Even though we're focused on posting about all of the top 40(+2), this was too good to pass up. It's from Pitchfork's newest section Forkcast, which is pretty much a music blog.
Hah! A salvageable tangent! This samples Top 40(+2) #3 'A Sweet Summer Night on Hammer Hill'.
Pitchfork: Forkcast: "WTF: Rapper's Delight Club: 'When We Were Kids' [MP3]
On the feel-good scale, the Maryland-based Rapper's Delight Club gets a 10.0 every time. We were introduced to these pint-sized rhyme-slingers and their mentor (high school teacher David Goldberg) last July when the fledgling crew served up some pretty sick verses over a Sufjan Stevens sample on a jam called 'First Ladies Anthem'.
Now these grammar schoolers are back with new rhymes, new samples, and a new two-part zinger called 'When We Were Kids'. Boasting flow well beyond these kids' years-- and, as before, indie savvy-- the tune samples the Motown-bred trumpet bounce of Jens Lekman's 'A Sweet Summer's Night on Hammer Hill'.
DOWNLOAD Rapper's Delight Club - When we were kids Version 1
DOWNLOAD: Version 2.
It's stuffed with hysterical verses-- including lines like 'I free people like Frederick Douglass/ I eat other rappers like some chicken nuggets'-- and a damned catchy chorus, and if it doesn't make your heart grow three sizes today, you're probably dead and/or Donald Trump."
Monday, January 15, 2007
Sunday, January 14, 2007
2006 Top 40(+2)
The Top 40 songs of 2006:
These are the songs that lodged themselves in my head and in my life this year. For those of you that work with me, you’ve no doubt heard a badly sung version of every single one of these.
Without further rambling, my Top 40(+2) of the Year:
1. Crazy – Gnarls Barkley
Everyone's favorite of 2006, possibly? Post.
2. I Wish I Could See You Soon – Herman Dune
Swedish pop sweetness. Post.
3. Sweet Summer’s Night on Hammer Hill – Jens Lekman
Swedish sweetness that goes 'bum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-dum-dum-dum' during a drunken woozy dancing house party.
4. We’re from Barcelona – I’m From Barcelona
Swedish innocence with cuteness in abundance. Everyone can be friends, if we don't take ourselves too seriously.
5. Star Witness – Neko Case
Alt-country noir from the biggest best belting voice in alternative music.
6. Pata Pata – Miriam Makeba
A 40 year-old world music gem from a South African block party. Saw her in Zurich on her farewell tour.
7. Love Generation – Bob Sinclair
Sundrenched balaeric dance pandemonium. A favorite of the Soul Brunch crew.
8. Lived in Bars – Cat Power
Another chanteuse, backed by memphis horns. See her live when you have the chance.
9. Alone Again Or – Calexico
High-desert Southwestern rollicking but heartbreaking cover of an Arthur Love classic.
10. Young Folks – Peter, Bjorn and John
The whistling song on Grey's Anatomy. The song I whistled while... never mind.
11. Never Went to Church - Streets
English rapper Mike Skinner's eulogy for his dad. Can I bring a tear to your eye.
12. Lazy Eye – Silversun Pickups
Sure they sound a lot like the Smashing Pumpkins. But this *rocks*.
13. Don’t Feel Like Dancing – Scissor Sisters
We could all use a little more flamboyantly gay songs in our life.
14. You Are the Generation That Bought More Shoes – Johnny Boy
Phil Spector girl group production = pure pop moments.
15. Music is Power – Richard Ashcroft
Curtis Mayfield sampling Britpop. One of the few 'deep' songs on this list.
16. Sun Comes in Circles – Brice Frillici
From out of nowhere, Beach Boys by way of the Mission District
17. Chewing Gum – Hey Willpower f. Annie
A total tart of a pop song for those of us who are over Gwen, Fergie & Xtina.
18. Steal Yr Face – Bobby Birdman
Downtempo. Stolen melodies from a fellow Portlander.
19. Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken – Camera Obscura
Straight ahead alternative pop song. I mean this in the best possible way.
20. So Far We Are – French Kicks
Brooklyn hipster's disaffected anthem. Post.
21. Made Up Love Song #43 – Guillemots
London hipster's besotted spellbound joyous hymn. Post.
22. Spoon Me – Ohm
Digital Swedish goodness. Toes the line between 80s new wave and something newer and better.
23. Phantom Limb – The Shins
A grower, for shore. It won't change your life like in Garden State, but may lead to a slight improvement in it.
24. Northern Lites – Super Furry Animals
Summertime horns and salsa beat from, erm, insane Welshmen.
25. Parentheses – The Blow
Another grower. Sweet handholding from a couple more Portlanders.
26. Do the Whirlwind – Architecture from Helsinki
Eclectic Australians wander all over the place but never stray from a good melody.
27. Treehouse – I’m From Barcelona
Eclectic Swedes (not Barcelonans) sing the joys of bringing someone back to your treehouse. Not a metaphor.
28. Teenage Feeling – Neko Case
That voice again. Remember the way it used to feel? Let's find it again.
29. Wildcat (E*vax mix) - Ratatat
Slightly more uptempo mix of the arena 'snarling cat' electro classic.
30. Eanie Meany – Jim Noir
The Adidas world cup song.
31. Jogging – Islands
More alternative pop goodness from the former Unicorns.
32. Happy Birthday, Dear Friend – Jens Lekman
Second appearance in the top 40 for Jens' wonderfilled, sweet guileless goodness.
33. Come to Me – Koop
Jazziest, smoothest laid-back lounge number of the year.
34. He Knows the Sun – Legends
Crap! More Swedes. And, predictably, more synthpop melody.
35. Steady As She Goes – The Raconteurs
36. One Night – Brothers and Sisters/By Your Side – Beachwood Sparks
One's a Sade cover done Easy California rock style, the other its more indie twin.
37. Chinese Translation – M Ward
A blues number that asks questions than loops the story back into itself.
38. Dancing with Myself – Nouvelle Vague
Brazilian-tinged lounge cover of the Billy Idol classic.
39. Kelly – Van She
Might well have been lifted out of a John Hughes 80s movie.
40. America – Razorlight
In a year of bands second more serious albums, Britpop wasn't left out.
41. Gold Lion – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Karen O rocks my world. Such charisma. Such pipes.
42. That Old Pair of Jeans – Fatboy Slim
In which DJ Norman Cook looks for that uplifting post-break up song.
These are the songs that lodged themselves in my head and in my life this year. For those of you that work with me, you’ve no doubt heard a badly sung version of every single one of these.
Without further rambling, my Top 40(+2) of the Year:
1. Crazy – Gnarls Barkley
Everyone's favorite of 2006, possibly? Post.
2. I Wish I Could See You Soon – Herman Dune
Swedish pop sweetness. Post.
3. Sweet Summer’s Night on Hammer Hill – Jens Lekman
Swedish sweetness that goes 'bum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-dum-dum-dum' during a drunken woozy dancing house party.
4. We’re from Barcelona – I’m From Barcelona
Swedish innocence with cuteness in abundance. Everyone can be friends, if we don't take ourselves too seriously.
5. Star Witness – Neko Case
Alt-country noir from the biggest best belting voice in alternative music.
6. Pata Pata – Miriam Makeba
A 40 year-old world music gem from a South African block party. Saw her in Zurich on her farewell tour.
7. Love Generation – Bob Sinclair
Sundrenched balaeric dance pandemonium. A favorite of the Soul Brunch crew.
8. Lived in Bars – Cat Power
Another chanteuse, backed by memphis horns. See her live when you have the chance.
9. Alone Again Or – Calexico
High-desert Southwestern rollicking but heartbreaking cover of an Arthur Love classic.
10. Young Folks – Peter, Bjorn and John
The whistling song on Grey's Anatomy. The song I whistled while... never mind.
11. Never Went to Church - Streets
English rapper Mike Skinner's eulogy for his dad. Can I bring a tear to your eye.
12. Lazy Eye – Silversun Pickups
Sure they sound a lot like the Smashing Pumpkins. But this *rocks*.
13. Don’t Feel Like Dancing – Scissor Sisters
We could all use a little more flamboyantly gay songs in our life.
14. You Are the Generation That Bought More Shoes – Johnny Boy
Phil Spector girl group production = pure pop moments.
15. Music is Power – Richard Ashcroft
Curtis Mayfield sampling Britpop. One of the few 'deep' songs on this list.
16. Sun Comes in Circles – Brice Frillici
From out of nowhere, Beach Boys by way of the Mission District
17. Chewing Gum – Hey Willpower f. Annie
A total tart of a pop song for those of us who are over Gwen, Fergie & Xtina.
18. Steal Yr Face – Bobby Birdman
Downtempo. Stolen melodies from a fellow Portlander.
19. Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken – Camera Obscura
Straight ahead alternative pop song. I mean this in the best possible way.
20. So Far We Are – French Kicks
Brooklyn hipster's disaffected anthem. Post.
21. Made Up Love Song #43 – Guillemots
London hipster's besotted spellbound joyous hymn. Post.
22. Spoon Me – Ohm
Digital Swedish goodness. Toes the line between 80s new wave and something newer and better.
23. Phantom Limb – The Shins
A grower, for shore. It won't change your life like in Garden State, but may lead to a slight improvement in it.
24. Northern Lites – Super Furry Animals
Summertime horns and salsa beat from, erm, insane Welshmen.
25. Parentheses – The Blow
Another grower. Sweet handholding from a couple more Portlanders.
26. Do the Whirlwind – Architecture from Helsinki
Eclectic Australians wander all over the place but never stray from a good melody.
27. Treehouse – I’m From Barcelona
Eclectic Swedes (not Barcelonans) sing the joys of bringing someone back to your treehouse. Not a metaphor.
28. Teenage Feeling – Neko Case
That voice again. Remember the way it used to feel? Let's find it again.
29. Wildcat (E*vax mix) - Ratatat
Slightly more uptempo mix of the arena 'snarling cat' electro classic.
30. Eanie Meany – Jim Noir
The Adidas world cup song.
31. Jogging – Islands
More alternative pop goodness from the former Unicorns.
32. Happy Birthday, Dear Friend – Jens Lekman
Second appearance in the top 40 for Jens' wonderfilled, sweet guileless goodness.
33. Come to Me – Koop
Jazziest, smoothest laid-back lounge number of the year.
34. He Knows the Sun – Legends
Crap! More Swedes. And, predictably, more synthpop melody.
35. Steady As She Goes – The Raconteurs
36. One Night – Brothers and Sisters/By Your Side – Beachwood Sparks
One's a Sade cover done Easy California rock style, the other its more indie twin.
37. Chinese Translation – M Ward
A blues number that asks questions than loops the story back into itself.
38. Dancing with Myself – Nouvelle Vague
Brazilian-tinged lounge cover of the Billy Idol classic.
39. Kelly – Van She
Might well have been lifted out of a John Hughes 80s movie.
40. America – Razorlight
In a year of bands second more serious albums, Britpop wasn't left out.
41. Gold Lion – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Karen O rocks my world. Such charisma. Such pipes.
42. That Old Pair of Jeans – Fatboy Slim
In which DJ Norman Cook looks for that uplifting post-break up song.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Top 40(+2) Herman Dune - I Wish That I Could See You Soon
#2 Herman Dune - I Wish That I Could See You Soon
The band Herman Dune first came to my attention via a YouTube clip of the 'In progress' version of this video(Watch it: here). In that version, you could see the green screen people holding the letters and the green screen steps.
The guileless unaffected geekiness of that version just seemed to match the song's innocence and hopeful hopelessness much better than the finished spot with visual effects.
Hearing this song now makes me want to wear pornj (hot pink+orange, for the non-disorienteers on this site), let my hair recede further and dance like only a gangly scrawny white guy can dance.
So much to love here: the white-boy trumpet, the clean chords on David Dune's guitar, the way that way that they call the back-up singers 'Angels' and actually prompt for them by name. Has anyone ever answered, "Do you really think she'll wait for you?" more happy-go-luckily than "I have no way to say and there is nothing I can do" than Herman Dune?
What good-hearted person couldn't like this song?
Side bar: what is it about the Swedes that make them such great creators of perfect pop music? And why does the combination of neutral accents and slight imperfection of their English diction create such a charming mix? Witness the way they sing, "AndI'mlike/ the sooner the better, do you/really think she'll wait for you?". What native English speakers would've broken the 'do you' away from the next line and isn't it all the more charming for it?
And while we lived, loved and laughed to 'Crazy' all year long, this'll be the song we put on every mix cd we make for every new crush for the next 10 years, and the song from this list most likely to be played at my wedding, if/when that ever happens.
I'm guessing if there were a 'times played' feature on YouTube that I'd have played the in-progress video over a 100 times in the last 3 months of 2006.
I'm pretty sure that the tip of the hat goes to Swedish music focused mp3 blog, Swedes Please. Head over there and know that they provide the perfect pop goodness, duty-free.
Also, take a look at Herman Dune, live, acoustic and doing laundry on the Concert a Emptor from La Blogoteque, here. 'I Wish' begins at 3:26 of the clip.
#2 Herman Dune - I Wish That I Could See You Soon
The band Herman Dune first came to my attention via a YouTube clip of the 'In progress' version of this video(Watch it: here). In that version, you could see the green screen people holding the letters and the green screen steps.
The guileless unaffected geekiness of that version just seemed to match the song's innocence and hopeful hopelessness much better than the finished spot with visual effects.
Hearing this song now makes me want to wear pornj (hot pink+orange, for the non-disorienteers on this site), let my hair recede further and dance like only a gangly scrawny white guy can dance.
So much to love here: the white-boy trumpet, the clean chords on David Dune's guitar, the way that way that they call the back-up singers 'Angels' and actually prompt for them by name. Has anyone ever answered, "Do you really think she'll wait for you?" more happy-go-luckily than "I have no way to say and there is nothing I can do" than Herman Dune?
What good-hearted person couldn't like this song?
Side bar: what is it about the Swedes that make them such great creators of perfect pop music? And why does the combination of neutral accents and slight imperfection of their English diction create such a charming mix? Witness the way they sing, "AndI'mlike/ the sooner the better, do you/really think she'll wait for you?". What native English speakers would've broken the 'do you' away from the next line and isn't it all the more charming for it?
And while we lived, loved and laughed to 'Crazy' all year long, this'll be the song we put on every mix cd we make for every new crush for the next 10 years, and the song from this list most likely to be played at my wedding, if/when that ever happens.
I'm guessing if there were a 'times played' feature on YouTube that I'd have played the in-progress video over a 100 times in the last 3 months of 2006.
I'm pretty sure that the tip of the hat goes to Swedish music focused mp3 blog, Swedes Please. Head over there and know that they provide the perfect pop goodness, duty-free.
Also, take a look at Herman Dune, live, acoustic and doing laundry on the Concert a Emptor from La Blogoteque, here. 'I Wish' begins at 3:26 of the clip.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Top 40(+2) in pictures: Guillemots/French Kicks
Picture (c) Amy Whitehouse
Today's tracks are a study in contrasts.
There's #20: French Kicks - So Far We Are immediately followed by #21: The Guillemots - Made Up Love Song #43 (their numeral or ranking not mine).
So Far We Are - launches with spaced-out repetitive chiming chords and then drums straight out of 'Bullet the Blue Sky' - all pulse-quickening snare and bass drum kicks. Anthemic is the word we like to use. Punch your fists to the sky in time to the music.
But... but... but the Brooklyn band scuttles it all with mewling half-felt lyrics, punctuated with the completely unrabble-rousing, "It's alright? Alright."
And instead of flying too close to the sun, the song fizzles along and gives a desultory hipster finger to the need to soar. In a year in which my passions and energy were largely conflicted and rejiggering, or more positively, shall we say, preparing for a great 2007, So Far We Are hit the mark more than I'd care to admit.
On the opposite side of that emotional state: Guillemots - Made Up Love Song #43.
"I love you through sparks and shining dragons, i do,
now there's poetry, in an empty coke can.
I love you through sparks and shining dragons, i do,
now there's majesty, in a burnt out caravan."
Builds up through a hopeful first verse. Almost as if he's telling this to a girl he's met and really likes, and doesn't know how she'll how she'll respond. The first chorus ends with
"I love you I don't think you care..."
And then the music builds through the next verse - much more hopeful but the Guillemot's crush is still keeping him in suspense.
Until the soaring final chorus lets him off the hook. In fact, it lashes the hook to some fireworks and lets them light up the night sky. Joyous reaching for the stars ensues. Lloyd Dobler bowing to each of the four winds in thanks as he leaves after a wondrous first date with Diane Court.
Perfectly capturing that moment when you find out that the girl you secretly hope likes you actually *does* like you back.
And then the coda. Holding her tight and whispering back
"Yes, I believe you. Yes, I believe you. Yes, I believe you..."
It's such a rare and wonderful and intoxicating way to feel, isn't it? We should always be so lucky.
thanks again to Amy Whitehouse for the great shot of French Kicks. please visit here at AmyWhitehouse.com.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
WE ARE THE CHoMPIONS
queen we are the champions
Top 40(+2) Mp3 related posting to restart as soon as I a) sober up and b) stop yelling "IT'S GREAT! TO BE! A FLO-RI-DA GATOR!"
Top 40(+2) Mp3 related posting to restart as soon as I a) sober up and b) stop yelling "IT'S GREAT! TO BE! A FLO-RI-DA GATOR!"
Monday, January 08, 2007
GO GATORS! BEAT tOSU!
We interrupt our regularly (shutup) scheduled music blogging for something a whole lot more important: football.
Thanks to Stewart Mandel for giving me a slight music tangent.
SI.com - Scorecard - College Football Blog: Last Words Before the Showdown: "∙ Florida Coach Meyer revealed Sunday that he’s a big Jimmy Buffet fan -- it’s the only thing on his CD player. For some reason, I can totally picture that."
Thanks to Stewart Mandel for giving me a slight music tangent.
SI.com - Scorecard - College Football Blog: Last Words Before the Showdown: "∙ Florida Coach Meyer revealed Sunday that he’s a big Jimmy Buffet fan -- it’s the only thing on his CD player. For some reason, I can totally picture that."
Friday, January 05, 2007
Soundtrackin' the Top 40 in Pictures, with Amy Whiteheat
Readers,
The fabulous music photographer and disorient friend Amy Whitehouse has been so kind as to volunteer her amazing live photos to help us liven up the Top 40(+2). We're deeply indebted to her visual skills. If you've need of some pictures, please give her a shout at amy (at) amywhitehouse d.o.t. com.
First up, our #1 mp3 of the year, Gnarls Barkley's Crazy.
You know the song. You lived the song. You've got 20 covers of the song. Hell, your mom knows the song.
Its ubiquity creates a certain futility in trying to link Crazy to a specific memory. Crazy went everywhere *you* went. So, just think back to that time that you and I went to that place, y'know that one just over there, and that's what Crazy soundtracked this year.
All photos (c) Amy Whitehouse. Visit her at her website: AmyWhitehouse.com
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Music of the Hemispheres - New York Times
Very interesting article about how our brains process music. Not as scientific as it may seem offhand.
Ah..... Dopamine.
Music of the Hemispheres - New York Times: "Observing 13 subjects who listened to classical music while in an M.R.I. machine, the scientists found a cascade of brain-chemical activity. First the music triggered the forebrain, as it analyzed the structure and meaning of the tune. Then the nucleus accumbus and ventral tegmental area activated to release dopamine, a chemical that triggers the brain’s sense of reward.
The cerebellum, an area normally associated with physical movement, reacted too, responding to what Dr. Levitin suspected was the brain’s predictions of where the song was going to go. As the brain internalizes the tempo, rhythm and emotional peaks of a song, the cerebellum begins reacting every time the song produces tension (that is, subtle deviations from its normal melody or tempo).
“When we saw all this activity going on precisely in sync, in this order, we knew we had the smoking gun,” he said. “We’ve always known that music is good for improving your mood. But this showed precisely how it happens.”"
Ah..... Dopamine.
Music of the Hemispheres - New York Times: "Observing 13 subjects who listened to classical music while in an M.R.I. machine, the scientists found a cascade of brain-chemical activity. First the music triggered the forebrain, as it analyzed the structure and meaning of the tune. Then the nucleus accumbus and ventral tegmental area activated to release dopamine, a chemical that triggers the brain’s sense of reward.
The cerebellum, an area normally associated with physical movement, reacted too, responding to what Dr. Levitin suspected was the brain’s predictions of where the song was going to go. As the brain internalizes the tempo, rhythm and emotional peaks of a song, the cerebellum begins reacting every time the song produces tension (that is, subtle deviations from its normal melody or tempo).
“When we saw all this activity going on precisely in sync, in this order, we knew we had the smoking gun,” he said. “We’ve always known that music is good for improving your mood. But this showed precisely how it happens.”"
Thank you
195 Posts and 175 mp3s into our inaugural year, I'd like to thank everyone for reading and listening.
Sharing great music fills me with joy.
Big, big, big shout out to Sean Keener and Boots'n'all for hosting the files.
We're going to try to be a lil more reg'lar in the 2007.
Have a great and safe New Year's Eve.
m
Sharing great music fills me with joy.
Big, big, big shout out to Sean Keener and Boots'n'all for hosting the files.
We're going to try to be a lil more reg'lar in the 2007.
Have a great and safe New Year's Eve.
m
Friday, December 22, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Rolling Stone : The 100 Best Songs of 2006
Rolling Stone : The 100 Best Songs of 2006: "1 'Crazy' [Listen]
Gnarls Barkley
In a perfect world, Al Green could still sing collard-green soul gems like this one, but Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse stepped up with an instant classic, winning this year's 'Hey Ya!' award for the song nobody even pretended not to like. Everybody tried to cover it (our personal fave: the Raconteurs') -- but nobody can hit the chorus like Cee-Lo, and nobody ever will.
2 'Steady As She Goes' [Listen]
The Raconteurs
The first single from Brendan Benson and Jack White's garage-glam band was a perfect dirty sundae of fuzz-box stutter, metallic zoom and pop-chorale candy. It is also a good reason to hope the Raconteurs are no one-album project.
3 'Ridin'' [Listen]
Chamillionaire
The song least likely to be played in Drivers' Ed.: Chamillionaire dodges the cops, riding dirty with a car full of thugs who don't care where they're rolling or if they get there in one piece.
4 'What You Know' [Listen]
T.I.
T.I. gets majestic with bass and synth strings booming like your car just flipped the corner. What you know about that? T.I. knows all about that.
5 'Vans' [Listen]
The Pack
Bay Area MCs the Pack broke out with this sleek, bare-bones ode to midpriced sneakers. Words of warning: 'Lace 'em past the fourth hole, you some type of sucker.'
6 'Thunder on the Mountain' [Listen]
Bob Dylan
So that's how you bring sexy back! Dylan slaps on a cowboy hat and greases up his favorite Chuck Berry guitar riff, one step ahead of the apocalypse and one step behind Alicia Keys.
7 'Smile' [Listen]
Lily Allen
This deceptively named ditty was '06's most gloriously bitter breakup song: Part Mike Skinner, part Gwen Stefani, part Blondie, the young Allen defined her very own bratty, musically adventurous style on 'smile,' a reggae-lite platter about the joys of an ex's despair.
8 'Wamp Wamp (What It Do)' [Listen]
Clipse with Slim Thug
Best line: 'So proper/Hammertime gun-cocker.' But the lyrics aren't really the point here -- the cuckoo-for-coconuts Neptunes steel-drum beat is.
9 'Dimension' [Listen]
Wolfmother
Aussie guys dig out their big brothers' worn vinyl copy of Master of Reality and let the brain-bludgeon guitars off the chain.
10 'Ooh La La' [Listen]
Goldfrapp
The kind of groovy dance number Kylie used to write, full of steamy, sweaty vocals and a fierce Sixties vamp."
Gnarls Barkley
In a perfect world, Al Green could still sing collard-green soul gems like this one, but Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse stepped up with an instant classic, winning this year's 'Hey Ya!' award for the song nobody even pretended not to like. Everybody tried to cover it (our personal fave: the Raconteurs') -- but nobody can hit the chorus like Cee-Lo, and nobody ever will.
2 'Steady As She Goes' [Listen]
The Raconteurs
The first single from Brendan Benson and Jack White's garage-glam band was a perfect dirty sundae of fuzz-box stutter, metallic zoom and pop-chorale candy. It is also a good reason to hope the Raconteurs are no one-album project.
3 'Ridin'' [Listen]
Chamillionaire
The song least likely to be played in Drivers' Ed.: Chamillionaire dodges the cops, riding dirty with a car full of thugs who don't care where they're rolling or if they get there in one piece.
4 'What You Know' [Listen]
T.I.
T.I. gets majestic with bass and synth strings booming like your car just flipped the corner. What you know about that? T.I. knows all about that.
5 'Vans' [Listen]
The Pack
Bay Area MCs the Pack broke out with this sleek, bare-bones ode to midpriced sneakers. Words of warning: 'Lace 'em past the fourth hole, you some type of sucker.'
6 'Thunder on the Mountain' [Listen]
Bob Dylan
So that's how you bring sexy back! Dylan slaps on a cowboy hat and greases up his favorite Chuck Berry guitar riff, one step ahead of the apocalypse and one step behind Alicia Keys.
7 'Smile' [Listen]
Lily Allen
This deceptively named ditty was '06's most gloriously bitter breakup song: Part Mike Skinner, part Gwen Stefani, part Blondie, the young Allen defined her very own bratty, musically adventurous style on 'smile,' a reggae-lite platter about the joys of an ex's despair.
8 'Wamp Wamp (What It Do)' [Listen]
Clipse with Slim Thug
Best line: 'So proper/Hammertime gun-cocker.' But the lyrics aren't really the point here -- the cuckoo-for-coconuts Neptunes steel-drum beat is.
9 'Dimension' [Listen]
Wolfmother
Aussie guys dig out their big brothers' worn vinyl copy of Master of Reality and let the brain-bludgeon guitars off the chain.
10 'Ooh La La' [Listen]
Goldfrapp
The kind of groovy dance number Kylie used to write, full of steamy, sweaty vocals and a fierce Sixties vamp."
Monday, December 11, 2006
NME.COM - Top 50 tracks
Can't remember if I blogged this or not.
I can tell you that Young Folks and Crazy will definitely be on our end-of-year post.
NME.COM - TNME Tracks Of The Year 2006.
I can tell you that Young Folks and Crazy will definitely be on our end-of-year post.
NME.COM - TNME Tracks Of The Year 2006.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
DoCopenhagen: Top 50 Music Videos Of 2006
Whatever will I do today at work? Oh yeah. Goof off.
DoCopenhagen: Top 50 Music Videos Of 2006: "Top 50 Music Videos Of 2006
Here we go again... Our top 50 videos of 2005 was a huge success. This year we decided to do things a little bit differently. All the videos are from You Tube and can therefore be watched in the browser. If you want to download the videos to your computer and watch it on your ipod or TV we recommend that you use this download tool from Lifehacker.com
BTW we have also made our own DoCopenhagen Video Podcast that you might want to check out. You can subscribe to it via iTunes by clicking here.
Enjoy
"
DoCopenhagen: Top 50 Music Videos Of 2006: "Top 50 Music Videos Of 2006
Here we go again... Our top 50 videos of 2005 was a huge success. This year we decided to do things a little bit differently. All the videos are from You Tube and can therefore be watched in the browser. If you want to download the videos to your computer and watch it on your ipod or TV we recommend that you use this download tool from Lifehacker.com
BTW we have also made our own DoCopenhagen Video Podcast that you might want to check out. You can subscribe to it via iTunes by clicking here.
Enjoy
"
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Top 30 from Music for Kids who Can't Read So Good
Interesting that so far, 'Crazy' hasn't been denting anyone's top 5. It's easily The Song of 2006, though, right? Right?
My list to come sometime in the next 3 weeks. Currently a little more distracted and busy than usual.
From Taylor over at Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good � Top 30 Songs of 2006: "This is my first attempt at an end of the year songs list. As a measure I’ve selected songs that I think I’ll still be playing and replaying after the year, but as a rule I didn’t choose more than one song per artist. It’s kindof crazy to try to rank songs at a certain point, but after some toiling I came up with a definitive 30, that I’m happy with. A selection of them are available for download and they are labeled as such. Make sure to click read more… for my top ten. Thanks for visiting!"
My list to come sometime in the next 3 weeks. Currently a little more distracted and busy than usual.
From Taylor over at Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good � Top 30 Songs of 2006: "This is my first attempt at an end of the year songs list. As a measure I’ve selected songs that I think I’ll still be playing and replaying after the year, but as a rule I didn’t choose more than one song per artist. It’s kindof crazy to try to rank songs at a certain point, but after some toiling I came up with a definitive 30, that I’m happy with. A selection of them are available for download and they are labeled as such. Make sure to click read more… for my top ten. Thanks for visiting!"
Sunday, December 03, 2006
NME.COM - Reviews - Oasis: Stop The Clocks
When I was struggling to make it into advertising as a writer, when I was living at home and really missed college, when it seemed like I'd never make it, Oasis was there.
And their raw, full-throated yawp hit me like a ton of bricks. I can remember driving around Orlando, on my way home, and howling along with Liam to Noel's words.
"I think you're the same as me, we see things they'll never see, you and i are going to live forever..."
NME.COM - Reviews - Oasis: Stop The Clocks: "
We'll say it again: you all know what these songs sound like - but stop the clocks, take a look back, rejoice! Celebrate how they made you feel."
And their raw, full-throated yawp hit me like a ton of bricks. I can remember driving around Orlando, on my way home, and howling along with Liam to Noel's words.
"I think you're the same as me, we see things they'll never see, you and i are going to live forever..."
NME.COM - Reviews - Oasis: Stop The Clocks: "
We'll say it again: you all know what these songs sound like - but stop the clocks, take a look back, rejoice! Celebrate how they made you feel."
Friday, December 01, 2006
Lazy Blogger Friday - Badly Drawn Boy - Silent sigh
This brings me back to Portland 2002. A really good year for music, and a year in which I fell in love with Burning Man and went on a 4 month wonderfully manic kick.
This song was on every 'Thank you for a wonderful 2002' CD that I gave to the crew.
DOWNLOAD: Badly Drawn Boy - Silent Sigh
This brings me back to Portland 2002. A really good year for music, and a year in which I fell in love with Burning Man and went on a 4 month wonderfully manic kick.
This song was on every 'Thank you for a wonderful 2002' CD that I gave to the crew.
DOWNLOAD: Badly Drawn Boy - Silent Sigh
Index of /
Went and saw Cat Power on Saturday with Christy Van House (my boccé teammate and pal).
At the ornate Orpheum Theater with a full 9 piece backing band, the Memphis Horns, it was an up and down show. She really had trouble with the monitors and her voice levels.
As a result, the songs that she played just by herself, with only piano or guitar stood out the most.
I think my fave was 'Where is my love?'. It really showcases what makes Chan's voice special. Half-lullaby, half-plaintive cry, half-love-soaked-reverie, it's gorgeous.
Excuse the hiss on this live version and soak in some Cat Power.
DOWNLOAD: Cat Power - Where is my love? (live)
At the ornate Orpheum Theater with a full 9 piece backing band, the Memphis Horns, it was an up and down show. She really had trouble with the monitors and her voice levels.
As a result, the songs that she played just by herself, with only piano or guitar stood out the most.
I think my fave was 'Where is my love?'. It really showcases what makes Chan's voice special. Half-lullaby, half-plaintive cry, half-love-soaked-reverie, it's gorgeous.
Excuse the hiss on this live version and soak in some Cat Power.
DOWNLOAD: Cat Power - Where is my love? (live)
swedesplease: Boys Just Wanna Have Fun
Hop over to the always excellent Swedesplease for this Nordtastic cover of 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun'.
swedesplease: Boys Just Wanna Have Fun: "Boys Just Wanna Have Fun
Last week Copy, Right? sent a virtual shout-out to Swedesplease. Now I will return the favor. Copy, Right? is a trendsetting blog that's been around since the beginning of time (2004 or so) that only puts up amazing cover songs. This relates to today's post of the Gothenburg band Dreams End cover of Cyndi Lauper's 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun'.
Boys Just Wanna Have Fun"
swedesplease: Boys Just Wanna Have Fun: "Boys Just Wanna Have Fun
Last week Copy, Right? sent a virtual shout-out to Swedesplease. Now I will return the favor. Copy, Right? is a trendsetting blog that's been around since the beginning of time (2004 or so) that only puts up amazing cover songs. This relates to today's post of the Gothenburg band Dreams End cover of Cyndi Lauper's 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun'.
Boys Just Wanna Have Fun"
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Again!Again! Fall Cornucopia Mix
A very random bunch of songs. Most really aren't candidates for the Best of 2006 mix(coming in mid-December, with very special exclusive photography from Amy Whitehouse).
There's a gamut of styles, from the silky Koop to the silly Timberlake cover. 80's style synth-pop (Van She) to actual 80's synth pop (Psychedelic Furs). There's even some unironic Xtina hidden amidst the usual indie wanderings.
Enjoy
DOWNLOAD:
James Mercer - "One Too Many Fights" - acoustic track from The Shins singer.
They Must Be Russians - "Don't Try To Cure Yourself" - Punk advice and education on STDs.
The Walkmen - "Many Rivers to Cross" - Faithful cover of the Harry Nilsson track
Pink Nasty f. Will Oldham - "Don't Ever Change" - previosly posted. relationship ennui.
Badly Drawn Boy - "Born in the U.K." - Was there a memo about claiming The Boss as the hippest newest influence?
the Changes - "Sexy Back" - Justin Timberlake indie cover.
Simian Mobile Disco - "Tits & Acid" - Kanyé protested their MTV Europe Best Music Video award.
The Rapture - "Get Myself Into It (Sebastien Remix)" - Dancepunk goodness.
Van She - "Kelly" - Synthpop 80s goodness. Recorded in 2006.
Beck - "Celphone's Dead" - My favorite track off the new one. Sounds vaguely Dust Brothers produced.
Christina Aguilera - "Candyman" - 30s style sample. You may hate it. I like it.
Gwen Stefani - "Wind it up" - Yodeling sampled from the Sound of Music.
Koop - "Come to me" - silky jazz smoothness. No jeans allowed at this club. Dress code strictly enforced.
Hot Chip - "Sexual Healing" - Marvin Gaye cover.
The Psychedelic Furs - "The Ghost in You"
Lavendar Diamond - "You Broke My Heart"
Husky Rescue - "Diamonds in the Sky"
Gary Jules - "Mad World" - from the Gears of War commercial
St. Vincent - "These Days" - a Jackson Browne cover
Snoop Dogg - "Think About It" - Snoop with ridiculous flow. Favorite off his new disc.
Civilian - "Just Be True for Once" - these guys came into DDB and played an acoustic set that just killed. wish we had the DAT out for these guys, because they're going to be huge in a KROQ kind of way. love the counter harmonies. don't love this recorded version.
There's a gamut of styles, from the silky Koop to the silly Timberlake cover. 80's style synth-pop (Van She) to actual 80's synth pop (Psychedelic Furs). There's even some unironic Xtina hidden amidst the usual indie wanderings.
Enjoy
DOWNLOAD:
James Mercer - "One Too Many Fights" - acoustic track from The Shins singer.
They Must Be Russians - "Don't Try To Cure Yourself" - Punk advice and education on STDs.
The Walkmen - "Many Rivers to Cross" - Faithful cover of the Harry Nilsson track
Pink Nasty f. Will Oldham - "Don't Ever Change" - previosly posted. relationship ennui.
Badly Drawn Boy - "Born in the U.K." - Was there a memo about claiming The Boss as the hippest newest influence?
the Changes - "Sexy Back" - Justin Timberlake indie cover.
Simian Mobile Disco - "Tits & Acid" - Kanyé protested their MTV Europe Best Music Video award.
The Rapture - "Get Myself Into It (Sebastien Remix)" - Dancepunk goodness.
Van She - "Kelly" - Synthpop 80s goodness. Recorded in 2006.
Beck - "Celphone's Dead" - My favorite track off the new one. Sounds vaguely Dust Brothers produced.
Christina Aguilera - "Candyman" - 30s style sample. You may hate it. I like it.
Gwen Stefani - "Wind it up" - Yodeling sampled from the Sound of Music.
Koop - "Come to me" - silky jazz smoothness. No jeans allowed at this club. Dress code strictly enforced.
Hot Chip - "Sexual Healing" - Marvin Gaye cover.
The Psychedelic Furs - "The Ghost in You"
Lavendar Diamond - "You Broke My Heart"
Husky Rescue - "Diamonds in the Sky"
Gary Jules - "Mad World" - from the Gears of War commercial
St. Vincent - "These Days" - a Jackson Browne cover
Snoop Dogg - "Think About It" - Snoop with ridiculous flow. Favorite off his new disc.
Civilian - "Just Be True for Once" - these guys came into DDB and played an acoustic set that just killed. wish we had the DAT out for these guys, because they're going to be huge in a KROQ kind of way. love the counter harmonies. don't love this recorded version.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good � The Thanksgiving Day Eve Mix (Gobble, Gobble)
The fine folk over at Music For Kids Who Can't Read Good have posted a Turkey Day mix that's pretty nice. Head over there and download yourself some tunes.
New Fall Cornucopia mix to be posted sometime this weekend, in between football and having to work.
I'm thankful to all 12 of you for reading.
Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good � The Thanksgiving Day Eve Mix (Gobble, Gobble): "The Thanksgiving Day Eve Mix (Gobble, Gobble)
Music, Mix, Megapost — taylor @ 3:53 pm
Since tomorrow I’ll be dedicating most of my time to eating as much food as I can, I’m making a mix today that is so good it could last you even longer than all that leftover turkey and be just as satisfying. There’s a caption that explains what each song has to do with Thanksgiving, if you’re the curious type. Side note: my family decided that we’re all going to see Stranger Than Fiction tomorrow. Any good?"
New Fall Cornucopia mix to be posted sometime this weekend, in between football and having to work.
I'm thankful to all 12 of you for reading.
Music For Kids Who Can’t Read Good � The Thanksgiving Day Eve Mix (Gobble, Gobble): "The Thanksgiving Day Eve Mix (Gobble, Gobble)
Music, Mix, Megapost — taylor @ 3:53 pm
Since tomorrow I’ll be dedicating most of my time to eating as much food as I can, I’m making a mix today that is so good it could last you even longer than all that leftover turkey and be just as satisfying. There’s a caption that explains what each song has to do with Thanksgiving, if you’re the curious type. Side note: my family decided that we’re all going to see Stranger Than Fiction tomorrow. Any good?"
Lazy Blogger Wednesday - THE BLOW - 'parentheses'
Didn't realize these kids were from Portland, OR.
New therapist = more feelings and emotions welling up at weird times.
Like in the deli section of the grocery store.
DOWNLOAD - The blow - "Parentheses"
Didn't realize these kids were from Portland, OR.
New therapist = more feelings and emotions welling up at weird times.
Like in the deli section of the grocery store.
DOWNLOAD - The blow - "Parentheses"
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
New Young Pony Club
Guys, don't use this for your commercials. It's being overloaded in the new Intel spots that don't seem to make much sense unless the brief was "Look like an iTunes ad".
I recommend the Van She mix. Downloads available after the link.
kissatlanta.com: "My Love Is Like A Pony...
01167 20 71 1167901702 LMore now than ever, we gravitate around the single. I won't even throw in the tag 'indie' because at this point it doesn't even really matter. For a while now, everyone has been dancing and singing along to the track 'Ice Cream' by Australia's New Young Pony Club. 'Ice Cream' is quite impossible to avoid, whether it's one of a number of remixes being beaten to death by DJ's or the new Intel ads that appear to be the creation of Mitsubishi's hijacked ad firm. In the end, the single's staying power and popularity ride more on the remixes than the original. In fact, after listening to five different remixes of the track, I can't even go back and listen to the original."
I recommend the Van She mix. Downloads available after the link.
kissatlanta.com: "My Love Is Like A Pony...
01167 20 71 1167901702 LMore now than ever, we gravitate around the single. I won't even throw in the tag 'indie' because at this point it doesn't even really matter. For a while now, everyone has been dancing and singing along to the track 'Ice Cream' by Australia's New Young Pony Club. 'Ice Cream' is quite impossible to avoid, whether it's one of a number of remixes being beaten to death by DJ's or the new Intel ads that appear to be the creation of Mitsubishi's hijacked ad firm. In the end, the single's staying power and popularity ride more on the remixes than the original. In fact, after listening to five different remixes of the track, I can't even go back and listen to the original."
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Oasis - "Acquiesce"
Oasis - Acquiesce (2006 Promo Video)
I love this song. I've loved Oasis at times. But i'm so glad that I was 5 years too old to really model my coolness on Liam Gallagher. (instead it was the entirety of the Stone Roses.)
Listen at least to the Noel-sung chorus "We need each other...
We believe in one another".
Stirs the heart and does what most great British bands do: believe that you and your mates could conquer the world together.
DOWNLOAD: Oasis - "Acquiesce"
I love this song. I've loved Oasis at times. But i'm so glad that I was 5 years too old to really model my coolness on Liam Gallagher. (instead it was the entirety of the Stone Roses.)
Listen at least to the Noel-sung chorus "We need each other...
We believe in one another".
Stirs the heart and does what most great British bands do: believe that you and your mates could conquer the world together.
DOWNLOAD: Oasis - "Acquiesce"
Thursday, November 16, 2006
DOWNLOAD The Shins: “Phantom Limb”
Girl group drums, a few late ooh-ah-ooooh-wah-ooohs.
I don't think it'll change your life, unless Natalie Portman plays it for you, then sleeps with you and gets you off (of all your medications).
Update: Did anyone else notice the irony of a song by a band named after a part of a lower extremity writing about a phantom limb?
Update2: Two clips from Garden State.
1 obvious, but slightly funny:
Garden State Tip
1 horrifying en Español:
Les Shins
DOWNLOAD: The Shins - "Phantom Limb"
And read Pitchfork's review: Pitchfork: Stream: The Shins: “Phantom Limb”: "Stream: The Shins: “Phantom Limb”
Count your arms and legs (especially the bones toward the front of your calves), and slip on those big ol' Natalie Portman headphones, because the Shins have sent some ghost appendage love by way of the Internet.
Fans can now stream new track 'Phantom Limb' from the Portlanders' official website and MySpace page. The number isn't as light (read: catchy) as some of the band's better tunes, but it surely suffices as, at the very least, background music. If you can make it roughly two minutes and twenty-five seconds in, there are some halfway decent 'ooh ee ooh ee ooh's, but even those lose their charm a few runs through. Of course, "
I don't think it'll change your life, unless Natalie Portman plays it for you, then sleeps with you and gets you off (of all your medications).
Update: Did anyone else notice the irony of a song by a band named after a part of a lower extremity writing about a phantom limb?
Update2: Two clips from Garden State.
1 obvious, but slightly funny:
Garden State Tip
1 horrifying en Español:
Les Shins
DOWNLOAD: The Shins - "Phantom Limb"
And read Pitchfork's review: Pitchfork: Stream: The Shins: “Phantom Limb”: "Stream: The Shins: “Phantom Limb”
Count your arms and legs (especially the bones toward the front of your calves), and slip on those big ol' Natalie Portman headphones, because the Shins have sent some ghost appendage love by way of the Internet.
Fans can now stream new track 'Phantom Limb' from the Portlanders' official website and MySpace page. The number isn't as light (read: catchy) as some of the band's better tunes, but it surely suffices as, at the very least, background music. If you can make it roughly two minutes and twenty-five seconds in, there are some halfway decent 'ooh ee ooh ee ooh's, but even those lose their charm a few runs through. Of course, "
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
protection
An adjunct to the Santa Ana mix on Monday.
The instinct to fight and protect those you love. We've got a certain friend who always seems to fall for girls who need saving.
Not suprisinly, some of them end up being total psychos.
DOWNLOAD: Massive Attack 'Protection'
An adjunct to the Santa Ana mix on Monday.
The instinct to fight and protect those you love. We've got a certain friend who always seems to fall for girls who need saving.
Not suprisinly, some of them end up being total psychos.
DOWNLOAD: Massive Attack 'Protection'
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Crazy at Berkley Place
To quote Jack in As Good As It Gets, "Go sell crazy somwhere else, lady. We're all stocked up here."
Berkely Place has all the remixes, mash-ups, covers and live versions of The Song of the Year you could imagine.
Includes the Prince/Gnarls mash-up, the Ray LaMontagne acoustic version, Nelly Furtado, etc. etc. etc.
Berkeley Place-A lil' bit of BK from VA: "MY BLOG’S GONE CRAAAAAAAAA-ZAY! (part two)
More versions and remixes of the best song of the year.
"
Berkely Place has all the remixes, mash-ups, covers and live versions of The Song of the Year you could imagine.
Includes the Prince/Gnarls mash-up, the Ray LaMontagne acoustic version, Nelly Furtado, etc. etc. etc.
Berkeley Place-A lil' bit of BK from VA: "MY BLOG’S GONE CRAAAAAAAAA-ZAY! (part two)
More versions and remixes of the best song of the year.
"
Monday, November 06, 2006
Santa Ana winds mix
Was all set to load up the Again!Again! Fall Cornucopia mix, until the Santa Ana winds blew down from the East.
Instead, here's songs that replicate the high dust chapparal and the unseasonably warm temps here in Southern California.
Starts a little warm and glam and then gets dusty, righteous and angry (Topical for the election tomorrow, too) then settles into a full moon night on the beach.
Hole - Malibu
(written by Kurt Cobain)
Neko Case - Deep Red Bells
Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins - Rise Up With Fists
Ian Brown - So Many Soldiers
Johnny Cash - God's Gonna Cut You Down
Calexico - El Picador
The Coral - Don't Think You're the First
Echo & the Bunnymen - The Killing Moon
Santa Ana wind - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Santa Ana winds may get their name from the Santa Ana Mountains that lie in Orange County or the Santa Ana Canyon through which the winds are noted for their high speed. Many Southern Californians believe that the traditional name is Santanas, meaning devil winds in an undetermined language. The similar word 'Satan�s' is Spanish for 'Satan.' Santanas was occasionally used in early reports,"
Instead, here's songs that replicate the high dust chapparal and the unseasonably warm temps here in Southern California.
Starts a little warm and glam and then gets dusty, righteous and angry (Topical for the election tomorrow, too) then settles into a full moon night on the beach.
Hole - Malibu
(written by Kurt Cobain)
Neko Case - Deep Red Bells
Jenny Lewis & The Watson Twins - Rise Up With Fists
Ian Brown - So Many Soldiers
Johnny Cash - God's Gonna Cut You Down
Calexico - El Picador
The Coral - Don't Think You're the First
Echo & the Bunnymen - The Killing Moon
Santa Ana wind - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Santa Ana winds may get their name from the Santa Ana Mountains that lie in Orange County or the Santa Ana Canyon through which the winds are noted for their high speed. Many Southern Californians believe that the traditional name is Santanas, meaning devil winds in an undetermined language. The similar word 'Satan�s' is Spanish for 'Satan.' Santanas was occasionally used in early reports,"
Thursday, November 02, 2006
music is art
What a great fucking blog. Um, music, and, uh, art. Like, together.
Photograpy and mp3s. Gorgeous, both.
music is art
"words, music and art complete one another. the mission of musicisart is to show how passion creates feeling and to share on the meaning. old and new intelligent selections always inspire and will forever include uncensored thoughts, music expressions, intense details to demonstrate sincere and grateful appreciation. simply, thankyou for reading."
Photograpy and mp3s. Gorgeous, both.
music is art
"words, music and art complete one another. the mission of musicisart is to show how passion creates feeling and to share on the meaning. old and new intelligent selections always inspire and will forever include uncensored thoughts, music expressions, intense details to demonstrate sincere and grateful appreciation. simply, thankyou for reading."
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Halloween weekend
Too much love. You guys make me proud to wear the gold lamé.
More stories and pictures to come.
More stories and pictures to come.
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