Case File #33: "I'm Not Calling You A Liar"

Florence + the Machine
"I'm Not Calling You A Liar"
Lungs
(2009)




The need to know: Florence is South London bred Florence Welch, and her machine is a rotating cast of characters who accompany her powerful, blues/rock pipes. Her debut album emerged in 2009, taking the British music scene by storm and scoring a nod for "Best British Album" at the 2010 Brit awards. The band is currently at work on a much-anticipated follow-up to be released next year. 

Why it's worthy: Scaled down from the danceable flair of equally obsess-worthy tunes like "Howl" and "Dog Days Are Over", "I'm Not Calling You A Liar" builds from Welch's bluesy voice and spirals into a less-exuberant but equally epic crescendo. Here, Welch's vocals get the spotlight, gently smooth over and shaping every word until you can swear they're almost tangible. If you hear this song and don't feel something, you must be made of stone.

Quotable lyric: "I'm not calling you a liar/ Just don't lie to me"

Where you've heard it: Another Florence + the Machine tune, "Kiss With A Fist", was featured in the 2009 Megan Fox disaster Jennifer's Body. 

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Case File #18: "Where the Lines Overlap"

Paramore
"Where the Lines Overlap"
Brand New Eyes
(2009)




The need to know: Mainstream emo rock heroes Paramore made a splash in 2007 for their super catchy tunes and Hayley Williams' fiery voice. But added focus on the red headed dynamo spawned rumors of band tension and the possibility of a breakup which never materialized. In 2009, the band reemerged with Brand New Eyes their third and most mature album yet.

Why it's worthy: File this one under semi-guilty pleasure. Seriously, though, it's hard to not perk up after a listen to this song. "Where the Lines Overlap" (like much of Brand New Eyes) is Hayley Williams' love letter to her life. Yeah. Gag me. But can you blame her? If I was fronting an uber successful rock band just shy of my 21st birthday I'd be singing "No one is as lucky as us" too.

Quotable lyric: "I'm not used to it but I can learn/ Nothing to it/ I've never been happier"

Where you've heard it: Hayley Williams is an unlockable character in Guitar Hero World Tour, which is just cool. 

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Case File #8: "Prison Girls"

Neko Case
"Prison Girls"
Middle Cyclone
(2009)




The need to know: On the cover of 2009's Middle Cyclone, that's Neko perched atop a muscle car, bearing a sword. And, yes, she really is that much of a bad ass. As both a part-time front woman for The New Pornographers and solo tour de force, it's Neko's powerful vocals that make her recordings so unforgettable. More than just a serious set of pipes, though, she's also one hell of a songwriter. Often crafting dark portraits of believable characters in her distinct country noir flavor, her albums have consistently provided some of the best alt country this side of Wilco. 

Why it's worthy: An ominous, dreamlike trance, "Prison Girls" threads hopelessly dark imagery with swoon-worthy "Ohs" for a tapestry as rich and inescapable as its narrator's predicament.  Vivid, haunting tableaus juxtapose the song's stunning, poetic cry of "I love your long shadows and gunpowder eyes"--a phrase I could hear Neko sing for hours on end (and I sometimes do).

Quotable lyric: "I love your long shadows and your gunpowder eyes"

Where you've heard it: Neko gets to play guest programmer tonight on TCM, where she'll be playing four of her favorite classic flicks. Unrelated, but still good to know. (Thanks A.V. Club!)

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