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)

Have Your Cake & Eat It, Too!

Ah, Cake. And not just the vanilla frosting/food colouring-infused delight that we all indulge in on birthdays, special occasions and midnight snacks, but rather the kind that involves a group of guys getting together, making great music, mixing various genres like cake batter, and thus getting people happy in the proccess. This Calafornian band that enjoyed the success of radio gem "The Distance" from Fashion Nugget stand out to me as the guys that were responsible for great songs like "Daria" (which got featured on an episode's end credits) and the amusing 'Short Skirt/Long Jacket' with the novelty people-on-the-street-listening-to-the-song-in-the-video-on-headphones video. They haven't released an official record since 2004 (apart from the B-Sides & Rarities), but have been known to tour every now and then, playing musical festivals in the States.

Today I offer up what I feel is one of Cake's best songs, which I originally got into thanks to the soundtrack for the mediocre MTV teen comedy, Orange County. This was one of the songs that pretty much made the soundtrack and the movie. It's upbeat, summery, smart, makes you want to shake your hips. Close your eyes and the plucky, strummy guitars will remind you of the West Coast in an instant.

Listen to Shadow Stabbing ( Comfort Eagle, 2001)

Next Best Alternative #2

I didn't think anyone could top a Klaxons cover after I heard Soko on a remix a while ago, but I'm really glad I was proved wrong.

My friend Olivia reminded me how great Goldfrapp are last night, and I was lucky enough to stumble on a session from BBC 1's Live Lounge in which the beautiful, super sophisticated and elegant Alison Goldfrapp does a hauntingly beautiful rendition of 'It's Not Over Yet'.

The band does an excellent job of the cover using acoustic guitars with classical undertones.

This song is also sort of reflective of the different direction that the band has taken with their forthcoming album, The Seventh Tree, due out later this month. Gone is the super-shiny disco-esque glamour found in the Supernature album. It's instead replaced by this refreshingly fresh, vulnerability that seems part hippie (I could easily see 'Little Bird' being featured in a scene between William and Penny Lane in Almost Famous) part fairytale, part soundtrack to an adventure involving a forest and mythical creatures. I strongly believe the album will be worth the wait, despite the disappointment of many long-time fans who appear to miss the heavily electronic beats, provocative lyrics and over-the-top disco-glam videos.

I'll have a more in-depth look at the new album soon-ish, but for now, I leave everyone with this tasty treat of a classy cover that (dare I say it) could possibly rival the original:

Listen to Goldrapp - Not Over Yet

Song of The Day #2

...except listen to 'Silver Lining' by Beulah today. It will make you feel better, I promise.

Punk rock was my first girl /She left me a scar so I have her still /She’s not young, but she’s not old yet /We share the same sun but her’s never sets /You want it /Silver lining shining for you /You got it /The dark cloud always waiting for you /Weightless and tumbling through space I remember her voice but not her face /Floating but she’s always near /She wants to stay but she can’t stay here /You want it /Silver lining shining for you /You got it/ The dark cloud always waiting for you /Frozen in window displays /Where did you hide all those days we’d waste? /Fading but I see her still /She’ll always be my punk rock girl

As for the background on the band, here is what you need to know: they were born in an office mail room in mid-90's San Francisco after Miles Kurosky and Bill Swan decided that despite their mutual dislike for each other, their shared musical influences deserved to be put into practice in order to form a band and make music. They gained attention from bands like Apples In Stereo (who helped them release their first single) but unfortunately disbanded after a free concert in late 2004 after their last record Yoko failed to go gold. And yes, Micheal Cera is kinda a big fan. Rumors of frontman Miles's solo record release are on the horizon, though, so you never know - it might not be the end for long.

This paticular song, off their 2001 record The Coast Is Never Clear aptly reflects Miles's dealing with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder during the album's making. Cue the downbeat, disdainful lyrics synchronized with breezy, summery music that speaks of a different feeling entirely. Thus, it is the song of the day, and the only thing I recommend you listen to, on repeat, all day.

Download Silver Lining (The Coast Is Never Clear, 2001)