Anyone who has lived or worked with me for any extended period of time knows that I am an unrepentant and highly accomplished whistler. Morning, noon, and night are all filled with the gift of my melodic whistle. I couldn't turn it off if I wanted to--it's in my genes.
Luckily, just about everyone I know feels the same way about themselves so I don't have to waste too much time feeling guilty about it. Nothing is more natural or satisfying as whistling a great tune. And when has a whistle blower ever gotten in trouble? So in honor of the only instrument that everyone can (and inevitably does) play, I have posted a couple of tunes below that allow us common folk to join in on the jam with the rock stars:
This band is probably best known for doing the music for Little Miss Sunshine, but they have put out some pretty good indie albums as well. This is the part of the review where I say that they sound like a cross between the Smiths and a Gypsy band. There, ok: I said it.
This band out of Portland, OR created a small buzz with their most recent release, Friend and Foe (fans of Craig Thompson's Blankets will appreciate the cover art). Apparently they use some kind of crazy software program to loop much of the instrumental parts. Mostly, though, they just write catchy, layered pop songs--I have a hard time even recognizing any computer-y stuff, really. By the way, the top notch whistling in this track is what inspired this post in the first place.
Comprised partly of members from the awe-inspiring Grizzly Bear, Dept. of Eagles craft tunes that are both comforting and haunting. Reverbed, Beach Boys-style harmonies with some lightly placed electronic beats underneath. No album since the fortunes of Grizzly Bear began to increase, but plans are in the works for an album sometime in 2007.
So I've had this Meat Puppets album for a while and I am sort of ambivalent about it. Some songs make me believe that they deserve the icon status they have been granted by more modern rockers like Nirvana, Flaming Lips, and the Black Keys. Some songs are really, really terrible. Truly unlistenable. Fortunately, I think this song is in the first group. A large amount of whiskey is recommended to thoroughly enjoy it to the fullest.
I am cheating a bit here, as this one doesn't technically have a traditional, lip-pursing whistle. It does, however, put the whistle that they stole from the crossing guard to good use in kicking off the chaotic chorus. More importantly, I am willing to create a loophole to get these guys on the post. There will definitely be a full post about these guys soon, but for now know that Blitzen Trapper is capable making some of the best, most unpredictable rock around.
A mere five songs, but a proper tribute to the whistle I hope. If anything, maybe one these songs will help you finally get "Young Folks" out of your head.
QUESTIONS-- So what did I miss? Any favorite songs that you like to whistle along with? And can anyone come up with a synonym for "whistle"?
