TOE JAM MONDAYS – Mates of State
When I was young my grandma had an organ in her house. My brother was the piano prodigy, but I used to love sitting there, making simple tunes and pretending I had a church full of people saying “wow! this girl is really good and she’s so young!” That dream was never realized, but I’ve kept my affection for this instrument. I love that it’s distinct yet classic and it has the ability to be found in every genre from gospel to funk to indie to rock.
One of my favourite organ loving bands is Mates of State. This husband and wife duo has 7 albums under their belt and manages to keep their music – and I’m assuming their marriage – catchy and whimsical. I mean, you must be really in love if you can work, tour and have babies with the same person.
The first song I heard from Mates of State was “It’s the Law” when a friend at school said “I heard this rad new band and you kind of look like the chick in it” That was enough to intrigue me so I grabbed their album and haven’t looked back since.
Mates of State – It’s The Law
Mates of State – It’s The Law
I love that this band has evolved but you always know it’s a Mates of State song when you hear it – and after hearing their newest release Mountaintops, what impresses me even more is that a band can put out 7 albums and their latest one is my favourite. They haven’t become complacent or relied on their previous stellar releases. It says a lot about a band when they are consistently striving to impress their audience.
Mountaintops dropped September 13 and has been on heavy rotation ever since. Like most people, if I like something I try to find out more about it and do some research. Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel have been making music together since 1997 but they also started making babies. They have 2 daughters and Kori started a “parenting” blog called Band on The Diaper Run. I don’t have kids, but it’s still an interesting and hilarious read.
So although these two have managed to fit a family into their music making magic, it hasn’t hindered them. If anything, I think it may have helped. I liked this album right off the bat, but I manage to have a new favourite track with every spin.
“Palomino” was a stand out track from the gate. Catchy, fun and screaming of Mates of State style.
“Desire” and “Sway” are awesome slowed down tracks, but I think its “Unless I’m Led” that wins the ballad battle. Everything is just perfect about this song and it was a track that I didn’t really notice at first, but after the third listen I couldn’t get Jason’s “Oh lit’le girl pick up the pieces” out of my head. Goosebumps.
Mates of State – Unless I’m Led
Mates of State – Unless I’m Led
You know by now that I love lyrics and “Total Serendipity” has the best concept. It’s about the serendipitous aspect to our most treasured relationships. How do these people end up in our lives? And what simple act can alter our paths? This song references a friend realying a message and where they would have been had this friend forgotten or been lazy. Love that!!
Mates of State – Total Serendipity
Mates of State – Total Serendipity
This album is catchy from front to back and will no doubt be playing on repeat once you purchase it. Click HERE to grab Mountaintops and the rest of their catalogue and let me know what you think!
Happy Listening!
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