I Can Learn

Ten Tracks for Ten Lessons ( Or Things I've Learned This Week)

The White Stripes - I Can Learn [ysi]

1. The indie community is more eager to shun the Black Kids then they were to embrace them. From next big thing to bargain basement binge in a matter of months. My low-rent taste rather enjoyed Partie Traumatic...

Black Kids - Hurricane Jane [ysi]

2. Common Market still has it; Tobacco Road, released 9/9, is worth some spins.

Common Market - Winter Takes All [ysi]

3. After listening to it again, I discovered I love Goldfrapp on Felt Mountain.

Goldfrapp - Pilots [ysi]

4. Andrew Bird sounds absolutely perfect at any time of the day.

Andrew Bird - Masterfade [ysi]

5. Sam Cooke is "so prolific," as my dad puts it. It's absolutely amazing the scope of his catalog. And not only his recordings, but his sheer number of #1s. I knew that Cooke's untimely death in 1964 at some seedy motel has always been considered sort of a mystery. Was it murder or was the motel owner defending himself? Many have claimed a bogus investigation. Rubin Carter round 2 anyone...? I did learn this week that Cooke lost his young son tragically in a drowning accident in 1963. At the peak of his career, Cooke was unprecedentedly financially successful for an African-American male singer, the loss devastated Sam, forcing him out of the studio for months. In November of 63, he assumed creative control of his music and started producing more of the material that mattered to him, including the groundbreaking "A Change is Gonna Come," shortly before he was killed.

Sam Cooke - Only Sixteen [ysi]

6. RAC can't make a boring remix. Not possible.

You Say Party! We Say Die! - Like I Give a Care (RAC Mix) [ysi]

7. People are accusing 5+ album alum Christina Aguilera of copying Lady GaGa's style (whose debut album hasn't hit stores yet) in her new track "Keeps Getting Better." HAHAHA. I pretty much despise this song and think Lady G is sounding a lot better.

Christina Aguilera - Keeps Getting Better [ysi]

8. When artists write f**k-you songs, I cheer. Jem's subtle slap at the corporate bitches who held her latest release back in "I Always Knew" off Down to Earth has been putting a smile on my face all week. I always knew I would one day be here / But I couldn't be / A puppet on a string / I've had my fights / Often I've been K.O.'ed / But I've got back up / No I won't give in /And now I know how it works / If you're too nice / Then you lose...

Repost: Jem - I Always Knew [ysi]

9. I am not as excited for the new Kings of Leon album as I probably should be.

Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire [ysi]

10. Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea is the best Indie album ever. At least that's what the blogosphere voted thanks to Berkeley Place. Pavement was definitely in the top 20 though, as was The Hold Steady, Arcade Fire, The National, The Postal Service, DCFC, Spoon, Bloc Party, Elliot Smith, Built to Spill, The White Stripes, Interpol, The Pixies, Sonic Youth, and more.

Neutral Milk Hotel - King of Carrot Flowers Pt.1 [ysi]

10.5 And finally, I've realized I never want to sound as pretentious as half the bloggers out there. Give me a good smack if this ever becomes the case. Somehow the "indie" community has evolved into an elitist organization, shunning those whose taste don't meet their standards. Once upon a time, music was about freedom, acceptance, and love. Not who has the most tracks, latest remix, or best collection. A little more love I say...

A Movie Script Ending

I'm not sure if Michael Cera has been as inescapable for you as he has been for me lately. And yes, before you ask it is more than the usual stalking. It's not just my obsession with George Michael Bluth and every other awkward character he plays, it's all thanks to that one movie. Is a name plug even necessary? Let's be honest those commercials are either way too emo or way too disney depending on the day. I thought I was immature enough to handle it, I really did. I mean I am LOVING Gossip Girl. OMG. But I guess I've grown out of the 14-18 yr old teenage girl demographic that they are marketing this completely predictable cutesy flash in the pan to. If it didn't have reasonably great music, held together by the talented eye of Devo mastermind Mark Mothersbaugh, made ever more appealing by a brand new Vamp Weekend track, I might not pay attention to the movie in the first place. Except for that pesky Michael Cera. Why does he have to be so darn put-on-Pedro-the-Lion-cute?

Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist Soundtrack
01. Chris Bell: "Speed of Sound"

Fans of Big Star may not even remember co-founder Chris Bell. Unfortunately, while Alex Chilton rose to rock god status, Bell was largely forgotten. Bell died in a car accident before he could see most of his own material released

02. Devendra Banhart: "Lover" [ysi]
03. Bishop Allen: "Middle Management" [ysi]
You might recognize this one from all the friggin previews... I love B Allen cause they make me occasionally forget that The Kinks are no more. Charm School is a far superior album, but Broken String sure has proven its commercial appeal

04. Vampire Weekend: "Ottoman"
05. The Dead 60s: "Riot Radio" [ysi]
06. Takka Takka: "Fever"
07. The Submarines: "Xavia"
08. We Are Scientists: "After Hours" [ysi]
I can fall in and out of love with WAS. But 'After Hours' is a solid choice. Makes me think of end of summer nights in high school: "Time Means Nothing..."

09. Band of Horses: "Our Swords" [ysi]
Cease to Begin saved my life last year, so I was sad producers didn't pick a track from that album, but Everything All The Time is equally five star worthy

10. Army Navy: "Silvery Sleds"
Friends of Ben Gibbard. Thats all I need to know to love them already...

11. Richard Hawley: "Baby, You're My Light"
12. Shout Out Louds: "Very Loud" [ysi]
13. Paul Tiernan: "How to Say Goodbye"
14. The Real Tuesday Weld: "Last Words"
15. Mark Mothersbaugh - "Nick and Nora's Theme"

Soundtrack hits stores September 23

Death Cab for Cutie - A Movie Script Ending [ysi]
Ben Gibbard - A Movie Script Ending (Acoustic in Chicago) [ysi]

Repost: The Long Goodbye (Michael Cera's Band) - Leading Man [Demo] [ysi]

Peace, Love, and Hoping for more Juno less N & N,
LTK

Bubble Pop Electric

I know I just plugged her two days ago but the official release date for Lady GaGa's The Fame is rapidly approaching and after spinning the record more than a healthy amount of times, I'm just all about my favorite exhibitionist singer/songwriter (on the bandwagon much?). At only 22, Lady G is going to redefine club pop and you know if her music doesn't make you want to shake your ass than you're in worse denial than Lindsay Lohan is about the end of her career.

Gwen Stefani - Bubble Pop Electric [ysi]

How badass is she here at the Dome 47?

I tell you if I can get cheap tix to see her live I'm def going. She's admitted that back in her early NY performance days she's stripped, burned whole cans of hairspray on stage, and lowered disco balls while belting the theme music from Clockwork Orange. Definitely not boring.

Lady GaGa - I Like it Rough [ysi]
Lady GaGa - Just Dance (Matt Price Remix) [ysi]
Lady GaGa - Beautiful Dirty Rich [ysi]

Be sure to buy The Fame when it hits stores in October! Or drive over to Canada and buy it now. They do have delicious maple syrup. Your ass will thank you; It will never again be this fit; or have this much fun - That's right I said it Carmen Electra striptease, I said it.

DOUBLE GUILTY PLEASURE ALERT

Bonus Track: New Kids on the Block ft. Lady GaGa - Big Girl Now [ysi]
You might not like yourself, but you will like IT.

Peace, Love, and the next big thing,
LTK

Teenage Love Song

Age is just a number; That's what romantics say, right? Or maybe it's pedophiles. I get that one confused... Well, when it comes to writing an amazing love song is age just a number? Is there a 'You must be this old to ride the rollercoaster of bitter cynicism and self-pity' sign? Or can newbies join in the heartbreak as well?

Rilo Kiley - Teenage Love Song [ysi]

Nowadays some 18 yr olds, like songbird Laura Marling, are more poetic with their mercurial tales of love than 40 yr old dating veterans who have been around the block, hell the neighborhood. I was so impressed when I first heard Laura's album back in Febraury, not only because she has a kickass voice, and because she was touring with the likes of Jamie T, but because she was only 16 when she wrote most of the material on her (mature) debut album, Alas I Cannot Swim. I guess those British girls just do it better. Snogging just sounds more fun than kissing, doesn't it?

Anyway, Laura I was rocking "New Romantic" today and thought of you. Thus the reason for this post. I still cannot believe such an adolescent wrote this piece of brilliance. You go girlie.

I'm sorry to which ever man should meet my sorry state /
Watch my steady lonesome gait and beware /
I will never love a man cause love and pain go hand in hand /
And I can't do it, again /
I will never love a man cause I could never hurt a man, not in this new romantic way

Or my favorite lyric....

Maybe I should give up /
Give in /
Give up trying to be thin /
Give up and turn into my mother /
God knows I love her /

I can't wait till Laura is like 25 and jaded. That will be some amazing shiz

Laura Marling - New Romantic [ysi]
Laura Marling - Failure [ysi]

Peace, Love, and Feeling like You've Done Nothing With Your Life,

LTK

(Can't) Take My Cool Off

I don't think I talk about how much I LOVE Lazee enough. Like need to have beautiful Swedish babies with him love. If you're new to Lazee (pronounced La-zy), picture all the youthful energy of Lupe, combined with the flow caliber of Geologic or Aesop (not always content-wise); with a crazycool Kanye-esque style, and a HOT accent that makes me butter everytime I hear his voice on speak tracks, I think you can understand why Lazee has been number one on my playlist (and baby daddy list) this month. If you still don't believe me, check out his smashing live performance of "Rock Away" below. Also listen to some of his tracks, including "Take My Cool Off" that he layed down with fellow Swedish rapper Henok Achido.



Lazee - Rock Away [ysi]
How flipping catchy is this song? Seriously, babies.
Lazee - Heartless [ysi]
Lazee - Reload [ysi]
Henok Achido ft. Lazee - Take My Cool Off [ysi]

Bonus Track: Henok Achido - Can I [ysi]

I really thought Sweden let me down after ABBA and well ... Ikea. But I'm back on board.
Heck, its my own heritage.

Peace, love, and cheap but poorly made furniture,
LTK

Waiting for a War

Waiting for a war... that's what its like at work now. With everyone leaving the store before shit hits the fan, shit is pretty much hitting the fan anyway. So I'm holding my breath until the Spanish bombs away.

The Morning Benders - Waiting for a War [Daytrotter Session] [ysi]

The Clash - Spanish Bombs [ysi]

It's time for a little thing we like to call two weeks notice. And I'm not talking about a romantic comedy staring Sandra Bullock and Hugh "Ladies don't notice that I make the same movie because I'm British" Grant. I'm talking about sweet sweet freedom people! The kind that starts with going back to school and ends with the indentured servitude that is S**cks. (I don't even want to advertise for them on here)

Mike Doughty - Busting Up a Starbucks [ysi]

Here's to my official resignation letter which finds its way into my boss's hands tomorrow! So long Howard Schultz, or HoScho as we call the billionaire tyc around the watercooler. I never met you, but I'll miss you're heart of business gold. And your green tea lattes; those are just plain delicious.

Ballad of a Comeback Kid

So I was seriously thinking about shutting Umbrellas down based on months of absentee parenting (Child Support was active bleeding hearts). However, I think summer was just a lull for me. And there's nothing like the annual religious experience that is Bumbershoot; Seattle's labor day weekend music/arts/comedy/insert-blank-here festival to snap me out of it.

The New Pornographers - Ballad of a Comeback Kid [ysi]

Seeing Death Cab for Cutie live, and being within 20 yards or less of the humble genius that is Ben Gibbard could wake Sleeping Beauty out of a poision-induced coma. I won't bore you with the details of the enitre weekend (I had a glorious 3-day pass) but I will say the highlights were defintely DCFC, Beck, Estelle, Band of Horses, Del, Offspring (for nostalgia purposes and because I saw someone crowdsurf in his wheelchair), Jakob Dylan, and Battles.

Everyone was def hyped about Stone Temple Pilots and their "reunion" but I think I was over them before I started listening. Trying to hop on the fame of contemporaries like Alice in Chains and Nirvana worked out for them commercially, just didn't score them too many points with me. They sure sold out tix for their night show fast enough, so I say good for them.

Back to School, Back to Work, Back to the Blog. It's a Back to ... Mix with Some Bumber thrown in there for good measure.

Beck - Timebomb [ysi]
How can you not dance to this song? Please try. Please.
Yeasayer - Sunrise [ysi]
Estelle - More Than Friends [ysi]
Not only does she have pipes, and a hot accent, but Estelle is hilarious to boot. Imagine this in heavy Cockney: "He was treating me badly, so I dumped his ass, bought a push up bra, and decided I was the most magnificent woman in the world."
Band of Horses - The General Specifc [ysi]
Ben wore the most kick ass hat in his show on Saturday. I think it had ears. It only made me love his Grizzly Adams appearance more...
The Magnetic Fields - I Think I Need a New Heart
This song always makes me want to dance around my kitchen in my underwear.
Jakob Dylan - Evil is Alive and Well [ysi]
Fleet Foxes - Tiger Mountain Peasant Song [ysi]
Death Cab - Grapevine Fires [ysi]
My new favorite DCFC song. Overlooked on their new album, but performed live it was absolute perfection; the lyrics, coupled w/Bens heartbreakingly honest delivery made me cry.

Peace, Love, and Comebacks,
LTK

(My) Shopping Bag

GoodWill is amazing. How do people still not know this? Yesterday's managers special was 50% of all records, cds, and cassettes - which lets recap, are already priced at $1, $2, and $.10 respectively. That means yours truly picked up 13 vinyl gems for $6.50, including Simon and G's Greatest Hits, The Best of Duke Ellington, Joan Armatrading, A Rainbow Connection classic, as well as others by Cat Stevens, Dionne Warwick, and yes even a '45 by Asia.

What can I say? It was the heat of the moment. At least I resisted Frampton Comes Alive; doesn't everybody and their grandmother own that record?

Clinic - Shopping Bag [ysi]
Simon and Garfunkel - Cecilia [ysi]
Dionne Warwick - What the World Needs Now [ysi]
Cat Stevens - Moonshadow [ysi]
Duke Ellington - Arabesque Cookie [ysi]
Joan Armatrading - The Weakness in Me [ysi]
Asia - Heat of the Moment [ysi]

Peace Love and Good Deals, LtK