HAPPY NEW YEAR

Alas, another year has passed...We won't see some friends, but we can still enjoy this 2009 NYE playlist, which is just brimming with eclecticity. As usual, there were a lot of great songs vying for SOY honors. Some notables include Standing on the Shore, by Empire of the Sun, and Knock You Down by Keri Hilson. And anything off of the Album of the Year, The xx

But no song seemed to energize me more this year than Passion Pit's Sleepyhead, my 2009 Song of the Year. Just try to listen without moving.

There is still a lot of crap on the radio, but music is alive and well. You just have to know where to find it.

Thanks for the Gum Ball, Popeye!

What are you gonna do with all your pennies?

Once You Go Black...

You'll never go back.


Enjoy the smoothest drink on earth while listening to this trio of "black" sounds from The Black Keys
The Black Kids
The Black Seeds

The Coldest Story Ever Told

It's true that Kanye is larger than life. Love him or hate him, he is a master songwriter and lyricist. Here he is at his best...



And a terrific cover by The Fray



I'm sure we'll find both these songs on our 2009 NYE Playlist coming shortly...

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!