Hard Times

New Patrick Wolf is burning up my play count. Just when you think he can't get any better. Start getting excited for the release of The Bachelor.

Patrick Wolf - Hard Times [mp3]

Embrace the Martian

I've been rocking out to Kid Cudi's Dat Kid from Cleveland mixtape for a bit now. You probably have been too. It hosts leaked/familiar tracks like "Sky Might Fall" (See Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen trailer), "I Poke Her Face," "Higher Up," "Sky High," "Switchin' Lanes," and the "09 Freestyle." I've never been able to get into mixtapes (not even Lil Wayne's massive collection), but Cudi is just so freaking likable, I'm starting to change my mind. It's close to the hate to love scenario.

But here's what makes me feel a little better about my masochism: Cudi doesn't pretend to be deep. He's not trying to be early Common Sense. He doesn't proclaim to be the best rapper alive, and he's openly admitted his rhymes lack substance. Honesty can go along way with me.

Kid Cudi - Can I Be [mp3]
Kid Cudi - Super Boo [mp3]
Kid Cudi - Higher Up [mp3]

More than anything off Cleveland, I'm loving on Kid Cudi's "Embrace the Martian." A track off the A Kid Named CuDi mixtape, it's floating around out there in the blogosphere. Go find it treasure seekers. Til you do, here's a little freestyle to keep you warm at night.

Embrace the martian,
I come in peace, but I need your rock in me,
LtK

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love is an installment from my own personal discovery. I'm bummed to have only come upon Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele two weeks ago. I could have been rewarding my ears with these gems since February. Don't make my mistake, get in on this right away. For fans of the quirky instrumentation of Sufjan Stevens, Beirut, or Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band. And of course, ukulele aficionados.

Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele - Meet Me in the Garden [mp3]
Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele - You Can't Force a Dance Party [mp3]
Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele - Girls on the Square [mp3]

Dear Silence, Here's Some Great Noise

TV on the Radio is once again at the top of my playlist with some remixes off their Dear Silence EP. My favorite is the Gang Gang Dance remix, because the self-proclaimed "underground" act always gets me. That reminds me, buy Saint Dymphna right away. If you love on Yeasayer or Deerhunter this ones for you.

Stork and Owl (Gang Gang Dance Remix) [mp3]

Shout Me Out (Willie Isz Remix by Jneiro Jarel) [mp3]

Yeah, I Have a Little 14-yr old Girl in Me

Trust Me, I Love My Phone

New from Mike Skinner, via his Twitter, it's the latest from The Streets. Not sure how I feel about the freebies yet. I miss the era of Original Pirate Material.

The Streets - Trust Me [mp3]
The Streets - I Love My Phone [mp3]

I'm a AA, Who Thinks XXX

Viewer Beware: Radness follows. Peaches spanking new vid for the single "Talk to Me" surfaced today. If you haven't already heard, the stellar new album I Feel Cream drops May 5th. Circle, heart, and peach that date on your calender because this one is going to be epic.

Here's a classic track from The Teaches of Peaches to get your engine revving. Double R Dirrty.

Peaches - AA XXX [mp3]

XXX O,
LtK

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love: The Tallest Man on Earth's 2008 release: Shallow Graves. He opened for Bon Iver, and manages to pull off contemporary Dylan. I love on it.

The Tallest Man on Earth - The Gardener [mp3]
The Tallest Man on Earth - I Won't Be Found [mp3]
The Tallest Man on Earth - The Sparrow and the Medicine [mp3]

The Way We Move From A to B, It Can't Be Up to Me

Though it's been out for awhile, I'm just getting into this Drake and Mickey Factz reworking of Lykke Li's "Little Bit." Call me unfashionably late to this party.

Drake and Mickey Factz - Little Bit (Lykke Li Sample) [mp3]

Now sample some more samplers.

Chiddy Bang - Kids (MGMT Sample) [mp3]

Wale - W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E. (Justice Sample) [mp3]
Kid Cudi / Kanye / Common / A-Trak - I Poke Her Face (Lady GaGa Sample)
Rhymefest - Man in the Mirror (Michael Jackson Sample) [mp3]

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love: The latest release from Minneapolis-based rapper/emcee P.O.S., Never Better. The title is completely appropriate. He's never been better.

P.O.S. - Goodbye [mp3]
Giving up is like Latin; it's dead.
P.O.S. - Drumroll (We're All Thirsty) [mp3]
P.O.S. - Optimist (Live on Radio K) [mp3]

Ta Douleur

I love on this song, from french pop singer Camille, despite not understanding a word. The crazy crazy video makes me think it must be genius. That, and I now want to burn any and all blue sweaters.


Camille - Ta Douleur from Francès - IES Pere Fontdevila on Vimeo.

Camille - Ta Douleur [mp3]

1000 Minutes Vol. 2

Time to knock another installment off my 1000 minutes. If you're lost, start here.

3. Portishead - Glory Box (5:06) [Time Remaining: 990.41]
It was difficult for me to resist tossing on Dummy in it's entirety. After all, it seems impossible for a girl to outgrow such heavy-hitters as "It Could Be Sweet," "Sour Times," and "It's a Fire." You see, Dummy effectively tamed my inner tomboy. In an age of grunge, flannel shirts, and all-around poor hygiene, Portishead brought the glory back to femininity. If I were brave enough to use the term "sexuality," this album made me own it. I treasure "Glory Box" because it's the ultimate female inner-monologue. We may be notorious for over thinking, but this track simplifies our most basic desires, and poetically. I'm so tired of playing / playing with this bow and arrow / I'm gonna give my heart away / leave it to the other girls to play / for I've been a temptress too long / give me a reason to love you / give me a reason to be a woman / i just wanna be a woman.

4. The Clash - Lost in the Supermarket (3:50) [Time Remaining: 986.91]
We all know The Clash is my favorite band of all time. I've driven that point into the ground. So I'll just tell you why this London Calling track gets me every time. It was love at first verse. I wasn't born so much as I fell out... "Lost in the Supermarket" may be another cautionary tale of crushing commercialism, but observations by a disenchanted narrator set it apart. Nay, above. We all strive to dig out our place in society. A desire to belong means we take instructions on our work, love, and consumption. Joe Strummer is so brilliant he can make me laugh at this very sad fact: Everything we do to belong has actually made us more lonely. I'm all lost in the supermarket / I can no longer shop happily / I came in for that special offer / A guaranteed personality.

Portishead - Glory Box [mp3]
The Clash - Lost in the Supermarket [mp3]

Let Me Feel Your Hands Go Clap

New Peaches, I Feel Cream hits stores May 5, 2009. We are tots excited. Exhibits A-C:

Peaches - Show Stopper [mp3]
Peaches - Mommy Complex [mp3]
Peaches - Take You On [mp3]

You Can Wear Your Furr

Portland favorite Blitzen Trapper stopped by Chicago Public Radio's Sound Opinions for a stunning live set and a chat with our favorite music critics/DJs, Jim and Greg.

If you aren't already subscribed to the Sound Opinions podcast, take advantage. Make something happen. The show is a perfect blend of relevant music news, album reviews, live sets, and general music commentary by two of the most opinionated and knowledgeable guys in the business.
Here's some links to stream some live Blitzen in iTunes. Visit Sound Opinions, and/or download last week's podcast for more content.

Blitzen Trapper - Furr [m3u]
Blitzen Trapper - Lady on the Water [m3u]
Blitzen Trapper - God & Suicide [mp3]

You can also peep them live on Conan here:

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love: 100 Monkeys' debut album, Monster de Lux

Indie rockers. Improv artists. Actors. In fact, frontman Jackson Rathbone just put his pretty mug all over the Twilight saga, as "vegetarian" vampire Jasper Hale. But don't be so quick to judge the boys' musical talent based on their movie roles. The guys like to switch up instruments, improve tons of their tracks, rock small crowds, and generally kick ass. Let's see Robert Pattinson do THAT.

100 Monkeys - Small Lean [mp3]
100 Monkeys - Honky Tonk Porcupine [mp3]

Same in Any Language

Some quirky Ukrainian band covers Katy Perry's "Hot 'N' Cold", and I love on the accordion-driven track more than the original. They probably like kissing girls too.

I Nine - Same in Any Language [mp3]

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart's self-titled 2009 release.

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - Everything With You [mp3]
The Pains of Being Pure At Heart - This Love is Fucking Right! [mp3]

My Body is a Cage

We all might be re-enjoying "Wake Up" because of that cute as punch trailer for Where the Wild Things Are, but "My Body is a Cage" has been the Arcade Fire track on my repeat lately.

Arcade Fire - My Body is a Cage [mp3]

Divine

The exact word I would use to describe multilingual Sebastien Tellier's new song "Kilometer" is divine. There's no doubt in my mind that last year's Sexuality was off the hook. Production by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk fame probably didn't hurt. In conjunction with MGMT's Oracular Spectacular, it really did make 2008 the year of synthesizers. Now in 2009 I'm still finding new reasons to appreciate the French electro-pop conductor. Plus, you know I lose it when A-Trak lays his magic on anything.

Sebastien Tellier - Divine [mp3]
Sebastien Tellier - Kilometer (A-Trak Remix) [mp3]
One HOT piece

Sebastien and Mr. Oizo are like BFFs. It makes total sense, no?

Good, Friday I'm in Holy Week

I wouldn't classify myself as highly religious, but I can still observe Jesus' crucifixion and subsequent resurrection (or whatever your beliefs may be) with some great tunes. P.T. = Paschal Triduum = Party Time? Sidenote: I chose a random picture because my photographic search of "Good Friday'" kind of scared me.

Here's all the tracks I've been loving on lately. Some old, some new, all radical.

Good, Friday I'm in Holy Week Mixtape

The Thermals - Now We Can See [mp3]
The White Stripes - Dead Leaves and The Dirty Ground [mp3]
Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al
Yeah I've got P Simon on here, but can you really hate on this song? WWJD?
Lykke Li - Dance Dance Dance (Grandtheft Remix) [mp3]
Like anything LL, so much fun
IAMX - Kingdom of Welcome Addiction
IAMX ft. Imogen Heap - My Secret Friend [mp3]
Handsome Furs - I'm Confused [mp3]
Deerhunter - Never Stops [mp3]
Kings of Leon - Fans (Live on Radio One) [mp3]
I might love on this live version more than the original
Conor Oberst - Eagle on a Pole
Buy the new album when it comes out, you won't regret it

Come As You Are

This week (April 8th) marked the 15th Anniversary of Kurt Cobain's untimely death. It's hard to believe it was so long ago that the influential Nirvana frontman took his own life, leaving behind a wife, daughter, and promising career. I won't pretend to understand suicide, or get existential on y'all. I'll just put some classic Nevermind on and smell a little like teen spirit in Kurt's honor.

Nirvana - Come as You Are [mp3]
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit (Live) [mp3]
Nirvana - Rape Me [mp3]
Nirvana - The Man Who Sold the World [mp3]
Besides Nevermind, Nirvana's Unplugged in New York has to be my most coveted release from the guys. My dad hooked me on it. We still sing along to their pitch-perfect covers of Bowie and The Vaselines.

Bands Who Love On Nirvana Too:
Via Audio / Someone Still Loves you Boris Yeltsin - Heart-Shaped Box [mp3]
Cibo Matto - About a Girl [mp3]
Sinead O'Conner - All Apologies [mp3]
Polyphonic Spree - Lithium [mp3]
Ben Gibbard - All Apologies [mp3]
Terry Urban - Lithium (Trendy Trash Remix) [mp3]

Take a few hours to put on old flannel, blame shit on your parents, and generally get your teenage angst on. Or you could go out and see About a Son, the documentary of Kurt's rollercoaster life. I highly recommend both.

Bonus: Tom Waits - Nirvana [mp3]

This is Not a Love Story, It's a Story About Love

Thanks to an anonymous friend out there, I was reminded of the amazing teaser trailer for 500 Days of Summer. Shorter than the official full-length I posted yesterday, but equally as powerful thanks to Temper Trap, and their single "Sweet Disposition." The Melbourne (and soon to be London) based band is beyond buzzworthy. Just this March they completed their debut album, rocked a bunch of US cities, and inspired a fan campaign to get them SXSW placement. After playing the bigger than life V Festival in Australia this month, they guys will head to Europe to promote both their new single "Science of Fear" and perhaps take over the world.



From the band's website:

The monumental ‘Science of Fear’ is the band’s debut UK single and is already registering spins on the BBC’S Radio 1 playlist, whilst also spending five consecutive weeks on Australian tastemaker station Triple J’s most played list. This eye of the perfect ‘musical’ storm contrasts markedly with the hypnotic and gliding melodic spell of ‘Sweet Disposition’, but is equally a watershed mark for the act and further confirmation of this band’s refusal to be stymied by genre, expectation or any such ties that bind so many others on this brilliant album.

Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition [mp3]

Bonus: She & Him - I Was Made for You [mp3]

Sleep Alone

Bat for Lashes - Sleep Alone [mp3]

Middle School Moment Vol. 1

I'm cheating a little bit: I may have actually been in elementary school when the Sam Phillips smash "I Need Love" hit the airwaves. But it wasn't until sixth grade, a few years after it's 1994 release that I remember humming along to her haunting vocals on my way to school. Back before I owned my own extensive record collection, and in the midst of branching beyond my parents' taste, there was a lot of radio in my life. Mostly crappy, but some quality. Sam was one such serendipitous experience. I still love this song as much as I did 10 years ago.

Sam Phillips - I Need Love [mp3]

I need love not some sentimental prison
I need God not the political church
I need fire to melt frozen sleet inside me
I need love

LtK

It's Love, Not Santa Claus

I'm extremely hyped for the release of Sundance favorite, (500) Days of Summer. Not only do I love Joseph G-L and Zooey D, but their trailer lead-in is all about the greatness of The Smiths. Trailer Music thumbs up.

Included in the Trailer:

The Smiths - There Is a Light That Never Goes Out [mp3]
Regina Spektor - Us [mp3]
Hall and Oates - You Make My Dreams Come True [mp3]
Wolfmother - Vagabond

(500) Days of Summer is set to hit theaters July 24, 2009.

Apple Says:

Boy meets girl. Boy falls in love. Girl doesn’t. This post modern love story is never what we expect it to be — it’s thorny yet exhilarating, funny and sad, a twisted journey of highs and lows that doesn’t quite go where we think it will. When Tom, a hapless greeting card copywriter and hopeless romantic, is blindsided after his girlfriend Summer dumps him, he shifts back and forth through various periods of their 500 days “together” to try to figure out where things went wrong. His reflections ultimately lead him to finally rediscover his true passions in life.

1000 Minutes Vol. 1

So I completely stole this idea from Totally Twitterpad, who borrowed it from the creators at Tympanogram. The Project: If you were stuck on a desert island and could bring with you precisely 1000 minutes of music on your mp3 player, what songs would you fill it with? We listen to so much music on a daily basis that sometimes appreciation and meaning are lost in translation. But what if you had only a limited, select amount of songs to love for the rest of your life? What would bring you the most joy, the most comfort, the best variety through your numbered days? Chicago Public Radio's Sound Opinions also has a similar running segment, where Jim and Greg trade off throwing tracks into their "Desert Island Jukebox".

So begins my 1000 minutes. I've decided to take it slow, and only knock songs off one or two at a time. It's easy to feel rushed or make selections based on emotional mood, so I'd rather my choices reflect true contemplation, in the spirit of the project's origins.

1. Otis Redding - That's How Strong My Love Is (2:27) [Time Remaining: 997.73]
I know I've raved about this one before, going so far as to call it perfect - possibly the greatest single recording I've ever owned. Otis was unbelievably talented, his career tragically short. I could listen to this one for hours on end because with each new listen he is more convincing, his emotion more palpable. I'm able to feel the physical weight of loving someone so much it hurts. This is a song for anyone who loves with every fiber of their being. It touches on our most basic human desire to be loved, yearned for, needed to the point of agony.

2. James Brown - Try Me [Live at the Apollo, 1962] (2:26) [Time Remaining: 995.47]
Although James Brown recorded four different Live @ The Apollo albums, the '62 recording with Brown's backing band, The Famous Flames was by far his best. Despite the simplistic lyricism of "Try Me," or perhaps because of it, I love this track in particular. What could have been a concise appeal from man to woman is transformed into this incredibly emotional lover's plea. Brown's charismatic stage presence and commitment to the material only make for an improvement of the track live. Sidenote: Brown financed the recording of this album completely on his own, without any inclination that the album would become a bestseller.

Thanks to Andy and Dave, as well as Jim and Greg for coming up with this great idea.

Otis Redding - That's How Strong My Love Is [mp3]

Helium Hearts

The latest release from Super Furry Animals, Dark Days/Light Years (March 30th) is both fun and complex. A welcome deviance from some of their previous work. Here's one I can't stop playing.

Super Furry Animals - Helium Hearts [mp3]

New in Town

You can now preorder the new single "New in Town" from Little Boots' website, in regular and super bundles. The first 500 copies of the latter will be signed by the electronic princess herself. The super bundle also comes with some sweet remixes by Fred Falke, Drop the Line, and Franz Ferdinand, among others.

"New In Town" will be available May 25 from 679/Atlantic Records in the UK. View the album artwork/preorder here.

Little Boots - New in Town (Fred Falke Remix) [mp3]
Little Boots - New in Town (GoldieLocks Remix) [mp3]
This one won't be on the single, so make sure to grab it

I'm gonna take you out tonight / I'm gonna make you feel alright / I don't have a lot of money but we'll be fine / Don't have a penny but I'll show you a good time,
LtK

I Just Want Four Walls

Official


Unofficial


I love on them both.

The Reeling

A new track from overnight success Passion Pit has leaked. "The Reeling" is the first single off their new album Manners. With a stellar EP already under their belts, expect big things from their full length release. I do.

Passion Pit - The Reeling [mp3]

Take Away Day

This is why I can't live without La Blogotheque. Take Away Shows make me believe in the joys of raw, organic composition; simplifying songs to find celebration. Like modern troubadours performing in the most creative of locations, participating artists like Lykke Li and El Perro del Mar are innocuously inspiring an artistic renaissance. Music: Meet the world. Production: Meet your maker. Collaborations/Split Series like these are rare, making this three song set all the more precious. Here is their cover performance of Wendy Rene's "After Laughter (Comes Tears)."

Check out the other two songs from the set here. Make sure to watch Lykke's "Dance Dance Dance." I'll only give you a one word enticement: Kazoo. If you haven't already explored the whole site, be warned. It will become your new addiction.

I'm Going on a Hunt

I'm going on a hunt for the Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band. I'm no wilderness buff and I don't even like shooting aliens in Halo, so lucky for me this is not that kind of venture. This search is less redneck, more shameless stalking. Local even, as MSHVB are straight out of this amazing city I call home. Stay tuned for a full piece on the quirky Seattle quintet in the next few days. They're moving on up past buzzworthy to full blown cool.

Sometimes even the rainy city can surprise you with it's warmth. Live @ the construction site of the soon to be reopened Crocodile, here's MSHVB performing "Going on a Hunt" for their One Shot at The Croc segment.

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band - Albatross, Albatross, Albatross [mp3]

P.S. Their drummer (lead singer Benjamin Verdoes's adopted brother) Marshall is only 14. How much cooler are they now?

Flashing Lights Will Make You Blind

Mixtapes by Mick Boogie popped up twice on my iTunes DJ this morning. Since there are no big coincidences or little coincidences, just coincidences (Seinfeld, anyone?) I thought I might need to blurb about them.

First, Mick Boogie lays his magic on Grammy-Award winning Adele and her debut album, 19 in his 1988 mixtape. I love on it for the sole reason that sometimes even songbirds benefit from a beat. My favorites:

Adele/Mick Boogie - Cold Shoulder (Garbs Infinite Remix) [mp3]
Adele/Mick Boogie - Make You Feel My Love (Remot Remix) [mp3]

Mick and Terry Urban tear up the Grammy nominees on 2009: The Grammy Remix Album. Don't grab your best stationary though; there's nothing to write home about. Considering the talent pool this year (Jonas Bros, Katy Perry, Coldplay, John Mayer?) seems to me they do a decent job of hammering silver out of tin, mediocre out of ... well, you decide.

Mick Boogie & Terry Urban - MIA / Nas: Paper Planes (Terry Urban Remix) [mp3]
Mick Boogie & Terry Urban - Coldplay / Lil Wayne: Viva La Milli (Terry Urban Remix) [mp3]
Mick Boogie & Terry Urban - Radiohead / Lupe Fiasco: Reckon A Superstar (Remot/Mick Boogie Remix) [mp3]

My highlight. Radiohead is always magic.

I won't go on another tirade about how the Grammys have gone downhill. I'll just submit a quick opinion for public record. Under no circumstances should The Jonas Brothers be allowed to attend the same awards show as Radiohead, let alone be nominated for a similar honor. Parents invented the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards for a reason. Some artists deserve Grammys and some deserve surf boards and green slime. I'm just sayin'...

Come Together

This just surfaced: A Kanye / Common / Kid Cudi collaboration. Each of the three rappers recently layed a verse over the reworked Cherrytree acoustic version of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face." Though the trio have nothing particularily insightful to offer about relationships or love, and are characteristically vulgar about sex, I'm positive Lady G would approve. After all, this is the same Bowie fan I saw live in concert sing "I wanna fuck fuck fuck you as hard as I can"; lyrics from her new song "Future Love." Even if it lacks the thought-provoking power of The College Dropout and Be, I think I can handle it on fun factor alone.

Kanye West, Common & Kid Cudi - I Poke Her Face [mp3]
Bonus: Annie - Come Together [mp3]

Time Stops Still When You've Lost Love

You'd think my heart was in a love loss place this morning. But despite some of the lyrics, this song (and video) inspires nothing but Happiness.

Goldfrapp - Happiness [mp3]

Goldfrapp - Happiness (Metronomy Remix ft. The Teenagers) [mp3]

Hey, Love Can Play With Your Emotions

Don't I know it. Off the kickass Buffetlibre Rewind 2 mixtape, here's Little Boots' "Love Kills" cover of Freddy Mercury's genius. Ironically, I've been loving on it.

Love Kills (Buffetlibre vs Sidechains remix) (Freddie Mercury cover) [mp3]

With Some More Help From My Friends

Becca, this one's for you.



LIKE a BOSS!

Flashback: Pulp Fiction

It's no secret I love oddball Quentin Tarantino.

His best film to date - though Reservoir Dogs competes for the title - was 1994's genre-breaking, Oscar-winning Pulp Fiction. The script was unprecedentedly original, the characters certifiable and complex. The career-making performances reflect several of the actors most daring, if not their best work to date.

Nominated for seven Academy Awards in '95 including Best Director (Tarantino), Best Actor in a Leading Role (John Travolta), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Uma Thurman), and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Samuel L. Jackson), the film only took home one at the end of the night. Nothing to scoff at however, the Oscar for Best Writing in a Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen went to the ambitious Tarantino.

Here's what you may or may not know about Quentin. The man surely has a love affair with his own music collection, and I couldn't be more fine with it. Remember when I loved all over Kill Bill? Proof that Quentin knows his music:

Exhibit A: Reservoir Dogs
The choice of Stealers Wheel's "Stuck in the Middle With You" for the infamous torture/ear scene. Michael Madsen is almost too good as the psycho Mr. Blonde.

Exhibit B: Grindhouse: Death Proof
The use of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Titch's only hit "Hold Tight" in this mediocre, if not entertaining film.

Exhibit C: Kill Bill (with help from RZA)
Nancy Sinatra's perfect intro: the sultry "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)."

Exhibit D: Pulp Fiction
With songs from Neil Diamond, the Statler Brothers, Dusty Sprinfield, and Kool & The Gang, the compilation successfully transforms my world into that of Jules Winnfield and Vincent Vega. I never thought I'd feel so comforted to be in the company of hitmen, but great dialogue excerpts don't hurt. Hands down, the highlight for me is Chuck Berry's "You Never Can Tell." Maybe I have a secret desire to be in a dance contest, but everything about this scene was to die for.



Why can't we order Big Kahuna Burgers (Veggie for me) and dance like this anymore?

Jerome Patrick Holan/Chuck Berry - You Never Can Tell [mp3]
John Travolta/Dialogue - Royale With Cheese [mp3]
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Titch - Hold Tight [mp3]
Stealers Wheel - Stuck in the Middle With You [mp3]
Harvey Keitel/Dialogue - Let's Get a Taco [mp3]

One Two

Two of my favorite videos for Twoday. Wow, I need to get out more.
One: Empire of the Sun's visual masterpiece "Walking on a Dream."



Two: My 2009 anthem by Matt & Kim "Daylight." This is what everyday of life should be.

The Cool Kids - One Two [mp3]

Matt & Kim - Good Ol' Fashion Rump Shaker (Beastie Boys vs Matt & Kim) [mp3]
Empire of the Sun - Walking On A Dream (Van She Tech Remix) [mp3]

What the hell. Three is more poetic anyway. Here's White Lies "To Lose My Life." Let's grow old together / And die at the same time.

White Lies - To Lose My Life [mp3]

Thanks to Benjamin Technology who has great taste in posting videos.

Love and Daylight,
LtK

Down and Out

The Latest from St. Vincent (Annie Clark) is "Actor Out of Work," off the upcoming May release, Actor. Personally I loved on the first leak, "The Strangers" more. However, I'm still digesting the album as a whole. If I didn't think I'd be deleted in 2.5 seconds for it, I'd share "Black Rainbow" with you, my favorite track so far. Keep on the lookout for "The Neighbors" too, it won't stop replaying in my head. Buy Actor in stores and digital release May 5.

St. Vincent - Actor Out of Work [mp3]

Before We All Burn

I'm in Love with a Robot

I know I've mentioned my obsession with this song, but twice - ten times - can't hurt. Royksopp's Junior didn't hit a grand slam with me, but it certainly got me up out of my seat and dancing. Seventh Inning BREAKDANCE anyone?

Royksopp ft. Robyn - The Girl and the Robot [mp3]
Awesome, Awesome, Awesome
Royksopp - Happy Up Here (Mr. Vega Remix) [mp3]
Royksopp ft. Lykke Li - Miss it So Much

The Amazing Sounds Of...

Celebrate this Tuesday April 7th! It marks the release of Two Suns and Bat for Lashes is back with a vengeance.

Radiohead - The Amazing Sounds Of... [mp3]

With the exception of Animal Collective's Merriweather Post Pavilion and possibly The Yeah Yeah Yeah's It's Blitz!, I can't say I've loved on a 2009 release quite like this. From start to finish Two Suns is hypnotically entrancing, not to mention innocuously addicting. I find myself throwing it on repeat without possibility of boredom or skipped tracks. In an interview with Natasha Khan for Spin's April issue, the "chamber pop" songstress related the album's purpose. Not only is she gorgeous and artistically prolific, but the woman behind Bat for Lashes is well spoken - poetic.

Two Suns is about the use of illusion to see beautiful things during a hard time. In other words, it's a breakup album.

Though I've never had my heart so abused romantically, the subject matter certainly seems relatable in these times of economic crisis, war, disillusionment, and global unrest. Heartaches can surprise us with their inventive apparition. We all can feel lost and broken, like we've just been dumped by humanity. At these times we're blessed to have records like this one, to heal wounds spoken words cannot.

Read more about Khan in this month's Spin. Make sure to preorder the album on iTunes. Cooler still, support your local record store by purchasing Two Suns in person. Most importantly, love on every single track. They all deserve your constant affection.

Here's some of my favorites to get you going.

Bat for Lashes - Pearl's Dream [mp3]
Unparalled in my opinion. My favorite new track at the moment.
Bat for Lashes - Moon and Moon [mp3]
Bat for Lashes - Sleep Alone

Bonus: Bat for Lashes - Daniel (Death Metal Disco Scene Remix) [mp3]
Bonus: Bat for Lashes - Sweet Dreams (Eurythmics Cover Live @ Radio One) [mp3]
Bonus: Bat for Lashes - On Fire (Bruce Springsteen Live Cover) [mp3]

LtK

With a Little Help From My Friends

Ashley and I before N.A.S.A.

Having friends with similar music taste is amazing. Having friends with said music taste, a passion for great eighties movies, and a husband in an unsigned, up and coming Seattle band is STELLAR.

The Beatles - With a Little Help From My Friends

Thanks to my bff from work, I had a date to Department of Eagles and N.A.S.A., and now an introduction to the extremely talented indie act - though they might not choose that title - Hazelwood Motel. In the words of Seattle Weekly:

Ed Vierda, Megan Pickerel (yes, Mark Pickerel's sister), and Patrick Smail make quiet, lo-fi folk music that uses whispered words, echoes, and tremulous vocals to create a moody atmosphere ideal for personal reflection, rainy days, and healing battered hearts...

Ed (Ash's Hubby), Megan, and Patrick

Hardly a party album, Hazelwood Motel possesses tremendous power in its quietest moments. In a whisper, the world ends, and then, with a strumming guitar, it's born anew. Yes. Their music is really that outstanding. SB. Seattle Weekly

Not only have they been seen on KEXP's song of the day and recorded an acoustic set for the same landmark radio station, but Hazelwood Motel have opened for several notable Seattle bands including The Blakes and Great Lake Swimmers. Three Imaginary Girls gave their self-titled, self-released debut an outstanding review back in February of 2008, praising "Debut albums are referred to by many characterizations, not the least of which are 'promising' and 'a sign of things to come.' But in the case of Hazelwood Motel, that 'thing' has already arrived long ago. One gets the sense that the band is completely content with their musical choices, and that their sound is one that has been and always will be with them. This confidence bleeds right into their hearts and out of their fingers and mouths, spilling onto twelve quietly brazen tracks."

Patrick, Hazelwood Motel Live @ KEXP Set

With lyrics that pierce the heart, and melodies to soothe the soul, don't miss out on this opportunity to become part of their fiercely loyal fanbase. You don't want to be the L 7 reading about them in Spin someday and wondering why you didn't get in on the lovefest back when.

Did I mention they were asked to record a "Little Boxes" cover for consideration/use on the critically accalimed television show Weeds? You know the Agrestic opening montage the likes of Elvis Costello, Donovan, The Shins, and Death Cab have all put their name to? I got a chance to listen to their take on Malvina Reynolds' classic and it killed. Too bad Nancy had to up and flee to Mexico, or we might have been humming along to HM in Season Four.

Hazelwood Motel - Break Myself in Two [mp3]

Hazelwood Motel - Not Enough [mp3]
Hazelwood Motel - Imagined Places [mp3]

Check out their Space. Love on their album. See them Live.
Sidenote: Unfortunately as of now, HM do not have concert dates scheduled in Seattle. There may be some core changes for the band on the horizon, but we'll update you if/when they occur. Till then, listen on soldier. Soldier on listener.

LtK

Heartbeats = Love

Just a little video I found while procrastinating on Vimeo. This shiz is awesome, and deserving of way more than 58 plays and 2 likes. I am officially a fan of this guy.


Heartbeats from shakranik on Vimeo.

Jose Gonzalez - Heartbeats (Live on Radio One) [mp3]

When the Silent Film Institute Calls, Your Phone Doesn't Ring

"The Noises Rest" from lonelysandwich on Vimeo.

Freaking Hilarious.

Spring Breakdown

Instead of posting a completely generic spring break mix, I thought a little story telling might be fun. After scouring my collection, here's the typical college student's spring break experience in 30 songs or less.

Asher Roth - I Love College
Wale - The Vacation from Ourselves [mp3]
Ben Kweller and Adam Green - Kokomo (Beach Boys Cover) [mp3]
Feist - Flight #303
Amanda Jenssen - Come On (You Have Arrived)
Timid Tiger - Palm Beach Bar [mp3]
Hot Chip - The Beach Party [mp3]
Peter Bjorn and John - Party and Bullshit (Dave Wrangler's Nothing To Worry About Remix) [mp3]
Terry Urban - Party Day 'N' Nite (Jay-Z and Kid Cudi Mashup) [mp3]
The Teenagers - Sunset Beach
The E.L.F. - Dancing in the Dark (Springsteen BL Rewind 2) [mp3]
Beastie Boys - Girls
Lady GaGa - Boys Boys Boys
Kelly Clarkson - I Do Not Hookup
CSS - Alcohol [mp3]
Britney Spears - The Hook Up [mp3]
Kanye West - Drunk and Hot Girls
Freezepop - Afterparty [mp3]
Cash Cash - Party in Your Bedroom [mp3]
Of Montreal - The Party's Crashing Us [mp3]
Nouvelle Vague - Too Drunk to Fuck (Dead Kennedys Cover)
No Kids - The Beaches All Closed [mp3]
You Say Party! We Say Die! - Nightswimming (R.E.M. Cover) [mp3]
Death Cab for Cutie - Spring Break Broke
Crystal Stilts - Departure [mp3]
Led Zeppelin - Night Flight
Common Market - Back Home (The Return)

Tequila, Random Makeouts, and Spring Break Soundtracks,
LtK

Meet Me At Fantasy Island

Most of my friends are aware of my not so secret inner-nerd, as I'm particularly shameless when it comes to loving on video games. I will adamantly defend the Nintendo 64 as the greatest game console ever created, although I've had several favorites along the way: Super Nintendo, Sega, XBox, Game Boy, PSP, Playstation, and the Wii all had/have/continue to maintain their starring role in my motor function coordination and development. Anything Mario (Super Smash Brothers included) can bring out the child in me as easily as Bowser snags Princess Peach. You think by now she'd have learned some self-defense, or at least put up more of a fight.

When I first heard the name Super Mash Brothers on a record I sampled, I was a little skeptical. Even if you're just being cute by reworking a classic game name, you've still got some huge mustaches and overalls to fill. About three tracks in, I felt like my inner Mario was on fire power. Maybe it was their mashup of Daft Punk and Britney that hooked me, but Dexy's Midnight Runners versus Mistah Fab only served to build steam. Other genius collabs include Jay-Z vs Vanessa Carlton, Nelly and Blink -182, Darude vs Soulja Boy, and my personal favorite, a Chris Brown / Michael Jackson / Jefferson Starship bonanza. 

If you need a break from Girl Talk (not that Feed the Animals wasn't good fun) I highly recommend a couple entertaining spins of Super Mash Brothers' Fuck Bitches. Get Euros. Like Girl Talk, SMB is best served in small, but amplified doses. Hint: Dance Party. We don't want you overdosing on the star power. 

Warning: High levels of feel-good endorphins may inspire you to climb rock walls and launch yourself at flagpoles. Please only attempt this if you are 4-inch Italian who likes to wear red sweaters and flash peace signs. You know who you are...

Super Mash Brothers - I Fucking Bleed Purple and Gold [mp3]

Super Mash Brothers - Meet Me at Fantasy Island [mp3]

Super Mash Brothers - Deuteronomy Blunts [mp3]

Super Mash Brothers - D.G.A.F.L.Y.F. [mp3]

Sidenote: How awesome are these track titles?

White Hot

Here's a preview of the new N.E.R.D. ft. Santigold track that will be dropping soon. I've missed their live performances of "Soldier" because I don't watch crappy TV (MTV's Spring Break and to a far lesser extent, Jimmy Fallon Late Night). I didn't even bother reading reviews of their last album, Seeing Sounds. I was too busy enjoying it's vast improvement over Fly or Die, and it's slight resemblance to their best effort to date, debut In Search Of... Pharrell always seems to do his best production work for artists other than himself. But the idea of his ear working with Santi White's vocals (she's f'in golden right now) has me ready for the dance floor. You?

P.S. Yes, she changed her name (back?) to Santigold. So drop that uncool second 'o' if you're still using it. So passe...

N.E.R.D. ft. Santigold - Soldier (Live on MTV Spring Break) [mp3]

N.E.R.D. - Soldier (Live on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon 3/27/2009) [mp3]

Fools Life

April Fools is killing me. YouTube didn't so much "get me" as annoy me when I tried to watch some Jon LaJoie before work. No biggie. But now every band and their mom are capitalizing on outrageously gullible fans (AKA yours truly). Sigur Ros irritated me when they announced a collaboration with Coldplay, and I wasn't overly thrilled to be informed NIN latest EP would be produced by Timbaland. Say what? APRIL FOOLS. I feel like I'm on the longest episode of Punk'd ever created. And there's not even any hot Ashton around to bust me up! Fortunately for the fool in all of us, this day will be over in less than twelve hours.

Now if only Joaquin Phoenix would jump out of the bushes and tell me his rap career has been a well-planned rouse...

The Fools Life Mixtape

Dr. Dog - Fools Life [mp3]
The Dodos - Fools [mp3]
Shamelessly addicted to this gem
Neutral Milk Hotel - The Fool [mp3]
Cat Power - Fool [mp3]
M. Ward - Fool Says [mp3]
The Magnetic Fields - Old Fools [mp3]
Girl Talk - What a Fool Knows About That (off Girl Talk Murders Seattle) [mp3]
A Tribe Called Quest - Description of a Fool [mp3]
Still brings back old school memories. Not even foolish ones. This one was written with the permanent fools in mind - those whose idiocy doesn't wear off in a day.

You smell like onions. APRIL FOOLS. Or is it?
LtK

The Crowd was Getting Thinner, We Were Getting Closer

We @ GDM love on The Asteroids Galaxy Tour live. Can you see now why Apple and Amy Winehouse are both fans? Their upcoming album Fruit is definitely a fun one - though maybe not groundbreaking - to watch for. I liked Spin's description of their "weird intersection of Portishead, the Go! Team, and '60s Staxx soul... topped off by a voice you'll either love or loathe." I think you know where I stand. P.S. Props to them for transforming some of the most depressingly relatable lyrics into electro-soul-pop gold.

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour - The Sun Ain't Shining No More (Thomas Gold Remix) [mp3]

View the entire nine song set HERE.

In For the Kill

La Roux - In For The Kill from pster on Vimeo.

La Roux la la la Rules.

La Roux - In For The Kill (Skream's Let's Get Ravey Mix) [mp3]
La Roux - In For The Kill (The Twelves Remix) [mp3]