... BROUGHT TO YOU BY eMUSIC
About a year or so ago, I signed up with eMusic for a trial membership that netted me 50 free downloads. Then, a couple of weeks ago, they e-mailed me. Seems that they missed me and wanted me back. Well, it's good to be wanted, so I've re-upped with them for another free trial (and 40 more downloads). Here's a handful of the songs I've extracted thus far...
[MP3] [left-click] The Wedding Present/"Interstate 5" [Extended Version]
[MP3] [left-click] All Girl Summer Fun Band/"Becky"
[MP3] [left-click] Okkervil River/"A Glow"
[MP3] [left-click] Mary Lou Lord/"Turn Me Round"
[MP3] [left-click] Say Hi to Your Mom/"Recurring Motifs in Historical Flirtings"
[MP3] [left-click] The Wedding Present/"Interstate 5" [Extended Version]
[MP3] [left-click] All Girl Summer Fun Band/"Becky"
[MP3] [left-click] Okkervil River/"A Glow"
[MP3] [left-click] Mary Lou Lord/"Turn Me Round"
[MP3] [left-click] Say Hi to Your Mom/"Recurring Motifs in Historical Flirtings"
MOONBABIES
Yesterday's "NASA back in space" post leads fairly effortlessly into this one (though it looks like the shuttles are grounded again - at least until they can stop shit from falling off the booster rockets).
Moonbabies are from Sweden, and like a lot of their countrymen, they are highly harmonic, tastefully tuneful popsters. There's just two of them - Ola and Carina. Ola's a boy (I think), and Carina's a girl (I'm pretty sure). And yes, they make some very beautiful music together. Gentle indie pop with some subtle electronic accents that never overwhelm the melodies. The perfect soundtrack to summer, actually. Sunny yet laid-back. If I have one complaint, it's that their songs sometimes run about a minute too long (though this is not the case on the title track to their new 8-song LP, War on Sound, out July 26).
Viva la Sweden!
From the LP War on Sound, 2005 >>>>
[MP3] [left-click] "War on Sound"
From the LP The Orange Billboard, 2004 >>>>
[MP3] [left-click] "Sun A.M."
[MP3] [left-click] "Summer Kids Go"
[MP3] [left-click] "Fieldtrip USA"
From the LP June and Novas, 2000 >>>>
[MP3] [left-click] "We're Layabouts"
Moonbabies are from Sweden, and like a lot of their countrymen, they are highly harmonic, tastefully tuneful popsters. There's just two of them - Ola and Carina. Ola's a boy (I think), and Carina's a girl (I'm pretty sure). And yes, they make some very beautiful music together. Gentle indie pop with some subtle electronic accents that never overwhelm the melodies. The perfect soundtrack to summer, actually. Sunny yet laid-back. If I have one complaint, it's that their songs sometimes run about a minute too long (though this is not the case on the title track to their new 8-song LP, War on Sound, out July 26).
Viva la Sweden!
From the LP War on Sound, 2005 >>>>
[MP3] [left-click] "War on Sound"
From the LP The Orange Billboard, 2004 >>>>
[MP3] [left-click] "Sun A.M."
[MP3] [left-click] "Summer Kids Go"
[MP3] [left-click] "Fieldtrip USA"
From the LP June and Novas, 2000 >>>>
[MP3] [left-click] "We're Layabouts"
SPACE ODDITIES
Fairly self-explanatory today, what with the space shuttle returning to service and all. It should perhaps be noted, however, that "I Am an Astronaut" is "sung" by then-ten-year-old Ricky Wilde, little brother of Kim Wilde, in 1972. Of course, Kim herself would become famous in the '80s for "You Keep Me Hangin' On." But it's the kid that cracks me up every time....
[MP3] [left-click] "Astronaut"/Luna [from the LP Rendezvous, 2004]
[MP3] [left-click] "Let's Talk About Spaceships"/Say Hi to Your Mom [from the LP Numbers & Mumbles, 2003]
[MP3] [left-click] "Wide Open Space"/Mansun [from the LP Attack of the Grey Lantern, 1995]
[MP3] [left-click] "I Am an Astronaut"/Ricky Wilde
[MP3] [left-click] "Lost in Space" Theme
[MP3] [left-click] "Space Oddity"/David Bowie [from the LP Space Oddity, 1972]
[MP3] [left-click] "Astronaut"/Luna [from the LP Rendezvous, 2004]
[MP3] [left-click] "Let's Talk About Spaceships"/Say Hi to Your Mom [from the LP Numbers & Mumbles, 2003]
[MP3] [left-click] "Wide Open Space"/Mansun [from the LP Attack of the Grey Lantern, 1995]
[MP3] [left-click] "I Am an Astronaut"/Ricky Wilde
[MP3] [left-click] "Lost in Space" Theme
[MP3] [left-click] "Space Oddity"/David Bowie [from the LP Space Oddity, 1972]
Tuesday, July 26
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.
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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 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]
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]
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]
Friday, July 1
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]