[Editor's Note: Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be presenting my favorite local songs of the year, counting down from No. 25 to No. 1, one track a day. Today, we take an in-depth look at song No. 23 on the list--and click after the jump for a free download of the track. Lastly, keep checking back to see how the list pans out, and, also after the jump, check out songs No. 40-26 in the Top 40 list that will update as it grows...]
No. 23: Sleep Whale -- "Cotton Curls"
It was back in February that the news first broke: Mom was no more--well, in a way. Instead, it was decided, the music created by Denton musicians Joel North and Bruce Blay would now go under the name of Sleep Whale--named after a song from Mom's debut EP, Little Brite. But another change was soon evident as well: On Houseboat, the band's full-length debut released in November, North and Blay added vocals into the mix. And the group added a couple new members, too, in the forms of Paul North, Joel's younger brother (who releases solo material under the name of Sunnybrook), and friend Spencer Stephenson (who releases music under the name of Abacus).
The results of these changes: A more mature sound, for one. And a resounding cry announcing Sleep Whale as a major force to be reckon with in the area's deep indie rock field.
The results of these changes: A more mature sound, for one. And a resounding cry announcing Sleep Whale as a major force to be reckon with in the area's deep indie rock field.
Bonus mp3: