Record Review - Tonight: Franz Ferdinand

What can I say about the new Franz Ferdinand album?
In a nutshell? It’s brilliant.

The entire album grapples with lyrics along the same lines as “If I Fell” by the Beatles, the insecurities that come with the heftiness of the “l” word. “Oh, you know, you know, you know, that yes I love---I mean I'd love to get to know you,” Alex sings on “No You Girls.” He puts up an impenetrable wall, as not to get hurt. We've all been there.

After kicking off with a killer opening track (their first single, “Ulysses”), Franz don’t falter one bit. The synth driven energy is high as a kite (“Live Alone”), the guitars ferocious in a way that would make Jack White proud (“Can’t Stop Feeling”), and we get some classic sounding Franz with “No You Girls”, plus an irresistible bass line. “Lucid Dreams” is electronica heaven. Did I mention that the guitar solo in “What She Came For” is one of the best I’ve heard in ages?

But then Alex and the boys turn it down a notch, using what sounds like a triangle in “Dream Again” to ease you on into one of the most contemplative songs in pop music today, “Katherine Kiss Me”, where you can find a slow, acoustic, piano ballad (get images of the Fray out of your mind. This is what slow songs should sound like. Think “Sylvia Plath” by Ryan Adams.) This last song references the previously crass lyrics in a disapproving way, and Alex declares "Sometimes I say the stupid things I think I mean...and do you ever wonder how the boy feels?" Franz Ferdinand are in touch with their emotions. Go figure.

One of the problems that most bands face is creating albums that are well rounded and strike a good balance, leaving listeners in awe, completely satisfied with what they have just listened to, and compelled to listen to it over and over again. In that respect, Franz have excelled. They retained their danceable sound, incorporated some more advanced songwriting, and thrown us a curve ball with the final two slow songs, just to stick it to the rest of us that we cannot be as cool as these Scottish rockers.

Put on your dancing shoes and your sensitive pants, this album is guaranteed to please on every level possible.

4.5/5

I am LOVING this new Beirut song

if you didn't know already, Beirut create music based on different countries. "Gulag Orkestar" showcased Balkan music, "The Flying Club Cup" took you through the streets of France. next, get ready for the release of two new EPs, "March of the Zapotec" (invoking Mexico) and "Holland" (more synth-pop oriented), on the 17th of February.

Beirut - My Night With The Prostitute From Marseille [mp3, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]
(off of "Holland")

I've had this song on repeat for about 20 minutes now.

watch Zach give Animal Collective a run for their money.

I haven't been mesmerized by a song like this since I heard "Ulysses" by Franz Ferdinand for the first time. speaking of which, expect a record review within the next few hours, after I get back from the gym.

Ryan Adams: there is a difference between taking a break and quitting

fucking aye. my RSS feed was FLOODED with "Ryan Adams has quit music" posts, which made me start to tear up. really.

on his blog, he updated:

"Of course everything i said got taken out of context.
as always,
i did not say i was quitting i said i was taking a step back…
so thanks…..thanks again"

Ryan Adams - When the Stars Go Blue [mp3]

anyhow, here is the original post which was deleted off of his blog if you all are interested:

me- 34- a non smoker and happy, for the first time in my life.. i am excited to finish this wonderful time i have had with the cardinals and whatever new adventures may come after march. atlanta will be my last venture with the band and i am grateful for the time we have had and maybe someday we will have more stories to tell together. i am however ready for quieter times as i think it is very evident i am struggling with some balance and hearing issues.

also, no drama or anything but i am okay to step back from all of this right now and i think i did enough manic blogging when i felt alone and isolated during the last few years of travel. these last few years were the hardest i can remember and the most rewarding but i have loved ones to care for now and i am lucky i have been given a chance to turn around and see just what i am capable of as a friend and as someone who is not gone forever every year- it rendered me incapable of things i needed to be to myself and others- and my schedule sometimes never ended when the shows did- and some of that was my doing. and i lost someone i loved, and i lost myself.

that changed. i got to know just who i am in this little spell of time here recently. and change is the nature of the world and i naturally embrace that.

i won’t be blogging here anymore either- but not for effect- it just is not being kind to myself- i need a life that is mine- i need to grow up and grow in to who i have subtly been working back towards since i stopped all that nonsense and i know also no matter what i choose to do in the music world, because i chose to do things my way and never lie i will always be viewed as an “asshole” ( i hear and have seen things in the past) and i am not, and i know the truth and i know who i am.

also it is kind of ridiculous to blog as i am a musician and anything i say here just gets reprinted at some point out of context. i say NOT FAIR but it doesn’t matter what i say anymore or what is fair anymore really does it- the 21st century media has it’s own rules about what is true and what is not. it is not a life- not one i want to live anyway and i don’t really care to participate in narcissistic over-indulgent behavior anymore- that was never my intention- i just wanted to fight for my right to make music and to be given the benefit of the doubt. now, because i have stood up for myself and fought for myself i am labeled all kinds of awful things. well, i will walk away now and it will not matter what anyone say’s. there are other things i can do in this life, other ways to be creative and to try and help others and be expressive without being demonized for attempting to gain the same things any other human being desires- love- friendship- understanding- and being able to express yourself without constant fear of being mistreated for speaking up

i have friends to make, brand new books coming (two of em’ not counting that one already printed and on it’s way out there and i LOVE writing….yay!) and a whole lot of living and learning to do.

i am excited to step away. i lost more than anyone will ever know (hearing, someone i loved, my sense of dignity, a never ending losing battle with stage fright and now my hearing and balance due to an inner ear issue- people accusing me of not being sober when i am suffering tremendous pain and nausea from my inner ear symptoms- people accusing me of theft (THEFT- ….awful) and this is not much of a life, not glamorous like those ridiculous video’s a long time ago television played and no it is not monetarily as rewarding as people would like you to believe and yes, it is soul destroying. especially when you spend your life trying to write about the really difficult stuff and you stand there losing your way and people yell at you like you were in a circus. when it was your dream to matter and you realize one day, it never mattered- i mean, i am a punch-line and a footnote in what is worse to yell at someone besides “free-bird”. i mean, i lost. and it’s okay because i seriously snuck some pretty neat idea’s in there in the work when i was making those mistakes or they were being made by others. this business is no science.

andf you know, whatever this is- it’s not my dream. and it is a punishing thing to endure when you are getting worse and worse- it’s not my dream, my dream was to try and tap into that energy i saw watching Minutemen vcr tapes when i was just a little shit in NC of mike watt’s crazy shaking leg and his electric fingers- or how sonic youth droned into beautiful clouds those guitars shaking, kim and steve rattling the pulsing lines into feverish thudding imaginary subway cars racing through my heart- and how it felt to just let go and static up a riff and find the sweet spot- but getting yelled at for just being a songwriter- to be called so many horrid things because i chose to love music so much, and also to look for peace and balance in my life- that is not kindness and just not my thing. at least not now.

quitting smoking was a good step and i am happy i also am just now beginning to understand how important it is i take better care of myself in every way right now.

anyway, enjoy these shows and know that i am not abandoning anyone and that i loved playing music in the cardinals and hell, even before i was in a place to try and learn to be well, music was my life source-

maybe i will play again sometime but this is the time for me to step back now, and i wish everyone peace and happiness and if music is your dream, or if just dreaming is your dream, may you find your way through the rough patch with ease and i hope you let go and it takes you all the way there-

loving kindness to all.

R

Concert Review - The Killers @ The Warfield, 12 December 2008

wayy overdue, I know, but I just dug out my notes from my desk last night.

I have major denial issues when someone warns me that one of my favourite bands are horrible live. I therefore proceeded not to heed the numerous warnings which I had received about the Killers, and went enthusiastically to their December 12th Warfield show.

I was so disheartened by the performance, I immediately listened to Hot Fuss on my mp3 player right after the concert to remind myself why I love them so much.
It’s hard, sometimes, to be objective when it comes to bands that you personally adore.

But, I’ll say it.

The Killers suck live.

Let’s recap the pleasant parts of the evening:

1. Mark sang surprisingly pleasant background vocals on “For Reasons Unknown”.
2. Dave busted out impressive guitar work on “When You Were Young”.
3. Ronnie was the best of the four, which isn’t really saying anything, because his performance was decent at best. Actually, come to think of it, the best of the performers was actually the guy playing sax in the background.

Brandon, oh Brandon,
You should have been a dancer, with all of that fancy footwork which you displayed on stage. What happened to your voice? Horrid, horrid.

The least appalling song of the set was “Losing Touch”, which Brandon sang decently, and the band managed to actually capture that excellent, powerful, soaring sound which can be found on record.

Brandon ruined “Mr. Brightside” for me. He barely sung it, letting the audience screech the entire thing. Doesn’t that song mean anything to you, sir? Am I the only one who thinks that it is a significant stride in art and should be displayed proper respect?

Mr. Flowers abandoned his strangely high-yet-flat vocals and went for a more subtle, touching approach by playing “Smile Like You mean It” on piano and singing in an ostensibly sincere way that just came off as another epic failure on his part as a performer. I wasn’t moved at all.

The worst part of the show? The crowd ate the entire thing up.

Oh, the glories of commercialism.

1.5/5

Do yourself a favour. Save your money. Don't be stupid and blindly unwilling to face the truth like I was. Do not go see the Killers live. It may just ruin them for you, permanently. At least I can still listen to their albums without being angry. I can look past their shitty performance, but I don't know if you can.

Set List:

Human
Neon Tiger
For Reasons Unknown
Somebody Told Me
Losing Touch
Spaceman
Read My Mind
Joy ride
Smile Like You Mean It
Sam’s Town
Bones
Mr. Brightside
All These Things That I have Done

ENCORE:
Jenny Was a Friend of Mine
Sweet Talk
When You Were Young

NEW COLD WAR KIDS TOUR!

YES!!!

New York, NY Mercury Lounge (January 28))
Miami, FL Bicentennial Park – Langerado (March 7)
San Diego, CA 4th & B Concert Theatre^ (26)
Los Angeles, CA Orpheum Theatre^ (27)
Boston, MA Wilbur Theatre* (April 2)
New York, NY Terminal 5* (3)
Rochester, NY Water Street Music Hall* (4)
Denver, CO Gothic Theatre^ (20)
Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom^ (21)
Seattle, WA The Showbox at The Market^ (22)
Portland, OR Doug Fir Lounge^ (23)
San Francisco, CA The Fillmore^ (28)

CWK - Electioneering (Radiohead cover) [mp3]

Beirut: European tour dates

AH! I AM SO BLOODY JEALOUS. Beirut are phenomenal live. I saw them for the first time without having heard any of their albums, I went with my boyfriend at the time, who really liked them. Needless to say, I purchased both of their albums right after the show and have been in love with them ever since.

here are the tour dates (courtesy of NME):

Hamburg Fabrik (May 3)
Amsterdam Paradiso (5)
Brussels Cirque Royal (6)
London The Forum (8)
Minehead All Tomorrow's Parties - The Fans Strike Back (9)
Paris Bataclan (12)

Beirut- Mount Wroclai (Idle Days) [mp3]

Beirut - Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover) [mp3, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

Ben Kweller on Daytrotter!

head on over for some free mp3s and an insightful article, as usual.

Ben Kweller - Today [mp3]

photo by Steve Hopson, www.stevehopson.com

Sunday-er, Monday- Morning covers

sorry for the late post guys!

I have one thing and one thing only for you all today. it's an AMAZING cover of a song originally by a band whom I cannot stand because their music is obnoxiously catchy and if I even hear a bit of any of their music, it gets stuck in my head forever. that being said, you take one of their songs, and get someone to sing it well, and you get a happy Hanan.

Maroon 5 - Closer (Nine Inch Nails cover, acoustic) [mp3]

if you all followed that, reward yourself with the mp3
and if you didn't, go ahead and reward yourself anyways, I usually can't even keep up with my own brain
(basically, I love Maroon 5, hate NIN, but cannot deny Trent Reznor's ridiculously catchy song writing. is it so bad that I really love the lyrics to "Closer"? yeah, it is.)

happy Monday everyone! I'm off to the DMV in a few hours...watch out world, Hanan is about to be a licensed driver. muahaha.

Saturday Music Definitions: Almost

break is almost over...but not quite there yet.

Chuck Berry - Almost Grown [mp3]
I loved Mos Def's depiction of Chuck Berry in Cadillac Records. excellent movie.

Broken Social Scene - Almost Crimes (acoustic) [mp3]
I've been on an acoustic binge lately, this is a cool version but the girl's voice bugs me.

Elvis Costello - Almost Blue [mp3]
Elvis Costello will remain, in my book, the coolest Elvis. and no, Rivers Cuomo did NOT invent the dark-rimmed, oversized lasses look.

Elliott Smith - The Worst Part is Almost Over [mp3]
oh, Elliott. <3 I don't understand how 70% of my friends don't like his music. blasphemers.

The Dandy Warhols - The Dandy Warhols Love Almost Eve [mp3]
this band is so cool. I never get bored of them. one word to describe them? funk-tastic. haha

A Fine Frenzy - Almost Lover [mp3]
I love this song. and look, AFF is the stage name of a FEMALE vocalist(Alison Sudol). it must be a miracle that I don't hate her. wait, no, it's because of her talent.

BONUS:
David Bowie - Almost Grown (Chuck Berry cover) [mp3]
this one is almost as good as the original. ; )

"Ulysses" video is finally here!

I saw this earlier today but could not for the life of me find it on youtube.

many thanks to Jackie at Cartoon Music for Superheroes for being more diligent than me.



oh, Franz, why do you keep me waiting so long?!

record review: Andrew Bird - Noble Beast REPOST, SANS MP3s

[URG, DMCA!!]

Andrew Bird has a great, varied resume when it comes to his discography. His early work with his makeshift band, Andrew Bird’s Bowl of Fire, is barely recognizable to his post “Weather Systems” fans, oozing with, no, you didn’t guess it, JAZZ influences.

He found his niche with his solo debut, “Weather Systems”, and stuck with it for three records. “Noble Beast” is another story entirely. Bird manages to simultaneously sound like everything you’ve ever heard and something completely new.

This album is Bird’s most eclectic record to date, and it feels like a global roadtrip. Don’t let the excessive whistling fool you; here, you’ll find some of Bird’s most heartbreaking and dreary lyrics.
He bears his heart on “Effigy”, a song which is like a cross between an Irish folk song and a lullaby. The lyric “fake conversations on a non existent telephone like the words of a man who’s spent too much time alone” is closely followed by a soulful violin solo, and the second time around, he does things with his voice much in the vein of Zach Condon (you know, that drawn out gorgeosity that will captivate you for hours). Well done, Andrew!

While Bird’s music has always kind of reminded me of Radiohead, it has never been so evident as on “Masterswarm”, but then Bird delves into a whistling frenzy, maintaining his own unique twist on everything. It’s obvious that Bird has been listening to more pop music lately, as the violin solo in “Souverian” closely resembles the melody of “My Girl” by the Temptations.

“Tenuousness” reinvents a simple guitar chord progression which you’ve heard a thousand times in American folk songs. “Noble Beast” is strangely danceable, as Bird combines pop sensibility (“Fitz and Dizzyspells”) and songs that could be found on a soundtrack to a Jane Austen novel (“Effigy”).

“Not a Robot, but a Ghost”, which incorporates electronica beats, was the most surprising track of the bunch, as I did not expect the classically trained Bird to ever tread that territory. “Noble Beast” is a very experimental album, but it turned out quite nicely. Bird combined Northern European folk influences with more contemporary rock sounds, and even gives us a Middle Eastern sounding interlude with “Unfolding Fans”.

Bird ends the journey with “On Ho!”, a beautiful, melancholy instrumental number which reassures you that while he may experiment every now and then, his unique, superb song writing will never falter.

The verdict: while it may take a few thorough listens, this album will inevitably win you over. A stunning masterpiece, but I have come to expect nothing less from Mr. Bird.

4.25/5


“Noble Beast” drops on the 20th, but you can pre-order it
on CD
or double LP
or deluxe edition (CD)
the deluxe edition includes "Useless Creatures", an album of instrumental tracks. you can stream the entire thing HERE

Noisepop 2009 UPDATES: headliners announced!

Newly announced headliners for Noise Pop 2009 will include:

Bob Mould,
Les Savy Fav,
Thao,
Thee Oh Sees,
Sleepy Sun,
Ra Ra Riot,
and From Monument To Masses.

John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats will also return to Noise Pop in song and conversation as part of a special lecture event, Talking Music, produced in partnership with City Arts & Lectures.

(previously announced acts:)
These new artists join previously confirmed acts the French Kicks, A.C. Newman, St. Vincent, Martha Wainwright, Broken West, Clues, The Morning Benders, No Age, Josh Ritter (performing solo with a string quartet), The Submarines and Stephen Malkmus' who is performing his first ever solo show in the Bay Area.

Antony and the Johnsons are performing at San Francisco’s beautiful Masonic Center on February 24 as part of Noise Pop 2009. Tickets for this special opening night show go on sale through Ticketmaster on Sunday, January 11. Additional opening night Noise Pop events will be announced in the coming weeks.

Show schedule information and individual tickets for many Noise Pop events will be offered for exclusive presale from the Noise Pop 2009 Festival site, starting Friday, January 8, 2009. The Noise Pop ticket store is powered by partner In Ticketing, with a tree being planted for every ticket sold. Individual tickets will go on sale through all regular venue outlets starting on Sunday, January 11. Noise Pop 2009 Festival badges are still available. Noise Pop Badges grant the owner entry to all general admission Noise Pop Festival events and are priced at $150 each. An early bird 10% discount is being offered until January 12, 2009.

In addition to dozens of live music events, Noise Pop 2009 will include a film festival, gallery art openings, and “Industry Noise” (co-produced with Bandwidth Conference) a single day music industry conference featuring educational panels. Also returning for the fourth year is “Pop ‘n’ Shop” – Noise Pop’s take on the local indie designer trunk sale and rock poster show.

Santogold likes being called "a lesbian techno rapper"

she equates it to receiving a gold star for good work:

"When I get stuff like that I know I am doing a good job. It means I am getting people outside of my zone freaked out by the fact that I don't fit into something they understand. It means I am pushing some boundaries, I guess."

read the entire story at NME.com

Santogold - L.E.S. Artistes

Band of the Week: The Gaslight Anthem

with two albums under their sleeves, this New Jersey band combines the blues and punk genres beautifully. they're like a less sunshine-y Delta Spirit.

they were a band I had overlooked in 2008, but I am compensating by going to see their show in April, and am quite enjoying their latest release, "The '59 Sound" (August 2008). Pitchfork gave it an 8.6/10 rating. and everyone knows how nitpicky those bastards are.

the band is:

Brian Fallon - vocals/guitar
Alex Levine - bass
Benny Horowitz - drums
Alex Rosamilia - guitar

for fans of: Against Me!, Jimmy Eat World, Rise Against, Social Distortion, and excellent lyrics.

The Gaslight Anthem - Even Cowgirls get the Blues [mp3]

The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound [mp3, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

The Gaslight Anthem - Great Expectations [mp3]

BONUS:
The Gaslight Anthem - The Weight (The Band cover) [mp3]

BONUS (x2)
The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound (acoustic) [mp3, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!]
sorry, I couldn't help myself. you can really hear how much of a good singer Brian is in the above song. it's almost Bowie-esque.

download an entire live set (in zip form) at BERKELEY PLACE

visit them on MYSPACE

they have a lengthy headlining tour ahead of them. check them out!
Upcoming Shows ( view all )
Jan 22 2009 Mojo’s (Brian Fallon solo acoustic show) Richmond, Virginia
Jan 24 2009 The Court Tavern (Brian Fallon solo show) New Brunswick, New Jersey
Jan 25 2009 The Middle East (Brian Fallon acoustic solo show) Cambridge, Massachusetts
Feb 2 2009 Wedgewood Rooms - Southsea (Portsmouth)
Feb 3 2009 Academy - Birmingham
Feb 4 2009 Academy 2 - Manchester
Feb 5 2009 Academy 2 - Bristol
Feb 6 2009 Concorde 2 - Brighton
Feb 8 2009 Shepherds Bush Empire/NME Shockwaves Awards show – London, London and South East [headlining!]
Feb 10 2009 Underground Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen
Feb 11 2009 Kato Berlin, Germany, Berlin
Feb 12 2009 KB -! Malmö, Sweden
Feb 13 2009 Sticky Fingers Göteborg, Sweden
Feb 15 2009 Tavastia - Helsinki, Finland
Feb 17 2009 Debaser Slussen - Stockholm, Sweden
Feb 18 2009 Lille Vega - Copenhagen, Denmark
Feb 19 2009 Knust - Hamburg, Germany
Feb 20 2009 Schlacthof - Wiesbaden, Germany
Feb 21 2009 59:1 - Munich, Germany
Feb 22 2009 Flex - Vienna, Austria
Feb 24 2009 Zoe Club - Milan, Italy
Feb 25 2009 Mascotte - Zurich, Switzerland
Feb 27 2009 Botanique Orang - Brussels, Belgium
Feb 28 2009 Vera - Groningen, Netherlands
Mar 1 2009 Melkweg - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Mar 2 2009 Waterfront - Norwich
Mar 3 2009 Rock City - Nottingham
Mar 4 2009 The Academy - Dublin, Ireland
Mar 8 2009 Langerado Music Festival Miami, Florida
Mar 18 2009 La Tulipe - (w/Saint Alvia Cartel) Montreal, Quebec
Mar 20 2009 The Opera House - (w/Saint Alvia Cartel) Toronto, Ontario
Mar 21 2009 Call The Office - (w/Saint Alvia Cartel) London, Ontario
Mar 27 2009 Webster Hall - (w/Heartless Bastards) New York, New York
Mar 28 2009 The Trocadero - (w/Heartless Bastards) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mar 29 2009 Mr. Small’s - (w/Heartless Bastards) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Apr 2 2009 Turner Hall - (w/Heartless Bastards) Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Apr 3 2009 The Bottom Lounge - (w/Heartless Bastards) Chicago, Illinois
Apr 4 2009 Varsity Theater - (w/Heartless Bastards) Minneapolis, Minnesota
Apr 7 2009 The Warehouse - (w/Heartless Bastards) Calgary, Alberta
Apr 8 2009 The Starlite Room - (w/Heartless Bastards) Edmonton, Alberta
Apr 10 2009 The Plaza - (w/Heartless Bastards) Vancouver, British Columbia
Apr 15 2009 The Boardwalk - (w/Heartless Bastards) Orangevale, California
Apr 16 2009 Slim’s - (w/Heartless Bastards) San Francisco, California
Apr 21 2009 The Clubhouse - (w/Heartless Bastards) Tempe, Arizona
Apr 24 2009 Gothic Theatre - (w/Heartless Bastards) Englewood, Colorado

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.