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



Watch new episodes at hulu.com

Movie Theme

Beck - Movie Theme [ysi]

How cliche has it become girls, to claim you were a tomboy growing up? To say you have all these friends that are guys, you love action movies, playing video games, cranking Rage Against the Machine and Tool, etc, etc, blah blah blah. Well no broken record intended, but in my case it's all true. Growing up with an older brother and definitely more of my dad's personality than my mom's, I'm just thankful that I realized at some point, I was in fact a girl. As a kid, Bond movies were a household staple. Connery was feeding five thousand away from god status, Roger Moore made himself a reasonable stand-in, Timothy Dalton made me laugh unintentionally more times than I can count, and Pierce just looked pretty. When Daniel Craig slid in for Brosnan in Casino Royale, the series seemed to return to its former glory, sans a little Sean charisma. Although the unbelievable special effects are a little bit much for me at times (see the opening chase scene of Casino), Daniel is just so freaking gorgeous I let it go.

Music wise, 007 has been on a bit of a rollercoaster as well. Sheryl Crow, Madonna, Moby, and most recently Chris Cornell (with Casino Royale's "You Know My Name") have all contributed to Bond themes over the years. Now Jack White and Alicia Keys can add their names to the star-studded list, as their cacophonous rock/bluesy duet, "Another Way to Die" has exploded across the blogosphere. I wasn't a fan at all of the last Raconteurs album, but if anything this entirely redeems Jack in my eyes. What a choice collaboration - it only makes me more hyped for the new film.

Jack White and Alicia Keys - Another Way to Die [ysi]

Bonus: Moby - James Bond Theme (From Tomorrow Never Dies) [ysi]

Quantum of Solace hits theaters November 14, 2008.

Peace, Love, and Absolutely handsome guys named Daniel,
LTK

Turn Smile Shift Repeat

Phantom Planet - Turn Smile Shift Repeat [ysi]

LCD Soundsystem - On Repeat [ysi]

So I guess I can't help help help myself. Things just seem to sound better in repeat. Like the fact that my favorite songs kick ass live, which you may notice is the second time in two days I've said so. On Live at KEXP Volume 4, which dropped in small record stores like Seattle's beloved Easy Street Records on Tuesday, Umbrella favorites like Pela, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Elbow, Fleet Foxes, The Hold Steady, Arthur & Yu, The National, and many more demonstrate just why the winning combination of live in-studios and non-profit organizations dominate. All proceeds from the sale of the CDs go straight to KEXP, which is why you won't find this gem on any online music service out there. Get your cute butts down to your local indie store and support the cause! Keeping in mind of course, that KEXP recordings are exclusive and always only available for a limited time. While you're at it, pick up a copy of of The Walkmen's new CD that I am about a month behind on plugging. You & Me completely took me by a storm of authentic engagment - a must have.

LIVE at KEXP Volume 4 Track List

01. Pela - Lost to the Lonesome
02. Vampire Weekend - A-Punk [ysi]
03. The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir - I Never Thought I Could Feel This Way for a Boy
04. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - Let Them Knock
05. The Helio Sequence - Can't Say No
06. The National - Start a War
07. Elbow - Grounds for Divorce
08. Angelique Kidjo - Salala
09. Yeasayer - 2080
10. !!! - Yadnus
11. Fleet Foxes - Oliver James [ysi]
12. Atmosphere - Guarantees
13. The Hold Steady - Your Little Hoodrat Friend (Pictured Below in KEXP Studio)
14. British Sea Power - Down on the Ground
15. Les Savy Fav - We'll Make a Lover Out of You
16. Arthur & Yu - Lion's Mouth
17. The Raveonettes - Aly, Walk With Me
18. Calexico - Cruel
19. Carter Tanton - Red Ballons

20. Rufus Wainwright - Going to a Town

Later Today: We pick apart the new 007 Quantum of Solace theme (Sidenote: How frickin' HOT does Daniel Craig look going rogue in all those previews?!) from Jack White and Alicia Keys that EVERYONE & their mom's divorced brother-in-law's dog-walker is talking about. Stay tuned!

Late Night Television

Pomegranates - Late Night Television [ysi]

Another week of television is wrapping up for me. In the next few weeks I should have a little more to work with on the music supervision front. We should definitely see some creativity from Alex over on the set of Grey's, Private Practice, as well as Chuck. On an entirely selfish plug: Heroes premieres on Monday, and if they don't keep my girl Kristen Bell/Elle/Former Ms. Veronica Mars, then I'm going to throw down. Till then, here are my highlights from lovable/cantstandable CW fluff...

Gossip Girl Episode 2x03: The Dark Night

Santogold - Lights Out [ysi]
Two weeks in a row Santie makes the cut. Here's to hoping she rides her indie buzz to the top. Just not a la M.I.A.- from indie Arular princess to mainstream radio queen; I don't want SGold getting on my nerves.
The Fashion - Like Knives [ysi]
Most fun song of the whole episode hands down, though it doesn't have much competition this week. Alex P is my girl, but she needs to step up the music selection this season.
Manchester Orchestra - I Can Feel a Hot One [ysi]

PS. If anyone watches Entourage (they should) Leighton Meester reprises her role from the first season again in recent episodes and let's just say she's a little more "experienced" then her original Hilary Duff teen-pop princess persona. But ain't that the way the Disney star deteriorates...?

90210 Episode 1x04: The Bubble
The Courteeners - Not Nineteen Forever [ysi]
Spring Awakening Cast - Mama Who Bore Me (Reprise) [ysi]
Who thought Duncan Sheik was going to get past that nineties one hit wonder status? I'm glad to be proven so so wrong in this case, as his original musical is now one of the most successful and critically acclaimed on Broadway. Barely Breathing? I think not.
The New Pornographers - Adventures in Solitude [ysi]
Check out the live version of this song - it's absolutely captivating. More than begin / But less than forget / But spirits born / From the not happened yet / Gathering there / To pay off a debt brought back from the wars / We thought we lost you
The Kooks - Always Where I Need to Be [ysi]

Privileged Episodes 1x01 & 1x02: Pilot, All About Honesty

Michael Franti & Spearhead - Say Hey (I Love You) (Promo Music) [ysi]
Kate Nash - Merry Happy [ysi]
Nellie McKay - David
Remember back when this was used in Weeds? Pitch perfect.
Lily Allen - Mr. Blue Sky (Electric Light Orchestra Cover)
Sohodolls - Bang Bang Bang Bang [ysi]
Since picking up their CD last year, this has always been their standout track to me. Even the bad girl inside every good girl can feel this as her theme song.

The Bird and the Bee - Come As You Were [ysi]
Possibly my favorite of the series so far. Not even a huge B & B fan, but this EP is excellent, and as coda picks go, this was pretty strong.
Rilo Kiley - Dejalo [ysi]

Peace, Love, and the return of _BC television,
LTK

PS. My Kanye/Love Lockdown post lasted for a total of two days before it was deleted by the higher powers. I apologize for incurring the wrath of said gods. How Big Brotherish does this sound...