Four Songs You Should Hear Right Now: Helio Sequence, Vetiver, Alice Boman, Villagers

There’s something to be said for the 3-minute pop song. As a longtime fan of Portland-duo Helio Sequence, I’m proud to announce that their new single on Sub Pop is just that.

It’s a hit of catchy goodness with a funky bassline with a chorus of “oh na na nas.” It’s a bonafide jam.

Alice Boman – “ Be Mine” (Jaakko Eino Kalevi remix)

I find this song from Swedish singer Alice Boman completely intoxicating.

Her yearning vocals have earned her a place on the 4AD roster, as well as comparisons to singers like Emiliana Torrini and Cate Le Bon.

What I like most about this is how simple it is – powerful yet delicate with lyrics – and, while the original is lovely and sweet, I prefer it with a beat. The remix is by Finnish dream pop artist Jaakko Eino Kalevi.

And as someone who is currently in love, the lyrics really got me…

Villagers – “Courage”

This song is another doozy – emotionally speaking – that is perfectly simple and provides a perfect audio door to crawl into the cave of your mind and reflect on life. It unfolds exquisitely.

Villagers aka Conor O’Brien has a special touch and continues to impress. He wrote and recorded his new album – playing every instrument — in a coastal town north of Dublin. I can’t wait to hear the rest of “Darling Arithmetic”, out in mid-April.

Vetiver – “Loose Ends”

Vetiver frontman Andy Cabic is based in the Bay Area, but recorded his latest album in LA with longtime producer Thom Monahan.

It’s a jangly pop ditty with a sunny, breeziness to it (despite the lyrics, which tell a different story)

“Complete Strangers” is the band’s first album since 2011 and will be out on March 24.

RR