Monday, November 30, 2009

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.

Friday, November 27, 2009

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...

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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...


Sunday, November 22, 2009

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


Friday, November 20, 2009

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...

Thursday, November 19, 2009

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

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Home is Wherever I'm With You

I don't usually go for this hillbilly sound, but this diddy by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros is quite catchy. Did I mention it is a duet? Also some brass, but not very melancholy...


Sunday, November 15, 2009

No One Knows Anyone

We all have two sides, especially Monsieur Valentine. You should know Spoon by now, a nice little outfit from Austin TX. Off their 2005 release Gimme Fiction

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Beirut

No, not the Lebanese city, but the band out of Santa Fe, New Mexico. This track leads off their 2007 EP Lon Gisland (which I think may be a place just off the northeast coast of Jersey). They often sound like a Polish wedding band, but I think this song goes nicely with our Baroque thread.



Now, I have mentioned my affinity for a fine chanteuse, mixed gender duets, and kickin' retro sound. Did I mention my adoration of melancholy brass?

I just have one question: Is that an elephant trunk or are you just happy to see me?

Friday, November 13, 2009

Going For Baroque

I admit I was quick to dismiss Vampire Weekend based on their extremely catchy hit single A-Punk and vampires being all the rage. But I have come to appreciate them after realizing their likeness to other Baroque-ish bands that have caught my fancy.

The opening lines say it all: "Who gives a *%&*! about an Oxford comma, I've seen those English dramas too, they're cruel"



Visit here for free download of their new release Horchata

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Just Ain't Gonna Work Out

Smokey - is that you? Why, no - it's Mayer Hawthorne. Great little retro tune, which aside from duets, seem to be my next fave...



Anyone that sounds like Smokey Robinson is ok by me, as Smokey sings one of my all-time favorite Motown classics The Tracks of My Tears

Monday, November 9, 2009

Empire State of Mind

I can't help it - Jay-Z and Alicia Keys keep the thread alive...




In New York,
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There's nothing you can’t do,
Now you’re in New York,
These streets will make you feel brand new,
The lights will inspire you,
Let's hear it for New York

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Second Best Duet

This Duet thread refuses to die... Here is my second favorite all-time duet by Shane MacGowan of the The Pogues, assisted by miss Sinead O'Connor. How could this song be only the second best duet? Hard to believe one better is out there...that video coming soon...



The song was originally performed by The Pogues and was on the Sid and Nancy soundtrack.

This thread could go on forever, so I will attempt to put it to rest by only linking to this other favorite duet

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Aluminum Tastes Like Fear

Adrenaline pulls us near...One of my Top Ten all-time favorite songs. r.e.m. joined by Patti Smith for haunting backup vocal.



The stream-of-consciousness lyrics were used as the backdrop to my annual New Year's Eve party invitation in 2001. That's actually the beautiful Princess Grace Kelly. Not to be confused with the almost-as-beautiful Maria Callas, whoever she is...

Why throw a circle 'round a man with broken bones?

Don't you just love a good metaphor? Next up is one of the sweetest duets you'll ever hear. By brother and sister to boot...A lit-tle creepy, but it's alright. The Magic Numbers " I See You, You See Me" is off their 2005 self-titled release.

Cute video too.


The Magic Numbers - I See You, You See Me dir. David Mould

Ramzi | MySpace Video


Female vocal that could make a grown man cry. Lyrics below


- Magic Numbers Lyrics

Check out their new release here

Jesus and Mary Chain

Another visit from Master Segue. Here is a great duet from Jesus and Mary Chain assisted by the sensual Hope Sandoval formerly of Mazzy Star

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

The Big Pink



I am really enjoying this sound right now, although I admit it isn't for everyone. It may take a few listens. I liked it the first time I heard it, but by listen number 3 I was totally hooked. Now I keep playing it over and over and I effing love it. The Big Pink channel their inner Jesus and Mary Chain. This tune is reminiscent (there's that word again) of JAMC's Just Like Honey off of their 1985 release Psychocandy, which I think was the first CD I ever purchased at college. So there you have it - an emotional connection.



There are two versions of this song, and the video for the other version is much better, but this version has the female vocals, which I have a known affinity for.