3 Of The Week: (11/13/12)

Later today, I will see Go Radio and Stages & Stereos, both for the first time. Fronted by brothers Jason and Daniel Lancaster, respectively, these bands have grown to be two of my favorites over the course of the past three years, and there are few bands I’ve anticipated seeing more, ever. As a personal celebration, this week’s edition of the column is going to focus on these two acts, starting with an older Go Radio song and then moving on to songs from each of the bands’ most recent releases. Today’s a good day.

1. “When Dreaming Gets Drastic” – Go Radio

This might not be my favorite Go Radio song, but I’d be hard-pressed to think of one that has a closer connection to me. Before Do Overs And Second Chances was released (or even announced), this song appeared on the band’s MySpace page with the title “Fall Asleep First.” I was hooked instantly. A few months after the EP came out, I wrecked my car while this song was playing. Maybe I shouldn’t still have my affinity for it following that sort of event, but I do. Aggressive and hooky, this is the prototype for a certain type of song that many fans want more of, in favor of the balladry they’ve perfected. If you haven’t yet listened to Go Radio, this is a must-listen.

2. “Bigger Than You” – Stages & Stereos

After a bit of a hiatus (during which Daniel recorded two fantastic EPs with Select Start and The Weathers), Stages & Stereos has returned with four songs that show a new sense of maturity imbued with the youthful energy present throughout their previous material. This song is perhaps the most mature of the bunch, stripped-down and with lyrics covering life lessons and difficult advice. It’s emotional and intimate, with an appropriate amount of hook. I love the band’s poppier side, but I definitely wouldn’t complain if these guys put out more stuff like this.

3. “Over Me” – Go Radio

With Close The Distance, it’s safe to say that Go Radio took a slightly different direction from their previous material. With a greater emphasis on piano parts and even more midtempo tracks than Lucky Street, the album established that the band is more than capable of crafting songs that are destined for the airwaves. This song is perhaps the best example of that. I’ve said it before, but it needs to be stressed: if this song doesn’t see radio success, it either wasn’t a single or it wasn’t given any push at all. In either instance, someone would be making a huge mistake, because this has the potential to be the biggest thing the band has ever put out and could expose them to a great deal of popularity. Needless to say, I love it. I think you will, too.