classic song of the moment

Remember He-man's twin She-ra? Well, the theme song to that show has been stuck in my head for the past few hours... anyways, I just want to share this with the world!

She-ra Theme
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top 5 eps of 2006

To continue the "best ofs" posts, here is my list for the top EPs of 2006:

5. Boy Crazy: Whale Songs To Kensington Garden
Whale Songs To Kensington Garden is a loud, progressive instrumental rock EP... it’s like The Mars Volta with the synthesizer... and minus the singing.

Egyptian Plover And The Crocodile

[myspace][buy]


4. Jeremy Warmsley: Other People's Secrets
Other People's Secrets not only showcases Warmsley’s ability to create catchy pop-songs, but it also displays his talent to create outstanding multi-layers music.

Modern Children

[myspace][buy...out of print!]


3. Klaxons: Xan Valley
Xan Valley has made Klaxons’ coming full length one of my most anticipated albums of 2007.

Gravity's Rainbow

[myspace][buy]


2. Tokyo Police Club: A Lesson In Crime
This EP is pretty much perfect. If you like The Strokes, The Walkmen, or even The Libertines, be sure to check out Tokyo Police Club.

Nature of the Experiment

[myspace][buy]


1. The Horrors: The Horrors
The Horrors is an exceptional garage/punk rock band. This Iggy Pop-The Stooges influenced band is already making some big impacts in the UK, and with a full length expected to come out in the new year, The Horrors is sure to be one of the biggest bands in 2007!

Death At The Chapel
Crawdaddy Simone

[myspace][buy]

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my gift to the world

early christmas gift, aka patrick wolf vcast iv

Patrick Wolf vCast Episode 4 is up! Patrick performs one of my favorites of his, "Pigeon Song" on this edition, and as always, I have converted the vCast into mp3. You can download the performance/interview or just "Pigeon Song" itself below.

The Patrick Wolf vCast - Episode 4
Pigeon Song (live from Patrick's flat)

bonus:
Pigeon Song (demo)
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classic song of the moment

Happy Holidays...

Jimmy Eat World: 12.23.95 from Clarity, 1999
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bluebells video

Go to this link to watch Patrick Wolf's new video for "Bluebells".

top 30 albums of 2006

Here’s the list of my top 30 albums of 2006… again, please comment and tell me your favorites!

30. Muse: Black Holes and Revelations
Black Holes and Revelations features countless loud and memorable guitar riffs, it is simply a good pure rock album.

Starlight
Knights of Cydonia

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


29. Controlling the Famous: Automatic City
So not one song on Automatic City really stands out for me… that’s not a bad thing consider the entire thing is one outstanding record.

Easy Life
Two Sides

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


28. Xiu Xiu: The Air Force
This is probably the "catchiest" Xiu Xiu album ever. (I know, catchy and Xiu Xiu in the same sentence?) But with that being said, the album is still dominated by the experimental/low-hi sound.

Boy Soprano
Hello From Eau Claire

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


27. Jeremy Enigk: World Waits
World Waits is the perfect escape album... listen to this album on a set of headphones and it will take you to another dimension.

City Tonight
World Waits

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


26. Senses Fail: Still Searching
This is the most mature and best release by Senses Fail to date. Still Searching is more than generic "scremo", it is a brilliant sounding record.

Still Searching
The Priest and the Matador

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


25. The Album Leaf: Into The Blue Again
Into The Blue Again is another memorable record by The Album Leaf. Jimmy LaValle has a gifted ability to create this never-ending dream-like/lethargic atmosphere.

Always for You
See in You

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


24. Girl Talk: Night Ripper
Gregg Gillis is the king of mixing. The coolest thing about Night Ripper is the surprise element: you discover a new simple with each listen.

Too Deep

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


23. Bat For Lashes: Fur And Gold
Bat For Lashes, aka Natasha Khan, is one of the most talented and promising new artists. Fur And Gold is a beautifully composed adventurous record.

Trophy
The Wizard
Bat's Mouth

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


22. Brand New: The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me
I bet many of you are pretty surprise to see The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me so early on the list. It is a lyrically great album, but some of the songs just do not feel right... but then again, I expect a lot from Brand New.

Sowing Season (Yeah)
Millstone

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


21. Anti-Flag: For Blood And Empire
I am usually not a big fan of political albums, but Justin Sane won me over with this insanely catchy album.

Hymn For The Dead
One Trillion Dollars

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


20. Peter and the Wolf: Lightness
This easily is one of the best folk records to come out in recent years. Lightness is a nostalgic sounding record.

My Grey Overcoat
Dear Old Robyn
Lightness

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


19. My Chemical Romance: The Black Parade
Wow, this The Black Parade is epic! It is a theatrical-hard-rock-musical. Read a very detail review by clicking on the link below. Please, give this album a try before you judge!!!!

The End
Mama
Teenagers

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


18. Set Your Goals: Mutiny!
Set Your Goals is not your little sister’s sappy pop punk band of the moment; Mutiny! is intelligent, witty, and fun.

Work In Progress
We Do It For The Money, OBVIOUSLY!

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


17. The Walkmen: "Pussy Cats" Starring The Walkmen
This would be higher up (or down?) on the list, but I have to consider the fact that this is entirely a cover record. As a result, I had to take a few points off for originality, but otherwise, it is a great rock n' roll record.

Subterranean Homesick Blues
Loop de Loop
Rock Around the Clock

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


16. Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins: Rabbit Furcoat
This was my favorite at the beginning of the year when I first started this blog. In a strange way, I see Rabbit Furcoat as a perfect pop record with a hint of folk and county instead of the other way around. Ps, Jenny voice is beautiful!

Big Guns
Melt Your Heart
Handle with Care

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


15. Plan B: Who Needs Action When You Got Words
Who Needs Action When You Got Words features incredible rhymes and flows by Plan B... and some of the lyrics are deliciously violent!

Kidz
Charmaine
Tough Love

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


14. Cold War Kids: Robbers & Cowards
Ok, so I’ve only been listening to Robbers & Cowards for a short while, but I am so hooked on it! There is absolutely nothing bad to say about this record. Robbers & Cowards displays a brilliantly mix genre style along with sharp sounding vocal.

We Used To Vacation
God, Make Up Your Mind

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


13. MC Lars: The Graduate
The Graduate is like an anthropological report on youth and pop culture today. Lars commentaries on this generation/youth today is smart and at times, beyond hilarious!

Hot Topic Is Not Punk Rock
Ahab
Signing Emo

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


12. Thom Yorke: The Eraser
Many critised that The Eraser sounds like Radiohead b-sides/leftovers; however, I don’t think the record is Radiohead-like at all (other than Yorke’s vocal style)… I mean, for me, there is quite a distinction between Radiohead and Yorke’s solo work!!! My only problem with The Eraser: nine songs?

Black Swan
Skip Divided
And It Rained All Night

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


11. Be Your Own Pet: Be Your Own Pet
Hardcore Yeah Yeah Yeahs brings the house down! Be Your Own Pet is a perfect post-punk album!

Bunk Trunk Skunk
Adventure

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


10. Underoath: Define the Great Line
Define the Great Line has the best mixture of post-hardcore and metal music of the year. Whether you agree with the band’s views/lyrics or not, this is an amazing sounding album.

In Regards to Myslef
You're Ever So Inviting
Writing on the Walls

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


9. Final Fantasy: He Poos Clouds
An absolutely marvelous sounding record which of course, includes the signature witty lyrics by Owen Pallett.

He Poos Clouds
Song Song Song
Many Lives -> 49 MP

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


8. Mickey Avalon: Mickey Avalon
Rude, harsh, sexy, I love it! Mickey Avalon is what I called “the male Peaches!”

Waiting to Die
Friends and Lovers
Romeo and Juliet

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


7. The Early November: The Mother, The Mechanic, And The Path
This is a triple discs release by TEN. I absolutely loved The Path (third disc) when it came out; but I wasn’t too happy with the other two discs. Well, it turns out, The Mother and The Mechanic are also great! In addition, it has the most original concept for a record in recent years.

Runaway (Part 1)
Decoration

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


6. Moneen: The Red Tree
Moneen’s best release to date. The Red Tree is honest, and it is lyrical and musically emotional.

If Tragedy's Appealing, Then Disaster's An Addiction
The Song I Swore To Never Sing

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


5. Test Icicles: For Screening Purposes Only
For Screening Purposes Only is loud... very freaking loud!! Why don't more bands combine the hardcore and dancepunk sound? (I still can't get over the fact that such a creative band broke up... so sad)
Note: For Screening Purposes Only came out in the UK in 2005, but not till January of 2006 in North America, so I’m including this one on the list.

Your Biggest Mistake
Circle Square Triangle
All You Need Is Blood

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


4. Beirut: Gulag Orkestar
Gulag Orkestar is the most original sounding album of the year. It features a romantic sounding rendition of Eastern European folk music by the very talented Zach Condon.

Postcards from Italy
Mount Wroclai (Idle Days)
Bratislava

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


3. Scott Walker: The Drift
Scott Walker at his best... The Drift is an extremely experimental record: dark, scary, and adventurous, I just can't stop listening to this weird album for some strange reason.

Hand Me Ups
The Escape

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


2. Cursive: Happy Hollow
This is the best lyrical album of the year. Its commentaries on religion, dreams, and small town America hit me in a very personal level.

Dorothy At Forty
Big Bang
Rise Up! Rise Up!

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]


1. The Format: Dog Problems

Hands-down, this has been my favorite album since April. Everything is perfect: from the orchestral-like music to the poppy-sing-along-friendly, cheesy but brilliantly smart and ironic lyrics, making Dog Problems my favorite of 2006!

I'm Actual
She Doesn't Get It
Oceans
Snails
If Work Permits

[myreview] [myspace] [buy]

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10 excellent albums of 2006 that did not make it on the list:
The Matches: Decomposer
Portugal. The Man: Waiter: "You Vultures!"
This Is Hell: Sundowning
Manchester Orchestra: I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child
Hot Chip: The Warning
Emily Haines: Knives Don't Have Your Back
Band Of Horses: Everything All The Time
The Blow: Paper Television
Junior Boys: So This Is Goodbye
The Lawrence Arms: Oh! Calcutta!

So that’s my top albums list... the next one will be a 'best of the rest list' including best concerts, best music videos, best movies, etc.

don't text and drive either

I saw the ad below from Advertising/Design Goodness... it is so clever, I absolutely love it!

endless entertainment

Finally, an official Bright Eyes site will be up in 2007… along with a brand new LP, Cassadaga due out in April. Sign up for the Bright Eyes mailing list now to hear a brand new Bright Eyes track ...or download it below!

Bright Eyes: Endless Entertainment

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magic position cover art

Apparently, this is the cover art for The Magic Position...

It is available for pre-order now.

top 30 songs of 2006

Here’s the list for my favorite 30 (well… more like 32, but who’s counting!?) songs of 2006:
I’ll post the top 30 albums list tomorrow or Thursday… stay tuned!
[Please comment and tell me your favorite songs of 2006!!]

30. Ris Paul Ric: Purple Blaze
29. American Distress: Fraudulent Times
28. The Early November: Decoration
27. The Streets: When You Wasn't Famous
26. Regina Spektor: That Time
25. Ryan's Hope: Exorcism
24. MC Lars: Internet Relationships (Are Not Real Relationships)
23. Underoath: There Could Be Nothing After This
22. Jeremy Warmsley: Dirty Blue Jeans
21. Cold War Kids: Saint John
20. My Chemical Romance: Welcome To The Black Parade
19. Scott Walker: Jesse
18. Klaxons: The Bouncer
17. Mickey Avalon: My Dick & Roll the Dice
16. Thom Yorke: The Eraser
15. Anti-Flag: The Press Corpse
14. Manchester Orchestra: Sleeper 1972
13. The Format: Dog Problems
12. Set Your Goals: An Old Book Misread
11. Moneen: The Day No One Needed To Know
10. The Raconteurs: Level
9 .Tilly and the Wall: Love Song
8. Patrick Wolf: Accident & Emergency
7. Plan B: Sick 2 Def
6. Final Fantasy: This Lamb Sells Condos
5. MC Lars: Generic Crunk Rap
4. Cursive: Bad Sects & Retreat!
3. The Terrible Twos: We Can All Get Along With Dinosaurs
2. The Strokes: Heart In A Cage
1. The Florists: Stolen Love
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wooo...

...Winter theme, enjoy!

colbert vs the decemberists

In two days (Dec 20), The Decemberists will appear on the Colbert Report!!! This is going to be good!!!! For those of you who are not familiar with the whole story, watch the video below:

christmas music that should replace the ones at the mall

So, it’s that time of the year where you are forced to shop at places that you don’t normally shop at… and to make that worse, you are also forced to listen to countless annoying Christmas music! Well, in case you are not tired of hearing holiday music, you can download more below!

+44: Christmas Vacation
The Pogues: Fairytale Of New York (with Kirsty MacColl) [super-wicked-cool song]
"Fairytale Of New York" is the best Christmas song ever... and probably one of the best songs of all time!!!
The Format: Holly Jolly Christmas
Brand New: O Holy Night
The Used: Alone This Holiday

Bright Eyes' A Christmas Album
1. Away In A Manger
2. Blue Christmas
3. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
4. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
5. The First Noel
6. Little Drummer Boy
7. White Christmas
8. Silent Night
9. Silver Bells
10. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
11. The Night Before Christmas
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buy A Christmas Album here

Coming soon: in the next few days, I'll post my best songs, best albums, and best of everything else lists!

i died listening to this

Recently, there is this trend to put out remix albums by popular indie bands. In mean, Bloc Party and Death From Above did it last year, and Feist did it early this year... and the latest album to be remixed is last year’s critical acclaimed album, In Case We Die by Architecture In Helsinki. I was quiet excited to hear how on earth In Case We Die can be remixed, and after hearing We Died, They Remixed, this excitement significantly transformed into great disappointment. I found that most of the remixes somewhat annoying and I grew impatient of the disc quite quickly. However, with that being said, there were two fine remixes by YACHT and Hot Chip... but that’s all... don’t bother with We Died, They Remixed, just stick with In Case We Die for now!

Neverevereverdid (Cave Rave Remix YACHT)
Do The Whirlwind (Hot Chip)
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buy We Died, They Remixed here

hey t-dot-o

Sydney are playing at The Kathedral in Toronto, Ontario on December 22. This will be their last show before recording. Advanced tickets are $10 at Rotate This and $12 at the door, go celebrate Christmas early with the boys from Sydney!

Jubert's Path Of Destruction
Seething
Get To The Chopper
End Transmission
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buy Sydney here

get me the president of the world

Tokyo Police Club's A Lesson in Crime EP has just been released on vinyl with brand new artwork and a bonus track!!!

Cheer It On [wicked-cool song]
Nature of the Experiment [wicked-cool song]
Be Good
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buy A Lesson in Crime EP on vinyl here

classic song of the moment

Below you will find my favorite song by one of the most important and most influential modern indie rock bands in the past twenty years.

Guided By Voices: Learning to Hunt from Mag Earwhig!, 1997 and Human Amusements at Hourly Rates, 2003 [super-wicked-cool song]
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reloaded

I have re-uploaded Patrick Wolf’s Nico cover of "Ari’s Song" as the file has exceeded its download limit. You can find that post here.

this video almost killed gerard

Check out the new My Chemical Romance below.

my promise is counterfeit

Bright Eyes will release a new EP entitled Four Winds on CD and 12" on March 6, 2007, that will then be followed by a brand new full length in April...so exciting! This news comes at a perfect time. I listen to Bright Eyes all year around, but for some reason, I do that more so during the winter. I guess there has always been this strange, but fitting association of Bright Eyes with the cold, windy, snowy winter.

Act Of Contrition
Black Comedy [wicked-cool song]
Entry Way Song [super-wicked-cool song]
Go Find Yourself A Dry Place
Have You Ever Heard Of Jandek
Hungry For A Holiday [wicked-cool song]
I'll Be Your Friend
The Joy In Discovery
Lake Havasu (In Florida)
One Foot In Front Of The Other (Saddle Creek 50 version) [super-wicked-cool song]
Pioneer's Park
Spring Cleaning
When the Curious Girl Realizes She is Under Glass Again [wicked-cool song]
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buy One Jug Of Wine, Two Vessels here
buy Noise Floor (Rarities 1998-2005) on 180 gram 2xLP here

old st. john on death row, he's just waiting for a pardon

Cold War Kids were one of those hugely buzz band at the beginning of the year (at least among the blog world), and naturally, I do not response too well to bands with the "buzz tag", so I usually avoid them completely. Well, with that being said, Cold War Kids’ full length debut truly fulfilled all the hype and buzz as Robbers & Cowards is one of the best albums I’ve heard all year. Robbers & Cowards is unlike anything in my music collection this year: it is a country-blues/folk influenced record full of soulful rhythms and melodies. If you are in doubt about this band, all you need to do is download and listen to the opening track, "We Used To Vacation". After hearing that song, I am sure that there is no need for me to say anything more about Cold War Kids as you are pretty much hook on Robbers & Cowards for at least the next little while.

We Used To Vacation [super-wicked-cool song]
Hang Me Up To Dry
Passing The Hat
Saint John [super-wicked-cool song]
Pregnant [wicked-cool song]
God, Make Up Your Mind [super-wicked-cool song]
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buy Robbers & Cowards here

i wear rubber bands round my soul

Just moments after the last song from A Temporary Dive finished playing on my iTunes, I decided to hit the play button once again as Ane Brun lovely and hunting vocal has left me wanting more. Needless to say, I am a little addicted to Ane’s voice at the moment. My enjoyment of A Temporary Dive doesn’t actually start until the fifth track: "A Temporary Dive"... but from there, the rest of the record is pretty much flawless!

A Temporary Dive
Laid in Earth
Where Friend Rhymes With End
Rubber & Soul [wicked-cool song]
Little Lights [wicked-cool song]
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buy A Temporary Dive here