Next Best Alternative #4: John Mayer = Kid A

I'll be honest - I'm not much of a John Mayer fan. But Radiohead, I do dig. So when someone like Mr. Mayer decides to do his own interpretation of a song like "Kid A" and does it well, this is something I dig, too.
There's just something about this song that will keep it stuck in your head for days, whether it's the plucky guitars, John echoing Thom Yorke in saying things like, "Standing in the shadows at the end of your bed" (again, stalker-y sentiment that seems poignant in its context rather than plain old creepy). Zach Braff would love this, and (I'm betting) subsequently sneak it into the next contemplative scene of a Scrubs episode. You'd love it, too. For good reason.
So download it for a life-changing experience. Or at least something to accompany the soundtrack to a quiet night in. This isn't any "Your Body Is A Wonderland", thank God for that.


Listen to John Mayer - Kid A

New Death Cab & The Issue of Internal Organ Possession

So. New Death Cab. 4:35-ish instrumental intro. Ben feeling it is nessecary to rock out for this amount of time before kicking into the lyrics. Discuss.

I'd have to say I'm kind of split in the middle with the discovery of this. I am not a fan of long, winding instrumental introductions, but I cannot help but feel that the bass and that moment where the drums quietly join in is really great. And then the piano. And the guitar. And how it all slowly, carefully builds up. Sort of like a very long road trip to someplace you've been wanting to go your whole life. And at about 4:34, it turns out that Ben Gibbard can still write a pretty eloquent song. Although, I have to say, there's something pretty chilling and zombie-like concerning the nature of how Ben proclaims he will "possess your heart".

So I guess your enjoyment (or lack) of this will depend entirely on where you're coming from personally. Perhaps you're a long-time fan, and can completely see Chris Walla's workings on the intro to the song. Maybe Ben Gibbard's voice half-way through the song can make you forgive the "extra trimmings" around the song. You might even just be disappointed because it's no Plans. Or maybe you've been living under a rock and only listened to this last night. The sprawling instrumental probably seems obligatory, if not normal to you. Or maybe just listen to Ben when he says, "You gotta spend some time, love" and let this song grow on you.

As I heard on the interwebs earlier this week, you cannot help but admit that, despite whatever direction Death Cab are choosing to go in or explore with the new record, they're still expressing lyrically what lots of us out there are still too scared to say out loud. Even if it is related to the pretty delicate issue of internal organ possession.

Fans will get the oppourtunity to descend and/or climb up DCFC's Narrow Stairs this May.

Listen to "I Will Possess Your Heart"

Song of The Day: The Clash

The Clash have been one of my favourite bands since high school, pretty much. I'm eternally grateful to my friend Hina whom I met in the middle of ninth grade who introduced me to a slew of bands that I missed out in my childhood whilst I was growing up on a steady diet of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, "The Dark Side of The Moon" album and 90's bubblegum pop. One of these bands was the Clash, and after hearing "Should I Stay or Should I Go", I've never looked back.

I recently discovered this gem of a song a few days ago and fell in love with it. It's such a soundtrack-to-my-life-in-high-school song, and it's nice to see that side of these boys after listening to politically fuelled anthems like "White Riot" and "London Calling". It's fun, tongue-in-cheek and catchy without being annoying. Go and play the chorus to this for the boy or girl you like. Seriously, do it. How could they say no?

The Clash - 1-2 Crush on You (from Super Black Market Clash)

Next Best Alternative(s) #3

I feel like I've been neglecting this blog as of late, but university's in full swing and this unfortunately leaves little time across the week for me to sit still and take a breather. The past two weeks have been physically and mentally exhausting, and one of the few things that have been keeping me going is good music (specifically non-crappy covers of great songs, among other things).

Here are two really great K.T Tunstall covers of two very good songs. I'm not really a fan, but I appreciate anyone who can put their own spin on a song without completely butchering the goodness of the original. Especially anyone who can do justice to the White Stripes. So give these a chance:

My Doorbell (originally by the White Stripes)

I Want You Back (originally by the Jackson Five)

(A double-treat because it's the weekend and hopefully these will get it off to a good start)