Audiogasms 2007: The Album Countdown Part Due (31-12)

No Monday Mixtape. And no fancy intro this time. Just the continuation of the countdown in its purified form.

Note - Missing information and/or links will be added with the top eleven post.

32. Interpol - Our Love to Admire
Release Date: July 10 (Capitol)












31. Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
Release Date: April 24 (Domino/Warner Bros)












30. !!! - Myth Takes
Release Date: March 5 (Warp)












29. Kanye West - Graduation
Release Date: September 11 (Roc-a-Fella)












28. Pinback - Autumn of the Seraphs
Release Date: September 11 (Touch and Go)












27. Art Brut - It's a Bit Complicated
Release Date: June 19 (Downtown)












26. Low - Drums and Guns
Release Date: March 20 (Sub Pop)













25. Jay-Z - American Gangster
Release Date:












24. Iron and Wine - Shepherd's Dog
Release Date: September 25 (Sub Pop)













23. Gabriel Teodros - Lovework
Release Date: February 27 (MASSline)












Why You Care: Gabriel came to Bumbershoot this year, and even though school prevented me from going, word was he rocked it. I only just discovered him this year, and what a great album to introduce his musical efforts. Although hes been around for years as a producer and collaborator, solo stuff is limited. His beats are infectious, and his rhymes perfectly compliment his commentary. Rapid fire, and yet relaxed. Passively agressively in your face; smooth enough to creep into your conscious before you have a chance to notice.

Gabriel Teodros - No Label (Esma Remix)

22. Panda Bear - Person Pitch
Release Date: March 20 (Paw)












Why You Care: Because Animal Collective might make a further appearance on this countdown, and Noah Lennox is an integral contributer to the group's high placement. Panda Bear combines all the greatness of sixties boy-band, take-home-to-your-mama groove (Smile Brian Wilson, you'd be proud) with a healthy dose of the electronic manipulation Lennox knows best. If I continue describing, I won't do the effort justice. It's beyond literal explanation. Just listen.

21. The Apples in Stereo - New Magnetic Wonder
Release Date: February 6 (Yep Roc)












20. Tim Fite - Over the Counterculture
Release Date: (Self-Released, available free on his website)









19. Blonde Redhead - 23
Release Date: April 10 (4AD)













18. Peter Bjorn and John - Writer's Block
Release Date: February 20 (V2/Almost Gold)












Why You Care: (Whistling) Need I not speak more?

Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks

17. Modest Mouse - We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Release Date: March 20 (Sony BMG)












16. Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
Release Date: January 23 (Polyvinyl)













15. Beirut - The Flying Club Cup
Release Date: September 4 (Ba Da Bing!)












14. Les Savy Fav - Let's Stay Friends
Release Date: September 18 (Frenchkiss)













13. The White Stripes - Icky Thump
Release Date: June 6 (Third Man/Warner Bros)












12. The Cribs - Men's Needs, Women's Needs. Whatever
Release Date: May 21 (Warner Bros)

Audiogasms 2007: The Album Countdown Part Uno (55-32)

So the 2007 countdown has finally been solidified. And only what, 2 days late? That sounds about right. Pop quiz: What is the only personal item Lydia essentially needed to bring home from school for the holidays, and in a stroke of usual brilliance, forgot? I'll give you a hint: Girls use it to check Facebook four times a day and guys use it to look at porn (Watch the opening of Superbad if you want to dispute the latter claim). That's right, my laptop! Needless to say hysterics ensued.

This is the most hysterical picture I could find.

23 hours into this 'Code Red' crisis and I assumed the fetal position. I was suffering from uncontrollable music withdrawal spasms and intermittently proceeded to repeat random Disney lyrics. Apparently my music addiction diagnosis is extremely rare; There are less than two documented cases in history. When sanity finally crept back in, I realized I already had the solution to my problem: A little program called EphPod that makes music lovers swoon. I'm ecstatic that the sacrifice of my first born child was not necessary, although I was nearing such a level of desperation.

See, it was touch and go there for awhile - I thought I might end up on some street corner jonesing for a Clash fix, and being too strung out to properly beg for change to purchase a used copy of London Calling. A sad possibility indeed. But the music Gods prevailed and here I am rocking out to Rudie Can't Fail, with only a few worry lines to show for the whole debacle.

Down to the important business. "I know what you're trying to say, you're trying to say its time for business, its business time." My top musical selections for this year, also known as Audiogasms 2007, follow. I've painfully narrowed down the Top Albums list to 55 - so sue me. And the supplemental Top Songs list settled in somewhere around 75. This is less than Rolling Stone and Pitchfork believe it or not. In the next three days till Christmas I'm going to give you an awkwardly-portioned daily serving of my album countdown - 23, 21, then 11 records respectively. Also in the three days preceding New Years, I'm going to be posting my Top Songs list - 25, 25, 25 daily, so you'll have some good tunes to make and break your resolutions to. For variety's sake I will try not to post songs from the Top Song list in the album countdown - there are several favorite tunes from these albums which I'll obviously be posting later.

Disclaimer: Both lists are entirely that of my own creation. Albums were chosen based on pure entertainment value, that is, how much fun and/or playtime I was able to get out of each one. Critical acclaim was surely an influence, but not a deal breaker. Thus if you have an objection, suck on it. I have no professional obligation, or more importantly, liability. So pending some further sign of the apocalypse, spin away list of mine...

55. Bishop Allen - The Broken String
Release Date: July 24 (Dead Oceans)












Why You Care: Not as great as they're breakout hit Charm School, but still filled with sugary pop anthems, enough to brigten anyone's day. Click, Click, Click, Click has over 40 plays on my itunes.

Bishop Allen - Like Castanets

54. Maritime - Heresy and the Hotel Choir
Release Date: October 17 (Flameshovel Records)












Why You Care: Maritime is the best thing to come out of Milwaukee since German beer and sausages. Their previous 2006 release, We, the Vehicles had critics spinning, and their indie/rock/pop blend is back in full force on this newest record.

Maritime - For Science Fiction

53. Blue Scholars - Bayani
Release Date: June 12 (Blue Scholars, LLC)












Why You Care: DJ Sabzi and MC Geologic get me every time with their quick-witted rhymes and politically or socially relevant lyrics. There is no time wasted on the enumeration of property, wealth, or hoes, just clever lyricism at its best.

Blue Scholars - Still Got Love

52. Jose Gonzalez - In Our Nature
Release Date: September 25 (Imperial Recordings)












Why You Care: If you're finally ready to move past listening to "Heartbeats" - the song that's been all over the flippin place, then In Our Nature is an excellent place to start. Of course you should pick up a copy of Veneer for good measure, but the Swedish indie one-man show brings his uniquely heartfelt guitar playing, poetic musings on love and loss, and his so-good-its-almost-creepy croon to both releases.

Jose Gonzalez - Teardrop (Massive Attack Cover)

51. Kevin Drew - Broken Social Scene Presents: Kevin Drew Spirit If...
Release Date: July 24 (Arts & Crafts)











Why You Care: If you love Broken Social Scene you know how much K Drew rocks. His vocals are even more powerfully haunting on this record. Bring a sweater and be prepared for chills.

Kevin Drew - Backed Out on the...

50. The Go! Team - Proof of Youth
Release Date: September 11 (Sub Pop Records)












Why You Care: Theres not much i can say about this album other than its got musical grip like a vice. It grabs on and doesn't let go for 11 straight tracks (14 if you buy it from itunes) of pop-punk goodness. From first listen i was hooked on the sugary beats and feel good attitude of this record. If you're allergic to good times (this condition is both real and annoying) stay clear of Proof of Youth. Warning: It really will make you feel more youthful; after once through i was back in my braces-wearing, mixtape-making, giggling about boys stage. Granted, the latter two are still true.

The Go! Team - Doing it Right

49. Tegan & Sara - The Con
Release Date: July 23 (Sire Records)












Why You Care: Tegan and Sara's almost whiny vocals can turn the casual listener off faster than a man who thinks a slap on the ass is a turn-on. But for those of you who are willing to make a larger commitment to this record, you'll realize this young duo has captured something special on this record. From the heartwarming plea of "Back in Your Head" to the burning honesty of "Nineteen," the record plays like a story of young adult angst, trial, and tribulation. Older and wiser than the two women heard on The Con, Tegan and Sara's latest is an accurate testament to the musical evolution and growth of two of indie music's most promising female stars.

Tegan and Sara - Nineteen

48. Bright Eyes - Cassadaga
Release Date: April 10 (Saddle Creek)












Why You Care: I don't really have to answer this for BE, do I?

Bright Eyes - Four Winds

47. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
Release Date: March 6 (Merge Records)











Why You Care: Fans of Funeral have something to look forward to with this cd. Although I considered this release a bit of a letdown after the brilliance of their previous recording, several listenings proved this band does in fact, deserve the hype. Heralded as one of the best live acts ever (I've already admitted i would beat up a senior citizen for tickets), seasoned fans will rejoice in the new record and newbies/AF virgins will develop enough curiosity in Arcade's unique instrumentation and creative lyrics to peruse their catalog for more audio delights.

Arcade Fire - No Cars Go

46. The Hives - The Black and White Album
Release Date: November 13 (US) (Interscope)












Why You Care: Vidi Vidi Delicious is one phrase I've been known to associate with this band, a play off one of their album titles. The Hives have never ceased to impress me with their "fuck the man attitude" - the man being record execs and the fuck you referring to their refusal to relinquish creative freedom or image control to a corporation whose main interest is in maximizing profit. The Hives have never cared about going "mainstream"; they trust in the dedication of their audience, and are committed to making the kind of music they believe needs to be made. With The Black and White Album the group neither sells out nor refuses to experiment with new, more accessible sounds. If you like to rock out, or if you purely want to show support for one of the very few bands still interested in musical integrity, buy this album.

The Hives - Tick Tick Boom

45. 1990s - Cookies
Release Date: July 31 (Rough Trade Records Ltd.)












Why You Care: The Kinks meets The Strokes. They mate and have a smartass baby who likes to play the cowbell. Badass.

The 1990s - Switch

44. The Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes Are the Dark Horse
Release Date: February 20 (Jagiaguwar)












Why You Care: Cause you're bored with most other music and you need something completely original and unique. Because you are tired of understanding your music completely and of not feeling a little violated after pumping the speakers full of your usual hits.

The Besnard Lakes - For Agent 13

43. Shout Out Louds - Our Ill Wills
Release Date: September 11 (Merge Records)












Why You Care: If "Normandie" isn't enough reason to buy this record go have your ears checked, on me. And by me I mean your insurance provider.

Shout Out Louds - Hard Rain

42. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - Raising Sand
Release Date: October 23 (Rounder Records)












Why You Care: Two greats get together to make even greater music. 'Nough said.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - Rich Woman

41. Lily Allen - Alright, Still
Release Date: July 17 (EMI)












Why You Care: Sans her recent ramblings about once being a "fatty," Lily A has been a pretty kick ass female musician and role model. I haven't seen her va-jay-jay all over the tabloids, nor have I had trouble finding her music buried underneath heaps of overproduction and vocal manipulation. Though I did disagree with several of her single choices, as I believe there are much better stand alone tracks on the album. You better thank Satan everyday for creating MySpace, Lily.

Lily Allen - Friday Night

40. El-P - I'll Sleep When You're Dead
Release Date: March 20 (Definitive Jux)












Why You Care: Kanye, Jay, and Common are all great MCs, but El-P is an enigmatic genius. It takes a very talented rapper to pull off duets with NIN, the Mars Volta, and Cat Power - partnerships which have utilized both artist to their full potential, neither neglecting nor overpowering the strengths of either collaborator. El-P is like Public Enemy mixed with Aesop Rock, all the social conscience of the former, with the powerfully effective delivery of both.

El-P - Flyentology

39. Kings of Leon - Because of the Times
Release Date: March 30 (RCA)












Why You Care: Who knew Jesus freaks could rock so hard? Dusty Springfield never told us about these sons of a preacher. Man. Well, minister to be exact. With their third release, bandmates and brothers Jared, Caleb, and Nate are still going strong. Past the threat of sophmoric slump, Kings of Leon continues to produce that kind of unapologetic seventies rock our parents probably got high to.

Kings of Leon - Knocked Up

38. Justice - Cross
Release Date: July 10 (Ed Bangers Music)












Why You Care: Because sometimes you just want to dance. "Fuck guys tonight! I just want to dance. I just want to express myself through the art of dance!" Seriously, Justice is the embodiment of this Dane Cook quote, with a little electronic spice added for good measure. You couldn't escape from D.A.N.C.E. this year if you tried. Frankly if you did try, I'm not sure we can be friends. "Do the D-A-N-C-E!"

Justice - D.A.N.C.E.

37. The New Pornographers - Challengers
Release Date: August 21 (Matador Records)












Why You Care: Because Neko Case is the shit, and its been too long since she's put something new out or you've seen her live. Because A.C. Newman is also the shit and its been WAY too long since his last solo effort. Because Zumpano is a crazy awesome listen and, well, you know where I'm going with this...

The New Pornographers - Myriad Harbor

36. Menomena - Friend and Foe
Release Date: January 23 (Muuuhahaha)












Why You Care: Because simplistic rock and homemade production are not dead. Because I can still call it rock even with melodic piano in the background and appealing indie lyrics filling my room. Menomena has got this insanely ecclectic sound - a unique blend of daring experimentation and thought-provoking expression. An amazing, serendipitous surprise.

Menomena - Wet and Rusting

35. Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
Release Date: May 15 (Nonesuch)












Why You Care: Wilco never disappoints, and this record is no exception to the rule. If you like good music then you'll like this record, guaranteed.

Wilco - Impossible Germany

33. Arthur & Yu - In Camera
Release Date: June 19 (Hardly Art)












Why You Care: If you're a huge fan of Seattle's nonprofit radio station KEXP like me, than you've probably heard Arthur and Yu get some airtime. The duo seemed to pop out of the woodwork this year with their debut release, blindsiding critics and fans alike. The unique combination of twangy vocals and simple instrumentation (best usage of a tambourine in ages!) make for one of the greatest indie efforts my ears have had the pleasure of hearing in quite awhile.

Arthur & Yu - 1000 Words

32. Feist - The Reminder
Release Date: May 1 (Polydor)












Why You Care: Unless you're living under a rock or hiding with Gunatanomo Bay reports, you've seen Feist in the loveable, colorful ipod commercials, dancing to her song 1 2 3 4. Although it is definitely not her best effort to date (Let it Die is much better) this album was still entertaining enough to spend severly weeks on my most played list, due in large part to "My Moon My Man".

Feist - 1 2 3 4 (Live in Wein, Germany)

Till Tomorrow,
Peace, Love, and Records,
LTK

Like Jamie-Lynn's Baby, The Countdown is Coming

By now everyone around the world has wasted precious moments of our lives reading up on the latest scandal involving Britney Spears.... her 16-year old sister's pregnancy. You go Jamie-Lynn; at least you're not old enough to smoke or drink yet, two things celebrities seems to mistake for prenatal vitamins. The lucky child molester... I mean father to be is 18-yr old Casey something or other. More of a nobody than Kevin Federline, but still more famous than Aaron Carter.The whole debacle is yet another reminder of how much our lives do not suck right now. Most likely you have a mom at home who didn't pimp you out to OK! Magazine for an exclusive interview and 1 million dollar plus baby pictures. That Lynne Spears is a class act - she'll whore her family out just to make some green, especially since her career ambitions are on hold. Heres to hoping her Christian parenting book (no joke) is stonewalled indefinitely. Kind of makes me proud of Britney; at least she made it another five years or so before turning her life into a shit show.

Dane Cook - Pregnant Lady

Back here in the land of the (semi) sane I had to postpone my reviews of new albums by Lupe Fiasco, Mary J. Blige, and the soundtrack for the new Daniel-Day Lewis film There Will Be Blood composed by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead, all in the interest of finalizing my top album countdown for 2007. Heck I've been dying to plug a few new films as well, including Ed Norton's new police flick, Frances McDormand's Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, and the star-studded, extremely sexy historical release: The Other Boelyn Girl. But narrowing down this list has proved more difficult than sitting through Heath Ledger in Casanova, and trust me that was a triumph. I know if I can withstand 2 hours of a poorly written, even more poorly acted comedy/drama/horror?, I can certainly have my top list up and sputtering on the site by Christmas.

Lupe Fiasco - Go Go Gadget Flow

Jonny Greenwood - There Will Be Blood

The Other Boelyn Girl (Eric Bana, divorce your wife and marry me)


Because I love you all here's a little teaser of what you'll find on UAFT in the coming days - I'll be counting down the top 50 albums of 2007, ten per day, with numero uno revealing itself on Jesus's supposed birth. I can tell you that Via Audio, Band of Horses, Iron & Wine, Beirut, The National, and The Shins all made the cut, and that even those of you who know me well probably couldn't guess my number one pick. So stay tuned throughout the weekend for guaranteed audio orgasms. Also if you're under 18, stay clear of any and all sperm. Just because Jamie-Lynn is pregnant doesn't mean you should be too. Pack on the pounds the normally unhealthy way - by overloading on eggnog, cookies, and most importantly, booze.

Heres a few tracks that got me through finals:

Kanye West - Young Folks (Peter Bjorn and John mixtape)

Animal Collective - Peacebone

The Perishers - Come Out of the Shade

The Format - For You (Bruce Springsteen cover)

Shout Out Louds - Normandie

MIA - Paper Planes (The controversy surrounding this newly released video was way juicy)

Watch for a little Beastie Boys love...

Jamie-Lynn photo courtesy of Perez H.

Did Steve Tell You That Perchance?

Why are people so flippin unfriendly during finals week? I understand the lack of sleep combined with hours of cramming can lead to a sour demeanor, but this is the beauty of college life on a daily basis. Some people must be over abusing their bitch pills or something - you know the ones you take when you need a creepy guy to leave you alone - cause the animosity on campus is more than I can handle. At least when I'm being mean I do so for a purpose; to make someone cry or lower their self-esteem so much said individual requires extensive therapy. I guess the reward of a mediocre score on a near meaningless test doesn't seem worth the sacrifice of a smile. Quit your bitching people, before I send your ass to a community college graduate who charges 300 bucks per session.

In happier news I have completed all my pre-Christmas shopping for the fam bam! This includes amazing concert tix for my brother (Wu Tang at the Showbox), tv series/dvds for my parents as well as gift certificates to their regular haunts. To finish this early is a monumental feat for LTK - unprecedented in its grandeur. And in honor of this great accomplishment I bought myself a little somethin somethin special: the first season of Flight of the Conchords. Steve told me to Jemaine!

Flight of the Conchords - Hiphopopotomus vs. Rhymenoceros

The Case of the Mondays Mixtape is lacking severely in originality this week, as I don't have too much time or sanity to spare during hell week. Because the random beauties of life really inspired me these past days, I put the old ipod on shuffle and uploaded the first fifteen tracks to surface. Enjoy a peak into my private collection, and while you're at it perform a random act of kindness. Life's too short to be a bitch. In the spirit of J Christ, Pagan Tradition, or Lotkes go out and do something great today.

Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Coma Girl

Bob Dylan - Knockin on Heavens Door

The Rolling Stones - Undercover of the Night

Michelle Tumes - Lovely (Remix)

The Clash - The Card Cheat

Ben Kweller - On My Way

Queens of the Stone Age - Long Slow Goodbye

Spoon - Tasty Fish

The Beatles - Lady Madonna

Maritime - Birds of Ireland

The Pigeon Detectives - I Found Out

Mirah - Engine Heart

The Damnwells - Shes the NYC Skyline

The View - Street Lights

A Tribe Called Quest - Find a Way

Bike. Hot Chocolate. Ultraviolet light. Just trying to keep the randomness going.

This Will Be Our Year

With my recent acquisition of a time machine (See previous post) I've been capitalizing on any and all trans-generational travel opportunities. Let the zeitgeist be damned I say. My model T.M. is no Millennium Falcon (she can't do the Kessel Run in under twelve parsecs), but she will get you there more efficiently than a De Lorean DMC-12. Tough luck Michael J Fox, technology has grown since 1985.

Back the the Future II - Main Title

Anyway this week I can't get enough of The Zombies. Kind of like sex for some people - you can forget how good it is if you stay away for too long. The Zombie's 1968 release, Odessey and Oracle is infamous for its title misspelling of "Odyssey" - a mistake by the cover-designer and roommate of bass player Chris White. The album is hailed as the only genuine Zombies release because unlike their previous recording, it contains only original material, written by Chris and Rod Argent. The first, undeniably catchy single "Care of Cell 44" made a splash in the UK as well as abroad. Odessey is consistently regarded as one of the 100 best albums ever produced, cited on several top lists by many reputable music sources including Rolling Stone and MOJO.

Elliot Smith, and most recently OK GO are among the contemporary artists to have covered Zombie's tracks. So heres to another crusader of the British Invasion. Tis the Time of the Season to be thankful for all of England's musical exports; Pink Floyd, The Cure, Massive Attack, Gang of Four anyone? I can even manage the strength to be thankful for the shitshow that is Pete Doherty these days. Give him some more drugs and watch him work his magic.

The Zombies - Care of Cell 44

The Zombies - Time of the Season

The Zombies - This Will Be Our Year

OK Go - This Will Be Our Year

Sidenote: I think I dropped LSD just by looking at this album cover.

Eleanor Rigby, Get My Revolver

The lack of new television programming this week has made me bitter before my time. I always thought the inevitable senility would set in around sixty. I was actually looking forward to the scaring little children part. But it seems I could apply for retirement by next Tuesday at the rate I'm going. Okay WGA, noble cause and all, but while you hold out for more money my premature aging condition worsens. I hold you personally responsible for my early demise.

The one bright spot in my ailment was a brand new episode of Pushing Daisies. I can't get enough of the adorable Kristen Chenoweth - Wicked fans rejoice. I have to give it up for Jim Dale as well; without his narration skills PD would just be another eccentric hour of exaggerated, unrealistic plot twists. And I'm convinced there is no one in the world who can bring Vernon Dursley and Dumbledore to life with quite such creative perfection. Move over Ron Howard, theres a new vocal omnipresence in my heart.

Harry and the Potters - Save Ginny Weasley

Because theres no new TV tunes to impart I decided instead to turn my focus to the silver screen. One movie I'm ever so excited about is Guy Ritchie's newest flick, Revolver. Starring potential husband number five, Jason Statham, as the charismatic gambler/conman/inmate Jake Green. Really how gorgeous is handsome Rob?

After being released from a 7-year stint in the pokey, Jake becomes unbeatable at the card tables using a formula for the ultimate con he learned from some lifers on the inside. Now he is primed and ready to exact revenge on Dorothy Macha (Ray Liotta), the man responsible for his jail time. Long story short: Macha catches wind of the scheme, only after being royally owned by Jake in a game of poker, and sends his goons to 'take out the trash'. Instead Jake is saved by two enigmatic ruffians, one of which is Andre Benjamin (Bust out B.O.B.!) and unintentionally involves himself in more shenanigans than he can handle. "But, the biggest danger of all comes from a totally unexpected source…himself. It gradually transpires the real conman is in his head." Classic Richie right? Crazy as shit characters, fast-paced crime drama, nonsensical British dialogue, the guarantee of chauvinistic reactions to card games, plenty of laughs, and don't forget the glorification of violence. I just wiped a little drool. Anything Jason is in is worth the arm and leg movie theaters now charge - even Transporter 2.

Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels Soundtrack
I Wanna Be Your Dog
Hortif**kinculturalist
Why Did You Do It

Snatch Soundtrack
Diamond

Revolver Theatrical Trailer



Going with the theme musically, I thought it was an opportune time to hop in my time machine (Same model Kip got off ebay) and take a little trip back to the turbulent days of 1966. August 5 to be exact - the day The Beatles seventh studio album Revolver was released in the land of the Queen. Three days later it would hit hoards of screaming teenage girls in the US - those who found bowl haircuts and bad teeth extremely sexy; kids who thought sticking it to the man was rocking out to "Good Day Sunshine" and the ever-popular "Yellow Submarine." Bad-ass.

I might be bias, but Revolver is quite possibly the best album released by the original boy band. Compared to its predecessor, Rubber Soul, this album is more rock than folk, more electric then eclectic. Gimme that old time rock and roll right Seger? Revolver remained #1 on the charts for upwards of six weeks in the states and abroad. It was a pioneer for studio techniques including string arrangement ("Eleanor Rigby"), backmashing (Lennon's marijuana-induced mistake with "I'm Only Sleeping") and Motown-ish brass instrumentation ("Got to Get You into My Life"). It also includes some of the best collaborations between dynamic duo Lennon and McCartney, as well as elevating Georgie H from pretty(?) face to songwriter. Fun fact: The peace-loving Beatles weren't all about the handgun industry; the name of the album is a play on the revolving motion of the record as it plays. So grab your tea and biscuits, don your red, white and intellectually superior, and raise a toast to the most famous quartet in history. Here, There, and Everywhere.

The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby
The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby / Julia (LOVE Version)
The Beatles - Yellow Submarine

John Lennon - Happy Xmas (War is Over)

Instead of answering take-home final questions about cultural relativism, this weekend I'll be putting together my end of the year Bestest Albums, as well as my personal Turkeys lists. Its a staple of any music blog and I can't wait to reveal my rather unconventional collection of 2007's best. I might also include a list of amazing selected singles, according to the entirely unprofessional opinion of me. Of course I'll be doing all of this naked at the request of a certain individual. There's even a jar of honey sitting next to my computer JBG.

Peace, love, and records.
LTK

American Zeppelin

So I've been up all night tantalizing my hippocampus with loads of info about classical and operant conditioning. I don't know if its the insomnia talking or the NyQuil I've been sipping on like hot coco, but suddenly I feel a genuine need to smack someone in the face. Or maybe punch a wall like all the badass kids did in high school. Unfortunately knowing me, the result would probably involve expulsion and a trip to the hospital for a broken hand. Not necessarily in that order. So instead I've decided to purge my violent thoughts with a little cinematic masterpiece I like to call 300. Mmmm, a hearty bowl of Spartan defeat? for breakfast.

Frank Miller you sure are master, even if the moral conclusion of the film implants a seed of historical inaccuracy. Even if these noble Greeks encouraged incest, polygamy, promiscuity, homosexuality between kids and their mentors, and propagating for the sole purpose of military breeding. So what if they left their children to die in the mountains, had less than 1000 men at the time of J Christ because of this slaughter, and are continually compared to Nazi Germany in their tactics for ethnic cleansing? In Hollywood the facts aren't always important. What is? The way that loincloth really accentuates Gerard Butler's chiseled abs; he's just so darn pretty to look at.

I meant to share this gem earlier but the last few days I've been obsessed with the newest mixtape from DJ Doc Rok. A man who has chosen to try and best DJ Danger Mouse's bootleg The Grey Album by remixing Jay's American Gangster with another classic band, Led Zeppelin. I don't have too much to say about this one - the amazingness is inherent. It transcends cultural barriers. Sort of like the Kofi Annan of remixes. Heres the album in zip form. If you're technologically stunted, and don't know how to unzip a file, download WinRar and let the healing begin.

DJ Doc Rok - American Zeppelin

Oh, and bring it on home for Otis Redding today. The anniversary of his untimely death was actually on the tenth, but we think his legacy lives on no matter what a silly thing like the date says. Thats how strong my love is, okay.

Otis Redding - A Change is Gonna Come

Otis Redding - That's How Strong My Love Is

Otis Redding - (Sitting on) The Dock of the Bay

Otis Redding - White Christmas

Now back to King Leonidas and his verbal whiplashing of Xerxes. Time to wage a little war in the shade.