Friday music recommendation: Duet edition

Watching this week's episode of Glee, I was reminded yet again how much I adore male/female duets. Kristin Chenoweth and Matthew Morrison rocking out karaoke-style to Heart's "Alone" made me sit up straighter, open my eyes wider, and strain my ears to catch every note. Here it is below if you missed it (a better version can be found in the full episode, which you can watch on Hulu):



Embedded below are my very favorite male/female duets, in no particular order since I cherish each and every one of them:

Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, "It Ain't Me Babe" (actually, it's pretty much a three-way tie between this, "Jackson," and "If I Were A Carpenter")


Slow Club, "Christmas TV"


Gentle, folky, sweet, and charming. I must have listened to this song 30 or 40 times in the span of a week. It still hasn't gotten old.

The Postal Service, "Nothing Better"


Still makes me tear up, years after my first listen. The part that gets me is her "Just back away and let me go" followed by his "I can't, my darling, I love you so." God, this one is heartrending if you've been through a difficult breakup; it paints such a realistic picture of the dissolution of a relationship.

Rhett Miller and Rachael Yamagata, "Fireflies"


Another sweet, wistful tune about love lost. I've loved both of these artists so fiercely for so many years now, it's no wonder I'm crazy about this duet.

Stars, "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead"


When I first heard these lyrics, I was dumbstruck; I was finally healing from a major heartbreak, and the song described so perfectly how I felt at that moment in time: "You were what I wanted / I gave what I gave / I'm not sorry I met you / I'm not sorry it's over / I'm not sorry there's nothing to save." I still feel that way, and the song still speaks to me as strongly as it did the first time I heard it.

Chairlift, "Bruises"


Pamie first brought this song to my attention a few months ago, and it makes me smile. It's as simple as that. Just a fun, sweet, swoony song. :)

Rachael Yamagata also sings a duet with Ray LaMontagne on her latest album (the song is called "Duet," naturally) that's absolutely stunning, but the only videos out there feature Rachael solo. That's obviously not a bad thing, but to get the full effect, you really need to listen to the original version of the song on the album.

Any other male/female duets I should add to my list?

Catch-up...and a Monday music recommendation!

Hey, I have a blog! Whaddya know?

Sorry for the lapse in posting. I've been buried under a deluge of work, personal obligations, and, well, Twitter. (I have to blame Twitter here, just a little bit. It's the only way I can stay connected to the world these days.)

Since I last posted, I've traveled to Florida to surprise my friend Carley at her bridal shower (she's getting married this Saturday!), bought a new Nikon D60 and taken it out on a couple of test runs, and...completely and utterly failed to keep up with my fitness regimen. Damn. I knew that wouldn't last. BUT! I'm going to get back on track. See, there are these wooded hiking trails! And there's a bike to ride! And the dog needs walking! I need these exclamation points to get me motivated!

Outside of work and spending time with family, I've pretty much been confined to the computer screen (see?) and the TV (sad, I know). It's not all bad, though. Extensive couch time means I've been able to keep up with some of the best shows on TV right now (I'm looking at you, Breaking Bad and In Treatment... not to mention Lost. And the nonstop hilarity of How I Met Your Mother and new show Party Down). And I keep discovering new music, thanks to Twitter. Gotta love those Blip.fm recommendations!

Speaking of music, I finally caught up to the rest of the world and figured out that Amanda Fucking Palmer is a mad genius. I don't know what took me this long, but I'm now completely obsessed. Besotted, even. She's amazing - so creative and talented and fearless and strong and balls-out awesome. See for yourself:

"Leeds United"


"Oasis" (possibly the cheeriest song about date rape and abortion that you'll ever hear)


"Astronaut"


"What's the Use of Won'drin'?" (the video for this is so great)


Quick info on AFP: Amanda is one half of the piano-drums duo The Dresden Dolls (self-described as "punk cabaret;" she's the piano half). Ben Folds produced her solo album, Who Killed Amanda Palmer? (a riff on Twin Peaks's "Who Killed Laura Palmer?" tagline, dontcha know!), and Neil Gaiman is writing stories to accompany photos in her forthcoming book, also titled Who Killed Amanda Palmer? God...what can I say about this woman that hasn't already been said? I mean, she performed a cover of "Creep" in the back of a London taxicab (part of the utterly brilliant Black Cab Sessions) with a ukulele and a cast on her foot! Here are some great shots taken by Mind On Fire at the secret LA show she played recently for her Twitter fans.

Okay, last Amanda video, I promise! Here's her (brilliant) plea to be dropped from her record label, with whom she's famously clashed a few times:


Before I go, I have one last treat for you. Remember Snakes on a Plane? Well, here's the famous line...edited for TV. Oh, to be in the room when this line was conceived.


Seriously.

"I have had it with these monkey-fighting snakes on this Monday-to-Friday plane!"

Awesome.

Friday music recommendation #13

I love Twitter.

I admit, I was skeptical at first, but now I don't know what I'd do without it. It's how I get a lot of my news; it's how I keep up with some of my favorite actors and writers. It's where I find some of the best music, photos, videos, websites, recipes, and stories. And, of course, it's one of the many ways I can communicate with my wonderful, witty friends. All in 140 characters or less. Brevity is a beautiful thing.

I started out following only a few people, mostly people I know, but that number has climbed steadily; now I'm following nearly 90 people (...NINETY?!). I still don't quite know how that happened, and I spend far too much time reading everyone's posts (I still can't bring myself to call them 'tweets'), but this ever-evolving community of really cool people makes the time suck...kinda worth it. Really.

(This is supposed to be a music recommendation post, right? Right. On with the music!)

A couple weeks ago, actor John Cabrera posted a link to a song on Twitter, describing it as "Bowie-big." That piqued my curiosity, and, one listen later, led me to an instant obsession with a young Norwegian singer-songwriter named Sondre Lerche (such a lovely, lyrical name, don't you think?). Only 19 when his first album was released in 2002, he's since released four more, including a jazz album and a film soundtrack (for Dan in Real Life).

Overall, his sound tends toward the kind of sunny, dreamy, fun, and complex pop that I adore. I hear Beck, the Beatles, the Fratellis, and Elvis Costello in his voice and his song arrangements. I also hear jazz, swing, rock, bossa nova, '60s pop... just really interesting, varied, sophisticated, thoughtful songcraft that moves easily and assuredly from soft, sweet, melodic ballads to upbeat, rock-tinged pop. I love the music, but I'm also impressed by it. And did I mention that I love his voice? And his lovely falsetto?

Sigh. I think I'm in love.

What do you think?

"Two Way Monologue"


"On the Tower"


"My Hands Are Shaking"


"The Tape"


"Sleep on Needles"


"Phantom Punch"

Friday music recommendation #12

I can't believe I haven't recommended this band before, but I checked, and nope -- no How I Became the Bomb anywhere in my archives. How can that be?

See, my dear friend Adam is in this band. And he's delightful. Delightful and very, very talented. The fact that he's combined forces with four other delightful, talented guys to create fun, eccentric, witty music just makes the world a better place, I think. They have quite the following in Nashville (their first EP, Let's Go!, did really well at the independent record stores there), and from what I understand, they put on a hell of a live show (sometimes with costumes! Sadly, I have yet to experience them live. Damn geography). I fully expect to see them headlining a major music festival some day. They're pretty awesome.

Enough preamble -- on with the music! Here are a few selections.

My current favorite: "Tomorrow's Date"

"Secret Identity"


"Bar Song"


"Salvage Mission"


"Mothership"

Happy distractions

Things making me happy this week, in no particular order:

This picture:

I accidentally captured this doofy expression one afternoon last week, and I still can't look at it without cracking up.

This song:


And this song:


Central Market's spinach & feta chicken sausage. Yum.

My new peacock earrings:


This book:


Christian Bale losing his shit on the set of Terminator: Salvation. Now imagine him delivering that verbal beatdown in his ridiculous, raspy Batman voice. Gold!

The fact that I haven't wanted to quit my exercise/healthier eating plan yet. I'm feeling optimistic, even if the actual physical exertion part sucks mightily. (It still does, if you were wondering.)

(Yes, I know it's only Tuesday, but I have to divert myself with such pleasant thoughts if I have any hope of making it to Friday unscathed.)

Friday music recommendation #11

It's been a while since I've posted one of these! I guess I got a little bogged down in more serious posting, but I'm ready to start the music series up again. I've been listening to a ton of new music in the last couple of months, so I have a lot to recommend. Let's start with Santogold.

Anyone who knows my taste in music might be a little surprised that I like an artist with such pronounced '80s/new wave and dance/electronica influences, but there's something entirely infectious about Santogold's music. It's kind of punk, kind of pop, kind of funk, and I can't seem to stop listening to it. Sometimes, her voice reminds me of Gwen Stefani's; other times, she sounds a little like Debbie Harry. But you really can't pigeonhole her -- she's a unique voice right now. Her first album just came out last year, so I'm looking forward to what should be an interesting career.

"Lights Out"


"L.E.S. Artistes"


"You'll Find a Way"

The definitive "Why Portland Is awesome" post

Yes, I've already listed a bunch of reasons why I love Portland. I've posted pictures, related anecdotes, and generally rhapsodized about the place. Maybe I was exaggerating a bit -- after all, Portland is not perfect, and it has its drawbacks just like any place. But the way I felt there was no exaggeration. I felt home. The city is tailor-made for me. And ever since I've been back, I've felt a little homesick. So in the spirit of the holiday season, I feel compelled to post an exhaustive Compendium of Awesome, starring the fine city of Portland, Oregon.

Warning: reading this post may cause a sudden, burning desire to pack up and move to Portland immediately.

For the word nerd
For the foodie
For the music lover
For the nature enthusiast
For the film & TV buff
For the eco-conscious
For the artist
For the daytripper
For the conscious consumer

For the word nerd:
--Portland holds an annual literary festival called Wordstock. The book fair hosts readings, signings, and panels, and other events include a poetry slam competition, a live radio variety program, and an evening event called the Text Ball (with prizes for the most grammatically correct costume!).
--Powell's City of Books is the largest independent bookstore in the U.S. and covers an entire city block. It's open 365 days a year and holds over four million new, used, rare, and out of print books. You could spend a week in there and still find stuff to do.
--Beloved children's lit author Beverly Cleary is from Portland, and there's a Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden in the city where children can play. On the opposite end of the literary spectrum, author Chuck Palahniuk is also from Portland.
--Dark Horse Comics, the largest independent comics producer in this country, is housed in Portland and has an amazing library of titles, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Star Wars, Sin City, Hellboy, Aliens, and Predator.
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For the foodie:
--As I've mentioned before, James Beard, father of American gastronomy and author of 20 books, grew up in Portland. The prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards, held every May, honor the best chefs, restaurants, cookbook authors, and journalists (among others) in the country.
--Tillamook cheese probably wouldn't be around today without cows and equipment from Portland. The town of Tillamook is about an hour and a half away from Portland (one of many potential day trips from the city).
--Stumptown Coffee is an amazing independent coffee chain in Portland that buys and roasts its own coffee. The owner travels all over the world and forms relationships with coffee producers; he's even formed a non-profit that supports Rwandan coffee cooperatives. Stumptown offers Fair Trade Certified and organic coffees and takes pride in its sustainable business practices, both at home and abroad. I've ordered Stumptown coffee from their website, and it was freshly roasted and delicious.
--Portland boasts some of the best farm to table restaurants in the country. One example is The Farm Cafe, which uses locally grown produce and locally produced wines and spirits to create its constantly changing menu. The upside? Your food is fresher and more tasty, and you don't have to feel guilty about supporting evil corporate agribusiness.
--The abundance of wineries, breweries, brewpubs, and microdistilleries. There are even "brew and view" movie theaters that serve local microbrews and food that you can enjoy during the show. Oh, and Oregon Wine Country is about 25 miles from Portland. And there are at least 5 major beer festivals every year. There are more breweries in Portland (around 30) than in any other city in the country.
--Portland Farmers Markets are open April through December and provide a direct link between farmers and consumers. Portland (well, the entire Pacific Northwest) grows the most beautiful, fresh produce year-round, including some of the best berries in the world. Walking around Portland, you can find tons of wild blackberries that are safe to eat. We even found the most amazing apples growing wild on a tree in a residential neighborhood, free for the taking.
--Voodoo Doughnut and Wedding Chapel. The freshest, weirdest doughnuts you'll ever eat. Try a Maple Bacon Bar for starters and then check out their vegan selection to feel a bit more virtuous.
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For the music lover:
--Bands and musicians from Portland include The Decemberists, The Shins, Modest Mouse, The Dandy Warhols, Sleater-Kinney, Elliott Smith, Stephen Malkmus (of Pavement fame), M. Ward, The Kingsmen ("Louie, Louie"), Everclear (Art Alexakis), Spoon (Britt Daniel), Courtney Love, and Death Cab for Cutie (Chris Walla).
--Local music venue The Doug Fir Lounge is comfortable and stylish and has an attached restaurant and bar. We saw 3 bands for $5 there on our first night in Portland. They had free drinking water at the bar! And it was non-smoking, so you could actually breathe in there.
--The Oregon Symphony hosts outdoor concerts on the waterfront; the Oregon Zoo hosts a summer concert series.
--There's an annual Portland Jazz Festival.
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For the nature enthusiast:
--What isn't there for the nature enthusiast? You have mountains, old-growth forests, rivers, gorges... Portland even lies on top of an extinct lava field (the Boring Lava Field, which makes me laugh). There are great trails and hikes, and even in the middle of the city, you can find gorgeous wooded parks.
--Portland is known as the City of Roses; there are rose festivals a couple times a year and a huge test garden that holds over 550 varieties of roses. It's been in continuous operation since 1917.
--Portland boasts the most authentic Japanese garden in North America and the largest classical Chinese garden in the country.
--You can take an ecotour from Portland to the coast, stopping at scenic spots along the way, to go whale watching. A full-day whale watching trip won't even set you back a hundred bucks. Portland is also home to bald eagles and peregrine falcons; sightings of both are common.
--The Columbia River Scenic Highway takes you past magnificent landmarks like Multnomah Falls (look at it frozen!) and the Columbia River Gorge, not to mention stunning scenic overlooks and lush forests. It also features the greatest rest stop ever, Vista House, which is only 15 miles east of Portland.
--Even though it rains half the time, Portland has one of the most temperate climates in the United States. It has a narrow range of temperatures year-round, which means that summers aren't too hot and winters aren't too cold. When it does rain, it's not always the dreary, heavy rain that we experience in Dallas; it's often light, misty rain, and it comes and goes throughout the day. Plus, without all the rain, it wouldn't be so green!
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For the film & TV buff:
--Matt Groening (The Simpsons, Futurama) is from Portland.
--Directors Gus Van Sant (Milk, Good Will Hunting), Todd Haynes (I'm Not There, Far From Heaven), and Todd Field (Little Children, In the Bedroom) are also from Portland. So are actors Clark Gable, William Hurt, Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica), and Lindsay Wagner (Bionic Woman).
--Mel Blanc (Bugs Bunny!) is from Portland.
--The movie Into the Wild was filmed in Portland.
--The city holds numerous film festivals every year and has a renowned film school.
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For the eco-conscious:
--Portland is often called the greenest city in the United States. City planners have been thinking green for over three decades and have established strict land-use policies and urban growth boundaries. There are hundreds of protected natural areas around the city and tough anti-sprawl ordinances. Sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it's actively practiced. Renewable energy, green buildings, effective mass transit...these all make Portland one of the most ecologically friendly cities in the world.
--Bicycling is not only safe in suburbia; urban cycling is typical, thanks to Portland's bike-friendly accommodations. It's often rated one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, with over 260 miles of bike lanes and paths.
--Portland was the first city in the U.S. to make and enact a formal plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
--Freecycling thrives in Portland; it's a nonprofit movement that allows people to give away their unwanted items instead of throwing them away. It's completely free and legal, can save you money and time, and best of all, it keeps unnecessary waste out of landfills.
--Portland has 92,000 acres of green space, including the country's largest wooded city park (Forest Park, with over 70 miles of trails) and the world's smallest city park (Mill Ends Park, which is two feet across and was originally supposed to house a utility pole).
--Zipcar is available in Portland; the service allows you to reserve a car (including ZAP electric cars) by the hour or the day. Cars are parked all around the city; once you reserve one by phone or online, you just walk up to it, hold your ZipCard up to the windshield to unlock the doors, and drive away! They're located in 13 cities, from San Francisco to Boston to New York to Vancouver, and you can use your card in any of those cities if you're a member. ZipCar pays for gas and insurance, too.
--In addition to bicycling and public transit accommodations, the city is very pedestrian friendly, with compact square blocks and an easy to navigate grid that relies on natural boundaries to divide the city in a logical way. It's so easy to get around there; after a few days, I felt like a native.
--Benson Bubblers, the water fountains dotting the city landscape, reduce reliance on bottled water for many urban dwellers. There are 52 total fountains throughout the city.
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For the artist:
--In addition to a number of art museums, Portland boasts two monthly art walks: First Thursdays in the Pearl District, and Last Thursdays in the Alberta neighborhood. Galleries and shops keep their doors open late and serve appetizers and wine.
--For homemade, hand-crafted gifts, there's no greater place in Portland than the Saturday market (which is actually open on Sundays, too). Artisans and international food vendors descend on downtown every weekend from March to December to sell their wares, which include fine art, photography, candles, clothing, home accessories, woodwork and metalwork, pottery, ceramics, and even pet products.
--Parks, squares, and fountains around the city are enhanced by public works of art, including sculptures and murals. The bronze sculpture Portlandia is one of the city's most famous.
--Portland is a photographer's dream, mixing natural beauty with eclectic city landscapes at almost every turn.
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For the daytripper:
--Portland is 70 miles from the Pacific Ocean and about an hour from Mt. Hood. Cannon Beach is an hour and a half drive from the city. So is Tillamook (mmm, cheese).
--Timberline Lodge, where The Shining was filmed, is about an hour and a half from Portland.
--The desert of Warm Springs is a two-hour drive; so is the city of Eugene.
--Mount Saint Helens is just under two hours from Portland.
--Seattle is just over three hours away; Vancouver about five.
--The Amtrak Cultural Cascades route connects Eugene, Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Vancouver.
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For the conscious consumer:
--Portland does have a 9% income tax, but that's offset by its lack of a sales tax. Plus, it's deductible on your federal tax return. Car registration fees are much lower than they are here in Texas, and you only pay them once every two years.
--Cost of living is slightly higher than it is in Dallas (about 5-7% higher), but it's still one of the most affordable cities on the west coast.
--Public transit is free downtown (it's called Fareless Square). That includes buses, streetcars, and light rail. The light rail system extends all the way out to the airport; the fare from the airport to the heart of downtown is only $2.30.
--You can see second-run movies at the "brew and view" movie theaters for $3.
--Most places have free wifi.
--The outdoor summer symphony events are free.
--Some breweries, like Widmer, offer free tours of their facilities.
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I wasn't kidding when I said exhaustive! I'm very passionate on the subject, as you can see. :) Also, I like having all these lists on one page so I can visit it when Dallas is pissing me off. Like today, with the inexplicable return to 75-degree temperatures in the middle of December.

Viva Portland!

An abiding love

Last night, I attended a high school orchestra concert at my alma mater to watch my little brother play the cello. The school has a top-notch music education program, and in the past decade has won best in state honors 5 times. When I was a junior, our orchestra was the first to bring home that particular prize. So it was with both pride and nostalgia that I watched, rapt, as my old conductor directed this particular group of musicians. They're a phenomenal bunch, but the standout was definitely one Danny Hahm, All-State cellist and superstar, who performed "Kol Andrei" with such expressiveness and pure, raw talent that tears sprang into my eyes, unexpectedly. Watch out for that kid -- he's going to be a star. Here's a sampling of that piece of gorgeous, gorgeous music:


"Kol Nidrei" by Max Bruch


The whole experience left me, as always, with a feeling of longing and regret. I rarely pick up my viola anymore, and I haven't played in an ensemble for almost five years. That's such a shame. It's not that I was ever particularly talented, but I love playing music. I do, I love it. I love the warm, rich, resonant sounds of the cellos and violas, the delicate and more strident tones of the violins, and the heavy, profound vibrations of the string bass. I love symphonies and string quartets, concertos and cadenzas, elegies and etudes. I love it all. I miss the feelings that musical performance can evoke in me. Watching that group perform last night made me ache in more ways than I could possibly describe.

All hope is not lost, though. I still own the most gorgeous instrument, one I can pick up at any time. I can always join another ensemble (with enough practice, of course!). So I haven't given up that dream, not yet. It just might take me a while to get there again. And I'm okay with that.

Entertainment overdose

Argh, I wish I could shake this constant fatigue! It seems I'm only capable of lying around watching movies or reading when I'm not at work. That Netflix instant viewing option is dangerous, I tell you. Since Friday, I've watched Bull Durham (which is still funny and charming 20 years after it was made), Becoming Jane (historical inaccuracy be damned, I found myself totally engrossed by the love story), and sex, lies, and videotape (I swear, I never found James Spader sexy before Secretary, but now? Oh my god. It's that cold, impassive, vaguely reptilian face of his). I also watched Kung Fu Panda and True Romance yesterday, both of which I absolutely loved.

Yeah, it's been a lazy few weeks.

I started reading The Age of Innocence a few days ago -- its brilliance stands in stark contrast to the majority of so-called "literature" written today. I'm taking it slow, trying to savor the language and absorb the sharp social critique and stinging wit, and so far, it's been an absolute joy. I'd only read Wharton's The House of Mirth before, so this is a treat. Surprisingly relevant to modern society, too.

Speaking of brilliant works of fiction: ABC, how could you give up on a show as joyful, colorful, and witty as Pushing Daisies? It's a beautiful, romantic, clever, silly, magical, whimsical love letter to language, and it makes me smile until my face hurts every single week. And after January (barring a miracle), I won't get to bask in it anymore. Yet Private Practice lives on to bore and annoy? There is no justice.

Ok, I've prattled on long enough. I'll leave you with some songs I'm digging right now:

"Time to Pretend" (MGMT)

"Sex on Fire" (Kings of Leon)

"You Are the Best Thing" (Ray LaMontagne)


"The Chain" (Ingrid Michaelson)


"So They Say" (from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog)

What is and what should never be

Led Zeppelin may tour without Robert Plant

Noooo! Robert Plant, what's your deal? Can't hack it vocally anymore? Physically? Do you hate your legion of fans? Have you turned your back on Led Zeppelin to focus on your folk thing with Alison Kraus? As O2 proved, you still have the chops, though obviously slightly diminished by age. So what IS IT?

If this turns into Led Zeppelin + [insert name here], I'll never forgive you.

I'm going to go throw a tantrum somewhere. I was so born in the wrong era. Not fair!

Friday music recommendation #10

I didn't seek out much new music when I was younger. I pretty much absorbed other people's musical taste -- my dad's classic rock, my mom's alternative acts, and my college boyfriend's indie and alt country favorites. It wasn't until 2004 that I started actively seeking new music that I liked. It was a tough year from me -- a turning point for me in a lot of ways -- and I came out on the other side stronger, more sure of myself, unafraid to have my own opinions and tastes. Sounds kind of hokey, I know, but it was huge for me. I felt like my own person for the first time.

It was in the fall of 2004 that I discovered an artist that no one I knew had ever heard of: Rachael Yamagata. I heard one of her songs on a TV show, tracked down the album (Happenstance), and fell immediately in love with it. I felt so connected to that album. It became my personal soundtrack for the next 6 months, and I couldn't wait to see what she would do next. I was ecstatic when I found out that she collaborated with Rhett Miller (of Old 97's fame) on a couple of his solo songs. "Fireflies" is now one of my all-time favorite songs. But it wasn't until this year -- 4 years after she released her first album -- that she came out with a new project. Her new album, called Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart, is totally worth the wait.

So why am I in love with Rachael? First, it's her voice. Husky, haunting, and rough around the edges. She imbues every song, whether upbeat or subdued, with a sultry, bluesy quality that I love. Second? Orchestration. Rachael herself plays the guitar and piano, and in addition to her quiet, contemplative ballads, she has these sweeping, epic, lushly arranged songs that employ entire string sections without sounding maudlin or overdone. She has such passion in her voice and her songwriting. Third? She just seems like a cool person. Her dad is a third-generation Japanese-American attorney, and her mom is a painter. She's fronted a funk band; she's collaborated with some of my favorite artists (including Bright Eyes). And once, after a sold-out gig in LA, she played in the alley behind the venue for the fans that couldn't get into the show. Check that out:

Rachael singing/playing "Sunday Afternoon" (acoustic guitar & cello):


"Sidedish Friend"


"Worn Me Down"


"1963"


"Elephants"


...and the song that started it all, "Be Be Your Love"

Not as easy as it seems

If you had to pick 10 bands that would explain your taste in music to a perfect stranger, what would they be?

Here are mine:

1) Led Zeppelin
2) Old 97's
3) Red Hot Chili Peppers
4) Death Cab for Cutie
5) Wilco
6) Queen
7) Radiohead
8) Boston
9) Fiona Apple
10) Fountains of Wayne

Currently enjoying: Derby, Posters Fade and This is the New You.

Friday music recommendation: '90s nostalgia edition, Pt. 1

Almost everyone listening to the radio around 1996 heard the song "Novocaine for the Soul" by the Eels. It was pretty ubiquitous, if I remember correctly, and I remember liking it. Not enough to buy their CD (I was but a poor 14-year-old back then), but well enough to listen to it any time it came on the radio. Now, 12 years later, having downloaded their greatest hits (Meet the Eels: Essential Eels, Vol. 1 (1996-2006)) in a fit of nostalgia, I realize just what I've been missing all these years. The Eels are awesome, and I can't believe it took me this long to realize that. Now I'm listening to them all the time. They're funny, inventive, and irreverent, and I love every weird second of it. This is essential listening, people! Hop on the nostalgia train!

"Novocaine for the Soul"


"Mr. E's Beautiful Blues"

"Love of the Loveless"


"Your Lucky Day in Hell"


"Last Stop: This Town"


"Souljacker Part 1"


"Trouble With Dreams"

Friday music recommendation: Portland edition

The first night I was in Portland, I got to see three local bands at a cool venue called the Doug Fir Lounge. To my surprise, I liked all three acts.

First up was Charmparticles (Myspace). They were very mellow, with pretty, dreamy songs that showcase lead singer Pamela Rooney's gorgeous voice. Beautiful stuff, the kind that makes you want to lie back and let the music wash over you while you daydream. They're available on Amazon - not sure about iTunes.

"Gold Plated Shot"


"Kohii"


Next up was Derby (Myspace), my favorite that night. Y'all know how much I love upbeat, poppy, fun music, and Derby perfectly fits that bill. Plus, the lead singer was really cute. Their sound is very Britpop, catchy and completely infectious. Again, their music is available on Amazon.

"This Conversation"


"If Ever There's a Reason"


The third band, Climber (Myspace), was the weirdest of the trio (in a good way, of course). With more electronic elements and some cool, unusual musical choices, they were reminiscent of Radiohead at times, The Polyphonic Spree at others. At the end of their set, they covered "Burning Down the House" and "Psycho Killer," which made the crowd go crazy. They have 3 albums available on Amazon. I could see this music becoming a favorite, though I gotta check out more.

"I Don't Exist"

Friday music recommendation: Rock Band edition

Jay and I have been playing a lot more Rock Band lately. I'm getting pretty good at guitar, and Jay's kicking ass at drums (moving from Medium to Hard in a day!). We can't seem to stop downloading songs -- I think we're up to 95 or so total songs on the game (meaning we've downloaded 35-40...wow). Here are my favorites:

"My Iron Lung" (Radiohead) - strangely enough, this song played during a scene in the movie Clueless. It's beautiful and hypnotic (and really fun to play, too).


"Gimme Three Steps" (Lynyrd Skynyrd) - because I have such vivid memories of singing this with my dad growing up, learning all the words so I could join in.


"Still Alive" (GLaDOS) - "Anyway, this cake is great / It's so delicious and moist." Kills me every time. I didn't like this song until Jay gave me the backstory - the song runs during the end credits of a videogame called Portal, and it's the computer singing. Just watch the video below and read the lyrics. And laugh.


All the Boston songs (duh. I'm predictable.)

"The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" (Weezer) - I'm so obsessed with this song right now. It's freaking hilarious and SO fun to sing.


"Electric Version" (The New Pornographers) - I still don't understand half of their lyrics, but the songs are fabulous and so infectious.


"Snow ((Hey Oh))" (Red Hot Chili Peppers) - probably my favorite song from Stadium Arcadium.

"Reptilia" (The Strokes) - one I didn't know before we got the game, but it's grown on me in a major way. I love playing guitar on this one.

'90s songs on Rock Band that I have big nostalgic love for: "Black Hole Sun" (Soundgarden), "Say It Ain't So" (Weezer), "Interstate Love Song" (Stone Temple Pilots), "In Bloom" (Nirvana), "Vasoline" (Stone Temple Pilots)

Songs I can sing on Expert and get 100%: "Wave of Mutilation" (The Pixies), "More Than a Feeling" (Boston), "Dani California" (Red Hot Chili Peppers), "Snow ((Hey Oh))" (Red Hot Chili Peppers), "Maps" (Yeah Yeah Yeahs). I'm *thisclose* to getting 100% on "Say It Ain't So," "Interstate Love Song," "Sex Type Thing," and a couple others. I'm a perfectionist, so I'm obsessed with getting as many 100%s as possible. It's a sickness.

Friday music recommendation #9

I grew up listening to classic rock. Both my parents are music fanatics who were lucky enough to grow up during the '60s and '70s, the golden age of rock music, and the bands they listened to -- bands like Zeppelin, Cream, the Allman Brothers, The Who, Pink Floyd -- are bands I listen to, and love, today. So imagine my excitement when my brother introduced me to a band that sounds exactly like the best bands of the '70s. And then imagine my glee when I discovered that Robert Plant is a fan of this band (other fans? ZZ Top, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, and Metallica).

Enough preamble: if you aren't listening to The Black Keys already, now's your chance. I swear, this music is straight out of 1975, and I mean that in the best possible way. How two dudes from Akron, Ohio can channel such an authentic blues-rock sound three decades later is a happy mystery. Magic Potion and Thickfreakness are my favorites of their five studio albums so far, but I have a lot of listening ahead of me before I name a definitive favorite. Oh man, and you can tell they would put on such a kick-ass live show; I can't wait to see them in September.

Ok, I'm gushing here, but I am so smitten with this music. Check it out:

"Just Got to Be"


"Your Touch"


(Here's the same song, this time performed at the hands-down best record store in Nashville, Grimey's.)

"Stack Shot Billy"


"Strange Times"


"Set You Free"

20 albums I would own on vinyl if I had a record player

1-9. Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin (1969), Led Zeppelin II (1969), Led Zeppelin III (1970), Led Zeppelin IV (1971), Houses of the Holy (1973), Physical Graffiti (1975), Presence (1976), In Through the Out Door (1979), Coda (1982)
10. Boston, Boston (1976)
11. The Beatles, With the Beatles (1963)
12. Ralph Vaughan Williams, Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis (any recording, really)
13. Sir Edward Elgar, Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85 (1965 Jacqueline du Pré recording with the London Symphony)
14. Jimi Hendrix Experience, Are You Experienced (1967)
15. Johnny Cash, At Folsom Prison (1968)
16. Leonard Cohen, I'm Your Man (1988)
17. Nirvana, Nevermind (1991 - LP version only released in 1996 in a limited run)
18. Queen, Greatest Hits (1981 UK edition)
19. Simon & Garfunkel, Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970)
20. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Requiem Mass in D Minor (again, any recording would do)

Friday music recommendation #8

Ahh, The Fratellis. I remember when I first heard "Flathead" and "Henrietta" and got that warm, happy, giddy feeling of hearing good, infectious music for the first time and knowing somehow that you're going to be listening to it for a long time to come. These guys make great, frenetic, fun songs that make you want to dance even though you really don't like to dance, and they're Scottish to boot. Gotta love an accent. Plus all the clapping and the "la la"s and "ahh"s make me grin so hard my face hurts.

They've only been performing since 2005, so they're a fairly new band, and they're really only well known in the UK, which is a bummer. Their song "Flathead" was in iPod ads for a while last year, but it failed to ignite their popularity here. For shame, America! Embrace the Fratelli magic! It'll make you feel good, I promise! Behold:

"Flathead"


"Henrietta"


"Creepin' Up the Backstairs"


"Cuntry Boys & City Girls" (yes, that's how they spell it)


"Ole Black 'n' Blue Eyes" (how cute is this video?!)


Also check out "For the Girl." And "Cigarello." And, hell, all of it. They're fun.

Friday music recommendation #7

Today's band -- Georgie James -- has only released one album, but you should definitely give it a listen. That album, Places, ended up being one of my very favorite albums of last year. I first heard their song "Cake Parade" on my friend Lauren's Myspace page and was instantly smitten; it's such a lovely, quietly devastating song. I don't normally post full song lyrics, but these get me every single time:

"The sun is up, looks like a perfect day
to put our soldiers on a cake parade
We can line them up and march them down the hall
where they can play at guns and we don't have to look at all

Another sailor sleeping well today,
another mother misses her lonely son's birthday
His bed is empty, not sure where he'd gone
with his All Stars and Nirvana t-shirt on

And if we try to raise their memory,
you know it makes no difference
They'll send our boys for boot camp fun
and teach them to be men

[CHORUS]
If the sun could shine on us always,
we'd go blind,
but for all the rain in sight
you know i wouldn't mind

The sun is gone, looks like a perfect day
to put our soldiers in an early grave
We can line them up and lay them on the lawn
with all their Purple Hearts and badges of courage on

And if we try to raise their memory,
you know it's only second best
to all the boys who never will,
who never will be men

[CHORUS]

If the sun could shine on us always,
we'd be fine,
and just to see him one more time,
you know i wouldn't mind

We'll send you hands of shining stars
so you can fill your pretty globe
and navigate the seashell graves
and safely
find your way home"

The rest of the songs on Places are pretty and poppy, the kind of music you listen to when you're in need of a pick-me-up. It's music to bop your head to, music that feels like all the best parts of spring and summer. You'll find great harmonies, upbeat tempos, and catchy melodies here -- nothing dark or depressing, I promise.

"Need Your Needs"

"Long Week"

"Look Me Up"

"Places"

You should also check out "More Lights" on their Myspace page -- it's another great song that I can't seem to find in full on YouTube.

Friday music recommendation #6

This Friday: The Decemberists. A friend put one of their songs, "The Engine Driver," on a mix CD for me ages ago, and despite really liking it, I didn't check out any of their other music for over a year. Shame on me! I finally bought The Crane Wife last year and love it, but I still haven't downloaded any of their other 3 albums. Shame on me again!

The Decemberists' music has a narrative quality - they like to tell stories, often weird ones, often using words that'll make you reach for your dictionary. They're multi-instrumentalists, too, so you'll find accordion, string bass, organ, piano, and melodica in addition to guitar, bass guitar, and drums. I don't really know how to describe their sound, so I think you should just listen for yourselves:

"When the War Came"

"The Perfect Crime #2"


"The Engine Driver"


"The Crane Wife 3"