MANAGER CONFIRMS: LED ZEPPELIN = OVER

way to kill our hopes, arsehole.

"Led Zeppelin are over," he said. "If you didn't see them in 2007 [at the London O2 Arena], you missed them. It's done. I can't be any clearer than that."

He added: "They tried out a few singers (to replace Plant), but no one worked out. That was it. The whole thing is completely over now. There are absolutely no plans for them to continue. Zero."

Klaxons - It's Not Over Yet [mp3]

The Smiths - I Know it's Over [mp3]

OK Go - Get Over it [mp3]

new solo song from Radiohead's drummer

according to NME.com,

Radiohead drummer Phil Selway debuted a solo song, 'The Family Madness', live in Auckland on Monday (January 5).

Selway was performing as part of a collective including bandmate Ed O'Brian, Johnny Marr and Wilco's Jeff Tweedy for the 7 Worlds Collide project at the Powerstation

(oh how I love Johnny Marr. that man is a bloody genius.)

listen to the song below:



I've gotta admit, this is pretty cool. I love it when drummers get guitars in their hands

new Franz Ferdinand track!

I want this album SO BADLY.

Franz Ferdinand - Twilight Omens [mp3]
nothing short of perfection, these lads.
is it just me or do they keep getting more and more ominous (a la Joy Division)?

Elizabethtown soundtrack: gotta have it.

the guys over at Addicted to Vinyl convinced me to watch Elizabethtown by informing me that Cameron Crowe directed it. as in the guy who did (and lived) "Almost Famous" Cameron Crowe. as in my musical hero.

anyhow, the musical score was GENIUS, I would say even better than Almost Famous's (even though AF was a better movie, and not a rip off of Garden State COUGH...)

anyhow, the movie was pretty good, but the soundtrack is pure genius. really, Cameron, you included Ryan Adams? automatic double points for that move. I have not been this affected by a musical score since the latest Harry Potter movie, but I was greatly disappointed that they changed up the track listing for the official soundtrack. that doesn't stop me from listening to it though ; )

anyhow, here is the tracklisting:

Volume 1

1. 60B (Etown Theme) - Nancy Wilson
2. It'll All Work Out - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3. My Father's Gun - Elton John
4. IO (This Time Around) - Helen Stellar
5. Come Pick Me Up - Ryan Adams
6. Where to Begin - My Morning Jacket
7. Long Ride Home - Patty Griffin
8. Sugar Blue - Jeff Finlin
9. Don't I Hold You - Wheat
10. Shut Us Down - Lindsey Buckingham
11. Let It Out (Let It All Hang Out) - The Hombres
12. Hard Times (Come Again No More) - Eastmountainsouth
13. Jesus Was A Cross Maker - The Hollies
14. Square One - Tom Petty
15. Same In Any Language - I Nine

Volume 2
1. Learning to Fly - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
2. English Girls Approximately - Ryan Adams
3. Jesus Was A Crossmaker - Rachael Yamagata
4. Funky Nassau Pt. 1 - Beginning of the End
5. Loro - Pinback
6. Moon River - Patty Griffin
7. Summerlong - Kathleen Edwards
8. ...Passing By - Ulrich Schnauss
9. You Can't Hurry Love - The Concretes
10. River Road - Nancy Wilson
11. Same in Any Language - Ruckus
12. What Are They Doing in Heaven Today - Washington Phillips
13. Words - Ryan Adams
14. Big Love (Live)- Lindsey Buckingham
15. I Can't Get Next To You - The Temptations


here's a great track from the film:

Ryan Adams - Come Pick Me Up [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]
originally off of his debut solo, Heartbreaker. love that album to death, this is one of my ALL TIME FAVOURITE SONGS. it kills me when he says "fuck me up". really, Ryan, you are THE ultimate heartbreaker.

as I unfortunately have not purchased the album yet, I don't have the great track by Elton John, called "Father's Gun", but you can listen away on youtube



buy the soundtrack or the original score at AMAZON or head to your local record shop and dig through their soundtrack bins.

man, I wish they made an original score version for HP V...but hey, all the more reason to watch the actual movie (for the record, my favourite book of the series and best film thus far...but the sixth one is looking great)

Andrew Bird: melodic genius

I was reading through my email, and came across this fascinating bit of trivia in my Andrew Bird newsletter (originally via this feature):

"Compositionally, Bird takes simple melodies and gradually extends them into complex arrangements. These melodies pop into his head unannounced. The way it usually works, he will suddenly find himself whistling a new one -- Bird is constantly whistling -- or even chewing his food to it. He never records melodies or even writes them down. He assumes that if they're worth remembering, he'll remember them."

now, I always knew Mr. Bird was a genius. I finally have proof! well, I always did, seeing as how all I ever had to do was to play some of his music and I would instantly transform an innocent onlooker to his fan base.

Andrew writes pretty regularly for a blog for the NY Times. it's called Measure for Measure. head on over!

I was listening to Armchair Apocrypha this morning as I did some recovery yoga (nice long trail run yesterday), a break from my faithfulness to his latest, Noble Beast.

expect a review for that (and the new Animal Collective) within the next couple of days.

Plasticities has been stuck in my head all day! now everyone knows the best way to get a song out of your head is to play it on repeat. haha ok, fine, I just like this song. sue me. no, actually, download it below and go to one of his shows! tour dates below (although I have no idea if tix are still available, I snagged mine as soon as I found out they were onsale)

Andrew Bird - Plasticities [mp3]

(off of the BRILLIANT "Armchair Apocrypha", Mr. Bird's 4th album, released in 2007)

I'd just like to say that I love Bird's wordplay, his music is so intelligent, it's so refreshing. half the beauty of enjoying his music is reading the liner notes you listen.

I grinned widely when I saw that the first and last tracks off of "Noble Beast"were titled "oh no" and "on ho!", respectively. I love me a good palindrome (and Andrew probably does too, as he has a song called "Fake Palindromes"
ah! I want to pounce him.

TOUR DATES:

Jan 19 2009 7:00P
Black Cat - The Big Shoulders Ball Washington, Washington DC
Jan 25 2009 8:00P
Theater of the Living Arts Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jan 28 2009 8:00P
Carnegie Hall New York, New York
Jan 30 2009 8:00P
Orpheum Theatre Boston, Massachusetts
Feb 3 2009 8:00P
Nightclub 9:30 Washington, District of Columbia
Feb 4 2009 8:30P
Variety Playhouse Atlanta, Georgia
Feb 6 2009 8:30P
The Plaza Theatre Orlando, Florida
Feb 7 2009 8:00P
House of Blues New Orleans, Louisiana
Feb 12 2009 8:00P
The Paramount Theatre Austin, Texas
Feb 13 2009 8:30P
The El Rey Theater Albuquerque, New Mexico
Feb 14 2009 8:00P
The Rialto Theatre Tucson, Arizona
Feb 15 2009 8:00P
SOMA San Diego, California
Feb 18 2009 8:00P
The Orpheum Theatre Los Angeles, California
Feb 19 2009 8:00P
The Fillmore San Francisco, California
Feb 20 2009 9:00P
The Fillmore San Francisco, California
Feb 21 2009 9:00P
Roseland Theater Portland, Oregon
Feb 23 2009 8:00P
The Moore Theatre Seattle, Washington
Feb 24 2009 8:00P
Knitting Factory Boise, Idaho
Feb 25 2009 8:00P
The Murray Theater Murray, Utah
Feb 26 2009 8:00P
The Ogden Theater Denver, Colorado
Feb 27 2009 9:00P
Slowdown Omaha, Nebraska
Feb 28 2009 8:00P
Hoyt Sherman Place Des Moines, Iowa
Mar 15 2009 8:00P
The Pageant St. Louis, Missouri
Mar 16 2009 8:00P
Liberty Hall Lawrence, Kansas
Mar 17 2009 8:00P
Cain’s Ballroom Tulsa, Oklahoma
Mar 21 2009 9:00P
House of Blues Houston, Texas
Mar 22 2009 8:00P
Granada Theater Dallas, Texas
Mar 23 2009 8:00P
The Lyric Oxford Oxford, Mississippi
Apr 3 2009 7:30P
Queen Elizabeth Theatre Toronto, Ontario
Apr 4 2009 8:30P
Le National Montreal, Quebec
Apr 5 2009 7:30P
Higher Ground South Burlington, Vermont
Apr 7 2009 8:00P
Carnegie Music Hall Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Apr 10 2009 8:00P
Civic Opera House Chicago, Illinois
Apr 11 2009 8:00P
The State Theater Minneapolis, Minnesota

I CANNOT wait to chat him up on February 19th. this man, is like, my muse.

the lucky bastards in Philly get RA RA RIOT as an opening act! I am extremely jealous of the people attending that show (25th January)...it'll blow their minds for sure.

Brian Eno: Israel is at fault

NME.com has a story about the acclaimed English musician's opinion about the current Gaza conflict

"What we're seeing in Gaza is an experiment in provocation conducted by the Israeli government," he said. "You take one and a half million people, you stuff them into a small space, you deny them food, water, sanitation, medicine, and then act surprised when they get hostile.

"But you want that hostility, because that's the cue for you to act the victim. Israel is pretending to be a victim in a situation in which they are the oppressor.

"It's tragic that a country formed in the ashes of the holocaust should act in this way. It's heartbreaking. Why do the Israelis do it? What's the reason for creating this conflict?

"The reason is that under the cover of it they can continue to build settlements. They can continue to get large grants from the American government. They can continue to steal the homeland of the Palestinians, and continue to make a Warsaw ghetto in the Middle East.

well stated, mate.

as a Palestinian, as an American, and as a pacifist, I just want all of the violence to stop

Brian Eno - By this River [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]
this song is so beautiful and wonderfully serene. the lyrics are as follows:

Here we are
Stuck by this river,
You and I
Underneath a sky that's ever falling down, down, down
Ever falling down.

Through the day
As if on an ocean
Waiting here,
Always failing to remember why we came, came, came:
I wonder why we came.

You talk to me
as if from a distance
And I reply
With impressions chosen from another time, time, time,
From another time.

of Montreal cover "Day Man"

I just finished watching the last episode of the fourth season of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (greatest show ever. watch it. please, for your own sake, watch it.) and then I looked up the hit song "day man" on the hype machine, and was pleasantly surprised to find that of Montreal covered it!

here is the original:

Charlie singing "Day Man" (link to hulu.com)

Charlie Day - Day Man [mp3]
hahahah so funny.

and here is the lovely cover:

of Montreal - Day Man (Charlie Day cover) [mp3]

BONUS:
of Montreal - The Final Countdown (Europe cover)
this brings back memories of another genius show. sadly, it was canceled, but a movie has been confirmed

thanks to You Aint No Picasso for the mp3s. they have a FABULOUS ARCHIVE OF oF MONTREAL COVERS HERE!

Robert Plant voted 'greatest voice in rock'

it seems like everyone wants to honour the Zeppelin frontman lately.

anyhow, according to NME, the poll, which was organized by Planet Rock, ranked the following artists as follows:

1. Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin)
2. Freddie Mercury (Queen)
3. Paul Rodgers (Free/Bad Company)
4. Ian Gillan (Deep Purple)
5. Roger Daltrey (The Who)
6. David Coverdale (Whitesnake)
7. Axl Rose (Guns N' Roses)
8. Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden)
9. Mick Jagger (The Rolling Stones)
10. Bon Scott (AC/DC)
11. David Bowie
12. Jon Bon Jovi (Bon Jovi)
13. Steven Tyler (Aerosmith)
14. Jon Anderson (Yes)
15. Bruce Springsteen
16. Joe Cocker
17. Ozzy Osbourne (Black Sabbath)
18. Bono (U2)
19. Peter Gabriel
20. James Hetfield (Metallica)

I don't think it's biased of me to think that Julian Casablancas of The Strokes should be on here. I mean COME ON! this is pure rock genius!

and what about LOU FUCKING REED?!

Sunday Morning Covers

belated by a few hours, I know

sorry guys

I slept in today, then proceeded to have lunch with my family, then my dad gave me another driving lesson. I'm basically proficient now...a few more lessons and I'll take the test.

anyhow, sorry for the delay, I'm making it up to you guys by posting some really excellent songs today.

seriously, this batch of SMC is phenomenal. I suggest that you download them all.

Adele - Black and Gold (Sam Sparro cover) [mp3]
this one...just wow. it's amazing. I think Sam Sparro is a mesmerizing wizard with magical powers to captivate anyone, and Adele does the original so much justice!

The Honorary Title - No One (Alicia Keys cover) [mp3]
I don't care what people say. I freaking love this band, whiney or not. the lead singer Jarrod does seem to be a drug addict of some sort, based on my interaction with him when I saw them at Slim's. regardless, this cover is heartbreaking and beautiful.

Voxtrot - Heaven (Talking Heads cover) [mp3]
ok, this isn't even fair. I am a HUGE fan of both Voxtrot and Talking Heads, and I only found out about and acquired this song, like, a few days ago? WTF?! Voxtrot's leading man Ramesh Srivastava is our generation's Morrissey.

BONUS:
The Section Quartet - The Man Who Sold the World (Bowie cover) [mp3]
because I looove this string quartet, and because their album FUZZBOX is probably one of the most under appreciated gems of our time, and because I love Bowie and hate it when people think that he was covering a Nirvana song (really, now, what the hell?). seriously, if you want me to punch you in the face ask me "oh, yeah, isn't that a Nirvana song? who is this Bowie person covering it?"

happy listening!

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.

Saturday Music Definitions: Leaves

the leaves may be gone from the trees, but they live in poetry and song.

Simon and Garfunkel - Leaves that are Green (live, NYC, 1967) [mp3]

Billy Talent - Fallen Leaves [mp3]
the polar opposite of S&G, this Canadian band opened up for My Chemical Romance at the Warfield last April. the lead singer likes to screech, but they're pretty cool.

The White Stripes - Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground [mp3]
loove Jack White. Meg kicks a lot of ass too. White Blood Cells is an excellent record.

BONUS:
Ryan Adams - Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground (White Stripes cover) [mp3]

band of the week: The Doors

band of the week often comes down to the band I listened to a lot during any given week, and today's post is no exception

now, I know this is blasphemy, but I never really got into The Doors before.

I have been obsessively spinning the various dollar vinyl records I own (I love Amoeba), and I realized that the Doors record I had picked up was an original copy of their eponymous debut, minus the original album sleeve. anyhow, I've listened to it through a ridiculous number of times and my verdict is...

JIM MORRISON IS A SEXY VAMPIRE.

I think the reason I had never really gotten into this phenomenal band before was I never gave them proper, undivided attention. I love winter break. anyhow, I suggest you all do the same if you aren't already Doors fans and listen meticulously to some incredible music I've somehow managed to look over.

anyhow, here are some mp3s and a WEBSITE of all things Doors.

The Doors - Break on Through (to the other side) [mp3]
this one is really well known, even my uncultured 15 year old brother loves it

The Doors - Light My Fire [mp3, highly recommended!]

The Doors - When the Music's Over (live in concert) [mp3]

Franz Ferdinand: Ulysses in studio

this is an awesome version of what has been my favourite sneak peak of the year

many thanks to Jackie at Cartoon Music For Superheroes for the heads up

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

really, now.

DMCA, play nice, I'm just trying to expose people to some good music

unfortunately, I didn't save the superlatives of 2008 but if anyone is interested, leave a comment and I will repost it (I have it written down in my music notebook)

here are the songs from the top albums of 2008:

10. Little Joy:
No One's Better Sake
How to Hang a Warhol

9. Ra Ra Riot:
Dying is Fine
Suspended in Gaffa (Kate Bush cover)

8. Liam Finn:
Second Chance
Wide Awake on the Voyage Home

7. MGMT:
Electric Feel
Of Moons, Birds and Monsters

6. Delta Spirit:
Tomorrow Goes Away
Strange Vine

5. The Virgins :
Hey Hey Girl
Radio Christine

4. The Killers:
Joy Ride
I Can't Stay

3. Vampire Weekend:
M79
I Stand Corrected

2. Wild Sweet Orange:
Ten Dead Dogs
Either/Or

1. Frightened Rabbit:
The Modern Leper
Keep Yourself Warm

Hanan's Top Ten Records of the Year

This is my first year end list, and I have put much thought and deliberation into it. The sad truth is, 2008 was not a spectacular year for music. Therefore, I feel even further obligated to do justice to the handful of solid releases this year. All but two of the albums are debut LPs, that should tell you about the disappointment of returning artists this year. The top 5, I consider essential to everyone's musical library. So, here goes:

10. Little Joy - Little Joy

Fabrizio Moretti's side project was one of the most pleasant surprises of the year. This album is so easy to listen to from beginning to end, bursting with sunshine-y sweet melodies. "Unattainable" is sung by their female band member Binki, and I find myself overlooking my I-hate-female-vocalists thing and really enjoying it.

click here for a -> record review

visit them on MYSPACE

9. Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line

Following the tragic death of their drummer, John Ryan Pike, Ra Ra Riot released a beautiful and often heartbreaking debut with lyrics that often reference their loss. In addition to the standard rock instruments, they incorporate a cello and a violin. This record is GORGEOUS. "Dying is Fine" draws its chorus from a poem by e.e cummings. You might find yourself listening to their cover of "Suspended in Gaffa" on repeat. "Ghost Under Rocks" begins like Mika's "Love Today" but the similarities end there, as it delves into a ballad which unmistakably eulogizes Pike which will give you shivers.

visit them on MYSPACE

8. Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning

The son of the acclaimed New Zealand musician Neil Finn, Liam quickly establishes that his father is not the only one in the family with talent. A genius in the making, Liam's live performances are simultaneously breathtaking and energizing, leaving the audience in awe and dancing along. Each of these songs is a GEM, but the energy of the songs diminishes as the record comes to a close. The last few songs are slow and beautiful, "Wide Awake on the Voyage Home" (the second to last track) being my absolute favourite, made even more special by the fact that Liam played it after I requested it before his show.

visit Liam on MYSPACE

7. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

It's really a good thing that they included "spectacular" in the title, I cannot find a more fitting word for this incredible record. I had initially thought this would be an album of a few lead singles and some filler but I was shocked to find that the entire album is a masterpiece. Ever wonder where the future of psychedelic rock lies? Look no further than Oracular Spectacular. While their live performances are not mind blowing, they still are a lot of fun and the duo's energy more than makes up for their lack of bravado.

click here for a -> record review

visit the band on their WEBSITE

6. Delta Spirit - Ode to Sunshine


I don't know how this band isn't famous yet. They excel at something which a lot of bands have attempted to do: combining the Americana, folk and rock genres BEAUTIFULLY. Originally self released with the grey album cover and later rereleased by Rounder Records in August with a new version of "Streetwalker", this is a rare band that manages to pull off a very Bob Dylan-y vocalist. I have nothing bad to say about this band, either on record or live. They blew me away this year. Do check them out.

visit the band on MYSPACE

5. The Virgins - The Virgins

For a band that pretends to be sexually inexperienced, these songs are a bit out of place: they are oozing with sex sex sex. Hailing from NYC, comparisons to The Strokes are inevitable, and the band doesn't seem to mind too much. Their bass player Nick demands your attention in lead single "Rich Girls" and all over the rest of the record. The ultimate dance record of the year, The Virgin's debut is a winner on all levels. They will chew you up and spit you out like the gum on their album cover, but you will come back begging for more. These guys are AMAZING live too, so catch em when they swing by your neck of the woods.

visit them on MYSPACE

4. The Killers - Day and Age


The Killers came back more powerfully than ever before with their third album, drawing from equal parts of 80's and futuristic sounds. A joy ride indeed, this album will leave you dazzled and confused and dying for more. The bonus tracks then step in and oblige.

for a song by song analysis of why this record owns you, click HERE

visit the boys on MYSPACE

3. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend


do you remember getting hyped up on sugar as a kid? if that feeling had a musical manifestation, it would be Vampire Weekend's amazing debut record. These boys compensate for being over-educated by providing songs that anyone can dance too. Why all the haters? Because this band was hardworking and successful and produced excellent songs that brightened up the rainy season. This was going to be album of the year for a while, but it was recently replaced by two better crafted records. It still remains one of my favourite records of all time, sweet perfection from start to finish. Vampire Weekend's goals were to play classical music with rock instruments, but they throw in some African beats too. If you buy this record and don't enjoy it, I will reimburse you and then punch you in the face for being musically and human-ly retarded.

click for a -> concert review

visit Vampire Weekend on MYSPACE

2. Wild Sweet Orange - We Have Cause to be Uneasy

This debut from the Birmingham based band is heartbreaking in every sense of the word. The lyrics express the childhood anguish which is more or less universal. The guitar riffs from "Either/Or" will be stuck in your head indefinitely, and the lyric "All the things I've hated, I've been before" reminds me of "Between the Bars" by Elliott Smith: "people you've been before that you don't want around anymore". If the opener, "Ten Dead Dogs" doesn't get you hooked, nothing will. The lead singer's voice will penetrate your soul but the music will distract you from the lyrics. Sometimes I have to double back and listen to the words again, and then I am left breathless again. The album presents the ugliness of the human race in the most beautiful way possible. In a way, they redeem us for the cheating, lyric bastards that we are.

click here for a -> concert review

visit them on MYSPACE

1. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight

I was first exposed to this band via the blogosphere, first hearing the songs "The Modern Leper" and "Poke" . I subsequently purchased this Scottish band's second full length album. I listened to it once, it didn't strike me as particularly amazing. Once more, I thought. Nope, no avail. I put it on my shelf, shrugging off another meh record. A fellow blogger mentioned that it was his favourite album of the year thus far, which got me to pick it back up and listen to it meticulously, poring over each note and lyric. Then it started getting under my skin. I started listening to it ENDLESSLY, on the BART, at the gym (and this is NOT your average work out album), in bed, everywhere. This album is a reality check to how modern life has alienated us from one another, but the music itself may help us come together and fix ourselves. Please please please take my advice, go out, buy this record and listen to it through five times. They don't have to be consecutive. Just make sure you give it a chance. This album surprised me, and I'm sure you'll love it too.

visit the band on MYSPACE

honourable mentions:
Beck - Modern Guilt
Ben Sollee- Learning to Bend
The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
Panic at the Disco- Pretty. Odd
Albert Hammond Jr - Como Te Llama
The Dodos- Visiter
The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of Understatement
The Morning Benders - Talking Through Tin Cans
Margot and the Nuclear So and So's- Animal
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Pershing

Sunday Morning Covers

David Grey - Smile Like You Mean It (Killers cover) [mp3]
this one, I'm on the fence about. it's decent, not as good as the original of course, but I do like it a lot at times. what do you think?

Hot Chip and Peter Gabriel - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa (Vampire Weekend cover) [mp3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]
THIS IS SO SO SO COOL! it's my favourite cover at the moment, the best find in AGES. I love the line "it feels so unnatural, Peter Gabriel too, it feels so unnatural...to sing your own name" everyone needs this mp3. download it immediately, that is an ORDER

Emile Simon - Space Oddity (Bowie cover) [mp3]
I don't like this one at all, but I have a big bias against female vocalists. I thought some of my readers might like it.

The Black Keys - She Said, She Said (Beatles cover) [mp3]
I never thought the BK would cover the Beatles, but it makes perfect sense, Dan Auerbach is an AMAZING guitarist and it really shows here.