Friday 4 November 2011

Popdar! - 04/11/11

#42
"Somebody That I Used to Know" (feat. Kimbie)
Gotye



I'm a little behind here (this single was released July 5), but anyone who hasn't heard this incredible song needs to now. Apparantly it was on an advert.

Gotye's voice is uncannily like Sting's, but unlike said crooner, the track has a certain restraint to sentiment when necessary, so when the power delivers, it hits you right between the eyes. The verses are mopey recollections of a failed relationship, Gotye mutters "I admit I was glad it was over". But on the chorus, out of nowhere, he comes out fighting, yelling in a beautiful tenor: "But you didn't have to cut me off, make out like it never happened and that we were nothing". Kimbie's snooty ex-girlfriend verse gives a "two sides" approach that makes the song not only powerful, but also playful, and one that doesn't take itself too seriously.

A real triumph of incidental pop music, and a song that sounds like it could sound as fresh in 10 years time.