Meet the Color Set, the enigmatic musical duo who are creating their own sonic landscape with their genre-bending fusion. With influences ranging from shoegaze and disco to post-punk to new wave, and goth, the Color Set has constructed a musical universe that is as captivating as it is mysterious.
The duo share some of their favorite songs in this weeks edition of “Five For Friday” but first take a listen to their song “Pretend All Is Well”.
Fonzi Thornton – I Work for a Living
Disco has been a huge influence on us for as long as we can remember. One of our all-time favorite bands is Chic. The songwriting and production of Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers are in a league of their own, and they are the ultimate hitmakers. One of our favorite tracks they produced and played on is this cut from vocalist Fonzi Thornton, who lent his voice to some of Chic’s biggest hits. “I Work for a Living” captures the best of that era’s production and sound, something we aspire to in our own songwriting and arrangements.
Scott Walker – Montague Terrace in Blue
Scott Walker’s baritone is instantly recognizable, charismatic, haunting, and completely his own. His influence can be felt across countless genres. We love the cinematic style, orchestration, and arrangements of his early solo work. During the hiatus of the Walker Brothers, we believe Walker truly began to come into his own. The emotion, gravity, and beauty of “Montague Terrace in Blue” make it a masterpiece.
Malcolm McLaren – Deep in Vogue (Introducing Lourdes & Willie Ninja)
The infamous Malcolm McLaren was an enigma who reshaped Western culture in the late 20th century. From managing the New York Dolls to the Sex Pistols, two of our favorite bands, he touched everything from fashion to punk, hip-hop, and dance. With his irreverent, fearless approach, he captured the essence of youth culture and pushed it into the mainstream. “Deep in Vogue” stands out among his works, celebrating the art form of voguing, always a beautiful and mesmerizing thing to witness.
Wes Montgomery – Road Song
We have always been enamored with jazz and the improvisational magic it brings. To us, the jazz players of the 20th century remain some of the greatest musicians to watch perform. Wes Montgomery, our favorite, taught us more about the guitar than anyone else. When we first started playing, we struggled to connect with the tone produced by a pick. Learning that Montgomery used his thumb instead, originally to keep from disturbing his neighbors and children at night, was a revelation. That technique produced a warm, full-bodied tone that we fell in love with and adopted. Some of the finest guitar work ever recorded lives in his music, and “Road Song” is a perfect example.
Sade – Nothing Can Come Between Us
One of our favorite tracks from a truly legendary artist. We were lucky enough to see Sade live during her last tour at the Staples Center, a performance that remains one of the best stadium shows we have ever seen. Sade and her band have a flawless track record of releasing timeless albums. Her voice blends seamlessly with the arrangements and production, creating songs of beauty and grace. “Nothing Can Come Between Us” is a perfect example of that magic.
