Covers Friday - War Child Heroes edition

So I got this new album and its pretty freaking awesome. It's called War Child Heroes, and the proceeds collected from each album go to the children of war torn countries. you can go Here for more details on that. However the even cooler thing is that This is a covers album where they asked 15 bad asses to pick one of their favorite songs, and then pick an artist that they thought was carrying on their torch to cover it. How cool would it be to get the call from the likes of Paul McCartney or Dylan or Bowie, and have them say "I'd like you to cover one of our songs"

Because the CD is for a good cause,I'm only gonna stream songs. here are a few of
the highlights...

So Sir Paul McCartney gets Duffy to sing "Live and Let Die"... not quite the guns and roses cover, but I liked it. Of course I like duffy

Listen, Duffy - Live and Let Die (Wings)




No, its not MIA's "Paper Planes"... its Lily Allen covering the Clash "Straight to Hell"

Listen: Lily Allen - Straight to hell




Then there is the song that started music as we know it today, "heroes" by David Bowie, done by TV on the Radio

Listen: TV On the Radio - Heroes



and finally, there is the musical genious of Beck, covering the musical genius of Dylan, "Leopard skin pillbox hat"


Listen: Beck - Leopard Skin Pillbox hat

The Walkmen ...surpisingly with absolutely nothing to do with the 80s

It's a sweater! ....seriously don't they look like El Guapo's men in this pic.

The Walkmen out of NYC have been around for a little bit, and I flirted with the idea of them being on the Top 130 last year, because that's when their latest album, You & I, was released, but I hadn't had enough listens yet. I do like these guys... they have balls... their previous album was a song for song cover of Harry Nilson's PussyCats , and they show they have the range to do the instrumentals or smooth indie, or even some garage rock.

I bring you one of the more mellow songs from their latest album

Mp3:
The Walkmen - Four Provinces

and then off their second album, Bows + Arrows, my favorite Walkmen song ever.

Mp3:
The Walkmen - The Rat

Winter Gloves ...still in style

It's Wednesday, and that means its time for a Boon pick. Today we will be exploring Winter Gloves, a Montreal based band... btw I really want to visit Montreal.. and St Catherines street... but I digress...



The new album is called About a Girl, and they've currently been touring with the likes of Tokyo Police Club lately, so it won't be long till they are on the radar. It's hard to describe the sound... it's synthy but not electronica, nor near the new rave movement that is MGMT... its got some guitar riffs, and a bit of pop sensibility. It's more 90s style sythh than 80s style like what seems to be the trend these days. The lead singer Charles F also has a voice like David Garza, which is also a plus in my book. Not to mention they have beards and moustaches.

MP3:
Winter Gloves - Factories


BTW, I'm having a little bandwith issues. so the older posted music might not work for the rest of the month. the new post s will, and everything will be back to normal come next week.

Freezepop .. a tasty treat.

Freezepop is quite possibly one of the happiest sounding bands I have ever heard, and were synthpop when synthpop wasn't cool. In fact, they are so cool, they are probably the only band ever to have songs on Both Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution. out of Boston Mass, the band consists of Liz Enthusiam, the duke of dutch pancakes, and the other Sean T. Drinkwater (who incidentally is a clone of the original Sean T. Drinkwater according to the band), and they have a new EP out calld Form Activity Motion.

Here's a new track from it.
Mp3:
Freezepop - Moons of Jupiter

and just for shits and giggles, they did the theme song to a character named Phillipe in the Achewood comic. Its so happy. Huuugs!

Mp3
Freezepop - Here comes a Special Boy

Oscar Hangover

The Academy Awards have came and went, and they weren't all that fabulous. Lots of singing and dancing, but only a few moments of real comedy... the Tina Fey/Steve martin Bit was good, and the Ben Stiller acting as Joaquin Phoenix bit was amusing. All in all, it was a little meh. And I feel sorry for Mickey Rourke having to lose to the ass clown that Sean Penn has become, but seriously when you wear a suit like this, they aren't gonna let you get on stage.



Regardless, I decided todays post would be movie related. .. here we go..

Lets start out with Nada Surf ... ok this song is a bit of a stretch, but I'm still doing it
Mp3:
Nada Surf - the film did not go round


Then we got a little Clem Snide (who's new album is released tomorrow) talking about movies that will never win an oscar... or an Emmy for that matter, but they will star Valeri Bertaneli. BTW, speaking of shouldn't be at the oscars, what the hell was Jennifer Grey doing there? I'm hoping they stuck her in the corner. For irony's sake.
Mp3:
Clem Snide - Made for TV Movie

... and that brings me to the red carpet... oh the paegentry that is the "Movie Star". Tell them Cracker.
Mp3:
Cracker - Movie Star


"Our life is not a movie or maybe" says Okkervil River. Which is true unless you are Harvey Milk, or any of the documentary subjects.
Mp3:
Okkervil River - Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe

Ok this is gonna be fun...
Have you read this book? Oh "this Book is a movie" by Spoon you say?
Mp3:
Spoon - This Book is a Movie

Yeah, "He Took Her To a Movie" ... but so did I.. We went to go see that one.
Mp3:
Ladytron - He took her to a movie

We went to the "Twin Cinema" .. It was pretty fabulous. The building that is... the movie kinda sucked...
Mp3:
New Pornographers - Twin Cinema

It was nothing special really... it had the typical "Movie Script Ending".
Mp3:
Death Cab for Cutie - A Movie Script Ending ( Acoustic Version)

I honestly couldn't wait for them to "Roll the Credits". which incidentally was the best part
Mp3:
P,B & J - Roll the Credits

because they had this awesome "Exit Music (for a Film)"...It was a Radiohead song, but it was done by Vampire Weekend.
Mp3:
Vampire Weekend - Exit Music (for a Film)

Covers Friday - Disney Girls gone Wild Edition

Ah, remember the days when the most scandalous thing about Disney actresses was the size of Annette Funicello's cans. Now we have these little lolitas running around flashing beavers, heading in and out of rehab, shaving all their hair off, peeing themselves on stage. They used to actually wait until their contract with Disney was over to go nuts, but now they are still doing it under contract... Girls like Miley Cyrus and Vannessa Hudgens can't wait to get naked and cause a stir.
So here is my salute to disney girls gone bad. Unfortunately not a lot of them ended up with really good songs...



So, we are starting off with the duchess Fergie, probably the oldest MMCGGW on the list... here she is doing "Barricuda" by Heart.
Mp3:
Fergie - Barricuda

Then of course there is the queen of insanity, Britney Spears. It's amazing but no matter how crazy she gets, she still sells. Here's Lily Allen doing a cover of her latest hit... "Womanizer"
Mp3:
Lily Allen - Womanizer (from sterogum)

and then we Yael Naim... a french israeli singer doing "Toxic" I like this version.
Mp3:
Yael Naim - Toxic

Who would have thunk Christina Aguilera would have been the least dirrty of them all. Not me... but here is the Zutons doing "Beautiful"
Mp3:
Zutons - Beautiful

Then there is Billy Ray's little girl who is destined for playboy.
Here's the Mai Shi doing Miley's "C u again"
Mp3:
The Mai Shi - See you again

and just for a little contrast, another Mickey Mouse club member, who is starting a successful acting career, has a great golf game, kills on SNL, and who's only blemishes are dating Brit, and exposing Janet's Boob. Here's the young Australian singer Gabriella Cilmi doing JT's "Cry me a River". Btw, I like this chick.. thx to Kellie for giving me the heads up on her.
Mp3:
Gabriella Cilmi - Cry me a River

Sometimes Trojans fit Nicely

So yeah, I've been meaning to post Radiohead performing "15 Step" at the Grammy awards with the help of the USC Trojan marching band. The Trojan Marching band is no stranger to stardom... One of the greatest Trumpet players of all time Herb Alpert is an alumni, They've been guest stars on "How I met your Mother" playing a marching band... but perhaps what started it all was performing with Fleetwood Mac on the title track to their double platinum album, Tusk.

Regardless, It's not often that a trojan makes things better, but they rocked the house with Radiohead...
Here's the Video and mp3

Video:


Mp3:

Radiohead - 15 Step (w USC Trojan Band)


and then here's the Fleetwood mac mp3 and video.

Mp3:

Fleetwood Mac - Tusk


Video:

Culture Reject should have no fear of rejection

Boon's recommended pick of the week is Toronto based Culture Reject... again, it's a solo project with a band name. All the rage these days. The project is the brainchild of Michael O'Connell, and once again although its a solo project, there are lots of people involved, and in my opinion, the backing vocals by Karri North make the album standout... along with the horns and the hand clap percussion. It's hard to explain exactly what they sound like... his voice is a lot like the guy from Modest Mouse, but other times the whole thing sounds like a bit more subdued Architecture in Helsinki or even a bit of Crimea. Anyways, the self titled album, Culture Reject, has quite a few enjoyable tracks, and around 5 standout tracks. here are a few.

Mp3:

Culture Reject - Inside The Cinema
Culture Reject - Oh Remain

oh and BTW, if you've ever seen Andrew Bird live, you know how weird yet amazing it is to watch one man put on a live show with tons of instruments and a loop pedal... Apparently Culture Reject is a fan of the loop pedal as well... here's a video of him performing at The Verge Studios

Jessica Lea Mayfield / Emily Elbert ...One more Cup of Coffeee for the Road

Yeah I quoted Bob Dylan on the title... and why not? Dylan was the epitomy of great songwriters, and today is a a slight departure from the recent posts, and has become bit of a songwriter showcase.... two young women with great burgeoning talent. I also chose that particular line for another reason. Both girls have that touch of jazz folk that would fit in at any coffee house. And as mature as their music sounds, amazingly both of them are only 19!... First off...

Jessica Lea Mayfield


Jessica Lea Mayfield is yet another Black Keys Protege. She's from Kent, Ohio, and somehow her demo album got into Dan Auerbach's hands. Sound Familiar? He seems to do that a lot. Regardless, she ended up as a guest Vocalist on Attack and Release, and on Dan's solo album Keep it Hid. And then he produced her breakthrough album With Blasphemy So Heartfelt... The Album is really good too... 70% of it I would consider awesome....She has such a fabulous sounding voice... Lying somewhere between the smokiness of Cat Power and the growl of Lucinda Williams, and she's bound to make it huge. Starbucks has already taken notice and put her on a compilation...

MP3:

Jessica Lea Mayfield - The One that I Love Best


And then there is... Emily Elbert


Emily Elbert hasn't quite got noticed by Starbucks yet, but give her some time. The former DFW teenager now calls Boston Home as she attends Berklee... But we are still gonna say she is Texas Music. Gotta give some luv to the D-F-dub. So anyway, another texas musician, my buddy Gabe Wootton tells me I need to check her out, and he's usually pretty good at spotting talent, so I do... and lo and behold she's perfect for today's post. Like Jessica she has a soulful jazzy voice bordering on country...reminiscent of early Norah Jones. She'll have a new EP out this year, but for now she's still pushing her debut album, Bright Side.

MP3:

Emily Elbert - Stars

Lily Allen is Just not that into you

How can you not love Lily Allen? Apparently lots have people have failed to love her, since she's had so many bitter breakups that provide fodder for the lyrics to some of her best songs. Hateful lyrics hidden behind a catchy pop tune is a totally fantastic concept. It's like smiling politely and pretending to enjoy someone's company when you really want to rip their guts out. And they totally buy it.

On the latest album, It's not me, it's you, as the album suggests its more songs that made her who she is. And by the way, I totally think that Lily Allen could kick Katy Perry's ass. Considering Perry is the the cheap American knockoff of Allen, and not to mention more Clear Channel Friendly. She's like the Isla Fisher to Amy Adams. Almost the same person, but one of them is obviously more talented. But I digress...

I'm posting 2 of my favorite songs from the album. unfortunately I just found out that one of them is released as a single and is #1 in the UK right now. So I'm just going to stream that one. the other one will be available for download.


Listen : Lily Allen, "The Fear"






MP3: Removed

Covers Friday - Olivia Newton-John editiion

So we've had a bit of an 80's theme running this week due to all the synth pop. So why not pay tribute to the cultural and fashion icon of the 80s that is Olivia Newton-John.



Yeah, I used to think she was mega-hot. I blame Grease for that. I watched it far too many times. And some of the songs she sang were good.. and if not good amusing.

So lets start out with a live bootleg of Clem Snide doing "Hopelessly devoted to you". These guys have done some great live covers, and incidentally have a new album, Hungry Bird, out this month btw.

MP3:
Clem Snide - Hopelessly Devoted to You


then we have a little classic punk "reimagining" of "Summer Lovin'" by The Vandals


MP3:
The Vandals - Summer Lovin'


and then we have a little Texas/UK flavor. Houston Born, Essex Bred LightSpeed Champion doing Xanadu

MP3:
Lightspeed Champion - Xanadu

next, we have more UK flava with an excellent cover of "You're the One that I want" by a band called What would Jesus Drive.

MP3:
What Would Jesus Drive - You're The One That I Want


with the duo that is The Black Ghosts, doing the 80s classic "Let's get Physical" .. this is a bad ass cover. The video for the original is below

MP3:
The Black Ghosts - Let's Get Physical


BTW, this video below is the cornerstone of the 80's party throwback. Between this and Jennifer Beals' Flashdance character, this is what the kids today know about the 80s. Don't believe me... watch the Heidi Montag video for Overdosin' (although I totally don't recommend it because the song is horrible1). This below however is the real deal ONJ.

Beirut sings about prostitues... and crying ladies. Possibly the same person

Okay, bands like Cat Power and Ladyhawke really confuse me because they are really solo projects (Chan Marshall and Pip Brown respectively). Beirut is like that too. Supposedly it is the solo project of Zack Condon, a New Mexico native. But its kind of not, because he ususally has up to a 10 piece band with him. The newest album, a double EP called March of the Zapotec/Holland goes both ways. the first EP is recorded with a Mexican band. A 19-piece Mexican band!. The second disc is Basically Condon by himself, with heavy synth beats and loops, giving it quite the 80s sound. I'm posting two songs with great song names. "La Llorona" for the Mexican ep because it reminds me of home and it's awesome. and "My Night with the Prostitute from Marselle", because it sounds good, fits in with the 80s theme from yesterday. And its about a hooker.

MP3:
Beirut - La Llorona

Beirut - My Night with a Prostitute From Marselle




BTW, I've decided that I tend to like these things more often than not:
Trumpets
chick Singers
Eastern European/Mexican Influenced music.
Blues Guitars
Cover Songs

I'll try and break the cycle. If you are a band that has all of these above... please send me your stuff and I'll be giddy as a schoolgirl.

Pirate vs Ninja - Woodpigeon /Pete and the Pirates

In the red corner, representing the Ninjas and hailing from Alberta Canada, Woodpigeon.



They have a Grizzly Bear/ Sufjan Stevens kind of vibe, and this is my favorite song of lately just because: a) It's called "Death By Ninja ( A Love Song)" and b) The lyrics are about going to ninja school to learn how to kill from a sensei named Doug. The new ep is La Commission Scolaire...

MP3:

Woodpigeon - Death By Ninja ( A Love Song)


In the Blue Corner, representing the Pirates, from the UK, we have the band Pete and the Pirates!



They have a sound like they want to be the Kaiser Chiefs... its a pop punk kind of thing, and this song is particularly catchy. Their debut album is called Little Death.

MP3:

Pete and the Pirates - Come on Feet



I think the Ninjas won this one btw

Lisa Hannigan the Irish rose

A pretty Irish lass with a sultry smokey voice. It reminds me a lot of Emma Pollock's voice, even though she's from Scotland and comparing an Irish woman to a scottish one is probably sacrilege. Regardless, Lisa Hannigan hails from Dublin, and she's been doing backing vocals for Damian Rice for a while now. But that's over, and Sea Sew is her first solo outing, and it's a damn good one. In fact, I believe she's nominated for best Irish album of 2008 (to be announced in March). It just released in the states. Have a listen.

Mp3: removed
Listen

Covers Friday - Cure edition /Lady Sov

It seems there is a tribute album to the cure coming out... which is fine and good, but it basically reminded me that...



yeah my favorite Mighty Midget Lady Sovereign has a new album coming out in
April... this is the second track that leaked and it's basically a cover of The Cure's "Close to me", and I don't have an MP3 yet, but I had to share via the stream. Here's a pic of the lovely lady too.


Listen: Lady Sov, "So Human"


But wait there's more... Cure covers that is...

Why? does a pretty good version of "Close to Me"

MP3:

Why? - Close to Me

and then there is this cover from the Watson Twins' Fire Songs album....

Mp3:

Watson Twins - Just like Heaven

and speaking of that song, the new Cure tribute Album is called Just Like Heaven: A tribute to the Cure. Here are a couple of tracks off of it.

Mp3:

Submarines - Boys Don't Cry

Kitty Karlisle - In Between Days

Arkells - What r they all aboot eh?

The Canadian Invasion continues. The Arkells are from Ontario, and they released their Jackson Square album last year. Boon suggested I check these guys out and I was impressed. There are quite a few standout tracks on the album... It's hard to describe their sound.. I would say it's Killers with a smidgeon of Kings of Leon, and maybe a dash of drive by truckers. An indie rock, bluesy country feel, dependent on the track you pick. I picked "Oh, the Boss is coming" which is ironic cause by boss just came into my office mid post creation. Luckily I have lightning quick mouse reflexes.

Mp3:

Arkells - Oh, the Boss is Coming!


oh and in other Tony Romo/Jessica Simpson news... Seems like Tony didn't like Jessica's recent weight gain and decided to cheat on her.. . in her bed... at least that's how the rumors go. Personally I think he was hoping she would just join in. Anyways, I heard this song by Mike Viola today and I decided it was appropriate for them.

Mp3:

Mike Viola - A Way to Say Goodbye (live)

Double Post:: Little Joy / Kate Micucci Strokes and Scrubs

Part 1: Little Joy



I think I must really love The Strokes. I keep getting drawn to their Side projects... I've already posted Julian Casablancas, Albert Hammond, Jr., and now Fabrizio Moretti's new project Little Joy. What I've heard of f the self-titled album I've really liked. Its good to know that even if the new strokes record isn't good, we have so many awesome side project follow ups to look forward to.. And btw, Awesome beards seem to be dominant on this blog.

mp3:
Little Joy No One's Better Sake

Part 2:
Kate Micucci



So yeah, I saw scrubs last night, and saw the cutest ukulele player in the world. I had to know more. Turns out it was Kate Micucci, one half of the duo Garfunkel & Oates. Quite Possibly the best band name ever. I started listening to her stuff, and it's pretty amusing, yet catchy. It makes me happy. She's on my one to watch list now.. and I may have a lil crush.
Visit her website for more stuff...

mp3:
Kate Micucci - Mr Moon

youtube:
Garfunkel & Oates performing F*ck You

Hacienda ...San Antonio's got the blues

The Spurs have left town for their Rodeo Road Trip, so they are probably sad down there in alamo-land. Luckily they have Hacienda to lift their spirits. They are my most current band crush... The quartet from San Antonio got discovered by the Black Key's frontman, Dan Auerbach, and eventually ended up finishing their debut album, Long is the Night, up in Akron. They have a bit of a blues feel and a bit of a 60s retro feel, but the best way to describe their sound is to quote Dan Auerbach... "Mexican Americans who are obsessed with the Beach Boys". They sound like that.

BTW, they are currently on tour with their mentor Dan Auerbach, so if they come to your town give them a listen.

Mp3:

Hacienda - She's got a hold of me

Titus Andronicus making the bard proud

So yeah, I guess I'm a day late and a dollar short on this one... literally... I heard Titus Andronicus for the first time last week, and I liked what I heard. So I decided I'd look today to see when they were playing in town... turned out they played a show Saturday at Club Dada. and I totally missed out. Stupid Bob. Anyways, they are a band out of Jersey, and I guess they are touring with Los Campensinos! which is probably a great show, so catch it when it comes to your town. Yeah the album is called Airing your Grievances and the song I picked was "No Future Part 2: The Day after No Future".

Mp3:

Titus Andronicus - No Future Pt2: The Day After No Future