What is it about rock movies that just hit the spot sometimes... I just finished watching High Fidelity. That movie makes me appreciate the need to have a running soundtrack to one's life.

What else is there, really.

So... my top songs to shuffle out 2008 and ring in the new year? Here's 19 of 'em, in no particular order...


1. Thoughts of a Dying Atheist, Muse
2. On the Radio, Regina Spektor
3. Walk on the Wild Side, Lou Reed & the Velvet Underground
4. Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine), Bob Dylan
5. Upon This Tidal Wave of Young Blood, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
6. Many Shades of Black, The Raconteurs
7. For Emma, Bon Iver
8. Bangers & Mash, Radiohead
9. Rockers to Swallow, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
10. Summer Is Coming, Matt Pond PA
11. Say It To Me Now, Glen Hansard
12. Time to Pretend, MGMT
13. Manhattan, Kings of Leon
14. Rock n' Roll Suicide, David Bowie
15. Just Couldn't Tie Me Down, The Black Keys
16. Dry the Rain, The Beta Band
17. Rev 22:20 (Dry Martini Mix), Puscifer
18. Crazy for You, Adele
19. You Really Gotta Hold on Me, She & Him

SotD: Lady by Regina Spektor

Yes, my love affair with Regina Spektor is endless.

Listen.

lady sing the blues so well
as if she mean it
as if it's hell down here
in the smoke filled world
where the jokes are cold, they don't laugh at jokes
they laugh at tragedies

corner street societies
but they believe her
they never leave her while she sings
she make them feel things

she says "I can sing this song so blue
that you will cry in spite of you
little wet tears on your baby's shoulder
little wet tears on your baby's shoulder

and I have walked these streets so long
there ain't nothin' right, there ain't nothin' wrong
but the little wet tears on my baby's shoulder
little wet tears on my baby's shoulder"

lady lights a cigarette, puffs away, no regrets
takes a look around, no regrets no regrets
stretches out like branches of a poplar tree
says "I am free", sings so soft as if she'll break

says "I can sing this song so blue
that you will cry in spite of you
little wet tears on your baby's shoulder
little wet tears on your baby's shoulder

and I have walked these streets so long
there ain't nothin' right, nothin' wrong
but the little wet tears on my baby's shoulder
little wet tears on my baby's shoulder
but on this stage I've learned to fly
learned to sing and learned to cry
little wet tears on my baby's shoulder
little wet tears on my baby's shoulder

but now it's time to say goodbye
some might laugh, but I will surely cry
little wet tears on my baby's shoulder
little wet tears on my baby's shoulder"

lady lights a cigarette
puffs away
and winter comes
and she
forgets

SotD: Hotel Chelsea Nights, Ryan Adams

This song is off an album called "Love is Hell."


Need I say more?

How long's it gonna be, babe
Before I get over you, doll
You're tearin' the stuff right out of me kid
What with you living right up the hall

And I'm tired of living in this hotel
TV and dirty magazines
And I'm tired of livin' on 23rd Street
Strung out like some Christmas lights
Out there in the Chelsea night

Maybe you just didn't read me right
The lights went out and you just sitting on the stair
I played your song but I couldn't get the melody right
Why don't you just shoot up like a ball of rubber bands

And I'm tired of living in this hotel
Fire and ashes blowin' cross the sheets
And I'm tired of livin' on 23rd Street
Strung out like some Christmas lights
Out there in the Chelsea night

I fell like getting rid of all my things
Maybe just disappear into the fall
The traffic roars and my stomach screams
Sittin' here watchin' roaches climb the wall

And I'm tired of living here in this hotel
Following a rainbow into town
And I'm just trying to get a little sleep
Strung out like some Christmas lights
Out there in the Chelsea night

SotW: Samson, by Regina Spektor

listen.

Watch:




Read:

You are my sweetest downfall
I loved you first, I loved you first
Beneath the sheets of paper lies my truth
I have to go, I have to go
Your hair was long when we first met

Samson went back to bed
Not much hair left on his head
He ate a slice of wonder bread and went right back to bed
And history books forgot about us and the bible didn't mention us
And the bible didn't mention us, not even once

You are my sweetest downfall
I loved you first, I loved you first
Beneath the stars came fallin' on our heads
But they're just old light, they're just old light
Your hair was long when we first met

Samson came to my bed
Told me that my hair was red
Told me I was beautiful and came into my bed
Oh I cut his hair myself one night
A pair of dull scissors in the yellow light
And he told me that I'd done alright
And kissed me 'til the mornin' light, the mornin' light
And he kissed me 'til the mornin' light

Samson went back to bed
Not much hair left on his head
Ate a slice of wonderbread and went right back to bed
Oh, we couldn't bring the columns down
Yeah we couldn't destroy a single one
And history books forgot about us
And the bible didn't mention us, not even once

You are my sweetest downfall
I loved you first

SotD: The Lengths by The Black Keys

The Black Keys are really fucking cool. I saw their live show a few months ago and they are just straight up blues rockers. It felt just like hanging out in their rehearsal space (but with a lot of people and lights...)


Their album, Rubber Factory, is getting me through the late afternoon work blues right now... and I am declaring "the Lengths" the song of the day because it fits my present disposition. Listen.

tell me where you're goin or
what is going wrong
I felt you leavin before
you'd even gone
and hold me now
or never ever hold me again
no more talk
can take me away from this pain I'm in

see the moonlight shinin on
your window pane
see it leave you as
faithful as it came
please yourself so you
don't have to be afraid
make amends
or carry on another way

tell me what you were thinkin
to treat somebody so
the care he took the
lengths to which he'd go
coals are hot to walk
across without your shoes
but in the end
know that you got nothin to lose

The Short List

Thought I'd make a mention of the new music I've been listening to lately...since... that's the purpose of this little blog. On recommendations from a few musical friends, here's the quick list:

1. Bon Iver, For Emma Forever Ago- I Should have written about this a while ago when I first started listening to it. It has been oxygen for me for a while now. It just hits the right heart strings. It is still heavy in the rotation and if you're lucky enough to have tickets to the sold out show this week, I hate you a little bit.

2. MGMT, Oracular Spectacular- I just got this yesterday and I'm already on listen #4. Think Flaming Lips meets The Talking Heads meets David Bowie's optimistic side. 5 hours into an ecstasy trip. (That about sums it up for me...) It's happy music, but not in an annoying way.

3. She & Him, Volume One- I'm pretty sure I like this music. It's a little poppy, but it has enough twang to get away with it. And Zooey Deschanel is cool enough to pull it off.

That is all. Now taking recommendations.

(music will save your life every time)

SotD: Disappointed, by The Frames

Glen Hansard is beautiful. He wears all of his emotions right on his face. He's like a mirror for anyone who's ever been broken-hearted. This video isn't all that interesting, but the song is great and he's great to watch. So, here you go:




The future takes us where it leads
Our heads just go beneath the waves
Time tells all and we obey
But how can I be mad at you
You did what you did
And you followed through
You were the one who always said
'Forget it and move on'

But I'm not sad, I'm just disappointed
And I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed

Well the years they get on top of you
The working load it tallied up
And you went down
Beneath it all like anybody would
And I'm just ambling on in this town
I can't get out and it drags me down
And these words don't really fit what I'm feeling now

But I'm not sad, I'm just disappointed
And I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed

And you're not lost, you're just misdirected
And we're not going, oh nowhere

SotD: Ode to Divorce, by Regina Spektor

After seeing my last post, I realized I needed an update. Here's the song of the day. See it:



The food that I'm eating
Is suddenly tasteless
I know I'm alone now
I know what it tastes like
So break me to small parts
Let go in small doses
But spare some for spare parts
There might be some good ones
Like you might make a dollar
I'm inside your mouth now
Behind your tonsils
Peeking over your molars
You're talking to her now
And you've eaten something minty
And you're making that face that I like
And you're going in, in for the kill, kill
For the killer kiss, kiss for the kiss, kiss

I need your money, it'll help me
I need your car and I need your love
I need your money, it'll help me
I need your car and I need your love
So won't you help a brother out?
Won't you help a brother out?
Won't you help a brother out, out, out, out, out?

So break me to small parts
Let go in small doses
But spare some for spare parts
You might make a dollar
Dollar, might make a dollar

So won't you help a brother out?
Won't you help a brother out?
Won't you help a brother out, out, out, out, out?

So break me to small parts
Let go in small doses
But spare some for spare parts
There might be some good ones
You might make a dollar
(There might be some good ones)
There might be some good ones
(You might make a dollar)
You might make a dollar
(There might be some good ones)
There might be some good ones

I thought I would be on the other side of that song. Irony is so fucking funny.

Devil's Playground

video made by a genius of mine. click it. watch it. leave your comments. pass it on. try it. you'll like it.

SotD: Rain King by Counting Crows

Adam Duritz and I know a little something about it. Listen to this loud.

When I think of heaven
Deliver me in a black-winged bird
I think of flying down into a sea of pens and feathers
And all other instruments of faith and sex and God in the belly of a black-winged bird.
Dont try to feed me
Ive been here before and I deserve a little more

I belong in the service of the queen
I belong anywhere but in between
Shes been crying, Ive been thinking
And I am the rain king

And I said mama, mama, mama, why am I so alone?
I cant go outside
Im scared I might not make it home
Im alive, Im alive but Im sinking in
If theres anyone at home at your place, darling
Why dont you invite me in?
Dont try to bleed me
Cause Ive been there before and I deserve a little more

I belong in the service of the queen
I belong anywhere but in between
Shes been lying, Ive been sinking
And I am the rain king

Hey, I only want the same as anyone
Henderson is waiting for the sun
Oh, it seems night endlessly begins and ends
After all the dreaming I come home again...

When I think of heaven
Deliver me in a black-winged bird
I think of dying
Lay me down in a field of flame and heather
Render up my body into the burning heart of God in the belly of a black-winged bird
Dont try to bleed me
Cause Ive been here before and I deserve a little more

I belong in the service of the queen
I belong anywhere but in between
Shes been dying, Ive been drinking
And I am the rain king

Pimping my friends: Cryfire Release

What good is a blog if you can't use it to promote your friends? Stop whatever you're doing right now and check out my friend Jim's band, Cryfire.

Good old rock with a twist of pop that makes them fresh and catchy and compels repeat listens. They are Pittsburgh-based but will be touring over the next few months, so look for them in your respective cities. Live shows with these guys are always an event. They're kick-ass musicians and they'll show you a good time.

"Whisper in the Hush," they're new single, is my fave. The album will be available for download soon so keep an eye on 'em. Support your friends' friends. Do it.

New Music: Adele, "19"

A little blog surfing last night led me to a fantastic music video and a fantastic new artist. I have spent the day floored by Adele and her amazing voice, her amazing songs, her amazing sound. She is soulful, rich, honest and she completely melts me. The video for her single, Chasing Pavements, is so fucking cool:

Not to mention the entire album, which is flawless. Soulful bluesy motown pop fresh from London with a voice that can fill whatever room you happen to be sitting in. As far as the inevitable comparison to Amy Winehouse, she is saucier, livelier, and refreshingly drama-free.

My favorites?
01- Daydreamer
03- Chasing Pavements
05- Crazy for You (the song of the day, methinks)
12- Hometown Glory

Seek it out. This album has made my month.

Nine Inch Nails, "Ghosts I-IV"

Ghosts is probably the most exciting release because of its uniqueness. What we need is a reminder that good music has always come from breaking the rules and Nine Inch Nails hails that tradition with new spirit. All instrumental, these soundscapes take your mind to new places and invite you to live in them with no preconceived associations. They invite creativity, imagination, exploration and they inspire all kinds of visions. It has taken me many listens just to enter the doorway of this music and I know I will be staying for a long while.

Their release of the album holds true to the music's purpose, offering up the content and letting you choose your course. I really am a proponent of this type of marketing for music. It's time to admit that the old model for distributing music doesn't quite fit in today's age and I really appreciate artists who embrace the challenge instead of fighting against it. I am also completely inspired by Nine Inch Nails' invitation to make your own videos for their music and submit them them to the band:

Creation at its finest inspires more creation and I myself look forward to the challenge...

I won't say where this music has taken me, but will only say tap into it and see where it takes you. It's totally worth the trip.

refresh

I decided it was time for a fresh look. The seasons are changing, spring is seeping its way in slowly, and new leaves are turning. Appropriately, this look is called "foliage." Thank you, Derek Punsalan, for this cool template. I am still working on the set-up, so bear with me.

Let's see, let's see... I've been listening to lots of new music lately, but haven't quite been ready to write about it yet. It is good to know that rock is alive and kicking. I was worried there for a while. Lately it's been a shuffle between:

NIN, "Ghosts I-IV"
The Black Crowes, "Warpaint"
The Raconteurs, "Consoler of the Lonely"

My NIN post will follow this one, but I will just say that all three albums are totally inspiring and energizing in their own way. Get them all, share them with your friends. Good music is everything.

SotD: How to Disappear Completely by Radiohead

I am working on it.

That there
That's not me
I go
Where I please
I walk through walls
I float down the Liffey
I'm not here
This isn't happening
I'm not here
I'm not here

In a little while
I'll be gone
The moment's already passed
Yeah it's gone
And I'm not here
This isn't happening
I'm not here
I'm not here

Strobe lights and blown speakers
Fireworks and hurricanes
I'm not here
This isn't happening
I'm not here
I'm not here

SotD: One by U2

I learned how to play U2's "One" tonight and it reminded me how truly beautiful this song is. I am not a huge U2 fan, but this song is a classic. Its simplicity manages to dig in at just the right emotional spots to speak volumes. A personal story and a universal one. Love. just love... and yet it's everything.

The song just gets that and expresses that so completely.

One love. One life.
When it's one need in the night.
One love.
We get to share it.
It leaves you baby if you don't care for it.

Song of the Dy/Music Education (Cont'd): It Ain't Easy, David Bowie

This album hits you all at once and then again and again with each song. I could live in it, and have been for the last few weeks. I am still learning my way around. It Ain't Easy is a theme song for this week/this life as it presently stands. 

When you climb to the top of the mountain

Look out over the sea

Think about the places perhaps, where a young man could be

Then you jump back down to the rooftops

Look out over the town

Think about all of the strange things circulating round 

It ain't easy, it ain't easy

It ain't easy to get to heaven when you're going down 

Feel the same? Sing along. 

Song for my Love: Rock n' roll Suicide, David Bowie

From the incredible album I never knew I never knew. Part of the music education series, this song is especially suited for today. First, because it's perfect. It really is. A perfect musical sentiment in words and sounds.... and second, because it's perfect for today. It's one of the original you'll-be-ok-because-you're-a-rock-n'-roller requiems for those days when nothing else will keep you going.

So, to keep you going....

Time takes a cigarette, puts it in your mouth
You pull on your finger, then another finger, then your cigarette
The wall-to-wall is calling, it lingers, then you forget
Ohhh how how how, youre a rock n roll suicide

Youre too old to lose it, too young to choose it
And the clocks waits so patiently on your song
You walk past a cafe but you dont eat when youve lived too long
Oh, no, no, no, youre a rock n roll suicide

Chev brakes are snarling as you stumble across the road
But the day breaks instead so you hurry home
Dont let the sun blast your shadow
Dont let the milk float ride your mind
Youre so natural - religiously unkind

Oh no love! youre not alone
Youre watching yourself but youre too unfair
You got your head all tangled up but if I could only
Make you care
Oh no love! youre not alone
No matter what or who youve been
No matter when or where youve seen
All the knives seem to lacerate your brain
Ive had my share, Ill help you with the pain
Youre not alone

Just turn on with me and youre not alone
Lets turn on with me and youre not alone (wonderful)
Lets turn on and be not alone (wonderful)
Gimme your hands cause youre wonderful (wonderful)
Gimme your hands cause youre wonderful (wonderful)
Oh gimme your hands.