Another Hidden Gem

Is this the last infectious song of 2009? Could be, but I'll keep looking as I prepare for my NYE 2009 Playlist and consider my 2009 Song of the Year.

The nugget below I'll classify as "synth soul". It's a remix of a Future Islands tune. I won't pretend like I know much about them, but you can learn more here. And visit here for a free download



Background ethereal vocals provided by Victoria Legrand of Beach House. Turn up volume and enjoy.

The Decemberists

Well, it is December after all...Four from The Decemberists, who paint vivid pictures of tormented youth and tragic love. Oh yeah, there's also one about an outed spy...

I originally just wanted to post the video for "We Both Go Down Together", but could not find a good one. So here are the lyrics



- Decemberists Lyrics

Goodnight Moon

So long full moon, hello Ambrosia Parsley, front-chanteuse for Shivaree. This is off their 1999 release I Oughtta Give You a Shot in the Head for Making Me Live in This Dump

Watch video for Goodnight Moon

A White Moon Appears Like a Hole in the Sky

"...the mangroves grow quiet"

In honor of the full moon, my favorite from The Go-Betweens off of their 1987 release Tallulah



Yes I love the oboe!

Arctic Monkeys

Just released on 16 November, new from Arctic Monkeys. More along the lines of 505, than their other hugely popular hit single from 2005.



Great song. Great video. Great lyrics.

Norway

Brand new from Beach House. Love the electronica. Love the sub-beats. Love the Patti Smith-esque vocal. Love the distortion. Turn it up and play it again and again...

This Phenomenon

Picture this: It's 5:30 am. It's a windy, rainy, dark November morning. You're driving down Rt. 70 on your way to work. You're wondering why you got out of bed when you have over 1000 sick hours in the bank. The radio is on, but nothing appreciable. You quickly find yourself surfing the dial. It's going to be one of those days. Then a miracle happens. And just like a that music can change your day...

More Melancholy Brass

What's the opposite of a chanteuse? A troubadour of course. This song would likely put me to sleep on most occasions, but at least the tantalizing video would help me to have happy dreams... Learn more about Teitur

Love Is An Arrow

While I sit here enjoying my Beaujolais Nouveau and Hershey's Extra Dark with pomegranate, I'm listening to my 2006 New Year's Eve playlist and realizing what a great year for music that was. Here is a cute little number from Aberfledy. I also have a thing for solemn strings...

Beaujolais Nouveau 2009

It's that time of year again...the annual purchase of a case of Beaujolais Nouveau. Perfect for the holidays. Case should last about a week in my house...

You can read the story behind the Third Thursday in November here

Highly recommended with Hershey's Extra Dark