My present is my presence

This Christmas I did not make a mix but that isn't going to stop me from at least posting a few great Christmas songs. So without any further adieu here are some songs and happy holidays to you.

Do you like Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody? Do you like parody songs that are really great? Do you like to laugh? If you answered yes then you should listen to this song. If you answered no then you should listen to the song below this one.
Steve Rosenthal and Tim Walters - Christmas Rhapsody

If you said no to the above song then click here. Yup. That's what you get for not liking to laugh. Either that or you just wanted to hear the next song.
Deanna Kirk - You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch

It's not all about toys, snow, eggnog and family.
The Band - Christmas Must Be Tonight

The Flaming Lips - Silent Night / Lord Can You Hear Me

Chrsitmas is a time for lovin'. Break out that mistletoe.
Best Coast & Wavves - Got Something For You

Yo La Tengo - It's Christmastime

Julian Casablancas - I Wish It Was Christmas Today

**WARNING*** this song is very vulgar, immature and hilarious. We knew Santa was big but....
R.O. Manse - Santa's Packin' (Featuring Dukey From The Dukey Kru)

I also would suggest checking out the tons of christmas music Sufjan Stevens has put out.

During the summer I made a mix called Golden Shores & Red Shoulders. I included a band by the name of 1,2,3 in that mix and to my surprise I got contact from the label, Ooh La La Records who put out their 7 inch thanking me including them in the mix. Of course no thanks were needed, I'm always willing to shine a light on the indie scene. I have to say I am very impressed with not only the bands but also the good taste in music that the label has. It's a small label but they definitely know good music, and would suggest keeping an eye on their site. I recently got news that 1,2,3 has now signed to Frenchkiss records and will be dropping a new album sometime in 2011. I know I will for sure be keeping an eye out for that album. In addition to the thanks, I was sent an advance EP of Oh La La's latest band The Last Royals. It chock full of refreshing indie pop tunes, that are very original. I threw it on as background music while I was cleaning my house and more than a few times I paused because either a great lyric or melody had caught my ear. This is a band that I will be keeping around for sure. Take a listen and if you dig them check out Oh La La to buy it.

The Last Royals - Backseat Lovers


1,2,3 - Little Cure

Random Random Random

I put my itunes on random and away we go.

Sometimes I think about scoring things, and I mean scoring in the musical sense. I am always thinking of what song would be good for a certain situation. I am pretty sure that was the same thinking behind this song and band. Someone was at a high school football game repeating after cheerleaders and thought "Man if I could combine this all into some sort of music score it would be great.
The Go! Team - Huddle Formation

Everytime I listen to this band I want to sit on a old wooden porch overlooking a field and sip some spiked lemonade. This song is way faster paced than most of their songs. I guess that's one of the reasons they call it a rocking chair.
The Avett Brothers - Gimmeakiss

Get out your wingtip shoes, throw on a fedora, or put on your best twrilin' dress cause it's time to do some jitter buggin'. This crazy cat knows how to blow, man. Some good ol' be bop jazz saxaphone style.
Gene Ammons - Jivin' Around (No Longer Available)

I honestly have never listened to this song before and I don't have much to say about it. I have heard some songs by the Wave Pictures before and I really like them. This song seems to be pretty fun and like the last song has a sax-a-ma-phone!
The Wave Pictures - Bumble Bee (No Longer Available)

Yup this one is an oldie, back when R&B was actually rhythm and blues. Someday I would love to host a party where I just play old hip wigglers like this. You know like in that movie Dirty Dancing where the chick carries watermelons and they are doing their naughty dances. It'd be a riot!
Banny Price - You Love Me Pretty Baby

I find this song a little repetitive in the lyric department for my taste, but I can not get over the singers velvety delivery. I love the bass line and the drums, it's a killer combo. I like how it's just a chill sort of sad song but it's got a beat that doesn't make you feel way depressed. The song has a very unique ending to. Not to sure I am digging the name choice for the band. It reminds me too much of that Common song. At any rate, it's still a pretty good vibey song.
Electric Wire Hustle - They Don't Want Me

What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted

I recently got out of a pretty bad relationship situation, thankfully it wasn't a long standing relationship, but it still hurts no matter how long it is. I was pretty much the dumpee, but I was the one who decided to end the "friendship". Which wasn't really a friendship at all. Lets just say there was a lot of frustration and confusion. So I decided to dedicate this post to break up songs. Instead of a bunch of songs you can download I'll post most of these as youtube videos (only because I some of these are big name artists) I'll throw a few non youtube songs for you as well.

Phase One: Songs To Cry To
You lose the girl and suddenly the world seems like a cold place. You can't function as a member of society because all you can do is think of what just happened. Going over and over it in your head.
The Glass Bottle - I Ain't Got Time Anymore (click for lyrics)


This isn't the actual video for the song, but this song can not be passed up! It's more female oriented, but it's oldies gold. I especially love how the chorus breaks down. Killer!

(click for lyrics)

Placebo had a mild hit back in the 90's with a song called Pure Morning and another song called Every You Every Me. They didn't receive much acclaim and to be honest I was not a big fan of them until way later. They have some really great songs and it's all pretty moody. This one is definitely out of the 90's rock music scene with it's bouncy to angsty sound.
Placebo - You Don't Care About Us (click for lyrics)


Phase Two: Songs Of Spite
I remember hearing this for the first time so long ago. Back in middle school I think. I had taped it and I constantly listened to it. I never really understood it but I thought it was funny when he went off on the girl.

(do you really need the lyrics?)

This is another blast from the past for me. It's more girly, yet not so much from the female point of view. It's sugary sweet vocals and jangly acoustic guitars meld so well with the bitter as hell lyrics. It also has one of the best lines ever. "but right now there's dust on my guitar, you fuck/ and it's all your fault/ you paralyzed my mind and for that you suck."
The Murmurs - You Suck (click for lyrics)


Ok this song isn't really about relationships, it's actually about the singers attitude towards the bands worst critics. Thankfully I'm not one of them because this song is one of the most downright spite fueled songs I have ever heard. I chose to include it because the lyrics are pretty general. Peter Murphy sings like Bowie and belts it out on top of a beautiful piano arrangement.
Bauhaus - Crowds (click for lyrics)


Phase Three: The Moving On Songs
A rap song about a break up? Thugs have feelings too!
Gang Starr - Ex Girl To Next Girl (click for lyrics)


I don't like radio friendly songs very often but this one has quickly found it's way into my regular playlist rotation, even when I wasn't feeling down. It's got a really good beat and the crisp sound one can expect from a Timbaland remix. Then you have One Republic frontman/producer Ryan Tedder's soulful singing and you have a good song.

(click for lyrics)

This song is so cheesy but also so inspiring and heartfelt. I think that every break up song post needs to have one. No matter how goofy looking the singer is. What an amazing song.

(click for lyrics)

Honorable Mentions:
Tom Petty - You Got Lucky
The Mountain Goats - No Children
Martin Briley - The Salt In My Tears
Magnetic Fields - You Must Be Out Of Your Mind
Go West - King Of Wishful Thinking
13005

It started to snow yesterday, and it made the drive both to work and back home a pain. I was ina 20 minute traffic jam on the way in because there was a car that was being towed on the side of the road that everyone just had to see. It was especially bad when I was going home and it was dark. The road that my work is on was nothing but black ice. Once I got on the highway the roads were clear but very wet. My wipers somehow kept leaving streaks right where I needed to see and the semis were throwing back tons of crap. I must have done something to fix it because about 15 minutes from home they stopped leaving streaks. So much fun. I decided I needed a mix to listen to on those particular snowy drives. So I made one. I picked a lot of songs that made me think of winter. Enjoy.


The Winter Of Our Discontent (A RopBop Winter Mix)
Track List:
01.Neko Case - A Widow's Toast
02. The Notwist - Boneless (Grizzly Bear Remix)
03. Jesse Woods - Mind Drips (Neon Indian Cover)
04. The New Pornographers - Hey Snow White
05. The Rolling Stones - Winter
06. Mother Falcon - Marigold
07. Damien Jurado - Arkansas
08. Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal
09. Andrew Bird - The Giant Of Illinois
10. Ryan Bingham - The Weary Kind (Theme To Crazy Heart)
11. The Replacements - Skyway
12. Joni Mitchell - A Case Of You
13. Leonard Cohen - Chelsea Hotel No. 2
14. Bon Iver - Wolves (Act 1&2)
15. The Smiths - Asleep
16. Mumford & Sons - Dust Bowl Dance
17. Jason Lytle - Yours Truly, The Commuter
18. Small Brown Bike - This Is My Holiday
19. The Dodos - Winter
20. The Mountain Goats and Kaki King - Thank You Mario But Our Princess Is In Another Castle

Click here to listen on YouTube

Click here to listen on Spoitify (Missing 2 songs)

The Letter A

I am a badass bird!

The first time I heard this song it reminded me of The Smashing Pumpkins. I'm not saying that as a slam against the band. If anything it's a major compliment in my opinion. This song reminded me of why I love the Pumpkins earlier stuff. Sonic walls of crunching guitars, machine gun drum fills, badass guitar solos and flight like lyrics. If I was a bird and I could fly, this would be the song I would constantly listen to.
Apteka - Aragon Sound

This is such a fun song. I have this one on my "Make me happy cause I am having a shitty day" play list. How can you not smile at a song with a kazoo solo? Catchy all the way around. Crank this one up and get your toe tapping on!
April Smith and the Great Picture Show - Colors

I have never been a fan of Anthony And The Johnsons. I have tried and tried to like them but it just doesn't happen. I really think it's the singers voice that annoys me. Recently I was listening to NPR's All Songs Considered (which is a great podcast by the way) and they played this song. It changed me opinion of Antony Hegartys voice completely. I have yet to explore more songs by them but maybe someday I will be converted. Until then I'll stick with this haunted piano driven beauty.
Antony And The Johnsons - Ghost

Waking up is probably one of the hardest things for me to do in life. Let me rephrase that, getting out of bed is one of the hardest things for me. It's such a chore. When I do finally roll my lazy bones out of bed I walk around the house for a good 5 minutes grumbling about how I don't want to do it. I am not exaggerating here folks, this happens pretty much every morning. I found that the right song can kickstart my motor in the morning. The Antlers do a good job of that with this song. the start is slow and easy going and then kicks in to a full blown danceable beat. To top it off it completes itself with vocals I can groan along to.
The Antlers - Bear

I always try to apply music to situations in daily life (see above). This one is definitely one of those songs you throw on when you are feeling like the king of the world. Everyone look out below because I'm blowin' up like a....Vol-ca-no!
Anti-Pop Consortium - Volcano

A Tower Of Music For Your Ears

Daniel Dumile is a hip hop artist who goes by the name MF Doom, or Metal Fingers or Viktor Vaughn or Metal Fingers or in this respect MF Borat. Whatever you want to call him there is no denying his ability to conjure up insanely clever wordplay and well produced beats. He has produced tracks for Ghostface Killah as well as colaberated with some of underground hip hops best such as DJ Dangermouse on the Adult Swim CD Danger Doom: The Mouse And The Mask (which I highly recommend). Fun fact: Doom's 2009 album Born Like This was inspired by the poem "Dinosauria, We" by poet Charles Bukowski. DOOM samples a performance of the poem by Bukowski on the track "Cellz." Very cool! Get out your umbrella because this dude can spit.
MF Borat - Tower of Ears (feat. Diana Ross)

This band no longer exists. Sad, sad, sad.
The Minders - Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

I forgot that I had this song in my iTunes until it randomly came on while I was sidetracked by the black hole that is the internet. I am so glad that I was other wise who knows how long it might have been just sitting there waiting for it's chance to shine. This is catchy indie pop at it's best. Besides how can you go wrong with a band name that came from a ZX Spectrum personal home computer batman game.
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. - Young And Lovestruck

Did you know that Julia Roberts is a hedonist? Seriously look it up! I don't think if I was a hedonist and she came around I would be unhappy at all.
Hyperpotamus - The Unhappy Hedonist

Click here to read about it, click here to find out what not to do, click below to listen.
Washington - How To Tame Lions

It's been a bit since I have done a link post so once again get prepared to get chained up in some golden linkage.

Let's start this post off with some controversy, shall we? Not only did the music spark conversation but these guys took it one step further, crossing that line between good taste and and awkwardness. Let freedom ring! By the way, might not be a great site to view if your at work. It's Wikipedia, but it does link to the album covers.

List Of Controversial Album Art

Did you know that Clint Eastwood was a singer too? Neither did I. Maybe you should check out this site and get to know more about the beloved anti-hero american badass of the silver screen.

Clint Eastwood.net

Beatles Links
Every Beatles Lyric Ever Recorded
Neat flash fan video for Come Together

This is like heaven for a music nerd such as myself, Songfacts.

Funny little web comic

1000 songs everyone must hear.

Get you're Wu-Tang fix

Alright song, awesome video.


How about some non music links...
Greg Rutter's Second Definitive List of The 99 Things You Should Have Already Experienced On The Internet

Want to watch a movie but don't know what to pick? Check some of these out.

Bubble wrap poppers of the world unite!!

The Letter T

I'm a sucker for pretty voices and really good harmonies among other things. I think that is why I am so into all those oldies R&B groups like the Ronnettes. With their oohs and ahhs and wooos. Making the human voice into an instrument rather than just for singing lyrics. The Beach Boys did this a lot, check out their albums "Friends" and "Smiley Smile" and you'll see what I mean. Tennis makes me instantly think of those pretty voiced girl groups of the 60's only with a twist of today.
Tennis - Marathon

Every time I listen to this song I almost delete it, but I can never bring myself to do so. This is one of those songs you tell people you are annoyed by, but deep down inside you LOVE it. The song doesn't really have anything new or exciting to it, it's pretty standard sugar pop, but when that chorus kicks in I instantly want to shimmy and shake.
Ten Bears - Braces

The Tall Dwarfs are a New Zeeland breed band who formed back in 1979 and helped initiate the lofi music style. They put out music through out the 80's and into the 90's yet reaming primarily underground. The band is a duo and do not have a drummer. Instead they use everyday objects to create their percussion or in one instance asked fans to create percussion backdrops for them that were later used on a record. I always liked the aesthetic of the DIY style of music, however sometimes it can turn out very bad. Thankfully we don't have to worry about that with these guys.
Tall Dwarfs - All My Hollowness To You

This song reminds me of being on an old roller coaster. It's always fun, but throws you around all over the place with it's jerky rickety structure. Just the way a punk rock song should be.
The Tranzmitors - Bigger Houses, Broken Homes

How would I describe this song? Creepy good fun. I always picture a kids style horror movie when I listen to this. It's got everything from the quick paced chase, to the sad and haunting ghost sounds, to the scary monster meeting. Very neat!
Two Star Symphony - Goblin Attack! (No Longer Available, but this is)

Songs That Make Me Laugh

Songs that make me laugh...

Don't Stop Or We'll Die - I Got A Perm For Our Camping Trip

Grand Lake - She's A Hater

Dicky Hart and the Palpitations - That's A No No (Knees Verboten)

Sammy Stephens - Flea Market Montgomery (It's Just Like A Mini Mall)

The Meters - They All Ask'd For You

Parry Gripp - Hamster On A Piano

Flight of the Conchords - Jenny

Songs for villains, outlaws, weirdos, and New Englanders

This band started back in 2007 as a solo project when John Michael Rouchell
decided to release a song every week for the entire year of 2008. Since then the music has caught many fans ears, including mine. Of course you don't have to just take my advice on that, just listen to the first 10 seconds of this song. Pure ear candy. Check out the site to find a download of all the 52 songs created and more.
MyNameIsJohnMichael - Misery Runs

I'm a sucker for a song that tells a story of shady doings, run-ins with the law, and the feel of the road. This one has all of that, with a gritty rock backdrop that sure to make you feel the dirt under your fingernails. You can stream their newest album Placed by the Gideons on their site before you buy it. Which is something I will for sure be doing.
Wormburner - Interstate

I LOVE this band. I was introduced to them through a mix CD a friends had made me a while ago. The Dirty Projectors have crazy time changes, amazing vocal harmonies, and the songs do not get boring upon multiple listens due to the very experimental nature of the songs. That might put some people off, but I implore you, give it a few listens before completely writing it off. It took me a bit to warm up to this song and now I can't stop wanting to hear it. On a side note, put it on in the morning.
The Dirty Projectors - Temecula Sunrise

Chances are you have seen or heard of American Actor Burgess Meredith before. He was best known for his role as Rocky Balboa's trainer Mickey Goldmill in the Rocky films and the Penguin in the 1960's television series Batman. This is a song as sung from The Penguins point of view, after being put in jail by Batman and Robin. Just by the tile alone you can tell what the song is about. When will the villains ever learn that you don't talk about you're plans. There is also another song with the same song backdrop called The Capture.
Burgess Meredith - The Escape

Do you remember the movie There's Something About Mary? Do you remember the duo who randomly showed up in the movie and sang about the plot of the movie? One for those guys was singer/songwriter Jonathan Richman. Richman has been around the music since the early seventies first forming punk/garage band the Modern Lovers which also featured future members of The Talking Heads and The Cars. The band are held high on the list as being godfathers of the punk scene. Sadly the band didn't last that long only staying together until about 1975, but Richman went on to have a very successful solo career that even branched into country and Spanish music. His music has influenced many alternative and indie rock bands. Listen to this song and you will understand exactly why that is. Dum-ddum-dum-da-duma-dum-de.
Jonathan Richman - New England

Brad Has A Punk Day

I am bored so I decided to do a quick post. I am going with a few random punk songs that I really like.

Whats more punk rock that singing a song about starting a family and all the trials and tribulations that come with it?
Lagwagon - Raise A Family

This song just makes me want to raise a middle finger to the man.
Cock Sparrer - Riot Squad

Don't let the name fool you. This band is not gay (in both in sexuality and lameness factor). Supposedly, the name 'Queers' was chosen as a jab at the Art Fag" community in New Hampshire where the band formed. The band has a huge roster of musician changes with the only member, Joe Queer remaining as a constant. Their style is akin to the Ramones, in that it is very catchy and defiantly snotty but with cute and mildly disturbing side.
The Queers - Like A Parasite

This song always reminded me of being on a sugar high when you are 5. It's pretty ADD the way it is constantly jumping all over. I really dig this Riverside, Ca band. Not only was this band the first band to sign on to Kung Fu Records, but they also sold sold more that 25,000 copies of their first album. May not seem like a lot but you have to remember that this was a small punk rock label. This song is not off that album. This is off their second album "What Is Really Going On!?!"
Assorted Jellybeans - Lodie Mission (No Longer Available)

Like the Queers this band has has a pretty decent roster list as well. This band has been around since the 80's and are a heavily influence in skate rock culture. I love the lyrics to this song. "well i'm so happy you're alive, best put the feelings aside. oh tell me what was it like? oh tell me what was it like? oh please tell me what was it like? to be swallowed up by a mudslide."
SNFU - Questions Questions Questions?

This is why Dead Kennedys are so effing cool, click here!
Dead Kennedys - Pull My Strings

Golden Shores & Red Shoulders

It's that time of year again when the sweltering heat makes seatbelts and steering wheels skin burning hot. When walking into an air conditioned room heels like a little slice of heaven when it's hot as hell outside. Time for baseball, fireworks, pool parties, cookouts and and open windows. Why not chill out to a cool mix made by yours truly. Zip file is below.

Gloden Shores & Red Shoulders

01.) Okapi Guitars - Radio Free Zimbabwe
02.) Cory Branan & Ben Nichols - Tall Green Grass
03.) Tim And Eric - Come Over (featuring Built To Spill)
04.) The Go! Team - Get It Together
05.) 1,2,3 - Confetti
06.) Sleigh Bells - Rill Rill
07.) Springwater - I Will Return
08.) CHLLNGR - Change
09.) Groove Armada - At the River
10.) Quantic & Nickodemus - Mi Swing Es Tropical
11.) KiD CuDi, Rostam Batmanglij & Bethany Cosentino - All Summer
12.) Knaan - In The Beginning
13.) The Pretenders - Break Up The Concrete
14.) Jack Penate - Tonight's Today
15.) The National - Fake Empire
16.) Mum - If I Were A Fish

Click here to listen on YouTube
Click here to listen on Spotify (Missing 2 songs)

This is to let you know I am still alive!

This is to let them know I am still alive. I do breathe, and I do speak until my throat is dry. I'm sweet as sugar but unmovable like stone. To and from to and from. The daily blacktop and questioning voices. My new empire. It's caving in, I'm buried in all that I wanted and all I forgot.
Metric - Help I'm Alive

Tonight I was bored so I decided to pretend I was Paul McCartney and I imagined that someone else was John Lennon and we were re-enacting the scene where John told Paul his plans of jumping ship on the band. John told me how he made love to Yoko and cried for 20 minutes afterward. While listening to her breathe he decided he wanted to make music come out of her. He wanted to record with her. I told him he was losing his mind and this was the worst idea ever. He preached that it's art and love and I wouldn't understand, nor was I expected to. I told him if he did this it would be the death of him. He accused me of calling her ugly. I threatened I'd marry horsefaced Linda, as he called her, and I'd make some mid level hits with a new band. We'd show him! My married couple band is better than yours. Then I'd continue to ride my fame for 40 more years, and eventually sell the rights a pop star with childhood issues. Days later John was still talking about this idea with a head full of hearts and day dreams. I saw through what stood behind the haze, it was a nightmare. I tried to convince him to not make the album. "If you want to leave, fine, I don't care. Just don't make the record for Gods sake." Ringo interrupted looking for bananas, stoned out of his mind. I told him where he could locate a banana and pointed at my trousers. I told him to get his 'nana eating, skin slapping, squish face out of the room. He sulked off making death threats under his breath. John yelled at me scolding me for my actions with words like a knife. "THAT is why I hate you, Paul!" I simply said "THAT is why I am awesome, John! There CAN be two great ones in this band! Your not the only one, John!" He looked at me with fire in his eyes and said "HOLY SHIT! I have a great idea for a new song!!" He grabbed his notepad and began writing with a fury. He mumbled through a small dreamy harmony and at the end said "...But I'm not the only one, I hope someday you'll join us, And the world will live as one." As I walked to the door to grab my hat, George walked in smelling of patchouli and looking cosmic. He looked at John and asked "What is his deal?" I looked at him with downtrodden eyes and said "He's gone bonkers, mate? I'm sorry, Georgie. It's over. You will tell Ringo, won't you? I am sure he's a bit sore with me." George explained to me that he was not able to tell Ringo because they were not on speaking terms and George had fooled around with Ringos wife. "I looked at him and said, "Well then, fuck 'em! Right, John see you tomorrow when you don't have a case of the crazies. I'd like to see that white piano when you buy it. So tomorrow then? We'll talk more and get high? Yes!?" He told me he would be there for sure because I always had the best weed. Then he looked down and kept writing.
Kennedy - John & Yoko featuring Yelle

Might be my new favorite song. Sounds like Okkervil River only more jangly, laid back and less whiny.
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson - My Good Luck

I'm staying up late to do this for you. I should be getting ready for bed. I thought this was a night time appropriate song. Put it on low and let it build.
Meursault - Crank Resolutions

So I decided I need to get 5 songs up, so here is number 5. It's emo, and I like the counting part. It really makes the song worth listening to. And it's fun to scream "You are my shining sun" over and over in your car.
Algebra One - Fireball (No Longer Available)

Last night I discovered that I have a love hate relationship with the "boy and girl are friends and then go on some wacky misadventure and in the end find out they secretly love each other" movies. I love them because the wacky situations are usually hilarious and I am rooting for the two to get together by the end. When they do I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. However, and this is totally biased on my end since I have no current significant other, I also end up feeling totally sad. Kind of like "Damn, where is my nutty story line where I fall in love?" Love has been on my mind a lot lately, mostly in part to a good friend of mine getting married. I was asked to make a dinner party mix of music for the wedding and of course I said yes. As I was going through all my music I realized that I don't have many "love" songs. I have a lot of teenage feeling love songs, or the emo cry me a river songs, which I didn't think either would be appropriate for a wedding. I did a little hunting and managed to find some really great stuff and thought I would share a few of the finds.

I have heard a few Big Star songs before but never really been a big fan, but this song makes me want to give them a second chance. It's laid back and kind of has a carefree air about it. As if being in love makes the singer forget about all the problems in the world. Man, love is a powerful feeling!
Big Star - I'm In Love With A Girl

This one is more about the search for the love of your life, rather than being in love. I do love how it's got the rocking repeating lyrics that are fun to sing loud with.
Wreckless Eric - Whole Wide World

A friend told me about this song quite a while ago and I never checked it out until last night. Which is strange because I am a bit Tow Waits fan. This is another "since you came into my life" song. It's a pretty song with a sort grit that makes it a perfectly acceptable song for a man to have on his in his collection without having to worry about feeling like a sissy.
Tom Waits - Picture In A Frame

I am a huge podcast nerd and I listen to a podcast called Comedy Death Ray Radio quite often. It's mostly a talk show where comedians get together and shoot the bull and tell funny jokes and play fun games. The podcast also mixes in some comedy related songs. Most of them are alright, but every now and then I end up hearing a song I absolutely love. I have heard this song played on the show many times and could never figure out who the band was until now. The song is called Austin Powers by Don't Stop Or We'll Die. It's an insanely infectious tune with simple goofy lyrics. The part I love best is the piano in this song. It's just so up beat and then you add on an chanted lyric like "Austin Powers you ain't nothin' but 5 years old/ Ace Ventura you ain't nothin' bu 10 years old" ad you have one golden shiny happy nugget of tuneage.
Don't Stop Or We'll Die - Austin And Ace (No Longer Available)

Last but not least I need to mention that I will be another year older come tomorrow morning. I'll be the big 31. Too bad I am still in training and have to go to work. Woohoo I get to spend my day of oldness talking to people about their bank accounts in a cubicle!
Drive By Truckers - Birthday Boy

What in the world happened to you?

Hello fellow readers,
Long time no see huh? I am sure most of you know that I have a real job now, which I am really glad to have, but it makes posting tough to do. Is that just an excuse? Maybe, but after sitting in front of a computer all day at work most times you want nothing to do with more sitting down in front of a computer again. Do not fear though, I have not and will not give up on this blog. I am finally starting to get into the routine of things again, and once I get back in the swing I will also be posting more. It may not be every 4-5 days but I will make it a mission of mine to post at least once a week. I don’t want to get too into the job subject, because really who wants to talk about work when they are not at work? I will say that I work at a bank and that the job seems like it’s going to be a good fit for me. Things are going well, training is coming to a close and I like the people I work with. Good things. There is one aspect of the job I do not like that much and that is the hour commute. Especially right now since me training schedule is 8-5pm. Highway traffic sucks! In the morning I don’t really mind it, it’s usually super fast but still hair raisingly crowded. The evening traffic is a different story. When I get out I want to go home in as less time as I can, not sit in a jam for 30 minutes before I even get out of the city. I just need to move but I like cheap rent and being close to family. The one thing sitting in traffic is good for would be the time I get to listen to new music. I’m not going to waste too much time with long stories today for each song. Without any further ado lets break out the paddles and shock this blog back to life. CLEAR!

I heard this song on NPR’s All Songs Considered podcast, which I really really recommend to any fan of music. This band has been around forever and have put out some great theme albums ranging from 69 Love Songs to Distortion Songs. This song has a what are you thinking mentality about it. Almost like if you went to a good friend and confided in them and they told you the truth like a good friend does.

The Magnetic Fields – You Must Be Out Of Your Mind

Since the last two songs were sort of downers how about something to bring you back up and make you feel like you have no care in the world. With a name like Groove Armada one has to think that the music they make is either really bad or really good. There is no in between. Thankfully, they are exactly how their name sounds, AWESOME.
Groove Armada - At The River (No Longer Available)

I am Seamore ButtzI and I approve this message. The video explains exactly what the song is ment for you to do. Shake some ass. I can NOT stop listening to this song! Throw it on when you get out of work on a Friday and crank it.
Galactic ft. Cheeky Blakk – Do It Again

I wish I was born in 1977. I was born in 79, so technically I was born in the 70’s but everyone knows 79 is just 80’s. I wish I knew how to dance with out looking totally white. I wish I knew Spanish. I also wish this horn laden back drop would play wherever I walked.
Ana Tijoux – 1977

Since it’s Mothers Day I figured I might as well throw on a great female-power song. Ladies these is for you.

Koko Taylor – I’m A Woman

Barbara Lynn – Good Woman

Car ghosts, bad sitters, beach zebras, sad goodbyes, and some video.

I know I have been slacking a lot on posts but I have been busy with things. So lets get into it.

Four days ago, on a bright sunny mid morning, I was up and about getting things done and I decided to take a trip down to the library to return some items. I get ready to go and walk down the stairs happily, jump into the car, throw the key in the ignition and wouldn't you know it the damn thing won't start. Not a good way to end that story, huh? I didn't think so either. I notice that the clock and odometer funky looking. Sort of like a dying calculator display. Pissed off, I make a few calls. I eventually get a place that knows about Volkswagen's enough to give me a non dumbfounded answer. They tell me to take a cable off the battery, let it sit for an hour and re-attach it. Sort of do a reboot of the cars computer systems. So I did and when I hooked it back up it started no problem. I was pretty happy, I spent nothing other than an hour and a few phone calls. I decide to take it to a near by auto parts store do do a quick diagnostic check and everything turns out good. As I drive it back to my house, the airbag light comes on and the door/lights alarm starts going off. Grrrreat! The next day I take it to a VW auto shop (not the dealer! You think I am nuts!) The hook it up run a full diagnostic scan on everything and get the problem fixed, no charge. Sweeeet! I drive away happy. The next day I drive all the about 60 miles round trip to an interview, including various stops along the way. No problems at all. I get home and decide to take that trip to the library again. On the way there I get the alarm sound again, no lights this time though. The alarm is on and slowing down and speeding back up randomly. I do the library thing (of course I got overdue fees on a few things), and I drive it to the shop again. They take a look can't pinpoint what is going on. It didn't help I got there 15 minuets before closing. they tell me what I need to check for to help them pinpoint the problem. Again no charge, which is nice. I drive back home, very annoyed because; A. My car is going crazy with issues B. That alarm sound is so annoying. You think a few seconds of it is bad try a good 10 minutes of it. I go home, and decided to deal with ti tomorrow. I go to take a ride this morning to see if I can pinpoint it better so I can take it in. The damn thing doesn't do it. Everything is fine, no dinging, no lights, it's running fine. To be continued...
Royal Bangs - My Car Is Haunted

For the past few weeks I have been helping out my sister by taking care of my nephews. I absolutely love them to death, and don't mind helping out my sister at all, but man kids are a crazy world that I am not accustomed to. They are exhausting! I have a new found respect for any mother or father with little kids. Not only that but all the gross things they do. I have dealt more with puke, pee, snot and poop in the last few weeks than I care to. I am a pretty sensitive stomach sort of guy too. With all that being said, I wouldn't trade my nephews for the world, and I still want kids someday. I just think they are a little more gross than before. This was the only babysitter song I could think of. I'm not like this when I babysit, I just think this Princess Superstar song is hilarious. Just thought I should put that out there.
Princess Superstar - Bad Babysitter

Since my interview went so well I decided to treat myself to a new CD. I haven't spent much on myself other than food so I thought it would be something nice for once. I was at Best Buy and I couldn't find anything I wanted so I just went random. I have heard two songs by the band Beach House before. One live on Jimmy Fallon, and one on a music blog. I liked them, but didn't really look into them much. they didn't strike me as anything special. Well they have a semi-new CD out titled Teen Dream, and it was on sale for $7.99 at Best Buy with a DVD of music videos for all the songs. I figured it's cheap if I don't really like it and there is double entertainment in it if I do. Well I am happy to say that I made a good solid purchase. The album is really good. Beach House have a very laid back dreamy electro pop sound. As I was listening to it I could see the album working on a warm breezy day or a drab rainy day. Victoria Legrand has a voice that can range from a low wispy hush to a soaring soulful tone. With a deeper range it makes the vocals almost sultry sounding. The music is kept very simple, subtle and somewhat repetitious but it also varies enough through out any given song that it doesn't seem boring. It almost makes you listen more to catch the tiny changes. The drums and keys are the biggest driving factor for this band. If you are looking to rock out and jump around doing ninja kicks and air guitar solos you might want to look elsewhere. However if you are interested in kicking back with a nice drink in hand, a good book or a sunny Sunday drive I would definitely pop this album in.
Beach House - Zebra

"NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Mark Linkous, the singer-songwriter who released his music under the band name Sparklehorse, has died after shooting himself in the chest in Tennessee. He was 47. Knoxville Police Department spokesman Darrell DeBusk said Linkous shot himself outside a friend's house around 1:20 p.m. Saturday with his own rifle. DeBusk said Linkous was staying with friends and became upset after receiving a text message." Read full obituary here. RIP Mark.

Sparklehorse - Sick Of Goodbyes

I am going to throw some videos I came across into the mix to end this post. the first one is a cover of Life On Mars By David Bowie sung by Brazilian musician, singer/songwriter Seu Jorge. You may recognize him from the movie The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou which is where this unique on set recording session takes place. He has an album out of all Bowie Covers sung in his native language, and also has been a many movies including one of my favorites City Of God.


This next video is just some kid screen named Funtwo playing Johann Pachelbel's Cannon. This is a great musical piece by itself, but then you add in some AMAZING guitar playing and you got a killer track. I can only dream of ever playing this well. Check out Funtwos other videos as well. This kid rocks!

The progression of termination and reclamation

Great news sports fans! I got a job! After a year and two months, I finally nailed one down. I will be doing the same thing I did before, call center for a bank, only for 2 dollars more and I get out an hour and a half earlier. Oh yeah and I don't have to do sales! Noice! Today I decided that I am going to post some songs that sort of tell the story of the past year without a job.

I was let go pretty quickly, no advance notice. I mean, I knew I was hurting for sales and trying like crazy to get them, but I never thought that I would be leaving a few short hours after starting my shift that day. Unlike Fred Jones, I did not have the nostalgic time of clearing my desk and saying good bye to fellow employees. It was all done for me. I was pretty bummed about being fired and then on top of that I didn't get to say "Later" to my co-workers. Sucktastic, indeed!
Ben Folds - Fred Jones Pt. 2

After getting over the initial shock of being fired, I started to think about the job I was doing. I went through the "what if's", and "coulda, shoulda, waouldas". I also came to the realization that sales is not my strong point. I didn't like being driven by incentives or selling goals, over genuinely helping people out of the problem they were in. I felt shitty reflecting on what I could have done and didn't do, but in a way,I felt good about getting away from something I wasn't comfortable with. Not to up myself here, but I'm a nice guy, not a hidden motives guy with a nice guy covering. That might be bad, but it's the way I am.
Frightened Rabbit - I Feel Better

There was a while where I decided that I had to do it alone. I didn't need any help from anyone. I was too proud to let people do things to help me out. I didn't let my parents pay for dinner for me. When told that if worse comes to worse I had a place to live by my Sister and my Dad I would tell them that would not be needed, I'll be fine (which was true but still). I also had this complex that I was one step above the others who were applying for jobs. When things didn't happen I got angry, depressed, indifferent. "Why even try anymore? All the work I do, and I get no results. Of course I was knocked down quite quickly. I wanted to be alone, and when I finally felt alone it wasn't a good feeling.
Kid Cudi - Do It Alone

With that thinking came the slow realization that I wasn't one step ahead. I had a good work history but that didn't mean anything without college. Even with college it was tough to get a job. So there I was, not king of the castle. Was it a tough thing to learn? Hell yeah. Was it all my fault? No, not entirely. Once I got a grasp on that I seemed to move on to accepting it and dealt with it accordingly. Doing what I needed to do to get by.
Herman Dune - Not On Top

I began to really see the economy as the shit hole that it was. I understood that I wasn't the only one with troubles. This was both a comforting feeling and also a scary feeling. I wasn't alone, but there were thousands like me going through the same crap. Most probably having it ten times worse than I did.
Lee Rogers - Troubles

You can only take so much rejection, so many days of feeling sorry for your self, and so many days of getting angry. One day you wake up and you just decide it's not worth it. By that I mean you go from feeling crappy about everything to feeling like there has got to be a change around the bend. That is when faith kicks in. It's different for everyone. For some it's family and friends urging you to keep your head up, laughter, a great day that just makes the week seem better, or religious beliefs. I am pretty sure I got to that point of saying "It's not doing me ANY good getting pissed off, or upset at the things I can't control. Lets take what hope is left and build upon that." Faith is a good motivator, a good anchor, and better than all those negative feelings. It's just a point of finding it.
Gene Allison - Have Faith

I chose this song because I think it really represents everything described above. It's a soundtrack to a long journey filled with snares and the unknown. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel and though it's a rocky trip, if you keep your eyes on the prize good things will come. Daniel Johnston wrote simple songs that knew exactly what to say.
Guster - The Sun Shines Down On Me (Daniel Johnston Cover)

Last but not least is the inevitable song. The song you rock out to when everything turns around for the better. The celebration, the weight lifted off your shoulders, high-fives, woohoos, and praises. The time when you can finally look backwards and say "Whew, glad that is done with."
Jackyl - Down On Me

This post feels good!

"Put On That "Feel Good" One"
Tickle my ear with hi hats and jangly strings
Fill my head with hazy dreams and memories of sunshine
Electric shock to the body "3, 2, 1, clear!" Now I move.
I feel more alive.
Filling my blood with sweeping crescendos like the addicts
Bubbling with the build up peaking with the pop
There is thunder in my soul, a beast in the rib cage.
Shake, rattle and roll.
My stomach on fire with the riff of 10,000 notes
Tasty licks, open your mouth and spit fire
When it hits open air it turns to clouds
Precipitation raining down.
It soaks into me, it soaks into you.

If asked to pick one of the few pure pop song craft-persons of modern music I would instantly say Jens Lekman. I was on the fence about this guy when I first heard his song "And I Remember Every Kiss". I played it more and more and eventually looked into Jens a little more and found the true genius in his songs. Great witty lyricism, day dreamy instrumentation, and a little of that extra danceable feel without being overly computerized. Also he has a voice like velvet.
Jens Lekman - Kanske Ar Jag Kar I Dig

When I hear this song it makes me wish I lived on some golden sunshine laden coast, with the smell of fresh seaside air, and a long stretch of highway. All windows open please, cause I'm about to blast the radio.
Surfer Blood - Floating Vibes

I have never visited a gym to work out but I am sure if I did I would make a playlist of fast upbeat music, such as Everybody's Dancing. It does exactly what the title says. Great bouncy bass, nice drum fills, and when that keyboard hits in the first minute of the song, there is no doubt that it's go time!
Sleepless Nights - Everybody's Dancing

You have to be dead not to feel the funk. Seriously if you don't move your hips, you must have blue lips.
Preston Love - Cool Ade

I have no idea what this guy is saying but, that's okay cause it blazes. Superb percussion is what fuels this track. Check those horns, man. Crazy!
Manny Corchado - Pow Wow

I don't think McDreamy is some character on a lame quasi doctor show. This song is McDreamy Dreamerton.
School of Seven Bells - Half Asleep

With Today marking the last day of the 2010 Olympic ceremonies I thought I should get this post out there before it expired. I jotted down some ideas for the blurb last week but haven't got around to typing it yet. There were a few things I feel I needed to talk about here and the first one is my adamant detest for the sport of Ice Dancing. Seriously?! Ice Dancing! Why not just have an event called synchronized dish washing. This has to be the most boring thing to watch. the whole time I was waiting for someone to throw someone else or do a flip or...just do something for Gods sake. I say scrap that and start a new event called Ice Road Driving. You get a huge hill that is iced over with parked cars on both sides, send it down and whoever can hit the least amount of cars wins. The other thing I was pretty miffed about is that for some idiotic reason NBC decided that it didn't really need to show a lot of hockey. Seriously this is huge not only in Canada but in US as well. I thought they would have showed way more. However I am hyped because in about an hour the puck drops for the Canada vs. US hockey game. Go USA!! The other thing that always blows me away is the Bobsled and Luge speeds. These dudes are going friggin' 90-100mph in or on a sled. Rarely do I go over 80mph in my car for fear that any faster I might die! And I'm in a CAR! Also I need to give props to, Shaun White for getting sick with it, Lindsey Vonn for being, as Adam Sandler would say, "Soooo HOT" and Apolo Ohno for having a great last name and looking a lot like a good friend of mine.
The Decemberists - The Sporting Life

Politics is not my forte and I really have no loyalties for either side. My views criss cross between the two parties and to be honest I don't trust any politician, for any reason, what so ever. I see them all as crooks and liars with their own hidden agendas. Although I do respect Abe. That guy was pretty cool and had a sweet beard and hat combo going on. However I heard this story the other day about KY senator Jim Bunning and I thought it needed to be brought to light. Just because he's an a-hole. If you weren't aware there is a job crisis going on in this country. A lot of people are unemployed because of this. Which means benefits are a hot issue. Feb. 28 is the deadline set for benefits to expire for many unemployed workers. Congress took a vote to extend those benefits this past week and the vote was turned down. Why? because of one person and that person is Jim Bunning. Rather than worrying about the needs of his fellow country men who are struggling to make it, he was more worried about a college basketball game. In fact he was quoted saying so. When they pleaded with him to change his vote his response was "Tough Shit." This guy gets my pick for the big middle finger a-hole of the year award. Read the full story here.
WIld Billy Childish & The Buff Medways - You Piss Me Off

As I have mentioned many times here I am always messing around with my iTunes. The past few day I have been going through my music and getting rid of all the junk. It seemed like a task that would never end but I got through it yesterday, however during that time I was also adding new stuff and stuff from my library I have long forgot about, which was not a bad thing at all. With that being said the rest of this entry will be filled with some of those songs.

I love the Faint. Darkwave dance music that will make you want to dance spasmodically.
The Faint - Worked Up So Sexual

Everyone knows who Joni is but this song is one of my absolute favorites. Beautiful and amazing lyrics.
Joni Mitchell - A Case Of You

A local Michigan group. These guy make some great heavy songs and put on a rocking show. I can't tell you how many times I have seen these guys live. Originally formed with brothers Ben and Mike Reed, who are both real nice guys.
Small Brown Bike - This Is My Holiday (No Longer Avaliable)

If you don't know who Atom And His Package is you aren't cool, well at least not until you listen to his nerd driven synth punk rock. If you want to laugh a lot I suggest you look this guy up.
Atom And His Package - She's In The Bathroom

I heard about the The Phenomenal Handclap Band last year on NPR's All Songs Considered, while they were doing their coverage of The SXSW Festival. I remember the name of the band but if memory serves me correctly I don't think I was all that impressed. I went back and I was correct, I didn't really dig them. They are sort of all over, which some might like, but I found it sort of irritating. However, when I heard this song I instantly had to share it. The song Baby is like drinking a cold spiked lemonade in a 1970's soul bar with 90 degree heat and no fan. It's tinged with sadness, yet posses that ultra coolness attitude with a lyric like "Baby I could rule the world\with a girl like you\on my arm." I may not like most of their songs but this one is a definite keeper. P.S.If you don't know what either All Songs Considered or SXSW are then I suggest you click on the links and find out. You can thank me later.
The Phenomenal Handclap Band - Baby

Yeasayer(pronounced /ˈjeɪseɪ.ər/) is a band that seems to be getting a lot of love from the music blogs lately and for a good reason. The band recently released their second album Odd Blood and I would also predict that it will be a big contender for the best of lists at the end of the year. The album is filled with a great blend of electro pop catchiness, and experimental psychedelic elements (think Animal Collective's album Merriweather Post Pavilion only less trippy sounding.) I had the song Ambling Up in my iTunes for a while now just sitting there. I listend to it once but that was it, not realizing that there was this fun tune hiding among the others. Sometimes that's just how it happens. Now I can't stop listening to it or suggesting it to everyone. It makes me wonder what other gems got buried?
Yeasayer - Ambling Alp

Mash-ups have become insanely popular in the last few years, most notable was The Grey Album: The Beatles vs. Jay-Z by DJ Dangermouse, which opened the flood gates for anyone with editing equipment, time, talent and an ear for music to make a mash-up. Although not always great, it makes for some really interesting listening. Like Dangermouse, we have a new contender who is trying to make a name for himself. DJ Tom Caruana just recently entered the mash-up album arena with his amazing mix of one of the most revered bands in rock music, The Beatles, with one of the most revered acts in hip-hop, The Wu-Tang Clan. If you are considering passing this up because you already heard The Grey Album, I would suggest that you don't. The album does a great job of intertwining the two artists. Unlike The Grey Album Caruana has used original Beatles tracks along with the members solo work, covers, and interviews. All this makes it a unique and diverse back drop over the crisp flow of the Wu's lyrics. I think it's safe to say that it's going to give not only mash-up albums a run for their money but also the best albums of 2010. I choose this track Not because it's the best off of the album, but because it made me laugh a lot. Where else are you going to hear O.D.B.'s wacky "Got Your Money" over The Beatles chilled out "You Never Give Me Your Money"? If you want to download the mix though you might have to do some searching (Don't worry I found it in two seconds.) I'll give the link where I found it, but it might not last forever. The original site has already taken it down, but there are plenty of other ways to get it.
Wu-Tang vs. The Beatles - Got Your Money

Just like in past entries, I am going to reveal something about my personal musical taste. I have never really liked the music of the 80's. As far as I am concerned the only good music the come out of that decade was some of the one hit wonders, and The Cure. Everything else is just sort of blah sounding to me. However, my faith in 80's music has been restored. In my travels I came across a bunch of really good 80's songs that I like a lot. Most of the bands I had never even heard of, which makes sense since I didn't like that style of music. I still can not say it's my favorite type of music but, it's not the last on my list anymore. With that being said let me share a few of my findings with you.

Tottaly captures that 80's sound. Very scifi.
Berndsen - The Perfect Human (No Longer Available)

The USM stand for Unstoppable Sex Machine! Great 80's indie band. Technically this was released in 1989 but the sound is 90's indie rock all the way.
Carter USM - Sheriff Fatman

Sort of creepy and dark but cool.
Kate Bush - Get Out Of My House

Just a flat out amazing band. Fun and very catchy.
The The Proclaimers - Throw the 'R' Away

No Music Just Hot Juicy Linkage

Once again I am going to provide you with some sweet music related links. Enjoy!

Playing The Beatles Backwards: The Ultimate Countdown.
Have you ever wanted a list of Beatles songs ranked with insight as to why the song is ranked the way it is, as well as interesting tidbits on the songs? Do you love to get into music debates over a bands "best song" only to come to the conclusion that no one will ever agree? Me too. I came across this interesting article. Of course I have not read the whole thing yet but someday I will. I don't agree on the ranking, and don't think there will ever be anyone who will, but I do give the author credit. I am sure that this list took weeks to create and that right there is a reason for me to read through it. You might find a new Beatles song you like. Since we are ranking things, how about taking a look at this one too. The Ultimate Ranking: Every Radiohead Song

Name 10 Song Titles About...
"I say a word, and you have to come up with 10 songs that have the word in the title. Then, you pick a word for the next person to find 10 songs about. Sound fun?" Yes x 100. I forgot how I came across this thread. I think I found it while looking up books on Amazon oddly enough. Either way, this thread on Amazon is a goldmine. Want to make a theme mix? Want to find some new bands? Want to learn a new game to waste away time on those slow days at work or lame parties? Check this out!

The Sacred Geometry Of Music. So this is why I had to take Geometry!! Gettin' nerdy with music!

The 15 Weirdest Music Videos Of All Time. Oh yeah I remember what those are! As I recall there might have even been a television channel or two dedicated to music videos. Too bad they didn't stick with the format. If they had maybe I would have known about these. No explanation needed here. Go watch some hilariously odd music videos.

hahah awesome, Awesomer, and Awesomest!

A link to a site of links: Populair.

and a few non-music related links

I am fascinated by architecture and interior design. I also like seeing the inside of houses, how they are set up and what not. I just find it interesting to see what other people do with the space they have. I also know I couldn't afford 90% of the cool places I see. Like these. I wish I lived in NYC and had lots of M-O-N-E.

So You Want To Be A Writer by Charles Bukowski. One of the great modern poets writing about writing. Awesome poem!

Ever wondered if there was a map to the Simpsons Springfield? Wonder no more!

Definitive List of The 99 Things You Should Have Seen On The Internet. I like the Buffalo VS Lion VS Alligator the best.

Last but not least this article is for the search nerds. Beef up your searches. Information is power. How-to find interesting video, sound and image files.
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I haven't been living up to my duty of updating this blog weekly like I should, so I figured I'd play a little catch up by banging out a few posts in one day. So lets get right down to it shall we? Like Moltar says "Thou shall not hesitate!" (A little Spaceghost: Coast To Coast humor for ya.)

Why don't we start out with a rocking little poppy tune from a North Wales band called The Joy Formidable. The three piece band is lead by the boyfirend girlfriend duo of Ritzy Bryan and Rhydian Dafydd as well as drummer Justin Stahley. This song has a great upbeat feel, cute female fronted vocals complete with backing "oohs" that are guaranteed to stick to your brain like a jolly rancher in the sun. Since you are already getting that sweet sensation, you might as well add the sugar rush of toe tapping drums, and fuzzed out feedback laden guitar. Pure bublegum pop at it's finest.
The Joy Formidable - Cradle

Because I like segways (No! Not the two wheeled scooter.) lets go from cute to ugly with a song called Repulsion by Quasi. This song really isn't going to make you want to run for the hills or vomit. It's just a great sonic guitar filled oddity. It's seems to be out of balance yet at the same time fit together. Kind of like an abstract painting for your ears, or like most Quasi songs in general.
Quasi - Repulsion

I had to post this song not only because the song is funny and original, but the name of the artist is hilarious, to my immature sense of humor, as well. I mean come on! If that is really your name, your parents must have hated you. Sidenote: This song was credited (No Pun intended.) to Dick Feeler when I found it. After looking it up I discovered that his last name is Feller. Still funny but not as funny as I originally thought. I don't have a credit card. Never have had one and never really want one. Not because I don't trust myself with it, but because I know no good can come from them other than building a credit rating. I don't need that much money. If I don't have enough cash to buy what I want then I don't really need it. I don't like debt and I have plenty of payments already. Why add more? I just see it as trouble. I used to work at a bank and I could tell you stories that would make you curl into the fetal position. Instead of doing that, I'd rather you listen to this hop-a-long country song and have a chuckle.
Dick Feller - The Credit Card Song

This song has been in constant rotation and I can't figure out exactly what it is that keeps me coming back. Is it the "volume is up way to loud" distorted production? Is it the great hip hop sounding beat? The cotton candy sounding female vocals? Or, how the very last 2 seconds are completely normal? Whatever it is I like it.
Sleigh Bells - Crown On the Ground

Everyone labels music differently. Especially in the music of today. One genre bleeds into another or others and what comes out? A beautiful mish-mash that often times creates a new genre all it's own. You got your punk, new wave, emo, screamo, hardcore, metal, speed metal, alternative, indie, pop, synthpop, progressive....and on and on. It's crazy. Well I am creating my own sub genre for this song in particular. I'm calling this Speedblues, because it's one of the fastest blues songs I have heard. On January 25, 2010, Andersen won the top prize for a duo/individual in the Memphis, Tenn. International Blues Challenge, beating artists from 11 other countries. So you know this is played with skill. I can only dream of playing like this. Insane, acoustic and fun.
Matt Andersen - Tell Me

I think I will end today's post with a song about keeping warm. As with a lot of other cities around the U.S., Old Man Winter decided to dump a good amount of snow on us. Most of the kids have the day off from school today. I haven't tested the roads at all but I am pretty sure that by now they are safe for traveling, but they were not this morning. I loved those kind of days as a kid. Crappy in the morning, but fine by afternoon which meant going out to eat for lunch or something fun outside of the house. The funny thing is, I hate those kinds of days as an adult. If you have the day off curl up with a cup of coco and a book and throw on this heart warming romantic indie tune.
Ida Maria - Keep Me Warm