I Can Never Die

... At least some great songs can't.

The Sweet Serenades - I Can Never Die [mf]

It's been ages since I had a great TV tunes flashback moment, and pulling out my first season of Veronica Mars had made me nostalgic for one scene, one song in particular. Although the brilliance of V Mars was never fully recognized due to shitty promotion by UPN/CW, the small cult-like following for the show is not unlike critic-darling Arrested Development. Upon hearing the show was canceled, fans of the petite private eye sent network exec Dawn Ostroff the following to persuade her to reconsider:

• 4848 Snickers Almond Bars

• 2040 Mars Bars from England (Snicker's Mars Bars are no longer in US production, thus Almond Bars are the closest thing)

• 510 lbs Marshmallows (In the first season Veronica's best friend Wallace is quoted as saying "You're a marshmallow Veronica Mars")

Total weight = Around 1400 Pounds (Plus individual shipments by other fans)

The Save Veronica campaign has also raised thousands of dollars via PayPal, organized mass purchases of episodes on iTunes, and continues to push for a Veronica Mars movie (Both creator Rob Thomas and star Kristen Bell have spoken enthusiastically about the possibility).

But before all the cancellation madness, there was an amazing first season. The writing, especially the quick-witted dialogue between Veronica and her father Keith, made for unprecedented television chemistry. The use of music on the show was always underplayed, never relied on as a driving force (unlike shows 90210, Gossip Girl, and The O.C.), but instead subtly powerful. Watching "Meet John Smith" just three episodes into the first season, I was once again wowed by the haunting use of Ivy's "Edge of the Ocean." Veronica and ex-boyfriend Duncan Kane are driving to the hospital when the song rises from the background, accenting the scene's romantic tension perfectly. I've always thought the track worked so well as a flashback, the soft beats and quirky electronica are the essence of a summer dream. It didn't take more than a few seconds for the song to speak volumes that even the cleverest dialogue could not.

Ivy - Edge of the Ocean [mf]

Music supervisors went on to capitalize on the show's popularity by producing the ever-popular television soundtrack. Ivy does indeed make an appearance with "Ocean City Girl," while other standout tracks include Mike Doughty's "I Hear the Bells" (Before he annoyed us with "27 Jennifers" he rocked my socks), The Format's "On Your Porch," and Spoon's notorious "I Turn My Camera On." All the tracks made stand-out cameos on the show, but none stuck with me quite so well as Ivy's "Edge of the Ocean."

Mike Doughty - I Hear the Bells [mf]
The Format - On Your Porch [mf]
Bonus: Rock Kills Kid - I Turn My Camera On (Spoon Cover) [mf]

Here's another Bonus. Twelve episodes in, Kristen sings "One Way or Another" and doesn't suck! You know you're addicted now...

Kristen Bell - One Way or Another [mf]

Peace, Love, and Unwavering hope for Veronica Mars AND Arrested Development movies,
LTK

Save Me

I don't even have words to describe Joan Wasser's musical style. The raspy voice of Wasser, best known for her albums released under Joan as Police Woman, manages to captivate, entrance, and hold the listener in some sort of emotional prison until, after around 4 minutes the track releases us. After hearing she dated Jeff Buckley, my theory that her music would have been just as ethereal in the post-punk wave of the late 1970s is solidified. Simultaneously powerful and innocuous, triumphant and vulnerable, Joan as Police Woman's 2006 Real Life and 2008's To Survive are must must must haves.

Joan as Police Woman - To Be Loved [mf]
Personal favorite off To Survive
Joan as Police Woman - Save Me [mf]
Personal favorite off Real Life

Peace, Love, and a Shout-Out to Kyle for my B-Day Love,
LtK

I Love the Dancefloor: AKA Just Wanna Dance

So I've had just about enough of the Seattle doom and gloom mentality. Rain might be inevitable but bad moods are definitely not!

Kovak - I Love the Dancefloor (Grayedout Remix) [mediafire]
Dane Cook - Just Wanna Dance [mf]

Six Britney tracks leaked and I couldn't be more excited about "If U Seek Amy" which I'm predicting will be the third or fourth single and a HUGE smash hit. The controversial chorus is enough to assure me that B Spears is back on top (pun intended)...

Love Me / Hate Me /
Can't you see what I see? /
All of the boys and all of the girls /
Are begging to If You Seek Amy [Sounds like: F-U-C-K Me]

In other mainstream news, three more Kanye tracks have popped up, including my favorite, "So Amazing," which is, well... amazing. Whatever "Streetlights," "Coldest Winter," "Anyway," and "Tell Everybody That You Know" lack, "Heartless" and "So Amazing" seem to compensate for in spades. I'm still making up my mind about "Robocop." I hated it at first; the lyrics are utterly ridiculous and way too immature for the West I'm used to, but the beat is growing on me. The saving grace for "Love Lockdown" have been the zillion and one remixes that I've learned to love, especially T-Minus and LMFAO's reworkings of the track. 808's here we come - don't leave me in heartbreak...

Kanye West - Love Lockdown (LMFAO Remix) [mf]

Turing the radio dial more towards KEXP and farther away from KISS, how awesome has Ladytron been for my endorphin levels?! Witching Hour has me smitten and I highly recommend this one for purchase. I find myself simultaneously creeped out and comforted by such tracks as "CMYK," "International Deadline," and "Soft Power." And then of course there's the utter danceability of "Weekend" and "Destroy Everything You Touch." As for my personal seal of favortism, that's reserved for "The Last One Standing."

Merging away,
like we did yesterday
wrong direction
The traffic we'll know,
the traffic is slow and thoughtless
The wheel that is still,
on the concrete and green,
away home
And it is alone,
a division unknown,
a split decision

Climbing the floors,
and I'm not running
Through revolving doors,
and you're not driving
The barrier stands,
between your hands and me,
Sorry

You said I made,
you said you said I made,
a bad decision
Said I made a mistake
Fatal without the recognition
But how would we know,
know of that consequence,
had I forseen
Our California hates,
had I not been

Closing the doors,
and I am running
Past video stores,
and you are driving
A barrier stands,
between your hands and me,
Sorry

You have got to be the last one standing
You have got to be the last one standing
You have got to be the last one standing

Ladytron - The Last One Standing [mf]
Ladytron - Weekend [mf]

Seattle, you and your 360 days of darkness can't touch me today...

The "It Might Be Pouring But I'll Do a Rain Dance Anyway" Mixtape

The Kills - Getting Down [mf]
After seeing them play a set on Sundance Channel's Live from Abbey Road, I fell even harder for their very primal approach to rock and roll. One guy, one girl; basic beats & bass meet tortured lyrics.
LCD Soundsystem - On Repeat [mf]
Lady GaGa - Vanity (Bonus Track) [mf]
Kurupt ft. Nate Dogg - Gangsta Boogie [mf]
Digitalism - I Want I Want [mf]
David Bowie - Magic Dance [mf]
Yeah I went there, Labyrinth fans. If you're old enough to remember how awesomely eighties this movie is, you know this song is blockbuster gold.
Bloc Party - Flux (JFK Remix) [mf]
The Kinks - Everybody's Gonna Be Happy
MIA vs. Battles - Atlas Boyz (Diplo Remix) [mf]
Please Please snag! It's too crazygood to miss out on.
The Knux - Cappuccino [mf]
Kylie Mingoue - Heart Beat Rock (Benny Blanco Remix) [mf]
The Ramones - Let's Dance

Peace, Love, and Rain Dancing all over the Northwest,
LTK

Cry on Demand

It's days like... well everyday, I wish I could control it. Maybe it's a girl thing, but in reality I think its just a human thing that we can't. Sure it sucks crying in my car on the way to Safeway, but imagine only being able to let it all out on command. A life oh so predictable and boring.

Gomez - Cry on Demand [ysi]

What was it about today you ask? Not that my empathetic side needs much excuse at all; Just a song. Sometimes I think music moves me more than people, more than reality. Art can be more painfully tragic and beautiful than anything I can hope will happen in my life.

Sam Cooke, you've done it again. The man who invented soul got me with "Nothing Can Change This Love" on my way to buy a freakin' sandwich. If someday, some man is brave enough to put up with all of me, I want this song at my wedding.

Sam Cooke - Nothing Can Change This Love [ysi]

If I go a million miles away
I'd write a letter each and every day
Cause honey, Nothin',
Nothin' can ever change this love I have for you

Make me weep,
And you can make me cry
See me comin'
And you can pass me by
But honey, Nothin',
Nothin' can ever change this love I have for you

You're the apple of my eye
You're cherry pie
You're cake and ice cream
You're sugar and spice
And everything nice
You're the girl of my, my, my dreams

If you wanted to leave me
And roam
When you got back
I'd just say
Welcome home,
Cause honey, Nothin',
No Nothin' can ever change the love I have for you

I know that Nothin',
Nothin' can ever change the love I have for you

Peace, Love, and Waterworks in place of avocado and cheese,
LTK

Bitch, I'm Special!

So I know Ri Ri's newest hit is already all over the blogosphere thanks to PMA, but I just HAD to not-so-subtlety incorporate that into a post title. I mean come on. Come on!

Rihanna - Bitch, I'm Special [ysi]

I don't know about y'all but I'm spending a considerable amount of my time anticipating the last two months of music releases left in 2008. Although the more I hear of Beyonce ("Single Ladies," "If I Were a Boy," "Sweet Dreams," and "Broken-Hearted Girl") the less I want anything to do with I Am... Sasha Fierce,

I am HYPED for the following:

1. Britney Spears - Circus
Say what you want America, you know you can't get enough! I've made no attempt to hide my love for Brit-Brit, and I think you shouldn't try and deny yours either. The second single off the album has leaked and boy is it making me want to Kill the Lights. Release Date: December 2, 2008


2. Kanye West - 808's and Heartbreaks
Most of my anticipation for this release is absolute curiosity. Whether he's rapping, pop making, or (god forbid) country-music twanging, I will always always go out for K West. I've got my complaints about the voice box vocals too, but critics need to take a step back and relax. If we don't allow artists to experiment with their creativity they'd never evolve. As many spins as The College Dropout has logged on my player, I wouldn't want Kanye making ten more albums just like it. Release Date: November 25, 2008

Rumored Tracklist:
1. “Welcome to Heartbreak”
2. “Heartless”
3. “Love Lockdown”
4. “Robocop”
5. “The Wrong Thing”
6. “In the Streets”
7. "Anyway"
8. “Real Bad News”
9. “So Amazing” featuring Young Jeezy
10. “That You Know” or “Tell Everybody” featuring Lil Wayne
11. “Coldest Winter”

3. Jay-Z/Sean Carter/Self-Proclaimed Best Rapper Alive - The Blueprint 3
Retired, Working, or on Social Security, I couldn't care less. Just keep producing the hits Jay - and don't disappoint us with more Kingdom Come crap. Make your umpteenth return to the game memorable. Release Date: Unknown

4. Common - Universal Mind Control
Wow I just realized how much of a hip-hop whore this list is making me sound. I'm well rounded I swear. The first single off UMC is less than outstanding, but the days of One Day It'll All Make Sense and even as recent as 2005's Be, make me excited for any new Chi-town material. Release Date: December 9, 2008


5. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
OMG how Ah-mazing was Strawberry Jam. I have never listened to songs more obsessively than "Fireworks" and "Peacebone" and I can't wait to see what's in store for AC's latest release. Suddenly I want a PB&J sandwhich. Release Date: December 23, 2008 / January 20, 2008 (Different Source Reports)

I would rather be on the LOST island with a crazed Ben than listen to these:

1. Beyonce - I Am... Sasha Fierce
I think her new songs speak for themselves. If you can suffer through them. Boring, boring, and oh-so-not-FIERCE. In my heart I know B is the biggest Yoko around; keep any and all successful bands away from her. Release Date: November 18, 2008

2. Fall Out Boy - Folie a Deux
Sorry FOB, even after hearing Patrick S do a cover of "Love Lockdown" on his computer, I don't want to go near this record with a ten foot pole. Whatever indie-punk charm this band used to possess was dead and buried with Infinity on High. I don't really feel like going gravedigging 6 feet under to revive a band who compensates for subpar tracks by stuffing more words into confusing song titles. Seriously, it was funny once... maybe. Release Date: December 16, 2008

3. David Archuleta - ST
David Cook - ST
Aren't these the same person basically? I haven't paid much attention to an American Idol since Kelly, and I actively block out Carrie Underwood. Ever since she made those stellar comments about how celebs shouldn't voice their political opinions, it's just getting easier... I think we all know what sorority sister from Alaska she was rooting for. Release Date: November 11 / 18, 2008 respectively

4. Guns n Roses - Chinese Democracy
Take another ten years to refine this album G&R, and I still wouldn't torture my ears for it. You weren't that great in the eighties, and I'm going to stay away from the wine/cheese analogy here: you're not getting better with age. Release Date: November 23, 2008

5. 50 Cent - Before I Self-Destruct
Pulling a Ben Affleck as I like to call it, Curtis Jackson seems to have saved his best for first. It's all been downhill, and way too much self-posturing from there. Release Date: December 9, 2008

Still Making Up My Mind About:

1. The Killers - Day & Age
I will say without prejudice, the jury is still out on this one. I didn't care for The Killer's last two releases, but Hot Fuss was so good I'm still holding out for a hero. "Human" makes me think they can turn it around, while "Spaceman" has me less than enthusiastic. In this game of cards, that's what I call an artistic draw. I'm still hoping for a Royal Flush on the river... Release Date: November 25, 2008

Love It / Leave It / Don't Know What to Think About It Mixtape

Britney Spears - Kill the Lights [ysi]
Kanye West - Anyway
Jay-Z - History [ysi]
Common - Universal Mind Control
Animal Collective - Peacebone [ysi]
Beyonce - Broken-Hearted Girl [ysi]
Fall Out Boy (Patrick Stump) - Love Lockdown [ysi]
Guns n Roses - Sweet Child of Mine
50 Cent - Ayo Technology
The Killers - Human (Christian Vorbau Remix) [ysi]

Love It, Leave It. Time and a few spins are the ultimate deciders...

Peace, Love, and (for some) Artistic Evolution,
LTK

Just Like a Woman

... to forget her own birthday. We turned one at Umbrellas back in October and instead of blowing out cyber candles we were too busy falling in love with fall to care. What is it about this season that makes me revert back to my five year-old enthrallment with a shiny new toy; my mind becomes silly putty at the sight of each metamorphosing tree, leaves burning from phoenix red to bronzey gold, only to be beaten into the wet cement by one of Seattle's famous rain spells. It's something so beautiful made even more brilliant by natural fatalism. Cyclical yes - but the birth and death of each tree, each season - it's unique from every other.

The Panics - Just Like a Woman (Dylan Cover) [ysi]
I told you Aussie's do it better. Well, at least pretty darn good. No one can sing this like Bob, whatever you might think of his troubador vocals.
Charlotte Gainsbourg & Calexico - Just Like a Woman (Dylan Cover) [ysi]

So as usual, I've been the neglectful parent. And rather than bore you with long explanations about my absence here is a mixtape of what I've been into lately. If tracks are on MUST HAVE albums, they're denoted with a star. Two stars are highly recommended for good health. Otherwise they're only singles and/or I haven't gotten around to tracking down the full release. You know how much time anticipating Britney's comeback occupies in my life? A lot. 'Nough said.

MIA ft. Blaqstarr - S.U.S. (Save Ur Soul) [ysi]
Lamb - Heaven**
If I could afford/not run screaming from drugs other than caffeine, I would do them to this song, while dancing around in my underwear of course
Mr. Oizo - Two Takes It* [ysi]
Remember the name, you won't be able to escape it soon
The Cool Kids - M & L Rock (Logarhythmix Mixtape for Obama)* [ysi]
Awesome remixes of a stellar album + even more kickass cause + free & legal = Gold
Lupe ft. Matthew Santos - Superstar (Radio One Live Version) [ysi]
Quick, before he retires, get Lupe while you can. Though I'm sure LupE.N.D. will be an amazing final act, we doubt the young stud will be able to stay away from the game forever. How well is that working out for Sean Carter?
The Replacements - Alex Chilton [Demo] [ysi]
Too much Rock Band for Lydia? Maybe. Or can "too much" of RB even exist?
Glass Candy - Beatific* [ysi]
MSTRKRFT feat. NORE - Bounce (A-Trak Remix)** [ysi]
A-Trak has to be the single most talented DJ for his age. I can't even stop bumping this song long enough to fully appreciate it
MIA ft. Wale - Boyz (Remix)** [ysi]
Wale, hurry up and debut all over me. America may not be ready but I am!
The Magnetic Fields - Absolutely Cuckoo*
What HASN'T 69 Love Songs done for indie music (lovers)?
The Bug - Poison Dart* [ysi]
Starfucker - German Love [ysi]
Lily Allen - Everyone's At It [ysi]
Raphael Saadiq - Sure Hope You Mean It*
On everyone's top album of the year list, hands down
Brenda Lee - Break it to Me Gently**
Bloc Party - Signs (MMMatthias Remix)** [ysi]
Say what you want about Intimacy critics, this song - and this remix - kills

Bonus: Kanye West vs. The Knife - High Heartbeats (A-Trak Remix)** [ysi]
Bonus: Kanye West vs. MGMT - Electric Touch** [ysi]

Peace, Love, and other Female Tendencies,
LTK

Carbon Coby (I Can't Stop)

Being a little behind with the fall drama, it's time to play my favorite little game of catch up! Not the gross stuff that Heinz insists you slather all over your veggie burger and fries. Nope, this kind of recap is fun fun fun. I take the best of the blogs, Elbows, and the Hype Machine and deliver it right to your well manicured fingertips.

Rahzel ft. Vinia Mojica - Carbon Coby (I Can't Stop) [ysi]

Not too much originality for you today, hence the copycat reference, but with the most popular/well-circulated/hyped blogged tracks, that's not unusual. One powerhouse gets theirs hands on a hot ticket item before anyone else and from there the song trickles down a ladder of recycled postings until it's old news (which all the following songs now are), or until the latest remix hits the net. Here's my favorite oldies...

The Killers - Human [ysi]

The Killers - Human (Christian Vorbau Remix) [ysi]

Source: Pretty Much Amazing!
Date Added to my Library: September 24 & October 2, respectively

So I admit to an on again/off again affair with The Killers and save a few exceptions I thought Sam's Town was pretty forgettable. But I'm a huge fan of this cut despite what critics have said about Brandon's vocals, as well as the lack of strong instrumentation (mainly guitars). It's the kind of ode to eighties romantic trance music that, when remixed (awesomely) like this, I can see the coked out young H-Wood elite getting their groove on to. The kind of song Madonna could be making if her gorgeous, but nearly 50-yr old self wasn't trying to make 20-yr old songs with Timba and JT. Go back to your roots Madge...

Katy Perry - Electric Feel (MGMT Live Cover) [ysi]
Source: EVERYWHERE... Seriously
Date Added: September 24

People went B-A-N-A-N-A-S for this track. It's absolutely shitty quality at only 64 kbps, but it does showcase Katy's vocals a bit live, and reminds people just how amazing MGMT's composition is. Before Perry got America all excited with her bisexual insinuations she was actually a blog/myspace sensation, and its nice to be reminded why. A little less top 40, a little more indie electronica love. PS. If you don't subscribe to KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic podcast and/or missed MGMT's Sept 17 in-studio performance, please visit their website HERE and watch the in-studio set. The guys are amazing and their interview is so awkwardly quirky, as they note Aphex Twin, Sonic Youth, and synthesizers as musical inspiration - it seriously only makes me love them more.

Britney Spears - Womanizer [ysi]
Britney - Womanizer (Teenagers Remix) [ysi]
Sources: Sheena Beaston & Pretty Much Amazing!
Date Added: September 27 & October 1, respectively

If you say you haven't heard Brit Brit's new track then you're a.) living in a cave b.) lying c.) afraid of how much you LOVE LOVE LOVE it. d.) probably both b and c. But I'm here to ease all your worries. Don't be scared of this new wave of synthesizer magic; AKA Britney's newest number one album Circus, dropping December 2. If you want to fight me about her inevitable #1 Billboard status go ahead. But she's looking h-o-t again, actually making a kick ass video for this single, radio promoting, and kicking off her first worldwide tour in years in 2009. Watch out world, It's Britney bitch.

Pretty Much Amazing! is starting a mega post for all the insane remixes of Womanizer. DJs are working overtime for Brit Brit, because the list is already getting long. Check out/download here. Other than The Teenagers, none have held my interest for too long yet. I'm hoping RAC works his magic... I caught this "fake" Justice remix on YouTube that I love. Check it out. I don't care if it is posers, still loves it!

For the rest, I won't say much more than crazyawesome. Less talking, more headphones; or less typing more amplification... I'm planning on a major Kanye post for later because there's just too many Love Lockdown updates for this one.

Goldielocks - Kids [ysi]

Goldielocks - Provider (N.E.R.D. Refix) [ysi]
Source: Sheena... I'm addicted
Date Added: September 30

Justice - D.A.N.C.E. (Across the Universe Version) [ysi]
Source: Baked Not Fried
Date Added: October 3

Kanye West vs. MGMT - Electric Touch [ysi]
Source: EVERYWHERE
Date Added: September 29

Lupe Fiasco ft. Pharrell, Q-Tip, and Sarah Green [ysi]
Source: Again... EVERYWHERE
Date Added: September 27

Peace, Love, and way too much cleavage on this post,
LTK

100 (%)

Welcome kiddies to the epic milestone that is UAFT's 100th post (Our first birthday is coming up on October 8th). The ever-hilarious Patton Oswalt has proclaimed that we should only be allowed to celebrate 20 birthdays though, so we'll keep the celebratory measures down to a absolute minimum. And seeing as I took enough Jager bombs for all of the greater Seattle area a few Saturdays ago (still recovering), no problem there. Northshore boys and their brand new hair cuts would have been put to shame...

Sonic Youth - 100% [ysi]
Patton Oswalt - You Are Allowed 20 Birthday Parties [ysi]

Since most my attempts at individuality end up being cliche anyway, I'm going for simplicity here at one HUNDRED. Here's some stuff I love right now and hopefully forever. Oh, and in true Lydia style they are in mixtape form.

The "I'm From Seattle & Therefore Slightly Undercover Emo" Songs
Fleet Foxes - Tiger Mountain Peasant Song [ysi]
TV on the Radio - Stork & Owl
Omg Omg. This might top Battles 2007 and Animal Collective's Strawberry Jam. TV on the Radio is going to SAVE this year in music. Translated into Harry Potter terms it's like the sixth AMAZING book saving the seventh from ruining the series. I think we can all agree that stupid epilogue just didn't cut it.
Chairlift - Bruises[ysi]

The "I'm a Girl Damaged Beyond Repair, But Guys Can't Help But Love Me" Songs
Girls Aloud - Rehab (Amy Wino Cover)[ysi]
Not sure about the second half of the statement being true on this one; too much crack and all
Fiona Apple - Paper Bag [ysi]
Britney Spears - Piece of Me (Tidus Remix)[ysi]

The "Lydia Had a Childhood Once" Songs
Sam Cooke - You Send Me [ysi]
Carla Thomas - B-A-B-Y [ysi]
The Cure - Friday, I'm in Love [ysi]

The "Just Cause Every A-Team Needs a Wild Card" Songs
M.I.A. - Big Branch [ysi]
The Magnetic Fields - Absolutely Cuckoo
Iron & Wine - Passing Afternoon [ysi]

Peace, Love, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia References Buried in My Celebratory Posts (If you didn't pick up on it then you are doing too many productive things with your life),
LTK



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