August 13, 2008

Lyrics of the Afternoon.

Got stopped by a lady cop
She got me thinking I can date a cop
Cause her uniform pants are so tight
She read me my rights
She put me in a car, she cut off all the lights
She said I had the right to remain silent
Now I got her hollering, sounding like a siren
...
I make her wear nothing but handcuffs & heels
And I beat it* like a cop
Rodney King, baby. Yeah, I beat it* like a cop.

-"Mrs. Officer" Lil Wayne.

This is actually sung as a kinda tender make-out song, or as tender as you get on a rap album, I guess, with a sing-songy sweet chorus. It really kinda cracks me up.

*"it"? or "her"? Hard to say...

Posted by Duff at 03:35 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

August 12, 2008

Current Favorite Album: My Morning Jacket "Evil Urges"

Wow, this album is just great. I wasn't going to buy it, given my lukewarm (or less than) feelings for "Z", but Mariko sent it to me anyway and dang, girl, if this isn't the ONLY thing I want to listen to right now.

Some of it is crazy funkalicious and totally Prince-worthy (or perhaps Michael Jackson when he was good). Other bits are more sexy soul Marvin Gaye jumping in. And there's even some Southern Rock influence ("I'm Amazed"). It's jazzy and funky and I'd have to say downright spirited. Love it. LOVE IT.

And if you haven't bought yourself a copy of Jim James covering "Goin' to Acapulco" off the I'm Not There soundtrack, I'd highly recommend that as well. Him crooning that onstage at the bizarro funeral; his voice just blew me away.

Posted by Duff at 05:22 PM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Recommending, Tunes

August 07, 2008

Cover It Up, Baby.

Oh look, I just found a half-written entry from September 13, 2007. I think I'll publish it now. Just for fun. As one does.

My friend Megan recently posted a list of favorite covers. Here are some of mine:

• "Only You" Joshua Radin (covering Yaz)
  
• "Baby Got Back" Jonathan Coulton (covering Sir Mix-a-lot, don't ya know)
  
• "Build Me Up [Buttercup]" Rhymefest & ODB (covering...some old song?)
  
• "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" Everlast (covering Neil Young)
  
• "Faith" Boy Least Likely To (George Michael)
  
• "Crazy" Raconteurs (Gnarls Barkley)
  
• "Jessie's Girl" Matt the Electrician (Rick Springfield)
  
• "Take It on the Run" The Folk Yous (REO Speedwagon & my favorite karaoke song!)
  
• "The Glory of Love" A New Found Glory (Peter Cetera?)
  
• "Walk Away" Eliza Carthy (Ben Harper)
  
• "True Love Will Find You in the End" Beck (Daniel Johnston)
  
• "Tiny Dancer" Ben Folds (Elton John)
  
• "Thin Line" Indigo Girls (Gerard McHugh?)
  
• "Take Me Out" The Magic Numbers (Franz Ferdinand)
  
• "Since U Been Gone" Ted Leo (Kelly Clarkson)
  
• "Ms. Jackson" The Vines (Outkast)
  
• "Helplessly Hoping" Ride (CSNY - sounds so much like the original, it's barely a cover!)
  
• "Give a Little Bit" GooGoo Dolls (Supertramp - hmmm, same issue as above)
  

Posted by Duff at 08:55 AM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Lists, Tunes

August 06, 2008

May Album Reviews

Absolutely Love & Adore:

The Kills "Midnight Boom" So I just kept reading about this band everywhere (like here or maybe here) and I kept thinking "I've GOT to check them out." Yeah, well FINALLY my lazy ass did and I'm pretty damn happy about it. Love the beats, love the lyrics, love the energy. They put on a great set at Lollapalooza but I'd love to see them in some smokey dirty hole in the wall where the sound is so loud I fear for the longevity of my eardrums. Wait, did I say "smokey"? Get with 2008, girl, there's no smoking in bars anymore...

Favorite Singles (not on any of the above albums):

• "Graveyard Girl" M83
  
• "Be With Me" Foy Vance
  
• "Late Last Night" Robby Hecht
  
• "The Hardest Thing" Patrick Park
  
• "Measure of the Same" Birds of Avalon
  
• "Circles 'Round the Moon" Nana Grizol
  
• "Take a Bow" Rihanna
  
• "February 5th, 2008" Telekinesis!
  
• "Coast of Carolina" Telekinesis!
  
• "Good Things" Sounder
  
• "U and Me" Trina
  
• "The Last Thing on Your Mind" Lights
  

Other Albums I Liked:

• The Long Blondes "Couples" - Feels very "college" to me as it alternately reminds me of Berlin and Blondie. Can't get enough of "Guilt", "Too Clever by Half" and "I'm Going to Hell". Lots of fun. And their live show is definitely worth it.
  
• Saving Jane "SuperGirl" - Not really sure what impulse made me buy this. Have to be in the right mood for it. But when you are, it's perfect angry girl music. And "Better Day" has a total Sixpence None the Richer vibe, if that's your thing.
  
• Death Cab for Cutie "Narrow Stairs" - Nothing on this album quite blows me away the way "Marching Bands of Manhattan" did on the last one...but I think it's a solid follow-up and the more I listen, the more I seem to like it. I am not into the long jam sessions, however, so I actually prefer the radio edit of "I Will Possess Your Heart".
  
• Bob Mould "District Line" - There was definitely a period of time when Mould had really fallen off my radar. But then there was a great single out ("Circles") [doh, in apparently 2005] and then I went to hear him at Old Town and I find myself back on the Mould bandwagon. Maybe not that exciting, but always solidly rockin.
  

Not really for me / but maybe for you!:

Nelo (self titled) - No idea where this one came from, did I hear a single from it somewhere? Who knows. I like the song "Walkin' Around" but otherwise it's all way too Dave Matthews for me.

Duffy "Rockferry" - I can see why people like this non-boozed-out-of-her-gourd Amy Winehouse-type, part of the "British birds do R&B" crowd. She's got a very distinctive voice. But it's just not a style of music I often get the urge to listen to. I don't mind when these songs come up on shuffle, but I don't go lookin' for them either.

Shamefully have either not listened to at all, or not all the way through, or so few times that I can't legitimately offer an opinion:

Seems like a kinda slow month for buying music (did I just not spend money that month? Or did I spend a lot of it just on other things?), doesn't seem to be anything I didn't at least listen to a few times.

Posted by Duff at 09:55 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

August 05, 2008

In Concert: Earlimart

It's almost dangerous seeing a band you like this much at a tiny place like the Hideout. Dangerous like you might accidentally touch them or start raving about how awesome they are and do they need groupies because you could quit your d-a-y-j-o-b at ANY TIME. (No, I didn't. Ask or quit.)

Mentor Tormentor kept me under its dreamy seduction for many, many months. The new release Hymn & Her is a bit subtler. Sparser in arrangement, tauter.

Comfortable stage banter, lovely harmonies, introspective lyrics. What a wonderful evening.

Note: Opener billed as "Peter & the Rabbits" was actually "The Office" a much buzzed-about Chi-town band. And they were good!

Posted by Duff at 09:49 AM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Live!!, Recommending, Tunes

August 04, 2008

Pitchfork: Day One

A Hawk and a Hacksaw: Unusual instrumentation. Sometimes enjoyable, but sometimes too much "orchestra jam band."

Caribou: Not for me.

Fleet Foxes: Yay!! My favorite performance of the weekend. They are lush and layered and lovely and I really really loved it, despite the sound completely dropping out for a song in the middle there. (But you've got to expect that with outdoor festivals.) Their harmonization is just wonderful.

Dizzee Rascal: So much fun!! I've heard it argued otherwise, but in my opinion rap is generally a more reliable performance at these outdoor fests because it just plain doesn't matter how shitty the "music" in the background sounds / distorted, dropping in and out, what have you. With actual bands, that's a problem. But as long as the rapper is loud and lively, he can still sound awesome despite those kinds of outdoor fest problems.

The Hold Steady: Pretty sizzling set...the bromance* crowd was really into it. But I've never listened to their follow-up albums the way I did to their first, and I've seen them a ton of times (this was the 4th or 5th, but I'll go with 4th). So while it seemed high energy and the crowd was excited, I felt more laidback about the whole thing.

Jarvis Cocker: Somehow the sound was completely fucked and I could barely hear the dude at all. So we left.

*Seems this word is in the air these days. First Joss Whedon going on about his bromance feelings toward Tahmoh at ComicCon. Then this post over at NPR Monitor Mix. EVERY Hold Steady show I've been to has been a total bromance and you'll see many of her commenters suggested it as well.

Posted by Duff at 04:40 PM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Live!!, Tunes

July 23, 2008

Song Obsession of the Evening

"Word Up" Willis

Which is what's playing in the background when Hodges is doing his wacky dance in the 2006 "Post Mortem" episode of CSI which I have oddly seen a ton of times in recent weeks. (Greg-centric episodes are the best, don't you agree?)

Posted by Duff at 07:03 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', TVTVTV, Tunes

Complete Brain Breakdown of the Morning

Ah, ah ah ah, Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm*... "warm hand"...hmmm hmm... "into mine"... hmmm hmmm hmmm hmmm....

Over and over and over in my head this morning. Could not remember a) more lyrics, b) song name, c) artist (so I could have just pulled the damn thing up on the Pod) for the life of me. Grrrrr.

Sea Wolf "Neutral Ground": Ah ah ah ah, But here in the sky, lights flash before our eyes, and I feel your warm hand slipping into mine.

Good grief.

*hmmm = (humming the melody)

Posted by Duff at 10:31 AM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

July 18, 2008

Favorite Song of the Bus Ride Home:

"Coast of Carolina" - Telekinesis

Favorite Song of the Waiting 'Round the Apartment for the Nipper to Arrive:

"U and Me" - Trina

Posted by Duff at 07:11 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Tunes

Angry Girl Music of the Morning

Raise your hand if your lipstick doesn't make you a dumbshit
Raise your hand if the shape of your hips don't [sic] compare to the shape of your mind

You don't even stand a chance
I'm not taking off my pants

I’m not a barbie doll, shopping mall, silicone substitution
I’m not a perfect ten, paper thin, Hollywood illusion

-Saving Jane "One Girl Revolution"

Posted by Duff at 10:50 AM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

July 16, 2008

Recommending Random Sampler Singles

For those three of you who are always asking me for new singles to check out...HERE YA GO.

Paste 39:

• "Love During Wartime" The Main Drag
  
• "Sweet to Mend" Heirloom Projector
  
• "Ships" Tyler Ramsey"
  
• "Fine Line" Little Big Town
  
• "The Story of Benjamin Darling Part 1" State Radio
  
• "Coat Check Dream Song" (Live version) Bright Eyes
  

Paste 40:

• "California Girls" The Magnetic Fields (another song of theirs is also a favorite this summer)
  
• "Gravedigger" Willie Nelson
  
• "Shout" De Novo Dahl
  
• "Angel" Joe Rathbone
  
• "Hot Romance" Parlour Steps
  
• "Sing Along" Virginia Coalition (I've been loving this song for awhile now)
  
• "Ghosts of Goodbye" Ford Turrell
  
• "Goodnight" Zox

Paste 41:

• "The Silence Between Us" Bob Mould
  
• "Strawberry Street" Lili Hadyn
  
• "Bye Bye Bye" Plants and Animals
  
• "Punches" by Collin Herring
  
• "Meet Me by the River" Matthew Ryan vs. the Silver State
  
• "I Got a Thing for You" Jim Bianco
  
• "Changing Your Mind" Bob Schneider
  
• "Goodnight Girl" The Nadas
  
• "Old Song" AM

Paste 42:

• "Sing Again" Chris Walla
  
• "Buildings & Mountains" The Republic Tigers
  
• "Nobody Knows" Keaton Simons
  
• "Antarctica" The Weepies
  
• "Rebel Side of Heaven" Langhorne Slim
  
• "Shooting Star and the Ambulance" Pete Francis
  
• "This Girl" Jordan Zevon
  
• "I Keep Faith" Billy Bragg
  
• "Better Things" South
  
• "She Held My Hand" Steven Delopoulos

Paste 43:

• "Graveyard Girl" M83
  
• "Be With Me" Foy Vance
  
• "My Only Offer" Mates of State
  
• "Get on With It" Val Emmich
  
• "Mystery" Ashleigh Flynn
  
• "Late Last Night" Robby Hecht
  
• "Standing Bird" Love Psychedelico
  
• "Jessi Jane" The Whipsaws

And if you need reference points*, we've got:
"Right Hand on My Heart" The Whigs ...sounds like... Springsteen! "Ghosts of Goodbye" Ford Turrell ...sounds like... Ryan Adams! "Bye Bye Bye" Plants and Animals ...sounds like... Arcade Fire! Or Ravens & Chimes! "I Got a Thing for You" Jim Bianco ...sounds like... Joe Cocker! Or Tom Waits! "Old Song" AM ...sounds like... Josh Rouse! "Nobody Knows" Keaton Simons ...sounds SASSY like... Jason Mraz! "Open Fire" Sara Mac Band ...sounds like... The Dixie Chicks! "Standing Bird" Love Psychedelico ...sounds A BIT like... The Dixie Chicks as well! "Jessie Jane" The Whipsaws ...sounds like... Lynyrd Skynrd!

* Note that ...sounds like... is a very loose term that may mean actually SOUNDS LIKE or may mean rather mean "reminds me (and no one else) of".

Posted by Duff at 11:20 AM | Say What? | filed under ...Sounds Like..., Listenin', Rags, Recommending, Tunes

July 07, 2008

Albums: Sometimes you're UP and sometimes DOWN

Upbeat music that is making me happy:

The Kills "Midnight Boom" - I don't know if you can call this punk (in this day and age) but it certainly has punk sensibilities to my mind. Digital and dirty and demanding. Lots of beats. While there is humor in some of the lyrics, this isn't a fun and games album, they're kickin' it. I love the male/female back and forth vocals (as you should know I do already, from say this or this or this). I want you to be crazy because you're boring baby when you're straight.

The Fratellis "Here We Stand" - Yay! These guys are so much fun! I loved their last album and loved their crazy high-energy but super (ridiculously) early in the day set at Lollapalooza (they so brought it ) and this album is a solid continuation of them doing their thing. Woot! Dear world's biggest Beatles fan Ms. Shrinking Smartgrrrl, I think you would like this.

Low-key music that was making me too sad to listen to it:

Shearwater "Rook" - Along the lines of Fleet Foxes or Sea Wolf, musically, (or a combination of them with Band of Horses), but somehow the mood and the tones were just so, so, so sad, I actually had to fast forward past it...Only to arrive at:

Jakob Dylan "Seeing Things" - I tend to like The Wallflowers more than most critics, maybe because they're just sort of "straight up" rock with no pop or alternative pretensions and also because I do not spend all my time comparing children to their parents (Boh-Ring!), but this album was just bringing me down, man. Sad and slow, with very melancholy lyrics. Not the sensibility of The Wallflowers at all, which is fine, it is a solo album afterall; but it felt almost dirge-like. I had to say goodbye for the day and fast forward past it as well! Maybe when I am in a different mood, I will try again.

Posted by Duff at 08:19 PM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

Album: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin "Pershing"

So when I wrote my April album reviews (in June, of course,when everyone was writing reviews of albums they bought in April, ha ha ha ha), I had only listened to this album once, maybe not even all the way through.

Um, hello, what was I thinking? It's upbeat and lots of fun and some of it's really pretty and it turns out for a slow-ass not really running when she's "running" runner like me, it's the perfect running music! Not so insistently rhythmic that you find yourself running to its beat, but peppy enough to keep you going.

I *love* especially "Heers" which reminds me of what Josh Rouse sounds like live (but not what he sounds like on his albums, which are much, let's say, calmer).

I'm 90% sure I bought this based on a review on Andrew Taylor Recommends although I am far too lazy to go looking for it right now. I don't know the dude but I am totally into his "random posts about everything" type of site and I will mention that he recently reviewed some Cinnamon Buns icecream that I am dying to try, and he has also done some Mt. Dew taste tests and you know how I feel about the Dew. Don't you? Do you know how JenG. feels about the Dew? Or AmandaJean? Oh, the Dew.

Posted by Duff at 08:13 PM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

June 30, 2008

If you read any music blogs,

you've certainly heard about the 15 yr anniversary of Exile in Guyville and everyone using this opportunity to slam Liz Phair for her (since) sellout attempts at trying to actually make money off her records (oh! the scandal!).

This is one of the more coherent and reasoned analysis I've read.

I saw Liz Phair in concert in NYC once, years ago (after the second or third album, I can't remember which, the second I think), and she was (oddly) much less shy on stage than she usually is, commented on that phenomenon herself and then said [something like] "I've never been comfortable enough to sing this live but I'm feeling oddly outgoing tonight so here goes" and launched into Flower. The crowd went completely fucking nuts, as you can imagine.

And when we saw her at Field Day Fest (in 2003) while I don't even remember how she sounded, I do remember my friend Dan being totally into her elbow-length armwarmers and mentioning them to his girlfriend so many times that a fight almost broke out. I wasn't paying that much attention since I had just realized I had a river* of Jack Daniels running down my stomach from having snuck a fifth in tucked upside down in my bra but not noticing the lid was cracked*... Sweet.

For the record, there are some songs on her later albums I love as well ("Uncle Alvarez" for one), but it's true that Exile in Guyville has *something* the other albums really don't. (But perhaps they don't aspire to either.)

*and by "river" I mean tiny trickle and by "cracked" I mean just enough to be letting out a tiny trickle. A trickle like "hmmm, why does my tummy feel damp?" trickle. Thankfully discovered quickly enough to put a speedy end to it.

Posted by Duff at 04:49 PM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Tunes

June 28, 2008

Favorite Singalong Songs of the Weekend

Alright, Okay - Ryan Auffenberg

The Ground that We Stand On - Hawksley Workman

Swoon.

Both via Fuel/Friends, my fave music blog.

Get 'em while the gettin' is good.

Posted by Duff at 11:01 AM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Recommending, Tunes

June 25, 2008

Favorite Song of the Morning

You always look the same now
Always out in the rain somehow

"Radio Euphoria" Joseph Arthur

Posted by Duff at 11:39 AM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

June 23, 2008

Just one of those days.

9:45a.m. - Rockin to Sounds of the 80s on the way to the bus. Harden my Heart, oh yeah baby.

10:15a.m. - Dear REO Speedwagon, no one will ever take your place in my heart.

12:00p.m. - Whatever it takes, or how my heart breaks, I will be right here waiting for you.

12:16p.m. - And don't you know I would move heaven and earth to be together forever with you.

1:06p.m. - You're out of touch, I'm out of time. But I'm out of my head when you're not around.

1:15p.m. - You're not shy, you get around.

1:28p.m. - And you want her, and she wants you. No one, no one, no one ever is to blame.

1:37p.m. - How do you think I'm gonna get along without you when you're gone?

1:47p.m. - Listening to Celebration and all I can think about is Ross playing it on the bagpipes.

Now "free period" is over and all I'm listening to is people whining and bitching on the phone when I tell them no. In which case, I tell them: no, again. Louder.

Posted by Duff at 02:36 PM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

June 19, 2008

Song of the Drive Home Last Night that Drove Us Nuts Not Being Able to Remember What the Fuck Song It Was

I had to text myself lyrics to look up when I got home. Stupid moron.

Picture yourself in a living room
your pipe and slippers set out for you
I know you think that it ain't too far
But I...
I hear the call of a lifetime ring
felt the need to get up for it
oh you cut out the middleman
get free from the middleman

You got no time for the messenger,
got no regard for the thing that you don't understand,
you got no fear of the underdog,
that's why you will not survive!

I wanna forget how convention fits
but can I get out from under it?
Can I cut it out of me?
Ah...
It can't all be wedding cake
It can't all be boiled away
I try but I can't let go of it
Can't let go of it
Uh huh

Cause you don't talk to the water boy
and there's so much you could learn but you don't want to know,
You will not back up an inch ever,
that's why you will not survive,

...

The thing that I tell you now
It may not go over well
And it may not be photo-op
the way that I spell it out

But you won't hear from the messenger,
don't wanna know bout something that you don't understand,
You got no fear of the underdog,
that's why you will not survive! (Hey!)

-"The Underdog" Spoon

Posted by Duff at 10:19 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

June 18, 2008

April Album Reviews

Absolutely Love & Adore:

The Raconteurs "Consolers of the Lonely" - Another rocking album from a great band. Can Jack White write a bad song or produce a bad album? Not so far! "Old Enough" and "Top Yourself" are my faves. If you get the chance to see them live, I highly recommend it.

Joe Purdy "You Can Tell Georgia" - There's nothing unexpected here, but it's all good: lovely lyrics, pretty arrangements, melancholy but not super sad. I mean, except for "Ode to a Sad Clown". "Can't Get It Right Today" is also great, even if it is on a commercial.

Meg Hutchinson "Come Up Full" - This album has been on repeat since I bought it, at least once a day, I swear. Can't get enough. Listen to "Ready" "Home" and "Come Up Full", then come tell me how you love it.

Joseph Arthur "Crazy Rain" (EP) - Digital, dark, dirty, scratchy. Magnificent.

Joseph Arthur "Could We Survive" (EP) - Very different than Crazy Rain. Choral, thick, harmonic. Insistent.

Fleet Foxes "Sun Giant" (EP) - Gorgeous. Layered. I might actually love this EP more than the full album. CSNY harmonies, but without that country/folk twinge. I've heard it called freak folk (?) but somehow I missed out on ever knowing about that genre. Whatevah! I'd call it "Alternapop" myself, ha ha ha ha. (If you like Sea Wolf or even Shearwater, I think you'd like this too.)

Favorite Singles (not on any of the above albums):

• "Buildings & Mountains" The Republic Tigers
  
• "She Loves Everybody" Chester French
  
• "Roadway Hymn" La Rocca
  
• "Dust" Augustana
  
• "Everywhere" (Paul Devro blend...) Fleetwood Mac
  
• "Tick of Time" The Kooks
  
• "Heart of Mine" Peter Salett (old! from a fave flick: "Keeping the Faith")
  
• "Fighter Girl" Mason Jennings
  
• "New Soul" (Yael Naim cover) Tristan Prettyman
  
• "Rise" Will Dailey
  

Other Albums I Liked:

• The Magic Numbers "Undecided" (EP) - Always love their harmonies.
  
• Duke Special "Songs from the Deep Forest" - Very theatrical and dramatic. Seems like it should be the soundtrack to something. Unusual.
  
• Jason Anderson "The Hopeful and the Unafraid" - Has a very Springsteen/Jesse Malin vibe to it. My faves are the last two "The Post Office" and "The Half of It" that are really, really reminding me of someone else but I just can't put my finger on it. Morrissey? maybe? Listen and tell me who you hear, it's on the tip of my tongue...
  
• Girlyman "Remember Who I Am" and "Something Different Now" (Live) - I'm really into the live album, it really captures their energy.
  
• The Submarines "Honeysuckle Weeks" - Boy/girl vocals. Poppy, electronic. Kinda '80s feelin.
  
• She & Him "Volume One" - This one really grows on you if you give it a chance. Has some very fun, rollicking songs ("This Is Not a Test") and I'm really into Zoey's voice. LOVE the Beatles cover.
  
• The Weepies "Hideaway" - Aw, so sweet and melodic. As with Joe Purdy, you know beforehand what you're getting. But if it's what you like, you'll be happy.
  
• Madonna "Hard Candy" - I know it's cool to harsh on Madonna these days. I guess I'm just not that cool!!! I really like the upbeat dancy rhythms on this album. And the lyrics? Are SUCH a great contrast to the music. It kinda sounds like a breakup album, and you know I'm in a permanent state of breakup. "Miles Away", "She's Not Me" and "Incredible" are my faves. Despite what you may have heard, the JT songs are actually not the best ones, to me!
  

Not really for me / but maybe for you!:

Colin Meloy Sings Live! - I love a lot of these songs in their Decemberists arrangements. But I'm just not into it here. All very "one note": every song sung with exact same level of intensity, same volume on both vocals and guitar, same earnestness. No ups/downs/louds/softs. Kinda boring. (These same songs on Decemberists albums? Not boring at all!)

Counting Crows "Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings" - I like some of the (faster) songs. But it's a bit much and the second half really drags. On the other hand, it's their best stuff in years. And I like the live versions I heard on Fuel/Friends a few months before this came out (a lot better).

Shamefully have either not listened to at all, or not all the way through, or so few times that I can't legitimately offer an opinion:

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin "Pershing" - I like it the few times I've had it on..but I've barely listened to it. Too much else going on. It's on my to-do list. ;)

Posted by Duff at 11:20 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

Favorite "Single White Female" Song of the Morning

She started dyeing her hair and wearing the same perfume as me
She started reading my books and stealing my looks and lingerie

"She's Not Me" - Madonna Hard Candy

She started dressing like me and talking like me - It freaked me out / She started calling you up in the middle of the night - What's that about?

Posted by Duff at 10:02 AM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

June 13, 2008

Favorite Song of the El Commute This Morning

Hey hey little fighter girl
It's you and me up against this whole wide world
Sleeping together in the lion's den
Got your earrings in my pocket till I see you again

"Fighter Girl" - Mason Jennings

Posted by Duff at 12:03 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

June 11, 2008

RS #1054 (guitar heroes)

Check out: Tokyo Police Club "Elephant Shell" (current album) and "A Lesson in Crime" (06 EP).

Quote of the day: But Monks feels he's constantly improving as a singer. "I just started doing this technique called 'warming up,' " he says dryly. "It really helps." -from Gavin Edwards 1/2 pager.

The new (and latest self-titled) Weezer gets 3 stars. I'm not sure. Fleet Foxes gets 4 (I bought it and I LOVE it). And latest Solomon Burke and new Fratellis also get 3. (They played a great set at Lollapalooza last year.)

My Morning Jacket gets the lengthy (and very positive) review. I'm not sure I'm convinced. I did NOT like listening to "Z" AT ALL. But I did enjoy them at Lollapalooza when I wasn't expecting to. And this album sounds much more upbeat. Hmmmm.....

Also considering the Ting Tings who get 3.5 stars and a very positive review of their poppy album

Posted by Duff at 03:10 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Rags, Random Quotes, Tunes

June 09, 2008

Patheticness of the Day

This really pretty, beautifully melodic, lovely song off Joe Purdy's latest album is TOTALLY MAKING ME CRY. And the worst part is, it's called "Ode to Sad Clown."

COME ON NOW PEOPLE. It is an ode to a sad clown and the lyrics are totally making me cry. Can you get more pathetic and stereotypic than that? I think I better go to bed.

(Nonetheless, I assure you it is a good song. Regardless of the pathetic person listening to it.)

I used to hear the children play
used to hear the birds sing
one day they just stopped
and I don't hear them anymore...

I got caught in this whistling wind
doin my best to regret these sins
Lord would you forgive me
if you know I'm gonna do it again
it's not that I'm not sorry Lord,
it's just that I'm not strong
Oh 'cause when that woman looks at me
I cant remember right from wrong...

Posted by Duff at 11:18 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

June 05, 2008

March Album Reviews

So turns out I didn't buy that much music in March. Not only did I not buy much (some of what's below was gifted to me), but I didn't listen much either... Maybe that 9-day trip to Japan had something to do with it? (And, no, before you ask, I still haven't listened to much of the music I bought there [mostly rap], I've been too busy reorganizing music while home to listen to new stuff [and didn't put those on the Pod/iTunes yet].)

Absolutely Love & Adore:

Jesse Malin "Glitter in the Gutter" - One of those (increasingly rare) albums that just WORKS all the way through. Really love it. I actually like it so much, I couldn't even narrow down a favorite song for ya. Today it may have been "Happy Ever After" but other days it's been "Black Haired Girl" and sometimes "NY Nights" and other times... Uh huh. It's that good.

Gnarls Barkley "The Odd Couple" - The more I listen to it, the more I like it. It's not getting the press or the play their first one did, but I think it's just as good. A little darker, but still delish. Cee-Lo just has such a great voice, I think that boy could sing anything and make it beautiful. Favorite song: definitely "Going On".

Favorite Singles (not on any of the above albums):

• "Rat Within the Grain" Damien Rice
  
• "Wonderwall" Noel Gallagher, singing the Ryan Adams' arrangement of Noel's song
  
• "Hideaway" The Weepies
  
• "Buckets of Rain" (my favorite all-time Dylan song) covered by Redbird (Peter Mulvey)
  
• "The Silence Between Us" Bob Mould
  
• "Changing Your Mind" Bob Schneider
  
• "Don't You Worry" Jim Noir
  
• "I Woke Up Today" Port O'Brien
  
• "Vision in Red" Thao Nguyen

Other Albums I Liked:

• Hot Chip "Coming on Strong" (and) "Made in the Dark" - I kept reading about this band everywhere and wondering if I should be listening and CCB took pity on my lazy ass and sent me both of these. The former (CoS) is not what I was (for some unknown reason) expecting. Instead it's melodic, kinda jazzy with some background fuzz, sweet and smooth. The second (MitD) is more what I had in my mind: disco-y electronic, rhythmic. Fun! :)
  
• Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks "Real Emotional Trash" - I never listened to Pavement back in the day; got turned on to them last summer thanks to Rob Sheffield's lovely book so I'm new to the Malkmus fan club. On the rough, edgy side of rock. The first four songs don't really pull me in but then we hit "Baltimore" and "Gardenia" and I'm a total goner... I could listen to those two (and the songs that follow) over and over!
  

Not really for me / but maybe for you!:

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss "Raising Sand" - Hmmm. You know, people kept occasionally playing me singles off this album and I thought "hey, maybe it IS as good as people are saying." But apparently I only like it in singles because I almost fell asleep the three times I tried to get through the album as a whole. Pretty. But boring. Maybe I will like them better in person? We'll find out in a few weeks...

Foo Fighters "Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace" - I was a big big Foo fan...a long time ago. (Their live show was one of my faves of my NY years.) And although it seems odd to say about music, sometimes I just grow out of a certain band or sound. When I put this on, I think "oh yeah, sounds exactly like some Foo stuff I was listening to 10 years ago." (Loved their first two albums. Loved.) So while this album is perfectly fine and good and enjoyable enough (and could easily be in the above category instead of here), I just don't find myself listening to it. I've kinda moved on.

Shamefully have either not listened to at all, or not all the way through, or so few times that I can't legitimately offer an opinion:

Just the stuff I bought in Japan. :)

Posted by Duff at 10:20 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

May 15, 2008

February Album Reviews

Absolutely Love & Adore:

Missy Higgins "On a Clear Night" - Such an awesome husky voice. (JenG., a huskier Meg Nathanson? I hope you are listening to this album! You would love it!) Uncomplicated arrangements, quietly emotional. Particularly lovin' "Angela".

Nada Surf "Lucky" - Lovelovelove "See These Bones". And "Ice on the Wing". And... Yeah. The whole album kicks ass.

Bon Iver "For Emma, Forever Ago" - If you aren't already sick of hearing me talk about Bon Iver, then you must be here for the first time. This album takes my breath away, shreds my heart into tiny little pieces, and leaves me wanting more.

The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir - So Much Frakkin Fun. Various vocalists. Different styles to many of the songs. "I Never Thought I Could Feel This Way for a Boy" is their breakout but I love "Then and Not a Moment Before" and "Aspidistra" just as much.

Favorite Singles (not on any of the above albums):

• "Forever Song" Josh Pyke
  
• "Gravedigger" Willie Nelson
  
• "Sing Along" Virginia Coalition
  
• "Goodnight" Zox
  
• "Grounds for Divorce" Elbow
  

Other Albums I Liked:

• Clare Bowditch & the Feeding Set "The Moon Looked On" - Not sure why I had to email Australia to get someone to send me this album. She SHOULD be hitting it much bigger than she is.
  
• The Magnetic Fields "Distortion" - Loud and buzzy and layered. Some really great lyrics on this album.
  
• Mike Doughty "Golden Delicious" - Big fan of this album. ("I wrote about a song about your car"! Yay!) Subtract a few songs from it (another version of "27 Jennifers". Really?) and add the one that's missing and I'd be all over it. ;) Still, do like a lot of it.
  
• The Raveonettes "Lust Lust Lust" - Makes a good pair with the Magnetic Fields. Thick and dark and pulsing.
  
• Coastal Chill 08 - Random (primarily Aussie) singles. Sweet.
  

Not really for me / but maybe for you!:

Huh. Looks like I didn't buy any albums I didn't like in February. Woot, score one for me!

Shamefully have either not listened to at all, or not all the way through, or so few times that I can't legitimately offer an opinion:

• The Mountain Goats "Heretic Pride" - Bought it toward the end of the month, just haven't really wound up listening to it.
  

A lot of the songs mentioned here wound up on this mix.

Posted by Duff at 04:00 PM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

May 14, 2008

Lyrics of the Afternoon

Well, go ahead and call the cops,
You don't meet nice girls in coffee shops.

-from "Hold On" written by Tom Waits, but I'm listening to the Redbird (Peter Mulvey) cover...

Posted by Duff at 02:39 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

Album: Jesse Malin "Glitter in the Gutter"

I've mentioned this album a few times (here, here, and the single here) but in case you weren't paying attention...

Great lyrics, insistent rhythms. Sometimes plaintive, sometimes demanding. A little Springsteen feelin' (he even sings on a track). A little Eagles soundin' (particularly the chorus of "Aftermath": "Standing on the corner, watching people walk on...") and he definitely has a little Southern Rock twinge to him (listen to his pronunciation when he sings "From the desert to this love-stained town, I still find comfort in the underground..." in "NY Nights"). He's a bit more rockin' than the average dude on my "melancholy boys" playlist...sometimes a bit more mad. ;)

Two to three months later (March purchase) and it's still in pretty constant rotation. It'll take something seriously magical to knock this out of my 2008 Top 10.

Posted by Duff at 09:35 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Recommending, Tunes

May 02, 2008

Lyrics of the Afternoon

Not only does it have an awesome beeboppy '60s feelin' to it, but also there are a LOT of good lines in The Magnetic Fields "Too Drunk to Dream" (from Distortion, a pretty kickin' album that sonically certainly lives up to its name) but here are three of my faves:

I've got to get too drunk to dream because I only dream of you.

I've got to get too pissed to miss you or I'll never get to sleep.

I've got to get too fried to cry or I'll be crying all night long.

Mmmm, making me thirsty.

Posted by Duff at 02:19 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Album, Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

Cover of the Day...and Some Other Recommendations

"I Should Have Known Better" - She & Him (Zoey Deschanel & M. Ward)

Beatles done alt-country style. Sweet. Zoey D = the next June Carter Cash?

Other singles (but not covers) I'm diggin':

• "She Loves Everybody" Chester French
  
• "Tick of Time" The Kooks
  
• "Roadway Hymn" La Rocca
  
• "Heart of Mine" Peter Salett*

*So I've been rewatching Keeping the Faith lately. So what. You SHOULD be too.

Posted by Duff at 10:05 AM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Flicks, Listenin', Recommending, Tunes

May 01, 2008

Favorite Album of the Day:

The Submarines "Honeysuckle Weeks"

You know I'm a sucker for boy/girl trade-off/combined vocals.

And awesome lyrics: Love is a swimming pool with no bottom / We've got to hold on, the water is risin'...

And boppy silly rhythms. La la la la la.

Yay!

Posted by Duff at 10:59 AM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Album, Listenin', Tunes

April 30, 2008

Is Joe Purdy the new Ryan Adams?

Is it my imagination or does he put out three albums a year, minimum?

Anyhoooooo, if you've seen the latest KIA commercials, you've heard his latest single "Can't Get It Right Today" off his new(est) album "You Can Tell Georgia", much of which I am enjoying. It's not a new direction or anything, but it doesn't need to be.

Dude sings pretty. What else do you need to know? :)

and p.s. he made me his friend on Facebook out of the blue (I mean, I hadn't friended him or anything because, you know, I'm not all that stalker-y as I might sometimes seem). I expect soon we will be meeting for coffee, exchanging CDs, and staying up late watching BSG together. Oh wait, that's not how "friend"ing on Facebook works, is it. Dang.

Posted by Duff at 10:31 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

April 29, 2008

The last Madonna fan on earth?

Boy, people are really harshing on Madonna these days. That article actually made me kinda sad. She's not my very favorite artist...but there's lots of songs of hers I have liked in the past and I do believe we need people that push mainstream culture's boundaries, even if they are the fakiest of the fake when they're doing it, whether they do it as "brands" or "media monsters" or whatever.

I'm listening to her new album Hard Candy for the first time...and I'm finding lots of things to like. Maybe not LOVE. Maybe not OH MY GOD BEST ALBUM EVER. But there's lyrics I'm likin', and beats, and random melody lines, and I have always liked her admittedly not-the-world's-best-ever voice.

Plus I prefer pretty much all my music with lyrics and that includes dance music, which is really what this is.

Posted by Duff at 05:48 PM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

April 24, 2008

January Album Reviews

Absolutely Love & Adore:

Matt Costa "Unfamiliar Faces" - Quirky (his videos crack me up!) and fun. Melodic and rhythmic (which seems...obvious, but they're not always both there!) and goofy and sweet. Really can't stop listening to it. Particularly "Mr. Pitiful" and "Miss Magnolia", both of which make me bounce around like a goofball.

Liam Finn "I'll Be Lightning" - A month ago, I liked this but I didn't love it. All I could think about was his dad. But then it kept coming up on shuffle and I kept thinking "Wow, I love his voice" and then I started listening to the album again, and then again, and... Yeah, I'm pretty much loving it. I love the chorus of "Second Chance" and "Energy Spent" is a lot of fun. I do think it runs out of gas a little, the last three songs just kinda of shuffle off for me. But it's a 14-song album which is crazy in the first place!

Ben Gibbard and Andrew Kenny "Home, Vol. 5" - I'm so late to the party on this one, but I really love these songs. Lowkey but lush in their own way.

Tracy Johnson "Dreams in Cold Weather" - Fun, girlie pop. Sassy, emotionally edgie lyrics. Perhaps Alanis-reminiscent to some. (Makes me think of Merrill Bainbridge, myself.) Lovin' it!

Random Singles:

• "Brown" and "Anemones" Half Acre Day
  
• "In a Little While" (live, San Jose Arena, 4/20/01) U2 (old, yes. beautiful, yes.)
  
• "Gimme Some Truth" (cover) Rogue Wave
  
• "Number One" Miss Fairchild
  
• "Thing About Trouble" Doug Burr (sounds like Ryan Adams)
  
• "If It's the Beaches" Avett Brothers (SWOOON)
  
• "You Cross My Path" The Charlatans (UK)
  
• "The Faraway Sound of Cars" Reichenback Falls
  

Other Albums I Liked:

• Reichenback Falls "Ravens & Chimes" - Michelle, are you listening to this? I think you'd like it. A little Polyphonic Spree-feelin'. And some of it is so strongly Arcade Fire-reminiscent that they fool my ear (particularly "This Is Where We Are", "Saint Jude in the Village Voice" and "General Lafayette! You Are Not Alone!").
  
• Cat Power "Jukebox" - I like this a lot...but not as much as I like her originals. I love a well-timed cover, but I get a little bored when they're the entire album. Don't you?
  
• moe "Sticks and Stones" - Straight up rock'n'roll. Feels (and sometimes sounds) like old Rolling Stones, with a touch of the Southern/gothic rock thrown in. "Darkness" is awesome and I love the rhymin of "Cathedral."
  
• Chris Bell "I Am the Cosmos" - Very old but new to me.
  
• Kathryn Williams "Relations" - Soft and folky. Pretty. Not sure I'll ever listen to it that much though.
  
• Rilo Kiley "Under the Blacklight" - I'd purposely avoided this one (long story, or maybe not so long). But it's quite nice, some good songs.
  

Not really for me / but maybe for you!:

M.I.A. "Kala" - I just don't get it. Didn't get into it at Lollapalooza, don't get into it at home with the album either. I may not be worldly enough. :)

Patrick Wolf "The Magic Position" - I really like the first two songs. But the rest just doesn't grab me.

Okkervil River "Golden Opportunities (mixtape)" - Download available on their site. I like their albums a lot (both "Black Sheep Boy" and "The Stage Names") but this is (more) rough and ragged and I just don't really find myself listening to it. Not representative of this band, to my mind.

Shamefully have either not listened to at all, or not all the way through, or so few times that I can't legitimately offer an opinion:

• Lucinda Black Bear " 'Capo My Heart' and Other Bear Songs" - just can't seem to get around to this one. Soon?
  
• Good Shoes "Think Before You Speak" - Listened once. Thought it was punky! And fun! But haven't managed to listen again.
  

Posted by Duff at 03:30 PM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

Lyric of the Day

...you slammed through my life like a screendoor in a hurricane wind...

-Girlyman "Postcards from Mexico"

Posted by Duff at 08:21 AM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

April 16, 2008

New (to me) Singles from Recent Paste Samplers

From Paste 37, I'm diggin':

• "The National Side" Romantica
  
• "I Love You, You Imbecile" Pelle Carlberg
  
• "Silver Dreams" Blackie & The Rodeo Kings
  
• "Luscious Life" Patrick Watson
  
• "Devil May Dance" A.J. Roach
  
• "New York Skyline" Giant Bear

If you like Regina Spektor and/or Ingrid Michaelson, try "Unmistakably Love" Stephanie's ID.

If you like The Fray, try "Swim" Jeremy Larson.

(Old Friends also recommended: "Take Me to the Riot" Stars; "Gone Gone Gone" Robert Plant & Alison Krauss [I can't listen to their album in one go, but I like it in individual songs].)

From Paste 38, I'm diggin':

• "Foundations" Kate Nash
  
• "I'll Follow You Tonight" Anna Terheim
  
• "Have to Have Everything" Milton & The Devils Party
  
• "The Cornflakes Song" (feat. Glen Phillips) Dick Prall
  
• "Days" She Is So Beautiful/She Is So Blonde
  
• "Brand New Love" Serena Ryder (minus the Jesus references)

I guess this one must've come out before Christmas since it ends with three Holiday songs. Doh. (I like "It Really Is (A Wonderful Life)" Mindy Smith.)

If you like The Fray and/or Five for Fighting, try "Do I Wake or Sleep?" Homer Hiccolm & The Rocketboys and "Wedding Crows" The Josh Davis Band.

If you like the Go-Gos, try "I Call on You" The TrolleyVox

(Old Friends also recommended: "100 Days, 100 Nights" Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings; "The Opposite of Hallelujah" Jens Lekman; "Second Chance" Liam Finn .)

Posted by Duff at 03:31 PM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Rags, Tunes

April 14, 2008

Lyrics of the Day

I don't need the whole bird, just a feather will do...
From you...

-Meg Hutchinson "Whole Bird" (from Come Up Full)

Posted by Duff at 07:58 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

April 13, 2008

Lyrics of the Day

There's only four seasons but these feelings are always here...
-Joe Purdy "Only Four Seasons" (from You Can Tell Georgia)

Posted by Duff at 04:56 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

April 09, 2008

The Curse of the Morning Drugstore Stop

Since I needed a Mt. Dew this morning (ALL YOUR FAULT, AmandaJean), I had to make a quick nip into the drugstore on the way in. Thanks to their (ridiculous) '80s (or was it early '90s? or does it even matter) background music, I now have the following on repeat in my mind (and undesirably so):

After all the stops and starts, we keep coming back to these two hearts...

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Peter Cetera is really not what I want in my head today!

Posted by Duff at 08:50 AM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Tunes

April 07, 2008

Woah. Could've sworn...

The vocals on the chorus of "Thing About Trouble" Doug Burr (I see the devil...) ....SOUND so much LIKE... Ryan Adams, I am doing serious doubletakes at my iPod screen right now.

That said, the verses sound more like Springsteen.

Posted by Duff at 07:43 PM | Say What? | filed under ...Sounds Like..., Listenin', Tunes

April 04, 2008

Song of the Day

"Mr. Pitiful" Matt Costa

This song is so bouncy and fun, I DARE you not to at least WANT to dance when you hear it...

Posted by Duff at 01:21 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Tunes

April 03, 2008

Other People's Playlists

Another fun thing that can shake you out of your listening rut is using other people's playlists. Take this great little list by Movies of Myself offered up for Valentine's Day for example. I already owned all those songs, but I might never have listened to them in that order/grouping and hello it starts with the Cars. Come on now, people, you just can't go wrong starting a mix with the Cars.

All-Time Favorite Cars Song: Drive.

And with that one we're back in high school again (Hmmm, I would have said junior high but it apparently didn't come until 1984 so I guess the Cars I was listening to in junior high were earlier albums than that). Holy crapolarolla are we thinking about old times today or what.

Posted by Duff at 12:02 PM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Tunes

Blasts from the Past

One of the joys of the 2008 CD Reorganization Project is rediscovering old tunes, sometimes tunes I never got into but most of the time tunes I loved that never made it onto iTunes (or the iPod) because they were out of the regular listening rotation by the time iTunes/iPods came around...

Last night, going through the "rap/hip hop/etc" piles, I found PM Dawn. PM Dawn!!! (Did you know them?) I loveloveloved those albums, haven't listened to them in ages...

Unfortunately this discovery was made too close to bedtime to import them into iTunes last night so today I find myself searching the Pod for other oldies but goodies....Guess what I'm listening to right now? The Go-Go's "Vacation". Something that made it into iTunes one day when I was working on a "College-ing It Out" playlist, but then started thinking about things that (for me) were High School actually. Oh yeah, baby. This reorg project is bringing all KINDS of stuff to mind. Yay!

Posted by Duff at 10:05 AM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Tunes

First Impression: Gnarls Barkley "The Odd Couple"

A little darker, sometimes lonelier. Still my favorite blend of disco vibe and hip hop beats out there. Not as upbeat as the last album but a few songs that still make me start boppin' my shoulders and jumpin' around at my desk. Fave song so far: "Going On" (bounce, bounce, bounce go my hips).

Posted by Duff at 08:36 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

April 02, 2008

First Impression: The Raconteurs "Consolers of the Lonely"

There's a real Freddie Mercury/Queen vibe going on. In a good way. And not in the "glam" way of, say, My Chemical Romance (although there's nothing bad about that). In a "rock" way.

Posted by Duff at 08:03 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

March 18, 2008

December Album Reviews

Absolutely Love & Adore:

Sea Wolf "Leaves in the River" - So awesome. Love the lyrics, and the mood, and the harmonies. Just lovelovelove.

Bat for Lashes "Fur and Gold" - Eccentric and layered. Worried it'd be too Tori Amos for me but the music behind the voice (almost Berlin-like or Cocteau Twins. lordie this brings me back in time) is so much more enjoyable (to me) that the comparison falls away fast (phew).

The Avett Brothers "Emotionalism" - A little bit country, a little bit folk rocky. Lots of enthusiasm and fun.

Lupe Fiasco "The Cool" - This kid is a blast. Love how he's mixing in lots of sung vocals as well.

Random Singles:

• "Skinny Love" Bon Iver (break my heart much, would ya)
  
• "In the Sun" Donna De Lory (cover of Joseph Arthur, so many people have covered this now, it's almost unbelievable)
  
• "Work That" Mary J. Blige
  
• "Just Fine" Mary J. Blige
  
• "Apologize" OneRepublic & Timbaland (LOVELOVELOVE)
  
• "Raining in Baltimore" Brandi Carlile (cover of Counting Crows)
  
• "Thou Shalt Always Kill" Dan le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip (so much fun!)
  
• "Paperweight" Joshua Radin & Schuyler Fisk
  
• "Endless Shovel" Rogue Wave

Other Albums I Liked:

• Augie March "Moo, You Bloody Choir" - Aussie rock.
  
• Brother Ali "The Undisputed Truth" - Really enjoy...to a point. It's a LONG album and I start to forget who I'm listening to...
  
• The Foxboro Hot Tubs "Stop Drop and Roll" - Whether or not this is actually Green Day, I think it's a LOT of fun.
  
• Simple Kid "2" - sounds like a combination of Beck and Elliott Smith.
  
• Nick Light "The World Forgetting by the World Forgot" - kinda Matt Nathanson-y. Not sure he's made himself distinctive enough to really break out. I'll be interested to see.
  
• UGK "Underground Kingz" - I'm not sure I've ever made it all the way through (what's up with rap albums having like 38.5 songs?), but I like it in select doses.
  
• Juno soundtrack - Love (LOVE!) a lot of this but can't listen to it in one go, gets monotonous. Taken in doses, however, the sweetness and the romance bring you right back to the mood of the movie, which is AWESOME.
  
• Hard-Fi "Stars of CCTV" - Really liked their new one (first to me); just catching up on the back catalog.
  
• The White Stripes "Conquest" EP - Sort of a "protest against the press" album to me, if you dig into the lyrics. Just as good as their recent album, just shorter!
  
• Jay-Z "American Gangster" - I don't buy ALL his albums but I think this one is a solid "entire album" listen. Love all the movie references and the tough guy talk.

Not really for me / but maybe for you!:

Radiohead "In Rainbows" - I stopped being a Radiohead fan such a long time ago (sorry, I'm just not THAT COOL); you should be surprised I even gave this a chance. I do find this album "LISTENABLE" and honestly that's a compliment given what I thought of the previous couple. And there are a couple songs I actually LIKE ("House of Cards" would be one), but I don't enjoy enough of it and I often "fast forward" when random songs from it come on up shuffle. It's just not really my thing.

Siobhan Donaghy "Revolution in Me" - I bought this hoping to get a pop diva fix. It's got some nice songs, but I don't find myself looking for it on the Pod.

Shamefully have either not listened to at all, or not all the way through, or so few times that I can't legitimately offer an opinion:

• Mavis Staples "We'll Never Turn Back" (loved the samples I listened to on iTunes but just haven't gotten around to it)
  
• Dyme Dec "Space Music" (although I have listened to the one song "Let It Be" a bunch, which features speeded-up Beatles and is AWESOME!! I've told you about it before.)

Posted by Duff at 09:35 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

February 28, 2008

Album: Home EP, Vol 5 Ben Gibbard and Andrew Kenny

Always behind the times as I am, I picked up this 2003 release at Green Apple on my trip to San Fran last month. Not only had I never heard of this album, I didn't know Andrew Kenny (or his band American Analog) or the Home series itself (which offers other interesting pairings such as Bright Eyes/Britt Daniel).

So pleased I bought this. Lovely quiet little songs. Subtle and sweet. Here's a longer review if you need one.

Gibbard's Death Cab band mate has a solo album out (out now, currently, not four years ago -- in case you're wondering) and it's getting good reviews everywhere I look. But so far I really haven't been tempted -- it's Gibbard's voice that really makes Death Cab for me; and you get a nice dose of it here on these four solos.

Posted by Duff at 11:57 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

February 26, 2008

Song of the Day

"Gravedigger" - Willie Nelson (from Paste sampler #40, off his album "Moment of Truth")

Dude, he works "Ring Around the Rosie" into it; come on now. His voice is such a perfect combination of melodiousness and gravel. I neverrarely* buy his albums but every once in awhile I come across a tune of his I love. He's a better lyricist than I've heard him given credit for. You should never have to bury your own babies. And have you seen Songwriter? Because I love EVERYTHING about that movie, including him, his acting, his singing, and his humor. But it's one of those movies that I'm not sure anyone other than me and my Dad ever watched (Dad is a big Alan Rudolph fan).

*I did buy one a few years ago, I think it was this one.

Posted by Duff at 01:37 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., DadReaction, Flicks, Listenin', Tunes

February 24, 2008

Favorite Songs This Sunday

• "I Wrote a Song About Your Car" Mike Doughty
  
• "Sing Along" Virginia Coalition
  
• "I Never Thought I Could Feel This Way for a Boy" The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir
  
• "Then and Not a Moment Before" The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir
  
• "A Reason to Breathe" Nick Light
  
• "Forever Song" Josh Pyke
  
• "Work That" Mary J. Blige
  
• "Back to You" Coconut Records
  
• "What If You" Joshua Radin*
  
• "Skinny Love" Bon Iver
  
• "Let It Be" Dyme Def**
  
• "Cathedral" moe
  
• "Free Chilly" (feat. Sarah Green and Gemstones) Lupe Fiasco
  
• "My Heartbeat's Dying" The Raveonettes
  
• "Tell Me How Ya Feel" UGK

*So I might have (re)watched Catch & Release a few times this weekend... It's not the GREATest, but it's very watchable.

**The Beatles are(were) so good, they sound awesome even speeded up like Chipmunks!

Posted by Duff at 02:45 PM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Mixes / Playlists, Tunes

February 05, 2008

Playlist: "Why Are You Breaking My Heart?"

An old playlist rediscovered this week-end. I quite like it, and playlists don't always stand the test of time. (Party playlists seem to be especially time period-specific.) Not sure who was breaking my heart in Fall 2006, but perhaps I was just in the mood to have it be broken. Sonically, that is.

Why Are You Breaking My Heart?

• "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" (cover) - Joseph Arthur
  
• "I Don't Care What You Call Me" - David Ford
  
• "I Go to the Barn Because I like the" - Band of Horses
  
• "Boston" - Augustana
  
• "Winding Up" - Clare Bowditch and the Feeding Set
  
• "What Does It Mean Now?" - World Party
  
• "Skeleton Key" - Margot & the Nuclear So and So's
  
• "Never Yours" - Tracy Chapman
  
• "Unspoken Love" - The Electric Farm
  
• "Home" - Barenaked Ladies
  
• "You" - Switchfoot
  
• "That's How I Knew This Story Would Break My Heart" - Aimee Mann
  
• "Jessie's Girl" (cover) - Matt the Electrician
  
• "Steady as We Go" - Dave Matthews
  
• "Slow New York" - Richard Julian
  
• "We Are Man and Wife" - Michelle Featherstone
  
• "All This Dust" - Canasta
  

Posted by Duff at 06:48 PM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Mixes / Playlists, Tunes

January 08, 2008

Lyrics of the Day

If you were a wink, I'd be a nod...

If you were the floor, I'd wanna be the rug...

And if you were an ocean, I'd learn to float...

-"All I Want Is You" Barry Louis Pollsar from the Juno Sdtrk.

Great movie, great tunes. It's a win-win.

If you haven't seen this yet, or are letting some crap-ass review taint your willingness to go, go read this review. And then go, for pete's sake. Pete would want you to.

When both me AND my dad are as equally gung-ho about a film (yes, sometimes we disagree), I don't think there's anything else you need to know. It's THAT good.

Posted by Duff at 06:33 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Flicks, Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes, Watchin'

December 17, 2007

Wrapping It Up: Best Gigs / Best Tunes 2007.

Since I have already gone to all the concerts I'm going to in 2007, I'm sure you want to know which were my faves.

My Favorite Live Gigs This Year:
1. Gomez. Amazing show. But they're low on everyone's 07 radar since they didn't put out an album this year.
2. Travis. So much fucking fun in concert.
3. The National. Just as beautiful as the album.
4. Polyphonic Spree x2. highest energy show you'll ever see.
5. Ben Harper x2. He's amazing.
6. Griffin House. He's hot.
7. The Decemberists. So polished.
8. Midlake. Bewitching.

I have also finished my overall favorite music of 2007 list, which I'm sure is a) far more detailed than anyone could ever want, and b) pretty obvious if you've been reading this site all year. Enjoy.

Posted by Duff at 11:57 AM | Say What? | filed under Best of..., Listenin', Live!!, Recommending, Tunes

December 13, 2007

Words to Live By / Lyrics of the Day

You are not your job,
And you are not the clothes you wear:

You are the words that leave your mouth
So speak up, speak up...

-"Call Me Ishmael" Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

Posted by Duff at 09:30 AM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

December 09, 2007

Lyric of the Day: Tellin' it like it is.

I don't want to be your friend.
I just want to be your lover.

-Radiohead "House of Cards"

Posted by Duff at 03:08 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

December 05, 2007

Modern Commandments.

Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip "Thou Shalt Always Kill" may just have usurped Jonathan Coulton's cover of "Baby Got Back" as my most beloved single. Seriously. Fuel/Friends has the video here and their myspace lets you listen to the song although not download it. Waah.

Posted by Duff at 10:36 AM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Recommending, Tunes

December 04, 2007

Selected Sampler Singles - Paste #36

New (to me) Songs/Artists I'm Diggin:
"A Sunday Smile" Beirut (1)
"Goes Around" Rockfour
"The Ritz" Office
"Eyes Like a Levee" Johnny Irion (2)
"Snakebit" Mary Gauthier
"Rise" (acoustic) Will Dailey
"You're a Wolf" Sea Wolf (3)
"Civil Twilight" the Weatherthans

New (4) Songs by Old Friends:
"Scar That Never Heals" Jeremy Fisher (5)
"One Crowded Hour" Augie March (6)
"Time Is a Lion" Joe Henry

from Paste #36.

1-Old news, right? People kept mentioning Beirut to me but I never got
around to checking him out.
2-Wow! Love it!
3-Rambles along, I like how it picks up toward the end.
4-Or new when the magazine came out...months ago! :)
5-Got this ages ago from Fuel/Friends. Love it.
6-Australians, picked up an older album of theirs on Mariko's and my trip.

Posted by Duff at 05:38 PM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Rags, Tunes

Lyrical Mishap #9,735

What it is: You're racing like a pro now...

What it sounds like: You're racing like a pronoun...

(The National "Racing Like a Pro")

Posted by Duff at 03:08 PM | Say What? | filed under Mots, Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

November 30, 2007

Current Favorite Single

The cover of Bob Dylan's "Going to Acapulco" by Jim James and Calexico.

The Richard Gere sections of "I'm Not There" were my least favorite parts...except for the performance of this song which was both beautiful and mesmerizing. Don't think it's what I want played at my funeral, but I am loving it a lot.

Oh right, I never even told you I went to that movie. Ah well. I'll try to catch up on reviews over the weekend, a few books, a couple movies. Maybe I'll even write up some recent TV! My, my aren't we ambitious.

Posted by Duff at 04:37 PM | Say What? | filed under Flicks, Listenin', Tunes

November 24, 2007

Playing in my head this morning.

Welcome in, welcome in,
Shame about the weather.
Welcome in, welcome in, it will come,
It's a sin, it's a sin...

-Travis "My Eyes"

Posted by Duff at 08:43 AM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Tunes

November 23, 2007

Do I just have him on my mind?

Or does the song "Home" by Tandy (on Paste Sampler #37) not sound a LOT like Bob Dylan?

It also has a sort of Eagles/country/lots o' harmony voices feeling to it.

(I'm going to see that crazy eight-million-actors-playing-Dylan flick later today...)

Posted by Duff at 08:04 AM | Say What? | filed under ...Sounds Like..., Listenin', Tunes

November 15, 2007

Selected Sampler Singles - Paste #35

New (to me) Songs/Artists I'm Diggin:
"None Shall Pass" Aesop Rock (1)
"Our Friends Appear Like the Dawn" Bodies of Water (4)
"Beloved" Minnie Driver (5)
"Bad Graces" Diego Sandrin (7)
"One Man" Eulogies

New (2) Songs by Old Friends:
"Car Crash" Matt Nathanson (3)
"Rumors" Josh Ritter (3)
"Trouble" Over the Rhine
"Black Out on White Nights" Sage Francis (6)
"Darlin' Do Not Fear" Brett Dennen
"Hamoa Beach" (Live) Gomez

from Paste #35.

1-Hmm, I bought this album but not sure I ever listened to it.
2-Or new when the magazine came out...months ago! :)
3-I am diggin' these two big time this year. Lots of great stuff by them out there.
4-Very Polyphonic-Spree feelin'.
5-This song is really kind of surprisingly beautiful.
6-Very atmospheric background. Unusual for rap.
7-Nice and sparse, simple seeming, but pretty unusual lyrics.

Posted by Duff at 03:21 PM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Rags, Recommending, Tunes

November 13, 2007

Sometimes the inner DJ makes bad choices.

Running through my head the entire day:

I love you, baby,
And if it's quite alright,
I need you, baby,
To warm a lonely night.
I love you, baby.
Trust in me when I say:
Oh, pretty baby,
Don't bring me down, I pray.
Oh, pretty baby, now that I found you, stay
And let me love you, baby.
Let me love you.

Small blessings: at least the inner DJ chose to play the Michelle Pfeiffer version from The Fabulous Baker Boys. It could be worse.

Posted by Duff at 01:29 PM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

November 09, 2007

Serendipity.

So a long long time ago I mentioned liking a song by The Changes on a Paste sampler...turns out they are opening for Athlete * tomorrow night. Yay!

p.s. I think that is the same band that a month or so after the post, a dude in the band sent me an email. I remember they were going over to England for a while to hang out and record and stuff...

*one of my favorite bands of the past few years, all thanks to Michele G for introducing me to them!

Posted by Duff at 01:44 PM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Live!!, Tunes

November 07, 2007

It's not just about how it sounds.

Have you heard "The Way I Am" Ingrid Michaelson? Did you not IMMEDIATELY think of "Fidelity" Regina Spektor? It's not that it SOUNDS LIKE it so much as it FEELS like it. Funky back beat, somewhat goofy twee-ness to the lyrics/vocals. No? Seriously? :)

Posted by Duff at 12:51 PM | Say What? | filed under ...Sounds Like..., Listenin', Tunes

Spooky!

Did you hear The Cinematic Orchestra singing "To Build a Home" on one of your TV shows last week? (I can't remember which one. FNL I think. or DS$.)

I did...but I thought it was Antony & the Johnsons because holy crap does it SOUND exactly LIKE him.

Posted by Duff at 08:09 AM | Say What? | filed under ...Sounds Like..., Listenin', Tunes

November 05, 2007

Quote of the Day.

“I’ve always been a sucker for sad songs. I can listen to nothing but Slowdive records and be a pig in shit, so I naturally gravitate to writing those kinds of songs,” Bridwell says. [click quote to go to full Harp Magazine interview; link via DJBV.]

I've got nothing but good things to say about the new Band of Horses "Everything All the Time.""Cease to Begin" [doh]. I find the album totally entrancing and it's one of my favorites of the year. But admittedly their songs are not super upbeat. Like their lead singer, I'm more than happy to listen to sad songs and wallow.

Posted by Duff at 12:50 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Recommending, Tunes

October 24, 2007

Selected Sampler Singles - Paste #34

New (to me) Songs I'm Diggin:
"The Underdog" Spoon (not new today, but this sampler is where I first heard it)
"White Dove" John Vanderslice
"Put a Penny in the Slow" Fionn Regan (folksy, rolling guitar)
"Better People" Xavier Rudd (oh man this is so reminding me of something but I just can't quite put my finger on it...)
"Parsons White" Phonograph
"Black Skies for the High & Mighty" Wrinkle Neck Mules (straight up country)
"Postcard from Kentucky" Rocky Votolato
"Oh Mary Don't You Weep" Mike Farris (can I get a witness?)
"I Believe" Peter Searcy (anthemic)
"If You're Gonna Leave" Emerson Hart (melancholy)
"Run" Renee Stahl (a little like Eliza Carthy)

Old Friends:
"Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe" Okkervil River

from Paste #34.

Posted by Duff at 10:22 AM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Rags, Recommending, Tunes

October 16, 2007

Selected Sampler Singles - Paste #32

New (to me) Songs I'm Diggin':
"I Wanna Marry You All Over Again" Derek Webb (country twang)
"Ordinary Day" Dolores O'Riordan
"It's Not True" William Fitzsimmons (ouch, so tender)
"Just Around the Corner" Low Stars (rockabilly)
"Somewhere to Lay Down" Gina Villalobos (husky)
"Run Run Run" Haunt
"14" Paula Cole (I never buy her albums, but I like select singles!)

Old Friends:
"Everybody Knows" Ryan Adams
"Closer" Travis
"Who You Are" Cary Brothers

from Paste 32.

Posted by Duff at 01:21 PM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Rags, Tunes

October 11, 2007

Have I mentioned

just loveloveLOVING the new Band of Horses album?

Oh, Yes, I have. I do. Yes.

Posted by Duff at 10:07 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Recommending, Tunes

October 10, 2007

Band of Horses' new album...SOUNDS LIKE...what Explosions in the Sky would sound like if they had vocals.

This is true of more than one song on this album*, but particularly the opening bars to "No One's Gonna Love You" sound so much like Explosions in the Sky. I can't decide exactly which EitS song... maybe "Look into the Air". Such the same mood.

*also the final bars of "Lamb on the Lam"...

Posted by Duff at 01:19 PM | Say What? | filed under ...Sounds Like..., Listenin', Tunes

First Impression: Band of Horses "Cease to Begin"

It's really great. I loved their first album but this definitely takes things up a few notches. Melodic and intense. Some songs are what I imagine Explosions in the Sky would sound like if they added a vocal track. A couple songs remind me of Pink Floyd, I admit sheepishly (not my fault! I did date Pink Floyd's Biggest Fan!). And there's one song with Eagles-esque harmonies ("Peaceful Easy Feelin'" type harmonies is what I'm sayin').

Totally love it.

Although it seems kinda short. I want more!

Posted by Duff at 09:42 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

October 09, 2007

Lyric of the Day.

I'd like to think I'm a mess you'd wear with pride...
-Band of Horses "I Go to the Barn Because I Like the"

Listening to their old album all day long in preparation for buying the new one from iTunes tonight!!

Posted by Duff at 06:14 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Tunes

October 05, 2007

What are you listening to today?

I'm listening to Stereogum's Tribute to "Automatic for the People", a set of amazing covers.... (found via Largehearted Boy),

Posted by Duff at 08:46 AM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Tunes

September 27, 2007

Lyric of the Day.

Let my heart be the part by which you judge me.
Like the sun in everyone, it is pure.

--Jeremy Fisher "Lay Down (Ballad of Rigoberto Alpizar)"
Goodbye Blue Monday

Posted by Duff at 12:37 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

September 26, 2007

Album: Eddie Vedder "Into the Wild"

I really hadn't listened to Pearl Jam much in recent history, but then I started reading I Am Fuel, You Are Friends, and Heather is an unabashed PJ fan...and then they played Lollapalooza...

This album is the soundtrack to the movie. And I swear when I listen to it..this is going to sound crazy!... I can FEEL Alaska. I can feel wide open horizons... I can feel solitude, and silent (echoing?) forests... Expansive. Lonely. Calm. I don't know what it is -- Vedder's voice, the background music, the lyrics -- but it is creating very vivid pictures in my mind...

It's a mystery to me...
You think you have to want more than you need
Until you have it all, you won't be free.

Posted by Duff at 11:46 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

September 19, 2007

"1973" you say?

And though time goes by, / I will always be / in a club with you / in 1973.

I'd be willing to bet significant dollars that I'm older than James Blunt. And if I'm right (I'm pretty sure I'm right), then the only "clubs" he would have gone to in 1973 would have had names like "Gymboree" or "Mommy and Me."

Pretty enjoyable song, nonetheless.

And song #2 "One of the Brightest Stars" = soooo BeeGees, particularly the vocals during the chorus. Love it!

Posted by Duff at 10:51 AM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Lyrics, Tunes

September 13, 2007

Album: Kanye West "Graduation"

I really like this, I think there are some quality songs I will be listening to for a while... BUT. But.

Ou est the joy, Kanye? The thing I really, really loved about his previous albums was the FUN. The sense that he was smiling the entire time he was rapping. When I saw him in concert, I thought "damn this kid is HAPPY." I mean, maybe not as crazily silly-ily happy as, say, Lupe Fiasco, but still. There was a real joie de vivre about the whole thing.

On this record, even on the songs with positive, peppy lyrics, I feel like he's got this "I am very purposeful" look on his face. A "hey, this is serious, I'm not joking around" tone. Like he's just not having as much fun. :( I know he feels like he's got something to prove; there's the "who will sell more" battle with 50, and the reviews that all say "he gives his best stuff away! his albums aren't as good as the stuff he does for other people!" ... but maybe he needs to not care about that, you know.

I still like it, I'm still listening. But I don't LOVE it the way I did the previous two.

Posted by Duff at 09:01 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

September 12, 2007

First Impression of the new Rogue Wave!

Rogue Wave: "Asleep at Heaven's Gate".

Um hello = LOVE IT. Listened straight through twice so far. Can't even be bothered to try the other albums I bought last night, because this sooooo pleasing. Oui, ça me plaît beaucoup. Love it.

Posted by Duff at 09:28 AM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Tunes

August 30, 2007

Finger-snapping good.

Latest single by Spoon "The Underdog" (presumably off their new album although I am listening to it on the Paste sampler #34). Really makes you need to stand up and dance. Reluctant to buy the album though as I really haven't listened much to their previous ones (bought after their Lolla 2006 appearance).

Posted by Duff at 02:07 PM | Say What? | filed under Listenin', Tunes

Cover of the Day (and Possibly the Best Cover Ever)

Rhymefest and O.D.B. doing "Build Me Up, Buttercup." With, of course, some rappin' thrown in between choruses (some in the form of "letters" from Rhymefest to O.D.B.). I'm just sittin here giggling and giggling as I listen. This ranks right up there with Jonathan Coulton's "Baby Got Back" cover.

(It's on Rhymefest's album "Blue Collar" purchased immediately after seeing his superfun set at Lollapalooza.)

Posted by Duff at 01:55 PM | Say What? | filed under " " of the XXX., Listenin', Tunes

August 29, 2007

Wow, Earlimart is bewitching me.

I'm listening to the new Earlimart "Mentor Tormentor" while I am trying to catch up on book reviews tonight, and this album is completely entrancing me. It's so lilting and melodic and calm yet building. The vocals are lovely. Wow. What a pretty album!

I've mentioned their previous album ("Treble & Tremble") to lots of people and just gotten a blank stare. I listened to that one quite a bit, but I don't remember there being as many male/female trade-offs in the vocals. There's a folksy, country twinge to this band, but they're less rhythmic than most country, and the harmonies feel thicker/stronger (and more pop) than most folk.

Now I wish I would have bought tickets to see them (tomorrow at Schuba's) but I know I really don't have the energy anyway (and I knew looking at my calendar, I wouldn't, which is why I didn't buy them when they went on sale a few months ago). Eh bien...next time.

For now, I will turn off the lights and listen to this loveliness and dream myself into another world...

Posted by Duff at 08:45 PM | Say What? | filed under Album, Listenin', Recommending, Tunes

August 06, 2007

Break-Up Songs.

So I've been thinking for ages that I had already posted a list of "songs that made me cry so hard during break-ups that they are useless to me for years afterwards" but as far as I can tell, I never actually did. And then I read this awesome post about break-up ALBUMS (which I found via link here). Now that is some serious commitment there, to listen to a WHOLE album during a break-up. I just usually wind up with one song on repeat, repeat, repeat, while I torture myself endlessly over the might-have-beens.

I'm sure I will add to this list as I think of them, but off the top of my head, these songs STILL kinda hurt to listen to:

• Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor (singing a Prince song, of course)
• If I Laugh - Cat Stevens
• Don't Speak - No Doubt
• Together or Alone - Sebadoh (ow!ow!ow!)
• Let Me In - REM (really about Kurt Cobain, but all about a break-up to me!)

What are yours? Click "Say What" below and tell me...