On Song :: Princeton

This may not be too much of a compliment considering we’re only (at the time of writing 5 days in to 2010) but the new single from Californian quartet Princeton is hands down the best thing we’ve heard all year. Turns out “Calypso Gold” is not only the name of the single (released as a 7″ on January 11th) but pretty much the perfect description of music; Guitars shimmer, drums flutter and flirt with the gorgeous string section, and then there’s the melody – simply delicious. Chamber-pop GOLD. Check out the bands MySpace page for a few other treats including the wonderful “Sadie and Andy”.

“Calypso Gold” is available to order now via brand new label Jodie & Victor. Word has it, it’s selling out pretty damn quick so act fast. Check out the music video here.

We fired off some questions to the guys just before Christmas to find out what they’ve been listening/reading/watching.

What was the first song that really caught your imagination?
I’ll Make Love To You by Boyz II Men. That’s right when i started having crushes on girls…

What was the music your parents liked and do you think it’s influenced you at all?
When I was really little, my mom would sing me and my sister to sleep by playing “Turn Turn Turn” by The Byrds and “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by Joni Mitchell. My mom also pushed me towards learning how to play jazz and blues when I was a teenager. My dad rarely listened to music, but when he did he’d play Ray Charles “Hit The Road Jack” or Peter, Paul and Mary. I’ve always loved Ray Charles, but I can’t say the same for Peter, Paul and Mary. My step dad always played a lot of classic rock and got me listening to Elton John.

What posters did you have on your wall as a kid?
You don’t want to know.

Which songs or albums would you play at a party?
I’ve been listening to a lot of hip hop and r&b from my teenage years. With that said, see mixtape below.

Which songs remind you of a rainy day?
Sufjan Stevens “Illinois” album reminds me of rainy days cause I listened to it so much when I lived in london during the winter a few years ago.

Which album do you seek solace in when you are feeling sad?
Miles Davis “Kind of Blue”

Which album would you play when you wanted to get down to some lovin’?
Van Morrison “Moondance”

What music was, or would be, the “first dance” at your wedding?
I’ve never been to a wedding so I’m not exactly sure what the “first dance” is, but I feel pretty confident no matter what it is, it would be to “Kiss The Girl” off the Little Mermaid Soundtrack. Unless the “first dance” is similar to that of a bat mitzvah, when the dad dances with the daughter. That would be uncomfortable…

What was the first gig you went to as a paying customer?
Well, if my parents paying for it counts as me being a “paying customer”, then it’s Limp Bizkit and DMX. Matt and Jesse went with me as well. This confirms my answer to the poster question.

Name the one song you think everyone should hear.
Judee Sill “The Kiss”

Which one artist do you think not enough people know about?
Emmitt Rhodes

What’s the best thing you’ve heard recently?
I just bought “Nebraska” by Bruce Springsteen on vinyl. In terms of a new bands, Bibio or Lake.

Dead or alive, what 5 acts would you have play with you at a festival?
The Kinks, Jeff Buckley, Yo La Tengo, The Beach Boys and Radiohead

We’d like you to make us a mix-tape. Pick five tracks with a theme of your choice.
Missy Elliot “Get Your Freak On”
Cody Chestnut “Look Good in Leather”
Sisqo “The Thong Song”
Usher “You Dont Have to Call”
Jagged Edge “Where the Party At”

And finally, who would win in a fight: a stoat or a goat and why?
A Goat. Here’s why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hyH0yHm22I.