Tuesday, July 26, 2005
AN APOLOGY
As near as I can tell, MegaUpload is not working at the moment. Not sure how long that has been the case or when/if it will be corrected. Before MegaUpload, I had tried SaveFile, but I had even more problems with that one. Henceforth, I will be trying RapidShare. Perhaps the same now-it's-working/now-it's-not problems will ensue. But a change must be made. If anybody has tried to download some of the more recent MP3s here and been SUCCESSFUL in said downloading, please let me know.
Monday, July 25, 2005
ANTONY, DEVENDRA & JEFF
My brother and I disagree on a number of things. For instance, he likes bad movies, and I like good ones. In matters of love, he prefers one gender; I prefer the other. And when it comes to male singers, he gravitates to the "groaners," while I incline toward the "whiners." So, if one were to stumble blindly into my brother's CD collection, one would promptly find oneself immersed in a swampy mud-puddle of Creed, Nickelback, and... well... Puddle of Mudd. On the other hand, if you had a hankering to take a tour of mine, you would ever-so-presently be skipping your way down a poppy-lined, yellow-brick road of Radiohead, R.E.M., and... well... Elton John, circa Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
But hey: to each his own and to thine own self be true and all that jive.
Seeing as this is my blog, it should come as no surprise that my tastes are going to win out, and that we're going to be listening to some girly men today. Well, not "girly men" so much as "men who sing like girls." You know what I'm talking about. It's the waver. The quaver. The shy little lilt. The full-on falsetto. They may or may not dress like girls. They may or may not like to sleep with girls. But on one thing, there can be no question: they absolutely, positively SING like girls. And that's why some of us love them. And why others - like my brother - simply pound down their Pabsts, get hard-ons for their Hemis, and sink down slothful and hog-like into their manly, manly mudd.
But, now, to the matter at hand... Antony and the Johnsons, Devendra Banhart, and Jeff Hanson all came to my attention at around the same time. All sport their own sound, but each operates within a somewhat similar sphere. And it's their voices, in particular, that set them apart from others while binding them to each other. Granted, Devendra's voice is certainly the least "girly" of the three, but it's still fragile and flitting enough to fit the bill.
And, truth be told, it's my can't-look-at-it/can't-look-away, car-crash reaction to Devendra's "Little Boys" that provided much of the impetus for today's posting. About halfway through, the song shifts significantly when the bassline to Little Peggy March's "I Will Follow Him" kicks in and ol' Devendra starts ranting about all the little boys he wants to marry. What is one to make of this? Is it a sad, desperate effort to be included on the Michael Jackson trial soundtrack? Or perhaps an attempt to pen the perfect theme song for his local NAMBLA chapter? Or is it all just a bit of innocent whimsy? Perhaps only Devendra knows. Perhaps only Devendra should. But give the song a listen; that bassline is positively pedophilia-proof.
[MP3] [left-click] Antony and the Johnsons/"Fistful of Love" [from the LP I Am a Bird Now, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] Antony and the Johnsons/"Blue Angel" [from their self-titled LP, 2004]
[MP3] [left-click] Devendra Banhart/"Little Boys" [from the LP Cripple Crow, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] Devendra Banhart/"At the Hop" [from the LP Nino Rojo, 2004]
[MP3] [left-click] Jeff Hanson/"This Time It Will" [from his self-titled LP, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] Jeff Hanson/"Hiding Behind the Moon" [from the LP Son, 2003]
But hey: to each his own and to thine own self be true and all that jive.
Seeing as this is my blog, it should come as no surprise that my tastes are going to win out, and that we're going to be listening to some girly men today. Well, not "girly men" so much as "men who sing like girls." You know what I'm talking about. It's the waver. The quaver. The shy little lilt. The full-on falsetto. They may or may not dress like girls. They may or may not like to sleep with girls. But on one thing, there can be no question: they absolutely, positively SING like girls. And that's why some of us love them. And why others - like my brother - simply pound down their Pabsts, get hard-ons for their Hemis, and sink down slothful and hog-like into their manly, manly mudd.
But, now, to the matter at hand... Antony and the Johnsons, Devendra Banhart, and Jeff Hanson all came to my attention at around the same time. All sport their own sound, but each operates within a somewhat similar sphere. And it's their voices, in particular, that set them apart from others while binding them to each other. Granted, Devendra's voice is certainly the least "girly" of the three, but it's still fragile and flitting enough to fit the bill.
And, truth be told, it's my can't-look-at-it/can't-look-away, car-crash reaction to Devendra's "Little Boys" that provided much of the impetus for today's posting. About halfway through, the song shifts significantly when the bassline to Little Peggy March's "I Will Follow Him" kicks in and ol' Devendra starts ranting about all the little boys he wants to marry. What is one to make of this? Is it a sad, desperate effort to be included on the Michael Jackson trial soundtrack? Or perhaps an attempt to pen the perfect theme song for his local NAMBLA chapter? Or is it all just a bit of innocent whimsy? Perhaps only Devendra knows. Perhaps only Devendra should. But give the song a listen; that bassline is positively pedophilia-proof.
[MP3] [left-click] Antony and the Johnsons/"Fistful of Love" [from the LP I Am a Bird Now, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] Antony and the Johnsons/"Blue Angel" [from their self-titled LP, 2004]
[MP3] [left-click] Devendra Banhart/"Little Boys" [from the LP Cripple Crow, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] Devendra Banhart/"At the Hop" [from the LP Nino Rojo, 2004]
[MP3] [left-click] Jeff Hanson/"This Time It Will" [from his self-titled LP, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] Jeff Hanson/"Hiding Behind the Moon" [from the LP Son, 2003]
Sunday, July 24, 2005
BEAT IT ON OVER TO BEAT THE INDIE DRUM
Beat the Indie Drum puts up a monthly collection of MP3s (in zips) that are well worth wading through. And it's quite an archive he's accumulated. By all means, head on over there and dig in.
For now, though, here is a handful of songs I've stolen from him over the past couple months (the Robert Post song REALLY got itself stuck in my head today... in the very best way), as well as an appropriately "drummy" (not to mention "summery") R.E.M. song.
Robert Post/"Got Nothing" [MP3] [left-click]
Mercury Rev/"Vermillion" [MP3] [left-click]
Lou Barlow/"Home" [MP3] [left-click]
The Epoxies/"You Kill Me" [MP3] [left-click]
Devotchka/"Danglin' Feet" [MP3] [left-click]
R.E.M./"Beat a Drum" [MP3] [left-click]
For now, though, here is a handful of songs I've stolen from him over the past couple months (the Robert Post song REALLY got itself stuck in my head today... in the very best way), as well as an appropriately "drummy" (not to mention "summery") R.E.M. song.
Robert Post/"Got Nothing" [MP3] [left-click]
Mercury Rev/"Vermillion" [MP3] [left-click]
Lou Barlow/"Home" [MP3] [left-click]
The Epoxies/"You Kill Me" [MP3] [left-click]
Devotchka/"Danglin' Feet" [MP3] [left-click]
R.E.M./"Beat a Drum" [MP3] [left-click]
Saturday, July 23, 2005
PULP
I came to the whole Britpop party a bit late. Hell, I still don't know exactly when the "movement" began in the UK. I do remember seeing the video for Blur's "Girls and Boys" on MTV in the U.S. at some vague point in time. And then there was Oasis, of course, actually getting a hell of a lot more American airplay than Blur. When I moved to Los Angeles in 1994, that was more-or-less the extent of my knowledge of the genre.
But in L.A. I met a girl who had the decency to introduce me to the band Pulp. At some point - and for some reason - I had ended an e-mail to her with a random lyric from - swear to christ - OINGO BOINGO. Duly alarmed and indignant, she replied with a lyric from a song called "Underwear." That song was by Pulp, of course, and though I don't remember what the specific lyric was, it's a safe bet that it had something to do with... well... underwear. The very next day she loaned me Different Class, the album from whence that song came, and a long and lustful love affair was born.
To this day, I consider "Common People" one of the ten best pop songs of the '90s, what with its relentless momentum and build (and lyrics worthy of Morrissey, which I mean as the peak of praise). Little did I know at the time that Jarvis Cocker & Co. had existed - in one incarnation or another - since 1978, though they hadn't begun to break through to the masses until 1994's His 'n' Hers.
From the very genesis of this blog, I had the intention of selfishly spotlighting my favorite artists, so it was just a matter of time before Pulp insinuated themselves onto the stage. Still, though, it was Achtung Baby!'s posting of This is Hardcore's title track a week or so ago that provided the immediate impetus for this present Pulpalooza. So thanks go to him. And also to Torr, who is the "man" to "see" about all things musically Brit.
"Common People"/Pulp [from the LP Different Class, 1995]
Common People-mp3 [left-click]
"The Fear"/Pulp [from the LP This is Hardcore, 1998]
The Fear-mp3 [left-click]
"The Birds in Your Garden"/Pulp [from the LP We Love Life, 2001]
The Birds in Your Garden-mp3 [left-click]
"Pink Glove"/Pulp [from the LP His 'n' Hers, 1994]
Pink Glove-mp3 [left-click]
"We Are the Boys"/Pulp [from the soundtrack to Velvet Goldmine, 1998] [see earlier post]
We Are the Boys-mp3 [left-click]
But in L.A. I met a girl who had the decency to introduce me to the band Pulp. At some point - and for some reason - I had ended an e-mail to her with a random lyric from - swear to christ - OINGO BOINGO. Duly alarmed and indignant, she replied with a lyric from a song called "Underwear." That song was by Pulp, of course, and though I don't remember what the specific lyric was, it's a safe bet that it had something to do with... well... underwear. The very next day she loaned me Different Class, the album from whence that song came, and a long and lustful love affair was born.
To this day, I consider "Common People" one of the ten best pop songs of the '90s, what with its relentless momentum and build (and lyrics worthy of Morrissey, which I mean as the peak of praise). Little did I know at the time that Jarvis Cocker & Co. had existed - in one incarnation or another - since 1978, though they hadn't begun to break through to the masses until 1994's His 'n' Hers.
From the very genesis of this blog, I had the intention of selfishly spotlighting my favorite artists, so it was just a matter of time before Pulp insinuated themselves onto the stage. Still, though, it was Achtung Baby!'s posting of This is Hardcore's title track a week or so ago that provided the immediate impetus for this present Pulpalooza. So thanks go to him. And also to Torr, who is the "man" to "see" about all things musically Brit.
"Common People"/Pulp [from the LP Different Class, 1995]
Common People-mp3 [left-click]
"The Fear"/Pulp [from the LP This is Hardcore, 1998]
The Fear-mp3 [left-click]
"The Birds in Your Garden"/Pulp [from the LP We Love Life, 2001]
The Birds in Your Garden-mp3 [left-click]
"Pink Glove"/Pulp [from the LP His 'n' Hers, 1994]
Pink Glove-mp3 [left-click]
"We Are the Boys"/Pulp [from the soundtrack to Velvet Goldmine, 1998] [see earlier post]
We Are the Boys-mp3 [left-click]
Friday, July 22, 2005
THE ALMOST-WERES THAT JUST-WEREN'T-QUITE
A couple days ago, I posted the tracks I'd been most enjoying during the 2nd 4th of '05. Today, I share a few of the tunes that just missed the cut.
Electric Six is a Detroit band, so I feel the need to shower them with a bit of favor. It's almost impossible to take these guys seriously - and "Dance Epidemic" is no "Danger! High Voltage!" - but what the hell. It's catchy in a sublimely stupid way, and that's just fine for summer Saturday nights both south AND north of 8 Mile. [Their album title, Senor Smoke, by the way, refers to former Detroit Tigers reliever Aurelio Lopez, who was the 8th-inning set-up man for their 1984 championship team.] [I knew you wanted to know that, so that's why I told you.]
Maria Taylor is a member of both Azure Ray and Now It's Overhead, and her solo album, 11:11, is currently available from Saddle Creek Records.
And yes, I'm as surprised as anyone that I'm including a Wallflowers song here. But it's a decent one - perhaps even above "bland." And poor Jakob has to drag a pretty big shadow around with him. So let's show the man a little pity, shall we?
"Sweet Illusions"/Ryan Adams & the Cardinals [from the LP Cold Roses, 2005]
Sweet Illusions-mp3 [left-click]
"Dakota"/Stereophonics [from the LP Language. Sex. Violence. Other?, 2005]
Dakota-mp3 [left-click]
"Dance Epidemic"/Electric Six [from the LP Senor Smoke, 2005]
Dance Epidemic-mp3 [left-click]
"Song Beneath the Song"/Maria Taylor [from the LP 11:11, 2005]
Song Beneath the Song-mp3 [left-click]
"Nearly Beloved"/The Wallflowers [from the LP Rebel, Sweetheart, 2005]
Nearly Beloved-mp3 [left-click]
Electric Six is a Detroit band, so I feel the need to shower them with a bit of favor. It's almost impossible to take these guys seriously - and "Dance Epidemic" is no "Danger! High Voltage!" - but what the hell. It's catchy in a sublimely stupid way, and that's just fine for summer Saturday nights both south AND north of 8 Mile. [Their album title, Senor Smoke, by the way, refers to former Detroit Tigers reliever Aurelio Lopez, who was the 8th-inning set-up man for their 1984 championship team.] [I knew you wanted to know that, so that's why I told you.]
Maria Taylor is a member of both Azure Ray and Now It's Overhead, and her solo album, 11:11, is currently available from Saddle Creek Records.
And yes, I'm as surprised as anyone that I'm including a Wallflowers song here. But it's a decent one - perhaps even above "bland." And poor Jakob has to drag a pretty big shadow around with him. So let's show the man a little pity, shall we?
"Sweet Illusions"/Ryan Adams & the Cardinals [from the LP Cold Roses, 2005]
Sweet Illusions-mp3 [left-click]
"Dakota"/Stereophonics [from the LP Language. Sex. Violence. Other?, 2005]
Dakota-mp3 [left-click]
"Dance Epidemic"/Electric Six [from the LP Senor Smoke, 2005]
Dance Epidemic-mp3 [left-click]
"Song Beneath the Song"/Maria Taylor [from the LP 11:11, 2005]
Song Beneath the Song-mp3 [left-click]
"Nearly Beloved"/The Wallflowers [from the LP Rebel, Sweetheart, 2005]
Nearly Beloved-mp3 [left-click]
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
SOUNDTRACK TO MY LIFE [APR -> JUN 2005]
Took me a while to compile my list this time around, but here are the winners - so breathlessly awaited by the world. [Again, the numbers refer not to ranking of preference, just to the general track-order.]
1. Salim Nourallah/"1978" [courtesy of songs: illinois]
2. New Rhodes/"I Wish I Was You" [MP3] [left-click]
3. The High Dials/"The Holy Ground"
4. Weezer/"This is Such a Pity"
5. The Raveonettes/"Ode to L.A."
6. Kent/"Du Ar Anga"
7. Stars/"Ageless Beauty"
8. Levy/"Rotten Love" [MP3] [left-click]
9. Kaiser Chiefs/"I Predict a Riot"
10. Great Lakes Myth Society/"Across the Bridge"
11. Ed Harcourt/"Loneliness" [MP3] [left-click]
12. Spoon/"The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine"
13. The Decemberists/"We Both Go Down Together"
14. Maplewood Lane/"Wildwood Drive" [courtesy of largehearted boy]
15. Lola Barbershop/"The Girl in the Recordstore" [courtesy of swedesplease]
16. Eisley/"Golly Sandra"
17. Marjorie Fair/"Waves" [MP3] [left-click]
18. Shout Out Louds/"Very Loud"
19. Atherton/"California" [MP3] [left-click]
20. British Sea Power/"Please Stand Up" [courtesy of Torr]
21. Hello Saferide/"Valentine's Day" [MP3] [left-click]
22. Gustav & the Seasick Sailors/"Angels Fable" [MP3] [left-click]
1. Salim Nourallah/"1978" [courtesy of songs: illinois]
2. New Rhodes/"I Wish I Was You" [MP3] [left-click]
3. The High Dials/"The Holy Ground"
4. Weezer/"This is Such a Pity"
5. The Raveonettes/"Ode to L.A."
6. Kent/"Du Ar Anga"
7. Stars/"Ageless Beauty"
8. Levy/"Rotten Love" [MP3] [left-click]
9. Kaiser Chiefs/"I Predict a Riot"
10. Great Lakes Myth Society/"Across the Bridge"
11. Ed Harcourt/"Loneliness" [MP3] [left-click]
12. Spoon/"The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine"
13. The Decemberists/"We Both Go Down Together"
14. Maplewood Lane/"Wildwood Drive" [courtesy of largehearted boy]
15. Lola Barbershop/"The Girl in the Recordstore" [courtesy of swedesplease]
16. Eisley/"Golly Sandra"
17. Marjorie Fair/"Waves" [MP3] [left-click]
18. Shout Out Louds/"Very Loud"
19. Atherton/"California" [MP3] [left-click]
20. British Sea Power/"Please Stand Up" [courtesy of Torr]
21. Hello Saferide/"Valentine's Day" [MP3] [left-click]
22. Gustav & the Seasick Sailors/"Angels Fable" [MP3] [left-click]
VELVET GOLDMINE
Terrible, terrible movie. I don't care if you're queer, queer-curious, or just plain "arty": it's an unwatchable, directionless mess. BUT... the soundtrack is pretty swell (and worth it for Radiohead fans for Thom Yorke's Bryan Ferry impersonation alone).
As is pretty much always the case, there are some terrific songs in the film that, for one reason or another, never made it to the soundtrack. So, today, we'll listen to a few of those, and throw in an unrelated but great Patti Smith tune that fits the "glittery" theme. [Incidentally, Michael Stipe co-produced Velvet Goldmine and sings back-up on the Patti track, so things sort of come full-circle.]
"Cosmic Dancer"/T. Rex [from the LP Electric Warrior, 1971]
Cosmic Dancer-mp3 [left-click]
"Dead Finks Don't Talk"/Brian Eno [from the LP Here Come the Warm Jets, 1974]
Dead Finks Don't Talk-mp3 [left-click]
"Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)"/Gary Glitter [from the LP Touch Me, 1973]
Do You Wanna Touch Me-mp3 [left-click]
"Sebastian"/Cockney Rebel [from the LP The Human Menagerie, 1974]
Sebastian-mp3 [left-click]
"Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)/Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel [from the LP The Best Years of Our Lives, 1975]
Make Me Smile-mp3 [left-click]
"Glitter in Their Eyes"/Patti Smith [w/Michael Stipe] [from the LP Gung Ho, 2000]
Glitter in Their Eyes-mp3 [left-click]
As is pretty much always the case, there are some terrific songs in the film that, for one reason or another, never made it to the soundtrack. So, today, we'll listen to a few of those, and throw in an unrelated but great Patti Smith tune that fits the "glittery" theme. [Incidentally, Michael Stipe co-produced Velvet Goldmine and sings back-up on the Patti track, so things sort of come full-circle.]
"Cosmic Dancer"/T. Rex [from the LP Electric Warrior, 1971]
Cosmic Dancer-mp3 [left-click]
"Dead Finks Don't Talk"/Brian Eno [from the LP Here Come the Warm Jets, 1974]
Dead Finks Don't Talk-mp3 [left-click]
"Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)"/Gary Glitter [from the LP Touch Me, 1973]
Do You Wanna Touch Me-mp3 [left-click]
"Sebastian"/Cockney Rebel [from the LP The Human Menagerie, 1974]
Sebastian-mp3 [left-click]
"Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)/Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel [from the LP The Best Years of Our Lives, 1975]
Make Me Smile-mp3 [left-click]
"Glitter in Their Eyes"/Patti Smith [w/Michael Stipe] [from the LP Gung Ho, 2000]
Glitter in Their Eyes-mp3 [left-click]
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
BRITISH SEA POWER
I just finally finished compiling my favorite songs of April -> June 2005 and included a track from British Sea Power's last album, Open Season. It was with their first LP, though, The Decline of British Sea Power, that I first heard of these guys. Can't say that I found that record top-to-bottom astounding, but it had "promise" written all over it, and I suppose it can be said that Open Season does elevate them... a bit. Still, I have to believe that they have a "classic" opus up their collective sleeve somewhere down the line, but time will tell.
Here are two tracks from each of their albums, as well as one ("The Spirit of St. Louis") that I had to do a bit of research on. I still don't know where it showed up first - perhaps on an early EP. Then it seems to have appeared as a b-side on a Decline of British Sea Power track ("The Lonely"?). Well, whatever. It's here to provide some idea of the early sound of the band. A bit rougher around the edges, seems to me.
Cheers & etc.
"Please Stand Up"/British Sea Power [from the LP Open Season, 2005]
Please Stand Up-mp3 [left-click]
"The Land Beyond"/British Sea Power [from the LP Open Season, 2005]
The Land Beyond-mp3 [left-click]
"Carrion"/British Sea Power [from the LP The Decline of British Sea Power, 2003]
Carrion-mp3 [left-click]
"Blackout"/British Sea Power [from the LP The Decline of British Sea Power, 2003]
Blackout-mp3 [left-click]
"The Spirit of St. Louis"/British Sea Power [from: wherever-and-whenever-the-hell]
The Spirit of St. Louis-mp3 [left-click]
Here are two tracks from each of their albums, as well as one ("The Spirit of St. Louis") that I had to do a bit of research on. I still don't know where it showed up first - perhaps on an early EP. Then it seems to have appeared as a b-side on a Decline of British Sea Power track ("The Lonely"?). Well, whatever. It's here to provide some idea of the early sound of the band. A bit rougher around the edges, seems to me.
Cheers & etc.
"Please Stand Up"/British Sea Power [from the LP Open Season, 2005]
Please Stand Up-mp3 [left-click]
"The Land Beyond"/British Sea Power [from the LP Open Season, 2005]
The Land Beyond-mp3 [left-click]
"Carrion"/British Sea Power [from the LP The Decline of British Sea Power, 2003]
Carrion-mp3 [left-click]
"Blackout"/British Sea Power [from the LP The Decline of British Sea Power, 2003]
Blackout-mp3 [left-click]
"The Spirit of St. Louis"/British Sea Power [from: wherever-and-whenever-the-hell]
The Spirit of St. Louis-mp3 [left-click]
Sunday, July 17, 2005
FREE WILLY
I'm sure I'm well behind the curve on this, but what with the new version of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory coming out, it seems timely in the extreme to revisit some of those delightful-yet-vaguely-creepy tunes of our youths. Alas, I do not own the Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory soundtrack, but I do have a few of the songs sprinkled willy-nilly throughout my mix CDs, including those irrepressible Oompa Loompa life-lesson ditties.
I thought seriously about adding the White Stripes' "Candy Cane Children" to the collection, especially as Johnny Depp seems to be modeling his look after Mr. White in the Tim Burton update. But, truthfully, that song isn't a favorite of mine, so I've decided instead to substitute the oddly perfect pairing of Iggy Pop and Kate Pierson on "Candy," as well as Soviet's OMD/Echo & the Bunnymen homage "Candy Girl."
Now, like a bull in a candy shop, go crazy...
Oompa Loompa Songs [from the soundtrack to Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 1996]
Oompa Loompa Song #1 [MP3] [left-click]
Oompa Loompa Song #2 [MP3] [left-click]
Oompa Loompa Song #3 [MP3] [left-click]
Oompa Loompa Song #4 [MP3] [left-click]
"Pure Imagination" [from the soundtrack to Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 1996]
Pure Imagination [MP3] [left-click]
"Candy"/Iggy Pop [w/Kate Pierson] [from the Iggy Pop LP Brick By Brick, 1990]
Candy-mp3 [left-click]
"Candy Girl"/Soviet [from the LP We Are Eyes, We Are Builders, 2001]
Candy Girl-mp3 [left-click]
I thought seriously about adding the White Stripes' "Candy Cane Children" to the collection, especially as Johnny Depp seems to be modeling his look after Mr. White in the Tim Burton update. But, truthfully, that song isn't a favorite of mine, so I've decided instead to substitute the oddly perfect pairing of Iggy Pop and Kate Pierson on "Candy," as well as Soviet's OMD/Echo & the Bunnymen homage "Candy Girl."
Now, like a bull in a candy shop, go crazy...
Oompa Loompa Songs [from the soundtrack to Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 1996]
Oompa Loompa Song #1 [MP3] [left-click]
Oompa Loompa Song #2 [MP3] [left-click]
Oompa Loompa Song #3 [MP3] [left-click]
Oompa Loompa Song #4 [MP3] [left-click]
"Pure Imagination" [from the soundtrack to Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 1996]
Pure Imagination [MP3] [left-click]
"Candy"/Iggy Pop [w/Kate Pierson] [from the Iggy Pop LP Brick By Brick, 1990]
Candy-mp3 [left-click]
"Candy Girl"/Soviet [from the LP We Are Eyes, We Are Builders, 2001]
Candy Girl-mp3 [left-click]
Saturday, July 16, 2005
THE CARS/BENJAMIN ORR
Well, I'm back after a week of disappearing down the rabbit-hole (and let me just say: when one is engaging in a big-time binge, alcohol is the king of kings, but in inevitable, subsequent withdrawal, valium is dandy as candy). Regardless, I wanted to spotlight my favorite group of the mid-'80s today, the Cars. For some reason, I've decided to do so by way of their now-deceased bass player, Benjamin Orr. He was also their co-lead singer (with Ric Ocasek), but I'm sure many people were never aware of that, as their voices are (were) not altogether dissimilar. Orr's was a bit smoother, perhaps; Ocasek's... well... kookier.
Whatever the case, here are four Cars songs on which Orr sings lead - as well as Orr's one solo semi-hit, "Stay the Night." (This, by the way, should not be confused with the Chicago song of the same name, though both suffer from that '80s-slickness production style that practically oozes out of one's speakers like processed cheese through a Spam grinder. Still: sort of darn charming, if I do say so myself.)
"Just What I Needed"/The Cars [from their self-titled LP, 1978]
Just What I Needed-mp3 [left-click]
"Drive"/The Cars [from the LP Heartbeat City, 1983]
Drive-mp3 [left-click]
"Let's Go"/The Cars [from the LP Candy-O, 1979]
Let's Go-mp3 [left-click]
"All Mixed Up"/The Cars [from their self-titled LP, 1978]
All Mixed Up-mp3 [left-click]
"Stay the Night"/Benjamin Orr [from the Benjamin Orr LP The Lace, 1986]
Stay the Night-mp3 [left-click]
Whatever the case, here are four Cars songs on which Orr sings lead - as well as Orr's one solo semi-hit, "Stay the Night." (This, by the way, should not be confused with the Chicago song of the same name, though both suffer from that '80s-slickness production style that practically oozes out of one's speakers like processed cheese through a Spam grinder. Still: sort of darn charming, if I do say so myself.)
"Just What I Needed"/The Cars [from their self-titled LP, 1978]
Just What I Needed-mp3 [left-click]
"Drive"/The Cars [from the LP Heartbeat City, 1983]
Drive-mp3 [left-click]
"Let's Go"/The Cars [from the LP Candy-O, 1979]
Let's Go-mp3 [left-click]
"All Mixed Up"/The Cars [from their self-titled LP, 1978]
All Mixed Up-mp3 [left-click]
"Stay the Night"/Benjamin Orr [from the Benjamin Orr LP The Lace, 1986]
Stay the Night-mp3 [left-click]
Thursday, July 7, 2005
BELLE AND SEBASTIAN
There seem to be a lot of people on this planet who can't stand Belle and Sebastian. Too twee or not too twee? That is the question. (And, come to think of it, that ol' prancer Hamlet was pretty much "twee" to the teeth.)
I really can't remember when I first heard a B&S song, though it probably would have been from 1997's If You're Feeling Sinister - perhaps "The Fox in the Snow" or "Like Dylan in the Movies." For me, they've remained pretty interesting since then. Even if their output is sometimes erratic - and sometimes repetitive - they still manage to stretch their sound enough to remain flexible and relevant in a suddenly '80s, New Wave-retro music scene.
Some of their biggest risks were taken with their many b-sides, and it's a nice thing indeed that 25 of these have been compiled as the two-disc collection Push Barman to Open Old Wounds. Not all of the songs are classics, of course. Some are barely worth the effort of remembering. But most bring at least something to the table, and a few of them rank with the best things they've done.
[I am also posting their schizophrenic, everything-AND-the-kitchen-sink suite "Your Cover's Blown."]
"I'm Waking Up to Us" [MP3] [left-click]
"String Bean Jean" [MP3] [left-click]
"Legal Man" [MP3] [left-click]
"Your Cover's Blown" [MP3] [left-click]
I really can't remember when I first heard a B&S song, though it probably would have been from 1997's If You're Feeling Sinister - perhaps "The Fox in the Snow" or "Like Dylan in the Movies." For me, they've remained pretty interesting since then. Even if their output is sometimes erratic - and sometimes repetitive - they still manage to stretch their sound enough to remain flexible and relevant in a suddenly '80s, New Wave-retro music scene.
Some of their biggest risks were taken with their many b-sides, and it's a nice thing indeed that 25 of these have been compiled as the two-disc collection Push Barman to Open Old Wounds. Not all of the songs are classics, of course. Some are barely worth the effort of remembering. But most bring at least something to the table, and a few of them rank with the best things they've done.
[I am also posting their schizophrenic, everything-AND-the-kitchen-sink suite "Your Cover's Blown."]
"I'm Waking Up to Us" [MP3] [left-click]
"String Bean Jean" [MP3] [left-click]
"Legal Man" [MP3] [left-click]
"Your Cover's Blown" [MP3] [left-click]
Wednesday, July 6, 2005
WEDNESDAY LOVE-IN
"A Song for the Lovers"/Richard Ashcroft
A Song for the Lovers-mp3 [left-click]
"Lotta Love to Give"/Daniel Lanois
Lotta Love to Give-mp3 [left-click]
"Fallen Out of Love"/Amy Correia
Fallen Out of Love-mp3 [left-click]
"Love Keeps Dragging Me Down"/Gene Loves Jezebel
Love Keeps Dragging Me Down-mp3 [left-click]
"I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love with You"/Tom Waits
I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love with You-mp3 [left-click]
A Song for the Lovers-mp3 [left-click]
"Lotta Love to Give"/Daniel Lanois
Lotta Love to Give-mp3 [left-click]
"Fallen Out of Love"/Amy Correia
Fallen Out of Love-mp3 [left-click]
"Love Keeps Dragging Me Down"/Gene Loves Jezebel
Love Keeps Dragging Me Down-mp3 [left-click]
"I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love with You"/Tom Waits
I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love with You-mp3 [left-click]
Sunday, July 3, 2005
FRANK BLACK
It's likely that Frank Black will always be best remembered for his work with the Pixies. That's really no dig at his subsequent solo work, just an indication of how truly influential the Pixies were in their prime (and today, for that matter; just look at the buzz that has attended their reunion tour). While it would be impossible to list all of the latter-day acts that have cited the Pixies as a major influence, Nirvana and Radiohead were certainly none-too-bashful in their praise.
Frank Black will release his latest album, Honeycomb, on July 19. I can't say that I'm overly familiar with the man's previous solo work, so I can't really say that this is all that much of a departure. Certainly, though, Pixies fans may find themselves befuddled and/or benumbed by the rather low-key proceedings (complete with tame but tangible country-western flourishes!). And be damned if ol' Frank doesn't come across sounding like a ringer for Van Morrison on a number of tracks.
Anyway, as records go, this one may be a "grower," requiring a few listens to properly insinuate itself. At the very least, it does have a rather comforting, front-porch sort of intimacy to it. Might be nice for those warm summer nights.
Here are my two current favorite tracks from Honeycomb and a few Pixies classics from my favorite album of theirs...
"Sunday Sunny Mill Valley Groove Day"/Frank Black [from the LP Honeycomb, 2005]
Sunday Sunny Mill Valley Groove Day-mp3 [left-click]
"Selkie Bride"/Frank Black [from the LP Honeycomb, 2005]
Selkie Bride-mp3 [left-click]
"Here Comes Your Man"/The Pixies [from the Pixies LP Doolittle, 1989]
Here Comes Your Man-mp3 [left-click]
"Monkey Gone to Heaven"/The Pixies [from the Pixies LP Doolittle, 1989]
Monkey Gone to Heaven-mp3 [left-click]
"Debaser"/The Pixies [from the Pixies LP Doolittle, 1989]
Debaser-mp3 [left-click]
Frank Black will release his latest album, Honeycomb, on July 19. I can't say that I'm overly familiar with the man's previous solo work, so I can't really say that this is all that much of a departure. Certainly, though, Pixies fans may find themselves befuddled and/or benumbed by the rather low-key proceedings (complete with tame but tangible country-western flourishes!). And be damned if ol' Frank doesn't come across sounding like a ringer for Van Morrison on a number of tracks.
Anyway, as records go, this one may be a "grower," requiring a few listens to properly insinuate itself. At the very least, it does have a rather comforting, front-porch sort of intimacy to it. Might be nice for those warm summer nights.
Here are my two current favorite tracks from Honeycomb and a few Pixies classics from my favorite album of theirs...
"Sunday Sunny Mill Valley Groove Day"/Frank Black [from the LP Honeycomb, 2005]
Sunday Sunny Mill Valley Groove Day-mp3 [left-click]
"Selkie Bride"/Frank Black [from the LP Honeycomb, 2005]
Selkie Bride-mp3 [left-click]
"Here Comes Your Man"/The Pixies [from the Pixies LP Doolittle, 1989]
Here Comes Your Man-mp3 [left-click]
"Monkey Gone to Heaven"/The Pixies [from the Pixies LP Doolittle, 1989]
Monkey Gone to Heaven-mp3 [left-click]
"Debaser"/The Pixies [from the Pixies LP Doolittle, 1989]
Debaser-mp3 [left-click]
Friday, July 1, 2005
RILO KILEY
As is no doubt painfully obvious, this blog will never be especially cutting-edge or timely. No new bands are likely to be broken here; no new trends in the music biz divined or defined. It's just about the music. Whether old, new, popular, not. This is me being defensive, of course - my attempt to be the first to damn myself for this blog's inherent unhipness. So there. Enough. Move on...
... And give a little more love to a band that's already gotten quite a bit of it in recent years. L.A.'s Rilo Kiley started with Saddle Creek Records before jumping to Warners with last year's More Adventurous. My favorite record of theirs is probably still 2002's The Execution of All Things, but there has been much to love on all of their albums, as today's tunes will attest.
"Love and War (11/11/46)"/Rilo Kiley [from the LP More Adventurous, 2004]
Love and War (11/11/46)-mp3 [left-click]
"Hail to Whatever You Found in the Sunlight That Surrounds You"/Rilo Kiley [from the LP The Execution of All Things, 2002]
Hail to Whatever You Found in the Sunlight That Surrounds You-mp3 [left-click]
"Always"/Rilo Kiley [from the LP Take Offs and Landings, 2001]
Always-mp3 [left-click]
"The Frug"/Rilo Kiley [from the EP The Initial Friend, 2001]
The Frug-mp3 [left-click]
"85"/Rilo Kiley [from the EP The Initial Friend, 2001]
85-mp3 [left-click]
... And give a little more love to a band that's already gotten quite a bit of it in recent years. L.A.'s Rilo Kiley started with Saddle Creek Records before jumping to Warners with last year's More Adventurous. My favorite record of theirs is probably still 2002's The Execution of All Things, but there has been much to love on all of their albums, as today's tunes will attest.
"Love and War (11/11/46)"/Rilo Kiley [from the LP More Adventurous, 2004]
Love and War (11/11/46)-mp3 [left-click]
"Hail to Whatever You Found in the Sunlight That Surrounds You"/Rilo Kiley [from the LP The Execution of All Things, 2002]
Hail to Whatever You Found in the Sunlight That Surrounds You-mp3 [left-click]
"Always"/Rilo Kiley [from the LP Take Offs and Landings, 2001]
Always-mp3 [left-click]
"The Frug"/Rilo Kiley [from the EP The Initial Friend, 2001]
The Frug-mp3 [left-click]
"85"/Rilo Kiley [from the EP The Initial Friend, 2001]
85-mp3 [left-click]
Thursday, June 30, 2005
TIME-MACHINE FRIDAY
Well, we've reached the mid-point of the year, and I will be racking my brain for the next few days trying to put together my favorite 80 minutes of music from the past three months. Until then, I am posting my favorite 80 minutes of music from the FIRST three months of 2005. [Note: these songs were not necessarily RELEASED during these time periods, and the numbers merely refer to the tracklisting, not to a ranking of preference.]
1) Of Montreal/"So Begins Our Alabee"
2) Gwen Stefani/"What You Waiting For? [Jacques lu Cont remix]" [MP3] [left-click]
3) Interpol/"Evil"
4) Metric/"Combat Baby"
5) Eels/"Old Shit/New Shit"
6) Bunky/"Baba" [MP3] [left-click]
7) Brendan Benson/"The Pledge"
8) Angela McCluskey/"Know It All" [MP3 available elsewhere on this blog]
9) Matt Pond PA/"The Hollows"
10) Jeff Hanson/"This Time It Will"
11) Ron Sexsmith/"How on Earth" [MP3] [left-click]
12) The Tiny/"Closer"
13) The Spinto Band/"Oh Mandy" [MP3 available elsewhere on this blog]
14) The Dears/"Who Are You, Defenders of the Universe" [MP3 available elsewhere on this blog]
15) Elk City/"Cherries in the Snow" [MP3] [left-click]
16) Josh Rouse/"Winter in the Hamptons"
17) Low/"Monkey"
18) Audible/"Sunday Bell" [MP3] [left-click]
19) Summer at Shatter Creek/"Worlds Away"
20) Consequences/"Pieces"
21) The Hidden Cameras/"Boys of Melody" [MP3] [left-click]
1) Of Montreal/"So Begins Our Alabee"
2) Gwen Stefani/"What You Waiting For? [Jacques lu Cont remix]" [MP3] [left-click]
3) Interpol/"Evil"
4) Metric/"Combat Baby"
5) Eels/"Old Shit/New Shit"
6) Bunky/"Baba" [MP3] [left-click]
7) Brendan Benson/"The Pledge"
8) Angela McCluskey/"Know It All" [MP3 available elsewhere on this blog]
9) Matt Pond PA/"The Hollows"
10) Jeff Hanson/"This Time It Will"
11) Ron Sexsmith/"How on Earth" [MP3] [left-click]
12) The Tiny/"Closer"
13) The Spinto Band/"Oh Mandy" [MP3 available elsewhere on this blog]
14) The Dears/"Who Are You, Defenders of the Universe" [MP3 available elsewhere on this blog]
15) Elk City/"Cherries in the Snow" [MP3] [left-click]
16) Josh Rouse/"Winter in the Hamptons"
17) Low/"Monkey"
18) Audible/"Sunday Bell" [MP3] [left-click]
19) Summer at Shatter Creek/"Worlds Away"
20) Consequences/"Pieces"
21) The Hidden Cameras/"Boys of Melody" [MP3] [left-click]
STARFLYER 59
Starflyer 59 is one of those one-man bands that come down the pike every now and again. In this case, the man is Jason Martin, a California-based singer-songwriter who's recorded some ten albums over the past ten years under the SF59 moniker. Apparently, Mr. Martin isn't too pleased that his music is often labeled "shoegazer," and I can't blame him. His songs DO move. They do ebb, flow, build, breathe, etc. Granted, they do so within certain fairly distinct boundaries, but so be it. There are worse things than being accused of being "atmospheric" - especially when there are plenty of examples of verse-chorus-verse to be found amongst the evocative soundscapes...
"Good Sons"/Starflyer 59 [from the LP Talking Voice vs. Singing Voice, 2005]
Good Sons-mp3 [left-click]
"Wake Up Early"/Starflyer 59 [from the LP I Am the Portuguese Blues, 2004]
Wake Up Early-mp3 [left-click]
"Underneath"/Starflyer 59 [from the LP Old, 2003]
Underneath-mp3 [left-click]
"Can You Play Drums?"/Starflyer 59 [from the LP Leave Here a Stranger, 2001]
Can You Play Drums?-mp3 [left-click]
"All the Time"/Starflyer 59 [from the LP The Fashion Focus, 1998]
All the Time-mp3 [left-click]
"Good Sons"/Starflyer 59 [from the LP Talking Voice vs. Singing Voice, 2005]
Good Sons-mp3 [left-click]
"Wake Up Early"/Starflyer 59 [from the LP I Am the Portuguese Blues, 2004]
Wake Up Early-mp3 [left-click]
"Underneath"/Starflyer 59 [from the LP Old, 2003]
Underneath-mp3 [left-click]
"Can You Play Drums?"/Starflyer 59 [from the LP Leave Here a Stranger, 2001]
Can You Play Drums?-mp3 [left-click]
"All the Time"/Starflyer 59 [from the LP The Fashion Focus, 1998]
All the Time-mp3 [left-click]
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
VETERANS WEDNESDAY
As I didn't have anything specific in mind for today, I've decided to highlight four very solid songs from four very "veteran" (in the best sense of the word) artists. Mark Knopfler, of course, was the leader of Dire Straits. The Finn Brothers headed Split Enz and Crowded House. Angela McCluskey was the singer for a band called Wild Colonials. And Shelby Lynne... well... most of you probably know who she is.
"What It Is"/Mark Knopfler [from the LP Sailing to Philadelphia, 2000]
What It Is-mp3 [left-click]
"Killin' Kind"/Shelby Lynne [from the LP Love, Shelby, 2001]
Killin' Kind-mp3 [left-click]
"Won't Give In"/The Finn Brothers [from the LP Everyone is Here, 2004]
Won't Give In-mp3 [left-click]
"Know It All"/Angela McCluskey [from the LP The Things We Do, 2004]
Know It All-mp3 [left-click]
"What It Is"/Mark Knopfler [from the LP Sailing to Philadelphia, 2000]
What It Is-mp3 [left-click]
"Killin' Kind"/Shelby Lynne [from the LP Love, Shelby, 2001]
Killin' Kind-mp3 [left-click]
"Won't Give In"/The Finn Brothers [from the LP Everyone is Here, 2004]
Won't Give In-mp3 [left-click]
"Know It All"/Angela McCluskey [from the LP The Things We Do, 2004]
Know It All-mp3 [left-click]
Monday, June 27, 2005
TEGAN AND SARA
Far be it from me to go more than a few days without posting a Canadian artist on this blog. Tegan and Sara, at least, aren't from the city of Montreal - they're from the far less exotique cow-town of Calgary (no offense... er... offence, Calgarians). More interesting, perhaps, is the fact that these two are not only twin sisters, but also both openly lesbian. (Sounds like a stunningly unfunny scenario for ex-SNLer Rob Schneider, no?)
On their first, mostly acoustic record, Tegan and Sara sounded more like Ani DiFranco than Indigo Girls. Since then, they've opened up their sound a bit - even throwing in some rather appealing New Wave elements on last year's So Jealous. To my ears, it's the best work they've done. Then again, it should be noted that I do have a bit of a jones for the '80s, in general, and the Go Go's, in particular. So there you go.
"I Know I Know I Know"/Tegan and Sara [from the LP So Jealous, 2004]
I Know I Know I Know-mp3 [left-click]
"Underwater"/Tegan and Sara [from the LP If It Was You, 2003]
Underwater-mp3 [left-click]
"More for Me"/Tegan and Sara [from the LP This Business of Art, 2000]
More for Me-mp3 [left-click]
On their first, mostly acoustic record, Tegan and Sara sounded more like Ani DiFranco than Indigo Girls. Since then, they've opened up their sound a bit - even throwing in some rather appealing New Wave elements on last year's So Jealous. To my ears, it's the best work they've done. Then again, it should be noted that I do have a bit of a jones for the '80s, in general, and the Go Go's, in particular. So there you go.
"I Know I Know I Know"/Tegan and Sara [from the LP So Jealous, 2004]
I Know I Know I Know-mp3 [left-click]
"Underwater"/Tegan and Sara [from the LP If It Was You, 2003]
Underwater-mp3 [left-click]
"More for Me"/Tegan and Sara [from the LP This Business of Art, 2000]
More for Me-mp3 [left-click]
RADIOHEAD GA GA
A bit of sincere flattery...
"Creep"/Richard Cheese [from the LP Lounge Against the Machine, 2000]
Creep-mp3 [left-click]
"Shitter Crappier" [an amusing take-off on the Radiohead "song" "Fitter Happier"]
Shitter Crappier-mp3 [left-click]
"Karma Police"/The Brown Derbies
Karma Police-Brown Derbies-mp3 [left-click]
"Rodeohead"/Hard 'N Phirm
Rodeohead-mp3 [left-click]
"Karma Police" [live]/Howie Day
Karma Police-Howie Day-mp3 [left-click]
"Lucky"/UnusablSignal
Lucky-mp3 [left-click]
"Creep"/Richard Cheese [from the LP Lounge Against the Machine, 2000]
Creep-mp3 [left-click]
"Shitter Crappier" [an amusing take-off on the Radiohead "song" "Fitter Happier"]
Shitter Crappier-mp3 [left-click]
"Karma Police"/The Brown Derbies
Karma Police-Brown Derbies-mp3 [left-click]
"Rodeohead"/Hard 'N Phirm
Rodeohead-mp3 [left-click]
"Karma Police" [live]/Howie Day
Karma Police-Howie Day-mp3 [left-click]
"Lucky"/UnusablSignal
Lucky-mp3 [left-click]
Saturday, June 25, 2005
THOM YORKE: 'HEADLESS
"This Mess We're In"/Thom Yorke with P.J. Harvey [from the P.J. Harvey LP Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea, 2000]
This Mess We're In-mp3 [left-click]
"I've Seen It All"/Thom Yorke with Bjork [from Selmasongs, the soundtrack to Dancer in the Dark, 2000]
I've Seen It All-mp3 [left-click]
"Bitter-Sweet"/Thom Yorke with the Venus in Furs [from the soundtrack to Velvet Goldmine, 1998]
Bitter-Sweet-mp3 [left-click]
"El President"/Thom Yorke with Drugstore [from the Drugstore LP White Magic for Lovers, 1998]
El President-mp3 [left-click]
"Rabbit in Your Headlights"/Thom Yorke with UNKLE [from the LP Psyence Fiction, 1998]
Rabbit in Your Headlights-mp3 [left-click]
"Rabbit in Your Headlights" [Underdog remix]/Thom Yorke with UNKLE
Rabbit in Your Headlights [underdog]-mp3 [left-click]
This Mess We're In-mp3 [left-click]
"I've Seen It All"/Thom Yorke with Bjork [from Selmasongs, the soundtrack to Dancer in the Dark, 2000]
I've Seen It All-mp3 [left-click]
"Bitter-Sweet"/Thom Yorke with the Venus in Furs [from the soundtrack to Velvet Goldmine, 1998]
Bitter-Sweet-mp3 [left-click]
"El President"/Thom Yorke with Drugstore [from the Drugstore LP White Magic for Lovers, 1998]
El President-mp3 [left-click]
"Rabbit in Your Headlights"/Thom Yorke with UNKLE [from the LP Psyence Fiction, 1998]
Rabbit in Your Headlights-mp3 [left-click]
"Rabbit in Your Headlights" [Underdog remix]/Thom Yorke with UNKLE
Rabbit in Your Headlights [underdog]-mp3 [left-click]
Thursday, June 23, 2005
RADIOHEAD B-SIDES FRIDAY
Well, we might as well get this over with now. As Radiohead is my favorite band, I have little choice (and much desire) to show them some love in this forum. So, today, we have a handful of relatively random b-sides. Tomorrow will feature some of Thom Yorke's collaborations with other artists. And Sunday, just for yuks, will see a selection of other artists' tributes to the band - some on-the-ball, some off-the-wall.
"Talk Show Host"/Radiohead
Talk Show Host-mp3 [left-click]
"Pearly*"/Radiohead
Pearly*-mp3 [left-click]
"Inside My Head"/Radiohead
Inside My Head-mp3 [left-click]
"How Can You Be Sure?"/Radiohead
How Can You Be Sure?-mp3 [left-click]
"Fog"/Radiohead
Fog-mp3 [left-click]
"Talk Show Host"/Radiohead
Talk Show Host-mp3 [left-click]
"Pearly*"/Radiohead
Pearly*-mp3 [left-click]
"Inside My Head"/Radiohead
Inside My Head-mp3 [left-click]
"How Can You Be Sure?"/Radiohead
How Can You Be Sure?-mp3 [left-click]
"Fog"/Radiohead
Fog-mp3 [left-click]
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
ACID HOUSE KINGS
I don't know what it is about the Swedes, but when it comes to music, they seem to have an uncanny knack for hooks and harmony. Today, ABBA may be seen as little more than a polyester-jumpsuited punchline, but they sure as hell knew their way around a melody. Christ, so did Roxette, for that matter.
Granted, Swedish artists rarely exhibit much in the way of originality - tending instead to ape American or European acts of the past. But what goes around comes around, and the '90s found various cadres and cabals of Swedish songsmiths supplying the new American teenybopper line - from the Backstreet Boys to Britney Spears. And let's face it: they STILL have to answer for that.
Not so long ago, I went through a bit of a Swedish stage, prompted in large part by my discovery of Hello! Surprise!, a swell little site for audio exploration. Then, Songs: Illinois spun off SwedesPlease - a new MP3 blog dedicated to the sounds of Sweden. Both sites have highlighted the music of Acid House Kings - a band that makes music a lot more easy-going and innocent than its name might suggest. This is pop music in the vein of '70s AM radio. Simple. Infectious. Highly hummable. So why not sit back with an Absolut and give in to the peaceful, easy feelings...
"Do What You Wanna Do"/Acid House Kings [from the LP Sing Along with Acid House Kings, 2005]
Do What You Wanna Do-mp3 [left-click]
"Sunday Morning"/Acid House Kings [from the LP Mondays are Like Tuesdays and Tuesdays are Like Wednesdays, 2002]
Sunday Morning-mp3 [left-click]
"This Heart is a Stone"/Acid House Kings [from the LP Sing Along with Acid House Kings, 2005]
This Heart is a Stone-mp3 [left-click]
Granted, Swedish artists rarely exhibit much in the way of originality - tending instead to ape American or European acts of the past. But what goes around comes around, and the '90s found various cadres and cabals of Swedish songsmiths supplying the new American teenybopper line - from the Backstreet Boys to Britney Spears. And let's face it: they STILL have to answer for that.
Not so long ago, I went through a bit of a Swedish stage, prompted in large part by my discovery of Hello! Surprise!, a swell little site for audio exploration. Then, Songs: Illinois spun off SwedesPlease - a new MP3 blog dedicated to the sounds of Sweden. Both sites have highlighted the music of Acid House Kings - a band that makes music a lot more easy-going and innocent than its name might suggest. This is pop music in the vein of '70s AM radio. Simple. Infectious. Highly hummable. So why not sit back with an Absolut and give in to the peaceful, easy feelings...
"Do What You Wanna Do"/Acid House Kings [from the LP Sing Along with Acid House Kings, 2005]
Do What You Wanna Do-mp3 [left-click]
"Sunday Morning"/Acid House Kings [from the LP Mondays are Like Tuesdays and Tuesdays are Like Wednesdays, 2002]
Sunday Morning-mp3 [left-click]
"This Heart is a Stone"/Acid House Kings [from the LP Sing Along with Acid House Kings, 2005]
This Heart is a Stone-mp3 [left-click]
THEME WEDNESDAY
"Red"/Elbow [from the LP Asleep in the Back, 2002]
Red-mp3 [left-click]
"Red"/Treble Charger [from the LP Maybe It's Me, 1997]
Red-mp3 [left-click]
"Your Church is Red"/The Black Heart Procession [from the LP 2, 1999]
Your Church is Red-mp3 [left-click]
"Blood Red River"/Beth Orton [from the LP Central Reservation, 1999]
Blood Red River-mp3 [left-click]
"Red Oyster Cult"/Guster [from the LP Keep It Together, 2003]
Red Oyster Cult-mp3 [left-click]
Red-mp3 [left-click]
"Red"/Treble Charger [from the LP Maybe It's Me, 1997]
Red-mp3 [left-click]
"Your Church is Red"/The Black Heart Procession [from the LP 2, 1999]
Your Church is Red-mp3 [left-click]
"Blood Red River"/Beth Orton [from the LP Central Reservation, 1999]
Blood Red River-mp3 [left-click]
"Red Oyster Cult"/Guster [from the LP Keep It Together, 2003]
Red Oyster Cult-mp3 [left-click]
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
THE RAVEONETTES
All praise these melancholy Danes! From the first, this boy/girl duo had an instantly recognizable sound and aura to them. Of course, that shouldn't have been surprising, seeing as all of the songs on their first album were in B-minor, featured no more than three chords, and clocked in at three minutes or less. They opened things up only slightly on their second LP (B-major!), and just a little bit more on their third, this year's Pretty in Black.
Yes, overall, the Raveonettes' songs still have a tendency to sound quite alike, but that retro, late-'50s/early '60s guitar work... those slick, disassociated, I couldn't-care-less-if-you-love-me-or-loathe-me vocal harmonies... the stripped yet cinematic production style... all of these things add up to a tight blast of garage rock by way of Ennio Morricone that's just right for the summer driving season (if you can afford the gas).
"Here Comes Mary"/The Raveonettes [from the LP Pretty in Black, 2005]
Here Comes Mary-mp3 [left-click]
"That Great Love Sound/The Raveonettes [from the LP The Chain Gang of Love, 2003]
That Great Love Sound-mp3 [left-click]
"Do You Believe Her"/The Raveonettes [from the LP Whip It On, 2002]
Do You Believe Her-mp3 [left-click]
[Also, Torr tells us that the Raveonettes will be playing the Carson Daly show tonight/Wednesday morning.]
Yes, overall, the Raveonettes' songs still have a tendency to sound quite alike, but that retro, late-'50s/early '60s guitar work... those slick, disassociated, I couldn't-care-less-if-you-love-me-or-loathe-me vocal harmonies... the stripped yet cinematic production style... all of these things add up to a tight blast of garage rock by way of Ennio Morricone that's just right for the summer driving season (if you can afford the gas).
"Here Comes Mary"/The Raveonettes [from the LP Pretty in Black, 2005]
Here Comes Mary-mp3 [left-click]
"That Great Love Sound/The Raveonettes [from the LP The Chain Gang of Love, 2003]
That Great Love Sound-mp3 [left-click]
"Do You Believe Her"/The Raveonettes [from the LP Whip It On, 2002]
Do You Believe Her-mp3 [left-click]
[Also, Torr tells us that the Raveonettes will be playing the Carson Daly show tonight/Wednesday morning.]
Sunday, June 19, 2005
MICHIGAN MONDAY
"C'mon C'mon"/The Von Bondies [from the LP Pawn Shoppe Heart, 2004]
C'mon C'mon-mp3 [left-click]
"Across the Bridge"/Great Lakes Myth Society [from the LP Great Lakes Myth Society, 2005]
Across the Bridge-mp3 [left-click]
"Clones (We're All)"/Alice Cooper [from the LP Flush the Fashion, 1980] [Alice goes glam!]
Clones (We're All)-mp3 [left-click]
C'mon C'mon-mp3 [left-click]
"Across the Bridge"/Great Lakes Myth Society [from the LP Great Lakes Myth Society, 2005]
Across the Bridge-mp3 [left-click]
"Clones (We're All)"/Alice Cooper [from the LP Flush the Fashion, 1980] [Alice goes glam!]
Clones (We're All)-mp3 [left-click]
Saturday, June 18, 2005
THE HIGH DIALS
I truly have no idea why so many of my early posts to this blog have featured bands from Montreal - the Dears, Stars, and now, the High Dials. Just coincidence, I guess. Or is Montreal the new Omaha? Which had been the new Detroit. Which had been the new....
Regardless, the High Dials make retro-'60s, pastoral-psychedelic pop. Sort of. Actually, I've only heard three of the songs off their regrettably-titled new album, War of the Wakening Phantoms - two of which I like and am sharing below. On their first LP, A New Devotion, they did sometimes have a tendency to get a bit too free-lovin', trippin'-through-the-daisies for me, but I'm quite fond of all the songs I've put up today, and I hope that you enjoy them as well.
So, love and peace and quality romps in the ganja grass for all...
"The Holy Ground"/The High Dials [from the LP War of the Wakening Phantoms, 2005]
The Holy Ground-mp3 [left-click]
"Soul in Lust"/The High Dials [from the LP War of the Wakening Phantoms, 2005]
Soul in Lust-mp3 [left-click]
"Can You Hear the Bells?"/The High Dials [from the LP A New Devotion, 2003]
Can You Hear the Bells?-mp3 [left-click]
"Desiderata"/The High Dials [from the LP A New Devotion, 2003]
Desiderata-mp3 [left-click]
[Check out the great Canadian MP3 blog *Sixeyes for more song selections from the High Dials.]
Regardless, the High Dials make retro-'60s, pastoral-psychedelic pop. Sort of. Actually, I've only heard three of the songs off their regrettably-titled new album, War of the Wakening Phantoms - two of which I like and am sharing below. On their first LP, A New Devotion, they did sometimes have a tendency to get a bit too free-lovin', trippin'-through-the-daisies for me, but I'm quite fond of all the songs I've put up today, and I hope that you enjoy them as well.
So, love and peace and quality romps in the ganja grass for all...
"The Holy Ground"/The High Dials [from the LP War of the Wakening Phantoms, 2005]
The Holy Ground-mp3 [left-click]
"Soul in Lust"/The High Dials [from the LP War of the Wakening Phantoms, 2005]
Soul in Lust-mp3 [left-click]
"Can You Hear the Bells?"/The High Dials [from the LP A New Devotion, 2003]
Can You Hear the Bells?-mp3 [left-click]
"Desiderata"/The High Dials [from the LP A New Devotion, 2003]
Desiderata-mp3 [left-click]
[Check out the great Canadian MP3 blog *Sixeyes for more song selections from the High Dials.]
Friday, June 17, 2005
SINGLE-ARTIST SATURDAY
We all have a past. Back in the '80s, my favorite bands were the Cars, Boston, and Def Leppard. And while I still appreciate the Cars and Pyromania... Boston?! Like I said: We all have a past.
In 1983, when Def Leppard was releasing the aforementioned Pyromania and the Cars were dropping Heartbeat City, R.E.M. was making its long-form debut with Murmur. I wouldn't actually hear that album till 1993, at a time when grunge (Nirvana; Pearl Jam) and punk-pop (Green Day; Offspring) were dominating the American airwaves. Suffice it to say, I found myself smitten.
From there, I set about exploring the entire R.E.M. catalogue, from 1982's Chronic Town to 1992's Automatic for the People. With each release, I found treasures aplenty. And even on later, lesser efforts - Monster and New Adventures in Hi-Fi - there were genuine pleasures to be had.
The times they were a'changin', however, when drummer Bill Berry retired in 1997. Both Up and Reveal sounded slow and insulated - and far too tricked-up with cheap-sounding synthesizers. The final straw came with last year's Around the Sun, which sounded like Michael Stipe singing in front of a wall of anonymous session musicians. Somehow, gradually, R.E.M. had ceased to be a "band" in the studio. This was not only disheartening but deeply frustrating, as these guys are still capable of putting on a fairly rocking live show.
For the first seven years of their existence, R.E.M. put on a lot of rocking live shows and released a series of not-quite-traditionally rocking albums on the I.R.S. label. While I am not one of those purists (or "snobs," depending on your point of view) who thinks that R.E.M. sold out or went to shit after signing with big, bad Warner Brothers in 1988, I do find it enjoyable and enlightening - every now and again - to return to R.E.M.'s IRS days and immerse myself in the always slightly off-kilter wonder of it all. This was a band trying hard not to try too hard, and the music was all the better for it. Feel free to disagree...
"Radio Free Europe" [Hibtone single]/R.E.M. [1981]
Radio Free Europe-mp3 [left-click]
"Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars)"/R.E.M. [from the EP Chronic Town, 1982]
Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars)-mp3 [left-click]
"Pretty Persuasion"/R.E.M. [from the LP Reckoning, 1984]
Pretty Persuasion-mp3 [left-click]
"Wendell Gee"/R.E.M. [from the LP Fables of the Reconstruction, 1985]
Wendell Gee-mp3 [left-click]
"I Believe"/R.E.M. [from the LP Lifes Rich Pageant, 1986]
I Believe-mp3 [left-click]
"Welcome to the Occupation"/R.E.M. [from the LP Document, 1987]
Welcome to the Occupation-mp3 [left-click]
In 1983, when Def Leppard was releasing the aforementioned Pyromania and the Cars were dropping Heartbeat City, R.E.M. was making its long-form debut with Murmur. I wouldn't actually hear that album till 1993, at a time when grunge (Nirvana; Pearl Jam) and punk-pop (Green Day; Offspring) were dominating the American airwaves. Suffice it to say, I found myself smitten.
From there, I set about exploring the entire R.E.M. catalogue, from 1982's Chronic Town to 1992's Automatic for the People. With each release, I found treasures aplenty. And even on later, lesser efforts - Monster and New Adventures in Hi-Fi - there were genuine pleasures to be had.
The times they were a'changin', however, when drummer Bill Berry retired in 1997. Both Up and Reveal sounded slow and insulated - and far too tricked-up with cheap-sounding synthesizers. The final straw came with last year's Around the Sun, which sounded like Michael Stipe singing in front of a wall of anonymous session musicians. Somehow, gradually, R.E.M. had ceased to be a "band" in the studio. This was not only disheartening but deeply frustrating, as these guys are still capable of putting on a fairly rocking live show.
For the first seven years of their existence, R.E.M. put on a lot of rocking live shows and released a series of not-quite-traditionally rocking albums on the I.R.S. label. While I am not one of those purists (or "snobs," depending on your point of view) who thinks that R.E.M. sold out or went to shit after signing with big, bad Warner Brothers in 1988, I do find it enjoyable and enlightening - every now and again - to return to R.E.M.'s IRS days and immerse myself in the always slightly off-kilter wonder of it all. This was a band trying hard not to try too hard, and the music was all the better for it. Feel free to disagree...
"Radio Free Europe" [Hibtone single]/R.E.M. [1981]
Radio Free Europe-mp3 [left-click]
"Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars)"/R.E.M. [from the EP Chronic Town, 1982]
Carnival of Sorts (Box Cars)-mp3 [left-click]
"Pretty Persuasion"/R.E.M. [from the LP Reckoning, 1984]
Pretty Persuasion-mp3 [left-click]
"Wendell Gee"/R.E.M. [from the LP Fables of the Reconstruction, 1985]
Wendell Gee-mp3 [left-click]
"I Believe"/R.E.M. [from the LP Lifes Rich Pageant, 1986]
I Believe-mp3 [left-click]
"Welcome to the Occupation"/R.E.M. [from the LP Document, 1987]
Welcome to the Occupation-mp3 [left-click]
Thursday, June 16, 2005
STARS
Stars are a Montreal-based band (like the Dears, a group I spotlighted some days ago) that make good use of boy/girl dynamics to craft nice, easy-going pop. Whether that pop is "chamber" or "twee" or both is entirely up to the listener, but their work also features low-key electronic flourishes that sometimes add to the overall effect, and sometimes detract from it.
To my ears, though, these folks have gotten better with each of their three albums, tightening their sound and shifting their emphasis from soundscapes to songs. Here are some of my favorites for your listening pleasure:
"What I'm Trying to Say"/Stars [from the LP Set Yourself on Fire, 2005]
What I'm Trying to Say-mp3 [left-click]
"Calendar Girl"/Stars [from the LP Set Yourself on Fire, 2005]
Calendar Girl-mp3 [left-click]
"Elevator Love Letter"/Stars [from the LP Heart, 2003]
Elevator Love Letter-mp3 [left-click]
"On Peak Hill"/Stars [from the LP Nightsongs, 2001]
On Peak Hill-mp3 [left-click]
Another song can be found at the very excellent 3Hive.
To my ears, though, these folks have gotten better with each of their three albums, tightening their sound and shifting their emphasis from soundscapes to songs. Here are some of my favorites for your listening pleasure:
"What I'm Trying to Say"/Stars [from the LP Set Yourself on Fire, 2005]
What I'm Trying to Say-mp3 [left-click]
"Calendar Girl"/Stars [from the LP Set Yourself on Fire, 2005]
Calendar Girl-mp3 [left-click]
"Elevator Love Letter"/Stars [from the LP Heart, 2003]
Elevator Love Letter-mp3 [left-click]
"On Peak Hill"/Stars [from the LP Nightsongs, 2001]
On Peak Hill-mp3 [left-click]
Another song can be found at the very excellent 3Hive.
THEME THURSDAY
"The Slow Descent into Alcoholism"/The New Pornographers
The Slow Descent into Alcoholism-mp3 [left-click]
"Alcoholic"/Starsailor
Alcoholic-mp3 [left-click]
"Alcohol"/Saturday Looks Good to Me
Alcohol-mp3 [left-click]
The Slow Descent into Alcoholism-mp3 [left-click]
"Alcoholic"/Starsailor
Alcoholic-mp3 [left-click]
"Alcohol"/Saturday Looks Good to Me
Alcohol-mp3 [left-click]
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
TARKIO
A mix CD trading-partner of mine recently introduced me to the Decemberists' Colin Meloy's previous band, Tarkio. They released the LP I Guess I Was Hoping for Something More in 1998. Sounds like it might be getting a re-release at some future date. Some information on this, as well as a few MP3s, can be found at Dreams of Horses.
Fans of the Decemberists, at least, should find something of interest here, though there seems little question that Tarkio's sound is less expansive, less dramatic than that of Meloy's later incarnation. Still, a perfectly pleasant stepping-stone to what was to come.
Here are a couple Tarkio MP3s:
"If I Had More Time"/Tarkio
If I Had More Time-mp3 [left-click]
"Sister Nebraska"/Tarkio
Sister Nebraska-mp3 [left-click]
Fans of the Decemberists, at least, should find something of interest here, though there seems little question that Tarkio's sound is less expansive, less dramatic than that of Meloy's later incarnation. Still, a perfectly pleasant stepping-stone to what was to come.
Here are a couple Tarkio MP3s:
"If I Had More Time"/Tarkio
If I Had More Time-mp3 [left-click]
"Sister Nebraska"/Tarkio
Sister Nebraska-mp3 [left-click]
Monday, June 13, 2005
LONGWAVE
Today, we're giving a little love to Longwave. Longwave is NOT to be confused with Long-View, as that would be an entirely different group of music-makers. LongWAVE apparently hails from New York City, though they sound as though they might be from the UK (kind of like Interpol). Which is not to say that they sound like Interpol, because they don't. Actually, their sound can't be pegged entirely - they've been compared to everyone from the Strokes (apparently those guys are Longwave fans) to U2. They have also been called "shoegazers," with a "dark," "epic" sound akin to Bends-era Radiohead. Not that any of that is much to live up to.
Their new LP, There's a Fire, is set to be released by Red Ink on June 28th. Until then, feel free to ratchet down your expectations and give them a listen....
"There's a Fire"/Longwave [from There's a Fire, 2005]
There's a Fire-mp3 [left-click]
"Everywhere You Turn"/Longwave [from The Strangest Things, 2003]
Everywhere You Turn-mp3 [left-click]
"Ending"/Longwave [from Endsongs, 2000]
Ending-mp3 [left-click]
Their new LP, There's a Fire, is set to be released by Red Ink on June 28th. Until then, feel free to ratchet down your expectations and give them a listen....
"There's a Fire"/Longwave [from There's a Fire, 2005]
There's a Fire-mp3 [left-click]
"Everywhere You Turn"/Longwave [from The Strangest Things, 2003]
Everywhere You Turn-mp3 [left-click]
"Ending"/Longwave [from Endsongs, 2000]
Ending-mp3 [left-click]
Sunday, June 12, 2005
MONDAY COVERS
First, I wanted to take a second to thank Torr and Silence is a Rhythm Too for linking to this site, as well as Songs:Illinois for pointing a lot of people in my direction. Very generous and much appreciated.
Second, the links to the various "Nico" songs from a couple days ago should be working now. Not sure what happened the first time around; it's clear that I still don't know what the hell I'm doing with this blog business....
And finally, to start the new week, some covers:
"Magnet"/Yo La Tengo
Magnet [left-click]
"Kite"/Ivy
Kite-Ivy-mp3 [left-click]
"Mad World"/Gary Jules
Mad World [left-click]
Second, the links to the various "Nico" songs from a couple days ago should be working now. Not sure what happened the first time around; it's clear that I still don't know what the hell I'm doing with this blog business....
And finally, to start the new week, some covers:
"Magnet"/Yo La Tengo
Magnet [left-click]
"Kite"/Ivy
Kite-Ivy-mp3 [left-click]
"Mad World"/Gary Jules
Mad World [left-click]
Saturday, June 11, 2005
THE DEARS
Fans of Radiohead, Blur, and Morrissey might want to check out this band from Montreal. Today's MP3s are all taken from their second LP, No Cities Left (2004), since I didn't much care for their first album (End of a Hollywood Bedtime Story, 2000). These guys do tend to wear their influences on their collective sleeve. "Warm and Sunny Days," for instance, while highly pleasant, might as well be ripped from Blur's The Great Escape. To be sure, though, this is a band to watch, as it may be just a matter of time before they find their own voice and run with it.
"Who Are You, Defenders of the Universe"/The Dears
WhoAreYou,DefendersOfTheUniverse-TheDears-mp3 [left-click]
"Don't Lose the Faith"/The Dears
Don'tLoseTheFaith-TheDears-mp3 [left-click]
"Warm and Sunny Days"/The Dears
WarmandSunnyDays-TheDears-mp3 [left-click]
"Who Are You, Defenders of the Universe"/The Dears
WhoAreYou,DefendersOfTheUniverse-TheDears-mp3 [left-click]
"Don't Lose the Faith"/The Dears
Don'tLoseTheFaith-TheDears-mp3 [left-click]
"Warm and Sunny Days"/The Dears
WarmandSunnyDays-TheDears-mp3 [left-click]
Friday, June 10, 2005
NICO
"Song for Nico"/Marianne Faithfull
SongforNico-MarianneFaithfull-mp3 [left-click]
"Nico"/The Fontaine Toups [thefontainetoups.com/]
Nico-TheFontaineToups-mp3 [left-click]
"These Days"/Nico
TheseDays-Nico-mp3 [left-click]
SongforNico-MarianneFaithfull-mp3 [left-click]
"Nico"/The Fontaine Toups [thefontainetoups.com/]
Nico-TheFontaineToups-mp3 [left-click]
"These Days"/Nico
TheseDays-Nico-mp3 [left-click]
Wednesday, June 8, 2005
THE SPINTO BAND
I can't remember where I first heard of the Spinto Band. Somewhere on the Internet, to be sure, but I can't seem to recall where I initially stumbled upon their MP3s. But what I heard, I liked, so I set about trying to locate some of their work - an album, EP, single, whatever. Alas, I came up empty.
Then, about a week ago, Songs:Illinois tipped me to the fact that their first LP, Nice and Nicely Done, would be coming out on June 7 on Bar/None Records. And so it did.
Below are the MP3s that turned me on to these seven(!) guys to begin with. You can find more of their MP3s here: TheSpintoBand (though these efforts seem somewhat more sketchy and juvenile).
"Oh Mandy"/The Spinto Band
OhMandy-TheSpintoBand-mp3 [left-click]
"Brown Boxes"/The Spinto Band
BrownBoxes-TheSpintoBand-mp3 [left-click]
"Trust vs. Mistrust"/The Spinto Band
TrustVs.Mistrust-TheSpintoBand-mp3 [left-click]
Then, about a week ago, Songs:Illinois tipped me to the fact that their first LP, Nice and Nicely Done, would be coming out on June 7 on Bar/None Records. And so it did.
Below are the MP3s that turned me on to these seven(!) guys to begin with. You can find more of their MP3s here: TheSpintoBand (though these efforts seem somewhat more sketchy and juvenile).
"Oh Mandy"/The Spinto Band
OhMandy-TheSpintoBand-mp3 [left-click]
"Brown Boxes"/The Spinto Band
BrownBoxes-TheSpintoBand-mp3 [left-click]
"Trust vs. Mistrust"/The Spinto Band
TrustVs.Mistrust-TheSpintoBand-mp3 [left-click]
Tuesday, June 7, 2005
MONDAY COVERS (ON TUESDAY)
Well, Monday was meant to be "Covers Monday," but I was powerless to post - literally - for 43 hours. Suddenly, I knew what it meant to be Amish. It was all I could do not to go in search of a goat to milk. Or... you know... raise a barn or something. Reminded me of a couple summers ago, when some dumbass bumblef*ck of an Ohio utility company blew out Michigan, New York, and parts of Canada. Except, that time, I was only powerless for 24 hours. Still, it's just one more thing to hate Ohio for - as if putting George W. over the top in '04 wasn't enough. Ohio: "Almost as White Trash as West Virginia!" Coming soon to a license plate near you.
Now, some covers:
"Sally Ann"/10,000 Maniacs (from the CD single Candy Everybody Wants, 1992)
SallyAnn-mp3 [left-click]
"Feel Like Going Home"/The Walkabouts [thewalkabouts.com] (from the LP Satisfied Mind, 1993)
FeelLikeGoingHome-mp3 [left-click]
"Greenfields"/Michael Stipe [w/Faultline] (from the Faultline LP Your Love Means Everything, 2004)
Greenfields-mp3 [left-click]
Now, some covers:
"Sally Ann"/10,000 Maniacs (from the CD single Candy Everybody Wants, 1992)
SallyAnn-mp3 [left-click]
"Feel Like Going Home"/The Walkabouts [thewalkabouts.com] (from the LP Satisfied Mind, 1993)
FeelLikeGoingHome-mp3 [left-click]
"Greenfields"/Michael Stipe [w/Faultline] (from the Faultline LP Your Love Means Everything, 2004)
Greenfields-mp3 [left-click]
Sunday, June 5, 2005
KENT
For this week's single artist, we travel to the Kingdom of Sweden -- enchanted land of Saabs and ABBA. Smorgasbords. Socialism. Suicide. And such pretty, pretty people that Hitler secretly dreamed he was Swede. Truth be told, though, Sweden has become something of a musical hotbed in recent years. The Hives. Sahara Hotnights. The (International) Noise Conspiracy. Mando Diao. The Sounds. And, taken together, they have succeeded in making the sugar-sweet days of Roxette-and-Aqua pop seem just a silly, distant memory.
But today we are shining our all-powerful klieg light on Kent, a band from the lovely city of Eskilstuna. Actually, I have no idea if it's a lovely city or not, but let's just go ahead and say that it is.
Kent formed in the early '90s, released their first record in 1995, and have been big sellers in their home country since at least 1997. Alas, they are little known in North America, no doubt getting lost amongst the countless other one-word, post-Radiohead types (Travis, Coldplay, Doves, Elbow, Paloalto, Starsailor, Muse, et al.). Muse may well be the most accurate comparison, though Kent is generally more mellow; their singer less prone to shrieky hysterics. Also, Kent sing most of their songs in Swedish, so be forewarned.
Now, as for that aforementioned smorgasbord...
"Karleken Vantar"/Kent (from the LP Vapen & Ammunition, 2002)
KarlekenVantar-mp3 [left-click]
"Parlor"/Kent (from the LP Vapen & Ammunition, 2002)
Parlor-mp3 [left-click]
"Du Ar Anga"/Kent (from the LP Du & Jag Doden, 2005)
DuArAnga-mp3 [left-click]
But today we are shining our all-powerful klieg light on Kent, a band from the lovely city of Eskilstuna. Actually, I have no idea if it's a lovely city or not, but let's just go ahead and say that it is.
Kent formed in the early '90s, released their first record in 1995, and have been big sellers in their home country since at least 1997. Alas, they are little known in North America, no doubt getting lost amongst the countless other one-word, post-Radiohead types (Travis, Coldplay, Doves, Elbow, Paloalto, Starsailor, Muse, et al.). Muse may well be the most accurate comparison, though Kent is generally more mellow; their singer less prone to shrieky hysterics. Also, Kent sing most of their songs in Swedish, so be forewarned.
Now, as for that aforementioned smorgasbord...
"Karleken Vantar"/Kent (from the LP Vapen & Ammunition, 2002)
KarlekenVantar-mp3 [left-click]
"Parlor"/Kent (from the LP Vapen & Ammunition, 2002)
Parlor-mp3 [left-click]
"Du Ar Anga"/Kent (from the LP Du & Jag Doden, 2005)
DuArAnga-mp3 [left-click]
Saturday, June 4, 2005
SATURDAY OPTIONS
1] "The Saturday Option"/Lambchop
(From the LP What Another Man Spills, 1998)
TheSaturdayOption-Lambchop [left-click]
2] "Home By Saturday"/Hayden
(From the LP Elk-Lake Serenade, 2004)
HomeBySaturday-Hayden [left-click]
3] "Saturday"/Westrin & Mowry
(From the LP One Week Epiphany, 2005)
I was turned on to these guys by the very fine mp3 blog songs:illinois.
Saturday-Westrin&Mowry [RIGHT-click]
(From the LP What Another Man Spills, 1998)
TheSaturdayOption-Lambchop [left-click]
2] "Home By Saturday"/Hayden
(From the LP Elk-Lake Serenade, 2004)
HomeBySaturday-Hayden [left-click]
3] "Saturday"/Westrin & Mowry
(From the LP One Week Epiphany, 2005)
I was turned on to these guys by the very fine mp3 blog songs:illinois.
Saturday-Westrin&Mowry [RIGHT-click]
Friday, June 3, 2005
NOSTALGIA IS THE NEW NUMB (FUN WITH PARENTHESES)
Today's electronic EP features a handful of my favorite tracks -- some of which you may already be familiar with, others which may be new to you. Either way, these never grow old for me and often appear as "usual suspects" on my mix CDs.
1] "On and On (Lodestar)"/Crash Vegas
Crash Vegas is a Canadian band that, to the best of my knowledge, has not released anything since their 1995 LP Aurora. "On and On (Lodestar)" is the second track on that record, and it's one I first heard on a Windsor, Ontario radio station while summering in my native Detroit (all the best people summer there, don't you know). A few years later, while visiting Toronto, I specifically sought out the album and this rather haunting track. For me, this has an autumnal, nostalgic quality to it, and it reminds me somehow of The Mamas & The Papas' "California Dreamin'."
OnandOn-Lodestar-CrashVegas [left-click]
2] "Lullaby (Weren't We Wild)"/Judybats
Like Crash Vegas, Judybats haven't released much (if anything) since the mid-'90s. This track appeared on their second record, Down in the Shacks Where the Satellite Dishes Grow, in 1991. It is, to be sure, a product of its time -- as R.E.M.-esque jangle-pop was then a very big thing, indeed. This baroque little gem proceeds pleasantly, then ratchets itself into a different stratosphere for the coda. Again: haunting.
Lullaby-Weren'tWeWild-Judybats [left-click]
3] "'74-'75"/The Connells
More jangle-pop, circa 1991. And yes, more nostalgia. This can be found on the album Ring. Apparently, this song was a fairly big hit in Europe in its day. But it's timeless and should play just as swimmingly on other continents.
'74-'75-TheConnells [left-click]
4] "Climbing to the Moon"/Eels
I haven't yet heard Eels' newest, Blinking Lights and Other Revelations, but "Climbing to the Moon" is a favorite from way back. Which is to say, from 1998's Electro-Shock Blues. Such a gentle, graceful song. And, as a bit of bonus, Grant Lee Phillips gives an assist.
ClimbingtotheMoon-Eels [left-click]
5] "Street Spirit (Fade Out)"/Radiohead
Radiohead supplanted R.E.M. as my favorite band somewhere around 1995. I liked "Creep," loved "Fake Plastic Trees," but it was this song -- heard first on MTV at three in the morning -- that inspired me to buy The Bends and begin a most joyous journey. Now, a decade later, "Street Spirit" remains one of my favorite Radiohead tracks. (And, is it just me, or does the ghost of Kansas' "Dust in the Wind" lurk somewhere in its shadows?)
StreetSpirit-FadeOut-Radiohead [left-click]
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