Take me out and Hang me out to dry

I have decided I need to review the concerts I attend. So here goes.

Monday night I had the utmost pleasure of seeing Franz Ferdinand and Cold War Kids. After the tradition of a communication breakdown burger and pitcher(s) of Ruby at Ringlers, Anne and I headed on up to check out the Kids.

They had already started, as we moved straight on over to the concert tee's being sold. (usual routine) They regretfully weren't selling buttons but Anne bought a sweet Franz shirt. As we were in line, I found myself bopping to the Kids sound. They really were catchy. I thought they sounded like if Jet and Rocca deLuca had a love child, it would be the Cold War Kids.... Really impressed with their set. Loads of energy. I wasn’t too familiar with their music… only one song on my pod. Hang me out to dry).Love it. Forgot it was from the Kids and was very excited to hear more of their music. They immensely lived up to my expectations! There wasn’t a moment I was bored from hearing new music, nor was I not moving and shaking my ass to the beat. I will definitely be downloading or even (gasp!) buying their music soon. GREAT band to compliment Franz Ferdinands style. The first time I saw Franz they were coupled with Death Cab for Cutie… and you’d think they would mesh well but the didn’t at alllll for me. Franz opened for the Cuties, which was a mistake. Not only did Franz blow the Cuties out of the water with their Outsiders encore, something happened to me that had never before happened: I fell asleep during the Cuties. Swear. Asleep. Couldn’t keep my eyes open. I have a love / hate relationship with the Cuties, and would see them live again.. just gonna make sure I get enough sleep and drink tons of Redbull. I was on my feet during Franz…especially when Alex, Bob, and Nick all helped out Paul on the drums during the finale of “Outsiders” which isn’t my favorite song but the effin NAIL it and it’s a song that’s totally underrated. Did I mention that the Cuties got on stage for that part?

To my surprise, they pulled it off a second time Monday night. It was really so very cool. Check it out:

Yes that’s them. All playing the drums. I didn’t even care that they encored with the same song as last time – it was at the Crystal Ballroom this time (as opposed to the Memorial Coliseum…booooo….). I truly enjoyed myself. Even considering where I am at in my life, I was really able to let go and have fun. I was exhausted from a night of little sleep before, and yet exhilarated from the power of the music. (music can almost always alter my state of mind).

So AFTER the Cold War Kids rocked the Ballroom, came the headliner Franz Ferdinand. Hot on the Kids heals, Franz knocked the socks off everyone in the room. There wasn’t a lot of mingling and standing around. Anne and I were ecstatic they played our favorites back to back (Michael and Dark Of The Matinee). Jumping up and down like acrobats on a trampoline, we voiced all the words along with Alex and the rest of the audience, grinning so wide we looked like model, idiots. (yes that’s typed that way on purpose)

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Can I just say that even though they aren’t my favorite ever, they put on one hell of a show and I will be forever attending as long as they keep making sweet music. I am oh so looking forward to their new album to be released in January. (should be January 27th…) If they don’t I will go “evil and heathen” all over their asses.

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So… cheers to a fantastic duo of bands… cheers to the future husband of Anne who asked if she need “anything else” at Ringlers… and cheers to Vampire Weekend … cuz I’m seeing them tonight at their sold out show at the Crystal. (I shoulda bought stock on that place…)

** right after I finished writing this review my internet has been down and I just got it back up. Vampire Weekend will be written shortly...

I Do

(by the way, this song came on today which jarged this memory) Oh fuck. Last summer I had a best friend (well actually two) get married within 2 weeks of each other. I was (and still am) very happy for both of them, for they have found their match. Their special days were incredible and I was lucky enough to celebrate it with them. Normally when a best friend gets married, one feels lonely. I never felt lonely during that time... but something happened one day while I was rushing over to take care of a Bridal emergency (her dress didn't fit - NOT GOOD). I had popped in a cd that I hadn't listened to in a long time. Jude. Anyway. I was driving up Lovejoy from a lovely breakfast with a girlfriend in the Pearl after a night of chatting and good times, and suddenly Jude's words hit me. I started bawling. As Lovejoy turned into Cornell and you hit that corner with the florist, I decided I needed to buy flowers. They were to cheer up the upset Bride, but I think I needed some cheering up too. I bought the most unique sunflowers at the little stand with the most tard-ass sign (Roses. 5 for $5 or half a dozen for $6)

So I get to the Brides parents house. We discuss the options of the dress etc. The next project they were hoping for help is the programs. The computer program was a bit turned around and the tech expert Groom was at his job so they needed me to fix, center, and print them. No problem. But the programs were titled "I DO". and THAT was the name of the song that set me off upon my arrival.

So CHEERS to all the happily married couples, for they are few and far between. CHEERS to the happily single, for they are also few and far between. Moral of the story? Be happy with yourself, and good things will come. :)

Lyrics to "I DO" by Jude : (try and read them without getting a pang in your heart)

I got a letter today
An invitation
And the writing looked like you
Hello how are you
And by the way,
Please RSVP I do

I thought of writing sad words
Of how it used to be
But I didn't want to bring you down
I guess the bells ring pretty well
There without me
Don't worry about me baby
I'd wear the thorny crown
I would play the clown

If you think that I don't love you
You're just wrong
That don't matter now anyway
I couldn't bear to see you up there
With a white dress on
Here's my vow to you
I'll stay away

I remember when
In a lover's whisper you said
No other man
Would ever share your bed
Well we both know
That's not been so
I wish I never let you go
Now, you found a better man instead

I wish you health and wealth
And a white house on a hill
And I, I hope you raise a family
Little boy and a little girl
A little more joy in this little old world
Well that would be enough for me

Time rolls on
And dreams they die
And I've thrown out
The pictures I had of you and I
And if you're ever wondering if
Love can be true
Well, think of me remember darling
Like I Like I do

Old friendships fade away, love falls apart
And you've not spent a single day outside my heart
And there's just one more dream that I have left for you
I hope you're smiling when he turns around and says I do

Celebrity Collage by MyHeritage

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Free genealogy - Family history

New Music Tuesday September 9th, baby!

“Lost Coastlines” from Okkervil River releases The Stand Ins tomorrow, yet another lyrical masterpiece from Will Sheff and crew. I downloaded their song “Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe”… and it’s a catchy one. Also, I’ve been by Ringlers lately and noticed they were playing there last weekend. So when I saw they released a new album , I was intrigued… and I really ‘get pleasure’ from what I hear. I’m delighted to recommend “Lost Coastlines” to you. The band brings the sex appeal of Jarvis Cocker from Pulp, and that makes me oh so happy.

“Louie” from Kimya Dawson's long-awaited children's album, Alphabutt… It’s a children’s album. This makes total sense that Kimya Dawson made a whole record dedicated to kids. Their songs on ‘Juno’ seemed to be stolen from Baby Genius or the like. (oh shut up, I am in tune with what the kids like these days, whether or not I am having them or not!) The song ‘Alphabutt’ would never have been kosher with the parents I remember dealing with during my time as a nanny. It goes through the whole alphabet and sings about how each letter stands for something having to do with your butt, whether it be ‘doo doo’ or ‘elephant doo doo’ or ‘farts’ or ‘gorilla farts’. Cuuuute, but parents aren’t going to be happy. This is why I love it. Those adults that complained about Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland and changed the ‘Whore’ sign, protesting that it wasn’t appropriate, can go suck doo doo. This song “Louie” is pretty silly, about a doggie named Louie. Awwwwww.

“Suicide and Redemption” from Metallica releases its latest album, Death Magnetic. You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometime, like Metallica did here in this album, you get what you need: classic Metallica. There is a time and a place for this band for sure for sure. Of course the title of this song isn’t exactly ‘upbeat’, but who REALLY wants that from hardcore rockers? I enjoyed the tracks I sampled from this new album… true fans will love it I’m sure. My neck hurts just thinking about listening to the whole album…

“Helen” from Horse Feathers new album “House With No Home” This band is really unusual … and are from Portland!!! The violin and soft vocals are soothing but they trip out with their electronic devices. I’m guessing they use a module. This is a personal inside joke for my benefit only. I can’t pin down whether they are trying to be psychedelic or more like Enya… They claim to be folk / indie. Personally, the violin is an underrated instrument that should be played more often. All in all, I would love to drive during sunset with this album playing, like say towards the friggen beach. Lets go. Well you can go see them October 3rd at Holocene for the cd release party… Please don’t cry, I have plans that night and won’t be there. You are on your own.

“The Other Side” from Angela Desveaux's The Mighty Ship, This is the only song that doesn’t sound like a Sheryl Crow cover… and even with that said I am not excited about this track I was forced to pick out of desperation. Angela is totally unoriginal, even if her hero’s are Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris. She doesn’t have the balls or creativity to pull off either influence. Sorry Angela… you have a lovely voice, its just all been done before. Try something else.

“Sarabande In Pencil Form” from Calexico's new album “Carried to Dust”, . Love their song “Corona” from their album Feast of Wire. IT sounds like a mariachi band, in the best way possible!!!!! This Carried to Dust album is carried in the same vein. Perfect album for an Indian Summer, which is basically what Portland is going through this month (83 degrees today, Sept 17th!). Their use of percussions, steel guitar, trumpet, and accordion stops me in my tracks. They could be the theme band for the Alamo… a fantastic mix of Texan, Mexican, and Americana rock, clearly incluence by the great Ennio Morricone. These boys are from Tuscan, and they have embraced it. Thank you Calexico for the lovely album! One for my collection for sure. And for the record, I had a really hard time picking out one track of the 16 on the album. AND they will be playing at the Crystal Ballroom on September 27th!

“Paper Kite” from Damien Jurado's “Caught in the Trees” who played a the Doug Fir last Friday. (September 12th) Oh well I was too busy that night running round town with my lovely lady friends. Ahh Damien. Not sure what I think of his music, honestly. I think his music is something that has to grow on you. Each song has a different feel – but I don’t feel passion from his voice. Like someone said “Hey Damien, you have a nice voice. Give this a try”. Like having a model become an actress. There is no feeling, just a one dimensional character. I have been wrong before (well -maybe?!) so I haven’t completely closed the door on him. He just isn’t the next M Ward for me, just yet… Still, the instrumentals in this song Paper Kite are breathtaking.

“Oh My Sweet Carolina” from the band Portastatic's new release “Some Small History” which is a b-side and rarities compilation. Never having heard of this band before, all their songs were rare to me! Yes, I picked this track because of “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond. Sue me. I like this band! They are story tellers from the Carolinas, mixing alternative rock (whatever that is) with Brazilian themes (WTF?!), apparently have been playing since 1992! Huh. I enjoy the sound and the rock style, like CSNY or Steve Miller, part country. I feel like there were situations a d people that inspired these songs, and they weren’t simply written. Sometimes the lead singer gets a bit nasally for my taste, but not everyone can sing like me.

Also, Fall Out Boy, Of Montreal, Plain White T’s, Robin Thicke, and the Pussycat Dolls have all released singles this week as well. None were great, and since they are singles, I can’t exactly pick another song from the album, can I. So of all five, Of Montreals single “Id Engager” is the only one I’d consider listening to again. But I bet we will be hearing the Pussycats and Fall Out Boy’s singles the most. Yay…

Lastly, I kinda like Jessica Simpson’s duet with Dolly Parton on Ms. Simpsons new album released this week. Shhhh…..


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New Music Tuesday August 26th

August 26th

Having NO internet for 2 weeks. Count that, TWO, I had started this and then POOF the net was down. So I finished it today, and will do Sept 2 and 9ths new music Tuesdays hopefully before the 16th comes around. That’s the goal. Enjoy… some good ones and not so good ones…


“B Movie Saga” from Fratellis new EP “Look Out Sunshine! (imported B sides). The Fratellis are a fun band, no doubt about it. Are they the best out there? Not really. Their high energy and eccentric songs appeal to me, nonetheless… makes me smile when they randomly pop up on the pod shuffle. I don’t really expect to hear from them in 10 years…but I do enjoy their peppy music. I must say I was reviewing their June 9th album (thanks to Anne for giving it to me) and its fun but sometimes repetitive… I was pleasantly surprised from this B side release, though. Fun lil pop band to have in rotation with some happy music for the road… likes Apples in Stereo and the Ditty Bops. Compilation in the works perhaps? Nahhh to upbeat for my taste currently. I might kill someone if all that was playing at once.

“Room to Rock” from Matthew Sweet’s latest Sunshine Lies”. Fun fact you didn’t know about Matthew? He played with Susanna Hoffs and Mike Meyers in ‘Ming Tea’, the trio that jams between scenes during the first Austin Powers flick. Remember? “BBC 1! BBC 2! “ No? Well I do. Matthew seems like a fun person – do you ever get that vibe from someone you don’t know? I really love the lyrics to this song. He needs a room to rock in. I do too. It’s a bit Tom Petty, but I like Tom Petty – so this flies. Matthew has been in the music scene for a long time, and is a great song writer. 


“Love is Noise” from the album “Forth” by the band The Verve. Yes this is the band who sang ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ back in the mid ninties… which I was never a fan of. The success of that bitter song temporarily broke up the band(3 years-ish) but all is well now a days. This song is so much less whiney and a bit like Pretty in Pink soundtrack worthy. Shit I might actually like the Verve. Hmm. Funny I hated that song they are so famous for though. The song “Columbo” on this album is downloadable as well, if you turn on your strobe light and glo-in-the dark paint your ceiling the constellations….

“Love in our hearts?” from Electric Touch's self-titled album. I must say, this really gets under my skin, in the best way possible. Sinatra under my skin style. This song my not catch everyones interest, but please be my guest and check them out for yourselves. I’m a bit perturbed they are skipping Portland on their tour… but I will forgive them. I might have to toy with the idea of buying this album. For some reason, they aren’t constistant with their energy on the album, like they had only so much time and/or money and stuck songs like “Don’t be afraid “ which sounds like it should be part of the Wonders setlist from the movie “That thing you do!”… which is great if it was 1957. But it isn’t.

“Dissapear” from Gabe Dixon Band's self-titled release. Ok I really only chose this track because it reminds me of a today’s version of Richard Marx… is that wrong? Not all the tracks are Richard-esque. I kinda like the “Sirens” song with the lead scanting and the electronic sounds mixed with the beautiful piano… I do love the piano. Gabe’s from Nashville, and is trying to make it big. Well he did something right. He collaborated with the guy who co-wrote that Grammy winning song “Not Ready to Make Nice” for the Dixie Chicks. Good one, Gabe. He has a clear voice, too. Satisfying to listen to.


“You Oughta be Satisfied Now” from Jonatha Brooke's album “The Works”. Put in the genre of pop, but I disagreeeeeeee. She is so country its not even funny. Ok, so now that I’m over the mis-categorization, I will review Miss Jonatha. This song is sassy and kina boring at the same time. I guess I’m over songs titled “Little Bird”, “My Flowers Grown Green”, or – hold the phone! She has a song called “There’s More True Loves than One”!!!! Too bad I don’t care for the all around feel of it, or I would probably buy it. Cute. Not clever enough like Ms Wainwright, who blows Jonatha off her rocking chair. Zzzzzzzzzzz. Please check her out at the Aladin Theater on November 6th.

All 150 songs from the The Motown Collection (11-disc box set). Holy Crap an 11 disc box set?? Chances are I own quite a lot of these tracks, but the compilation would be so rad at a party. Perhaps I will borrow the list and make my own… BUT I may be introduced to new R&B artists (not the Brian McKnight R&B, the ORIGINAL rhythm and blues artists…) so therefore I will definitely be looking into this in the near future. Classic American music that hasn’t been duplicated anywhere, especially anything released lately! (I think the Brits may always have a one up on the Rock and Roll genre tho…)

Speaking of Rock and Roll titans from across the pond, Led Zeppelin’s album “Mothership” has been remastered into 4-disc box set. Rather than describe word for word what has been done to the sound for your pleasure, please check out the link provided… Amazon will help you out. I’m sure buying an album, that isn’t exactly new, all remastered doesn’t sound appealing – I can assure you that a band like Led Zeppelin would love for their work to pay off to the listener in rare clarity form. I love how Amazon says they can’t believe the sound came out of four guys. I gave that exact review recently … does this mean I am starting to know what I am talking about here?! Probably not. Ha!!! Plus, my favorite song is on disc 2…. “Since I’ve been loving You”.

“Get these Blues off Me” BB King: One Kind Favor. Having been to BB Kings Blues Club & Grill in NY, I know how the big man rolls. He wasn’t there, unfortunately, but extreme maverick George Clinton was performing when I walked in … in full force at 11:30 on a Thursday night … (one doesn’t forget the details when seeing George and his Rastafarians on stage during my first experience in the great NYC). Back to BB King, he is very high on my list of artists to see live. I don’t really care what he produces; it will always be in his bluesy style that just simply kicks ass. I haven’t heard a word condemning the King, and I absolutely love that he won’t go into hibernation. If you still got it, flaunt it. FLAUNT away, BB! Did I mention I am totally downloading this song so I can strip tease to it sometime in the near future???

“What Remains” from Blues Traveler: “North Hollywood Shootout”. I don’t apologize for liking the Blues Travelers. I don’t apologize for being enormously jazzed to see them last December. Lastly, I don’t apologize for not listening to them on a regular basis. Recently (like a year or two ago!) I purchased their albums again… cuz I gotten rid of them in the past. I missed their asses, damn it. Popper has made a name for himself in the house of blues (not THE house, but a house I’m sure!). I think this song is really pretty, by the way. Always be a spot on my shelf for these guys…

All of Johnny Cash & George Jones: Live at the Louisiana Hayride: Johnny Cash & George Jones. Who wouldn’t love to have been there?!!! George Jones?!!!! Hells yeah! Not a self proclaimed country lover, but I can’t deny celebrated American idols like Johnny Cash and George Jones. Makes me want to go to Nashville and become a star… in my red cowboy boots. They are getting their run in on the cat walk these days, all prepared for stardom.

“Summertime” from the album “Somewhere” by the lovely Eva Cassidy. I don’t know if Eva will ever make a real name for herself, but she seems to pop up every now and again and I am reminded of her talents. I am not head over heals for her, but she is underrated all the same. She seems sweet, but am I the only one who thinks she has a bitchy name? Maybe that’s Eva Longoria’s fault… you know that girls a tramp! I’m soooo catty. This song is so sexy and I may have to karaoke it sometime soon. I want to see her make it.

All of Live at the Isle of Wight 1970 by The Moody Blues. Please tell me that the Moody Blues gets you hard like they do me… especially on a Tuesday Afternoon… (sorry I couldn’t help it). Anyway, someone makes serious bank releasing these old concerts to gullible fans like myself all eager beaver to check out what they were like that night. There is always something different, something new, (something borrowed, something blue… etc) that is fresh about a live album. Or better yet – seeing a band live in general! I have been fortunate to attend many concerts in my life, and there is nothing more thrilling than hearing your favorite track played live in front of your face. I mean can you even imaging “Nights in White Satin” at the Isle of Wight in 1970? You just know people were stoned out of their gourd swaying and holding onto each other telling strangers they loved you. Side note: apparently this Isle of Wight festival broke the record attendance at the time, beating out Woodstock (which, incase you actually didn’t know, was the year before, 1969).


“Lick it Up” from KISS’s “Kiss Best – Kissology” …. Had the pleasure of walking into a new bar recently (new for me, maybe not for you) and they consistently play Kiss videos. The bartenders succumb to the Jedi mind trick on getting free drinks. I’m not telling you where this place is – its my new secret. You can KISS my ass! And lick it…!!!

New Music Tuesday August 19th

New Music Tuesday August 19th

This Week's Interesting Music Releases (August 19th, 2008)

I would love to hear the argument of what is better : a blockbuster release full of Grammy nominations waiting to happen, or a plethora of enormous talented artists chalk full of new music that you won’t be sick of in a month?



“Love Song” from local favorite Dandy Warhols' “Earth To The Dandy Warhols”. All I have to say regarding this album is … “This is Bowie, to Bowie – do you hear me out there man?” OHhhh yeah man!!! That’s pretty far out man! The Dandy’s are growing, and being from Portland, that warms my heart. They may have sold their soul to the devil, but I think they are making it up to us. This record is one I actually might purchase! Don’t fall off your chair just yet, I said MIGHT. I am very proud these fellow alumni (yeah we went to the same high school… me and the lead singer Courtney). You can see them play October 5th at the Roseland, if you have any respect for your brother’s of Portland.

“Antoine and Birdskull” from Jaguar Love’s new “Take Me To The Sea”. Well well well we have another Portland band making it. We sure do have a lot of local talent in the music scene here, and some pretty kick ass venues for them to display it. I feel lucky to live in such an underground setting. Jaguar Love is perfectly punk for my liking – the lead Johnny Whitney is effin amazing, and I quote: “Johnny Whitney's vocals have been described as "like Robert Plant on steroids, or Perry Farrell after a sex change"
They will be playing at the Roseland September 5th, but I will be enjoying another bands sound that evening so I will not be able to join you. (Vampire Weekend at the Crystal)

“Always in your mind” from Jennifer O'Connor's ‘Here With Me’ LP. This was a bit hard to track down considering even iTunes doesn’t have it yet. She’s just hard enough you know you would have a great time with her. I sense a bit Lucinda Williams, but a bit more playful with a little folk indie acoustic guitar Portland Waterfront feel. Her song “Here with Me” is so true to life. Each track is unique, displaying her range in songwriting, vocals, and points of view. These are my favorite types of artist – showing their versatility and 3-dimensional spirit. Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing… and I will seriously consider your show at the Doug Fir Lounge on September 12th.

“Melodies and Desires” from Lykke Li's “Youth Novels”. This Swedish princess is 22 and just released her first album. Having traveled and lived in places like Lisbon and Morocco, her music breathes a life I certainly couldn’t have at that age. Boy that sentence made me feel old. Let me be quite frank, here. Her music is worldly, not her lyrics. Her hit single “I’m Good, I’m Gone” is a bit cheesy pop but the song I chose for this playlist is eerie and fun. Apparently the Doug Fir is so cool these days they are the host to every latest act. Lykke Li will be there October 30th.

“Freeing Song for Reindeer” from Music Tapes new Music Tapes for Clouds & Tornadoes, Their lead singer Julian Koster is all over the board with projects, from story albums to movies. Sounds like a guy with some fantastic connections… and it’s ALWAYS about who you know! Good thing for Julian and the gang they have talent as well. Music Tapes is sooo out there in space its bloody spectacular. I think the OMSI Planetarium should have a laser light show to Music Tapes music. Partake in a few illegalities and grab your slurpee (spiked of course), lay back and enjoy. Damn that sounds pleasant right now. Currently OMSI is showing U2 and Pink Floyd. I think I know what I will be doing this weekend! Doooood who’s with me?!!!


“Dying is Fine” from Ra Ra Riot's “The Rhumb Line.” Way interesting, this band. Not something that will get your blood pumping, and sometimes that’s a good thing. This track “Dying is Fine” is actually an ‘at peace’ song to me. Recently I had an uncle who passed away, and I think he has got to be so much happier. I saw his body in the hospital, and I think I could see a smile. I thanked him for dancing with me. He seemed so peaceful. Ra Ra Riot does have something about this song that made me smile. Their album is pretty mellow… I can’t decide if it’s too lax for a coastal trip and if it’s over zealous to sleep to. Maybe background at work will do. I need a bit more motivation here in la la land. You’d expect a punk band with the title “Ra Ra Riot” but is soft flowing and smooth sailing. Don’t hate it, but still not wet over it. (oops is that inappropriate?) This “Healing – Easy Listening” band will be playing at the Doug Fir September 22nd, but I will be rocking to the Jewish Elvis in person that night.


“Neon Beanbag” from Stereolab's “Chemical Chords” Ah Yes. Elise likes this band a whole heck of a lot – and if you don’t know her, you are missing out. She introduced me to Stereolab back in the day of skipping Technical Theater class and deciding it was more important to get lost in Lake Oswego trying to find a Starbucks!!! We actually were looking at people driving to see if they had a coffee in hand and went that direction (well - the direction they were coming from). Yeah that plan didn’t work. In that time, however, we shared our music loves and this is how I came to know Stereolab. Yeah too much information unrelated to this album review, I know. Fortunately this is my OWN music review blog and I get to run it how I like it. And we all know how I like it… Wonder Ballroom October 18th. This song ‘Neon Beanbag” reminds me of Elise too… ;)



“This Lonely Love” from Juliana Hatfield's “How To Walk Away”. I admit I was waiting for her to starting singing “Toms Diner” mid-song, and ironically her song “Just Lust” sounds the same. She is mixing the sound of Lisa Loeb and Sheryl Crow – and I think she’s gone off the deep end of whiny. She may have been able to spark a light inside me if it was 1999, but not today. I want hardcore, and I want raw, and she ain’t it. Her “Just Lust” is poorly written and has no heart when sung. I have a deep seeded issue with the word ‘lust’ and this powerless voice behind the lyrics bores me to – well I can’t even muster up tears here. Sorry Juliana, maybe you caught me in a mood, but this album just isn’t speaking to me. According to the other reviews on iTunes, and others, she is well liked – so I am sure it’s just me.

“Common Reaction” from Uh Huh Her's new release “Common Reaction”. I think this album could become a guilty pleasure… its that prefect combo of discotheque pop music that makes you want to get off your ass. I really love it, actually. You actually feel like there is a point to the song as well – a story to tell, not just music and “la la la’s”. Yeah… I checked out the rest of the album and it’s on my list officially. I am such a dork. Maybe it’s the bands name. I was discussing bands names with a couple of friends recently, and I am sure “Uh Huh Her” should have been on the list ( I will get back to this in a later blog I’m sure). “Common Reaction” itself does rub me the wrong way, for I will always see the world in grey, never assuming there is a common reaction to anything. Other than that, I be racing to download them in a few. (they band got their name from PJ Harvey’s album in ’04 … and I am so down with PJ so good for them)

Last but not least, the whole compilation of “Total 9”, which is all electronic, all various artists, and all gay night club music. If you are looking for something other than the usual, check this out. I doubt it will disappoint.

New Music Tuesday February 19th!

not a bad week. my little niece was born this week. very exciting. here you go.

“Conquista” White Stripes Spanish version of their single “Conquest”. Was it really necessary to sing Conquest in Spanish? Guess so. Must say it is uber preeminente. Jack White’s voice is somehow even more chillingly perfect in espanol! He sure knows how to keep selling singles! Cracks me up. Just go check this song out and stop thinking “I wonder what it sounds like in Spanish?”

“Shine” Anna Nalick’s new single. Way better than her song “Breathe”. That Breathe song tortured us all for months and months everywhere we went. And we all thought the same thing “gosh I like this song til she gets to the chorus!” I hope Anna shines with this new single and blinds us all of our memory of her past ‘hit’. Wait til her new album comes and then we will see if Anna has the chops to be a star or just another one hit wonder. She does have a pretty voice, so I hope she delivers the goods when ever the release date shall be.


“You Can’t always get what you want - REMIX” Rolling Stones from the movie “21”. Wow. I didn’t get what I wanted from this remix. The choir background is kinda cool how they cut and pasted between the lyrics, yet it sounds like something I could do with a double tape deck and about ten minutes. Someone made a lot of moolah editing a great rock and roll song and turning it into an electronic mess. Maybe I have to hear it form the beginning through to the end. The only star this song gets from me is the fact that Kevin Spacey is in the movie, so I’m excited for its release.


“Lonely” from Bat for Lashes “Live Session EP”. Love their song “Horses and I”. Want their whole album. Not I need their new EP. They are like if Annie Lennox was starting out today and chose to go the indie rock route instead. Actually they claim they sound like “Halloween when you were little”. I love it. I hadn’t heard this song before, since it’s not on their only available cd “Fur and Gold”. I came across a way cute UK indie clothing site from a link (love the necklace?) on the Bat for Lashes myspace, plus a very interesting bloggg from the same site operator. What a find. She reviewed an album I will also be listening to later in this blog (Bon Iver) and I even learned a bit about the artist. Cool. I liked the review to my review. Say that ten times as fast as you can, while listening to “What’s a Girl to Do?” by these pretty Lashes.


“San Bernardino” from the new Mountain Goats album, “Heretic Pride”. These guys have been making sweet music since the early 90’s. I have never heard of them, and I probably should have since back in 2004 their album “We Shall All Be Healed” is tied to our beloved City of Roses. Check out this quote:
“We Shall All Be Healed chronicles Darnielle's life with a group of friends and acquaintances addicted to methamphetamine in Portland, Oregon, though the album is set in Pomona, California.”
This song is really pleasing to listen to, by the way. Beautiful strings. I’d prefer the music without the vocals tho…

“Skinny Love” from Bon Iver “For Emma, Forever Ago”. This is Justin Vernon’s stage name and his debut album. Justin’s music is acoustic guitar combined with his incredible voice which equals the perfect indie folk singing. Please check out the link on the title of the album, for the blog I mentioned above does a superb job of reviewing this young man. You may see him play his magic live at Holocene here in Portland on March 24th.

“I Want a little sugar in my bowl” from Allison Moorer’s new album “Mockingbird”. This is a really hot version of one of my old favorites. Such a sexy song with innuendos up the yang. Allison is usually more folky and country but she brought in the blues for this number and it worked. So you think this song is about running out of sweetener? Take a peek at the lyrics :
Soothe me
I want some sugar in my bowl
I want some steam
on my clothes
Maybe I can fix things up so they'll go
Whatsa matter Daddy
Come on save my soul
I don’t think so….


“Dirty Dollar Bill” from Flowers Forever's self-titled debut. Don’t know a thing about them except they are from Nebraska and this is their first album. This song is fun though and I wanted to add them to my NMT playlist. Forever Flowers!!!!!

“Cherry Tulips” from Headlights' “Some Racing, Some Stopping”. I may have to purchase this track, if not the whole album. Actually I just reviewed the whole album and this is the only song I’d download. Sorry Headlights, my heart doesn’t race for your music. Just your Cherry Tulips. Mmmmmm….

“I Just Want the Girl in the Blue Dress” from Mike Doughty's “Golden Delicious”. Mike’s style is different enough for me to take notice in, but his voice is too “Wallflowers ‘97”. He takes risks and his songwriting is fantastic, so I am not “pooh-poohing” him yet. Check out his talent at the Wonder Ballroom on April 26th. I won’t be, for my friend is having her civil ceremony in New York and I’m going. ;) I love NY.

“Lust” from the Raveonettes' new album “Lust Lust Lust” I downloaded their “Christmas Song” for my “Indie Christmas” album I never got to finish (*tear*tear*). The song is really chilling and I apologize for not getting it to you all. This lust song is pretty cool as well. The Ravonettes have their own sound for sure - like Dido if she had a steel guitar. I’d prefer them on shuffle with other songs for their music is a bit much all at once.