On October 28th, the Foo Fighters’ website was replaced with a mysterious clock and looped audio on its homepage counting down to November 23rd. Was the band announcing a new album – Sonic Highways II, perhaps? Another world tour? A line of outerwear apparel? The band offered no other clues except that the “event” was 25 days away.
In the wee hours of Monday morning, the Foo Fighters released the 5-song Saint Cecilia EP, recorded in the Saint Cecilia Hotel in Austin, Texas while the band stayed there during this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival. Lead singer Dave Grohl penned a heartfelt letter along with the EP, writing that the project was originally intended as a “thank you” gift to fans for their support, but added that the project “has now taken on an entirely different tone” after the recent attacks in Paris, and has dedicated Saint Cecilia to the victims and their loved ones.
I’ve listened to “Iron Rooster” more than any other songs on the EP so far. Parts of the song make me a little nostalgic for something I can’t quite put my finger on. Maybe it’s childhood (as the lyrics mention) or a period when the world didn’t seem so turbulent. After another day of watching the news and following current events, this song gives me a feeling of peace amid the unrest.
You can read Dave’s letter, get the EP (it’s free!), and make a donation to those affected by the Paris attacks here.
Between the Notes 