Spencer Griffin's New Music Mondays

 here they are: "In the Middle of It" by Hiss Golden Messenger:  If you're in the mood for a "travel down the highway" song that's more sentimental country-rock than it is a hard-drivin' road rock song, then this song might be it! Nature imagery runs throughout the song:  rocks, roses, cornflower, the moon, mountains, you name it! After all the sweetness of nature imagery and freeway traveling, HGM's lead singer addresses someone named Maria and asks them "Ain't it sad?" and then says "That's how it ends." Sigh...I guess every good story has to come to an end sometime, but this song's wistful, nostalgic tone seems like it captures bittersweet sunshine in a jar! "Seven Degrees" by Friko:  Yes, their name is pronounced "freako," in case you were wondering. Friko aren't freaky, though. Instead, they're folky, like a lot of modern indie bands tend to be. Their breakthrough song, "Seven Degr...

 here they are: "Everybody Scream" by Florence and The Machine:  Your attention, please! For the first time ever on this music blog, the following review will be presented to you in...Scream-O-Vision! That means we prompt you when to scream! Ready? Let's try it! OK... Freakazoid references aside, this song IS a good one! If "Scream-O-Vision" actually worked for this song, it would probably happen every time Florence said the word "scream," or perhaps on any line here where she "sung-spoke," which she does during the chorus. Unusually dark for a FATM tune, "Everybody Scream" seems like it came out about a month too early, but for someone like Florence, I suppose it's not too early for Halloween! The song is a slow-building tune with a steady beat in B minor. The lyrics seem like they're celebrating Halloween while at the same time lamenting the loss of a former lover. Perhaps the most Halloween-y line, aside from the title, c...