“Glitternailed” by AM Shanley is one of the most heart-wrenchingly gorgeous pieces of indie music you’ll ever hear. With these perfectly repetitive, poignant lyrics and a simple yet elegant chord progression, this track taps into the part of your brain that processes that twisted, bittersweet feeling only great music evokes. Plus, the authenticity of Shanley’s delivery makes it all the more touching. If you’re someone who’s in the need of a brilliantly cathartic song to maybe shed a few tears to, there’s no better option out there.
As an electric and acoustic guitar amble through a sleepy riff, we already feel the sentimentality that’s so delicately sewn into this song. Writing chords that immediately convey a very specific feeling is a true skill. “Oh look at you / So dapper and all full of charm / Oh look at you / You don’t know how lucky you are,” Shanley croons, his vocals doubled and morosely warm. This repeated phrase is imbued with meaning by the subtleties of his performance and the words sandwiched between–with each iteration new implications pile onto it.
With a suddenly non-diatonic minor chord, we’re thrust into the chorus. It’s extremely brief, changing the dynamic level for only a second. The chords rise and fall with a finely-drawn arc, culminating in just a few measures in another verse.
Stay tuned for the whole track, especially if you want to hear how Shanley (quite effortlessly and effectively) incorporates the title right at the very end. Be sure to give him a like, a follow, and a download as well!
Written by Alyce Lindberg
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