The Queen of England loooves her some Zeppelin

Robert Plant is now a member of the Order of the British Empire.

now, as an ignorant American, I don't know exactly what this entails, but I'm sure it's like, Rock n Roll Hall of fame status, but for British achievements.

regardless, I love me some Zeppelin.

Led Zeppelin - Moby Dick (instrumental) [mp3]
helloooooooooo drum solo. I know this one technically doesn't have any vocals...so I present:

Led Zeppelin - Immigrant Song [mp3]
here's a tune for you which showcases Mr. Plant's talents. my oh my, can he sing.

Saturday Music Definitions: Happy

I've been in a ridiculously good mood all day. That may have to do with the fact that I spent the entire day reading Ulysses, listening to the Strokes and drinking tea and hot cocoa.

really, it doesn't take a lot to get me cheerful.

and now, for some songs:

Modest Mouse - Make Everybody Happy-Mechanical Birds [mp3]
some early Modest Mouse (1996) for you. it's so much fun to listen to them evolve over the years.

Jenny Lewis - Happy [mp3]
I love everything about Jenny Lewis, right down to her reverence for the late Elliott Smith.

Violent Femmes - Rejoice and Be Happy [mp3]
a higher energy song than the rest of the bunch, classic VF.

Mika - Happy Ending [mp3]
I was looking through some old letters and found a card my friend wrote to me shortly after we went to see this brilliant man in concert. Mika is like a more worldly Jason Mraz with a falsetto like nobody's business. ironically, though, this is one of his more depressing songs. here is something a bit more chipper.

Bob Marley - Don't Worry Be Happy [mp3]
stoners have this incredible knack for putting a smile on anyone's face. what is that, you want proof you say? well here you go.

BONUS:
The Rolling Stones - Happy [mp3]

Band of the Week: Music for Animals

sounds like: OK Go meets Of Montreal meets The Hives
there is definitely some punk sensibility here

I saw this SF based band sometime early last year. they went on an American wide tour with...gosh what was that HORRID opening band's name? Long Live Logos. (thank you Rickshaw archive.)

they are one of my favourite local bands, although I have to admit that their record is not as good as their live sound. it's still pretty sweet, though, and an excellent dance record.

they only have a couple of shows coming up, but if you can, go for it! you'll have a lot of fun, I promise.

Feb 7 2009 8:00P
Hop Monk Sebastopol, California

Mar 6 2009 9:00P
Bottom of the Hill All Ages!! San Francisco, California

they have a new EP out, and from the songs which I've heard (off of their MYSPACE), I think it's sounding really good. especially "If Looks Could Kill". I think I'm gonna buy it.


Music for Animals - Bi or Curious [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]
this is the song that got me into them in the first place. mmh.

Music for Animals - Apartment [mp3]
this one gets really good midway through. like after the 2 minute mark.

visit the boys on MYSPACE

you can buy their debut on AMAZON for 1 penny! it's worth a lot more than that

have you seen the Strokes lately?

they look so different! somehow, Jules looks a bit younger. and hellooooooooo Nikolai. he was always so handsome, but now he can't hide behind those golden-brown locks anymore

anyhow, everyone, be safe tonight but have loads of fun!

Sunday Morning Covers

Social Distortion - Death or Glory (Clash cover) [mp3]
this morning, my mum looked at my desktop background and asked me who that was. I simply replied "my lover".

Dead Confederate - Theresa's Sound World (Sonic Youth cover) [mp3]
this band was one of my favourite finds of the year

Fiona Apple - Across the Universe (Beatles cover) [mp3]
a classic covered by the talented Ms. Apple

Jack Johnson - Who Knows (Jimi Hendrix cover) [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]
this is actually really good.