Jan 11 2008
Song of the Day – 1/11/08
I’m almost asleep.
But then this song came on.
Slipped through the digital filter.
MP3: The LK – “Blakboy vs the Snow”
So it turns out they’re Sweedish.
Formerly The Lovekevins.
I heard a twisted lyric or two.
MP3: The LK – “Yellow Ribbons”
From the album Vs The Snow due this March
Support The LK: iTunes | Kora Records
The LK: MySpace | Home | INFO [via Who Needs Radio]
Jan 09 2008
See that picture? Ben Folds took that picture. Understand? Just try to remember. I remembered because someone passed me a link for a Ben Folds show back in December where he debuted some new songs. The recording begins with Folds explaining that they had new material that they were working out. They have 13 songs recorded, supposedly.
I have really had a serious love for Ben Folds for a long time… but maybe the same old thing was getting old for me too, because I forgot the last time I played him on my iPod. Listening to him again after a long break was pretty surprising because what he played , while still being very “signature Folds”, broke some boundaries–in a genre where he may well be the only member. My favorite of the bunch was stuck in my head for a while and I’m pleased to share it. Enjoy:
MP3: Ben Folds – “Brainwashed” Live – 12/19/07
Here are the rest:
MP3: Ben Folds – “Free Coffee” Live – 12/19/07 (Song starts 1:10)
*He uses some distortion and an autopan on the piano. It was only a matter of time… if you ask me…
*Still very nasty.
MP3: Ben Folds – “Effington” Live – 12/19/07
MP3: Ben Folds – ” You Don’t Know Me” Live – 12/19/07 (Song starts 1:20)
MP3: Ben Folds – “The Bitch Went Nuts” Live – 12/19/07 (Song starts 1:00)
MP3: Ben Folds – “Errant Dog” Live – 12/19/07 (Song starts 1:10)
Get: Show Info | Whole Show Recording
Support the Folds always, damnit!
Jan 08 2008
I just listened through former Arab Strap member Malcolm Middleton’s 2007 release, A Brighter Beat, and came across some tracks that I really enjoyed. The first few songs on the album were not particularly my favorite, but the album quickly took a turn for the better. Most of the time, you’ll see the best songs of any album strategically placed within the first several tracks, however, I believe the best tracks on this 10 track album were in the middle. Likewise, while artists strategically try to make a track good from start to finish, there are some songs on this album that don’t jump out at you immediately, but halfway through, start to become much better. I noticed this on “Four Cigarettes” and the last song on the album, which is seven minutes long, “Superhero Songwriters.”
My favorite track on the album is “Stay Close Sit Tight.” Even though I said the beginning isn’t as good as the rest of the album, it should be noted that a campaign was started by Manic Pop Thrills, to get the first track, “We’re All Going to Die,” charted as the number one Christmas song in the UK. Through networking, what seemed impossible, became close to reality when the song hit the fourth spot. Read 17 Seconds for more details.
Malcolm Middleton is best known for being half of the Scottish group Arab Strap, along with Aidan Moffat. The band formed in 1995 and just recently broke up before Middleton released A Brighter Beat. Before the break up, Middleton released two solo albums, 5:14 Fluoxytine Seagull Alcohol John Nicotine and Into the Woods. When asked about A Brighter Beat, Middleton responded:
“If I was forced to describe it (which I am) I’d probably say it was ‘a pop album for people who hate pop music’. Or maybe ‘love songs for depressed people who worry too much about dying and the consequences of their daily actions and thoughts to be able to enjoy life fully’. There’s nothing clever, hidden or political in any of the songs, it’s pretty much a ‘me’ album again, although I don’t think there’s as much complaining as on my first two records.”
Malcolm has a new album coming out called Sleight Of Heart that will be released March 3rd on Full Time Hobby Records. “Blue Plastic Bags” is the second track on the album. I’ll keep you posted closer to release.
A Brighter Beat (2007):
Malcolm Middleton – Stay Close Sit Tight
Malcolm Middleton – Four Cigarettes
Sleight of Heart (2008):
Malcolm Middleton – Blue Plastic Bag (Highly recommended)
Jan 06 2008
This year I have come up with a New Year’s resolution that will hopefully be somewhat reasonable and fun. Every day I will listen to an album, any album, from any genre or time period. I want to expand my musical repertoire in a more systematic way. I already listen to music as often as possible during the day and I’m always in search for new music, but I would like to set aside one album whether it be an EP or LP (depending on time) and give it a good listen all the way through.
The beginning of the year is a good time to look at all the “best of” lists for 2007 to find out what I missed out on.
There will be no planned theme for any of the albums. The only kind of plan I can imagine would be a string of a certain genre or even multiple albums from the same artist, but that will just all be based on how I feel and what I want to listen to.
I will post every week with the albums I’ve listened to with MP3s of some of my favorite tracks off the album.
If anybody recommends an album that they think I should listen to, just leave a comment and I will do the best I can to listen to the album.
Wish me luck!
January 1st, 2008
Mount Eerie – Parts. 6 & 7
MP3: Mount Eerie – Unknown World
January 2nd, 2008
Colleen – The Golden Morning Breaks
MP3: Colleen – Floating in the Clearest Sea
MP3: Colleen – The Golden Morning Breaks
January 3rd, 2008
Adrian Orange & Her Band – Self-titled
MP3: Adrian Orange & Her Band – Window (Mirror) Shadow
MP3: Adrian Orange & Her Band – Then We Play
January 4th, 2008
Elixirs – Pente (EP)
MP3: Elixirs – Gossamer
January 5th, 2008
Sea Wolf – Leaves in the River
MP3: Sea Wolf – Middle Distance Runner
January 6th, 2008
Jan 04 2008
As many of you know, Juno has been a hit sensation. Everyone seems to be loving the movie, and the soundtrack has gotten amazing feedback. The soundtrack may not have as much acclaim as Garden State so far, but isn’t far behind. I was browsing through iTunes today, when I came across the Celebrity Playlists. Recently, Ellen Page, Michael Cera, and Jason Bateman, the main stars in Juno, made their own personalized iMixes {names link to each iMix}. HERE is Juno’s writer Diablo Cody’s playlist. I thought I would also share director Jason Reitman’s playlist, as he says it is the “B-Sides” of Juno. For those of you who can’t get enough of the soundtrack, this is a great way to extend it. Reitman states of his playlist:
This is Essentially the B-Sides to Juno. Each of these songs lived in the Avid looking for a place in the movie. Some were attached to scenes that got cut. Some seemed perfect at the beginning, but didn’t quite match the film as it evolved. I’m the kind of guy that used to spend days wandering around a record shop and now instead surfs through the iTunes store like an antique-hound in a basement, trying to find that perfect track. A discovery. Something to call my own. None of these songs made the movie, but they are all essential members of the Junoverse.
Extended Juno Sountrack (click iTunes link HERE to see and sample playlist directly.. and read Reitman’s blurb about each song).
The Magnetic Fields- Absolutely Cuckoo
Belle & Sebastian- My Wandering Days Are Over
Jr. James & The Late Guitar – I’m Into Something Good
Miss Ludella Black – Is It True
The Moldy Peaches – Lazy Confessions
Three Headcoatees – Sticks & Stones
Kimya Dawson – I Miss You
Electrelane – I’m On Fire
The Bristols – Little Baby
Budget Girls – You’re So Sorry
Kimya Dawson – Viva la Persistence
Ludella Black – I’ve Just Seen A Face
The Moldy Peaches – Steak for Chicken
Yo La Tengo – You Can Have It All
Juno Soundtrack: