Not On the Wrong Track.
I know that some people hate it when I talk about the weather, but I think it's important. To me, a song's strength is dependent on where I am when I listen to it, and what activities I associate it with. So as today takes a sharp jump on the thermometer, I find myself enjoying this slow burner from Imaad Wasif's latest. It wafts into my headphones like the gush of hot wind when I open my car door. It rests in the grass like my kicked-off shoes.
Listen - Imaad lives here in Los Angeles, where he writes songs with his band The Two Part Beast. He's sidelined the acoustic songs from his solo debut in exchange for some mild rockers, which are better highlights for his guitar. He's toured as the second-guitar for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and their boy Nick Zinner took that picture up there. So it's nice to hear him stretch out some guitar lines-- because dude can play. There's some hazy/hot production on here too, like the smog that rings our little city.
Since he lives here in town, he jumps up on bills from times to time, and it's not uncommon to see him. But this Sunday he gets a coveted opening slot for the Raconteurs at the Henry Fonda in Hollywood. He plays at 9, with the 'teurs on at 10. Tickets go on sale via ticketmaster Friday at noon.
In the meantime, you can grab his new album, Strange Hexes here. Definitely recommended.