Five Things I Would Love to See Declan McKenna Do

In 2016 Declan McKenna entered the indie scene just south of 17 and with the masterful "Brazil", a reflection on his native land's hosting of both a World Cup and the Olympics. In addition to not sounding like anything else out there at the time, it sounded like the result of someone who feels comfortable making music. In the time since, McKenna's comfort and sound have grown. Now, after a few EPs and a full album release, there are five things I would love to see this young star do:

1. Record and EP with John Mayer:
What is great about an EP is that it can be experimental in a lot of ways. The music does not need to extended out to a full album. Four or five songs is enough. Even further, it can be recorded in a finite amount of town. Mayer could have McKenna down for a long weekend and they could hash out only what feels right. I particularly want Mayer to be the"elder statesman" because of who he has been playing with lately, The Grateful Dead. As evident in the songs on his latest release "The Search for Everything", Mayer learned from Bob Weir and Company what matters most is whatever makes the best music. The Dead brought in disco, Mayer brings in drum loops and partial pop production, along with his staples of blues and Neil Young arrangements. A cover of "Sugar Magnolia" or "Old Man"would sound fresh and alive with these two.

2. Jam with Arcade Fire:
It could be the result of being the opening act being welcomed onto stage during the main set or McKenna could be a special guest for a couple of nights, either way, I feel he could grow a lot by learning how to fit into a band of that size with such a large crowd on stage. Let him work in playing certain chords to go along with the other guitars. Let him dabble in a little percussion. Let him find himself front and center between Will and Régine and picking up a solo. He could definitely at the least add to the chorus of voices during a cover. Out of the experience, he would be able to enter into indie royalty and learn songs that have aged gracefully.

3. Contribute to a tribute/charity album:
This is a small, simple thing but it can be a lot of fun. Compilations in tribute/celebration to/of Bob Dylan, Buddy Holly, and Paul McCartney have brought together acts from across the spectrum of genres and in particular, some of today's most loved indie darlings. My Morning Jacket, The Black Keys, She & Him, and others have been brought in and put an unique spin on some of rock n roll's greatest songs. What I believe happens is they come to appreciate the art of someone from another time and learn to work into their own songs. Similar to covering the Dead or Neil Young, it would only lead to better Declan McKenna songs. 

4. Perform at the Grammys during the tributes:
Once again, he could get himself out there while paying tribute to the greatness of others who have come before him. I can still remember when Foster the People played as part of the honoring of The Beach Boys. It allows for music fans of a different generation to be introduced and become interested in today's talent. Plus it shows how everyone lines up in the lineage. He could assert his place music's family tree. 

5. Play with a legend:
This time he would be directly engaging with those who have come before him. He could contribute guitar to a release from Ringo (possibly with McCartney on bass), go on stage with Johnny Marr for "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out", or after playing a set at either the Global Citizen Festival or The Bridge School benefit, being part of the ensemble while "Living in the Free World" or "Twist & Shout" closes things down. Have him quickly look around at those also on stage and be inspired to find himself still there 20, 30, 40 years later. 

I know some of these are simple and others are lofty but I believe all of them would make for a long-lasting and once-in-a-lifetime career.

Best of Summer 2017

Technically Summer comes in on June 21st and lingers into September, but let's be real, the season really begins Memorial Day Weekend and says goodbye on Labor Day with a final cookout or beach trip. Along the way this year, there has been some notable music:

Album of the Summer:  
A Deeper Understanding The War On Drugs
The big label release for these indie rock Gods from Philly, delivers consistently on each track for providing the perfect score for driving late at night, contemplating the next phase in your life, or just getting lost in a masterful guitar solo. The sound is consistent throughout and is a cross between Blood on the Tracks Dylan and 80's synth focused arrangements. Both forces feel at home with one another. More importantly, the band feels at home with their sound and have become masters of their craft. They are poised to "break through" with this album and I predict a SNL performance come the Fall/ early Winter. The only thing that may inhibit some music fans from giving themselves to these songs is the length of them. But that is half the fun. Key songs: "Pain", "Thinking of a Place", "Holding On", "Nothing to Find".

Honorable Mention:  
Waiting On A Song Dan Auerbach
Taking a break from producing indie and rock stars alike to throughly enjoy life in Nashville, The Black Keys lead singer and guitar player brings in as many music friends as he can find and I am sure made some more along the way. It can be best described as an instant sing-along and each song is unapologetic in having a chorus enlarged by what seems like harmonies from whomever was in the studio at the time.  Less blues and more American rock n roll in sound, it will be interesting to see how any of this is incorporated into the next Keys album. For now, we can just enjoy and sing along. Key songs: "Waiting On A Song", "Shine On Me", "Cherry Bomb", and "Show Me"

Song of the Summer:
"Everything Now" Arcade Fire
If there was ever a phrase to capture the typical attitude toward the summer, it is "everything now". Arcade Fire are back and bring along some ABBA 70's disco for this both catchy and artistic title-track. You can hear the whole band, all six of them, with even more instruments contributing the all-around sound that you feel a part of almost instantly and quickly learn the lyrics. The group's two leaders, Win Butler and Régine Chassagne shine as always. After listening, you will want the album now.

Honorable Mention: "Baseball Diamond" Beach House
Both a song title and band name perfect for the summer, this new song included on a release of B-sides and rare songs, welcomes you in typical Beach House fashion. That is not to say it does not sound new or original, just familiar and comforting. Lead singer Victoria Legrand sings just above a whisper and seems slightly excited by what she has to sing. The keyboards and shoegaze swirl and create a world around you. There is a chord progression reminiscent of an ice cream truck jingle. Instant indie nostalgia and immediate re-listen.