#2 wicky

    In stark contrast to all the dark audio tracks I've been thrusting at my hapless audience for the past few weeks, sometimes there's nothing quite as refreshing as a sudden change of tone. Instead of maudlin music, let's switch gears and go with something chill. In fact, let's go beyond chill; get ready to be freeze-dried by this week's pick dear listener. If you haven't heard of Hooverphonic the ONLY way to instantly repent and save your godless soul is to smash play at this very instant and be absolved for your unpardonable sins. As smooth, spicy, and sometimes even as fruity as a quality Belgian beer, this ultra-rare psych-pop group provides perhaps the most clearcut example of what modern musicians from Belgium can provide to the world. I mean, try to name another Belgian band… go ahead. Yeah, unless you live in Belgium or have a specific predilection for Belgian music or something, chances are you came up with fuck-all with a side of nada for your answer. In my mind, Hooverphonic *is* Belgium, and that's not a bad thing. Every single album released by this group has hit the Top Ten charts, so you've probably at least heard them in passing. Their very first album, 1996's A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular, is a goddamn masterpiece (click here to hear it) containing trippy, and for its time very innovative dream pop. Over the years, their sound took on an adult-contemporary style which isn't bad in the slightest, but to me lacks the majesty and memories formed by their first outing. These guys even had the heaving balls to tell Sony to suck it in 2006 and drop THEM over lack of general support for their music. Fun fact: this group has been through quite a few lead lady singers over the years. The amazing voice you hear on this track is owned by a young Liesje Sadonius, who left the group after she expressed a less-than-enthusiastic attitude toward touring. The above track is 2 Wicky, if you like what you hear you really owe it to yourself to explore their later works. Enjoy!