Oh Nine Pt 2

Mashup of the Top 40 from Oh-Nine

Oh Nine

Phewf what a strong year for music. I think the bands and songs pretty much speak for themselves as to why they made the list of "21 songs that make us say Oh-oh-oh-oh...Nine."

Phoenix - 1901
Florence & the Machine - Dog Days are Over
Friendly Fires - Jump In the Pool
Passion Pit - Little Secret
Gossip - 4 Letter Words
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll
La Roux - Bulletproof
Glasvegas - Go Square Go
Muse - Uprising
Miike Snow - Animal
Kid Cudi Ft. Kanye Common & Gaga - Make Her Say
Kasabian - Vlad the Impaler
Girls - Hellhole Ratrace
Empire of the Sun - Walking on A Dream
Dead Weather - Treat Me Like Your Mother
K'Naan- Waving Flag
White Lies - Death
Daniel Merriweather - Red
The XX - Crystalised
Depeche Mode - Wrong
Lady Gaga - Bad Romance

Note- while writing this I kept wanting to add in KOL, but had to remind myself that album was 08. My the time fli-hies!

Two Door Cinema Club

They did Glastonbury 09 and need to be added to your indie music rotation on the stat. Full of upbeat electronic jams, this Northern Irish band has been named one of the bands BBC's Sounds of 2010 and have already collaborated with notable bands, such as Phoenix (listen to the 'Lasso' - collabo here) As if they needed more flare, they are signed to Kitsune, a boutique French electronic music label, that has hosted releases from all the big boys in the genre over the pond: Bloc Party, Cut Copy, Digitalism, Guns N Bombs, La Roux, Yelle, Klaxons, Simian Mobile Disco, to name a few.

Two Door Cinema Club already have over a million listeners online, so turn up your ears and watch for their full LP to be released in 20-10.



Two Door Cinema Club | I Can Talk

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB | MySpace Music Videos

Killers

For the past four years, The Killers have released a festive song on Dec 1, World Aids Day, in support of (Red). This year, they feature Wild Light and Mairachi El Bronx (throw in a mariachi band any day, and I'm there) . Check out the video below and to make sure to continue to show your support and download their latest from iTunes here





In case you wanted to check out their other (Red) releases, you can here “A Great Big Sled”, “Don’t Shoot Me Santa” and “Joseph, Better You Than Me"

Christmas No 1

Who is going to take it this year? Christmas No 1 is faced with a very interesting competition: Rage Against the Machine vs. Joe Elderrry (the lastest XFactor winner aka the newest addition to the Simon Cowell empire) Most years, its a clear cut win in everyones eyes, but this year is particularly unique.

This unusual battle actually started on facebook, where a group was launched as a sort of rebellion to make RATM No1 as a contra to the XFactor-factory who have been dominating the charts the past 4 Christmas seasons, and the wave grew to the situation ( and almost 500K fans) which is going to be decided tonight.

So, back to my original questions: who is going to take it? I am sure most are secretly routing for Rage Against just because they are so untraditional to be crowned number 1 at this time of year and the they would represent not only the voice of an uprising, but the power of social media in our society today....but Joe does seems like the typical win and people like tradition, and Paul McCartney has publicly backed him. (This sounds like true political election with celebrity supporters...)

Thoughts?

Joe Mc Elderry The Climb (Official Single Edit) sound bite  Youtube: Top Favorites Today sound bites

Library Voices

These guys are anything but whispers. With a 10 person band, its almost always certain to be a on-the-edge-of-a-riot type party. Add in a balloon drop and copious amounts of streamers and you take it to a new level. 10 people also allow for an eclectic mix of instruments and sounds – 6 on vocals, then they have a mix of electrics (guitars, synths, keys) some strings (Cello) and, what band would be complete without a glockenspiel, organ and accordion, really?

Hailing from Regina, SK, the band is composed of Carl, Darcy, Michael, Michael, Karla, Eoin, Brett, Paul, Amanda and Brennan (sounds like I’m listing off the Brady bunch…) and has many a-catchy pop hooks. This clip is from the fundraiser these guys did after some d-bag broke into their van and stole $10,000 worth of equipment.

The plea:


The show:


Myspace: www.myspace.com/thelibraryvoices

Alicia Keys

Just when you thought you couldn’t love her any more….she kills it with the Colbert interview:



And just when you thought Jay-Z was cool….make sure to stay tuned until at least the 1:45 mark. Spin Moves. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you see it.

Bob Dylan

Festive, indeed.

Temper Trap

It's days like today that remind me how much summer and I get along. It also reminds me that the worst of the cold is yet to come (we've got another 15 degrees to drop, folks, and thats depressing) so, I was reading a recommendation from one of my friends from the 500 Days of Summer Soundtrack, and it couldnt be more suiting.

and on top of it all, they just announced they are touring with Florence. The warmth just keeps growing...

Play away, dear friends.

Take Away Shows

As a disclaimer - I was severely hung over when I wrote this post. Its quite obvious because my sentences don't seem to make much sense. I was going to edit it, but then got too lazy. Incomplete thoughts build character, right? eeeee

Take-away shows. What a clever concept. Clever, but unoriginal – in a good way. They were inspired by the earliest version of the music video: soundies which were 3 min long musical films produced in the 40s that were used in jukeboxes in clubs and restaurants. I love getting back to roots and originals. So, heres some modern day versions of those that Blogoteque does a fantastic job of creating. They break them out into Van session (Similar to the Black Cab Sessions) and City Sessions and do great blurbs about the band and to set up a bit of a story about the taping. The sessions are also all available for download from their site. Super sweet.
Here are some highlights of the ones I’ve checked out so far:

Pheonix in Paris

Phoenix - 1901 - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Sigur Ros

Sigur Ros - Við spilum endalaust - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Vampire Weekend

#80.1 - VAMPIRE WEEKEND - Mansard Roof
by lablogotheque

Beirut in Paris

#64.1 - Beirut - Nantes
by lablogotheque

Wakey Wakey

Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.
Beautiful song. Beautiful keys. Beautifully shot - love the use of the pull focus. I think what I'm saying is this song is a beauty.



Check out their other myspace songs right hurr on the page:

Julian Casablanca

Strokes singer, Julian Casablanca, always thought he'd release a Christmas song, and like any good song, this one began with an inspiration. The inspiration just happened to be SNL...you will be hearing this one on your radios this season and I bet you'll appreciate it more once you've seen the original video.

The XX

Why am I sitting on my ass tonight and not out at the Phoenix at this concert? Ugh, long day. Instead, I will sit behind my computer, feet up and blasting the XX all whilst watching a satisfying game of Jeopardy. (what, so I am a senior citizen, what are you looking at?)

Local Natives

Remember the Local Natives - the guys that sang Ceclia outside using a tree as a drumset, that I posted as my "Thursday Morning pick me up" not too long ago?

Well, they are set to release their debut album, Gorilla Manor, over here in North America in February. You can check out 30 second clips of the tracks here, Although the :30s isnt enough to get you into it, at least you get a feel for the songs and what they're about.

TomToms

Those trusty TomToms know how to get you through, to and around a city. GPS is my BFF for ever and ever when I hop into a car, especially in a foreign city and I didnt think that there was much that could make it better....until now. You're probably like...what does this have to do with music, spit it out....

You know how you can change the voices? Well now, dear friends,there is a new voice in town.... no other than: Snoop Dogg. Your welcome for that tidbit.

Muppets

5 million views in 5 days? Holy Guacamole...lets see here... if I do my math right, that averages 1 million people/ day.



Monster just cracks me up so much…and I forgot how much I loved how selfish Miss Piggy is. “Moi!” brilliant. Part of me wonders why Kermit wasn’t singing though? Has he retired his vocal voice?

I wonder what the purpose of this is? Are they releasing a new Muppets movie and want people talking about them before the release? Either way, they plug their twitter at the end of the clip and they only have just under 3k followers. Again, if I do my math right, that’s only a .06% conversion rate.


While we’re on the subject, here is my most favoritest Muppets video…..okay I searched and searched the web but can’t seem to find a video of when Seth Rogen joined Andy Samberg at SNL for the Muppet band parody. Humph.

Muse

There are Glastonbury line up rumblings that Muse will be added to the bill.

Neil Young

Young on Fallon, or Fallon on Young? Either way, so fresh...

AMAs

American Music Award performances. Meh.

Maybe its because that guilty pleasure of mine really just has set the level so high for performances. I mean, she made Rihanna look boring.



Janet – although the lip synching seemed to be in full effect, I really enjoyed seeing her classics on stage . I do love a good awards show medley…and wait…who are those dancers in the background? Oh its little Nico and Natalie from SYTYCD Canada Season 1. Must have been a dream come true for them….oh wait when they panned to Fergie during “If I were your girl” was she wearing the same dress that Shakira AND Pink showed up wearing at the VMAs? So passé..

Jay-Z & Alicia – fantabulous. Legendary. All that jazz and a bag of chips. Make that a gazillion bags. They just keep bringing it, don’t they? Nice touch with the New York, New York entrance.

Carrie Underwood – She did her thing well but it wasn’t awards-show special.

Adam Lambert – In other American Idol news - Too much. Too obviously choreographed. That is all I have to say about that.

Jennifer Lopez – good thing she has that ass of hers insured. Is it funny that she’s not even wearing Louboutins and that’s the name of her song? She has sneakers on and still cant stay on her feet.

Eminem – I still cant get over how different his face looks.


Shakira – the crowd dancing didn’t lend itself well to cameras.


Mary J Blige – oh there she is! I thought she had disappeared, maybe out on a jungle safari? Maybe off to a secluded island? Who knew she was still around? Is it just me or does the chorus to this song sound like the PCD “Stick WitChu”? Mad respect for her though. Come’on you cant say this song wasn’t on your playlist all through 2001

Glastonbury

In NME news today, U2 was just named the headliner for Glastonbury 2010. Must. Get. Tickets.

Vampire Weekend

Vampires all the rage these days. So somewhere in between R Pattz and Buffy, there spawned Vampire Weekend who just keep feeding us pieces of their new album, Contra, that is out this January. Their latest video for Cousins dropped this week. It somewhat reminds me of the OK Go vid for Here We Go Again - maybe just because its crazy moving and that I'm slightly crazy...no one else with me? That's fine. I'll go sit in a corner and watch the video, alone. No big whoop.

Ting Tings

Ok so remember when Adidas reinvented themselves this year, with the most amazing Skins-esque House Party spot that brought Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons back into the spotlight? That party is still the envy of my weekend and chalk full of celebrity cameos from Missy Elliot to David Beckham. Well, as part of this whole campaign they also hosted a Ting Tings paint party. Meaning, the Ting Tings played for a group of 350, all with Adidas outfits, added some paint and saw what happened. I remember reading about it and watching the recap vid they posted to their blog, just drooling over how killer it would have been to be there. Well, now you can watch more evidence, because they just released the video for "Great DJ", which is a docu of the party.

Lady Gaga

My guilty pleasure.. and she doesn't help the cause because she just keeps bringing it. Such a catchy lil diddy. Roma-rah-rah-rah.

Please hold for a girly moment: eek! those Alexander McQueens!!! The models could barely even walk in those shoes...and Gaga with the contacts in, she looks like such a cute doll...oo,oo and the ensemble similar to the lobster queen get up she wore to the VMAs...and, and, and....okay - I've got that out of my system and have returned to a normal state of being.

Plastiscines

Image via nme.com
Loving seeing an all female rock group. These French chicks are known, along with a few other Parisienne teen rockers as 'les bebes rockers'. I want to be known as that, so from now on please only refer to me as la bebe rocker. Thanks.

Below is the first single off their second album, About Love, which was released earlier this year. The single was also featured on Nylon's summer playlist. Loving how pretty the video is. (boys - not just because these girls are really cute and super cool)

Twilight

Speaking as someone who has never glanced at a Twilight book or seen a frame of the movie, [I have stood beside the prince himself, RPattz, & Kristen Stewart though] I can't say I totally understand the obsession, but good on you if you do... especially because New Moon has a killer soundtrack. What's with that? P.S. see how I did that - 'killer' soundtrack? Gosh, I crack myself up sometimes. Honestly though, its like whoever compiled this soundtrack has been reading my blog/raiding my ipod.

1. DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE – MEET ME ON THE EQUINOX
2. BAND OF SKULLS – FRIENDS
3. THOM YORKE – HEARING DAMAGE
4. LYKKE LI – POSSIBILITY
5. THE KILLERS – A WHITE DEMON LOVE SONG
6. ANYA MARINA – SATELLITE HEART
7. MUSE – I BELONG TO YOU (NEW MOON REMIX)
8. BON IVER & ST. VINCENT – ROSYLN
9. BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB – DONE ALL WRONG
10. HURRICANE BELLS – MONSTERS
11. SEA WOLF – THE VIOLET HOUR
12. OK GO – SHOOTING THE MOON
13. GRIZZLY BEAR WITH VICTORIA LEGRAND – SLOW LIFE
14. EDITORS – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7aMfB6nwQw
15. ALEXANDRE DESPLAT – NEW MOON (THE MEADOW)

Autotune Glory

and so it continues...

"If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch you must first invent the universe"



Oh, did I mention that Jack White is releasing this as a 7" on his own record label? Werd.

Delta Spirit

Delta Spirit are bringing it straight from the Mississippi Delta. Their southern rock flare make for some great tunes. NME magazine compares them to their Mississippi counterparts, CCR and Cold War Kids. They go on to say: "Of the recent host of indie-rockers working this strain of Americana, Delta Spirit attack their songs with unusually ragged fervour, muddling the Southern revival vibe with vintage SoCal college rock (‘Tomorrow Goes Away’) and Dylanesque ’60s folkie protest music (the harmonica-spiked ‘People Turn Around’). Their sound is timeworn and instantly familiar: the “set me free” chorus of ‘Streetwalker’ is pure Springsteen, while the honky-tonk of ‘Trashcan’ is classic Stones, made more remarkable by the sandpaper snarl of their frontman."

Crazy that they self-produced their first album, Ode to Sunshine, in a cabin tucked away in the mountains of San Diego [it was released earlier this year]. The second is on its way.

Added to my playlist...right about...now.



I promise that it's worth staying to the end of this next video. I'll give you a hint why: it involves a chicken.

George Harrison's New Release

New lyrics from the late George Harrison surfaced and were recently put to a melody by songwriter Dean Johnson, who premiered the tune on BBC Radio 1 in October.

"I found it unbelievable, tremendously exciting and, above all, a complete honour. My brief was to follow George's sentiment through to its conclusion," Johnson explained.

The lyrics, which were written in the 60s in the height of Beatle fever, were given from Harrison to Beatle's biographer Hunter Davies who referenced them in a recent BBC interview. BBC connected with Johnson to asked him to put the words to life.

Dean Johnson did some digging and thought that the lyrics were explaining Harrison's relationship with Lennon.

"The lyrics are of a personal nature and were first thought to be a song of unrequited love but, in hindsight, they seem to allude to George's uneasy relationship with John Lennon."

and the legend lives on...

Rihanna

Atta girl. Still not my fav from her, but I knew she had more in her than Russian Roulette. Riri's newest video - Wait Your Turn.

Florence and the Machine

I just put my achy feet up to rest from the Florence and the Machine concert at the MOD Club. She's my idol. That pretty much sums it up.

I can't even begin to explain how amazing she is live - her voice is flawless and she is pumped full of energy and grace. They sang through most songs on their debut album, Lungs, hitting on all the singles, one of their B-Sides (that I didn't catch the name) as well as their cover of Cold War Kid's - Hospital Beds. [Which she explained was the song where most North American's discovered their music.] Since I JUST posted a video for Flo, I'll stick with the original Hospital Beds. Such a goodie.

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

Hiya folks. Miss me? I disappeared for a week over the pond for a fancy little jaunt.
but I'm back in action.

In case you missed me.. I mean, this performance:



I also can't tell if this one is serious or not...but I sure as hell know some people who sound oddly similar to these guys when at a bar...

Rihanna

I really hate to say it, and maybe I'm saying this pre-maturely and the song will grow on me, but I could have waited a bit longer for this. I thought she was going to blow it out of the water with this being the first single off her first album since 2007...and this song is just a touch on the boring side. Someone needs to step in and remix this shiz. Maybe throw some Drake in there, that seems to be working for people?

Her album is still on my 'to do' list though, because I can't deny my love for RiRi and I have faith she'll have some great new hits. It drops Nov 23.
Rihanna Russian Roulette

We Were Once A Fairytale

Have you seen this short yet, starring Kanye and directed by Spike Jonze? (Where the Wild Things Are was amazing, btw)

So you know when you catch yourself blushing sometimes while watching tv? Like in Dirty Dancing when Baby yells "Johnny" outside the worker's huts and her voice cracks? Yeah, well I do have to admit, I was slightly embarrassed for his character while watching this...but a part of me wonders how much of this is acting?

A part of me feels better about the whole VMA incident while watching Kanye self destruct. Then my conscious takes over and I just felt downright sorry for Kanye/his character or whatever....this is clearly case of little devil vs little angel on my shoulder....

"We Were Once A Fairytale" - Kanye West Dir: Spike Jonze from Yooj‽ - Recording Live From No on Vimeo.

Florence and the Machine

Ladies [and select gents] remember that epic ending to the SATC series? It just so happens that one of my current fav bands, Florence + The Machine, have covered the closing song, You’ve Got the Love. Their debut album was released in the UK back in July and has been gaining momentum ever since, with their singles ‘Kiss With a Fist’ and ‘Dog Days are Over’.

You've Got the Love is an aesthetically pleasing video - sparkles and moons? Count me in! And I think we can all agree that Florence rocks these vocals. Amazing.

Run This Town spoof

Play it. Loving the Kanye dance.

Timbaland

Holy Timbaland, Batman. Timba is back at it, and I can't deny the force that he is but this single sounds to me like an auto-tuned version of something he's done many a time before. Pass.

The Gossip

My voice is gone, but my hang over is still looming from the Gossip concert last night...but the best way to cure it is with another beer, right? So cheers to more Gossip. Coincidentally, this is also a mashup trailer for one of my favorite shows, Skins. If you haven't seen it yet, we may have to end our friendship.

Skins Party trailer full
by adi3110

Can I also just say that ladies, we all need to learn one in the confidence lessons from Beth Ditto.

Lisa Hannigan

A post-turkey digestive.



Lisa is performing at Dick Mac's Pub, a local in Dingle, Ireland [I know, right..] that was converted from an old leather shop. I've read a few reviews and apparently the beer flows freely and the people are very welcoming.


View Larger Map

Modest Mouse

These guys just keep hitting it with super unique videos. Check out Modest Mouse's latest, 'The Whale Song', which Isaac Brock said is his favorite off the album. Its the second single released from 'No One's First and You're Next', the first being 'King Rat', the video directed by Heath Ledger in support of whaling off the coast of Australia. Go figure that their second single is titled 'The Whale Song'.

The song is pretty dark, and is about feeling trapped. The video reflects that well with its crazy effect. It starts out with Isaac B drawing with an intricate contraption and adventuring into a crazy animated world where they bring in giant snails, a labrynth and plants playing the drums....bah, just watch it, you'll know what I mean.
Head here if the embed isn't working properly (I've been having some issues finding a proper embeddable video)

"Whale Song" for Modest Mouse from Bent Image Lab on Vimeo.

Vampire Weekend

Sa-weeeeeet! You can download Vampire Weekend's first release, Horchata, off their sophomore album, Contra [to be released Jan '10] all for FAH-REE!!Its a great tune too, Vampire Weekend never seem to disappoint. The only thing you have to sacrafice is your email to their mailing list, I say that's quite a deal.

Look how easy I've made this for you. You're welcome.

Bon Iver

If beauty was made into a sound, you’d be listening to it. I’ve been a fan of Bon Iver for awhile now, but I honestly can’t get enough of his sound. Read the bio below, pulled from his myspace while listening to some videos and you can’t tell me you don’t have chills [and maybe a few tears?]







“it wasn't planned. The goal was to hibernate.

Justin Vernon moved to a remote cabin in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin at the onset of winter. Tailing from the swirling breakup of his long time band, he escaped to the property and surrounded himself with simple work, quiet, and space. He lived there alone for three months, filling his days with wood splitting and other chores around the land. This special time slowly began feeding a bold, uninhibited new musical focus.

This slowly evolved into days filled with twelve-hour recording blocks, breaking only for trips on the tractor into the pines to saw and haul firewood, or for frozen sunrises high up a deer stand. All of his personal trouble, lack of perspective, heartache, longing, love, loss and guilt that had been stock piled over the course of the past six years, was suddenly purged into the form of song. The end result is, For Emma, Forever Ago, a nine-song album comprised of what's been dubbed a striking debut by critics and fans alike.

Bon Iver (pronounced: bohn eevair; French for "good winter" and spelled wrong on purpose) is a greeting, a celebration and a sentiment. It is a new statement of an artist moving on and establishing the groundwork for a lasting career. For Emma, Forever Ago is the debut of this lineage of songs. As a whole, the record is entirely cohesive throughout and remains centered around a particular aesthetic, prompted by the time and place for which it was recorded. Vernon seems to have tested his boundaries to the utmost, and in doing so has managed to break free form any pre-cursing or finished forms.

For Emma's tracks consist of thick layers draped in lush choral walls, with rarely more than an ancient acoustic guitar or the occasional bass drum providing structure. Vernon sings the majority of the record in falsetto, which painfully expresses the meanings behind its overt, yet strangely entangled words. This newfound vocal path acts as each song's main character and source of melody.

Despite its complexity, the record was created entirely by Vernon with nothing more than a few microphones and some aged recording equipment. This homemade aspect shows itself in sections as creaks and accidentals are exposed in the folds of the songs, but is hidden well by the highly impressive and almost orchestral sound that Vernon managed to produce by his lonesome, within the creaky skeleton of his father's cabin.”

Hockey

Hockey's [yes, I know, its super confusing, especially as a Canadian that the band's name is Hockey] first single "Too Fake" has been the fourth song on my running playlist for a few months now. I don't know why but I have never followed up on any of their other releases because I love the song. So today was the day I decided to make a change in my life and fill it with Hockey [band]...mainly because the release of their album, Mind Chaos, reminded me to do so today.

The Hockey guys come from Portland, Oregan and their sound has been described as Stroke-ish. They were actually discovered by my fav BBC Radio 1 announcer, Zane Lowe.

Here's their library:



This next one, is a bit Kooks-ish to me:


Too Fake Music Video

Lady Gaga

I have to admit, I definitely grew a new appreciation for Lady Gaga after seeing her soundcheck at the MMVAs. She was on SNL earlier this week and proved to me again that she's not just another pop-auto-tune-lip-syncher. I'm convinced that this will either make you lover her more or convert any of you haters out there because as crazy as she seems, love her or hate her, she's an entertainer.

Honestly, who said Britney was the Madonna of our time?



I throw this one in for kicks:

the Dead Weather

I don't think I understand this, but I do know that I'm digging it. Cut Like A Buffalo is my favorite song off the Dead Weather album and is the only track that Mr. White sings solo. The video is super unpredictable and takes you for a ride, so buckle up...

Friday Inspiration

Incase you need a little pick me up. This video is the first in the series Playing For Change where they recorded performers around the world [from street performers to Bono] and even though the artists never met, they've come together to create something very inspirational...and here comes my sappy moment...and proves that music connects us all. [end scene]

Jay-Z

Yes! Yes! Yes! A lil sneak preview from Empire State Of Mind.

I wonder where Lil' Mama comes in on the video?

Birdman, Lil Wayne & .....

So, this new video is out featuring someone we haven't heard from in a loooooooong time: Mr. Drake-man himself. I was wondering where he went. To be honest, I was slightly concerned that he fell off the side of the earth, not having a video out the past few weeks. This time he takes the stage with Birdman and his discover-er, Lil Wayne. I am also glad to report that following his "Successful' video, Drake now has 'Money To Blow'. Atta boy.

On a complete side note, I just mistyped 'Wayne' as 'Wanye'. Imagine his name was Lil Wanye....like Kanye, but Wanye! Ah, okay I'll stop now.

Sounds

Friday playlist this week is a throw back to the 90s in honor of the 90s dance party I’ll be rocking out to Saturday night. I especially remember tearing my brain trying to figure out how they did the Virtual Insanity video….but over my years I have become much wiser and have learned the tricks of the trades: the room was on rollers. Making for magic, pure magic.

Jamiroquai – Virtual Insanity
Montell – This is How We Do It
Monifah – Touch It
K7 – Come Baby Come
Blackstreet – No Diggity
Daft Punk – Around the World
La Bouche - Sweet Dreams
Notorious BIG – Mo Money Mo Problems

Editors

The latest from the Editors from their 3rd album that’s coming your way next month, titled ‘In This Light And On This Evening’. The guys have said you can look forward to inspiration by ‘Blade Runner’, ‘Terminator’ and have described it as “synthetic, raw and anthemic’. All these promises deem true in their first single, Papillon, where the guys ditch the geee-tahs and pick up a synth.

Black Cab Sessions

Oh you know, just a casual cab ride through London-town, with musicians and their instruments. Black Cab Sessions is this online series that invites artists to play an acoustic set in the backseat of a cab car. It is hilarious to see them crammed into the backseat with their guitars/keyboards, having a little jam session.

I love how BCS aren’t particular about how famous the artist is, the only two rules are that they must be live and they must be fabulous. Simply put: its a great time with great music. Honestly I am a bit overwhelmed with what videos to feature because there are so many to choose from with 150 sessions just from London, featuring artists like Grizzly Bear, Jens Lekman, Lykke Li, The Cool K ids, Peter Bjorn and John, Little Boots, Bombay Bicycle Club, Maccabees, Noah & the Whale, to name a few. For more video, check it out here


Kooks


Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy from Black Cab Sessions on Vimeo.

Fleet Foxes

Juan's Basement

Who is this Juan and how do I get into his basement? Seriously. Pitchfork.tv does this super cool series which is exactly as it seems: a party in Juan’s basement, but with super cool[did I just say 'super cool' twice? Super cool.] bands playing sets, making for one of the sweatiest, wildest, best-est house parties ever. Its raw and makes it feel like you’re crashing in on one of their jam sessions. Check out some of my favorite visits to the basement.

Passion Pit: Sleepyhead


M83: Kim & Jessie


Walkmen: In the New Year

Handsome Furs

The husband and wife Montreal-based duo, Handsome Furs, released their second album back in February - Face Control - and I was just reading how the album got its name and thought I'd share. While traveling in Eastern Europe, in particular in Moscow, they learned that people cash up a lot of dough to pre-book entrance into a club; however, even though they reserve the bouncer has ultimate viteo power and can turn you away based on whether or not they think you're hot enough to enter...and thus, we come to the term 'Face Control'.

Your House

Meet the love child of Sublime and the Flobots: Your House. The seven member band certainly has an unique sound with a merge of reggae/ hip hop, and they have the vibe down. Jump on over to their myspace to check what I’m talking about, turn up the volume and dare I say bring out supplies? Because as you’ll see they have some great jamming tunes…and on top of it all they are Canadian. Need I even say that they are from the west coast?

Your Band Myspace

Covers

I love me a good cover, and with it being Tuesday and all I thought we'd venture down that road. How cool is it when you hear a different band singing a hit and it sounds like a completely different song? Well here's a few diddies that I've rounded up since my last post about the BBC Radio 1 series of covers.


This one is a continuation from the BBC series - Paramore Use Somebody

I found this one from Lady Gaga's recommendations off her twitter account for a cover of her own Let's Dance by Gary Go

A little UGC never hurt no-one...and how cute are they? Here's a mishmash of Plain White T's 1234 and Drake's Best I Ever had, on the....wait for it...ukele.

Kanye

Oh Kanye, what is one to do with you really? I'm sure you've all been following his latest antics from the stage rushing of Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the VMAs, to his apology on Jay Leno last night...what a piece of work that one is. This site was passed along to me today and I thought I'd share, even though it might be a bit too soon for some of the jokes. Anywhoo, stay classy Mr. West, stay classy.

I'll let you finish, but this site is the most hilarious site ever.

Sounds

Here is your weekend playlist. At first I'm sure it just looks like a jumble of mix and match songs, but these vids are actually all nominated for a MTV VMA this year (it airs tomorrow Live from RadioCity Music Hall!) for Best Video that Should Have Took Home A MoonMan. Can you believe that these vids didn't get to take home the hardware? Common, some of these are just too classic to have never been recognized ...but I guess thats the nature of this category.

Beastie Boys -Sabotage
Bjork - Human Behavior
David Lee Roth - California Girls
Dr Dre - Nothing But A G Thang
Foo Fighers - Everlong
George Michael - Freedom
Ok Go - Here It Goes Again
Radiohead - Karma Police
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Into the Great Wide Open
U2 - Where the Streets Have No Name

Kid Cudi

A new Kid Cudi video was just released for his old song Day N Night Crooker Remix. Apparently the video only cost $250 to shoot and was done all before the Kid was signed.(an old-new video. Me likes) How do you like it compared to the official video? I think its pretty damn good for 250 bucks. I think I spent my most recent 250 on a pair of jeans, who knew it could get you a music video?

Old-New:

Kid Cudi - Day 'N' Nite [Crookers remix] (Directed by BBGUN) from bbgun on Vimeo.

Old-Old:

Beatles

So all the talk today is the Beatles. (Pssst - their Rock Band game is being released today, but I will pretend that you already knew why) So, in light of that, I stumbled upon this article on NME for the Greatest Beatles track of all time. Think about that: The Greatest Beatles songs of all time. Thats a tough one, eh? So many hits, So many different associations in life:I truly believe there is a different Beatles song for any mood you could possibly be in. Certainly some are better than others, but I don't think I could ever rate them....or if I did the list would constantly change depending on how I felt.

But the votes are in. Agree with them or not, NME readers have decided their top 20 songs of all. So lets just count 'em down with how they stand now (voting is still open if you disagree) and, oh yeah, you have to put up with my little Beatles antics as you read. Sucka.

20. Get Back: Their first release in true stereo. RE: reproduction for sound using two or more independent audio channels through a symmetrical configuration of loudspeakers in such a way as to create the impression of sound heard from various directions, as in natural hearing. [Clearly I'm not that smart and quoted that directly from Wikipedia.]
19. Hard Days Night: The Grade 8 French camp [insert joke here] I went to reworked the song to be our theme - in French of course. Yes, I still know the lyrics.
18. In My Life: Grade 12 Graduation Song - I performed piano and sang for the ceremony. Who in their right mind would give me a microphone?
17. Penny Lane: Forever in my ear and in my eyes. I wonder how much this song has boosted Penny Lane, Liverpool into iconic fame?
16. Yesterday: Repeat of this song got me through my first heart break - my mom on the other hand wasn't so appreciative of the looping
15. While My Guitar Gently Weeps: Elegantly beautiful. It took Guitar God Eric Clapton to step in for the Beatles to finally believe in George's song and settle on a version that worked for them.
14. Help: Only a true man can ask for it. Especially when it comes to directions.
13. Eleanor Rigby: Leaves me wondering who she was.
12. Let It Be: Originally was not well received by the critics. To me, its so simple and yet so powerful.
11. All You Need Is Love: Will now forever remind me of the epic opening to Love Actually. Yes, I am a hopeless romantic at heart.
10. Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds: Is always where I want to be.
9. Something: The first song written by George Harrison to appear on an A-side Beatles track. Now that's something.
8. Revolution: Their first overtly political hit. Also, the chord progressions of this song have been a large influence in heavy metal.
7. Come Together: Beatles...Michael.....Michael....Beatles...
6. Ticket To Ride: I sang it in my high school dinner theatre. Seriously, there is that microphone again...why? I ask why?
5. Here Comes the Sun: da na na na...a perfect wake-up song
4. Hey Jude: I once sat with my friends on a porch watching the sunrise while one played the guitar and we sang our hearts out for hours. Turned out he only knew how to play this song. I know that neighbors loved it, despite the yellings.
3. I am the Walrus: The documentarty I Met the Walrus was filmed by my old roommate's uncle - Jerry Levitan. Far fetched? well I think thats something, huh?
2. A Day In the Life: Doesn't everyone want a Day in the Life of someone else, even just one?
1. Strawberry Fields Forever: Couldn't have said it better myself

Maybe way too commercial for NME, but clearly missing from the list is Imagine, debatably the Beatles song with the most impact. Other notable misses are Love Me Do, The Long and Winding Road, Hold Your Hand, Can't Buy Me Love, Eight Days...ahhh there are too many. But the tribe has spoken.

Jay-Z

A first listen to Hov's latest: Blueprint III

Whatcha think? Although Jay-Z only appears solo in three songs, I'm loving the all star cast: from Luke Steele from Empire of the Sun, to Alicia Keys, Swiss Beatz, Pharrell, Kid Cudi, and of course Drake.

Kayne took the front seat in directing the album, with Timbaland pitching for three.

Simon and Garfunkel Cover

What an amazing Thursday morning pick-me-up



Check Out Local Natives other stuff here.

Drake

Okay so Drake, where do I start? Can I first just say "holy cow, this guy has pumped out so much music in the past couple of weeks!!!"

To me, the video for Successful is miles beyond ‘Best I Ever Had’, but, I feel like this song is lagging. Trey, I have to say I feel you man. I often sit on the side of my bed thinking about how successful I want to be……or wait, no I don’t. Why don’t you get off yo ass and do something about it then.To be fair, I don’t really mind the verses (Drake's a cashier! Oh love…) but the chorus is just another sap story that we’ve heard before.

Drake and Trey Songz |MTV Music

I have such mixed feelings that I think I’m sticking to Drake’s featured songs for now. I'm also having inner turmoil about writing this cheesy comment.. Can I say it?....ahh...Drake = not that successful in this one... oh dear...maybe I'm regretting the cheese already...

Now, this is what I'm talking about:

Daniel Merriweather

Daniel Merriweather is at it again. Add it.

Playlist

In light of Vfest Toronto happening this weekend, I thought my Friday playlist this week would be themed for the festivities this weekend. Make it a good one.
Pixies - Here Comes Your Man
Thunderheist – Nothing to Step To
N.E.R.D. – Lapdance
Franz Ferdinand – Take Me Out
Plants and Animals – Feedback in the Field
Down with Webster – Miracle Mile

TLC

Reunion time!! The girls of TLC are taking the stage again – for the second time since the untimely death of Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes in 2002. They’ll be joining in on ‘Justin Timberlake and Friends’ for an annual benefit concert on October 17th in Las Vegas in support of Shiner’s Hospital. Adding to this pop orgy, other performers include Taylor Swift, Ciara and Alicia Keys.

TLC’s CrazySexyCool was my life back in 94-95. How could it not have been when it had 4 tracks that topped the MTV Hit List (ah remember that?) in the 90s – Creep, Red Light Special, Diggin’ On You and my personal fav - Waterfalls. You can’t tell me that when they transformed into those water figures in the video you weren’t in awe – that was top technology, right there. Hilarious that I was so young [code for ‘simple’] when this came out I had a hard time deciphering what the “three letters” were that took him to his final resting place…oh to be naïve.

And talk about girl power back in 98 -TLC released their third album, FanMail with hit single No Scrubs – not to mention the Spice Girls were in full force….and in case you weren’t in the know with what a ‘scrub’ was: they were talking to the son’s who don’t have a car and were walking, living at home wit’ your momma, who have a shorty but don’t show love…oh yes sir, I’m talkin’ to you.

Re-live the glory:

Band of Skulls

Lets just continue the free release previews today with the Band of Skulls debut: Baby Darling Doll Face Honey. Its only up this week before the cd release, so be sure to sample! Also, check out my earlier post with their single 'I Know What I Am'.

Guetta

Get your glowsticks out, kids. Guetta is back and ready to infiltrate dance halls near you. Seriously, I’ve been listening to the cd all day at work and call me crazy for a Tuesday but all I’m thinking about is being all sweaty on a dance floor, strobe lights and all. He’s got some awesome guest stars on the album – from Akon to Estelle and even Will.I.Am, Apl de Ap and Kelly Rowland (all double times) My fav after the first listen is by far the Kid Cudi collabo.


Featuring Kid Cudi - Memories

Jay-Z Featuring Drake

You're welcome [again]

Jay-Z featuring Drake: Off That ....well, almost - not quite the involvement of Kanye/Rihanna because Drake doesn't get his own verse, but COME ON!! A freshman getting to rap with HOVA. Must feel pretty damn good to be Drake right about now. Giddy up.

Rolling Stones

Oh, to be a Rolling Stone...

Karen O is Where the Wild Things Are

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you, tomorrow you're only a day away...did I mention how cool Karen O is??

For now, here's a preview of the Yeah Yeah Yeah Queen's soundtrack for the highly anticipated Where the Wild Things Are, with the first single 'All is Love' by Karen O and the Kids (literally its Karen and a bunch of kids) Accompanying her on the album is Bradford Cox (Deerhunter) Nick Zinner and Brian Chase (YYYs) Dean Fertita and Jack Lawrence (Dead Weather/Raconteurs), to name a few...but we'll have to wait until tomorrow for the full deal.

Where the Wild Things Are Soundtrack

Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam stopped by the Molson Amphitheater last Friday for the opening night of their North American show and it threw a twist to their set when their warm up band didn't show up. Lead singer Ted Leo, of Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, didn't make it out of New York due to a weather delay. He must have been uber peeved. I'd be kicking myself if I were stuck in New York as my time slot for opening for one of the biggest rock bands was slowly ticking away... (hopefully they have better luck with the remaining tour dates)

Eddie Vedder didn't let the fans go disappointed, and actually upped the ante quite a bit, when he staggered on stage with his guitar to open for his own band with an acoustic set. Now lets just pause and ponder the wonder that is Eddie Vedder.....[and end silence] He played two songs as a tribute to Neil Young - Sugar Mountain and the Needle and the Damage is Done - then was joined on stage by his fellow Pearl Jammers Mike McCready and Stone Gossard for their respective solos. To polish it off the present members of the Pharmacists joined the guys on stage for a few songs.

How's that for an opening?

Playlist: Classic Rock

A little classic rock to close out your week...

Maggie May- Rod Stewart

Don’t Stop Believing - Journey


More Than a Feeling- Boston


Heart of Rock and Roll – Huey Lewis and the News


Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield

Jay-Z with Kanye and Rihanna

You're welcome.

Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson

The first song off Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson’s compilation cd, ‘the breakup’, is finally here! I know that she’s gotten a ton of criticism for her singing (as most actresses do when they try to delve into the music world to make their mark) but I’m loving this tune. It’s surprisingly upbeat for something that falls under that album name and already has a spot of my driving/summer playlist.

So how’d this whole thing come about? Scarlett was approached by Pete because he wanted to do a duet cd with inspiration from Brigitte Bardot.

‘After I kind of dozed off one afternoon for a few minutes, I just woke up and my heart was racing and I had this thing in my head ... 'I have to do a duets album, a guy-girl album,'" Yorn told Billboard.com. "I was really into Bonnie and Clyde at the time, by Serge and Brigitte, and I thought, 'Brigitte ... Scarlett! She's Brigitte!' It was a really manic thought pattern that was going on. Within 10 minutes, I was texting Scarlett, 'We have to make a record!'"

Also known as: maximizing his time spent with a super hot chick. Smart guy. The album was actually recorded back in 2006 but I’m not sure of the holdup…maybe because her solo career was a complete flop? But apparently this was recorded before her Tom Waits cover album released a few years ago…

I honestly really tried and really wanted to love her solo stuff, because Scar-Jo is my absolute fav actress but I was just never fully convinced she could pull it off. This, on the other hand has gotten me really excited because I now will allow myself to keep that female-crush I have on her and lets me fall in love with Pete Yorn all over again.

So, to summarize:
• Pete got to work closely with Scarlett
• Scarlett gets to prove herself as a singer
• We get a great tune
• My heart will go on and on….
• It’s a win all around.

Album is due September 15.


Relator - Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson>

Antony and the Johnsons vs. Beyonce

Could Antony and the Johnsons rendition of Beyonce's Crazy In Love be any more different than the original? Apparently A and the Js have been performing the cover for awhile now during their live show, but the video was just released this past week. What is so intriguing is that Its such a haunting take on the song, and makes you see this club hit in an entire new light. Even the video is pretty close to being a complete opposite. While B and Jay-Z's version is very upbeat and colorful, this one is full of dark shadows and silhouette shapes.

Compare & contrast. Whatchu thank?

Friendly Fires

So I went for round 2 of my Friendly Fires fix at Lee’s Palace earlier this week, where they headlined the gig (last time they were opening for White Lies) It was a sweaty, dancy, rock n’ roll-y, hell of a show. Its crazy to see the difference in their crowd response from April until now, and its safe to say these guys are on the rise – and fast. From the moment lead singer, Ed Macfarlane took the stage with his signature dancing and belted the first words of ‘Lovesick’ , they had the crowd dancing, hands flailing and having a kick ass time. Seriously, check out this guy’s moves



The guys sound great live and their passion on stage is surely contagious. They hit all of my favs: Jump In the Pool, On Board, Skeleton Boy, Photobooth and their latest, Kiss of Life. (the video, btw, is visually stunning. Check it out in HQ below) The guys are high-energy and all around very entertaining.

Modest Mouse

The long anticipated and controversial music video for Modest Mouse’s ‘King Rat’ was released last week along with their EP ‘No One’s First and You’re Next’. This fully animated video is meant to raise awareness about whaling off the coast of Australia and takes a different angle as it reverses roles to show whales poaching humans to be sold as pet food. What's extra special about the concept is that it was presented to Modest Mouse by the late Heath Ledger and was one of the last passion projects of his that he worked on. Although the vision was fully flushed out before his tragic death, the animation was not and was completed in his honor. Keeping the meaning behind the video, proceeds from the iTune video downloads will be donated to Sea Shepherd Conservation Society for the first month of release. A heartfelt dedication to Ledger is at the end of the video from Modest Mouse: “This began with our friend, a great defender of life, and was completed in his spirit”.

Daniel Merriweather

I can't wait to check out the entire Daniel Merriweather LP 'Love and War', being released on the 25th in Canada. Hailing from Melborne, this Aussy has supported Kanye, JT and Mark Ronson. Although he is just breaking the 'household name' threshold, you'll be happy you checked him out now. I'm heading to his release party in a few weeks and will report back....

Daniel Merriweather feat . Wale 'Change'