Passenger on the Acoustic Train!

Why did no one tell me about this group? I'm blown away! At first, I really didn't think I was going to be--Mike Rosenberg's voice was too perfect, which annoyed me. After listening to a few songs and some videos of Mike busking on his own, I'm hooked.

From what I gather, Passenger is a folk-rock group from the UK, and their popularity has grown significantly in recent years. This brings me back to my original question...why didn't anyone tell me about them?!?!?!

"Let Her Go" was the first song I stumbled upon (youtube suggested I watch the official video). Since I'm easily drawn in by a pretty acoustic music, bearded men, and twinkling lights, I decided to check it out. I wasn't immediately taken by the video or the song. The musicians seemed "real" enough, but the song seemed over produced to me--even as simply as it was done. I did feel like the song and the band had the potential to be incredible-- if only I could find an acoustic version! I almost always (except for the acoustic version of superman by Five for Fighting) enjoy acoustic versions of songs better, so I've become adept at finding alternative versions of songs.

I ended up here:

I immediately loved it. This version was MUCH better. Over-production really does kill a lot of songs for me. Listening to the acoustic versions (I listened to several) is a completely different experience than listening to the "official" album version. I feel the song now. It's raw. It's cutting. It's brilliant! 

From there, I ended up clicking on this video: 

I pretty immediately loved this song, too. Although, on some level, I do feel like there's a hint of over-production here too. Still, I felt like their harmonies and the scenery made up for some of that. I do believe I enjoy this version (click the link) better, though. It's more bare, but again, I feel it more. It's beautiful, and agonizing. That's what music should be. It's songs like this that make me want to pick up the guitar and write.

Another thing I really enjoy about this group is their lyrics. In case it's gone unnoticed, I'm a BIG fan of lyrics. I've been really impressed at what I've heard so far from this band. They're witty, but dark. This is a combination I adore.

Finally, I have to mention the Simon and Garfunkel covers I found! If you've known me for any amount of time, you know that I have a thing for any and everything related to Paul Simon.

His cover of "The Boxer" is pretty cool. I also have a thing for interesting covers! :)

The cover of "The Sound of Silence" made me want to cry, and then go out and do some busking. There's not a lot of places to busk in Lexington, KY, but the dream lives on. I'm pretty sure I did cry the first time I listened to this version. 

Passenger gives me hope that my chosen folky-rock genre is not an irrelevant, outdated one. People are still willing to listen. I think that's kind of a big deal. 

Check 'em out! Buy some CDs; go to a show. I'm sure it'd be more than worth it! 

http://passengermusic.com/

Peace. 

-MB