A Holiday Playlist 2009

Joy to the world, I finally got around to completing my holiday playlist. Seriously, after reviewing a handful of Christmas albums for work - many of which were painfully bad - I nearly gave up on the idea. But you see, there is plenty of Christmas music out there that doesn't suck. Here are some of my "must have" classics as well as a few new gems. Grab your spiked eggnog ... have a listen. Happy Holidays!


Louis Armstrong & The Commanders: "Zat You, Santa Claus?"
Eels: "Christmas Is Going To The Dogs"
Tom Petty: "Christmas All Over Again"
Otis Redding: "White Christmas"
Camera Obscura: "The Blizzard"
B.B. King: "Merry Christmas, Baby"
The Pouges featuring Kristy MacColl: "Fairytale of New York"
The Ramones: "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)"
First Aid Kit: "Blue Christmas"
The Decemberists “Please Daddy, Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas”
Beach Boys: "Little St. Nick"
Julian Casablancas: "Christmas Treat"
John Prine: "Christmas In Prison"
The Polyphonic Spree: "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)"
The Pretenders: "2000 Miles"
Johnny Cash: "The Little Drummer Boy"
Feist: "Lo, How A Rose Ere Blooming"
There Will Be Fireworks: "In Excelsis Deo"
Wham: "Last Christmas"



After posting this, some friends offered a few more suggestions:

James Brown: "Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto"
Chris Cornell: "Ave Maria"
Guaraldi's Charlie Brown Christmas: "Christmas Time Is Here"
Leon Redbone & Zooey Deschanel: "Baby, It's Cold Outside"
Kate Bush: "December Will Be Magic Again"
Glasvegas: "A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like A Kiss)"
Fiona Apple: "Frosty The Snowman"

Massive Attack to my heart. It's about time.

I'm happy to admit that "Mezzanine" by Massive Attack continues to be one of THE most played albums in my collection of music. It's been about seven years - six years too long - since legendary trip-hop duo Massive Attack released their last album.
The band is set to release their fifth studio album "Heligoland" in February 2010. Last month, we did get a taste of what's to come as the duo released a 4-song EP "Splitting the Atom."

I like the direction they've taken; it's mature and definitely displays progression. It does exclude, however, the seductive body that "Mezzanine" seems to engulf me with. It's not bad, just different. And I do love it when bands change, experiment and grow. I just need to remind myself that what I'm about to hear isn't going to be what I originally fell in love with - and that's okay.

The current standing tracklist is below. Check out the all-star cast of guest vocals - Damon Albarn, Hope Sandoval, Martina Topley-Bird, Guy Garvey and Tunde Adebimpe. I'm pleased.

"Heligoland" Tracklist
01. Pray for Rain [ft.Tunde Adebimpe]
02. Babel [ft. Martina Topley-Bird]
03. Splitting The Atom [ft. Robert del Naja, Grant Marshall, and Horace Andy]
04. 16 Seater [ft. Horace Andy]
05. Psyche [ft. Martina Topley-Bird]
06. Bulletproof Love [ft. Guy Garvey]
07. Paradise Circus [ft. Hope Sandoval]
08. Rush Minute [ft. Robert del Naja]
09. Saturday Come Slow [ft. Damon Albarn]
10. Marrakesh [ft. Robert del Naja]

Something old: "Black Milk"
Something new: "Psyche (ft. Martina Topley-Bird)"

Getting knowledgeable on Belfast punk

When I think of early Punk music, Belfast, Ireland isn't the first city that comes to mind; however, several influential punk bands sprouted from Northern Ireland, including classic bands such as The Outcasts, Rudi and one of my favorites - Ruefrex.

A friend of mine from Galway, named Cormac Stanton, recently produced a radio documentary called "Beyond the Wire, The Story of Belfast Punk 1975-1985." It's a fantastic account of how the Belfast punk scene thrived and helped give way to anti-sectarian attitude in Northern Ireland.

Have a listen: "Beyond the Wire"

mr. Gnome

Cleveland duo mr. Gnome's releases the first video from its sophomore album, "Heave Yer Skeleton." It's a live performance of the disc's opening track "Spain" and I'm sort of addicted to it.

The new album comes out Nov. 10 and is the follow-up to their debut full-length, "Deliver This Creature." The two have matured musically and continue to use the same minimalist ingredients - a soulful, feminine power combined with dynamic drumming.



"Vampires"
"Slow Side"

New Nouvelle

French band Nouvelle Vague is one of my favorite cover bands. They take some of the best post punk and new wave songs, remaster them and bring them to life all over again.

The group recently teamed up with the creators of these musical gems for a series of duets including “Master & Servant” (feat. Martin Gore), “Road to Nowhere,” “All My Colours (feat. Ian McCulloch), “Blister In The Sun,” “Our Lips Are Sealed” (feat. Terry Hall), “God Save The Queen” and “Parade” (feat. Barry Admanson).

"Master & Servant"
"All My Colours"

Mary Mary, Why You Buggin'

I don't care if they did have a couple songs featured on Grey's Anatomy, The Mary Onettes are okay in my book. The Swedish band releases their album "Islands" on November 3. I like to think they're the perfect mix between a-ha and The Jesus and Mary Chain. But then again, I'm really into music that's moody, dark and ethereal ... yet upbeat.

Here's their latest single:

Wicked Good Mean Creak

Boston faves Mean Creak have released their second album "The Sky (or the Underground)" on Old Flame Records. If they're sharing bills with bands like Buffalo Tom, The Whigs and The Features, then they're probably worth checking out live as well.

Here's their premiere video “Light into Dark”

Alexander McQueen's Union Jack Boots

If these boots were made for walkin' ... I'd like see them try because it damn sure isn't what I'll do. Those are four inch stilettos. I'll probably just stand for a couple of minutes in a highly populated area so that people will notice my kick-ass Union Jack footwear made of patent leather and suede. And I will loudly proclaim my love for all things British.

See that steal toe? That's in case anyone gives you any guff about your Anglophilia. Fashion is pain ladies. So what if they run $1,264; it's least we're not talking in pounds.

fun. what's that?

If a band is going to name themselves fun., then one would hope they live up to the title. I believe they do. Nate Ruess (The Format), Andrew Dost (Anathallo) and Jack Antonoff (Steel Train), who are collectively known as fun., released their debut album "AIM and IGNITE" last week.

fun. blends jangly horn-infused ‘70s-style pop and will most likely garner hipsters and scene crowds, even if they're music couldn't be further from indie rock. I haven't been this excited about a pop-rock group since Ben Kweller. fun. is currently on their North American tour, which includes Atlanta, GA, but alas, no central Florida. Let's hope that changes.

Hello David! Do You Like Toast Too?

Over the years I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not really interested in meeting celebrities I admire or have infatuations with anymore. That way I’ll never be disappointed when they turn out to be everything I’d hope they wouldn’t.

I played inside the world of the music business for several years and met my share of famous people and even worse, those who thought they'd achieved higher levels of fame. Ninety percent of the time it was an utter disappointment. The ones you expected to be really nice were assholes and the ones that looked like they would possess that "I'm cooler than you so kiss my chest" attitude, were actually quite nice.

With all that said, I couldn't turn down my chance to meet my favorite literary word slinger - David Sedaris. Until now, I've missed every opportunity to meet or hear him read aloud. Now was my chance, as he was coming to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.















Like any geek, I sweated over what I would say once in front of him. Funny enough, he spoke of the awkward conversations and random questions that fans offered up at book signings. He said that some folks get so nervous that they ask questions like, "Do you like hot dogs?" And for some reason, this reminded me of Mitch Hedberg joking about his meeting with Peter Frampton. "Hey Frampton! Do you like toast too?"

The more Sedaris spoke of the crazy things people say to him, the more worried I became. What the hell was I going to say? I kept looking at my friend Ryan sitting next to me with vexation. After reading from several works, Sedaris offered the audience a chance to ask questions. One girl asked if he'd ever considered turning his stories into plays. That's when the light bulb went off. I did that! In a recent performance class, we adapted a couple of his stories into plays. I would tell him about it, that's what I do. That was my in.

After the show, Sedaris was signing books in the lobby. From what I could see, he looked more excited to meet his fans than the other way around. Palms sweating, I stepped up to the table with nervous apprehension. As I told him of our adaptations, he started asking me lots of questions, spawning what I thought to be an amazing conversation. I was too afraid to look at those behind me, as I knew the herd of eager fans were getting restless.

After chatting a few minutes, he finished writing in my book and said thank you for the compliments. Just as I was turning to walk away, he asked, "Sara, come back. I have something for you. I found this while I was in Brazil recently and have been looking for someone cool to give it to and I think I'd like you to have it."

Rummaging through his satchel, he pulls out and a large sticker (almost like a bumper sticker) that read 100% Jesus. I looked at him and we exchanged grins.

Walking to the car, Ryan asked me what he wrote in my book. In all my excitement, I forgot to look! I opened the cover and it read, Sara, your story touched my heart. Love, David.

I suppose meeting someone you really admire is worth the risk. Sometimes.

Fan-made videos can be cool

I've been gaining excitement for the forthcoming debut release from The xx, said to come out in the fall. They've just released their second single "Basic Space," which Pariah does a nice remix of.

This isn't the offical video, but rather a nicely done fan-made video by Youtube username Toadvine. He uses clips from Godard's film "Vivre Sa Vie". It hasn't even been online for a week and is making it's way around blog nation.

This Is My Kind of Cookbook

I'm not a great cook. In fact, I get nervous at nearly every attempt. Over the years I've collected a number of cookbooks, usually given to me as gifts and titled something clever, like "How to Boil Water" or "The Girl Can't Cook: 275 Fabulous No-Fail Recipes a Girl Can't Be Without." One of my favorite cookbooks is by actress-comedian Amy Sedaris titled "I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence"; however, it's more funny than useful.

The latest addition to my collection of "wish I could" cookbooks is by singer-songwriter Carolyn Mark titled "The Terrible Hostess: Recipes for Disaster Vol II." This will coincide with the release of her new album "Let's Just Stay Here," due out this October on Mint Records (home to the New Pornographers, Lou Barlow, The Handsome Family, Neko Case and more).

Her music is a combination of country twang and vintage sheek. Here's her latest single:
The Business End

The Big Pink. They're such a tease.

UK band The Big Pink continues to tantalize us by releasing another single called "Dominos," which is off their debut album "A Brief History Of Love," due out September 15th. The duo self-produced the record in New York, collaborating with mix master Rich Costey (Muse and Interpol).

Dominos
Velvet (gang gang dance remix)

I'm still crushing on their video for "Velvet":

Congratulations Bret and Jermaine!

Double fist bump for Flight of the Conchords as they have been nominated for 6 Emmys! I might shed a tear if they don't at least win for "Outstanding Comedy Series."

Here’s the whole list of what they’ve been nominated for:
Outstanding Comedy Series
Outstanding Director
Outstanding Lead Actor
Outstanding original music for “Carol Brown” (Sub Pop)
Outstanding Sound Mixing
Outstanding Writing

And now for one of my favs:

Speaking of New Order...

Tribute albums can be cute in that "awe, how sweet" sort of way. They can also be unflattering if the artists fails to do a nice job or the compilation of songs doesn't exactly flow together. In this case, let's hope it's the former.

Florida independent record label, or what they call a digital distribution portal, called 24 Hour Service Station assembled a tribute album honoring the music of New Order entitled "CEREMONY - A New Order Tribute." The double CD plus bonus disc and digital album are scheduled for release in the fall of 2009.

Monies raised from record sales will benefit the Salford Foundation Trust’s Tony Wilson Award, which aids children and young people who demonstrate a special talent or ambition in the arts. Tony Wilson was a journalist and a co-founders of Factory Records, the Manchester based British indie label that featured several prominent musical acts, including Joy Division and New Order.

Artists have donated a version of their favorite New Order track. Partakers include Rabbit In The Moon, Win Win Winter, Kate Havnevik, SUNBEARS!, Jah Division, Geri X, The Cloud Room, DETACHMENTS, The Beauvilles, Kingsbury, The Penelopes, GD Luxxe, Pocket, XOXO, Kites with Lights, Dub Gabriel and more.

New Order Kaput?

It's official, for now anyways. New Order have finally decided to split up, two against one. Speaking about the break up to NME, lead singer Bernard Sumner states, "We split into two factions, there's me Steve and Phil. The other is Peter Hook."

Sumner along with drummer Stephen Morris and guitarist Phil Cunningham have joined forces with Blur's Alex James for a new project called Bad Lieutenant. Apparently, the split isn't on the best of terms as Hook no longer has anything to do with the rest of the band.

One would think, after all the years they've been playing together, why side projects aren't a necessity. I really can't understand why they take it so personally? At any rate, the BBC said that Bad Lieutenant has recorded an album and it's due in October.

Très bon

If you're in love with the French language, like I am, then you'll find the music of Quebec's Coeur De Pirate sweet and creative. Singer-songwriter Béatrice Martin, who performs under the stage name Cœur de pirate, carries a little bit of Feist and a little bit Francoise Hardy in her vocals.

Her debut self-titled album was released in 2008, which was nominated for Francophone Album of the Year at the 2009 Juno Awards. She's now starting to catch on here in the states. Take a listen...

Dark Night of the Soul

Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse and David Lynch ... oh my. The mysterious album, "Dark Night of the Soul" includes a collaboration of artists that's enough to send this music nerd's heart a fluttering, but it's best to read the whole NPR Article.

Other artists appearing on the album include James Mercer of The Shins, The Flaming Lips, Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals, Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, Frank Black of the Pixies, Iggy Pop, Nina Persson of The Cardigans, Suzanne Vega, Vic Chesnutt, Scott Spillane of Neutral Milk Hotel and The Gerbils.

Verderslice Releases New Material...among other artistic endeavors

He's a busy guy, that John Vanderslice. You have to love an artist that take full advantage of his creativity, never dabling. For one thing, he founded the Tiny Telephone recording studio in San Francisco which is still 100% analog. That means their recordings are a bit old-timey and use tape instead of computers to record music --cool. Death Cab for Cutie and Spoon have recorded there.

In between writing books, shooting photography and performing, he's also managed to release new music. Romanian Names (released May 19, 2009) offers catchy hooks, carefree harmonies and is completely melody driven. The indie rocker also teamed up with his friend John Darnielle, of The Mountain Goats to release a vinyl-only EP entitled Moon Colony Bloodbath.

Too Much Time
Fetal Horses

Phoenix's "Lisztomania" in a Brat Pack Mashup

I'd just like to thank the individual that made this.

My Valentines To You

A little Chet Baker action..."My Funny Valentine"

Top 10 Albums of 2008

At the end of every year, I initiate a war with myself by making a list of my top 10 favorite albums. The difficulties occur when trying to narrow these folks down; the list inevitably changes every time I look at it. Over all, this was a great year for folk music and indie rock with hip-shaking beats. So, here's my list in semi-particular order. Of course, it’s subject to change.













1. Bon Iver For Emma, Forever Ago
Justin Vernon’s beardy-man folk music is sonically beautiful and low key without being depressing. I’ll admit, at times you may feel as though you’re alone in a remote cabin somewhere in the mid-west during a snowstorm - most likely because that’s where he wrote and recorded most of these songs - and yet it still makes me smile. Favorite tracks: “For Emma” and “Lump Sum”

2. Sigur Rós Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust
It's arty, trippy, experiemental and fluid - and possibly their best album yet. Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust delivers a mirage of sounds, including cheerful acoustic guitars and drum beats. One of my favorite qualities in their music and with this album is their trademark ability to slow-climb each song with grandeur. It's impetuous and I love it. Favorite tracks: "Bobbledigook" and "Vid Spilum Enda"aust"

3. She & Him Volume One
This album pays homage to classic country influences with a retro flare. The duo combine elements of romance, masculinity and narration that exudes charm. Favorite tracks: “This Is Not a Test” and “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here”

4. M83 Saturday = Youth
As I said before, “This album is synthetically romantic and appropriately named. Saturday = Youth transports you back into eighties in the best way.” If you can appreciate bands like (OMD) Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark and the Cocteau Twins, then you can appreciate this modern take. Favorite tracks: “Graveyard Girls” and “Kim and Jessie”

5. Kings of Leon Only By the Night
There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of new bands producing true rock ‘n’ roll music with a southern edge. I’m talking, without those trendy electronic components that so many bands encompass today. That is why this album stands out to me. It’s got it all - melodies, razor-sharp guitar riffs and elements of sex. Favorite tracks: “Closer” and “Sex on Fire”

6. Ray LaMontagne Gossip In The Grain
Here’s another bearded fellow who lives out in the country and produces beautiful ballads. Gossip In the Grain is seductive and emotionally charged. And his soulful voice just does it for me. If Van Morrison and Nick Drake are among my all-time favorites, there’s really no wonder. There’s even a song called “Sarah”. Favorite tracks: “Let It Be Me” and “You Are the Best Thing”

7. TV on the Radio Dear Science
This is a band that continues to get better with each album. If the criteria for a band to be indie rock are that they produce arty and experimental music, then these guys have become the kings of the indie rock. Dear Science brings explosions of funky dance beats and rock guitar riffs. I particularly like the incorporation of strings. Favorite tracks: “Halfway Home”, “Love Dog” and “Family Tree”

8. Portishead Third
Nothing has changed since the last time I wrote about this album, so I’ll quote. “It’s brilliant, but in the same exact way that Dummy was brilliant. This album is an extension to their last, instead of something completely different.” The only noticeable difference I see, is that they seen to have improved in every way. With age comes maturity, which they truly deliver. Favorite tracks: “Silence” and “Machine Gun”

9. Deerhunter Microcastle
This band is proof that Atlanta has a great music scene; perhaps the business of music should pay more attention. Microcastle contains all the right qualities: pop melodies, post-punk influences and ambient overtones. I recommend seeing this band live. Favorite tracks: “Never Stops” and “Nothing Ever Happened”

10. Erykah Badu New Amerykah: Part 1
This is my kind of R&B. It exudes a youthful playfulness that I can totally relate to. It’s socially conscious in a creative way, providing just the right amount of soul and hip-hop. Favorite tracks: “Honey” and “Soldier”

Runners up…
Devotchka A Mad & Faithful Telling
Fleet Foxes Fleet Foxes
Crystal Stilts Alight of Night
Lykke Li Youth Novels