While, I haven't been able to pick up the new Beach House album, Teen Dream, I have been able to listen to a few new tracks via live performances for Daytrotter and Pitchfork TV. The current release, via Sub Pop for the "Zebra" UK Radio Edit, just gives me an excuse to discuss one of my favorite songs of twenty-ten.
Beach House is primarily a two piece made of Victoria Legrand (vocals and keys) and Alex Scally (guitar); and as in any two piece it is important for each member to play to their strengths. "Zebra" showcases Beach House's understanding of this notion with the song's beautifully executed vocals and resonating guitar.
Where some songs are outright upbeat or others are straight-up-downers, "Zebra" resides in the gray area. Legrand sings an ode to the zebra with rhythmic elongation at the end of each line as if her words become a mist. You would have to talk to her to really know if the zebra stands for something more or represents a real person. However, I opt out of such analysis and merely decide to make one assumption: her song is not about the physical animal, but, the majestic spirit of the animal's deception.
Deception is usually represented as maniacal and immoral. However, Legrand chooses to marvel at its beauty. The the Zebra's deception is ornate within the meshed black and white stripes, further incorporate in the desert environment. "Zebra" poses a moral graying that makes you wonder if most things we consider bad can actually be valued. Her voice and words are musically complimented with Scally's guitar that lingers with downtrodden optimism and elevates to a triumphant tone. "Zebra" exemplifies Beach House's power of deception through their ability to mesh tone .
"Zebra" (UK Radio Edit) was taken from Beach Houses' limited Record Store Zebra EP.
Beach House:: Zebra (uk radio edit)
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