Sep 23 2010

Five MP3s You Must Grab 9/23/10

Josh Ritter – Change Of Time

from So Runs the World Away

Minus the Bear – My Time

from OMNI

The Tallest Man On Earth – King of Spain

from The Wild Hunt

Toadies – Dead Boy

from Feeler

Deerhunter – Helicopter (Star Slinger Remix)

from Star Slinger’s Bandcamp page


Sep 22 2010

The Songs of Summer 2010

Today marks the official first day of autumn 2010.  As far as music goes, there is usually one “song of the summer” – a track that we will forever associate with the previous season of this particular year.  This song usually embodies the typical moods related to summer – laziness, partying, a carefree, optimistic attitude, et al.

While I’m not going to try and pick this song, I have my nominations – songs that will bring me back to this summer, my first few months in a new city, and, as with most summers, a good time in near-intolerable heat.

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Sep 19 2010

Sunday Night Videos 9/19/10


Sep 16 2010

My Top 300 Songs of the 2000s – 170-161

Today I continue my ongoing feature showcasing my personal picks for the best songs of the past decade, posting ten songs at a time.

170. Dwight Yoakam – Give Back the Key to My Heart

No question the 80’s and 90’s were the prime years for Yoakam in terms of success, but after having his turn at the spotlight, he ventured deep into the crossroads realm, taking a more traditional approach to his brand of honkey-tonk.  While most dug deeper into the cinematic country-pop Nashville world, Dwight stayed around Hollywood, acting and making indie records.  One of the highlights of his work this past decade is this Doug Sahm cover, recorded for the Imus Ranch Record in 2008; it’s just good ol’ DY doing what he does best.

Dwight Yoakam – Give Back the Key to My Heart

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Sep 15 2010

Recommended Reading: Random Articles 9/15/10

Apparently, the Village Voice is relevant again.  This article has plenty of recent highlights from their always-improving writing staff…..

Including this one, an in-depth analysis of the phenomenon that is the Gathering of the Juggalos.

Today, Consequence of Sound released their Top 100 Albums of All Time list, and it’s pretty damn impressive, if you ask me. Take a gander.

Finally, Pitchfork had a pretty cool article on the new trend in indie album covers – amateur retro photography.  Think the latest from Vampire Weekend and Crystal Castles.


Sep 14 2010

Currently Digging: Kelis – Flesh Tone

We all know Kelis as the girl that brought all the boys to the yard via her milkshake, but you wouldn’t correlate her past with her present after hearing her latest effort Flesh Tone.  Most critics have mentioned, when reviewing this new album, that Kelis recently went through a bitter divorce and had a child.  She has been branded as a new woman, with a renewed purpose and a complete musical makeover.

And that’s all pretty much true.  While we certainly can’t predict the future sounds this starlet will bring us (whose musical tendencies are sporadic, unpredictable, and always exciting), this time around she has traded in the slick post-R&B style for a Euro-pop, space-age approach.  And because the songwriting is pristine and the hooks are focused, it totally works.  The lyrics are poignant, emotional, and obviously dedicated to her new love – her child.  And while the words are sentimental, the beats are overpowering.  Never has a sweet dedication to one’s baby been so damn danceable.

Kelis – Home

Kelis – Acapella

Kelis – Song For the Baby


Sep 13 2010

Five MP3s You Must Grab 9/13/10

Star Slinger – Dutchie Courage

source

Atari Teenage Riot – Activate

source

Japandroids – Heavenward Grand Prix

source

Kanye West – Monster (feat. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Iver & Nicki Minaj)

source

Vampire Weekend – White Sky (Basement Jaxx Club Mix) (Studio Version)

source


Sep 12 2010

Sunday Night Videos 9/12/10

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Sep 11 2010

Five Things Wrong With The Current Pop Culture World

Perhaps it’s my jaded cynical old age catching up with me, but lately I have been exposed to some things in the pop culture world that really irk me. And as a form of self-therapy, I’d like to share them with you today.

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Sep 8 2010

Catching Up With the Kids 9/8/10

Occasionally I browse the pop music world/charts/blogs and see what the kids are listening to.  Sometimes I am pleased with what I find, most of the time I am not.  This is a journal of my discoveries.
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