5 Songs I Love w/ Cold Beaches

Following the release of their 11-track album 'Ambient Joy', Flex caught up with Parisian Indie-jazz band Cold Beaches to find out about what influences the band's eclectic sound. If you enjoy Cold Beaches' picks, be sure to check out 'Ambient Joy' at the end of the article.

1. After You've Gone - Frank Sinatra ft. Quincy Jones (originally by Turner Layton)

This is one of my favorite songs ever written in the world- the melody, harmonies, and lyrics all are something that gets better every moment of its existence which says a lot considering the song is over 100 years old now. I find it so fascinating how even after a century it's such a relatable song remains a voice to all generations.. This is my favorite rendition because anything where Quincy Jones is involved in the arrangement, I swoon.

2. Sold Me A Dream (Terry Tracksuit Edit) - Sam Evian, Mild High Club, & Hannah Cohen

I think this collaboration perfectly encapsulates how the dichotomy between different genres doesn't have to be a weird fusion thing. This sounds to me like a pop song- it's so easy to listen to, but when you really mindfully listen, there's so many details to discover. Gorgeous work - the original song by Sam Evian is gorgeous, and everyone involved is so talented. The song is short, sweet, and shows off just enough but not too much of their talent!

3. Going Out Of My Head - The Zombies

This is a classic standard! But I love the modern 60s twist that the Zombies put on it. The arrangement and the transitions are truly inspiring, and I'm only a little upset that I didn't write it myself. I love it when the dynamics between the A and the B parts of a song are really contrasting.

4. Stronger Than Me (Live at North Sea Jazz 2004) - Amy Winehouse

I cannot make a list of my favorite songs without mentioning the queen herself, Amy. As much as I love her work in the studio, I think she shines the most in live environments, anything live from the BBC is amazing with the big jazz bands behind her attention-demanding voice. But this video of her singing in a smaller jazz club with a small jazz band seems so intimate, and the song itself is beautifully written. She truly changed music indefinitely and for the better and remains an underrated lyricist.

5. Slope (Live from Strange Field) - Corto Alto

I have to say, as far as modern music goes now, Corto Alto has been really impressing me lately. This song in particular has a very long, winding melody and the chords are so, so romantic. It really takes you to another world and I think talent like his own is very hard to come by. Really interesting, ambitious, and beautifully executed in my opinion. 

Listen to Cold Beaches 'Ambient Joy'