The People We Foster

There are times when we listen to a song, and instantly get captivated. We don’t even know what the song is saying, but we like how it sounds. There are times that a song seems so happy, but when you pay close attention you find that the song, is the complete opposite than what you thought. This happened to me with this particular band.

I first heard of them, when I received an e-mail saying that they signed with the company I work for, and it included a playlist with their CD. I immediately downloaded it, and I felt like I was hearing something familiar yet so unique. To be honest I didn’t even pay attention to the lyrics, which is something that I normally pay attention to, but there was no doubt in my mind after hearing the first single released by this band, that it was a happy song. Boy was I wrong. Listen for yourself:

The band is Foster the People and their first single was “Pumped Up Kicks.” I will talk a bit more about the band in a few sentences, but right now lets talk about the lyrics to “Pumped up Kicks.” Does it not sound like a happy song? Did you listen closely? Well here are the lyrics to the chorus: “All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you’d better run, better run, outrun my gun. All the other kids with the pumped up kicks, you’d better run, better run, faster than my bullet.” Ok, so how many times it take you to actually realize what they are saying. The song’s happy feel hides the dark lyrics away, but even with the dark lyrics this song is still amazing.

Foster the People has become one of the most well known bands of 2011.  Their music is becoming a phenomenon. Yes, I don’t feel scared using that word to describe them. They are currently being featured as the number one single and album on Spotify, and three of their songs have been featured in major commercials. I truly believe we can expect great things from the L.A. based band, Foster the People. Now sit back, relax, and listen to some music.