The Lagniappe Sessions :: Hacienda

Lagniappe (la ·gniappe) noun ‘lan-ˌyap,’ — 1. An extra or unexpected gift or benefit. 2. Something given or obtained as a gratuity or bonus.

The Lagniappe Sessions return this week with Hacienda. Now on their third full-length (2012’s Shakedown), the San Antonio group continue to conjure rock ‘n roll ghosts, from preternatural pop instinct, sounding like something out of Van Dyke Parks’ book of tricks, to full-on Faces’ swagger. For their Lagniappe installment the band deliver a mellow, acoustic, take on BRMC. Hacienda, in their own words, below. . .

MP3: Hacienda :: Awake (BRMC)

Always one of my favorites both live and on record. It’s a sonically earth shattering groove over a mantra of duality. It’s the past and future, the desire of peace and the anger of disappointment, a statement and confession: it is the battle itself. There is a lot of honesty and sincerity in each line that is pulsed out by the songs movements, and resonates into the listener. Eerily beautiful and brilliant.

MP3: Hacienda :: Shade of Blue (BRMC)

An infectious melody/ groove wrapped around the strange-love battle of the songwriter’s soul. The best truths are told simply: I’ve always known my heart’s been held by you/ I’ve always known it’s true. Few songs are that direct and earnest, but that’s exactly what compels me as a listener. It’s the difference between saying something elegant, flowery and rehearsed, and speaking from the moment. It is the right words to say to the right someone when you have a chance. But BRMC aren’t ones to stay in sentiment, the chorus flips right around: I don’t care if you can take it/ I can’t take it anymore I’ll die. There is the modern, anguished truth; the shaded looks and emotions.

original illustration  for aquarium drunkard by Ben Towle.

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