Monday, June 29, 2009

Song of the Day


**6/29/09

Diana Krall - Let's Fall in Love

------------The history of humanity in terms of romance has had some not so stellar moments: Ro and Jules kicked the bucket, King Henry VIII went through wives like hankies, and Elliot Spitzer made one hell of an unfaithful high-class phone call. Grammy-winning jazz songstress Diana Krall makes the moment passionate, spontaneous, and sensually matter-of-fact in her no worries sway, "Let's Fall in Love." Hesitation is thrown to the winds with slinky jazz guitars, ballroom piano, and devilish lyrics from Krall. Fall in love with her sixth studio album, 2001's The Look of Love.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Song of the Day


**6/28/09

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Bad Moon Rising

-------------Ever wonder what the greatest songs of all time were? Back in 2004, Rolling Stone magazine dug through the archives, interviewed countless icons in the music industry, and forgoed sleep, food and smoke breaks to compile a 500-strong list dauntingly titled "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." Sure "Bad Moon Rising" hits 355 on the list, but it's the last of four songs by CCR that made the list. CCR takes original American heartland rock to its finest extent of southern rock and a 1960's vintage sound. Get "Bad Moon Rising" from Creedence Clearwater Revival's 1969 album, Green River.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Song of the Day


**6/26/09

Boyce Avenue - No Air

--------------Artists have been covering Billboard topping hits and crowd favorites over the decades. And with endless Youtube hits of mediocre mooks off the streets stumbling over notes in their garages/living rooms/dorm rooms, one tends to think "where can I find a decent cover of my fave songs, yo?"

Fear not, for among the smog sub-par musicianship there is Boyce Avenue. Begun by the three Manzano brothers from Florida, the trio have played acoustic sessions for years, including deeply respectable covers of pop treats the likes of Justin Timberlake, Natasha Beddingfeild, and for today's song, American Idol Jordin Sparks.
Alejandro Manzano's strong piano gives the original recording a run for its money. Absent of synthesizers, "No Air" is stripped of bravado and given intense vibrato from Manzano's crooning vocals. Get the cover from Boyce Avenue's Acoustic Sessions Vol. 2.




Other Key Covers (Over Various Albums):

Natasha Beddingfeild - Pocketful of Sunshine

Rihanna - Umbrella

Justin Timberlake - Lovestoned

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Song of the Day


**6/25/09

Michael Jackson - The Girl is Mine

-----------------Though the King of Pop has passed away and is moonwalking his way through the great beyond, Michael Jackson's unforgettable and innovative music will always remain here for his family, friends, and fans to enjoy forever. "The Girl is Mine" is a playful battle for one lady's affections between Jackson and his close friend, Sir Paul McCartney. Argued over a smooth R&B pop ballad, Jackson coyly reminds his friend that he's "a lover not a fighter." So who wins, the King or the Sir? I think we all know who got the girl.


In light of his passing, simply listening to "The Girl is Mine" and nothing else from Michael Jackson's Thriller would do no justice to the tremendous impact the album had in its release and still has today. Changing the face of pop music forever, every track on Thriller is more than worth a listen.

Michael Jackson


Michael Jackson - 1959 - 2009?

As I type, the music community and entertainment correspondents are reporting the status of the King of Pop. Yahoo! hangs on to hope with reports of cardiac arrest. CNN.com - barely alive but in a coma. Either way, the astounding turnaround time of ten minutes in today's media will keep Jackson lovers and music afficionados posted on the critical health of one of music's biggest icons.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Song of the Day


**6/24/09

Bob Seger - Night Moves

------------A recent article in Rolling Stone lamented the decline of classic American music; the music pioneered by the likes of Cash, Dylan, and many others who brought the highway-man with a muscle car and the all-american girl who stole hearts like candy. However, the classic rock radio stations have helped these U.S.A. storytellers stand the test of time, and Bob Seger authored an unforgettable chapter.
Seger remembers a summertime where his part time job was working without any clues and the good times between a "young, restless, and bored" boy and girl. The heartland guitar man wrote the song in '76, and is featured on the album Night Moves.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Song of the Day


**6/23/09

Beck - Think I'm in Love

-------------On one random evening after watching The Devil Wears Prada (Meryll Streep = an acting deity), I felt the urge to research the music that fashion designers crave more than a tent at Bryant Park. Music and fashion are the perfect couple - the chic and melodic Bonnie and Clyde. Among the technotronic Shiny Toy Guns and the advant garde alternative, there lies the simplistic and romantic "Think I'm in Love" by Beck.

While its tentative instrumentals and softened vocals may seem unusual on the catwalk, the understated elegance of Beck's quiet symphony make it a staple for any designer's collection. Get "Think I'm in Love" from Beck's The Information.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Off to California


From controversial social propositions to rolling golden landscapes, California has a little bit of everything for those who want to experience the majestry (and oddities) that makes up the Golden State. For example, who knew that the state folk dance is square dancing? To honor this wonderfully diverse state, throw on your peasant skirt and swang your pardner to this Golden State mix.


The California One's

Ten Reasons to Love It


1. Jack's Mannequin - Miss California

---While it's not about the homophobic, platinum blonde bimbo that stumbled over questions in the Miss America pageant, Andrew McMahon's pledge to his golden girl is surrounded by beautifully soaring piano and sharp guitars.


2. Weezer - Beverly Hills

---Ah, yes - Beverly Hills. Weezer takes over the Playboy mansion in their music video to raise a toast to the fame, wealth, and status that comes with living in this exclusive L.A. playground. Sure, they may be "no-class-beat-down-fools," but who says fools can't strike gold?


3. Metro Station - California

---The Golden State is often seen as a romantic escape for the young and in love. Metro Station's techno-pop anthem embraces this truth, urging lovers to pack up and leave as soon as possible.


4. The Eagles - Hotel California

---A song about the tragic results when fame and wealth consume the greedy. This Eagle's hit is sononymous with Hollywood temptations, as well as a killer guitar solo to wrap up this Western poem.


5. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication

---Following an alternative formula to the woes of the Eagle's earlier hit, "Californication" is Anthony Keidis' depiction of the best and worst part of the fantasy land where he grew up too fast.


6. Led Zeppelin - Going to California

---Laden with beautiful western mandolins and classical guitars, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant dreamily fly through new tomorrows and reaching the end of the earth.


7. Eddie Vedder - Toulumne

---While this song is only a minute long, Vedder's exploration of strictly instrumentals mimic the silent wonder of nature. Written specifically for the motion picture Into the Wild, A young Chris McCandless wanders among the lush forests of Toulumne with this song playing in the movie background.


8. The Decemberists - California One Youth and Beauty Brigade

---Who's up for a long drive to look at some of the most picturesque scenery in the world? From Big Sur to Baja, the historic Highway One stretches the coast for miles and miles of endless ocean and staggering cliffs. The Decemberists' meandering ode to the road is perfect for the drive down.


9. Brandston - Earthquakes and Sharks

---Sure it's pretty, but California is a bitch when it comes to relentless heat, pollution, and of course traffic jams on the 405. Brandston covers it all in this clever lugy hocked on the seemily perfect face of Mexico and California.


10. Phantom Planet - California

---Phantom Planet's O.C. anthem is the reason most of my generation became obsessed with the state in the first place. Everyone with hearing abilities can recognize the piano intro, and it's the type of song that instills a need for adventure, or at least a change of pace.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Song of the Day


**6/11/09

Toad the Wet Sprocket - Fall Down

----------------Throughout the years, bands have been working to make a name for themselves by...well, making a name for themselves. Among such eclectic nom de plumes (Hoobastank, anyone?) is Toad the Wet Sprocket, an alt-rock american band formed in the mid eighties. "Fall Down" cruises like a Camero with Blue Oyster Cult guitar riffs and ooh aahh backup vocals. Frontman Glen Phillips skeptically sings of an unknown fate, not looking to fix it, but only asking when will it all come apart. Get "Fall Down" from Toad the Wet Sprocket's 1994 album, Dulcinea.


Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Song of the Day


**6/9/09

Matt Duke - Sex and Reruns

---------------Sometimes life can pee in your Cheerios, like a flat tire, a thunderstorm during a picnic, and then of course, heartbreak. Matt Duke knows a thing or two about such wreckage, and his bandaid comes in the form of simple keyboards and simple vocals. Rather than encouraging you to let it all go, Matt Duke prefers to block it all out, drowning sorrows in everything from white noise to Jesus. Get it from Matt Duke's album, Kingdom Underground.


Class of 2009 Graduation Mix


For everyone who's donning a cap and gown for their 2009 graduation from high school, college, or even the fifth grade, I threw together this celebratory compilation. You can blast it on your way to and from the ceremony or at your grad party (just make sure the grandparents don't have their hearing aids turned up too high).


Graduation Mix

No Hassles with the Tassles


1. Kanye West - Good Morning (Intro)


2. Jimmy Eat World - Futures


3. Motion City Soundtrack - Perfect Teeth


4. The Matches - Destination: Nowhere Near


5. Dashboard Confessional - Hands Down


6. The Starting Line - Best of Me


7. A Change of Pace - Weekend Warriors


8. The Academy Is... - His Girl Friday


9. New Found Glory - Don't You (Forget About Me)


10. All Time Low - Break Out! Break Out!


11. Hit the Lights - Winding Down


12. Third Eye Blind - Graduate


13. Green Day - Burnout


14. Less Than Jake - Plastic Cup Politics


15. Beastie Boys - Fight for Your Right


16. Something Corporate - If You C Jordan


17. Jimmy Eat World - Work


18. New Found Glory - Too Good to Be


19. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Emitremmus


20. Weezer - Island in the Sun


21. Gwen Stefani - Luxurious


22. The Ataris - Boys of Summer



Sunday, June 7, 2009

Song of the Day


**6/7/09

Paris Hilton - Nothing in This World

-------------Ok, ok I'll admit it - We all know that Paris Hilton isn't the next Britney Spears, but at least she's not the worst hot blonde wanna-be artist (*cough* Heidi Montag *cough*). So swallow your piece of pop bubble gum pride and take a bite into Paris' sooo hott "Nothing in This World." It's sweet with techno pop beats and a hot girl power chorus. Sorry guys, if this song doesn't necessarily tickle your sweet tooth, you can always mute the music video and check out Paris' I-Heart-Me music video on Youtube. If you are brave enough to hear "Nothing in This World," hear it on Paris Hilton's debut album, Paris.




Friday, June 5, 2009

Song of the Day


**6/5/09

Daniel Martin Moore - That'll Be the Plan

------------Among many oddly themed mixes, I have a rainy day compilation. Now I'm not talking about wimpy, drizzly, misty rain - more like soaked-to-the-socks-in-your-sneakers drenching. Within this mix I have Daniel Martin Moore's bright, warm ballad "That'll Be the Plan," founded on simple guitars reminiscent of soft laughter. It meanders like a parachute and fawns like palm trees. So even as you're peeling off sopping wet socks and jackets, hair dripping and nose blushing fuschia, "That'll Be the Plan" is the cozy towel that will warm you up. Get it from Moore's album, Stray Age.


Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Song of the Day


**6/2/09

Kasabian - Underdog

----------Heavily distorted guitars and technicolor percussion? Sounds like the soundtrack to an evening getting high while watching Planet Earth (which I have yet to do, but it's on my list). While Kasabian may not have had high def animals in mind while writing "Underdog," the Leicester band is currently touring the U.K. with their Verve-inspired music. Get "Underdog" from Kasabian's album West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum.