HAIM - Days Are Gone

2013 was a big year for the HAIM sisters (Alana, Este, and Danielle Haim...you might guess how they named the group). They released a critically acclaimed debut album, Days Are Gone, performed on Saturday Night Live and Austin City Limits, played some of the world's biggest festivals (Glastonbury, Treasure Island), and performed with huge names like Phoenix and Mumford and Sons. So why the sudden rush of popularity? In my opinion, HAIM produces stellar pop rock in the vein of Fleetwood Mac and Genesis, but with the smiling, no-drama persona of the Von Trapp family. Another critic wrote how refreshing it was to review a mainstream band so "uncool." The girls seem to just love playing music and asking you to sing along. I would agree: the music video for lead single, "The Wire" has the girls leaving groups of heartbroken men in their wake, consoling each other with manly three-way calls and scattered bottles of wine! Silly, toe-tapping fun for everyone.

It's hard to select three tracks for your weekly Freegal Downloads because "Days Are Gone" plays like a greatest hits album. Every song displays HAIM's knack for writing catchy hooks, sing-along lyrics, and dancing beats. Some of my favorites include:

1) Falling - with synths and pounding drums straight from a Peter Gabriel song, the echoing chorus (Now I'm Falling) is guaranteed to get you moving!

2) Days Are Gone - the title track does not disappoint with catchy guitar riffs, funky synth lines, and plenty of 80s seasoning to keep you rocking out in your car.

3) Running If You Call My Name - Dreamy 80s synthpop with booming drums and tinkling chimes. Again, if your toes aren't tapping or you aren't humming along to the singalong chorus (I'll be running if you call my name...), you might want to try for a position with the British Royal Guards!

Click here to find HAIM through Freegal Music!

Hope you enjoy!

-James