7inch Sunday is a segment devoted entirely to 7” vinyl and the all-encompassing experience surrounding it. Although most publications cover major releases, the vinyl single is often overlooked and given nothing more than a half-hearted nod of acknowledgement. This weekly feature is a hub for 7” reviews, exploring the B-sides and rarities of artists that may often go unnoticed.
Each Sunday I will review 7” vinyl from artists who venture this extra mile to hold their singles high above the sea of digital releases. I hope to embody the spirit of vinyl while sharing some fantastic music with you, the reader. Let’s get started.
Starting out with a simple conga beat and equally straightforward synth, I entered my time with Saadi’s Snowyman with hesitation. Although I’m a sucker for organic percussion against digital anything, this single appeared to do so without an actualized purpose. However, my quick judgement be damned, the synth is quickly replaced with a busied guitar and wastes no time transitioning into a more focused, dance-worthy pop track.
Then come Saadi’s flawless vocals.
Originally from Syria and raised in the States, Saadi has the stylings of American pop with just the right amount Eastern influence to set her apart. Her voice pierces through the layers, deconstructing the song’s instrumental thickness into a melody-driven track. Before the track is finished, her singing has already invaded your psyche, made itself at home and has even started picking out new colors for the curtains.
And with the flip of a record, “Snowyman” is quickly recast with an alt-country twist. Sprinkled with lap steel guitar, a speed picking mandolin and new percussion, Delicate Steve manages to create an entirely original song while leaving the original formula in tact. The original elements are still there, but are pushed so deep into the background that it creates a secondary supporting layer of instrumentation.
It’s surprising to find a remix that works so diligently to avoid reinventing the original formula. The status quo has become all too comfortable with remixes having no sonic relation to the initial track. Delicate Steve approaches Saadi’s track with the understanding that “Snowyman” was already at it’s compositional prime, and the only way to improve was through a new fleet of instruments.
Check back next week for a look at The Fruiting Bodies’ Wilderness Pill.
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