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New Dido Song: "Don't Believe in Love"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:29:58 -0700

A little while ago we got a taste of Dido's upcoming album, Safe Trip Home, when she was streaming a track off it, "Look No Further." I liked that one well enough, but I'm really digging this new tune, "Don't Believe in Love." There's something sultrier, almost jazzier than what you'd expect, though Dido's light, breathy voice is still at the heart of it all. It's actually a pretty cool combo: some low bass guitar, a great drumbeat and Dido's soft, sweet vocals.

You may have noticed this song in the episode of 90210 titled "The Bubble." Safe Trip Home hits shelves Nov. 18. To check out "Don't Believe in Love" and tell me what you think,

Song of the Day: Andrew Bird, "Oh No"

BuzzSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:31:14 -0700

Way back in April we got a taste of "Oh No," one of the tracks that will be included on Andrew Bird's next album, Noble Beast, from a video of Bird playing the song live. Now that it's all produced and polished, I'm love-love-loving it. It is signature Andrew Bird — whistling, strings, dark lyrics accompanying a buoyant tune — but this one's got a fun little drumbeat and hand claps and I think some tambourine. It cheered up my Monday afternoon big time, so to see if it'll do the same for you

Who's Playing in That iPod Ad? The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

BuzzSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:30:14 -0700

First of all, I love the name of this band. Woo-hoo, galaxy tour! Their song, "Around the Bend," is basically what you would listen to if you were, say, an asteroid rocketing around the galaxy. So I'm not surprised Apple is using it for the new iPod Touch commercial. The ad shows the fun of playing games on this iPod, and this fun, high-adrenaline song only adds to the "wheee!" factor.

If you've never heard of this band before, that's probably the point since Apple enjoys yanking little bands out of obscurity and plopping them into their ads. The Asteroids Galaxy Tour is made up of two people from Copenhagen, Lars Iversen and Mette Lindberg, who have been together less than a year but are steadily building a fan base here in the States.

I really like this song and the others I've heard from them (you can take a listen at their MySpace page here). Their full-length debut album won't be out until early 2009, so in the meantime, check out this song in its entirety and tell me what you think. To listen,

Song of the Day: The Decemberists, "Valerie Plame"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:30:39 -0700

Yay! New Decemberists stuff! And it's so fun! I know — lots of exclaiming here. I just can't get enough of this song, "Valerie Plame," because it makes me giggle a bit. According to a press release, the song is sung from "the point-of-view of one of Plame's inside contacts upon discovering her true identity, the song is an amorous tribute to the onetime CIA operative." "Valerie Plame" is a part of the band's upcoming series of singles titled Always the Bridesmaid. The first volume of the series is due out on Oct. 14, and the Decemberists are scheduled to play "Valerie Plame" on Conan O'Brien the night before the election, Nov. 3.

Political context aside, "Valerie Plame" is a bouncy song with horns and some banjo and a sing-along at the end. It reminds me vaguely of the circus at times. I love this band's flair for the dramatic. To take a listen,

Song of the Day: "Let It Rock" by Kevin Rudolf and Lil Wayne

BuzzSugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:30:37 -0700

I try to keep an eye on the iTunes store top songs list and I've noticed that a duet by Kevin Rudolf and Lil Wayne called "Let it Rock" has been hovering around the top 12. For those of you who aren't familiar, Rudolf is a producer/guitar player-turned-singer (for this single) who's credited on an array of pop songs, like Nelly Furtado's "Say It Right."

"Let It Rock" is super catchy and (almost) makes me feel like I should go for a run. It's exactly the kind of song that could have been the "can't get it out of my head" song of Summer 2008. I can also totally envision a Gossip Girl episode ending to this tune, with Blair leaving a club in slow-motion to the lyrics "Well, you'll get what's yours/ I got mine."

Rudolf's first full-length album, In the City, will hit stores Nov. 25. To listen for yourself,

Song of the Day: Who's Singing That iPod Nano Commercial?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 05:30:57 -0700

If you haven't seen the commercial for the new iPod Nano yet, you probably will soon (and probably over and over again, at that). And you might find yourself wondering, like I always seem to do these days with Apple ads, "Wow, who is singing that cute and catchy song?" Once upon a time, the Nano made Feist a star, and it feels like just yesterday I was downloading Yael Naim after seeing the MacBook Air ads airing between my favorite shows.

So who's the lucky band who will soon be getting lots of attention? Why, it's the Brooklyn-based trio Chairlift, whose song "Bruises" is upbeat and bubbly in the avant-pop tradition and overflows with adorable lyrics ("I tried to do headstands for you" — or is it "I tried to do handstands for you"? Either way, cute!). The song is on Chairlift's 2008 debut album, Does You Inspire You, and the trio will be opening for Yeasayer soon (see dates here).

You can listen to the full version of the song here and check out a live performance of the same tune if you

Song of the Day: Jenny Lewis, "The Next Messiah"

BuzzSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:30:40 -0700

If you're eager to hear Jenny Lewis's forthcoming album, then you — and I — are in good company. Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard's also ready for Acid Tongue to hit stores, and in a series of YouTube sketches over the past few days, he's been stalking Lewis around her house, demanding to hear some new songs.

Lucky for us, it's hard to say no to Gibbard, so Lewis has rolled out the second track from the new album (we've already heard the title track, "Acid Tongue"). "The Next Messiah" is a lot of things I'm not used to hearing from Lewis. For one, it's just a lot of song – more than eight minutes, in fact, with several long jam sessions interspersed between the singing. It's bluesy at times, funky at others, and there's a cool shift just after the five-minute mark, when the male backing vocals really kick in and Lewis's voice gets a lot more raw and desperate. On my initial listen, I like the track, but I think it will come alive a lot more in live shows, when the band can really let loose and just rock.

To hear the song for yourself, just

Song of the Day: Sonya Kitchell, "For Every Drop"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:30:41 -0700

I first heard this song a few days ago, and I enjoyed it, so I played it a few more times. Then I was kinda addicted and couldn't stop playing it and now I wake up with it in my head. I had never heard Sonya Kitchell's stuff before recently, but I'm pretty sure I'll add her new album, This Storm, to my collection; it just hit stores this week.

Kitchell's only 19 years old, but her voice and her sound are pretty mature. She's got this nice, throaty voice that reminds me of Dido, but a little sultrier. I often think of music in terms of what movie it would work well in (it's just where my mind goes), and "For Every Drop," with its fast pace and these dark, ominous overtones could probably work in a thriller. To hear it for yourself,

Song of the Day: New Dido Song, "Look No Further"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:30:15 -0700

Did you kinda forget about Dido like I did? Well, I was reminded of her today when I learned the following things:

She's releasing a new album this November.
A track from the new album is available for download here, and it's great.

It's been five years since Dido released her last album and I'm really excited she's still out there, making pretty music for us to enjoy. This new track, "Look No Further," is a delicate, somewhat mournful lullaby-type song about all the adventures she might have taken in life and the people she could have met.

Hurry up and grab your MP3 — as they say, they'll run out by Sept. 7. What do you think? Are you looking forward to Dido's musical return?

Source

Song of the Day: "Keep Coming Back" by Marc Broussard

BuzzSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:32:34 -0700

A while ago a friend sent me the video for Marc Broussard's low-down soulful song "Home," and I fell in love instantly. The video is beautifully shot; a loving portrayal of Broussard's southern journey, well, home. It's a catchy, percussive song that's made more emotional by Broussard's passionate vocals.

His next album, Keep Coming Back, is due to release Sept. 16 and I was able to get an early taste of the title track.

I gotta say, I'm really liking Broussard's stuff. He's undoubtedly talented and blessed with a powerful, sultry voice. "Keep Coming Back" is a soul-infused frenzy of horns, piano and a lively choral backup. I might like "Home" better as a song, but "Keep Coming Back" is more dancey and mood-lifting. To hear it for yourself,

Song of the Day: "Lost Coastlines," Okkervil River

BuzzSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:30:47 -0700

Admittedly, Okkervil River has made it onto my song of the day feature quite a bit. But every time the band releases a new song, there's just no way for me to resist it. When I heard this first track from Okkervil's upcoming fifth album, The Stand-Ins, I interrupted about a dozen or so of my friends' days with an email that implored them to stop and take a listen to this.

And, well, you too should stop and take a listen to this. "Lost Coastlines" has some gorgeous vocals from lead singer Will Sheff, layered on strings and even horns. If a Spoon song had a baby with a track from The Decemberists, it would sound like this. The album drops on Sept. 9, but you can get this track now on iTunes or take a listen if you

Song of the Day: Ben Folds With Regina Spektor, "You Don't Know Me"

BuzzSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:30:35 -0700

Ben Folds's plucky tune "You Don't Know Me" has that bouncy piano thing that actually reminds me more of Regina Spektor's music than Ben Folds's, so it seems fitting that Spektor would contribute some sweet vocals to the track. "You Don't Know Me" will be on Ben Folds's September album Way to Normal.

I'm really digging this song. No, it's not much like Folds's older stuff, but it's a cute, jaunty departure from the norm, and I can appreciate that. To check out the song for yourself,

Song of the Day: Kristin Chenoweth's Comic-Con Performance

BuzzSugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:34:22 -0700

As I mentioned in my writeup of the Pushing Daisies panel at Comic-Con, one of the greatest moments was getting to hear an impromptu song from Kristin Chenoweth upon the request of one very cute, very young fan.

I was able to pull the song off my recorder, and so now, you can check Chenoweth's gorgeous rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for yourself. The audio isn't perfect — I wasn't expecting to be recording a Tony winner (and Emmy nominee and onetime Miss Oklahoma runner-up!) when I woke up on Saturday — but even with some fuzz, you'll get the idea.

The recording starts with the fan's request — then you'll hear some applause (which was even louder in the room!) and then the start of the song. To check it out, just

Song of the Day: Franz Ferdinand, "Katherine Kiss Me"

BuzzSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:45:40 -0700

Franz Ferdinand is one of those bands I pretty much like they way they are, and I'm not holding out for some kind of musical overhaul when their third album drops in January.

I'm definitely open to being surprised, but as they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

That's why I'm glad that this live performance from this year's Glastonbury Festival, of what may be one of the first singles off the new album, is nothing too new.

And it's great! It's got everything you expect from these guys, which for me is something to dance to.

To check out the live performance of "Katherine Kiss Me,"

Song of the Day: Aimee Mann, "Freeway"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:57:54 -0700

We're inching closer to the June 3 release of Aimee Mann's next album @#%&! Smilers and I am positively salivating for it. We've already heard one song off the album, "Thirty One Today" and now there's a video of Mann playing another track, "Freeway" at Artists Den.

"Freeway" is pretty much exactly what I think of when I think of good, solid Aimee Mann songs. It's got some cynical lyrics set to a great, appealing melody which, in this case bounces right along in a way that's almost as catchy as "That's Just What You Are" (almost!). With regard to her upcoming album, it all seems to be so far, so good. To check out "Freeway" for yourself and tell me what you think,

Song of the Day: Ida, "The Pain of Loving You"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:40:56 -0700

The indie band Ida recently premiered their cover version of Dolly Parton's "The Pain of Loving You," and it's lovely. The New York City band, which formed in 1992, has a sound that is evocative of Iron and Wine, or a calmer, more pared down Belle and Sebastian. It's a sound that works well for the Dolly cover which will be a part of their forthcoming EP, My Fair, My Dark. We've all heard Dolly Parton remakes before (most notably Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" and The White Stripes' "Jolene") and often the artist tends to do something dramatically different. What's refreshing about the Ida cover is that it stays true to Dolly's bluegrass-y, folk sound. You can listen to both versions below, and If you like what you hear, check out Ida's latest CD titled Lovers Prayers.

To listen to the Ida version, just press play below.

The Pain of Loving You - Ida
To hear the Dolly Parton version (with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris),

Song of the Day: Landon Pigg, "Coffee Shop"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:30:24 -0700

Landon Pigg's "Coffee Shop" is a song I'll probably always associate with engagement proposals and diamond rings. The song first wiggled its way into my subconscious over the holiday season as the backdrop for those "a diamond is forever" ads with the couple kissing in the car in a snowy city. When I finally heard the full version of the song several weeks back, it seemed like I'd already been listening to it for years — and in a good way. It's sweet and somehow comforting, and I think it would be a great pick if you're looking for songs for an engagement party.

The song is currently available on Pigg's Coffee Shop EP, but you can also just give it a listen if you

Song of the Day: Annie, "I Know Ur Girlfriend Hates Me"

BuzzSugar — Sun, 04 May 2008 14:00:01 -0700

While everyone is buzzing about the fun new Madonna album, there's another artist who's also creating some infectious pop songs that you can't help but want to dance to right now. Her name is Annie, she's Norwegian, and I first fell for her upbeat, techno sound a couple of years ago when I heard a song called "Heartbeat."

Her newest song, "I Know Ur Girlfriend Hates Me," is from her upcoming album, Don't Stop, which hits stores in July. The song is adorable and super addicting, and if it's any indication, I think I'll be liking the rest of the album. Stereogum reports that she might cover Stacey Q's "Two Of Hearts" as well as collaborate with Girls Aloud, Franz Ferdinand, and Datarock.

If you haven't heard of Annie before now, I would recommend giving her a spot on your list of artists to keep an eye on. You can listen to the new song here or on Annie's MySpace page, where you can also listen to "Heartbeat."

Source

Song of the Day: My Morning Jacket, "Evil Urges"

BuzzSugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:30:18 -0700

Despite a rambling explanation of how much they love opening up — and smelling — a brand-new CD or vinyl record, My Morning Jacket has put online the title song off their upcoming album Evil Urges. They describe how old-fashioned they are when it comes to not wanting the entire album to be available online, but then they quote Tom Petty ("The waiting is the hardest part") and posted "Evil Urges" for all to enjoy.

And it is enjoyable. "Evil Urges" gets a little jam band-y in parts but it's not tiresome, and I always really like lead singer Jim James' high-pitched vocals. There's a dreamy vibe to it that makes me want to save this track for the summertime, maybe for a poolside barbecue. And actually, the album's release date of June 6 might be a really good time for just such a soiree.

To hear "Evil Urges" and tell me what you think,

Song of the Day: Barry Adamson, "Walk on Fire"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:29:32 -0700

I learned about UK jazzy-soulful musician Barry Adamson just in time to provide me with a much-needed Friday afternoon aural pick-me-up. Previously the bassist for the Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Adamson will release his next solo album Back to the Cat stateside on April 22, and his first U.S. show is planned for New York on May 13.

This single from Back to the Cat, "Walk on Fire" is super smooth yet still has tons of energy. It almost sounds theatrical, like it could be in a musical — a cool, jazzy musical. Of course, the bass line is great, and the horns are sparingly used to just add a lil' something extra from time to time. As the title suggests, there's something dark and dangerous-sounding about the track. But fun-dangerous. Not scary-dangerous.

The perfect tune for a Friday afternoon, this one's making me antsy to dance my way out the office doors. To take a listen,

Song of the Day: Panic at the Disco, "Nine in the Afternoon"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:33:42 -0800

Check out this lovely, vintage-y cover art for Panic at the Disco's next album Pretty Odd, due to release March 25. Today I got ahold of the single off this album, "Nine in the Afternoon," and I gotta say it's pretty fun.

Not the most memorable of tunes, "Nine in the Afternoon" is still enjoyable in a bouncy, skip-down-the-sidewalk kind of way. Something about it — maybe the piano-strings-horns combination — makes me think of musical theater. The colorfully surreal video for the song only helps along this idea, as it has a larger-than-life vibrancy that I associate with stage and movie musicals.

Take a listen for yourself and tell me what you think. Will you check out the rest of Pretty Odd when it hits shelves? To hear "Nine in the Afternoon," click here.

Song of the Day: Feist, "Brandy Alexander"

BuzzSugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:30:46 -0800

Ever since Yum informed me that today is National Brandy Alexander Day, I haven't been able to get the chorus of the Feist song of the same name out of my head:

"He's my Brandy Alexander
Always gets me into trouble
But that's another matter
Brandy Alexander"

As far as the downtempo songs from The Reminder go, it's one of my favorites; its particular sing-song-y quality also guarantees that once it's in my head, I'll start involuntarily swaying back and forth, hoping none of my coworkers notice.

In case you've also been afflicted with this problem today, I decided to dig up a version of "Brandy Alexander." Feist hasn't made an official video of the song, but luckily, YouTube had several clips of her performing it live. Feist's voice sounds absolutely gorgeous on the one I chose, and the relatively steady video is filmed from pretty close up, so you can watch Feist in all her glory. To check out the song — whether it's been wedged in your head or you're hearing it for the first time — just

Song of the Day: The Mountain Goats, "Sax Rohmer #1"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 06:30:00 -0800

I have a huge soft spot for the Mountain Goats, the lo-fi and insanely prolific band fronted by singer-songwriter John Darnielle. His songs are more like stories — sometimes personal, sometimes about his rotating cast of characters — and his albums are maybe the most literary things I've ever blasted at the gym.

The Goats' next album, Heretic Pride, comes out Feb. 19, tackling subjects including "a pulp spy novel writer, an imaginary cult, breakup sex, a lake monster, Prince Far I, and slasher films." It's a typically eclectic mix, backed by more instruments and vocalists than Darnielle (who for years recorded his songs at home with nothing but a guitar, a tape recorder, and an occasional Casio keyboard) has ever used.

Despite all the new collaborators, the opening track from the album, "Sax Rohmer #1," has a lot in common with some of the best Goats songs of old. Sure, the arrangements are more complex, but Darnielle's passionate lyrics and insistent vocals remain front and center. To hear the song, just

Song of the Day: Andrew Bird, "Imitosis (Four Tet Remix)"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 06:30:00 -0800

As we reflect on the year's best everything, I'm dragging out all of the CDs that are likely to make my best of 2007 list, including Armchair Apocrypha by Andrew Bird. In addition to being the most handsome and sharply dressed multi-instrumentalist of 2007, Bird makes some of the most surprisingly danceable music around, despite the fact that violin is one of his primary instruments.

That fact hasn't gone unnoticed by the electronica wizards behind Four Tet, who remixed Bird's "Imitosis" to very fun effect. It's a must-listen if you're a Bird fan, or if you just want a little something to get you shakin' in your seat, so

The Breeders Are Back: "We're Gonna Rise"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 10:41:00 -0800

It's been 14 years since The Breeders released Last Splash, one of the seminal albums of my youth, and more than 15 years since The Pixies first disbanded. But bassist and belter Kim Deal remains one of the coolest chicks in rock. Her intoxicating warble on "Do You Love Me Now?" and the emphatic enthusiasm of the classic "Cannonball" still get me right in the gut — a fact I was reminded of this week, with the release of a brand-new Breeders song.

Appropriately titled "We're Gonna Rise" and now playing on the band's MySpace Page, the song will appear on the Breeders' first CD since 2002. It's called Mountain Battles and will hit stores in April 2008. So far, I like what I'm hearing: The toned-down track is true to form, with lazily romantic vocals and a slow-grinding core. Are you as excited as I am about the Breeders' return? Listen to the track and let me know.

Source

Song of the Day: The Magnetic Fields, "Three-Way"

BuzzSugar — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:34:41 -0800

I forgot how much I love 69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields until I put the album on the other day after a long absence. Meandering through the massive three-disc song collection, I was reminded of what a stellar songwriter Stephin Merritt is, so it's fitting that this week, a new Magnetic Fields song surfaced on Stereogum.

Called "Three-Way," the tune will appear on the group's new album, Distortion, which comes out in January. It's not the most standout song ever. In fact, it's sort of an odd choice for an early track, since it sounds less like a single and more like a piece of a large puzzle. But the cyclonic melodies, crafted from carnivalistic piano and '60s rock guitars, suggest this new Fields album might go in a totally new direction. And that's exciting to me. Listen and tell me what you think when you

Song of the Day: Rilo Kiley, "The Frug"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 07:30:00 -0800

Ok, Rilo Kiley fans, are you ready for a serious geek-out? If any of you saw child-actress-turned-frontwoman Jenny Lewis in her star-making role in Troop Beverly Hills, then you may remember the scene in which troop leader Shelley Long teaches the girls a bunch of 1960s dances, such as "The Freddy." In fact, my memory is hazy, but I think there was a scene at a nursing home, with dancing elderly folks, set to the tune of "Do the Freddy." (Does anyone remember this? Help me out here.)

Anyway, given Lewis's personal history with such dances, I've always thought it utterly charming that the singer penned a track called "The Frug" that name-checks many of those same dance moves. The hard-to-find 1998 song appeared on the soundtrack for a movie called Desert Blue, which is infinitely more obscure than Troop Beverly Hills (but check out that cast!). Thankfully, The Music Slut graciously unearthed it this week. To listen and tell me what you think — and, now, watch the adorable video — just

Song of the Day: Cat Power, "Song to Bobby"

BuzzSugar — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 09:30:00 -0800

It was one of my favorite albums of 2006, and I'm still listening to Cat Power's The Greatest well into 2007. But I'm really looking forward to the new album of covers that Cat Power (aka Chan Marshall) is releasing in January, as a companion to her 2000 covers project, The Covers Record.

Dubbed Jukebox, Marshall's upcoming album will feature her bluesy and romantically disaffected takes on classic songs by Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, Hank Williams, and Frank Sinatra.

Matador just released a track off Jukebox, called "Song to Bobby," and it's actually an original tune, not a cover. In keeping with the theme, however, it is a stellar homage to Bob Dylan, complete with eerily Dylan-esque vocal stylings. Even if I weren't a shameless Dylan fan, I'd declare this a winner, so I can't wait to hear the rest of the album.

Update: Unfortunately, Matador has taken down the mp3 of the song that was released this week. But you can still see the full tracklisting for Jukebox if you

Song of the Day: Jens Lekman, "The Opposite of Hallelujah"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:26:34 -0700

I was pleasantly surprised to see how many of you share my love for Jens Lekman when I posted "Friday Night at the Drive-In Bingo" a few months back. So you'll be glad to know that the cheeriest indie-pop star ever to come out of Goteburg, Sweden, just released his third album this week.

Called Night Falls Over Kortedala and now streaming online, the album is relentlessly perky, peppered with swinging orchestral horns and strings, bouncing melodies, and Lekman's signature serenade. If you need a mid-week pick-me-up, "The Opposite of Hallelujah," off the new CD, will definitely do the trick. To listen,

Song of the Day: Of Montreal Covers Neil Young's "Harvest Moon"

BuzzSugar — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 09:30:00 -0700

At first glance, Of Montreal doesn't look like the kind of band that would cover Neil Young. (As Exhibit A, I present the above photo of Kevin Barnes and company performing at the 2007 Pitchfork Music Festival.) But I've just found a recording of the psychedelic pop-rockers performing "Harvest Moon," off of Young's album of the same name, and it's really quite lovely.

Of Montreal's Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? remains one of my favorite albums of 2007, and though the music is a bit wacky on the surface, it's pretty dark when you really get down to it. (This one, for instance, is built around the plea, "I'm in a crisis / I need help / Come on mood shift, shift back to good again.") Here, Barnes' delicate, childlike vocals add an emotional gravitas to Young's classic. To listen head over to Aquarium Drunkard and then let me know what you think.

Source

Song of the Day: Lily Allen Covers The Pretenders' "Don't Get Me Wrong"

BuzzSugar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:30:08 -0700

With Christina Aguilera pregnant, Jessica Simpson divorced, and Britney Spears — well, where to start? — we are in serious need of fresh young starlets. Why Lily Allen isn't soaring to the top of the charts and leading a new trend in female pop singers baffles me. She is sassy and edgy, she has a great voice, her music is insanely catchy, and the woman knows what to do with a pop song.

If you need further evidence, check out Lily's cover of The Pretenders' sunny '80s hit "Don't Get Me Wrong" (via Sterogum). Allen gives it a modern update with hip-hop undertones and surprisingly mature vocals. The track appears on a compilation celebrating the 40th anniversary of Britain's Radio 1, and it makes me long for the days when women like Chrissie Hynde ruled the pop charts. I say, gimme more of Lily and the like. To listen,

Song of the Day: Andrew Bird and Norah O'Connor, "O Sister"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Ok, before I get to my coverage of and San Francisco's Treasure Island Music Festival, I wanted to share one more goodie from the Austin City Limits Fest, which also took place this weekend. Yesterday, I gave you an ACL performance of the Arcade Fire covering the Yeah Yeah Yeah's "Maps." Depending on your musical tastes, this cover could be even cooler.

It's our favorite whistling aficionado Andrew Bird with Norah O'Connor, offering a very unique take on Bob Dylan's "O Sister." (Thanks, You Ain't No Picasso.) What I love about this cover is that Bird keeps the framework of the Dylan song but adds his signature elements to build an entirely different piece of music. Listen and tell me what you think when you

Song of the Day: Arcade Fire Covering the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Maps"

BuzzSugar — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:11:46 -0700

Two major music fests took place this weekend: the Austin City Limits Festival in Texas and San Francisco's very own Treasure Island Music Festival, which I had the pleasure of attending. Treasure Island totally rocked, so tune tomorrow for all of my coverage and tons of great photos.

Until then, maybe this Arcade Fire performance from the ACL Fest can hold you over. (Thanks, You Ain't No Picasso.) After posting a recording of Norah Jones covering Arcade Fire last week, I was delighted to discover this version of one of my favorite Yeah Yeah Yeahs songs, "Maps," as interpreted by the Arcade Fire. Regine Chassagne's vocals really play up the heartbreaking beauty; to listen,

Song of the Day: Norah Jones Covers the Arcade Fire

BuzzSugar — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:15:59 -0700

Norah Jones bores me sometimes, and cover songs are often unimaginative, but this recording of Norah covering the Arcade Fire's "Ocean of Noise" (via The Music Slut) is neither boring nor unimaginative.

In this live version, from the Sopot International Song Competition in Poland, Jones's stunning voice adds a sad, ethereal quality to the already haunting song. Woven together with a bold bass and a twangy guitar, it's more sultry than jazzy and a departure from Jones's usual sound.

Judging by the crowd response, there isn't much overlap in the Arcade Fire and Norah Jones fan bases. When she says, "it's a song by a cool band called Arcade Fire. I don't know if you guys know them or like them...," the crowd doesn't make a peep. But I know you guys like the Arcade Fire, and I think you'll love this. To listen,

Song of the Day: Jose Gonzalez, "Down the Line"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 08:30:00 -0700

I can't tell you how anxious I am for Jose Gonzalez's next album, In Our Nature, to come out September 25. Gonzalez's music has a tendency to lull me into a dreamy contentment, so gentle is his voice and sweet classical guitar-inspired picking. Some soft hand claps as accompaniment is about as aggressive as this music gets, so I listen to it whenever I need to relax.

On In Our Nature, Gonzalez reportedly goes a little folkier, with more strumming, more rhythm and a little less dazed reverie. I can't get enough of his warm melodies and kind-sounding voice, and if "Down the Line" is any indication, In Our Nature promises to be a stellar success for this Swedish-born gentleman of Argentinian descent.

To take a listen to "Down the Line," (thanks to Neiles Life!)

Song of the Day: Rogue Wave, "Lake Michigan"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:30:00 -0700

I know you guys dig Feist, and any friend of Feist's is a friend of mine. So I'm psyched that the Bay Area's very own Rogue Wave will be hitting the road with the always charming songstress starting in October.

Though Rogue Wave has been around since 2002, the band become a bigger name lately thanks to appearances on the indie-tastic Spider-Man 3 soundtrack an "OC" compilation. The band's third album, Asleep at Heaven's Gate, comes out on Sept. 18, and I just got my hands on the new single, "Lake Michigan." If Feist penned this year's ultimate Summer anthem, then Rogue Wave's new track is the perfect pop-y yet mournful melody to take us into the first days of Fall. To listen,

Song of the Day: Saturday Looks Good to Me, "Make a Plan"

BuzzSugar — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 14:00:00 -0700

Saturday seems like as good a day as any to introduce the uninitiated to Saturday Looks Good to Me, the mammoth Michigan musical collective that falls somewhere between The New Pornographers and Belle and Sebastian.

The band, whose cumbersome moniker is often abbreviated SLGTM, was founded in 2000 by Fred Thomas for a high-concept label that only issued music from non-existent bands. Not surprisingly, the now-real band has been an ever-morphing beast ever since, with a constantly revolving lineup. Along the way, it released two particularly stellar albums: All Your Summer Songs in 2003 and Every Night one year later.

"Make a Plan" — off the band's fourth album, Fill Up the Room, coming out Oct. 23 — showcases the few constants of SLGTM's style, including Thomas's sassy but droll vocals; warm, vintage production; and Motown-influence pop. (Thanks to Stereogum for posting.) I think you'll like it, so to listen,

Song of the Day: Mick Jagger, "Too Many Cooks (Spoil the Soup)"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 09:30:00 -0700

This is interesting: According to music blog I Am Fuel, You Are Friends, between the years of 1973 and 1975 (a period of time known as The Lost Weekend), John Lennon wandered around working with all sorts of various musicians, like David Bowie, Elton John and Mick Jagger. According to this blogger:

The track he laid down with Mick Jagger was, for a long time, just mythical. In 2003, a London record store owner put an unlabeled record up for auction which he claimed had come originally from Ronnie Wood (guitarist for the Stones) and contained a collaboration cover of Jagger singing the old Willie Dixon blues song, "Too Many Cooks" with Lennon on guitar. That unlabeled acetate (made directly from a master tape, and found in a stack of records) sold for £1,400, and Mick admitted that he had forgotten it existed for a number of years.

This October 2, Jagger is releasing a compilation album which will feature three previously unreleased tunes — including the "Too Many Cooks (Spoil the Soup)" on which Lennon may be playing guitar.

The song is a brassy, groovalicious tune with Jagger's big ol' voice letting loose in a soulful way. If this song doesn't get you swinging your hips, I don't know what will, so to check it out,

Song of the Day: Bruce Springsteen, "Radio Nowhere"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:28:36 -0700

Though I have fond memories of listening to Bruce Springsteen as a kid, it's only relatively recently that I've fully come to understand the brilliance of albums like Born to Run and Nebraska. So for me, the return of Springsteen and his E Street Band is perfectly timed.

On Oct. 2, Bruce and the band — including Max Weinberg, lately of "Conan O'Brien" fame — will release its first album in five years, dubbed Magic. Proving that he's hip to the modern era, Springsteen is offering the first single, "Radio Nowhere," as a free download on iTunes for one week. From the sound of this song, we can look forward to plenty of Springsteen's trademark R&B-tinged swagger, even if the production is a bit cheesy. So listen the free song and tell me what you think.

Song of the Day: Beck, "Forget Marie"

BuzzSugar — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:31:15 -0700

Though I'm not exactly a Beck fanatic, I do own all of his albums, and I appreciate the musician's expert ability to dabble in so many genres. Most recently, he's handing us an experiment in country music in the form of a cover tune: "Forget Marie," written by the recently deceased Lee Hazlewood.

Recorded in Nashville and now streaming on Beck's homepage, the ambling cowboy tune will appeal to fans of Beck ballads. The ethereal but quirky vibe reminds me a lot of his album, Mutations, which is one of my favorites. I especially like the whistling at the end. Give it a listen and tell me what you think.

via Pitchfork

Source

Song of the Day: Talib Kweli Feat. Justin Timberlake, "Nature"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:32:23 -0700

Last time I checked in with highbrow hip-hopper Talib Kweli, he was collaborating with Madlib on Liberation. A mere eight months later, he's gotten together with the ubiquitous Justin Timberlake on a new song called "Nature." (via Pitchfork.)

The song will appear as a bonus track on Kweli's new album, called Ear Drum and coming out next Tuesday. On this mellow but make-you-think number, Timberlake is soulful rather than sexy, striking a thoughtful vibe with his signature falsetto as Kweli delivers commentary in tricky rhymes. "If they the third world, then who the first / to get to heaven? I know it's hard/ but who does God choose to go through the worst?" Listen and tell me what you think when you

Song Of the Day: Backstreet Boys "Inconsolable"

Molly — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Uh, so I guess it's the year of the boy band come back? I'm pretty torn as to which is more cringe worthy: the vaguely self-mocking Mission: Man Band or the Backstreet Boys legitimate album release. That's right, BSB are here, though missing Kevin (as shown in this dramatic group photo), and ready to croon their way back into your hearts. Maybe I'm not the best judge, because I was never much of a boy band fan, so here's a chance to decide for yourself. The first single off their impending comeback album, "Inconsolable," doesn't officially hit airwaves until August 27 (there's a countdown on their site) but here it is a bit early.

In a nutshell, "Inconsolable" is kind of unlistenable. That being said, I have a feeling we'll be hearing a lot of it in malls and dentist chairs for months to come. But I want to know what you all think. To hear the new single from yesteryear's boy band all stars just

Song of the Day: Okkervil River, "The Stage Names"

BuzzSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 11:22:42 -0700

Amid the slew of highly anticipated albums this year, I keep forgetting to get excited about Okkervil River's latest, The Stage Names, which hits stores today. But if the Austin band's other records are any indication, this album is one that will keep me company for quite some time. I find Okkervil River's blend of heartbreaking tenderness and raw angst nearly impossible to resist.

Of the songs I've heard off of the album, I still probably like "Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe" better. But then again, I've been listening to that one for months, so now I'm moving on to "The Stage Names." The title track off the new album is a surprising ballad that alternates between haunting strings and heavier rock. To listen,

Song of the Day: Bright Eyes, "Big Old House"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:00:00 -0700

Yesterday I told you about The Hottest State, the movie written and directed by Ethan Hawke that opens later this month. What I didn't mention was the movie's awesome soundtrack, which consists of 18 songs by some of my favorite artists, including Bright Eyes, Feist, M. Ward and more.

All of the songs are written by singer-songwriter Jesse Harris, who won a Song of the Year Grammy in 2003 for the Norah Jones hit "Don't Know Why." I'm not familiar with his solo work, but I'm really liking "Big Old House," the song of his that Bright Eyes performs on the soundtrack. The bells and electric guitars in the background give it the epic feel of a soundtrack song, and Conor Oberst's voice is perfectly suited for nostalgia-fueled lyrics such as "I'll love you if you've changed." I've listened to a few of the soundtrack's other tracks on the soundtrack's MySpace page, but this one is my favorite so far. To listen for yourself,

Song of the Day: Matt Pond PA, "People Have a Way"

BuzzSugar — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:07:40 -0700

I was pleasantly surprised to discover so many Matt Pond PA fans the last time I posted a song by the string-laden Brooklyn band. But if you liked "If You Want Blood," then this new track will really blow you away.

Off the band's upcoming album, called Last Light and due in September, "People Have a Way" sounds like modern indie-rock with a touch of '80s nostalgia. It builds slowly from an energized rocker with pounding piano and handclaps into a super-charged anthem. Give it a listen and tell me what you think when you

Song of the Day: Carrie Underwood, "So Small"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:41:15 -0700

After Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood is my favorite "American Idol" winner. I love her voice, I think she has good stage presence, and her "I'm just a good ol' Oklahoma girl" persona has always seemed more genuine than forced (ahem, Kellie Pickler). But I don't have any songs from her post-"Idol" career on my iPod yet; despite her many awards, none of her singles have really grabbed me.

I wish I could say "So Small," the first single from her upcoming, as-yet-untitled album, changed all that. But after a couple of listens, "So Small" — which Underwood co-wrote — just sounds kind of generic to me, like something I'd hear while waiting in line for a sandwich or running errands at Target. I wouldn't change the station if this song came on the radio, but I wouldn't turn up the volume, either. Listen for yourself over at AOL's PopEater and let me know what you think.

Source

Song of the Day: Mark Ronson Remixes Bob Dylan

BuzzSugar — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:27:25 -0700

When I first heard that DJ Mark Ronson was planning to remix Bob Dylan's "Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine)," it seemed like a very good fit. The often under-appreciated track from 1966's Blonde on Blonde has a catchy beat and brass-laden hooks that make it ripe for a remix. (The same could be said for Elvis's "A Little Less Conversation," which was famously remixed by Junkie XL in 2002.)

Thanks to Stereogum for pointing me toward a snippet of the "Most Likely You'll Go Your Way" remix online at Dylan07.com. So far, I'm liking what I hear — the saxophones and brass really do pull the more modern sound together. You can vote online for whether you love it or hate it, and tell me what you think below.

Source

Song of the Day: Jens Lekman, "Friday Night at the Drive-In Bingo"

BuzzSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Chances are, you've never heard of Jens Lekman, but if you like jaunty, sunny pop music, trust me: You'll love this guy. Maybe it's the whole 24-hours of daylight thing, but the Swedish singer has a real flair for writing songs you want to listen to all Summer.

His new album, Night Falls Over Kortedala, doesn't hit stores until Oct. 9, but we can hear "Friday Night at the Drive-In Bingo" while the days are still long and the nights are perfect for ... well, after hearing the hyper-happy saxophones on this song, I suddenly want to play bingo.

Also, it would be unfair to tell you about Jens Lekman without also sharing "A Sweet Summer's Night on Hammer Hill," from his 2005 album Oh You're So Silent, Jens. With its upbeat brass melody, happy hand claps, and references to Warren G, it's one of my go-to sunny day songs. To hear both tracks,

Song of the Day: Rilo Kiley, "Silver Lining"

BuzzSugar — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 06:30:00 -0700

Is it just me, or does Jenny Lewis's voice get more amazing with every passing song? Her performance on "Silver Lining," as well as the just-released album art, are getting me very excited about the new Rilo Kiley album, Under the Blacklight, coming out on Aug. 21. You can listen to the new track now exclusively on Stereogum.

Though the heavy porn-music vibe of "The Moneymaker" is slowly growing on me, I'm really loving "Silver Lining," which is both sophisticated and pop-drenched. I love the gospel backing vocals and a fun, flitting guitar riff. Listen and tell me what you think.

Song of the Day: Eve Feat. Sean Paul, "Give It to You"

BuzzSugar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 08:30:00 -0700

I'm not sure what I was expecting from the new Eve single, but it certainly wasn't flamenco guitar, hand-claps, and featured vocals from Sean Paul, the cheesy Jamaican singer you can't help but love. That, however, is exactly what we get on "Give It to You," the latest single off Eve's next album, Here I Am, which hits stores September 18.

I actually really like the pairing of the two singers, though perhaps the song should be credited to "Sean Paul featuring Eve," since the dancehall reggae star gets most of the spotlight. Listen and tell me what you think when you