take it from me

Oh look, another fantastic group I discovered from Greys Anatomy, what a surprise! But yes, I first heard The Weepies track The World Spins Madly On at the end of an episode in Season One and was on a mission to find out who it was from the minute I heard it. Thankfully, it wasn't too hard to find. Their newest CD Say I Am To You has become a hit everywhere it feels like, and rightfully so. They are a folk-pop duo composed of Deb Talan and Steve Tannen, both of which have also put out solo CDs...but I think they have done their best work together.

Their songs are simple and filled with beautiful harmonies...and although their band name may sound sad, their music is nothing but smiles.

The World Spins Madly On (I can't express how much I love this song)

Gotta Have You

Take It From Me

live through this and you won't look back

The Canadian band Stars have put out 3 albums, but their latest release Set Yourself on Fire released last year seems to have seen the most action on the internet. allmusic.com labels these guys as Indie Pop, Indie Electronic, and Chamber Pop (does anyone know what that is? haha). Both Torquil Campell and Amy Milan take turns on vocals and sometimes come together for some beautiful melodies.

I think you will like these guys, cause well, who doesn't love Stars at night?


Tracks from Set Yourself On Fire:

Your Ex Lover is Dead

One More Night

Reunion

Saturday night goodies

Before going out for some Saturday night debauchery, I thought I would leave you with a few good tunes I have been listening to quite a bit. A little bit of Helio mellow, a little bit of Lidell funk, and Kids who know how to have fun.


Helio Sequence - Blood Bleeds
Brandon Summers and Benjamin Weikel have created their own slice of utopia, rife with details, yet as wonderfully weightless as a passing cloud. Their music is interesting, intelligent and exciting, and it'll make you smile really, really big.

Jamie Lidell - Multiply
Jamie Lidell is a musician who does it all -- writes, plays, produces, sings -- and all of it in grand style.

Cold War Kids - We Used To Vacation
This LA band has toured nationally with Two Gallants, Tapes 'N Tapes, Sound Team, and done Lollapalooza dates. They're known for their electric live shows and major publications have already taken notice, with coverage in Spin and a 4-star review in Rolling Stone.

the swell season

Glen Hansard is the lead singer for the Irish band, The Frames (who I will post about very soon since their new CD is fantastic).

Glen decided to team up with Marketa Irglova and together they created the amazingly beautiful "The Swell Season." At first listen, this CD reminded me a lot of Damien Rice's "O", but while they are similar, The Swell Season is a unique and an incredible work of music.

This CD is extremely delicate and acoustic and probably a great one to fall asleep too. While fairly sad and mellow in its nature, you can't ignore how absolutely gorgeous it is. Glen's voice mixed with soft pianos, Marketa's cello playing, and haunting melody's make for a near perfect album.

An absolute must have for fan's of Damien Rice and Nick Drake. Simply superb.

Tracks from The Swell Season:

Drown Out

Sleeping

When Your Mind's Made Up

speaking is an invitation

Matt Pond PA is about as good as it gets. This 5 piece band has put out 5 CD's in the last five years, all of which are fanastic. This indie band has been under the radar for years, but I definitely have started hearing more of their music across the internet and on the radio as of late. Their newest CD Several Arrows Later has gotten excellent reviews, rightfully so. They currently have a video out for "So Much Trouble" in the US.

Several Arrows Later, Matt Pond PA's fifth album in five years, is another strong, emotionally charged, and melodically pleasing outing that just could be their best yet. It is packed with hooks, fine performances by the group, and tender and expressive vocals from Mr Pond himself.

Let's hope they keep putting out as much music for the next 5 years...

Tracks to check out:

Halloween

New Hampshire

Summer

In The Aeroplane Over The Sea (Neutral Milk Hotel cover)

every piece glows for love

Nizlopi is one of my favorite groups I disovered in the last year. While they're only a 2-piece band, Luke & John make music that is fun for everyone! Their CD Half These Songs Are About You first came out in the UK all the way back in 2004, and their precious song "JCB" was a huge hit over there.

While they're not big over here, and probably won't be any time soon, they make fun, simple music that's easy to listen to. Their current single out in the UK is "Girls" and along with it, a beautifully produced video:



Beyond the tunes, they seem like 2 really sweet guys who love making music together. You can't not love them.

A few tracks from Half These Songs Are About You:

Girls

Faith

JCB
(pretty much the cutest song ever)

now this is exciting

The Cake Sale is a band featuring a loose and expansive collective of musicians and writers who have combined to create a 9-song CD of the same name on Oxfam Records. All profits will go to support Oxfams Make Trade Fair campaign and their overseas programme work.

Songs on the album have been written by Dave Geraghty, Emm Gryner, Paul Noonan, Glen Hansard (from The Frames), Ollie Cole, Damien Rice, The Thrills and Matt Lunson. Lead vocalists for the project include Lisa Hannigan (sings with Damien Rice), Nina Persson (from the Cardigans), Gary Lightbody (from Snow Patrol), Gemma Hayes, Glen Hansard, Josh Ritter, Conor Deasy and Neil Hannon. A host of other luminaries fill the roles of musicians.

Holy shit, look at that list of musicians. I cannot wait for this one. There are some clips up on the Cake Sale Myspace and they sound awesome.

Bring on the cake!

fly me high on an angel's wing

Foy Vance is another artist I found from the wonderful Grey's Anatomy. (I need to give a hug to their music supervisor). Seems a lot of people enjoyed his song "Homebird" after being played on the show because I saw requests for it all over the internet after the episode.

I finally got my hands on it, and it's definitely a keeper. Simple, acoustic, and souful. It can be found on his new EP, Watermelon Oranges , which sadly only has 5 tracks. We can only hope he puts out an LP very soon.

Until then, sit back and enjoy Homebird. I promise it will make you smile.

Foy Vance - Homebird

you are my sweetest downfall

I first heard the fantasticlly fun Regina Spektor on Grey's Anatomy Season 1. Which, by the way, plays the best music. Since then Ms. Spektor has seemed to be everywhere. I was shocked to see her video for Fidelity on VH1 the other day, but that's how the story goes I suppose.

All over the internet I have seen Regina labeled as "anti-folk." The ever amazing Wikipedia describes anti-folk as a a genre of music related to punk rock and American folk music that originated in the mid-1980s in New York City. You learn something new everyday!

Her music is a mixture of pop, folk, and a splash of punk. Her newest release Begin to Hope is getting praise all over the internet. It's full of fun piano rock. You can't not love Regina....she's totally out there, and it works fabulously. I think you will dig this one.

Video for Fidelity: (which I'm sure you will be seeing more often)


Keep it up Regina, we love you.

On The Radio

Fidelity

Us

it's over

Even since the lovely Tia introduced me to Magnet (who will get his own entry very soon, because he is the best) I have found a few more electronic-type artists I enjoy. One of which is Milosh. He currently has one of the Top 10 Electronic CD's on Itunes, and has opened for Imogen Heap.

While his music is mostly categorized under the Electronic genre, it has much more than that. He has this soft beautiful voice that's perfectly placed within the music. Definitely a relaxing album, it's great music for a chill night at home.

Sensual, dreamlike, jazz-inflected and ever so slightly unreachable, this second album from Toronto-based lap-topper Milosh charts the aftermath of a romantic break-up in gorgeously soft-focus style.

This album takes on the sadder side of relationships: the endings. But also shows how we all eventually move on.

Cheers Milosh.

Milosh - It's Over

Milosh - Couldn't Sleep

you've gotta let me know

While they may have an extra long name and have as many members as 2 bands, Margot and the Nuclear So and So's debut CD, "The Dust of Retreat" is by far one of my favorites of the last year. Their CD first came out in 2005, with a re-release in 2006. From what I have noticed, they changed a few versions of songs and rearranged the track order, but they are almost identical.

allmusic.com 's review of the album starts off saying Margot & the Nuclear So and So's have created an album that both the casual music fan and music perfectionist will enjoy. I couldn't have said it any better myself. This CD has it all.

I sadly missed one of their shows in Boston last winter, but I plan on seeing them next time they come around...I hear they are a blast to see.

Just about everyone I have play them for has fallen in love, so I hope you do too.

Tracks from The Dust of Retreat:

Skeleton Key (my favorite of the CD)

Vampires in Blue Dresses

Quiet as a Mouse

because maybe

I'm sure you remember Oasis' big hit Wonderwall, but have you heard the wonderful Ryan Adams do it?

Now you can't say you haven't. I have to say, while I love Oasis' version, Adams cover is beautiful.

cause maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me.

Ryan Adams - Wonderwall

oh, you're too young

Let's funk it up a bit, shall we? The Junior Boys are an electronic-pop duo from Canada. A little bit of synth-pop, a dash of techno, and maybe even some 80's remnants. I heard the song "In The Morning" on KEXP's song of the day Podcast and found myself doing a little dance in my chair. Ok, maybe not, but it makes for a good story, right? (or a scary one).

A few fellow music whores have deemed The Junior Boys newest release "So This is Goodbye" the album of the year but while it's a fun one....don't know if I can make that claim. Either way, it's different and exciting, and while it's not for everyone....I think most people would enjoy "In The Morning."

You may even do a little dance too, who knows.

The Junior Boys - In The Morning

O to 9

Damien fucking Rice.

Words cannot explain how much I love this man's music. It's been over 3 years since he put out the incredible "O" (Honestly, if you haven't heard this CD yet, run to the store right now and get it, it's beautiful and one of my favorite records in the last 5 years, easily.)

So Eskimo Friends announced a few weeks ago that Mr . Rice will have a new CD coming out November 6th overseas, and November 14th in the US entitled "9" (I guess he likes the simple album titles, huh?)

Full track listing:

1. 9 Crimes
2. The Animals Were Gone
3. Elephant
4. Rootless Tree
5. Dogs
6. Coconut Skins
7. Me, My Yoke And I
8. Grey Room
9. Accidental Babies
10. Sleep Don't Weep

On working on "9":

“In writing songs you're expressing your emotions, but very often they're immature emotions although you may write them in a very eloquent way. I think somebody who is very balanced and is sorted out in life don't see any issues with the rest of the world. Whereas when you don't have yourself sorted out, and when you've got issues and you're turbulent inside and struggling to find a balance, then you see all those 'issues' on the outside and they bug you. You write about them because they're frustrating you, and it pours out. But in a sense I feel that although it may be a beautiful means of expression, writing songs is, innately I think, immature. But it’s exciting, so fuck it. Who says that being mature and wise is perfect anyway?”

Gotta love Damien. This is absolutely one of my most anticipated albums of 2006 and I'm hoping it leaks soon (!!).

The single out right now is "9 Crimes" and it's absolutely brilliant. Damien + Lisa Hannigan + piano...I mean, really, does it get anymore gorgeous? No. But, I'll let you decide for yourself.

I also stumbled upon a B-side of the album entitled "The Art Within The Grain"....another goodie from Damien. This man is the best.

"I only wanted to be wonderful
And wonderful is true
In truth I only really wanted
To be wanted by you"


Damien Rice - 9 Crimes (off of upcoming "9", out Nov 14th)


Damien Rice - The Rat Within The Grain ("9" B-side)

she's freaky and she knows it

So I was pretty excited for Justin Timberlake's new CD, FutureLove/SexSounds. (what is up with the awful title??) Sadly, it was a pretty big disappointment. allmusic.com tended to agree as well.

While as a whole it was pretty bland, there are a few songs that are fun. For me the 2 standout tracks were "My Love" featuring T.I., which I'm sure is going to be huge in the clubs and very overplayed soon. But another one I really enjoy is "Lovestoned". It reminds me a little of Prince and a little of old school Michael Jackson. (minus the molesting little boys part, of course).

But yes, it's a fun one. It's 7:25 of dancing goodness.

Justin Timberlake - "Lovestoned"

Boogy away, bitches.

easy way to cry

Because it's been a rough day, and David Gray says it best.



David Gray - Easy Way To Cry

Smoke curls through my hands
These one night stands
Are making me crazy I know
Morning I’ll go
Crowds in the rain all passing by

Faith gone from your eyes
Each word it flies
Taking you further away
And come that day
There ain’t no easy way to cry

And as I watch you leave I stand
Inside my house of straw
And everywhere I go I find
Things recollecting to my mind
How right it all could be

Faith gone from your eyes
Each word it flies
Straight to the heart and I know
Watching you go
There ain’t no easy way to cry

So right now
So right now
So right now

And as I watch you leave I stand
Inside my house of straw
And everywhere I go I find
Things recollecting to my mind
How right it all could be
Could be

why can't we just rewind

Paolo Paolo Paolo. It took me about 2 months until I could say his name right, with help from Julia of course, but any way you say it this guy is good pop music. Paolo Nutini is a Scottish 19 year old musician who seems to be pretty big overseas, but hasn't gotten that much hype over in the states yet....but I'm absolutely positive that is going to change in the next few months.

While I have played him for a few people and their first response is "Oh, he's the next James Blunt", I promise you that's not the case. If I hear You're Beautiful one more time on the radio, I may explode. Another reason I despise radio.

Anyhow, Paolo's CD These Streets came out in July in the UK and from rumors I have been hearing it will be out in the US very shortly with lots of press psuh. He's signed to Atlantic Records and while it's the same label as Blunt, Nutini is definitely the stronger overall musician.


The popular single out in the UK is "Last Request", and a video out along with it:



He's got a great souful voice, makes good pop music, and is cute to boot. How can you not love Paolo? This guy is gonna be big, mark my words.


Tracks from "These Streets":

Jenny Don't Be Hasty

Loving You

biscuits for breakfast

To be honest, I'm not even sure how I came across Fink, but I'm glad I did. His CD Biscuits for Breakfast came out this year in the UK, but doesn't seem to be out anywhere in the US just yet. From what I have read, seems Fink has focused more on Electronic music and DJing in the past....but this CD is completely acoustic. Just Fink and his guitar, mixed with some fun beats.

Biscuits For Breakfast, is everything Fink hoped it would be: a collection of intriguingly personal, folk-inflected, acoustic soul songs that are essentially and intrinsically him.

His myspace has some tracks from the album along with a session from Napster of "Biscuits" (one of my favorites from the CD). He's simple, relaxing....but still melodic and fun.

"Beautifully produced, achingly soulful, "Biscuits For Breakfast" is an album that will stand the test of time, because at root it's built on original, honest song-writing"



Download "Pretty Little Thing"
A simple jazzy folk riff grows into a constantly evolving liquid melody that seeps deep into your consciousness to assure it’ll never leave again Like Damien Rice on the chain gang…

Last.fm

Nerds like me like to pretend that people would actually care to know what I'm listening to. Last.fm is a site that allows users to simply install a plugin into whatever music player you happen to use, and it will keep a record of every mp3 you listen. (pending it has been correctly tagged) but most of the time these days files are. I believe they also have an actual Last.fm player you can use as well.

But beside just being able to track what you listen to, it also allows you to find similar artists based on what you have been listening to. You can add friends, join groups, and they even have radio based on your listens as well.

I think it's pretty neat. You should sign up and be my friend !

All the cool kids are doing it.

roar

As Tall as Lions

I absolutely have not stopped listening to this CD since my musical twin, Andrea, introduced me. I need to tell her thank you again.

As Tall As Lions can soar like U2, groove like Days Away, get as technical as Gatsby’s American Dream, rock out like Brand New, experiment like The Mars Volta, and even emote like Damien Rice. Seamlessly streamlining these qualities, the band has turned out a surprisingly adult, grown-up, complete, hypnotic, entrancing, brave, and layered sophomore effort with lasting appeal to boot. I’m just about out of adjectives, but please don’t miss one of the best that 2006 has to offer. It requires more than a single listen to truly consume and digest the songwriting which at first might seem to blend, but all efforts will be handsomely rewarded, and soon each track becomes distinct. Even summer sometimes succumbs to rainfall, nighttime, and gloom, and this record soundtracks those darker times, when sunshine gives way to the moonlight and the fog.

Good, reallllll good.
____________________________________

Myspace

Love, Love, Love (cause who doesn't love songs about loooooooove?!)
(right click and Save As)
...it's also on my music player

and it begins

So I decided to join the world of music blogging. I don't know if that's exciting or not to anyone but myself, but I figured it would be something fun to do when I'm bored.

Since receiving my new 80 gig iPod (yeah, I'm in love) I have discovered the lovely world of Podcasts. I happened to stumble upon a great one that focuses on Indie-Pop ...which really encompasses more than just "pop"...but yeah. So after downloading 100+ "Songs of the Day" from their Podcast, I came across one I really enjoyed.

The band is called letting up despite great faults and are from LA. I'll let this review from 3hive.com sum them up:

"Electronic, acoustic, classical, it all goes together to create beautiful music. Letting Up Despite Great Faults create music from the heart, ignoring formulas and expectations, letting their freedom and creativity flow. There are no great faults, and hopefully no letting up."

Enjoy!

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Their myspace page

"I Hear You Drowning But I'm Tied"
(right click and Save As)