Top 20 Songs of the Year... thus far

1. "Ambling Alp" - Yeasayer
2. "All I Want" - LCD Soundsystem
3. "Bloodbuzz Ohio" - The National
4. "Straight In At 101" - Los Campesinos!
5. "Heaven's On Fire" - The Radio Dept.
6. "Excuses" - The Morning Benders
7. "Take It Easy" - Surfer Blood
8. "Free Energy" - Free Energy
9. "American Slang" - Gaslight Anthem
10. "Walk in the Park" - Beach House
11. "Truth Sets In" - Avi Buffalo
12. "The High Road" - Broken Bells
13. "Tighten Up" - The Black Keys
14. "Let it Slip" - The School
15. "Away From You" - Oberhofer
16. "Reversing" - Four Tet
17. "Me and Jane Doe" - Charlotte Gainbourg
18. "World Sick" - Broken Social Scene
19. "Stranger" - Dr. Dog
20. "Bright Lit Blue Skies" - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
    

Cover of the Day: William Shatner - "Common People" (Pulp Cover)

Sorry for not posting for the last week. I was volunteering at American Legion Jersey Boys State. While there I listened to a record that I have not listened to in years: William Shatner's Has Been. Yes, William Shatner... and yes it is a fantastic record. The album enlists the likes of Ben Folds, Aimee Mann, Joe Jackson, and Henry Rollins. This most likely being the reason why it is so great. "Common People" was a big hit in Europe, but not in the United States, which I think is one reason why this cover works so well. Not only is it already a great song that most average Americans have never truly appreciated; it is also just covered brilliantly. This is easily one of my favorite covers of all time. I hope you enjoy.


William Shatner - "Common People"

Artist of the Day: The Tallest Man on Earth

There are many records that I always plan on reviewing and then life just seems to get in the way. The Wild Hunt just happens to be one of those records. So, today I have decided to post a couple songs that were recorded live for Pitchfork's "Tunnelvision." Both songs happen to me my favorite cuts from the fantastic sophomore record by The Tallest Man on Earth. Enjoy!

"The Wild Hunt"

"King of Spain"

Cover of the Day: Amanda Palmer - "Idioteque" (Radiohead Cover)

Radiohead's masterpiece Kid A will go down as one of the greatest albums ever recorded and "Idioteque," the brainy, computer-driven eighth track, has always been my favorite song on the album. Until this morning, I did not think a musician could ever cover this song to my liking. However, Amanda Palmer (of the Dresden Dolls) has just released a cover of "Idioteque," on "her magical ukulele," as the first single off of her album of all Radiohead covers coming out soon. It only took me one listen to realize that this cover was beyond great. This cover creates the same majestic, creepy tension that was created on the original, but without any production tricks. I hope you enjoy.

Amanda Palmer - "Idioteque" (Radiohead Cover)

Two for Thursday...Take That Q104.3!

Megafaun was once just thought of as guys who once played with Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), but after last year's Gather, Form & Fly, and a live show that never disappoints, the band is starting to put their own stamp on the genre of "Americana" music. Mike and I had the chance to see them last night and I was in awe of their level of musicality and creativity in their performance. I highly suggest Megafaun.

"The Fade"

"Impressions of the Past"

R.I.P Marvin Isley

According to The New York Times, Marvin Isley, former bass player in The Isley Brothers, has died today at the age of 56. Isley will be remembered for some of the most memorable bass lines in not only all of funk music, but of all music ever created. The song I have posted below is "like sex." Seriously though, if you don't like this bass line, or have just never heard it, I am not sure where you have been. A legend has passed, but his music will live on forever.

Happy Birthday Mom!

So, yesterday was my Mother's birthday and in honor of this (kinda...) momentous occasion (just kidding Mom!) I am going to post my Mom's favorite song of recent memory, "Re: Stacks" by Bon Iver. For those of you who are not familiar with the music of Justin Vernon I will just simply say his songs are breathtakingly beautiful. This song gives me the chills everytime I hear it and I really hope you give it a chance if you have not heard it already.

- Greg

Song of the Day: Damien Jurado - "Cloudy Shoes"

The other day the men and women of NPR's All Songs Considered posted a podcast discussing the greatest opening tracks in music history. Bob Boilen mentioned the idea that often the first track on a record is so good that you don't even get to listen to the rest of the album because you just listen to that track over and over again. This problem arose just this morning when I started listening to Damien Jurado's Saint Bartlett. It's actually pretty funny because I think every Damien Jurado album I have listened to has a brilliant opening track and this one is no different. I just can not stop listening to "Cloudy Shoes." I hope the rest of the album is as good as the opener, which I really enjoy and I hope you do as well.

- Greg

Sorry For The Delay Everyone!

Hey everyone,

I apologize for not keeping up with the site as well as I should be. Greg has been doing a fantastic job with keeping everyone up to date with the latest music news and albums and I am very grateful to him for that. Now that summer is here, I'm excited to showcase newly discovered music, groups, and news for everyone. Coming soon: Review of The Black Keys' new album, Brothers; Jack White's wife, Karen Elson and The Ghost Who Walks; Aussie psyche rockers Tame Impala (phenomenal I must say); Vintage English RnB/soul thanks to Beth Rowley; Garage witches The Black Belles (as mentioned in the previous post); and much, much, much more. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, here's a little something to keep you busy...And yes, I just watched An Education. Ohh Carey Mulligan....

--Mike

The Black Belles

After one of my pathetic late nights of doing absolutely nothing, I rediscovered the Jack White produced all girls garage band, The Black Belles; a group I recall seeing while scrambling through late night music videos. At first, I thought nothing of it. But as I listened again and again, I could slap myself for passing them up the first time. With a look that screams once peaceful pilgrim turned witches of the wood, I'm excited to hear more from these girls.

--Mike

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