blind,
but for all the rain in sight
you know i wouldn't mind

The sun is gone, looks like a perfect day
to put our soldiers in an early grave
We can line them up and lay them on the lawn
with all their Purple Hearts and badges of courage on

And if we try to raise their memory,
you know it's only second best
to all the boys who never will,
who never will be men

[CHORUS]

If the sun could shine on us always,
we'd be fine,
and just to see him one more time,
you know i wouldn't mind

We'll send you hands of shining stars
so you can fill your pretty globe
and navigate the seashell graves
and safely
find your way home"

The rest of the songs on Places are pretty and poppy, the kind of music you listen to when you're in need of a pick-me-up. It's music to bop your head to, music that feels like all the best parts of spring and summer. You'll find great harmonies, upbeat tempos, and catchy melodies here -- nothing dark or depressing, I promise.

"Need Your Needs"