This seems like a fitting way to wrap up 2011: Listening to New York group The Loom play “Auld Lang Syne” in beautifully melancholy fashion.

And despite the revelry, there is something melancholy about New Year’s, a bittersweetness as one year fades into the next. The Loom’s version of the old Scottish folk tune captures it perfectly with a muted arrangement that emphasizes the vocal interplay and stunning harmony between John Fanning and Sarah Renfro. (There’s more where that came from on “Teeth,” the Loom’s long-awaited debut, which came out this year, though Renfro has since succeeded former member Sidney Price on vocals.)

Put this back-to-back with “New Year’s Eve” from Tom Waits’ new album and you have a hell of a way to wind down the evening. Whatever you do, be safe, have fun and Happy New Year, from Listen, Dammit, to all of you.

Photo by Sterling Taylor

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The Loom “Auld Lang Syne” by Riot Act

December 30, 2011 at 12:12 pm | Share |