David Israel Does It Again for Slack Capital 2

Slack Capital 2 is a compilation of music by 27 of the greatest bands in Austin. All proceeds from the comp go to SafePlace, which provides support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. We’re unveiling one song per day until the the release party on April 14.

Song of the day: David Israel — “Conditionationality”

With a voice like Calvin Johnson and the romantic sensibility of Jonathan Richman (and perhaps the comic instincts of both), David Israel is a cherished local songwriter, his songs dripping in wit but as earnest as Kermit the Frog. Last year he contributed the chipper rock song “Coldwar Superchild” to Slack Capital, complete with full band, chorus harmonies, and a saxophone. That song humorously and somewhat absurdly skewered liberal niceties, and just kind of was a good time for all. Here, despite the silly title, David Israel leads with his heart. Even with legitimately funny lyrics like the opening lines “Have you ever/ climbed a mountain/ and looked out/ upon another mountain,” the song’s success stems from that plaintive voice, right on top of the mix, accompanied by a single background voice (courtesy of Annecy Liddell) and a strummed guitar. It’s very deep in the song before any percussion happens at all, and it’s a thrill when it does. The song comes to life, as if relishing in the heart-racing excitement of love. In thrall to the gorgeous pop plateau it has reached, a rock-and-roll guitar drops in to perform a snatch of melody from a George Michael song, and the abruptly ends. Bravo.–Eric Braden

PreOrder Slack Capital 2 HERE.

See you at Barracuda Friday Night for the Release Party!