Chasing Pirates

Song: Chasing Pirates

Artist: Norah Jones

Album: The Fall

Okay, so I am not much of a fan. When Norah Jones broke and instantly became HUGE I didn't get it. I thought she was crazy boring, sleepy, and agreed with my friend Brian when he called her "Snora Jones." But the girl captured something, and had hit after hit album. I just assumed I was too young for her Starbucks-ready pillow time music... or was it straight-up music snobbery? Regardless, over the years I did find myself digging (and surprised) from some interesting collaborations with artists I dug. I played the shit out of her duet with Dave Grohl on the Foo Fighters' track "Virginia Moon," and also really thought her duet with Q-Tip, "Life is Better," on his excellent solo album "The Renaissance" was pretty cool. It was through these that I realized how much I liked her smoky, rather sexy voice.

So while I can't really speak to her other three albums with any intelligence (I have heard "Come Away With Me" in its entirety, was bored, but possibly delusional) I have been listening to her latest, "The Fall" due on November 17th, and think it's AMAZING. A shift in style from her more jazz-leaning tracks, "The Fall" sees Jones working with all new musicians and producers, who have worked with R.E.M., Modest Mouse, Tom Waits, and Kings of Leon to name a few. The result isn't a complete shift in mood (she's still making pretty, quiet music) but it's somehow more alive, complex, and wildly interesting. Lead single "Chasing Pirates" opens the record and is a good indication of what's to follow. It's quite beautiful, as not to alienate the fan base that loves her, but musically it's more intricate and layered. I'm just really really taken with it.

If you like Norah, I think you'll enjoy this new adventure, and if you're not a fan I would recommend having a listen. I do hear a Tom Waits/Modest Mouse freak-show circus vibe a bit... but it doesn't go whole-hog in that direction. Hmmm... hard to really describe, just check it out. Good good stuff.

Enjoy.

Chasing Pirates

All The Right Moves

Song: All The Right Moves

Artist: OneRepublic

Album: Waking Up

Jimmy introduced me to this song, the new single by Colorado band OneRepublic. I somehow missed their huge single from their first album "Apologize," which didn't hit until Timbaland gave it the remix treatment. You can hear his influence on "All The Right Moves," which features beats a-la Timbo, who only serves as "Executive Producer." (??)

Ryan Tedder, the lead singer and songwriter for the band has made a name for himself writing pop songs for R&B artists and scored a massive hit with Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love," and got himself into some controversy when Kelly Clarkson publicly noted that her Tedder penned single "Already Gone" had already been released, and sung by Beyonce as "Halo." Kelly didn't want to release the single, but her record label won out... and now she's been performing the songs as a mash-up. Maybe the song did too well for her...

Enjoy.

All The Right Moves

Kelly - Already Gone/Halo

Dress to Digress

Song: Dress to Digress

Artist: Boy Crisis

Album: Tulipomania

Boy Crisis are a Brooklyn-based indie dance-rock act who just released their debut album "Tulipomania" last month. They sound a bit like the Rapture (but not as good,) have humorous lyrics like Hot Chip (but not as clever... or really funny,) and Pitchfork recently described them as "the absolute worst band in the world right now. Seriously." (Well, that's according to their Wikipedia page, which seems a little jokey anyhow.) Hmmm.

So should you care? I don't really know... I like "Dress to Digress," it sounds like what you'd expect from a hipster bar in Williamsburg. And while that description might tune some of you in, I pause because that would turn me off... but think you should check them out anyhow.

I'm not making a lot of sense... but that's so Boy Crisis.

Enjoy.

Dress to Digress

Fountain of Youth

L'Homme

Cuts You Up

Song: Cuts You Up

Artist: Peter Murphy

Album: Deep

"Cut You Up" was a Modern Rock number one for seven weeks back in 1990, the biggest track on that chart of the year. What strikes me is that this song is now so adult-contemporary no? All of this from a man still considered "The Godfather of Goth" with his seminal late 70's/early 80's band Bauhaus. But that's just how perception and time change things. I suppose a hit's a hit, and this was Mr. Murphy's one and only.

As I get a bit older, and the "cutting-edge" "Alternative" or "Modern Rock" that I grew up with seems to have died a bit, I realize that it's now just called "Indie," and a whole new game. (Marketed do a different consumer) But is it? Regardless that "10,000 Maniacs" were once... well I don't know if edgy is the word, but not mainstream we'll say, and are now played on "Lite FM" stations, things do change. And given ten to fifteen years won't we be hearing "Young Folks" or Arcade Fire on those types of stations?

Something to think about.

Enjoy.

Cuts You Up

Orally Fixated

Song: Orally Fixated

Artist: Róisín Murphy

Album: Orally Fixated

Like Allison Goldfrapp before her, Irish singer-songwriter Róisín Murphy, found her artistic footing with her sophomore album. After her intriguing debut "Ruby Blue" from 2005, she released 2007's "Overpowered" with a new found confidence and sleek musical direction. "Overpowered" was interesting because while I would classify it as Electro-pop, she didn't push for bubbly hooks. Similar to Bjork, she seems to have a musical vision that just sometimes might be catchy, but has an artistic edge that is something new altogether.

Hmmm... I don't think I'm making a lot of sense, but actually a couple listens to her new single, "Orally Fixated" from her as yet untitled third album coming next year sort of drives the point home. It's a glitchy, slow builder with a long intro (for a pop song,) distorted vocals, and odd noises here and there. This is a must in headphones as the first couple spins on computer speakers do not do it justice. Lyrically it's very strong, which reminded me that that was one of the strengths of "Overpowered." And then when the Prince-like guitar bursts in... you realize that you can't continue to call this pop at all anymore. It's just Róisín.

Will her third album be her very own "Supernature?"

Enjoy.

Orally Fixated

Here she talks about the new song

Movie Star - So John Waters!

16th & Valencia Roxy Music

Song: 16th & Valencia Roxy Music

Artist: Devendra Banhart

Album: What Will Be

Seven albums in, which is pretty impressive as he just started in 2002, Devendra Banhart, probably the most recognizable name in the New Weird America/Freak Folk scene, is still going strong. Prolifically writing strange, yet endearing, tunes. "What Will Be" is another solid, if more of the same, collection of his strange hippie vibe. I actually liked his last record quite a bit, "Smokey Rolls Down the Mountain" and while this latest hasn't grabbed me the same way, it's very nice and worth listening to for a least a couple very solid tracks.

First single "Baby" is a waltzy-lullaby, if a little creepy. (Which he can't really help after all.) My initial favorite has been "16th & Valencia Roxy Music," a driving mysterious song that I can't really tell is about Roxy Music (the band) or not. But a song like this proves that Banhart has serious chops, and given his rate of release and quality, assures a long if confusing career.

Enjoy.

16th & Valencia Roxy Music (live on Jools Holland)

Baby (live at the Independent in San Francisco)

Bhangra Bros.

Song: Bhangra Bros.

Artist: Firewater

Album: The Golden Hour

I was recently introduced to this band via my friend Cicely, who's friend is making a documentary about them. Firewater is mainly singer, songwriter, bassist/guitarist Tod A. Originally, he formed the band with members of The Jesus Lizard and Soul Coughing, who contributed to the first album but were unable to tour. Since he's gathered a mix of musicians that have changed over the years. "The Golden Hour" was their latest, released in 2008, and includes elements of ska, punk, jazz, and even a hint of traveling gypsies. Tod A describes their sound as a "Wedding band gone wrong." To me it sounds like an old time traveling circus, filled with freaks, hustlers, and dangerous woman. I hear a hundred stories within their music, which is the best way I can describe it. It's very organic, dark, and intriguing.

While the songs mostly have vocals, (and remind me of John Linnell of They Might Be Giants) I really can't stop listening to instrumental "Bhangra Bros.," an Indian-influenced rollicking jam that literally forces you to your feet. It's got a wild groove, crazy videogame noises that should seem out of place but don't, and a simmering horn that brings in the sexy. Basically... if this don't make your booty move, your booty must be dead.

"The Golden Hour" and Firewater take you to another place with a full listen. It's a trip worth taking.

Enjoy.

Bhangra Bros. (live)

Hey Clown

Some Kind of Kindness

Abracadabra

Song: Abracadabra

Artist: The Steve Miller Band

Album: Abracadabra

When I was around eight or nine I went through a magic phase, which might be de rigueur, for most boys of that age. I'm sure that at this time 'magician' was an actual career option for me when I grew up (you may have had plans to be a astronaut) and I remember having a magic set or two and being obsessed with them. Well, it was around this time that my uncle had gotten remarried and I specifically remember the reception DJ playing this song that was ALL about magic... "Abracadabra." And I became obsessed with it.

Admittedly, this is not much of a story. But whenever I hear this song, I remember that moment and even remember grabbing my Mom's dress and saying "I need this song." I even remember being just outside of the reception room when I found her as she had just been outside in the restroom. What strikes me about this little non-story is how music can be tied to, and possibly CREATE a memory for you. One that can stick with you for your whole life. Often when a song is used in a film it gets married to that image for me, a million associations that I don't actively think about... they are just there.

As a song, "Abracadabra" is, in my opinion now, just a fun moody 80's track. It certainly sounds dated, but I like to play it as it's one that everyone knows, yet might not listen to all that frequently. The Steve Miller Band was very popular with people in High School and college, but more-so their earlier work. "The Joker" goes down as one of my least favorite songs of all time. It's one I cringe at every time it pops up. People seem to like it... I personally file it under hippie songs that drive me crazy, like "Hotel California." (It's not a lovely place for me.)

Do you have any songs that are somehow tied to an early memory?

Enjoy.

Abracadabra (live) Steve Miller Band

For Your Entertainment

Song: For Your Entertainment

Artist: Adam Lambert

Album: For Your Entertainment

While I was a fan of his when he was on American Idol, I really just liked the idea of Adam Lambert, more than I actually liked Adam Lambert. The recorded versions of songs he did on the show were so-so, and his first official single, "Time For Miracles" from the "2012" soundtrack was pure garbage balladry. Ugh.

But I was very interested in hearing what he was cooking up on his album as he was getting to work with some really interesting people while crafting it. He was going for disco, for rock, and based on the album cover, he wasn't shying away from... the gay. And I suppose that in itself makes me interested in Adam Lambert because he's the most high profile openly gay new artist here in America. Will a hit album reveal that that's okay in America and we won't have any more says-he's-not-but-give-me-a-break artists like Mika?

So "For Your Entertainment," the first official single from the album is what I expected. It's produced by Dr. Luke (Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Britney, etc) and is upbeat, fun, but I don't think a grand slam by any means. I'm hoping that the album has some more surprises, because with "Entertainment" I'm still liking the idea, more than the music.

Enjoy.

For Your Entertainment

Mowgli's Road

Song: Mowgli's Road

Artist: Marina and the Diamonds

Album: Family Jewels

Reader Request

Marina and the Diamonds is Welch born, London based, singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis. A mix of Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple, and... well there is another voice in there and I just can't place it. She's got the edge of early Tori Amos, and the show of Siouxsie & The Banshees. The Crown Jewels EP was released in June and included single "I Am Not a Robot" as well as the excellent "Seventeen." I'm really digging the songs I've heard thus far and am looking forward to her full length, "Family Jewels" which will come out early next year. From the sounds of these few songs, I think it might be one of the more talked about debut's of 2010. We'll see.

New single "Mowgli's Road" is coming out next month. Russ Chimes does a killer remix, reminding me of Tori's techno remix period. Check out her video's below... very interesting.

Thank you to my friend Melanie for introducing me.

Enjoy.

Mowgli's Road

I Am Not a Robot

Obsessions

Tardy for the Party

Song: Tardy for the Party

Artist: Kim Zolciak

Album: Tardy for the Party

Bravo's "Real Housewives" series has been a guilty pleasure of mine for quite a while. I got into it from watching the "New York" girls, but have enjoyed the ridiculousness that's come from New Jersey, the original Orange County, and the just completed season two Atlanta. While the shows all share certain characteristics, what makes Atlanta stand out is the "new money" aspect that these girls live in, a constant search for glamour and opulence without any real taste. I equate it to being able to spend ridiculous amounts of money for the most perfect, beautiful rhinestone.

Some fancy themselves as designers, despite not making clothes, but what really typifies these Housewives of Atlanta is the blond-wig wearing, walking Barbie herself; Kim Zolciak. Kim fancies herself as a singer as she has a "God given talent" despite not being able to sing at all, or interest in the work that it takes to become an actual pop star. While she is in Atlanta and surrounded by the Southern hip-hop scene, she wants to do country. So of course she uses her connections (well her married boyfriends connections) to get with hot hip-hop producer Dallas Austin, who even lays it down for her. You've got to work bitch.

I'm already getting into way too much detail (and embarrassing myself in the process) but Kim HAS released a single, this time produced by new cast member Kandi Burress, who has had actual success writing and producing pop artists. Despite the fact that Kim can't sing, Kandi knows that she "can make anybody sound hot" and with that they concoct "Tardy for the Party," a phrase, admittedly, that Kim came up with. It is, as Kim so eloquently states, "catchy as hell," but what I find more interesting is that it is almost proud of it's own fabrication. Sure, we know that Britney, Ashley, and the Rihanna's of the biz don't really write their own stuff, and the auto-tune corrected vocals of popular teen actors that want to "get into music" has become a norm, none really own it. And I think because of this, despite being catchy as hell, will never let this song take off. I mean... can you imagine it coming on in the club? I don't think so.

And yet, it's an endearing silly little pop song that illustrates just how ridiculous and fake the Bravo's series is, and yet furthers it's craptastic charm. The song did make it to #3 on the dance charts ON ITUNES, and #88 overall but has not cracked Billboard. It is said that Kim is working on a full album, and according to Wikipedia has a second single called "S-E-Double-X-Y" coming out. I wish her luck... but the crash and burn breakdown might be fun to watch too.

Forgive me.

Tardy for the Party

As you can image... the internet has had a field day with this:

Pussy

Song: Pussy

Artist: Lords of Acid

Album: Our Little Secret

As novelty acts go, Belgium's Lords of Acid certainly had a good run. Forming in the late 80's and propelled by single "I Sit on Acid," the Lords music was a fixture of the early 90's rave scene, and enjoyed popular singles like "I Must Increase My Bust" and "The Crablouse." Too dirty (and cheeky) to go mainstream, but I am sure that wasn't their goal... despite much of their music being very very catchy.

In college my friend Jennifer got "Our Little Secret" and my circle enjoyed dirty-funny tracks like "Rubber Doll," "Fingerlickin' Good," and "Spank My Booty." (They sure weren't your mother's Acid House.) But if there is one track that hits people the first time you hear it, it's the song they somehow made a single... by I suppose convincing everyone it was about cats. Hmmm. Your call. Britney may have had "If U Seek Amy," but the Lords made a career out of dirty wordplay.

Put this one on at your next party for a laugh.

Enjoy.

The Crablouse

I Must Increase My Bust

I Sit on Acid

The House on Fire

Song: The House on Fire

Artist: The Ballet

Album: Bear Life

The Ballet are a Brooklyn-based electro-pop band that are about to release their second album "Bear Life" next month on November 21st. I actually know little about them, but believe they are releasing their material independently. I stumbled upon their website, and have been really liking their 80's-steeped first single "The House on Fire" which you can download free there. A mix of Prefab Sprout, Men Without Hats, with a dash of Spandau Ballet, you could be told that "The House on Fire" was a lost gem from that era and not be the wiser. Does it move beyond that limited reach? Dunno.... but I really dig it, and will be looking for their album when it comes out.

Take a listen to more of their music and get info on the band on their MySpace Page.

Enjoy.

In My Head (live)

I Hate the War

The Only Time

Song: The Only Time

Artist: Nine Inch Nails

Album: Pretty Hate Machine

File under sort of hard to believe, but Nine Inch Nails debut album "Pretty Hate Machine" turned 20 years old this past Tuesday. (!!!) I discovered NIN in high school, not in 1989 when the debut came out, but in 1992 when lead Trent Reznor released the EP "Broken," still the hardest thing he's ever done. In retrospect, "Pretty Hate Machine" sounds almost down-right pop-ish. With singles "Head Like a Hole" and "Down in It" making the dancy blue-print for bands like 30 Seconds to Mars, and even former band member Richard Patrick's Filter.

"Pretty Hate Machine" was sort of the perfect record for me to grow up to... it had the self-loathing charm that teenagers eat up, but unlike Nirvana at the time... you could DANCE to NIN. They would really blow up with the release of "The Downward Spiral," hitching the alternative rock train and spawning hits like "Closer" and "March of the Pigs."

NIN has certainly had a varied and interesting musical career, but I would argue that both "Hate Machine" and "Broken" still remain his most focused work. I've still liked it all, but would welcome the industrial-pop sensibility he brought to "Hate Machine" over the bigger concept music he's making now. (Though some would argue that their latest free album"The Slip" was a bit of a return.) But then again, what made NIN, NIN, was Reznor's inability to compromise his vision.

What clearly raises "Pretty Hate Machine" is the fact that every song is good. "Down in It," "Head Like a Hole," Sin," "Terrible Lie," and "Something I Can Never Have" all got alternative rock airplay, but I always flipped for album tracks "Kinda I Want To," "The Only Time," and closer "Ringfinger." It's a great album, and deserves it's place in the history of rock music.

Happy 20 "Pretty Hate Machine!"

Enjoy.

The Only Time


Kinda I Want To


Ringfinger

Id Engager

Song: Id Engager
Artist: Of Montreal
Album: Skeletal Lamping








This is not new by any means, but I've been in a new-disco mood lately, so if you are to... this is JUST the thing! Athens, Georgia band Of Montreal (joke?) actually are workign on their tenth studio album "False Priest" which will be released sometime next year. I had never been a fan of the band, saw them once live and thought they were "interesting" but not really my speed, until just about this time last year they released their ninth album, "Skeletal Lamping." I've been re-listening as of late and re-falling in love with this crazy crazy album. And recently have been listening to the last track, the disco-freak out known as "Id Engager." It's really really priceless.

Looking forward to hearing what they come up with next.

Enjoy.

Id Engager


For Our Elegant Caste


An Eluardian Instance

Song: Murder on the Dancefloor

Artist: Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Album: Read My Lips

Here's an international smash hit that I somehow had never heard, despite it being RIGHT up my disco-loving alley. I'd written about Sophie during Calvin Harris week where I highlighted the Mr. Harris produced "Off & On" which I'm a big fan of. "Murder on the Dancefloor" is from all the way back in 2001, and yet it leans heavy on 70's disco... in a way that new dance-pop does not. It's totally ridiculous, and totally fun.

Big thanks go out to my good friend Jeffrey who told me about this track as it was huge in the clubs while he was living in Sydney. Thanks mate!

Enjoy.

Light of Love

Song: Light of Love

Artist: Music Go Music

Album: Expressions

Here is an odd little album I got a couple of weeks ago and have been playing it off and on since then until it's sometimes goofy, sometimes melodrama, won me over. Music Go Music is a northern California band that I can only describe as 70's female singer-songwriter meets Meatloaf, with a mix of 60's girl group and Donna Summer-esque disco, plus a touch of funk. It's sort of crazy... but after a bit of time, I've really got to dig it. Check out their MySpace page to listen to some more. And you can also download the album's epic length "Warm in the Shadows" for free here.

They are currently opening for Franz Ferdinand on their tour. Not sure I see the connection their but man, that would be show. Check this band out, they've got something special going on.

Enjoy.

Light of Love

Warm in the Shadows

Just Me - Live on Face Time

Bad Romance

Song: Bad Romance

Artist: Lady Gaga

Album: The Fame Monster

When I first heard her, I thought Lady Gaga was a fly-by-night pop fluke. And that "Just Dance" was a hip-pop dance cross-over piece of fluff. But as that song gained traction, and I succumbed to it's hook and charm, I finally got the record and was thrown. "Who is this woman?" A year later, you'd be hard pressed not to hear "Poker Face" or "Paparazzi" coming from SOMEWHERE while walking anywhere, and "The Fame," her debut album became one of my favorite records of the year.

And as Gaga became the Gaga she had in her head, becoming famous on the strength of an album that's ABOUT becoming famous... it became clear to me that Lady Gaga was no fly-by-night one hit wonder. I have a deep feeling that we're going to be listening to Gaga for some time in the future. And, she's about the most interesting pop star that's come along in more than a decade. Viva La House of Gaga!

This girl has come to the opening of every envelope as she's developed her name, working her shit while the pop hooks to her songs work their way under your skin. I find it very charming when I think back to her early appearances on even Logo's New Now Next Pop Lab, with an outrageous... but cheap outfit just doing Gaga. The persona was there before the cash, and now the cash is there... and I feel there is no stopping Gaga. Madonna has even said, "I see myself in Gaga" and "She has the IT factor."

It's not a total odd move that she's re-releasing her debut just before the holidays, but what is odd is that it's not just a new single with a bunch of leftover tracks. She's added the already leaked bonus tracks and b-sides that have gone with "The Fame," AND written just shy of a full albums of NEW stuff. And like Rihanna's pretty excellent "tacked-on" single "Disturbia" from her last album, Lady Gaga will soon be releasing "Bad Romance," a new track that I think holds it's own with the best on "The Fame." I've been listening to the demo for a couple weeks now, and think it has huge hit potential. I am so in love with the chorus... it's really just drop dead amazing.

What do you think? There is already a Gaga back-lash in the works, but I think this girl is the real deal. And I'll see you on the dancefloor when "Bad Romance" gets thrown down.

The Fame Monster

Confirmed by MTV, Billboard, and Interscope Records, a deluxe two-disc reissue of The Fame, entitled The Fame Monster, is to be released on November 24, 2009. During the collaborative launch of her similarly titled headphones with Dr. Dre, Gaga commented about the re-release,

"I think re-releases are unfair, [...] It’s artists sneaking singles onto an already finished piece of work in an effort to keep the album afloat. Originally [my label] only wanted me to put out three songs and now it’s much more than that. It’s a new album’s worth of material."

Regarding the title The Fame Monster, Gaga said that it was a coincidence that the name was similar to the headphones she launched. She had already written a song titled "Monster" in March, before she met with Dr. Dre and the Noel Lee, the head of BSM Monster, to discuss the collaboration. Gaga further explained that she was obsessed with monster movies then and "I’m kind of obsessing over the decay of the celebrity and the way that fame is a monster in society! That’s what my new record is about, so it was kind of a perfect fit." The first single from the re-issue is titled "Bad Romance". A brief portion of the song was performed onSaturday Night Live on October 3, 2009, alongwith other songs like "Poker Face" and "LoveGame". "Bad Romance" premiered during the show finale of fashion designer Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 2010 Paris Fashion Week show on October 6, 2009. Gaga later revealed that the re-release will contain eight new songs, along with her whole original debut album. The Fame Monster deals with the seamier side of fame, as experienced by Gaga over the course of the year 2008–2009. She explained,

"On my re-release The Fame Monster, I wrote about everything I didn't write on The Fame. While traveling the world for two years, I've encountered several monsters, each represented by a different song on the new record: my 'Fear of Sex Monster,' my 'Fear of Alcohol Monster,' my 'Fear of Love Monster,' my 'Fear of Death Monster,' my 'Fear of Loneliness Monster,' etc."
"I spent a lot of nights in Eastern Europe, and this album is a pop experimentation with industrial/Goth beats, 90's dance melodies, an obsession with the lyrical genius of 80's melancholic pop, and the runway. I wrote while watching muted fashion shows and I am compelled to say my music was scored for them."

Among other songs, Gaga confirmed a ballad titled "Speechless", which she dedicated to her father. She also commented that the new songs don't deal with money or fame, rather its about everything in-between and it was for her fans. Two cover arts for the re-release was shot by designer and photographer Hedi Slimane. One shows Gaga in blond wig and wearing a black jacket while the other portrays her with a long dark wig and heavy eyeliner running down her face.

Enjoy.

Alejandro

M.A.G.I.C.

Song: M.A.G.I.C.

Artist: The Sound of Arrows

Album: M.A.G.I.C.

I don't know much about The Sound of Arrows, but it was no surprise, after hearing some of their music, that they were from Sweden. A mix of Australia's Empire of the Sun, and a little We're From Barcelona, The Sound of Arrows seem to also get a heavy dose of their vibe from 80's fantasy movies. It's sort of hard to explain... but you should watch some of their videos below.

I dig this song, and looking to hear more form the band. Check out their MySpace page to find out more.

Enjoy.

Into The Clouds

M.A.G.I.C.

Danger!

All is Love

Song: All is Love

Artist: Karen O and the Kids

Album: Where the Wild Things Are

Tomorrow sees the release of Spike Jonze's theatrical adaptation of the beloved Maurice Sendak childrens book Where the Wild Things Are. I'm a fan of Spike's other two films and was really interested to see what he would do in the fantasy genre. While an early F/X test got leaked and started rumors that the production was in trouble, my first view of the official trailer completely rocked me. I think it looks absolutely beautiful.

Because I live under a bit of an indie-rock rock, I didn't recognize the souring piece of music that accompanied the trailer. When I got the soundtrack, written and recorded by the Yeah, Yeah, Yeah's Karen O... I was disappointed to not hear it. But the soundtrack itself has a childish, moody vibe that I really dig. Before seeing the film I can just see it matching with wait I saw from the trailer's visuals.

That song from the trailer, of course, is "Wake Up" by Arcade Fire. Check out the official trailer below, as well as "Wake Up."

Enjoy.

All is Love

Where The Wild Things Are Trailer

Wake Up - Arcade Fire

Stellify

Song: Stellify
Artist: Ian Brown
Album: My Way

Ian Brown was the lead singer from Manchester's Stone Roses. I read an article recently about the band and how influential they were both in the "Madchester" scene in the late 80's and early 90's, and then beyond for more recent bands such as Oasis. I don't know much about the Roses aside from "Fools Gold," but have been listening to his recent solo record "My Way," that besides having a sort of awful cover, is actually very good.

"Stellify," a song he wrote for Rihanna (!?!?!) but kept for himself is the first single. He also claims that the album was written with MJ's "Thriller" in mind. I don't hear it... but the record is pretty good. Also really dig the song "Just Like You" which is driving and intense. Check it out.

Enjoy.

Stellify

Just Like You

Crowning of the Poor