Rio is not a Duran Duran cover. I was pleased to learn this after downloading the free single from the bands website http://www.heymarseilles.com/. What "Rio" is, however, is a very pleasant, melodic and catchy song.
A plethora of instruments were used in making "Rio", but the intro is nothing more than a smile enducing cadence of clapping hands, partnered soon after with an acoustic guitar. A cheerful explosion of music erupts into the song. I don't think any listener would be able to fight back a grin at the least, upon hearing the joyful sound. It's a colorful combination of piano, xylophone, string and bow instruments, drums, and horns. Vocally, and lyrically, I'm immediately reminded of a cross between Michael Stipe of REM and Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes, only the music is much more worldly and elegant.
"Rio" feels like it could teach you to waltz, just by listening, or maybe even river dance. It could brighten your day, no matter how gloomy you're feeling. Undoubtedly, you'll find yourself swaying back and forth, humming along, as if you've been brain washed by the spiked punch. A blend of cultures and style, "Rio" is more than a song, it is an experience that can be enjoyed by all.
Kind of folksy, catchy.
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ReplyDeleteComment: Review: Hey Marsailles's Rio
A four-minute exploration of uncommon styles squeezed through a pop-waltz mold. Polyrhythmic clapping gives way to a cheery 6/8 beat carried by a drumline rife with rapid-fire rimshots which can trick the ear into thinking that there's a lot more livelihood to the song than there actually is. There's a definite Celtic feel in the violins and vocal melody, even the singer's accent. I'm not sure why they mix it up in the bridge and bring in trumpets and additional percussion, but the way it gives way to the piano/violin melodies right after is very pleasing. An interesting final note is that for suck a folky song, we're in a very un-folky key - F major.
I will say of the singer, he is a sissy for using a capo on this song. Those nylon string classical guitars are the easiest of any guitar to play, so he should man up and bar those chords like a pro.