Songbird
Jan
2
Happy New Year
Filed Under Music Mix Up, The Lists | 5 Comments
Rather than posting a long list of some of my favorite tracks I thought I would post one of my favorite songs of 2008 that I have not posted on Untitled Records this year. It is from the always beautiful Aimee Mann , since hearing her in Magnolia, I have had a sweet spot for her graceful intimate songs. This song is far too short and I never want it to end I could listen to it over and over again, and I do.
Happy New Year, even though I am a day late… Looking forward to 2009 and all the wonderful music and film that this new year will bring. Cheers!
@#%&*! Smilers 2008
Aimee Mann on myspace
Dec
23
Contrast Podcast Festive Fifty
Filed Under Music Mix Up | 2 Comments
I am compiling a list of some of my favorite songs of 2008 unfortunately it is taking me a little while… Plus I have so many I think I may have to do something different this year. We will see. Expect that over the Holidays.
I have not participated in the Contrast Podcast for quite some time but when I heard Tim was going to do the Festive Fifty I decided to jump on it. The Festive Fifty is awesome because quite frankly I had some catching up to do, it got me to sit down and listen to some tracks I had previously ignored or just had not gotten to yet. When Tim asked if I would be open to introducing one of the songs, I thought what the hell!
Then he told me what song it was… Devotchka. My first thought was, have I even heard their band name pronounced? No… Shit. Research time. It pretty much sounds just as it is spelled but it still got me nervous. Anyways, go wander over to the Contrast Podcast and check out Part 1 and then Part 2 of Festive Fifty. I know you will enjoy. :-)
#32 on the CP’s Festive Fifty List:
A Mad Faithful Telling 2008 (Anti)
P.S. Happy Hanukkah!
Dec
19
Favorite Albums of 2008
Filed Under Album Picks, The Lists | 6 Comments
I wasn’t sure I would get through it, there was some anguish and a little squirming but this is simply because I am terribly indecisive. This year was filled with some amazing debut albums and some solid albums from some of the great veterans. The following list is in no particular order and I do hope you enjoy. Thanks to Scott for helping me with the above image, he did in 10 min what I could do in 2 hours.
Santogold (Lizard King Records)
mp3: My Superman
Santogold’s debut was so diverse, each song adds yet another layer to the album. It was so difficult to choose a favorite song, there is something for everyone on this album. You can bet I will be enjoying it for years to come.
For Emma, Forever Ago (Jagjaguwar)
mp3:Â Flume
I realize Bon Iver will be present on many lists, it is no surprise. It should not be left out because it is popular. It is an awesome album and one worthy to be included on as many lists as possible. I fall in love with it a little more with each listen.
Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down (Cherry Tree Records)
mp3:Â Hold My Hand As I’m Lowered
I came to know Noah and the Whale last year around this time through fellow mp3 blogger To Die By Your Side. They will charm you with their dark acoustic folk. This album should definitely be heard from the beginning to the end, it was so difficult choosing a favorite to share, it is all so good.
Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust (Beggars XL)
mp3: Innà mér syngur vitleysingur
The majestic sounds of this amazing Icelandic band continue to inspire on this fifth full length album. Sigur Ros never seems to disappoint. There is no other word to describe it other than: beautiful.
The Midnight Organ Fight (Fat Cat Records)
mp3:Â The Modern Leper
I love The Midnight Organ Fight. Frightened Rabbit have a sound entirely their own with hazy rock accompanying singer Scott Hutchison belting out dark, honest lyrics. This album is so very well done.
mp3:Â Metal Heart
When I hear Chan Marshall sing I can’t function… She infuses so much soul into every one of her songs. This album is filled with Chan Marshall’s interpretation of some long loved songs and as always it is fantastic. ***I know I have posted this song before but unfortunately I can not post one of her covers without getting an email or threat from the Web Sheriff…
Parc Avenue (Secret City Records)
This Canadian born band definitely got my attention with their full length debut. This album is filled with 70’s rock inspired pop that you can’t help but dance to.
mp3: Lost Coastlines
The Stand Ins is the sequel to last years The Stage Names. This album really grew on me, at first I thought it had one or two great songs on it but upon further listen the album as a whole is memorable with creative novelistic lyrics and toe tapping indie rock.
House With No Home (Kill Rock Stars)
mp3:Â Â Curs In The Weeds
This second album from this brother and sister duo is brilliant. It is an album filled with hushed vocals and gorgeous acoustic melodies that are so delicate. It is really a pleasure all the way through.
Friendly Fires (XL Recordings)
mp3:Â Jump In The Pool
This album was another excellent surprise, this UK based band busted on the scene with their soaring pop and funky grooving debut. This album is brilliant from top to bottom.
Dec
9
Department of Eagles
Filed Under Album Picks | 1 Comment
Just listening tonight…
mp3: In Ear Park
In Ear Park 2008 (4AD)
Department of Eagles on myspace
Available at Amazon and eMusic
Dec
3
I Could Use A Little Magic…
Filed Under Album Picks | Leave a Comment
A magic carpet ride. *Sigh*
It was a rough day… My job would be great if all I did was check artwork for print and I didn’t have to worry about communicating with the clients. Trying to explain printing to someone who has no idea how it works is tiring, unfortunately that is about 95% of the population… Which is something I need to remind myself everyday. So in case you couldn’t tell I needed a little pick me up after work… The first thing I went for was the debut album from Ladyhawke, it is the perfect get off of work album as I go barreling down the highway singing along at the top of my lungs… It is awesome. I am not the biggest fan of the 80’s, but Ladyhawke manages to encompass all the things that were actually cool about that colorful decade. Unfortunately I have one major concern… Where is Pip Brown going to go from here? It will be hard to get too excited over another throw back to the 80’s album if she doesn’t give us her interpretation… Now that being said, damn it if this album doesn’t just make me want to get up and dance. It kicks some serious 80’s ass!
mp3: Magic
mp3:Â Crazy World
Ladyhawke 2008 (Modular)
Ladyhawke on myspace
Album also available at eMusic
Nov
30
Hollywood Adventure Bites The Dust
Filed Under Album Picks | 2 Comments
MILK the new Gus Van Sant film was released this week at the ArcLight in Hollywood… Figured I would try to catch the 4PM showing today… Silly me. They closed down Sunset Blvd and Hollywood Blvd not to mention the surrounding streets for a parade! WTF? So I had to find out what Parade closed down the streets of Hollywood… It was the Hollywood Santa Parade 2008… WTF? Drove to Hollywood and got stuck in surface street traffic and missed the showing of a film I was looking forward to seeing all weekend long. Whatever, I feel somewhat to blame as they did have an announcement on the front page of the ArcLight website, although if you go through Google you wouldn’t see it anyway.
Needless to say I was quite pleased to return home to relax and enjoy my Sunday evening while listening to Lisa Hannigan. Lisa is darling and if I could I would love to put her in my pocket and have the ability to pull her out every opportunity to get a custom life soundtrack. I wonder if that sounds appealing to Lisa Hannigan? Probably not. Hannigan has been accompanying Damien Rice on stage and in studio for the better first half of her career, she has recently released her solo debut Sea Sew and it is a wonderful. I look forward to hearing more from her in the future, she is definitely someone I plan on keeping my eye on. She just recently signed with ATO Records but the album itself has been available through iTunes and eMusic for awhile now. She was also just featured on the Nov. 20th episode of Grey’s Anatomy.
mp3:Â Sea Song
mp3:Â Lille
Sea Sew 2008 (ATO Records)
Album available here
Nov
23
Sweet Sweet Daniel Martin Moore
Filed Under Album Picks | 5 Comments
*Sigh*
*Bats eye lashes and blushes*
Daniel Martin Moore creates simple acoustic indie/folk which stirs the heart and relaxes the soul… Seriously I am not kidding. I am like a puddle on the floor when I listen to him. His debut album is dreamy and I couldn’t think of a better album to get lost in on this crisp Sunday evening.
mp3: Stray Age
mp3: My Dream
Stray Age 2008 (Sub Pop Records)
Album available at Amazon
Nov
18
Santogold’s Debut
Filed Under Album Picks | 2 Comments
It has taken me awhile to grasp this debut album by Santogold, Santi White is the unique voice behind this amazing debut album. White draws on so many influences on this album and does a damn good job of mixing it all together into a new unique sound. It is the strong bass rhythms that drive most of the songs that got my interest from the start and the album is solid from the opening track L.E.S. Artistes to Creator (vs. Switch and FreQ Nasty) to Anne. Santi White teams up with old band mate John Hill, together they mix Hip- Hop, Reggae, Indie- Rock, Pop and electronic… And it is just brilliant.
P.S. This was one of the hardest song picks I have ever had to do and I have been doing this for 2+ years.
mp3: L.E.S. Artistes
mp3: Creator (vs. Switch and FreQ Nasty)
Santogold 2008 (Lizard King)
Album available at Amazon and eMusic
Nov
13
Stars How I Love Thee
Filed Under Album Picks | Leave a Comment
They just get better and better… I mean there is something so tender about their music. This is an achingly dreary EP with a live version of an older song of theirs, Going, Going, Gone. The EP is a mix of a little electronica along with some beautiful soaring rock melodies like the stand out track, A Thread Cut With A Carving Knife. The only hiccup on this 6 song self released EP is 14 Forever, which is a good single but just seemed out of place to me… Regardless the EP is a nice treat from this fantastic Montreal based band.
P.S. Please do support the band buy purchasing Sad Robot directly from the band as they have taken a departure from their record label Arts & Crafts for this digital release. Enjoy!
mp3: Going, Going, Gone (Live Version)
Sad Robots EP 2008
Stars on myspace
Nov
10
Aaron Thomas, Follow The Elephants
Filed Under Album Picks | 3 Comments
Oh man…
*sigh*
I woke up this morning and did not want to get out of bed. I was far from happy this morning. Mondays suck and I always feel like there should be one more day off for all… Just one freaking day.
I think I am bored at my job though, sick of it really. I definitely need a break though… A couple more weeks and then it is Turkey time! Four glorious days off. Sweetness.
Anyways I hope everyone accepted their Monday a little better than I, now on to the music… Aaron Thomas is really something else, stumbled on him while trolling though the pages of eMusic recently. Thomas is a singer-songwriter with a bit of a folk like flare accompanied by emotional lyrics. Although he is a bit aloof, as he only seems to have a myspace page, if I were a record label I would be all over his nuts like a squirrel looking for acorns.
mp3: Aw C’mon
Follow The Elephants 2008 (?) Possibly Everlasting Records is his record label which he claims on his myspace but they don’t have a website that is up to date, so I don’t trust it.
Album available at eMusic
Disclaimer
Music found on this blog is for sampling only. If you like what you hear then support the artist. Buy their music, attend a show and spread the word. If you own the rights to any of the music featured here and you would like me to remove it contact me and I will remove the link immediately.
Click the
tag to listen, right click the song title to save. If you find that an mp3 is not playing chances are it has expired.
Contact
Rachel - Music, FilmAggregator Love
