pop on parade

we walked in song

2007-03-04T06:48:00.000-05:00

the innocence mission means a lot of different things to every member of their dedicated following. to me they mean peace, hope and the belief that tomorrow will be better than the day prior. we walked in song, out march 13th, finds the band gracefully aging into a territory rarely achieved today in the realm of disposable indie buzz bands. intricate guitar patterns weave in and out of karen peris' heartbreaking lyrics that span from the hopeful naivety of existence to the grave realizations that only occur with the passage of time. the juxtaposition between the lullabies to don and karen's children with the tracks that deal with the recent passing karen's father create an album that spans a lifetime carrying all the baggage with tenderness and beauty. the album speaks to those who sit quietly hushed in the background watching life as if it were an amusement park ride and in a world where the anna nicole smith death is more important than a war the innocence misssion plant the seed of hope that humanity might just be on the right track toward finding that ever out of reach utopia that comes only at the end of hollywood films. if you long for a soundtrack to gaze wide-eyed out the window of an automobile or a subway train and wonder why life is so bittersweet then please support the innocence mission and purchase their record available at this website www.theinnocencemission.com

-into brooklyn, early in the morning

do the human death dance if you know what is good for you

2007-03-02T22:26:00.000-05:00

human death dance: out may 8th on epitah records

sage francis has grown a cult following for his spit-fire poetics and in may sage is adding another album to his lyrically dense discography. human death dance finds francis in prime form with a production to match his heady lyrics. the evolution of his albums has steadily grown and come may 8th be prepared to hear vignettes on death and the dark nature of humanity. sage has never been a sunny artist lyrically but this new outing proves to be his darkest yet making personal journals sound like a brian wilson vehicle. sit back and enjoy some samples from the brand new chapter in the cult of sage francis. and for the record sage should be huge so help make him and tell your friends.

-hoofprints in the sands
-civil disobedience

wilco album preview!

2007-03-02T02:47:00.000-05:00

on may 15th, wilco will add another chapter to the band's illustrious career. during the interim period three album tracks have appeared on the internet and provided below are the tracks available for download. as a set the songs hint that the direction of the new album will be an extension from a ghost is born and sadly not much in the way of summerteeth, which was a personal favorite. seriously, what happened to crafting tunes like i'm always in love or a shot in the arm? i know this sounds as though i don't like these new crop of wilco offerings but i do enjoy them. either way isn't what made me fall in love with the band's music but it is by far the best track thus far. if a ghost is born was your favorite wilco album then this could be your new favorite.

you are my face begins as a ballad before plodding along as a mid-tempo rocker complete with organ flourishes that replicate the mid-sixties dylan sound.

-you are my face

walken starts with a classic am radio feel that could easily fit on a harry nilsson album that turns into a guitar jam.

-walken

either way has proved to be my early favorite. it is a perfectly executed ballad featuring tweedy in prime songwriter mode and features the best guitar solo in wilco history.

-either way

Sky Blue Sky:

Either Way
You Are My Face
Impossible Germany
Sky Blue Sky
Side with the Seeds
Shake it Off
Please Be Patient With Me
Hate it Here
Leave Me (Like You Found Me)
Walken
What Light
On and On and On

DUE: May 15th

math and physics club

2007-03-01T19:08:00.000-05:00

anyone that wishes belle and sebastian continued making records in the vein of if your feeling sinister and tigermilk should look no further for the torchbearers. 2006 was dominated by everything opposite of this band. People lusted for dance ready tracks and one of many band that fell by the wayside was this self-titled release from math and physics club. i can't stress how much this sounds like belle and sebastian but the one thing that differs and adds to effect of the album is the jangly delay soaked electric guitar. please enjoy some tracks that should have made more of an impact on 2006.

-darling, please come home
-la la la lisa
-i know what i want

seabear

2007-02-27T17:49:00.000-05:00

seabear is from iceland and write pretty pop songs. go buy seabear's the ghost that carried us away coming to stores soon.

-cat piano
-summer bird diamond

blonde redhead?

2007-02-26T23:21:00.000-05:00

with two months before the release of 23, the new blonde redhead fell into my lap. the week prior to receiving the leaked album i was in a sonic youth mood but didn't want to listen to sonic youth so i put in the debut from blonde redhead. everything about the self-titled release echoes thurston and company, but as blonde redhead's discography grew so did the slant toward more melodic and lush production.

enter 23, the upcoming release that will no doubt usher in new fans and spawn the loss of some, which would be unfortunate. upon initial listen the album sounds tailored for a sophia coppola film by combining the hazy dissonance of my bloody valentine, the synth heavy dance music of new order and the sex sounds of air. enjoy these two previews of the new blonde redhead and don't forget to purchase on april 10th.

-23
-the dress

remember the beta band?

2007-02-24T03:08:00.000-05:00

they are back! resurfacing as the aliens, the former beta band members are releasing their first full legnth lp called the astronomy of dogs in the spring. upon the initial listen i can say that this what the beta band always promised. their albums balanced experimentalism with traditional song structures but the beta's releases, all of which are strong, usually collapsed under the bands ambition. the alien's album on the otherhand launches into tightly wound pysch-rock that never loses focus until the 16 minute epic closer caravan. with the arcade fire, andrew bird and countless other releases in 2007 this proves to be a benchmark year for music. here is a video for the albums first single called setting sun and preview of another track from astronomy of dogs that calls to mind the best of primal scream's club tunes.

-rox

the meaning of 8

2007-02-22T18:51:00.000-05:00

cloud cult- chemicals collide
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hey! did you love the way the postal service made you feel all warm inside? if the answer is yes then you should embrace this band. personally, i don't like the postal service but the single from cloud cult will service the drunken situation where a fringe emo-kid wants to seduce an awkward foxy co-ed. ok, so perhaps that puts this band in a bad light but chemicals collide is a charming pop song. and as for the rest of the album, it has a hand in the dirge-laden ragged folk of the neutral milk hotel and the skewed pop canvas that the unicorns created. regardless this band is worth your time. enjoy them before they become the bullshit score to a zach braff film and go buy the album on april 10th.

-chemicals collide
-pretty voice

love songs of the hanging gardens

2007-02-20T19:52:00.000-05:00

kelley polar, a classically trained violinist, first dipped his toe into the world of pop music when featured on metro area's left-field house self-titled album. this time around polar flew alone creating 2005's highly underrated love songs of the hanging gardens. below are several tracks that can be compared to the junior boys but remain very distinct due to his musical background. enjoy!

-my beauty in the moon
-black hole
-here in the night

the jam

2007-02-19T02:17:00.000-05:00

the jam were always one step beyond the typical '77 punk styling courtesy of band leader paul weller. weller and cohorts were poorly received in america and probably sold records on par with that of the underground darlings television, but in england they almost reached the height of the beatles. their songs, save for the debut album, always carried a heavy hand for power-pop melodies led by relatively complex structures with the punk a mentality. in the annals of punk history the jam should be the other band that mattered (reference to the clash). please enjoy a band that the mention in america means nothing but in britain their name defines a golden era in rock history. the first track, english rose, ranks amongst the best love songs recorded and the songs that follow should build on my premise that the are jam one of the best punk bands ever.

-english rose
-set the house ablaze
-moday
-that's entertainment

frequent updates starting once again

2007-02-16T18:07:00.000-05:00

in the long absence i moved a new city and heard an overwhelming amount of new music and to help with the winter blues here is a mix of some excellent music. (picture from modernhumorist.com)

howie b- i can sing but i don't want to
cornelius- the micro disneycal world tour
billy childish- pretty baby
lilys- dimes make dollars
the bicycles- b-b-bicycles
the greenhornes- hard times
robert pollard- death of the party
luscious jackson- satellite (they were actually great for one e.p.)
sparks- equator
the mighty lemon drops- rollercoaster
the brunettes- end of the runway
talulah gosh- talulah gosh
zumpano- brocca's way
the apples in stereo- 7 stars
francoise hardy- je n'attends plus personne

lali puna- come on home
the concretes- warm night

cornelius- thank you for the music

2006-07-25T02:05:00.000-04:00

Crimes And Misdemeanors

i am sorry for not posting but please enjoy the end to one of the best woody allen allen films.

i feel like the mother of the world

2006-04-26T10:12:00.000-04:00

smog has sealed his mark in pop music over the past decade with his brand of country-folk and with his poetic sensibilities and voice to match the great leonard cohen. here is a video from his last album called i feel like the mother of the world that features chloe sevigny. click the pic to watch.

mp3: smog- i feel like the mother of the world

welcome the guillemots

2006-03-10T10:25:00.000-05:00

first, i was hesitant to post this video since pitchfork reviewed the song today but whatever. trains to brazil has been on constant rotation on my winamp and ipod and should be on yours as well. it has all the elements of a great single, with those being tremedously infectious and full of energy. i am positive that the guillemots will be the new buzz band for 06, so jump on board the train to brazil. ejoy the video!

(click pic to watch)

kozakas!

2006-02-28T22:22:00.000-05:00

in the tradition of "you hear it first" pop on parade is pround to present the kozakas. i was sent a three song demo and found it to be quite charming. party is a simple twee folk number with toy instruments and a guitar, and the second song sculpture is a moody piece the sounds like the united states of america for the 21st century. lastly, kazoo is one of those songs that is a joy to listen to when one can hear the joy the band is playing with so just listen and smile. i wouldn't be surprised if you hear a lot from this band in the future.

-kazoo
-the party
-sculpture

lost classics: blonder tounge audio baton

2006-02-23T13:46:00.000-05:00

meet the swirlies-

sonic youth is great, but not a lot of fun to listen to. they are like a meal of indie-rock wheat germ, while the vaselines are a fluffy dessert. the swirlies sound can be lumped somewhere between the two. in the early 90's the swirlies followed the blueprint layed out by my bloody valentine and crafted some fine dreamy fuzzed out tunes. pancake, the album's centerpiece, features bursts childlike vocals of seana carmody that loom between the distorted guitars and keyboards that rivals my bloody valentine's to hear knows when as best single to come out of the shoegazing scene. lastly, like any of the great shoegazing bands it is best to play as loud as possible to allow yourself to get lost amongst the chaos of the noise. enjoy!
- pancake
- wrong tube
- jeremy parker
- vigilant always

(can't find a good upload site so i am going back to you send it in the meantime. sorry for the inconvenience.)

*bonus*
oh no! oh my!- i have no sister (courtesy of gorrilavsbear for posting another song by pop on parade's favorite new band.)

welcome to the world of benji cossa

2006-02-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

he writes, plays music and draws comics; this is benji cossa. cossa, of magic marker records, plays music with an incredibly amateurish production, but that is the appeal of it. this is the guy that you know with a 4-track recorder that creates pop nuggets that will never see the light of day. this is your friend. enjoy his song knockout and i dare you not to smile.

- knockout

cossa's website is also filled with charming comics that range from corny to warped. think of what a jonathan richman song turned into a comic would look like and there you have cossa's drawings.

http://bejicossa.com

what happened to claudia malibu?

2006-02-20T18:00:00.000-05:00

the claudia malibu have existed in the world of music since 1997 to very little interest. how did i discover them? well, i bought the album we'll find you in a bargain bin at a used record store due to the cover art. luck seems about the only way to discover this band in part because of terrible distribution deals and obviously a lack of mainstream appeal. the claudia malibu play the kind of music one expects to hear after hearing their name. we'll find you is an album of sloppy 60's pop that is as reminiscent of curt boettcher as it is early weezer. in 2000 this one slipped through the cracks so here are some tracks in an attempt to resurrect the claudia malibu.

- big white lie
- take me out
- i love the way

(my apologies for the change in download host. both work but i am trying to find another site that you can directly download from without having to leave my site.)

ohh that's jazzy!

2006-02-16T21:45:00.000-05:00

if there is one genre of music that is the hardest for me to review it would have to be jazz. recently i read an article on marsalis and i was overwhelmed with the knowledge the reviewer had about the musicians but also the technical aspect of the music, which i lack. despite this i am going to post two tracks from a little known coltrane album, stardust. the album came out in '59 and features a top-shelf backing band in part because they were miles davis' band. stardust illustrates that while coltrane was known for his powerful playing that he could in fact play tender ballads better than just about anyone. this is music made for the setting of the sun as you crack open a bottle of wine, so get classy and check out some examples as to why coltrane is one the best musicians ever.

- stardust
- then i'll be tired of you

you are about to feel the rock! (of the cocker spaniels)

2006-02-15T14:27:00.000-05:00

indie-rock has become fractured in the last several years. the rise of bands like the shins, death cab, the decemberists and modest mouse leave one to wonder what truly defines indie-bands. in its truest sense the definition is a band on an independent label, but that becomes tricky considering how many of the labels deemed indie are subsidies of the soul sucking major labels. another definition that could be tagged to indie rock is the way that the music is recorded. indie rock kids love the word lo-fi, as much as, dick cheney like to shoot 78 year old men in the face with a shotgun (had to get that in there somehow). the cocker spaniels are the vehicle for the truly independent artist, sean padilla. his music follows in the legacy of his idols, those being robert pollard, lou barlow, pavement and the happiest band in the world, sonic youth. musically, padilla is a hodgepodge of the aforementioned singers or groups but his lyrics resonate the snarky sincerity of stephen malkmus. malkmus had the ability to lift the mundane into something epic and hilarious at the same time. padilla might not quite be there, yet he is certainly one of the most unique voices to come along to an indie-scene that has become borderline formulaic as of late. please enjoy padilla and the cocker spaniels and visit the website for more info- http://www.cspaniels.com/

- the only black guy at the indie rock show
- weekend girl
- why do i bother
- final season
- my blessing

audio love for valentine's day

2006-02-13T19:55:00.000-05:00

to make up for my spotty effort with updates i bring to you a valentine's day mix because i love you.

audio love-

1. the beach boys- add some music to your day
2. the replacements- skyway
3. koop- waltz for koop
4. stephen malkmus- for you
5. polaris- she is staggering
6. de la soul- jenifa taught me
7. bonnie prince billy- raining in darling
8. manitoba- jacknuggeted
9. the knife- heartbeats
10.the innocence mission- i have not seen this day before
11. tom vek- c-c (you set the fire in me)
12. the arcade fire- old flame
13. the organ- love, love, love
14. archer prewitt- i'll be waiting
15. telepopmusik- breathe
16. pulp- common people
17. richard hell- love comes in spurts
18. tom waits- time
19. the animal collective- winter's love
20. the flamin' groovies- you tore me down
21. neko case- star witness

the jolly rogers/oh no! oh my!

2006-02-03T13:40:00.000-05:00

i stumbled upon this band back in november and have continually played the songs from their website. the band recorded one album under the jolly rogers, then became oh no! oh my! before releasing their follow-up. regardless of the name the band uses the skeleton of a traditional pop songs and fleshes them out into something that at times is reminiscent of the animal collective, the vaselines or even beulah. i know very little about the band so i cannot prattle on about the members in any fashion, so i'll just leave you with the songs to speak themselves. lastly, both albums are priced at a mere $1.50 on their website so purchase them if you dig the songs.

- jane is fat
- a pirate's anthem
- walk in the park
- party punch
- oh be one

note- the picture has nothing to do with the band. i just felt like posting it.

the boy least likely to

2006-02-02T18:10:00.000-05:00

i've posted this song before and now there is a video for be gentle with me. it's great, so click the picture to watch.

in case you missed the song when i last posted- be gentle with me

*bonus

- i'm glad i hitched my apple wagon to your star

detroit rock in honor of super bowl xl

2006-02-02T13:25:00.000-05:00

in the words of my good buddy buddha, "the dirtbombs are what the stooges would sound like if they were fronted by clarence carter." mick collins, formerly of the gories, brings his soulful voice to the dirtbombs. this is raw rock infused with the perfect amount of soul that creates some excellent party music. i dare anyone to listen and not have the urge to want to chug beer and jump around like a jackass. these tracks come from ultraglide in black, which is an album primarily of covers of classic funk and soul tracks from the 60's and 70's. what is remarkable about this album is that the tracks, even if not changed, get revitalized for the 21st century. so without further adeau, here are some songs to get you going for the weekend.

- the thing
- ode to a black man
- your love belongs under a rock

andrew morgan is the new elliott smith

2006-02-01T19:18:00.000-05:00

elliott smith's death was bad. i think that was a bit redundant to say but whatever. in the wake of a rock star's death the typical critic cliche of crowning the next whoever always happens. i will use that cliche and run with it. andrew morgan is the new elliott smith. this comparison works for several reasons: the two were friends, morgan's voice sound eerily reminiscent of smith, and the guitar and instrumentation are spot on. the difference between the two to lies in the grander scale the music is created. morgan creates a vortex of brian wilson pop instrumentation, whereas smith opted for the more subdued pop of the beatles. misadventures in radiology is morgan's debut album, and is available online at sonic boom records. please support him.

- supine on the covers
- aligned on the steps
- misadventures in radiology
- the awful room

dance christ dance!

2006-02-01T01:05:00.000-05:00

click the pic to watch cat power's new video. more posts will come shortly and i apologize for my lack of frequent updates.

richard hawley brings the cocktail pop

2006-01-30T17:59:00.000-05:00

most know richard hawley as the guitarist for the much beloved pulp. in recent years hawley has stepped out on his own delievering albums worth of string-laiden gorgeousness. not much to say for this one but to enjoy.

- the ocean

*bonus*
- it's over love (acoustic)

echo and the bunnymen do dylan!

2006-01-27T01:41:00.000-05:00

ok, it is late on thursday night and i wanted to have something posted for the faithful readers for friday so here is the preamble to the song. i sent a buddy of mine this track and i think it is a worthy post. echo and the bunnymen cover it's all over now baby blue and it serves as quite an interesting cover. the layered guitar work adds a great deal to the original, plus the voice of ian mccullough always helps. i'll keep the intro short so just have a listen.

- it's all over now baby blue

classic hip hop from the souls of mischief

2006-01-26T13:09:00.000-05:00

the souls of mischief are perhaps the most overlooked group of hip hop's history. in 93 as the craft of hip hop was finding its groove, this group came along and left us with an album called 93 'til infinity. today we have 50 cent and cam'ron (sorry pitchfork but cam'ron is not that great, but nice attempt to shed the snobby image.) bringing in a brand of rap that cannot be called hip hop. hip hop is soulful with creative samples and original beats set to insightful rhymes, and this is excatly what the souls of mischief bring to the world of hip hop. the album 93 'til infinity easily ranks alongside the low end theory or any other classic album. it's a crime more hip hop fans are unaware of this group, so here is my advice: take all your 50 cent, eminem and young jeezy albums and burn them, then go obtain a copy of the souls of mishcief's 93 'til infinity. thank you and enjoy these songs from the aforementioned group and album.

- 93 'til infinity
- live and let live
- let 'em know

big star's underrated cult icon (not alex chilton)

2006-01-25T20:23:00.000-05:00

chris bell was the power pop wunderkind (better matt? joking) that helped alex chilton create the catchy mess of the first big star album. with their debut album ironically titled, #1 record, being a bust, bell became suicidal. the next big star album brought a sparser use of bell's songs, due to his increasing depression and reliance on alcohol. throughout the 70's, bell created a host of tracks that were shelved and meant to be used as his first solo outing. unfortunately as bell was on the upswing, and feeling healthier he crashed his car, ending his short life in 1978. in 1992 the lost bell tracks were unearthed, becoming the lovely album titled, i am the cosmos, which features bell at his most poetic and heartfelt lyrically. the title track finds bell in full beatle mode, while you and your sister boasts the title of most underrated love song of all time. the final track here, look up, shows bell's intense spirituality that shines brilliantly. if you like what you hear then look for his album in stores, along with the big star catalogue.

-i am the cosmos
-you and your sister
-look up

andrew bird's on tour

2006-01-24T22:56:00.000-05:00

FEBRUARY 2 // Milwaukee, WIMiramar Theatre
FEBRUARY 3 // Urbana, ILCanopy Club
FEBRUARY 4 // Bloomington, INBuskirk-Chumley Theater
FEBRUARY 6 // Louisville, KYLouisville Free Public Library
FEBRUARY 7 // Lexington, KYThe Dame
FEBRUARY 9 // Athens, GA40 Watt Club
FEBRUARY 10 // Tallahassee, FLClub Downunder, FL State Univ.
FEBRUARY 11 // Atlanta, GA Eyedrum buy advance tickets
FEBRUARY 13 // Oxford, MSProud Larry’s
FEBRUARY 15 // St Louis, MOThe Pageant
FEBRUARY 16 // Ames, IAMaintenance Shop
FEBRUARY 17 // Madison, WIHigh Noon Saloon
FEBRUARY 23 // Minneapolis, MNFine Line Music Cafe
FEBRUARY 24 // Duluth, MNWeber Music Hall @ UMD

andrew bird is migrating around the country, and you should flock to his shows. ok, terrible joke, but bird is something rare in the world of rock and roll; he is an immensely talented musician and singer. don't get me wrong, i love three chord pop songs but the musicianship of his music cannot be denied. here are two songs from weather systems, his ep released in 2003, which features bird playing and singing alongside nora o'connor. enjoy.

-weather systems
-lull

the flaming lips are back

2006-01-23T23:45:00.000-05:00

the lips are back with their new album called at war with the mystics. the album has been labeled political, but in a positive fashion. the w.a.n.d. is the new single that leaked recently and shows coyne and the band going old school back to their days before they had a studio budget. guitar fuzz, hand claps and a keyboard sounding like the fiery furnaces, along with coyne's falsetto ranting about a power struggle in the world comprise the w.a.n.d. i'll let you be the judge, but i found it disappointing considering their past discography.

-the w.a.n.d.

how long can man keep his dignity?

2006-01-19T00:05:00.000-05:00

this film is one of the saddest pieces of cinema ever created. it makes
dancer in the dark and schindler's list look like a slapstick comedy compared to this tale of post-second world war era rome. the bicycle thief is a film of monumental importance and i can only say that you really have to watch to understand. this is neorealism at its finest and from the opening credits you will care about the characters having known nothing about them. i don't want to mention too much but the church scene is fucking brilliant when the rich scream at antonio to quiet down as they recite prayers about how they suffer for god.

watch this movie!!!! (sorry that sounds preachy)

rainy day music courtesy of hope sandoval

2006-01-18T17:21:00.000-05:00

waking to cloudy skies and a steady cold rain makes exiting the warmth of the covers an immense task. there are few things that aide the transition into the waking state. hope sandoval and her music is among them. most of you probably know hope sandoval from the mopey alt. rock vehicle named mazzy star. yes, the band that sang fade into you, or the song at the end of the movie angus. hope sandoval was the voice to a band that brought the shoegazing 90's to a quiet close only to reappear as a solo artist around the turn of the millennium. her solo material can be related to another early 90's group of shoegazers called slowdive. slowdive ended and morphed into mojave 3, leaving the feedback behind for a stripped down folky quality. this is what sandoval's post-mazzy star music sounds like. these two changes also give a clue into what lies behind the wall of noise with all the bands of the same genre. regardless here are three tracks that illustrate the beauty and wonder of sandoval's dream-like warble of a voice.

-suzanne
-on the low
-clear day

the queen of rockabilly

2006-01-17T20:17:00.000-05:00

wanda jackson spent the early part of her career as a guitar slinging female elvis. her music, which is much grittier than anything elvis did, exudes immense confidence and attitude. the music coincides with her edgy image that landed jackson in trouble with the conservative crowds she played for when she came on stage in a one-strap dress that left one shoulder exposed. time were different i suppose, but that added to the mystique around her early days. unfortunately jackson became a born-again in the 70's, and guess what? her musical prowess collapsed and jackson settled for making mediocre country records. damn you god! stay out of rock and roll.

here are two tracks from jackson's rockabilly years that sum up why she kicked ass until she found god. enjoy!

- tunnel of love
- i gotta know

serge gainsbourg- he's french bitch

2006-01-16T18:34:00.000-05:00

a brief history of serge gainsbourg-
1. played piano jazz in the late 50's.
2. the early 60's started making lush pop music.
3. drank and smoked more than slash.
4. had sex with gorgeous parisian women.
5. bagged brigitte bardot.
6. created music with brigitte bardot.
7. drank and smoked some more.
8. broke up with bb for jane birkin. (bad move)
9. made great music that would prove to be his golden years as a musician.
10. faded from glory drinking and smoking while making raggae music.

enjoy some songs from gainsbourg's peak era in the late 60's

- bonnie & clyde
- ballade de melody nelson
- les sucettes

welcome to the new year! updates will begin regularly on january, 15.

2006-01-09T22:49:00.000-05:00

"i know this is painful for the ladies to hear, but if you get married, you have accepted the headship of a man, your husband. christ is the head of the household and the husband is the head of the wife, and that's the way it is, period.
-god's self-proclaimed messenger, pat robertson

oh, extreme right-wing you are so insane. and also this man and other televangelists should be put on trial for taking the money of southerners who can't think for themselves.

she goes out with everybody

2005-12-19T14:32:00.000-05:00

the spongetones play power pop so well that their catalogue renders all that the posies have done pointless. from their first several albums in the early 80's to their 90's revival, the spongetones continue to make music as if they have only ever heard the beatles second album. she goes out with everybody, an early 80's track, encompasses that early beatles sound but with a hint of new wave.

the spongetones- she goes out with everybody

jens lekman wants to sing you a song

2005-12-16T01:48:00.000-05:00

some songs just demand your utmost attention. this is one of those songs. lekman's pop craftmanship is strong enough to make brian wilson jealous. the music that wraps around his, byrne meets richman vocals, is simply something that most musicians simply cannot achieve. this is timeless stuff; and did i mention this is hardly his best song.

jens lekman- farewell song for a blind girl

honorable mention

2005-12-14T02:50:00.001-05:00

these songs really should have ended up on my list but i slacked and either forgot about them or just heard them in the past day. in no particular order here are several more tracks that helped trademark the year that was 2005. (thanks gorilla vs. bear though im pissed i didnt think of several of these tracks)

the animal collective- did you see the words
i posted about the purple bottle last week and totally forgot that this was actually my favorite cut from the album. the song makes one feel like they just awoke from a full nights sleep and catching their first overwhelming glance at the sun. if you want to be completely shocked at how music can sound then please do yourself a favor and listen.

vashti bunyan- against the sky
of all the people in pop music's history, which seems infinite, i can safely say that not one person would have thought we would ever hear a new album from 60's cult legend vashti bunyan. her album picks up right where she left off, by delivering timeless folk music that has this intense mood lingering over it that i just can't pin down. in any case welcome back vashti.

love is all- make out fall out make up
this track has all the elements of my favorite songs. jackhammer drumming, anthemic vocals and the sense that something really important is pouring out of the speakers makes this track a worthy addition to your music arsenal. if you like the arcade fire then start salivating right now.

andrew bird- fake palindromes
why isn't this on the list? andrew bird has cast himself far from the shadow of the squirrel nut zippers by creating some of the most memorable songs as of late. this one in particular gives the feeling of being stuck on one of those rides at theme parks that spins you in circles until you can no longer stand up straight. in other words the song is a maelstrom of noise that swirls around the vocals of bird. listen and love it.

top 20 songs of 2005!!!!!!!!!

2005-12-08T17:07:00.000-05:00

my apologies but the list and the files disappeared. i really couldn't tell you what happened but the list will be re-posted shortly.

50's doo wop time with haakon

2005-12-08T12:39:00.000-05:00

if a song doesn't push boundries in the landscape of music then the song evokes a memory of a time period, a certain place or even a sexual encounter. sir haakon and the popular musicians fall into the first category, playing music made for hamburger joints and soda fountain shops (think happy days cliche). haakon's brand of pop has the charm of sounding like a punk band playing phil spectoresque pop. victoria is bound to stay in your head for days, so i'll apologize in advance.

haakon and the popular musicians-
http://www.perfectpop.no/audio/haakon/Victoria.MP3

coming soon- top 15 singles of 2005

dance to the who

2005-12-08T11:47:00.000-05:00

i can see for miles in my opinion is one of the who's greatest singles. sure the who's latter material is nothing short of spectacular, however there is something special about their early mod material. townsend's guitar never sounded so gloriously jagged and punchy. people give the kinks too much credit for this sound and the who not enough. waterloo sunset era kinks was much better anyway. with that said dj mark vidler, who should be known instead of that hack dj am, is back with i can see for miles, a track that should land on every dj's turntable. please remember to dance. thank you and enjoy.

go home productions- i can see for milesa (ghp brighton breaks mix)
http://www.gohomeproductions.co.uk/super/the%20who_i_can_see_for_miles_ghp_brighton_breaks_mix.mp3

ride the sound of 16 horsepower

2005-12-07T10:26:00.000-05:00

a friend once told me that the lead singer of 16 horsepower, david eugene edwards, would slug a bottle of jack daniels before every performance and when he was onstage he looked like a man possessed. either edwards penchant for drinking spilt over to the recording studio or maybe he really is possessed, either way their music translates well to the studio. religious themes of morality and sin ripple through every chord and every word sung by edwards. they deserve your attention so without further adieu here is a track from their album the secret south, which was released in 2000 on razor and tie records.

*turn your speakers up*

16 horsepower- clogger
http://s51.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1KBYOWXS69MLN3HCMRWS5UUWL8

the animal collective is on tour!

2005-12-07T00:54:00.000-05:00

February 21st - Boston @ Paradise 18+
February 22nd - Montreal @ La Sala Rossa all ages
February 23rd - Toronto @ Lee's Palace 18+
February 24th - Lansing, MI @ Temple Club all ages
February 25th - Chicago @ Logan Square Auditorium all ages
February 26th - Minneapolis @ First Avenue all ages
March 1st - Seattle @ Neumos all ages
March 2nd - Vancouver @ Richard's on Richards 18+
March 3rd - Portland @ Wonder Ballroom all ages
March 4th - Sacramento @ The Library all ages
March 5th - San Francisco @ The Fillmore all ages
March 7th - Los Angeles @ The vanguard 18+
March 14th - San Diego @ Epicentre all ages
March 15th - Tucson @ Solar Culture all ages
March 19th - Atlanta @ Variety Playhouse with Storsveit Nix Noltes - all ages
March 20th - Asheville, NC @ Orange Peel with Storsveit Nix Noltes - 18+
March 21st - Washington, DC @ The Black Cat with Storsveit Nix Noltes - all ages
March 22nd - Philadelphia @ Starlight Ballroom with Storsveit Nix Noltes - all ages

a song from feels just for you

the animal collective- the purple bottle
http://s38.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1ZTH5KYHUDMIW3RRPYULMPDFQL

blackalicious know their craft

2005-12-06T17:01:00.000-05:00

the duo are back with their latest offering the craft, and trying to top their breakthrough album blazing arrow. the critics were torn as to whether or not they succeeded. i am somewhere in the middle. while the craft lacks the epic feel of blazing arrow, the production and overall quality cannot be denied. what many thought to be a breakout album for blackalicious that would take them alongside the popularity of outkast has floundered in obscurity. this is sure to please the hardcore fans of the band but the mainstream appeal of the craft is pretty evident. listen now to the title track to gift of gab's and chief xcel's newest offering.

blackalicious- the craft
http://s40.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3GAJJNAX1PGM82X0TCP8L6GMJI

welcome wonderful world

2005-12-06T12:20:00.000-05:00

happy birthday to me records hosts a flock of bands that are well schooled in the realm of pop music. the label out of athen, ga, began as a compilation album put together for the bee knee's zine and ever since has been bringing classic pop to ears of many. the bands from happy birthday sound like 60's pop with a steady diet of early 90's rock in the vein of pavement.

here are several highlights from the label and be sure to check here http://www.hhbtm.com/ for more info if these songs satisfy your ears.

elekibass- almanacs
http://www.hhbtm.com/extras/06%20elekibassalmanack.mp3

the 63 crayons- it's about time
http://www.the63crayons.com/sounds/itsabouttime.mp3

hey sandy, its mark mulcahy

2005-12-05T13:57:00.000-05:00

there is too much independent music. it is this problem that allows for great music to fall by the wayside and is why most have never heard of mark mulcahy or his first band, miracle legion. ill give you a hint. if you watched the show pete and pete then you know of mulcahy. yes, he was in polaris. also not well known but i gurantee most would recoginze the shows theme song if you heard it. mulchahy is now three albums deep and creates music that spans from singer-songwriter territory to subtle velvet underground rockers.

mark mulcahy- be sure
http://www.mezzotint.com/mp3/sure.mp3

*bonus*
polaris- hey sandy
http://s63.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1CFTRAU76WJHL14R9G28876BCB

frou frou sucks. listen to st. etienne instead!

2005-12-03T13:01:00.000-05:00

st. etienne have been around for a decade and half now and have bridged the gap between music for your bedroom and the dance floor. the trio have a film out now titled, "what have you done today," which is their ode to london.

fascination is sophisti-pop at its finest and is a brilliant summation of their music. enjoy.

st. etienne- fascination
https://s63.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1DUQRM1X6GRPU3KRCEH5T79SID

article about their film-
http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/features/story/0,11710,1598403,00.html

listen you dummy

2005-12-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

dummy was released to the lack of critical acclaim and draw at the box office. it stars adrian brody, milla jovovich along with the ever-funny ileana douglas . the film covers the same ground as punch drunk love but with characters much more hopeless. here is track from the soundtrack to start your saturday and if you get a chance watch this underrated film.

mike ruekberg-years
https://s58.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=26NITKAZ0KZ7F0MB71WI39UFMM

hear more music by mike ruekberg here-
http://www.mikeruekberg.com

"what do atheists scream when they come?"

2005-12-02T14:34:00.000-05:00

it is hard to believe that hicks has been dead now for over 10 years. his comedy is as relevant as ever and still proves why he is one of legends of standup. below are three tracks from rant in e minor which was his last album of new material. go pick up his albums! you will thank yourself later.

bill hicks- rant in e minor

gays in the military
http://s38.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=34GDOYAQIY8X615J4I5SRAL0CY

time to evolve
http://s38.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=259JVZMRQZLN113XBL6P2PW3SR

christianity
http://s38.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3ON83FGH5OM5T052I2R5P2E267

hey bobby, the masses are back

2005-12-02T10:13:00.000-05:00

ah the pissed off white rapper. eminem is always pissed but rarely do his words bite. eminem attacks pop culture figures. think about this- in 20 years will anyone give a shit if he bashed britney spears or christina aguilera. the answer is no. his songs will become tired, and as dated as reo speedwagon singles. now enter sage francis. the rhode island native has been around for a long time. starting as a slam poet, francis worked his was up to underground phenomena and wants you to hear his message. the track hey bobby was originally released a few years ago to deaf ears. so hear it now remixed by reanimator.

sage francis-hey bobby (reanimator remix)
http://www.sagefrancis.net/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=74&func=download&filecatid=12

meet mi and l'au

2005-12-02T09:50:00.000-05:00

i woke and walked to class to the falling of thick lumps of snow as i'm sure many of you did or will do in the near future. if you are one to walk around the outdoors with headphones as earmuffs then this is band to soundtrack your trek this winter. mi and l'au met in paris, recorded an album in brooklyn and now reside in the snow covered hills of finland, which is a perfect image of what you'll feel when listening. the music is quiet, the singing is ice melting. listen for yourself and look for their new album that is out now on younggodrecords.com.

mi and l'au-older
http://www.younggodrecords.com/FreeMP3/MiAndLau/Older.mp3

wake up its friday!

2005-12-02T08:02:00.000-05:00

is it just me or is belle and sebastian reaching a creative stand-still? sure the music is still painfully melodic but the point where id just assume listen to tigermilk or if you're feeling sinister is quickly arriving. one of the newest tracks to leak from their upcoming lp called sukie in the graveyard features a snakey baseline with the usual b an s bag. ok here is the track. now you can decide for yourself.

belle and sebastian- sukie in the graveyard
https://s47.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2MT62Q8O0BLZH27B4CLFY99XXR

acid house kings

2005-12-01T14:55:00.000-05:00

leave it to the swedes to produce yet another indie pop gem. with band members having ties to already established acts like club 8 and red sleeping beauty it is easy to imagine what one is going to hear. predictable perhaps but the hooks are big enough to catch moby dick. ok that was bad. anyway its just good fucking pop music.

visit the website for a host of songs- start with do what you wanna do
http://www.acidhousekings.com/

hey america's at war!

2005-12-01T12:19:00.000-05:00

a few months back broadcast released their third album of shoegazing twee pop called tender buttons. terrible album title aside it easily holds up to their previous standards, which are quite high. the single for the album is poignantly titled america's boy announcing that america is fighting someone. big surprise. with that said the song takes no stance on anything so don't fret rush limbaugh fans. you too can enjoy this track in all its dark glory.

broadcast- america's boy
http://mp3.insound.com/download.cfm?mp3id=2663

woody allen is back and he got lucky

2005-12-01T11:40:00.000-05:00

woody allen is back again. wait for response...nothing. ok but this new film might actually be worth your time. match point is a complex look at the reasons behind life's events. all too often we bask in the comfort of fate, which provides a sense of security. allen's new film poses the question of what if all there really is in this world is luck. by now you must have figured out the jokes in this one come few and far between. drama has always been allen's toughest genre and the reason this one succeeds is because in his writing and directing allen has dropped the ignmar bergman schtick. and in case you are wondering woody does not have sex with scarlett johansson. he actually isn't even in this one. check out the trailer and please america try to embrace a filmmaker with some actual substance instead of wasting your hard earned dollars on yours mine and ours.

visit the official site here-http://www.matchpoint.dreamworks.com/

vla hemia/krza

2005-12-01T07:52:00.000-05:00

ah the golden age of hip hop. there was a time when a tribe called quest and the digable planets mattered. they might matter again. welcome vla hemia and krza of sounds are active records out of california. here are two tracks that were released off of their split ep. rumor has it they are both working on full length lps so stay tuned. in the meantime check them out

vla hemia-breakloose
http://soundsareactive.com/catalogue/mp3/vlahemia-breakloose.mp3
krza-nurban gowns
http://soundsareactive.com/catalogue/mp3/krza-nurban.mp3

the deadly snakes

2005-12-01T07:13:00.000-05:00

in 2003 the deadly snakes became the critics darlings with their album ode to joy. two years later and the band is back with their newest installment of 60's infused rock n' roll. gone are the hard edged guitars but instead the snakes fill the void with a kaleidoscope of horns and keyboards that create something slightly resembling the kinks or possibly love. the first single to the album titled porcella encompasses all the sounds heard to form a 4 and half minute mess of jangly rock.

the deadly snakes- gore veil
https://s47.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1SLG6M7EYR8FP0IG9TLI0TJBK

rhymefest

2005-12-01T05:14:00.000-05:00

ever heard of kanye west? how about jesus walks? well, he didn't write it. that honor goes to the chicago native that goes by rhymefest. i stumbled upon this track a few weeks ago and it has been in constant rotation on my computer. ever heard a rap song use build me up buttercup before? yes the song is as catchy as one would imagine so have a listen.

rhymefest- build me up
https://s40.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1FFXIAOJV2AK41VCUW907NIBCC

pop on parade

2005-12-01T03:37:00.000-05:00

pop on parade

MASHUP TIME!

2005-12-01T03:36:00.000-05:00

VS.

go home productions has mashed up just about anything released throwing them into a condensed dance freak out. with the new strokes album arriving to terrible reviews it was nice to see something positive made out of the crap that is their new single juicebox.

the munsters theme+peaches+the strokes= goodness

go home productions- juice rock
http://www.beta.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=9419C383F0A02A84

the innocence mission

2005-12-01T03:04:00.000-05:00

lost but not forgotten band from the early 90's, the innocence mission continue to release album after album of quiet introspective folk/rock. they are currently on badmanrecords out of san francisco and are working on a new album.

originally from birds of my neighborhood this track gets the remix treatment by the icelandic djs gus gus.

enjoy the icy piano ballad
http://www.beta.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=BD11FA4089D0AC5E

debut post

2005-12-01T02:54:00.000-05:00

enjoy the music