New Music Tuesday April 16th

My oh my what a week in music. Another dog-eared page in my blog book for the Best Of 2013.  Enjoy.

Wedding song from Yeah Yeah Yeah's 4th album Mosquito
From New York, my dearest concert best friend says the Yeah Yeah Yeah's are one of the top shows she's ever attended.  The Y3 as I like to refer to them started in 2000 and might be the most unique band out there right now.  Well, Neil Diamond and his velvet gloves and spit are really quite unmatched in the music industry.  Now that I have shared that very important piece of information with you all, I have to add I cried during the review of this song.  Yes I have been an emotional wreck and perhaps a lot of things make me cry, but this was unexpected...



Alone Together from Fall Out Boy's 5th album Save Rock & Roll
No, even with Pete Wentz can Fall Out Boy save rock and roll.   Really?  First off,  YOUR BAND NAME SUCKS.  Ok I feel better.   From Illinois, this band started in 2001 and sings lyrics like 'my heart is a stallion'.   Wow.  Please don't put me 'alone together' with this punk pop band.  They don't even know the first thing about punk.  Puh-lease. 


Lover's Revolution from Iron and Wine's 5th album Ghost on Ghost
Where do I start... ok the album title:  interesting visual...  The band name: from a supplement bottle that was 'beef iron and wine'.  Gross.  This track pick is nothing like the other Iron and Wine songs i have heard.  To me it sounds like a make shift jazz band decided to scat with a hippie with a broken heart.  When I run my petite hotel downtown in the Pearl,  this is the kind of song/band I would hire to play on a thursday night in the bistro/lounge.  Thank you, Iron and Wine, for always releasing free downloads on the web.  So smart to get people to listen and share and love you. 


New York City Rage Fest from Kid Cudi's 3rd album Incicud
This hip hop dude Scott Mescudi is from Ohio and well normally I would cringe at hip hop but would love to blast this on a boombox while painting murals in Central Park. Angry murals.


Running from Jessie Ware's debut album Devotion
This song sounds like my theme song right now.  All I want to do is run. Keep me running.  I can be open and honest with you all since no one I actually know reads this.  Miss Jessie is from the UK and this is her debut since she started her career in 2009.  Critics love this R& B Pop star, and I can see why.  There is that ambiant Sade sound with simple messages.


You are alone from Flaming Lips 13th album the Terror
I wouldn't be surprised if the Flaming Lips took a shit load of drugs and recorded this album in several days without leaving the studio.  It feels to me like Pink Floyd  without the rage flare that makes the OMSI laser light show so awesome.  Flaming Lips actually debuted in 1983 from Oklahoma.  At first this seemed odd to me, but then I thought well space rock does remind me a little of a surrey with a fringe on top.


Love's gonna blow my way from Steve Earle's album The Low Highway
The strings oh my god the strings.  And this song.  After running away with Jessie Ware and being alone with the Flaming Lips, I need Steve's love to blow my way. From Virginia, Steve is a Grammy ward winning artist.  Now he is based in Texas and entertaining us with his 'country rock' but really it's the bluegrass blues boogie.  Now I'm bummed because I believe he was at Music Millennium recently and I missed it. 

Le Pingouin from Carla Bruni's album Little French Songs
Miss Bruni was the First Lady of France for a bit, after much controversy.  But this isn't how I was introduced to Carla.  I was making a French compilation back in 2006 and came across her song 'Le plus beau du quartier' (Most beautiful of the district).  If you watch the linked video you won't blame Mick Jagger or Eric Clapton for their interest in her.  Holy cow.

New Music Tuesday April 9th

All in all a pretty successful week in music.  You may need a Kleenex. Enjoy.

Hey Lover from Dawes 3rd album Stories Don't End
I do love this new (to me) band!  From Los Angeles, I heard their interview on NPR and fell in love.
A soft Americana band that started in 2009, I have already purchased a few tracks and will continue to follow them.  I missed them April 28th here in Portland but that is ok, I have every confidence they will be back. 


Our love comes back from James Blake's album Overgrown
Bit of a tear jerker, grabbing my heart and leading me to the ocean.  Wow James Blake.  From England, this dubstepper has such a gorgeous voice I want to wonder into ice caves and watch the rainbow reflections.


BFF from Kleenex Girl Wonder's album Let it Buffer
Oh wow indie crack.  Yes this crazy band from Chicago is brilliant but I never want to hear them ever agian.  That's all I got.  Just not for me.


Pure Pain from Kurt Vile's 5th album Walking on a Pretty Daze
From Philly, Kurts band is so much better than Kurts voice.  Is that a vile thing to say? He's an indie rocker that started in 2003, but I just want to hear his band. 


The Very thought of you from Molly Ringwalds debut solo album Except sometimes
We all know this brat packer, I even saw her in Sweet Charity on stage in 2006.  She was adorable.  Ok Molly, if you are reading this, I want the sass you brought to the Breakfast Club on your next album.  Please, tell me to pick myself up with some conviction, babe.

New Music Tuesday April 2nd 2013

Well, personally this week really sucked, specifically April 2nd.  Music-wise, it wasn't terrible.  Will I remember this week when composing my best of list? Perhaps, I do love Cold War Kids.  Enjoy.

Take my breath away from New Kids on the Block's 6th studio album 10
I'm afraid NKOTB didn't take my breath away with this album or their comeback tour announcement.  What DID take my breath away was the karaoke rendition of "The Right Stuff" from the bride to be Anne when she busted out the old school moves last month at her bachlorette party.  I don't have her permission to post the video, and since she reads this blog I won't post it without her permission either.  But Anne - it is still on my iPhone and I have shown a few people who think you should tour with the boys.  Just sayin.  Back to the actual review of this band, New Kids started i 1984 ( I had no idea they were that old) and I recall in gradeschool the cool girls getting to go to the concert.... So glad I wasn't cool enough.  *sigh*


Officially Alive from Brad Paisley's 9th album Wheelhouse
This country star is from West Virginia, been rockin since 1999.  I am not the biggest country fan whatsoever but I can appreciate why Brad has won so many Grammys.  The man wrote a Christmas song when he was 13 and it isn't half bad.  Adorable.  Love the stings in the track Officially Alive...

Lost that easy from Cold War Kids 4th album Dear Miss Lonely Hearts
First things first, I love this band.  Thank you so much kids from Long Beach.  I have had the pleasure of attending the Cold War Kids concert at the Crystal,  there is a haunting magnatism that kept me on my toes the entire show.  The band started in 2004, and are gracefully growing their 'discography' and my love for their indie rock and roll.   I want to look up the lyrics to all of their songs and sing at the top of my lungs along with them.


Forever Nevermind from the Band Perry's 2nd album Pioneer
A bit country, this sibling trio from Tennessee started in 2005.  I don't hear the country in this song, I hear a pop song with a story to share.  What I enjoy about the Band Perry over other pop bands is this Taylor Swift?

Catalina from The Besnard Lakes 4th album Until in Excess, Imperceptible UFO
What I love about 'shoegazing' bands is they take their time with songs.  There is an incredible long introduction, sometimes minutes in length.  This Canadian married couple formed The Besnard Lakes ( the band, not the body of water in Saskatatchewan)  in 2003.  What I don't love about shoegazing bands is they take their time with songs... yep, it's a love-hate relationship. 

New Music Tuesday March 26th!

We have a local artist this week, a debut, a country star, an 80's star, and a couple others.  All in all I will only be downloading one artist this week, and they are from my home town.  Enjoy.

Soothe my soul from Depeche Mode's 13th album Delta Machine
My dear topless Dave Gahan, lead singer of Depeche Mode... you crack me up.  My own personal Jesus of a band Depeche Mode started in 1980.  From UK, I had the pleasure of attending their concert back in 1998.  To everyones delight Dave had to encore sans shirt.  This is of course all I remember of the show, and I was sober.  But really, I just can't get enough.  They haven't lost their touch, and don't sound dated. Well done, Depeche Mode. Bravo.

Tap out from The Strokes 5th album Comedown Machine
How does one live up to such an epic debut fromo 1998?  You really don't.  These New York native rockers can stroke all they want, but I am all Stroked out.  Or Tapped out?  This isn't a terrible album, but to me just feels uncreative.

I still got a finger from Blake Shelton's 8th album Based on a True Story
Gotta love an angry cowboy.  This album in particular has high positive critic response, boosting Blakes career.  I am not in love with most of this album, but I still got a finger.  And so does Blake.

Lunge forward from Wavves 4th album Afraid of Heights
Any time a band self describes their sound as surf rock I cringe. Oh God no.  Debuting in 2008 from California, they woo woooo woooo their way through repetitive guitar riffs that require a stobe light to keep up with.  To be on the positive side, I love the lyrics to this song.

Love from Mwahaha's self titled debut Mwahaha
This electronic pop band from Oakland California makes me want to splatter paint on your face in the best way possible.  Channeling Pollock on the high of the legal drug of the precious Breve coffee.  Got any Modge Podge and feathers?

Sitting on the roof of the world from Dido's 4th album Girl who got away
Dido's interview on NPR was the last music chat on NPR that Karin and I listened to together.  From the UK, 'Dido Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong aka Dido started her music career in 1995.   This was of course the era when female musicians exploded on the air - and frankly took over the music industry.  I admit I did attend a Lillith Fair or two, quite talented group of artists combined for one ticket price is hard to beat.  But until this album, Dido kind of bugged me.  It was refreshing to hear her on the radio...

A Poet's tune from Y La Bamba's EP Oh February
The first time I fell in love with Y La Bamba was not long ago... it was this past November. Please click on the link, let's celebrate Christmas in Mexio, k?  This lovely band is from Portland and I missed them May 4th at the Alhambra Theater on Hawthorne.  But seeing that they are a local band, I hope I get another chance to see them live.   There is a passion in that shrill of a voice, effortlessly seductive, drawing me in with the instruments. 

New Music Tuesday March 19th 2013!

Whoa baby what a week!  Lots of new favorites for me personally.  This will be a week to remember when I create my end of year best of 2013.  Enjoy!

Pusher love girl from Justin Timberlakes 3rd album 20/20
JT has been nSync with performing since 1991.  This Jack of all trades is a Grammy winning Saturday Night Live hosting King of the dance moves FOOL.  Try to hate him.  Dick in a box? Check.  Boy band star? Check.  Summer movie film star? Check.  He's got it bad, this triple threat man.  Watching his performance at the Grammys 2013 reminded me of why I love Justin so.



I love you from WoolKid's debut album The Golden Age Club
Wool Kid is headed by baroque pop French artist Yoann Lemoine.  He also is a big time director of music videos in the industry, credits including Katy Perry and Lana Del Rey.  Not many can receive a Grammy nominee BEFORE releasing an album.  This would be for the single Run Boy Run's video.
I can see why... what do you think? I'm keeping my eye on this band,  I find myself wanting to keep listening to Yoann over and over. 

Let the day begin from Black Rebel Motorcycle's 7th album Spectator at the Feast
This is the album I purchased at Record Store Day but haven't been able to listen to it - the cd player in my car is located in the trunk, which I am currently locked out of.  And my mini-laptop doesn't have a cd load, and my stereo is in storage, and my partners laptop got purchased after she died 4/2/13.  Oh yes, this is why I am so behind on my blogging, forgive me.   HOWEVER, when I DO get to finally let loose to the Black Rebel Motorcycle band,  the wait will be worth it I am sure.  They are a 'garage rock' band, formed in 1998 in San Francisco.  They got their name from the movie The Wild One, with Marlon Brando who was in said name 'gang'.   Sweet.


On my own from Low's 10th album The Invisible Way
From Minnesota, this slowcore band debuted back in 1993.  I wanted to see them at the Mississippi Studios 4/5 but it was too soon for me to want to go anywhere.  Total chill and lowkey,  harmonious vocals and will definately be downloading.  Hopefully I wont drive off the road listening to them in a transcendent haze...   Please listen to the linked video - great guitar riffs. 

These Times from Walk off the Earth's 3rd album REVO LP
From Canada, this indie rock band started in 2006.   I love this song.  I pretty much could sing this song every day right now.  With an added FUCK YOU after.  Hey, I just don't want it enough I guess. 
  
Still Moving from Marnie Stern's 4th album The Chronicles of Marnia
Love this title, Marnie.  Made me laugh.  Thank you.  True to the mathrock genre, its like skatting punk garage indie pop rock, a little whiney and all over the place for me.  Sorry Marnie I missed you at Mississippi Studios 4/26 on purpose. 

Sir Patrick Spens from Anais Mitchel and Jefferson Hamer's collaboration Child Ballad
Francis James Child was a folklorist from the 1800's, and this album is a collection of his work by two modern folk artists.  Anais is known today as the Queen of Modern Folk Music.  Instrumentally stunning folk. 

Terror in the Canyons from Phosphorescent's 6th album Muchacho
This Georgia Peach Matthew Houck started his indie rock career in 2001.   The lyrics tear my heart out (what is left of it)  but the brass section and the twang from Matthew's voice puts me at ease. 
It's always comforting to know you aren't the only one suffering, isn't it.  I'll be downloading this track for sure.

Keep it to yourself from Kacey Musgraves 4th album Same Trailer Different Park
Miss Texan started in 199, country style.  She was nominated for several ACM awards this year, which is always encouraging when you have co-wrote the album like she did.  Not my favorite country album, it takes a special soul to draw me down the country trail.  Really I only picked this track because I am sick of having to keep things to myself.  I am working on that little flaw...

New Music Tuesday March 12th!!

We have a couple legends, a surprise for me, a son of a legend,  a band I've had the pleasure of attending their concert, a political activist, oh and Jane Lynch. Enjoy! (I did!)

Didn't kill me from They might be giants album Nanobots
My all time favorite quirky crazy Giants song is The Guitar (The Lion Sleeps Tonight). This alternative rock band is from the east coast of the U.S. emerging in 1982.  Yes that is correct. We have had 31 wonderful years of the most bizarre and creative music recorded.  Appropriately so, the Giants have recorded 3 children's albums and have written many theme songs for shows and the like, earning  a Grammy or 2 simultaneously.  Thanks to my dear music lover BFF Anne who brought to my attention that They Might Be Giants released a new album.  We have, of course, attended a show or two.


Dirty Boy’s from David Bowie’s 27^th album The Next Day

Mr. David Jones (yes that is Bowie’s birth name) started in 1962.  This UK megastar Grammy award winner says being bisexual is the best thing that ever happened to him.  Hell yes.  Love David.  Had the pleasure of attending his concert a several years ago and boy does this 66 year old deliver.  This album doesn’t disappoint.   Dirty Boy, David!
 

Cristobal Risquez from Devandra Barnhart’s 8^th album Mala

From Texas, This dear artist has created a whole new genre of music.  Was raised in Venezuela, performed with Sonic Youth in Paris, and attended San Francisco Art Institute, his artistry will blow your mind.  Wikipedia has described his genre as Freak Folk and New Weird Americana.  Yes, I would agree.  Since his debut in 2002 as a musician,  he has been on my bucket list of concert must go’s. 
 

Into the Echo from Bon Jovi’s 12^th album What About Now

Oh baby, I forget how much I love Bon Jovi.  I enjoy his acting and have rocked “Blaze of Glory” on the karaoke mic more than once.  From New Jersey, John Francis Bongiovi, Jr has been livin on a prayer since 1983.  Awesome.  Keep rocking dude.   Bon Jovi hasn’t changed a bit. 

Gunslinger from Shooter Jennings 6^th studio album The Other Life

Listed as a country artist, Shooter is country legend Waylon Jennings son.  He was on the tour bus for the first 5 years of his life, you know – hanging with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and the like.  Therefore, he was playing drums by 5yrs old, the piano by age 8, and rocking the guitar by 14.  Personally, I loved all of the songs on this track, and it feels to me that that ‘the other life’ Shooter is getting at is his rockstar status as a famous musician’s son.  This felt more like a killer rock and roll album than a wannabe trying to follow in his daddy’s footsteps.  Out of the shadow he comes Shootin out. 

Zero Orchestra from Matthew Good’s 6^th album Od Fighters

As a Canadian political activist as well as a musician, Matthew is a multi-talented mo-fo.  Since ’91 he has been playing music, but before that he got into history and politics, wanting to be a professor.  But you know, the music gig worked out.  So he gets his thrill by blogging and tweeting his mind about the news events.   Keep your voice heard, anyway you want it.

I still believe / Super Bass performed by Jane Lynch and Darren Criss of Glee

Just watch this and smile.

New Music Tuesday March 5th 2013!

A little bit coutry, a little bit rock and roll.  A personal favorite, a few stand bys, and a few plesant surprises.  All in all a fabulous week for music (for me!). Enjoy!

Two weeks late from Ashley Monroe's 2nd album Like a Rose
Miss Ashley is from Tennessee, a country singer since her debut in 2005.   She is a fabulous song writer, and has collaborated with the likes of Raconteurs, Wanda Jackson, and Miranda Lambert.  Blake Shelton is her latest contributor, rocking with her in"You Ain't Dolly (And You Ain't Porter)".  I always have respect for a young artist who writes their own music - and it always pays off.  If you can get the music worlds attention with your talent and not your ass, you will last.  With all that said,  I nearly fell apart while listening to this song.  Do you have any guesses what Ashley is two weeks late for?  no?  Not a bill payment, not a phone call, but her period.  Yep, we be talking about getting knocked up in this song.  Beautiful.  

When I'm gone from Caitlin Roses 3rd album The Stand In
What I'm confused about Caitlin is her genre's country, she used to do punk, and ITunes put her in Alternative.  She is without a doubt country on this album.  Almost boring country. I read she has been compared to Patsy Cline and the like.  As an avid Cline fan, I can honestly say I don't agree with such statements.  I got bored reviewing Caitlin's album (sorry Caitlin).  But you're in Nashville! Gather some soul and personality while you are there, Miss Rose.


Uma Thurman from Jared Evan and Statik Selektah's collaboration Boom Bap and Blues
This is an R&B / Hip hop duo.  While reviewing their album,  I wanted to like it and forced myself to get excited about it but truthfully I really am not.  It isn't terrible R& B/Hip hop, especially since I recoil at the comboniation.


Cafe Lights from Hey Mersailles 2nd album Lines We Trace
From Seattle, this indie-folk-jazz band started in 2006.   Gorgeous music, I love the strings that have been incorporated throughout this album.  Please listen to another track of theirs: Tides.


Love The First Law Of Thermodynamics from Cloud Cults 9th album Love
This art rock band from Minneapolis got their start in 1995 who got their name from the Native American ancient prophecies.  Cloud Cult pleases me sporadically but hearing their interview on NPR broke my heart.  I absolutely love their instrument choices, including the trumpet, cello, French horn, and violin.  Just listen to this track.  

Sweet Lady from Lady's debut album Lady
This cross-Atlantic r&b duo have the funk of Motown and the hip of En Vogue.  I can totally picture this music on a movie soundtrack, the love and breakup only r&b can give us.  Work it, girls.  I enjoy a little sap every now and then. And this song is about their mothers.  How adorable.


Part heart from Kate Nash's 3rd album Girl Talk

This Brittish pop star started in 2006.  Kate has a real appeal for me, but some of her songs I actually have to turn off.  Personally I don't see this as a bad thing because it shows she is versatile with her genre.  As you may have picked up by now, my dear reader(s), is I can't stand a repetitive album.  The tracks on Girl Talk don't disappoint the already born appreciation I have for Kate's talent.  Some I absolutely love, and some I didn't at all.  Consistently true to herself.  

Bird on the Wire from Madeleine Peyroux's 7th album The Blue Room
I have been following Madeleine's music career for several years and thought she is French. C'est ne pas vrais.  She was born in our wonderful peachy state of Georgia and moved to Paris at age 13 with her mom. By age 15 this songstress was singing jazz with the locals in the Latin Quarter.  When she sings, you will fall in love with love.  And my oh my check out her album cover.  


In your arms again from Josh Ritter's 7th album The beast in its tracks
I would like to thank NoiseTrade.com for supplying free downloads, one being Josh Ritter.  Josh is from Moscow Idaho, a little country, more soft rock.  Let's go on a walkabout, Josh.  I can feel the John Wayne and Bob Dylan influences in your music, and it's grand.