LIVE IT UP
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "You Are My Sister" [live]/Antony & the Johnsons [Late Show with David Letterman]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "In the Sun" [live]/Michael Stipe with Coldplay [Joseph Arthur cover/Austin City Limits]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Nightswimming" [live]/Michael Stipe with Coldplay [R.E.M. song/Austin City Limits]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "In the Sun" [live]/Michael Stipe with Coldplay [Joseph Arthur cover/Austin City Limits]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Nightswimming" [live]/Michael Stipe with Coldplay [R.E.M. song/Austin City Limits]
WAKE UP, CHRISTIANS: JESUS WAS A JEW & HIS DEATH WAS A SUICIDE
I hate religion. All of it. All of them. Doesn't matter how long they've been around or how many members they claim to have; they're all cults based on utter nonsense. I'd just as soon believe in ghosts (oh, wait a minute, there are whole RELIGIONS that believe in ghosts), UFOs, Big Foot, or the possibility of the United States electing Hillary Clinton president in 2008.
Yet, something like 90% of Americans believe in some sort of deity. Talk about mass delusion.... Makes me want to tear my skin off and set my eyes on fire.
All of this is to say that I have rather bitter feelings toward Christmas. But then, this is supposed to be a place for the sharing of music - nothing more - and all are welcome here. Just please leave your faith at the door; it'll be waiting for you when you leave.
End of rant (till this same time next year) (or, maybe, Easter).
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] Jeff Buckley/"Corpus Christi Carol"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] Ben Folds/"Jesusland"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] Morrissey/"I Have Forgiven Jesus"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] Treble Charger/"Christ is on the Lawn"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] The Whitlams/"Jesus Has Got an Erection (And I'm in the Mood for Romance)" [live]
Yet, something like 90% of Americans believe in some sort of deity. Talk about mass delusion.... Makes me want to tear my skin off and set my eyes on fire.
All of this is to say that I have rather bitter feelings toward Christmas. But then, this is supposed to be a place for the sharing of music - nothing more - and all are welcome here. Just please leave your faith at the door; it'll be waiting for you when you leave.
End of rant (till this same time next year) (or, maybe, Easter).
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] Jeff Buckley/"Corpus Christi Carol"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] Ben Folds/"Jesusland"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] Morrissey/"I Have Forgiven Jesus"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] Treble Charger/"Christ is on the Lawn"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] The Whitlams/"Jesus Has Got an Erection (And I'm in the Mood for Romance)" [live]
Thursday, December 22
WORLD LEADER PRETEND
Some good news out of New Orleans in this year of Katrina comes from the young band World Leader Pretend. They released their second album and reinforced themselves as promising upstarts in the indie-pop world.
Though named for an R.E.M. song (from 1988's Green), their sound seems to swing a bit more toward post-Radiohead Britpop. Muse comes to mind, as a comparison, especially on the title track to their 2005 LP.
These guys are still in their early-20s, apparently, so they should be well worth tracking over the next few years.
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Punches" [from the LP Punches, 2005]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Lovey Dovey" [from the LP Punches, 2005]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Fit for Faded" [from the LP Fit for Faded, 2003]
Though named for an R.E.M. song (from 1988's Green), their sound seems to swing a bit more toward post-Radiohead Britpop. Muse comes to mind, as a comparison, especially on the title track to their 2005 LP.
These guys are still in their early-20s, apparently, so they should be well worth tracking over the next few years.
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Punches" [from the LP Punches, 2005]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Lovey Dovey" [from the LP Punches, 2005]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Fit for Faded" [from the LP Fit for Faded, 2003]
LUCKY SOUL
It was probably a couple months ago that Indie MP3 - Keeping C86 Alive! turned me on to the English group Lucky Soul. I liked their alternately sleek and heartfelt, '60s-styled pop immediately (they obviously have listened to some Dusty Springfield and Phil Spector productions in their time).
I'm offering up my two favorites by them below. They don't have a full-length album available yet, but they are promising demos from it on their website in the not-too-distant future. I can only hope they hurry up.
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "My Brittle Heart"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Baby I'm Broke"
I'm offering up my two favorites by them below. They don't have a full-length album available yet, but they are promising demos from it on their website in the not-too-distant future. I can only hope they hurry up.
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "My Brittle Heart"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Baby I'm Broke"
MATT POND PA
I didn't buy Matt Pond PA's latest LP, Several Arrows Later, until after I'd compiled my Top 10 Albums of 2005 list. Fortunately, I suppose, it wouldn't have cracked the Top 10 anyway (yes, yet another "near-miss"; I've got enough of those now to do a Top 40).
Regardless, I'm liking this record more than any other Matt Pond PA effort to date, and there are several good tracks on it. I posted a couple of them back in November or so, but here are two more relatively up-tempo numbers (as well as a rather solid cover of Neutral Milk Hotel's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea").
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Several Arrows Later"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Emblems"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea"
Regardless, I'm liking this record more than any other Matt Pond PA effort to date, and there are several good tracks on it. I posted a couple of them back in November or so, but here are two more relatively up-tempo numbers (as well as a rather solid cover of Neutral Milk Hotel's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea").
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Several Arrows Later"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Emblems"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea"
JEFF HANSON
Jeff Hanson's self-titled LP from 2005 didn't quite make my Top 10, but it nearly got there on the strength of the following three songs alone.
I guess some people are bothered by the sheer "femininity" of Hanson's voice. Personally, I find it bewitching.
Also, the elegant melodies have an early-to-mid '70s/Jim Croce thing going on. And this old man finds THAT rather bewitching as well.
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "This Time It Will"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Welcome Here"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "I Know Your Name"
I guess some people are bothered by the sheer "femininity" of Hanson's voice. Personally, I find it bewitching.
Also, the elegant melodies have an early-to-mid '70s/Jim Croce thing going on. And this old man finds THAT rather bewitching as well.
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "This Time It Will"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Welcome Here"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "I Know Your Name"
Sunday, December 11
TOP 10 ALBUMS 2005
Well, I guess I've puzzled over this long enough (three weeks?!). Ack. I need a life.
I''ll offer a download for each entry, though not necessarily my favorite track from each album. In those cases where I've posted my favorite song previously on the blog (or where that particular song has been widely available from OTHER blogs), I've submitted a different, still-highly-worthwhile tune for your perusing.
Thanks to those of you who have visited here these past six months or so. I hope you'll continue to stop by as we careen treacherously toward 2006.
I''ll offer a download for each entry, though not necessarily my favorite track from each album. In those cases where I've posted my favorite song previously on the blog (or where that particular song has been widely available from OTHER blogs), I've submitted a different, still-highly-worthwhile tune for your perusing.
Thanks to those of you who have visited here these past six months or so. I hope you'll continue to stop by as we careen treacherously toward 2006.
R.E.M. X-MAS
We're going to call this a "holiday" package today, and Bill O'Reilly can just shove that up his tight, fat, insufferable ass.
There was a time when my once-beloved R.E.M. made music that sounded FUN. Alas, in recent years, their studio efforts have sounded... well... ANTI-FUN. Which leaves me ferreting around their vast back-catalogue to rediscover the FUN stuff.
Thus, in the spirit of the "holiday" season, we present yet another handy-dandy zip-file with some appropriately loose and festive selections. And I've decided to fill it out with tracks sung by R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills. Mills' backing vocals were always one of the things I found especially effective (and affecting) about R.E.M. in their early-to-mid career years. Nowadays, for whatever reason, Senor Stipe doesn't seem to want the competition/complement. Our loss. And R.E.M.'s.
Now, make no mistake: I don't think for a minute that Mills' somewhat John Denver-esque tenor is as rich or distinctive an instrument as Stipe's through-the-nose baritone. But the boy can hold his own. And R.E.M. have always known their way around a cover song.
So left-click [here] for that aforementioned handy-dandy zip-file.
TRACKLIST:
1) Good King Wenceslas
2) Ghost Reindeers in the Sky
3) Toyland
4) Christmas Griping
5) Silver Bells
6) Christmas Time is Here
7) Deck the Halls
8) Superman (The Clique cover) [from the LP Lifes Rich Pageant, 1986]
9) Near Wild Heaven [from the LP Out of Time, 1991]
10) Texarkana [from the LP Out of Time, 1991]
11) Love is All Around (Troggs cover)
12) Jesus Christ (Big Star cover)
13) Yellow River (Christie cover)
14) Out in the Country (Three Dog Night cover)
15) No Matter What (Badfinger cover)
16) Baby Baby (The Vibrators cover)
17) Roadrunner [Mike Mills with the Backbeat Band]
There was a time when my once-beloved R.E.M. made music that sounded FUN. Alas, in recent years, their studio efforts have sounded... well... ANTI-FUN. Which leaves me ferreting around their vast back-catalogue to rediscover the FUN stuff.
Thus, in the spirit of the "holiday" season, we present yet another handy-dandy zip-file with some appropriately loose and festive selections. And I've decided to fill it out with tracks sung by R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills. Mills' backing vocals were always one of the things I found especially effective (and affecting) about R.E.M. in their early-to-mid career years. Nowadays, for whatever reason, Senor Stipe doesn't seem to want the competition/complement. Our loss. And R.E.M.'s.
Now, make no mistake: I don't think for a minute that Mills' somewhat John Denver-esque tenor is as rich or distinctive an instrument as Stipe's through-the-nose baritone. But the boy can hold his own. And R.E.M. have always known their way around a cover song.
So left-click [here] for that aforementioned handy-dandy zip-file.
TRACKLIST:
1) Good King Wenceslas
2) Ghost Reindeers in the Sky
3) Toyland
4) Christmas Griping
5) Silver Bells
6) Christmas Time is Here
7) Deck the Halls
8) Superman (The Clique cover) [from the LP Lifes Rich Pageant, 1986]
9) Near Wild Heaven [from the LP Out of Time, 1991]
10) Texarkana [from the LP Out of Time, 1991]
11) Love is All Around (Troggs cover)
12) Jesus Christ (Big Star cover)
13) Yellow River (Christie cover)
14) Out in the Country (Three Dog Night cover)
15) No Matter What (Badfinger cover)
16) Baby Baby (The Vibrators cover)
17) Roadrunner [Mike Mills with the Backbeat Band]
CROOKED FINGERS
Ah, hell.
As I get closer to finalizing my Top 10 Albums of '05, I have hit a formidable, unforgiving wall. For some ridiculous reason, I was ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED that the Arcade Fire's Funeral was released in the year 2005. Of course, not true.
Shit.
So there goes my #1. My no-brainer. My silver-lining. My shining light.
For, you see, slotting everything else has been painstaking. It's been a chore. A bitch. I was sure of my ground only with #1. But no more....
Fuck.
But life, as they say, goes on. So I will strive to forgive myself for not having a blog at this time last year - and therefore compiling a list of the Top 10 Albums of 2004 (though I reserve the right to compile such a list, post-facto, any time from this day till December 31, 2009) (just for the hell/shit/fuck of it).
In the meantime, there is the 2005 (I double-checked) effort of Crooked Fingers - Dignity and Shame. I suppose now that it has an outside chance of making my re-shuffled Top 10. At the very least, former Archer of Loaf Eric Bachmann's work continues to be worthy of praise and potential contention. (And what with Neil Diamond's recent career resurrection, it seems appropriate to include Crooked Fingers covering the Jazz Singer, especially as Mr. Bachmann's distinctive pipes are so often connected with Mr. Diamond's).
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Call to Love" [from the LP Dignity and Shame, 2005]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "You Can Never Leave" [from the LP Red Devil Dawn, 2003]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "You Threw a Spark" [from the LP Red Devil Dawn, 2003]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "New Drink for the Old Drunk" [from their self-titled LP, 2000]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Solitary Man" [from the EP Reservoir Songs, 2002]
As I get closer to finalizing my Top 10 Albums of '05, I have hit a formidable, unforgiving wall. For some ridiculous reason, I was ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED that the Arcade Fire's Funeral was released in the year 2005. Of course, not true.
Shit.
So there goes my #1. My no-brainer. My silver-lining. My shining light.
For, you see, slotting everything else has been painstaking. It's been a chore. A bitch. I was sure of my ground only with #1. But no more....
Fuck.
But life, as they say, goes on. So I will strive to forgive myself for not having a blog at this time last year - and therefore compiling a list of the Top 10 Albums of 2004 (though I reserve the right to compile such a list, post-facto, any time from this day till December 31, 2009) (just for the hell/shit/fuck of it).
In the meantime, there is the 2005 (I double-checked) effort of Crooked Fingers - Dignity and Shame. I suppose now that it has an outside chance of making my re-shuffled Top 10. At the very least, former Archer of Loaf Eric Bachmann's work continues to be worthy of praise and potential contention. (And what with Neil Diamond's recent career resurrection, it seems appropriate to include Crooked Fingers covering the Jazz Singer, especially as Mr. Bachmann's distinctive pipes are so often connected with Mr. Diamond's).
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Call to Love" [from the LP Dignity and Shame, 2005]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "You Can Never Leave" [from the LP Red Devil Dawn, 2003]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "You Threw a Spark" [from the LP Red Devil Dawn, 2003]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "New Drink for the Old Drunk" [from their self-titled LP, 2000]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Solitary Man" [from the EP Reservoir Songs, 2002]
SPOON
Spoon's Gimme Fiction looks like another near-miss for 2005's Top 10 list. "Monsieur Valentine" makes my Top 20 song list, however, and there is much else to admire and celebrate when it comes to these Austin originals.
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Sister Jack"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "I Summon You"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Stay Don't Go" [from the LP Kill the Moonlight, 2002]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Everything Hits at Once" [from the LP Girls Can Tell, 2001]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Sister Jack"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "I Summon You"
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Stay Don't Go" [from the LP Kill the Moonlight, 2002]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Everything Hits at Once" [from the LP Girls Can Tell, 2001]
BELLE & SEBASTIAN X-MAS
At the risk of running this recent Belle and Sebastian fixation of mine right into the ground, I am offering today a collection of ten Christmas tunes the band played at a John Peel party in 2002.
For your convenience, I have lumped them together in a handy-dandy zip file, which can be left-clicked and dowloaded [here]. Enjoy.
Tracklist:
1) O Come, All Ye Faithful
2) Christmas Time is Here
3) Santa Claus
4) Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto
5) Silent Night
6) O Little Town of Bethlehem
7) Santa, Bring My Baby Back to Me
8) O Come, O Come Emmanuel
9) I Took Some Time for Christmas
10) The Twelve Days of Christmas
For your convenience, I have lumped them together in a handy-dandy zip file, which can be left-clicked and dowloaded [here]. Enjoy.
Tracklist:
1) O Come, All Ye Faithful
2) Christmas Time is Here
3) Santa Claus
4) Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto
5) Silent Night
6) O Little Town of Bethlehem
7) Santa, Bring My Baby Back to Me
8) O Come, O Come Emmanuel
9) I Took Some Time for Christmas
10) The Twelve Days of Christmas
Friday, December 2
NEW DAY DAWNING...
Well, I finally decided to invest a couple bucks so that visitors don't have to jump through Rapidshare hoops to download some tunes. Starting with today's Gentle Waves/Isobel Campbell post, people can do the right-click/"save as" thing. And we'll see how this goes....
THE GENTLE WAVES/ISOBEL CAMPBELL
Following fairly naturally from yesterday's Belle and Sebastian post is today's Isobel Campbell entry. Isobel used to play cello and, every now and again, sing for B&S. She has also led the '60s-styled folk-pop outfit the Gentle Waves and released a solo album (Amorino).
Most recently, she has teamed with former Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stone Age singer Mark Lanegan on the 2005 EP Ramblin' Man [to be released December 13th.] [Go (here) to sample the tracks.]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Falling from Grace" [from the LP Swansong for You, 2000]
[MP3] [right-click/"save-as"] "Partner in Crime" [from the LP Swansong for You, 2000]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Evensong" [from the LP The Green Fields of Foreverland..., 1999]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Amorino"/Isobel Campbell [from the LP Amorino, 2003]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Ramblin' Man"/Mark Lanegan w/Isobel Campbell [from the EP Ramblin' Man, 2005]
Most recently, she has teamed with former Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stone Age singer Mark Lanegan on the 2005 EP Ramblin' Man [to be released December 13th.] [Go (here) to sample the tracks.]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Falling from Grace" [from the LP Swansong for You, 2000]
[MP3] [right-click/"save-as"] "Partner in Crime" [from the LP Swansong for You, 2000]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Evensong" [from the LP The Green Fields of Foreverland..., 1999]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Amorino"/Isobel Campbell [from the LP Amorino, 2003]
[MP3] [right-click/"save as"] "Ramblin' Man"/Mark Lanegan w/Isobel Campbell [from the EP Ramblin' Man, 2005]
NEW BELLE AND SEBASTIAN
Though their new LP, The Life Pursuit, won't be released until February 7th, 2006, Belle and Sebastian's new tunes are already leaking into the ether [see: Dreams of Horses, for starters].
And here's one that I've taken a shine to (though, granted, it ain't nothin' new for B&S)...
[MP3] [left-click] "Dress Up in You"
And here's one that I've taken a shine to (though, granted, it ain't nothin' new for B&S)...
[MP3] [left-click] "Dress Up in You"
THE DECEMBERISTS
I had thought for sure that the Decemberists' Picaresque would make my Top 10 for 2005, but, at the moment, it ain't looking good.
Still, I very much enjoy four of the songs on the disc, and I am offering three of these for your listening enjoyment ("Eli, the Barrow Boy," alas, will have to be the odd man out).
[MP3] [left-click] "We Both Go Down Together"
[MP3] [left-click] "The Engine Driver"
[MP3] [left-click] "The Mariner's Revenge Song"
Still, I very much enjoy four of the songs on the disc, and I am offering three of these for your listening enjoyment ("Eli, the Barrow Boy," alas, will have to be the odd man out).
[MP3] [left-click] "We Both Go Down Together"
[MP3] [left-click] "The Engine Driver"
[MP3] [left-click] "The Mariner's Revenge Song"
IVY
Adam Schlesinger, who is one-half of Fountains of Wayne, makes up one-third of Ivy. He is not the focus of this latter group, however; that would have to be lead singer Dominique Durand, whose voice is as smooth and cool as her name. ("Ivy," by the way, should not be confused with ska-punkers "Operation Ivy" or folk-popsters "Ida.")
Ivy certainly aren't as in-your-face-catchy as Fountains of Wayne; their sound merges pop with St. Etienne-esque soundscapes. My favorite songs by them tend to lean a bit more to the "pop" side, as may be evident below....
[MP3] [left-click] "Corners of Your Mind" [from the LP In the Clear, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Kite" [from the LP Guestroom, 2002]
[MP3] [left-click] "Edge of the Ocean" [from the LP Long Distance, 2001]
[MP3] [left-click] "The Best Thing" [from the LP Apartment Life, 1997]
Ivy certainly aren't as in-your-face-catchy as Fountains of Wayne; their sound merges pop with St. Etienne-esque soundscapes. My favorite songs by them tend to lean a bit more to the "pop" side, as may be evident below....
[MP3] [left-click] "Corners of Your Mind" [from the LP In the Clear, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Kite" [from the LP Guestroom, 2002]
[MP3] [left-click] "Edge of the Ocean" [from the LP Long Distance, 2001]
[MP3] [left-click] "The Best Thing" [from the LP Apartment Life, 1997]
BLOC PARTY
In reviewing some CDs for my upcoming (and inevitable) Top 10 Albums of 2005, I found myself re-grooving on five or so songs from Bloc Party's Silent Alarm.
I don't think the record's going to quite make the Top 10, but "Banquet" certainly deserves a place on my Top 20 Songs of 2005.
[MP3] [left-click] "Banquet"
[MP3] [left-click] "So Here We Are"
[MP3] [left-click] "Luno"
I don't think the record's going to quite make the Top 10, but "Banquet" certainly deserves a place on my Top 20 Songs of 2005.
[MP3] [left-click] "Banquet"
[MP3] [left-click] "So Here We Are"
[MP3] [left-click] "Luno"
BLACK BOX RECORDER
England's Black Box Recorder are often compared with St. Etienne, but that's crap. Most likely, that error is made because BBR singer Sarah Nixey's elegantly icy vocals do bear some resemblance to St. E's Sarah Cracknell's (though one might just as easily invoke Yaz's Alison Moyet).
Bottom line: while I've always found the bulk of St. Etienne's music to be airy to the point of pointlessness, Black Box Recorder's efforts have always had a tangible gravity and tang to them. Thus, I think it's much more accurate to insert them somewhere along the continuum between Pulp and Goldfrapp.
Arch lyrics... deadpan delivery... very, very British... sounds good to me....
[MP3] [left-click] "These Are the Things" [from the LP Passionoia, 2003]
[MP3] [left-click] "Goodnight Kiss" [from the LP The Facts of Life, 2000]
[MP3] [left-click] "Swinging" [from the LP England Made Me, 1998]
[MP3] [left-click] "Brutality" [from the LP The Worst of Black Box Recorder, 2001]
Bottom line: while I've always found the bulk of St. Etienne's music to be airy to the point of pointlessness, Black Box Recorder's efforts have always had a tangible gravity and tang to them. Thus, I think it's much more accurate to insert them somewhere along the continuum between Pulp and Goldfrapp.
Arch lyrics... deadpan delivery... very, very British... sounds good to me....
[MP3] [left-click] "These Are the Things" [from the LP Passionoia, 2003]
[MP3] [left-click] "Goodnight Kiss" [from the LP The Facts of Life, 2000]
[MP3] [left-click] "Swinging" [from the LP England Made Me, 1998]
[MP3] [left-click] "Brutality" [from the LP The Worst of Black Box Recorder, 2001]
AHH, NOSTALGIA...
Every now and again, I like to pull an old mix CD off the shelf and see if it has held up with the passage of time. Invariably, certain songs fall flat, while others resonate and reward all over again. For me, at least, the three tunes below fit comfortably in the latter camp.
Alex Lloyd is an Australian singer-songwriter. "Green" is a lush little charmer with chiming guitars that reference mid-period R.E.M. more than the Smiths. There are also some happy-yet-melodramatic strings that might scare a few hardcore indie enthusiasts away, but screw those snobs. This one would give Kermit a peaceful, easy feeling.
Crash Vegas was a Canadian outfit featuring Michelle McAdorey on vocals and one or two members of Blue Rodeo. I heard the song "On and On (Lodestar)" in the summer of '95 or '96 on Canadian radio (just across the river from Detroit). I instantly fell in love with this haunting and autumnal tune. The mood? Think: "California Dreamin'."
The Frames are an Irish outfit that's been kicking around since 1991. I don't think they're particularly well-known in the States, but "Pavement Tune" deserves more than a little international attention. Blissfully simple, it's basically one big hook. Irresistible.
[MP3] [left-click] Alex Lloyd/"Green"
[MP3] [left-click] Crash Vegas/"On and On (Lodestar)"
[MP3] [left-click] The Frames/"Pavement Tune"
Alex Lloyd is an Australian singer-songwriter. "Green" is a lush little charmer with chiming guitars that reference mid-period R.E.M. more than the Smiths. There are also some happy-yet-melodramatic strings that might scare a few hardcore indie enthusiasts away, but screw those snobs. This one would give Kermit a peaceful, easy feeling.
Crash Vegas was a Canadian outfit featuring Michelle McAdorey on vocals and one or two members of Blue Rodeo. I heard the song "On and On (Lodestar)" in the summer of '95 or '96 on Canadian radio (just across the river from Detroit). I instantly fell in love with this haunting and autumnal tune. The mood? Think: "California Dreamin'."
The Frames are an Irish outfit that's been kicking around since 1991. I don't think they're particularly well-known in the States, but "Pavement Tune" deserves more than a little international attention. Blissfully simple, it's basically one big hook. Irresistible.
[MP3] [left-click] Alex Lloyd/"Green"
[MP3] [left-click] Crash Vegas/"On and On (Lodestar)"
[MP3] [left-click] The Frames/"Pavement Tune"
JOSH ROUSE
An Aquarium Drunkard reported the other day that Josh Rouse has a new EP, Bedroom Classics, Vol. 2, out on iTunes. As I'd already been planning to post a few of my favorite songs from this Nebraska singer-songwriter, the time seemed nigh.
Apparently, Mr. Rouse listened to a lot of the Smiths and the Cure in his youth, and you can certainly hear a bit of Morrissey & Marr in the chiming, rollicking "Winter in the Hamptons." Can't say that I hear much of Robert Smith in these particular tracks; "Flight Attendant," if anything, has more of a David Byrne thing going on. And the earlier "Directions" sounds like one of Matthew Ryan's better efforts.
Solid stuff, through and through.
[MP3] [left-click] "Winter in the Hamptons" [from the LP Nashville, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Flight Attendant" [from the LP 1972, 2003]
[MP3] [left-click] "Directions" [from the LP Home, 2000]
Apparently, Mr. Rouse listened to a lot of the Smiths and the Cure in his youth, and you can certainly hear a bit of Morrissey & Marr in the chiming, rollicking "Winter in the Hamptons." Can't say that I hear much of Robert Smith in these particular tracks; "Flight Attendant," if anything, has more of a David Byrne thing going on. And the earlier "Directions" sounds like one of Matthew Ryan's better efforts.
Solid stuff, through and through.
[MP3] [left-click] "Winter in the Hamptons" [from the LP Nashville, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Flight Attendant" [from the LP 1972, 2003]
[MP3] [left-click] "Directions" [from the LP Home, 2000]
THE ROSEBUDS
Yep, we're already going boy/girl again... this time with North Carolina's charmingly chimey the Rosebuds. Primary members Ivan & Kelly have been making music together since 2001 and should be around for quite some time to come. I have to say: I like these folks considerably more than the too-low-key-for-my-tastes Yo La Tengo.
Besides the ones I'm offering here, you can download many more Rosebuds MP3s from their site [left-click on band name above].
[MP3] [left-click] "Boxcar" [from the LP Birds Make Good Neighbors, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Outnumbered" [from the LP Birds Make Good Neighbors, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "You Better Get Ready" [from the EP The Rosebuds Unwind, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "What Can I Do?" [from the LP The Rosebuds Make Out, 2003]
Besides the ones I'm offering here, you can download many more Rosebuds MP3s from their site [left-click on band name above].
[MP3] [left-click] "Boxcar" [from the LP Birds Make Good Neighbors, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Outnumbered" [from the LP Birds Make Good Neighbors, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "You Better Get Ready" [from the EP The Rosebuds Unwind, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "What Can I Do?" [from the LP The Rosebuds Make Out, 2003]
Wednesday, November 16
GUSTAV, AGAIN
Seems that my pre-sleep weariness this morning got in the way of the facts re: Gustav & the Seasick Sailors. The LP Vagabond's Polka is, in fact, the band's debut album, while the one coming out in March of 2006 is to be entitled SIRKUS. The first three MP3s below are from the debut, while "Angels Fable" will appear on the sophomore disc.
Gustav e-mailed me again to say that, while Vagabond's Polka was more of a "singer/songwriter" type of effort, SIRKUS will have a more "raw, gypsy kinda quality." The infectious "Angels Fable" would certainly suggest that that's true.
I should be able to offer up a couple more tracks from SIRKUS as the March release date approaches. In the meantime, scroll down and check out the back-catalogue.
Gustav e-mailed me again to say that, while Vagabond's Polka was more of a "singer/songwriter" type of effort, SIRKUS will have a more "raw, gypsy kinda quality." The infectious "Angels Fable" would certainly suggest that that's true.
I should be able to offer up a couple more tracks from SIRKUS as the March release date approaches. In the meantime, scroll down and check out the back-catalogue.
GUSTAV & THE SEASICK SAILORS
[The correct, full-length MP3 of "Nightlife" has now been inserted in its proper slot below. My apologies to those that previously downloaded the truncated version. Me be dumb.]
I'm staying up past my bedtime this morning because I just received an e-mail from Sweden. Specifically, I received an e-mail from Gustav & the Seasick Sailors, an artist/band that I was already familiar with by way of their super-swell song "Angels Fable."
Seems that Gustav (just 20 years old, apparently) and his friends will be releasing an LP (Vagabond's Polka) in March of '06. I'm liking what I'm hearing thus far - lots of acoustic guitars and piano. Often gentle. Sometimes ever-so-slightly unhinged. Yes, it seems that Sweden has done it again (hell, even Madonna's sampling the Swedes).
Here's hoping that Gustav & his sailors receive many warm welcomes in many foreign ports...
[MP3] [left-click] "Nightlife"
[MP3] [left-click] "Mr. Moment and Miss Clarity"
[MP3] [left-click] "Minnie D"
[MP3] [left-click] "Angels Fable"
I'm staying up past my bedtime this morning because I just received an e-mail from Sweden. Specifically, I received an e-mail from Gustav & the Seasick Sailors, an artist/band that I was already familiar with by way of their super-swell song "Angels Fable."
Seems that Gustav (just 20 years old, apparently) and his friends will be releasing an LP (Vagabond's Polka) in March of '06. I'm liking what I'm hearing thus far - lots of acoustic guitars and piano. Often gentle. Sometimes ever-so-slightly unhinged. Yes, it seems that Sweden has done it again (hell, even Madonna's sampling the Swedes).
Here's hoping that Gustav & his sailors receive many warm welcomes in many foreign ports...
[MP3] [left-click] "Nightlife"
[MP3] [left-click] "Mr. Moment and Miss Clarity"
[MP3] [left-click] "Minnie D"
[MP3] [left-click] "Angels Fable"
OKKERVIL RIVER
Okkervil River is probably a pretty familiar band to those that regularly trawl the blogosphere. I discovered them first with the ragged epic "The War Criminal Rises and Speaks," and I've been with them ever since. There's something unhinged about these guys - the charmingly circuitous lyrics; the lead singer's cracked, semi-hysterical voice; the warm-yet-eccentric instrumentation. Somehow, they strike me as a more lo-fi and eclectic Decemberists.
Hard on the heels of their 2005 LP Black Sheep Boy, Okkervil River will release a bonus EP on November 22. Like everything else they've done, it will surely be worth a listen.
[MP3] [left-click] "No Key, No Plan [from the EP Black Sheep Boy (Appendix), 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Black" [from the LP Black Sheep Boy, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "The War Criminal Rises and Speaks" [from the LP Down the River of Golden Dreams, 2003]
[MP3] [left-click] "Westfall" [from the LP Don't Fall in Love with Everyone You See, 2002]
Hard on the heels of their 2005 LP Black Sheep Boy, Okkervil River will release a bonus EP on November 22. Like everything else they've done, it will surely be worth a listen.
[MP3] [left-click] "No Key, No Plan [from the EP Black Sheep Boy (Appendix), 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Black" [from the LP Black Sheep Boy, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "The War Criminal Rises and Speaks" [from the LP Down the River of Golden Dreams, 2003]
[MP3] [left-click] "Westfall" [from the LP Don't Fall in Love with Everyone You See, 2002]
Friday, November 11
THE MENDOZA LINE
Uh-oh... it's those nefarious boy-girl vocals here to beguile me again.... This time, they come courtesy of the Brooklyn-by-way-of-Athens, GA band the Mendoza Line. Their new LP, Full of Light and Full of Fire, will get its official release on November 22.
"Catch a Collapsing Star" gives us an idea what a duet between Bob Dylan and Neko Case might sound like (pretty damn good, natch).
[MP3] [left-click] "Catch a Collapsing Star" [from the LP Full of Light and Full of Fire, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Golden Boy (Torture in the Shed)" [from the LP Full of Light and Full of Fire, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "It's a Long Line (But It Moves Quickly)" [from the LP Fortune, 2004]
[MP3] [left-click] "What Ever Happened to You?" [from the LP Lost in Revelry, 2002]
[MP3] [left-click] "Baby, I Know What You're Thinking" [from the LP We're All in This Alone, 2000]
[For more MP3s by the Mendoza Line, check out An Aquarium Drunkard.]
"Catch a Collapsing Star" gives us an idea what a duet between Bob Dylan and Neko Case might sound like (pretty damn good, natch).
[MP3] [left-click] "Catch a Collapsing Star" [from the LP Full of Light and Full of Fire, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Golden Boy (Torture in the Shed)" [from the LP Full of Light and Full of Fire, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "It's a Long Line (But It Moves Quickly)" [from the LP Fortune, 2004]
[MP3] [left-click] "What Ever Happened to You?" [from the LP Lost in Revelry, 2002]
[MP3] [left-click] "Baby, I Know What You're Thinking" [from the LP We're All in This Alone, 2000]
[For more MP3s by the Mendoza Line, check out An Aquarium Drunkard.]
MADONNA, TAKE 2 + LUCKY SOUL
Hmm.... For some reason, my posting of Madonna's "Sorry" did not work the first time around. So here's an alternative source, just in case I can't get the old link up and running.
[MP3] [left-click] "Sorry"
Also, I have fallen in very-quick-love with an English band called Lucky Soul. I discovered them today over at Indie MP3 - Keeping C86 Alive!. So high-tail it over there and download all four available songs.
[MP3] [left-click] "Sorry"
Also, I have fallen in very-quick-love with an English band called Lucky Soul. I discovered them today over at Indie MP3 - Keeping C86 Alive!. So high-tail it over there and download all four available songs.
MADONNA
Poor, pitiful Madonna... I mean... um... "Esther." The harder the girl tries to infuse her acting with poignancy and passion, the more clear it is that she has absolutely no talent in that medium whatsoever. So disregard her babbling from that balcony and by all means cry for her, Argentina. For the love of god, cry for her.
Madonna's music, on the other hand, deserves at least one listen before being utterly dismissed. The fact that she has survived (and often thrived) for nearly 25 years now is almost beyond miraculous. I mean, who could have foreseen this upon first hearing "Holiday" back in the day? (And poor Cyndi Lauper; this could have been her.)
With her latest LP, Confessions on a Dance Floor, it seems clear that Madonna had her eyes, ears, and marketing mojo squarely fixed on Gwen Stefani's Love. Angel. Music. Baby. This time around, Madonna wants her fans (even the straight ones, I presume) to set their booties to "vibrate" and forget 2003's comparatively subdued (and commercially unsuccessful) American Life.
Unfortunately, these are fairly mundane Confessions - a lot of "I took the Lord's name in vain" instead of "I coveted my neighbor's wife... from behind... many times." Still, I'm a sucker for any song that samples ABBA so brazenly as lead single "Hung Up," and there are one or two other tracks that break from the otherwise generic pack. No doubt that will be enough to keep the Material Matron treading water in the pop-culture pool well into her 50s.
[MP3] [left-click] "Hung Up"/Madonna
[MP3] [left-click] "Sorry"/Madonna
[MP3] [left-click] "What You Waiting For?" [Jacques lu Cont remix]/Gwen Stefani
Madonna's music, on the other hand, deserves at least one listen before being utterly dismissed. The fact that she has survived (and often thrived) for nearly 25 years now is almost beyond miraculous. I mean, who could have foreseen this upon first hearing "Holiday" back in the day? (And poor Cyndi Lauper; this could have been her.)
With her latest LP, Confessions on a Dance Floor, it seems clear that Madonna had her eyes, ears, and marketing mojo squarely fixed on Gwen Stefani's Love. Angel. Music. Baby. This time around, Madonna wants her fans (even the straight ones, I presume) to set their booties to "vibrate" and forget 2003's comparatively subdued (and commercially unsuccessful) American Life.
Unfortunately, these are fairly mundane Confessions - a lot of "I took the Lord's name in vain" instead of "I coveted my neighbor's wife... from behind... many times." Still, I'm a sucker for any song that samples ABBA so brazenly as lead single "Hung Up," and there are one or two other tracks that break from the otherwise generic pack. No doubt that will be enough to keep the Material Matron treading water in the pop-culture pool well into her 50s.
[MP3] [left-click] "Hung Up"/Madonna
[MP3] [left-click] "Sorry"/Madonna
[MP3] [left-click] "What You Waiting For?" [Jacques lu Cont remix]/Gwen Stefani
Saturday, November 5
MADRUGADA OBLONGATA
Thanks again must go to Chris the Swiss at Music of the Moment for so generously sending me an extra song by Madrugada. For some reason, it put me in mind of a favorite song of mine that I'd yet to post here, so now seems as good a time as any.
I'm not sure that the songs sound all that much alike - the Madrugada settles into a nice soothing groove and stays pretty consistent to it (Tindersticks-esque, methinks). The other song is by Craig Armstrong and Paul Buchanan. Armstrong worked with Massive Attack and is also a soundtrack guy (Romeo + Juliet; Ray), while Buchanan was (and perhaps still is) the lead singer of the Blue Nile. I love how the strings and vox build to such an emotional crescendo on their collaboration, and I always find myself putting it between Portishead's great live version of "Roads" and the Smiths' "There is a Light That Never Goes Out" on mix CDs. So, what the hell, I guess I'll go ahead and post those, too. Enjoy the mood...
[MP3] [left-click] "Let's Go Out Tonight"/Craig Armstrong & Paul Buchanan [from the Craig Armstrong LP The Space Between Us, 1998]
[MP3] [left-click] "Roads"/Portishead [from the LP PNYC, 1998]
[MP3] [left-click] "There is a Light That Never Goes Out"/The Smiths [from the LP The Queen is Dead, 1986]
[MP3] [left-click] "Majesty"/Madrugada [from the LP Grit, 2002]
I'm not sure that the songs sound all that much alike - the Madrugada settles into a nice soothing groove and stays pretty consistent to it (Tindersticks-esque, methinks). The other song is by Craig Armstrong and Paul Buchanan. Armstrong worked with Massive Attack and is also a soundtrack guy (Romeo + Juliet; Ray), while Buchanan was (and perhaps still is) the lead singer of the Blue Nile. I love how the strings and vox build to such an emotional crescendo on their collaboration, and I always find myself putting it between Portishead's great live version of "Roads" and the Smiths' "There is a Light That Never Goes Out" on mix CDs. So, what the hell, I guess I'll go ahead and post those, too. Enjoy the mood...
[MP3] [left-click] "Let's Go Out Tonight"/Craig Armstrong & Paul Buchanan [from the Craig Armstrong LP The Space Between Us, 1998]
[MP3] [left-click] "Roads"/Portishead [from the LP PNYC, 1998]
[MP3] [left-click] "There is a Light That Never Goes Out"/The Smiths [from the LP The Queen is Dead, 1986]
[MP3] [left-click] "Majesty"/Madrugada [from the LP Grit, 2002]
MADRUGADA
I've given a lot of love to the Swedes since starting this blog back in June. Only relatively recently did Beat the Indie Drum turn me on to one of their neighbors from Norway (the bound-to-be-big Robert Post, whose great "Got None" is still available [here]... but hurry).
Madrugada is a Norwegian three-man band that's been making music for about a decade now. Their last LP, The Deep End, was released earlier this year, though I doubt many Americans have even heard of it. I would highly recommend the three songs from the album below. The lead singer has a highly distinctive and resonant voice, and each tune succeeds in carving out its own unique character.
So let's show the oft-neglected Norwegians a little love here...
[MP3] [left-click] "The Kids Are on High Street"
[MP3] [left-click] "The Lost Gospel"
[MP3] [left-click] "Subterranean Sunlight"
Madrugada is a Norwegian three-man band that's been making music for about a decade now. Their last LP, The Deep End, was released earlier this year, though I doubt many Americans have even heard of it. I would highly recommend the three songs from the album below. The lead singer has a highly distinctive and resonant voice, and each tune succeeds in carving out its own unique character.
So let's show the oft-neglected Norwegians a little love here...
[MP3] [left-click] "The Kids Are on High Street"
[MP3] [left-click] "The Lost Gospel"
[MP3] [left-click] "Subterranean Sunlight"
CAT POWER
The title track from Cat Power's upcoming album has been circulating through cyberspace for a while now, but it took Chris the Swiss over at Music of the Moment to get me thinking about posting some tracks from earlier in her career.
I've been smitten with Ms. Marshall's haunting, one-of-a-kind voice for quite some time now, though I've always secretly longed for fuller instrumentation and arrangements to occasionally buck that voice up. I have no idea what the bulk of the new record will sound like; I just know that I very much like the subdued strings that buoy the title track. Of course, just because the LP was recorded in Memphis doesn't mean that this'll be another Dusty in Memphis, but a boy can dream, can't he?
The Greatest will be released by Matador Records on January 24, 2006.
[MP3] [left-click] "The Greatest" [from the LP The Greatest, 2006]
[MP3] [left-click] "Free" [from the LP You Are Free, 2003]
[MP3] [left-click] "The Devil's Daughter" [from the LP The Covers Record, 2000]
[MP3] [left-click] "Cross Bones Style" [from the LP Moon Pix, 1998]
[MP3] [left-click] "Rockets" [from the LP Myra Lee, 1996]
I've been smitten with Ms. Marshall's haunting, one-of-a-kind voice for quite some time now, though I've always secretly longed for fuller instrumentation and arrangements to occasionally buck that voice up. I have no idea what the bulk of the new record will sound like; I just know that I very much like the subdued strings that buoy the title track. Of course, just because the LP was recorded in Memphis doesn't mean that this'll be another Dusty in Memphis, but a boy can dream, can't he?
The Greatest will be released by Matador Records on January 24, 2006.
[MP3] [left-click] "The Greatest" [from the LP The Greatest, 2006]
[MP3] [left-click] "Free" [from the LP You Are Free, 2003]
[MP3] [left-click] "The Devil's Daughter" [from the LP The Covers Record, 2000]
[MP3] [left-click] "Cross Bones Style" [from the LP Moon Pix, 1998]
[MP3] [left-click] "Rockets" [from the LP Myra Lee, 1996]
THE CARDIGANS
Other, better blogs (My Old Kentucky Blog, Scenestars, Said the Gramophone) have already been sharing some of the best tracks from the Cardigans' new CD - the somewhat surprisingly solid Super Extra Gravity. Still, I am not about to be dissuaded from offering yet another somewhat surprisingly solid track from it, as well as a sampler of previous Cardigans and Cardigans-related tunes.
Lead singer Nina Persson worked with Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous and Shudder to Think's Nathan Larson on a 2001 project credited to "A Camp." This LP included the Persson/Larson cover of "The Bluest Eyes in Texas" that appeared on the 1999 soundtrack to Boys Don't Cry, as well as the Nancy Sinatra/Lee Hazlewood-esque country-pop of "I Can Buy You."
[MP3] [left-click] "Overload" [from the LP Super Extra Gravity, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Please Sister" [from the LP Long Gone Before Daylight, 2004]
[MP3] [left-click] "Erase/Rewind" [from the LP Gran Turismo, 1998]
[MP3] [left-click] "Lovefool" [from the LP First Band on the Moon, 1996]
[MP3] [left-click] "The Bluest Eyes in Texas"/Nina Persson & Nathan Larson
[MP3] [left-click] "I Can Buy You"/A Camp
Lead singer Nina Persson worked with Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous and Shudder to Think's Nathan Larson on a 2001 project credited to "A Camp." This LP included the Persson/Larson cover of "The Bluest Eyes in Texas" that appeared on the 1999 soundtrack to Boys Don't Cry, as well as the Nancy Sinatra/Lee Hazlewood-esque country-pop of "I Can Buy You."
[MP3] [left-click] "Overload" [from the LP Super Extra Gravity, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Please Sister" [from the LP Long Gone Before Daylight, 2004]
[MP3] [left-click] "Erase/Rewind" [from the LP Gran Turismo, 1998]
[MP3] [left-click] "Lovefool" [from the LP First Band on the Moon, 1996]
[MP3] [left-click] "The Bluest Eyes in Texas"/Nina Persson & Nathan Larson
[MP3] [left-click] "I Can Buy You"/A Camp
STARSAILOR
Starsailor is one the countless single-word bands that followed in Radiohead's wake (Travis, Coldplay, Kent, South, Paloalto, Muse, Keane, on and on, on and on...). I liked a few of the songs on their first album, either didn't hear or didn't like the ones on their second, and have just now had the opportunity to listen to their third.
Can't say that I'm especially impressed, though I suppose it's not "bad," either. It's just not... you know... The Bends or OK Computer.
Regardless, I'm posting, as usual, my two favorites from it, as well as two of my favorites from their debut.
Starsailor's latest CD will be released on November 1st.
[MP3] [left-click] "This Time" [from the LP On the Outside, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "White Light" [from the LP On the Outside, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Poor Misguided Fool" [from the LP Love is Here, 2002]
[MP3] [left-click] "Tie Up My Hands" [from the LP Love is Here, 2002]
Can't say that I'm especially impressed, though I suppose it's not "bad," either. It's just not... you know... The Bends or OK Computer.
Regardless, I'm posting, as usual, my two favorites from it, as well as two of my favorites from their debut.
Starsailor's latest CD will be released on November 1st.
[MP3] [left-click] "This Time" [from the LP On the Outside, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "White Light" [from the LP On the Outside, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Poor Misguided Fool" [from the LP Love is Here, 2002]
[MP3] [left-click] "Tie Up My Hands" [from the LP Love is Here, 2002]
SILVER JEWS
Didn't know much about these folks before; don't know all that much more now. But... leader David Berman started this up back in the late '80s or early '90s with future Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus. Apparently, they enjoyed making noise.
In more recent years, Berman has reportedly struggled with substance abuse, depression, and suicide issues - three things I have more than a passing acquaintance with. Alas, I lack the ability to make music; I can only listen.
I've read at least one review of the Silver Jews' latest CD, Tanglewood Numbers, that suggests that longtime fans may be surprised by the disc's hi-fi sound. Can't really comment on that, other than to say that the songs, at least, still tend to be rather ragged and deliberately[?] anti-mainstream. My two favorites [below] may be the most "polished" of the lot, and I would also recommend the sly little charmer "How Can I Love You (If You Won't Lie Down)?".
For more info and stuff, try [here].
[MP3] [left-click] "Punks in the Beerlight" [from the LP Tanglewood Numbers, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Sleeping is the Only Love" [from the LP Tanglewood Numbers, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Random Rules" [from the LP American Water, 1998]
In more recent years, Berman has reportedly struggled with substance abuse, depression, and suicide issues - three things I have more than a passing acquaintance with. Alas, I lack the ability to make music; I can only listen.
I've read at least one review of the Silver Jews' latest CD, Tanglewood Numbers, that suggests that longtime fans may be surprised by the disc's hi-fi sound. Can't really comment on that, other than to say that the songs, at least, still tend to be rather ragged and deliberately[?] anti-mainstream. My two favorites [below] may be the most "polished" of the lot, and I would also recommend the sly little charmer "How Can I Love You (If You Won't Lie Down)?".
For more info and stuff, try [here].
[MP3] [left-click] "Punks in the Beerlight" [from the LP Tanglewood Numbers, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Sleeping is the Only Love" [from the LP Tanglewood Numbers, 2005]
[MP3] [left-click] "Random Rules" [from the LP American Water, 1998]
KEEPIN' ON BEATIN' ON THAT INDIE DRUM
I've expressed my admiration of and appreciation for Matthew's operation over at Beat the Indie Drum before, but I figure it's high time I did it again. Not only does this guy offer an extensive archive of month-end compilations to comb through, he also regularly offers tons of other songs for download on pretty much a weekly basis. Combine that with his links to other interesting and off-the-beaten-path music sites, and you've got yourself a blog that all-but-demands daily visitation.
Offered below are five songs by artists that I'd never heard of before discovering them at BTID. Try them here, and then click on over to the site itself for further, fuller investigation.
[And be sure to drop Matthew a line if you like what you find there; his cat passed away recently (and that's inspiring me to post a last tune of my own as a respectful memorial).]
[MP3] [left-click] Stout/"Oh Happy Day"
[MP3] [left-click] Crosstide/"Opposite Day"
[MP3] [left-click] Cat-a-Tac/"Devil"
[MP3] [left-click] Flare/"This is the Sound of Good Music"
[MP3] [left-click] Memory Bank/"Bleed Like a Hero"
[MP3] [left-click] Jets to Brazil/"Cat Heaven"
Offered below are five songs by artists that I'd never heard of before discovering them at BTID. Try them here, and then click on over to the site itself for further, fuller investigation.
[And be sure to drop Matthew a line if you like what you find there; his cat passed away recently (and that's inspiring me to post a last tune of my own as a respectful memorial).]
[MP3] [left-click] Stout/"Oh Happy Day"
[MP3] [left-click] Crosstide/"Opposite Day"
[MP3] [left-click] Cat-a-Tac/"Devil"
[MP3] [left-click] Flare/"This is the Sound of Good Music"
[MP3] [left-click] Memory Bank/"Bleed Like a Hero"
[MP3] [left-click] Jets to Brazil/"Cat Heaven"
