These are old blues

I've been having a Joanna Newsom sorta weekend, though I don't know what that says about how I'm feeling. Nevermind that, though. Today, I remembered this cover of Joanna Newsom's Sadie I heard some years ago, by this guy called Danny Malone. I don't know much about him except that he's from Austin, Texas. He turns Sadie into a sprawling alt-country number and it comes off remarkably well, in my estimation. Check out more of Danny Malone's music here.

Danny Malone - Sadie

I came back for more

Good news, everbody! Aimee Mann's new album, Charmer, was released today, and it's a gem. Subtle pop hooks mixed with biting wit and self-deprecating lyrics. So, typical Aimee Mann, then. And with the new album, comes a new video. This video for Labrador is very amusing and a nod to her old 'Til Tuesday days, if you remember them.

Lyrically, she compares herself to a dog who just keeps coming back for more no matter how bad you treat it. Visually, the video is sort of an update (remake?) to 'Til Tuesday's Voices Carry. And look for Jon Hamm in the vid! You can check out both videos below and you can pick up Charmer here.

It Came from the 90s!

For some reason, I felt like doing this decade as well. I suspect I'll probably do 00's and 70's mixes at some point as well. It's kinda fun, actually. Like the 80's mix, I stuck with one track per artist (which can be incredibly difficult) and tried to keep it under 700mb, which is the size of one blank CDR. So, for better or worse, this list is my version of the 90's.

As a friend said, it would be easy to be revisionist about it, but I did love bands like Oasis and Sarah McLachlan at one point. There are more than a few of these bands that I've outgrown, I haven't listened to some of this stuff in ages before undertaking this task, but these songs still touch me; or at least bring back some memories. In any case, it's all in good fun. As usual, feel free to mock me or praise me in the comments. I can handle it. Tracklist after the jump and R*A*R*s are in the comments.

30 years ago today

Man, I can't believe the US Festival was 30 years ago today (3/9/82). I totally wanted to go to this, but, believe it or not, this was actually a time when I was too young to do stuff like that. C'est la vie. Oh, and long live the Ramones! This video has their full 20-minute US Festival set. The sound is impeccable. 1-2-3-4!

Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?
Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment
Rock 'n' Roll High School
I Wanna Be Sedated
Beat on the Brat
The KKK Took My Baby Away
Here Today Gone Tomorrow
Chinese Rock
Teenage Lobotomy

I Belong in Your Arms

This is pretty sweet. A Japanese version of I Belong in Your Arms by Chairlift. There is a limited edition 7" of this version available here, in case you're interested. You can find the original version on their excellent album, Something, which was released earlier this year.

Chairlift - I Belong in Your Arms (Japanese Version)

Play

I recently discovered iamamiwhoami's Kin. It's pretty great; kind of like what you'd pour out if Bjork, Fever Ray and Portishead were all dropped into a blender. But whatever, the comparison is just to give you an idea; this album stands on its own.

I ran into Play about two weeks ago and I can't stop listening to it. This song is like a joyous celebration of life, love; whatever. It's like magic.

She's done up videos for each of the 9 songs on the album, you can check them out if you click here.

iamamiwhoami - Play

Faustian Echoes

I'm finally going to see Agalloch this coming weekend (at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco). I got into them a couple of years ago when they gave us Marrow of the Spirit. I remember looking up more info after first hearing the album and being disappointed that I missed their show which was barely a couple weeks prior to my discovery of them. But, you know, that's just the way it goes.

2012 brings us a new Agalloch EP, Faustian Echoes, the title track of which is a 21 minute epic that I'm looking forward to hearing in a live setting. I'm also looking forward to hearing my favorite song, Black Lake Nidstång, another epic (17 minutes!) which you can find on the aforementioned Marrow of the Spirit Album. I can't wait! In the meantime, check out Faustian Echoes.

Agalloch - Faustian Echoes

Robot Hero in Print

I've been meaning to scan this for ages and have only now just gotten around to it. This is the only time anything I've ever written has been printed in an actual, physical magazine. It was 2005 and I reviewed Kate Bush's Aerial for Slow Graffiti, which was a zine that was published by people from the now defunct Bowlie message board. Upon re-reading the review, I still feel the same way about the album although I would worded some of my thoughts a bit differently at this point in my life.

Also, I feel compelled to say that I've been learning to love The Red Shoes. Well, maybe not love it, but at least enjoy it on some level. It's not as bad as I make it out to be, it's just a departure from what she had been doing up to that point. In any case, the aforementioned review is pictured below. If you feel like reading it, you can click on the image to enlarge it.

Spring of Life

I've been so busy being unemployed, I missed a Perfume single that dropped a few months ago. So this new song, Spring of Life, is pretty much more of the same with Perfume, which is not a problem for me because I like the formula. Electro/dance music with sparkling production and the auto-tuned voices of gorgeous Japanese girls; what's not to love? It's simply a good time.

What really puts this song over the top for me is the video. I love the robot theme. It sorta makes me think of Blade Runner and all the little "friends" that are created by J.F. Sebastian. And the girls' electric light dresses are pretty spectacular. Check it out.

Perfume - Spring of Life

You're the train that crashed my heart

She's back. After three years, Bat For Lashes has a new album to share with us, The Haunted Man, and it will be available in October 15. Judging from the single, Laura, which has just been unleashed, the album will be very good, indeed. She's got a lot of European tour dates lined up through the fall and winter, so I think it'll be 2013 before she makes it to the States. I can't wait. That's the album's cover above, and the Laura video below.

Bat For Lashes - Laura

Play it for the heart and the soul

I came across Austra a couple months ago. Her album, Feel It Break, released last year. She sorta reminds me of Siouxsie; a goth feel with haunting, dark electronica. Maybe a little Kate Bush, too. I'm pretty excited, she's gonna be playing here in September and it's pretty cheap (The Independent, if you wanna come with), so that's something to look forward to. If you decide to pick up her album, make sure you hunt down the "deluxe edition" which has excellent covers of Woodstock (Joni Mitchell) and Crying (Roy Orbison) on the second disc as well as a few other b-sides.

Austra - Beat and the Pulse

You got me burnin'

I was watching The Terminator the other night. During the Tech Noir club scene (in which Sarah Connor first encounters the Terminator as well as Reese), I'm reminded that, 80s production aside, I actually like a few of the songs that pop up in the film (although it might just be nostalgia). Namely, Tahnee Cain & Tryanglz's Burnin' in the Third Degree, Photoplay and You Can't Do That. All of these are on the Terminator OST, which I used to have on vinyl way back when. Tahnee Cain was married to Jonathan Cain (The Baby's, Journey). I think someone could actually cover/update these and they wouldn't be half bad songs. Well, maybe if they ditch the guitar solos.

Tahnee Cain & Tryanglz - Burnin' in the Third Degree

Halcyon

I got into Mono when they were described as Mogwai Junior or the Japanese Mogwai. Fairly accurate, if not flattering, descriptions. I actually bought their second album first, One Step More and You Die. The blurb on the "employee picks" rack where it resided compared them to My Bloody Valentine (as well as Mogwai) and I was intrigued. Still, they were promising and they delivered the goods. The Kidnapper Bell, from their first album, Under The Pipal Tree, remains as one of my favorite Mono tracks.

I kinda burned myself out on them in 2005. They were touring in support of their Walking Cloud album and they must have come through the Bay Area some 6-7 times that year. My cousin and I saw them at least 5 times, from what I remember. A couple times, it was at some art gallery and the admission price was $5; who could resist?

But yes, a bit of a burnout ensued. I kept up with their releases, but wasn't listening as intently as before. Now it's mid 2012 and I've been enjoying their 2010 live album, Holy Ground, with the Wordless Music Orchestra. Mono are no longer Mogwai Junior, they've grown, redefined themselves and they have their own voice and this album beautifully illustrates those points. Time to start listening again.

Mono - Halcyon (Beautiful Days)

Robot Cast #3

Robot Cast #3 by Robot_Hero on Mixcloud

I've been threatening to do this again, and here it is. This is my voice talking about some of my favorite musical moments in film. Click on to check out the tracklist.

Don't leave without me

Beach House's Bloom was love at first listen. It drew me in so easily, made me feel comfortable and fuzzy. In a good sort of way, it feels like a continuation of Teen Dream, except that they've tweaked and perfected the formula. Bloom is filled with soaring melodies, magic and passing clouds. It can make any mundane commute seem like you're floating off to some mythical destination.

Beach House - The Hours

Someday we'll find it

This is from the flip side of Tara Jane O'Neil's new single, Sirena. It's a pretty straightforward Rainbow Connection cover. Maybe a little more reverb-y on the vocals. It's really nice, though I like her voice a lot. 

Tara Jane O'Neil - Rainbow Connection

Somebody

I just heard this for the first time today and I love it; it's like a full blown Prince song. I don't really know anything about Niki & The Dove, other than they are from Stockholm and their first album, Instinct, just dropped. Also, you can go to their Soundcloud page to listen to more music. Look for the drum machine version of this song, it recalls Stevie Nicks' Stand Back.

Niki & The Dove - Somebody

Robot Cast #2

Robot Cast #2 by Robot_Hero on Mixcloud

Robot Hero radio is back! Click on to check the tracklist, then press play to hear some sweet songs and sad stories. 

It came from the 80s!

This isn't your parents' 80s mix.

A friend asked for an 80s mix, I thought it would be fun to throw together some stuff not normally associated with typical 80s mixes. This is the stuff that I loved back then.

My feet are in the sky

I went with a couple friends to see First Aid Kit last week. They put on a great show and were kind enough to sign records and take pics with fans. This post is basically an excuse to post the pic. That's Rick and I with the First Aid Kit ladies, Johanna and Klara. I'm in the green jacket. This is King of the World, from The Lion's Roar.

First Aid Kit - King of the World

I gotta get back to you

When I was a kid, the Electric Light Orchestra were pretty huge. Actually, using my meager allowance, Ole ELO (a greatest hits compilation) was among my first ever vinyl purchases way back when. My dad wasn't much of a pop music fan, he was more into classical music. He once stopped by my room while I was listening to A New World Record, the strings had caught his ear and the juxtaposition of traditionally classical music instruments in a rock n' roll setting had intrigued him. He actually asked me about the band and I answered with whatever a 10 year old would answer. He even bought Out of the Blue when it came out in 77 and we would listen to it together. I think the strings gave them credibility in his mind.

The other day, I came across this live clip of ELO doing Sweet Talkin' Woman (which is on Out of the Blue) and it totally reminded me of all that. I can also put ELO in the Bands I Wish I'd Seen Live file, so I'm glad stuff like this exists.

ELO - Sweet Talkin' Woman

Why would you live anywhere else?

I'm loving the new Best Coast single. It sounds a lot cleaner that the previous album, but who cares because it's so damn catchy. This is a song that should blasted in the car, windows and top down, as you drive along Highway 1 on a bright, sunny day.

The Only Place is the title track from the upcoming album (out May 15) and is Bethany Cosentino's love letter to California and really, why would you live anywhere else?

Best Coast - The Only Place

Pictures came and broke your heart

Shugo Tokumaru's version of The Buggles' Video Killed The Radio Star. My friend who turned me onto Tokumaru described him as a folkier Cornelius, which pretty much sold me.

You can find this on Polyvinyl's Japan 3-11-11 album, which benefits the victims of last year's earthquake in Japan.

Shugo Tokumaru - Video Killed The Radio Star

Robot Cast #1

I'm trying my hand at a podcast, since I seem to have a little extra time on my hands these days (read: unemployed). Listen to my lovely voice, as well as some of my favorite songs. Don't be afraid.

Robot Cast #1 by Robot_Hero on Mixcloud

Zou Bisou Bisou

If you watched the Mad Men S5 premiere this week, then you saw this moment. Don Draper's wife, Megan (Jessica Paré), throws a surprise birthday party for her husband. In the middle of the party, she busts out a French pop song, Zou Bisou Bisou. I thought it was a pretty cool, lighthearted and sexy moment. Mad Men, bringing yé-yé to the masses. Who woulda thought?

I'm not very familiar with the yé-yé scene (I know who Françoise Hardy, France Gall and Sylvie Vartan are, but that's about it) but a little googling reveals that the original version of the song was sung in English by Sophia Loren, and then in French by Gillian Hills. Actually, after reading the wiki page, it's sorta confusing. I bet that page has gone through a ton of edits in the past few days since the premiere, so I'll leave you to figure it out for yourself if you're so inclined.

In any case, you can actually buy Jessica Paré's version of the song on iTunes or on 7" vinyl (b/w the Mad Men theme song). You can also see the clip from the show here.

Jessica Paré - Zou Bisou Bisou

Fall Back in Love Eventually

I picked up tickets today to see The Naked & Famous (next month, April 21 at the Warfield). I saw them a few months ago at the Independent with a friend and figured why not see them again. All the way from New Zealand, their songs are dance-y, full of synths (but not completely) and instantly accessible. It's just catchy, fun pop music...and the lead singer is CUTE.

I love this single, Young Blood; it's monster of a sing-a-long anthem about young love. I get it stuck in my head and it stays there for weeks at a time. Check it out on their album, Passive Me Aggressive You. It's about a year and a half old now, so hopefully it's about time for something new.

The Naked & Famous - Young Blood

You keep me under your spell

I recently saw Drive, which I very much enjoyed. In the film was a song by Desire called Under Your Spell. Watching the film, the song sounded familiar to me, I had to look up the soundtrack listing and then I stupidly realized I had their album. I like the song but I didn't like the chit-chat breakdown in the middle with the two girls talking to each other. The Drive soundtrack has an edited version of Under Your Spell which omits the chatter and the result is much more satisfying, for me.

I like the song's simplicity; I don't eat, I don't sleep, I do nothing but think of you. The basics of obsession when you meet that certain someone.

Find this on the aforementioned Drive soundtrack; alternatively, you can find the original version on Desire's II, which is a pain to search for.

Desire - Under Your Spell

Fredo's Lament

I've been slacking lately, mostly when it comes to this blog, but I'm trying to get back into it. In any case, I'm here now. I recently attended a screening of The Godfather, a film I absolutely love and had never before seen in a theater. That was pretty exciting and it got me thinking, if ever there was a tragic figure in the history of cinema, Fredo Corleone might pop up on some people's lists. Definitely on mine. I tried to make a Fredo Corleone inspired mix, songs that might speak for him or remind people of him. I tried to follow the arc of his life; birth, full of promise, upbeat. Then it gets darker and maybe a little bit ferocious. Anyways, this is what came out, it lives over on 8tracks.com and it's embedded here, maybe you'll like it; press play.

Fredo's Lament from robot_hero on 8tracks.

Larks' Tongues in Aspic (Part II)

I've been having a little King Crimson revival this week. The 80s incarnation of the band (Fripp, Belew, Levin, Bruford) is probably my favorite, if only because that was my initial entry into their catalog. I've been listening a lot to a live album called Absent Lovers which was recorded in Montreal at the end of their 1984 tour.

Originally recorded in 1973, this particular performance of Larks' Tongues in Aspic (Part II) (from the Larks' Tongues in Aspic album) showcases their chops and power. The word devastating comes to mind. Precision. Deadly accuracy. It's like the Death Star of songs, capable of destroying entire planets (if someone were to use that power for evil). I dunno, it's just so very good.

King Crimson - Larks' Tongues in Aspic (Part II)

You're so bad for me

New Art for the People is kind of a twisted love song. It's one of those abusive, drug-addled relationships and they can't stay away from each other. It starts with him singing to her about "the cum in your hair, the cocaine on your teeth." She sings about how it frightens her when he gets all shouty, but then it just makes her love him more. My favorite line is when she sings, "You sound middle class, but I'll let it pass, I don't understand you at all." I just love the way her voice trails off as she says "I'll let it pass," it's almost like she's fed up but forgiving at the same time.

Towards the end of the song, they get famous; they sing about being on TV and on the cover of NME and their celebrity is the only thing that is really keeping them together ("It's so sad that you're so sad and you're so bad for me"), but hey, that's rock n' roll.

You can check this out on The Indelicates' first album, and my favorite of theirs, American Demo. You can also listen to more Indelicates music here.

The Indelicates - New Art for the People

Dream of the Broken Hearted

Songs for surviving Valentine's Day. Press play.

Click on for the tracklist.

I'll be your Emmylou

I recently came across First Aid Kit, a Swedish sister duo, who have a new album called The Lion's Roar. Swedish girls who are still in their teens and yet somehow they channel Americana so fluently and beautifully; I love it. Listen to Emmylou from their new album and you can hear them name-check some of their American heroes.

First Aid Kit - Emmylou

Occupy Pop Songs

So, 2011 has just about ended and I inevitably made up a mix of some stuff I liked this year. I tried to keep it short, but it just ended up ballooning into what it is now, 50 tracks that clock in at 3+ hours. I actually started working on this in September; tweaking, tweaking, tweaking.

Baby, please come home

Darlene Love's Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home), from A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector, which is arguably the best Christmas album ever. If you don't have it, seriously, order a copy now and thank me later.

Merry Christmas, peeps!

Darlene Love - Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)

Free Christmas

The legendary Johnny Marr posted a free Christmas song, an instrumental with the imaginative title of Free Christmas. Way to really put your heart into it, Johnny. Just kidding, it's actually kinda cool. You can listen to it below or download it from his site, here.

Johnny Marr & The Healers - Free Christmas

Baby, I'm done

Aimee Mann's I Was Thinking I Could Clean Up For Christmas appears to tell a story from a drug (heroin?) addict's point of view. She wants to kick her habit and then end her life. Bittersweet, in true Aimee Mann fashion. Funnily enough, this is not on her Christmas album, One More Drifter in the Snow; it can be found on 2005's The Forgotten Arm.

Aimee Mann - I Was Thinking I Could Clean Up For Christmas

Come on, girl, let's go

I'm posting another Emmy the Great & Tim Wheeler song just because I really like this album. Just because it's so freaking cold outside. I mean, I know it's not that cold compared to, say, the east coast, but it's been pretty damn cold for San Francisco. Nights have been in the high 30s and low 40s. Days haven't been too bad when it gets up to 55ish. I just don't like it, and I'm totally feeling the sentiment in this song right now.

Emmy the Great & Tim Wheeler - Christmas Day (I Wish I Was Surfing)

You're pissing me off

Mayer Hawthorne's The Walk has hooks for days and days and days. Fantastic song and an amusing video, to boot. I finally got around to listening to his new album, How Do You Do, and it's really, really good.

Yuletide advice from Johnny Cash

Gasoline and Christmas trees don't mix. Truer words were never spoken. I think this is a radio spot, but I'm not sure. It's on a compilation called Xmas is Cancelled; it's labeled only as "Interlude."

Xmas Twist

I don't really know much about the Twistin' Kings, but everybody is doin' the Xmas twist and it's pretty awesome!

Twistin' Kings - Xmas Twist

I will love you on your birthday

From ROBOT HERO

Taking a quick break from the Xmas songs. I sometimes try to do a self-portrait on my birthday, but I forgot. Instead, here's a pic I took tonight while I was standing on the corner of Sacramento and Front streets, waiting for a friend. I was only trying out the camera on my new phone. Truly, the height of birthday excitement.

The Bird and the Bee - Birthday

Someone stole my record player

Okay, on to better songs. I thought I posted this one before, but I can't seem to find it. In any case, here is the always wonderful Neko Case covering the Tom Waits' 1978 classic, Christmas Card From A Hooker in Minneapolis. You can find this on the Tom Waits tribute album called New Coat of Paint. Ms. Case takes on an already great song and makes it her own. It's definitely worth seeking out.

Neko Case - Christmas Card From A Hooker in Minneapolis

This could be the worst Xmas song ever

I never thought I'd post something by Toby Keith, or even Sammy Hagar. I'm just not a fan of either. This is just so cringe-inducing, I can't even like it ironically. I bet this will be a big hit in the midwest and the south, you know, where they thank God that Santa Claus is white and that Toby Keith is an American.

PS - Make sure your pop-ups are enabled for this page, I had to grab an embed code from Mspxxx. I oddly couldn't find any mp3s or videos for this track.

Toby Keith & Sammy Hagar - Santa's Goin' South
Santa's Going South

Christmas Wish

It's been a long, busy week, but we're still here. This time, bring you Christmas wishes from the super cool, Takako Minekawa. Sadly, it doesn't look like she'll be gracing us with new music anymore. At least we still have the gifts she has given us, including her Xmas EP, (A Little Touch of) Baroque in the Winter, upon which you can find this track.

Takako Minekawa - Christmas Wish

If we make it though December

Merle Haggard's 1974 track, If We Make It Through December (from the album with the same name), tells an all too familiar tale of a man who's been laid off from his job just before Christmas. He's obviously have a rough go of it, he wants to do Christmas right by his daughter but now he's just hoping she'll understand if it doesn't happen the way it should. Timeless, this song could easily have been written today. The backup vocals, the violin (fiddle?) and the piano flourishes really make the song for me. No doubt that Haggard could have played it as a "fuck you" to The Man, with the narrator going on a drunken and destructive binge; he takes the high road instead, it's poignant, elegant and understated, with a dash of optimism.

Merle Haggard - If We Make It Through December

Repost: No One Makes Me Feel The Way You Do

A repost from a couple years ago. Seeing as how Kate Bush just released an album of new material for the first time in 6 years (and before that album, there was a 12 year gap; so 2 albums in 18 years), I thought I'd bring this one back.

Say hello to the magical, Kate Bush. I love the sweet and lilting feel of this track, it's a perfect little gem. Songs like this are the reason that b-sides were invented.

Home For Christmas is a b-side from the Rubberband Girl single, which was taken from her 1993 album, The Red Shoes.

Kate Bush > Home For Christmas

My heart froze many years ago

Today, I stumbled upon This is Christmas, by Emmy The Great and Tim Wheeler. These are mostly original tunes and it's a really catchy pop album. If you know me, then you know I like my Christmas tinted blue and served up with a side of heartbreak. This tune couldn't be more catchy, perfect or fitting.

Emmy The Great & Tim Wheeler - (Don't Call Me) Mrs. Christmas

All alone at Christmas time

I once saw Aimee Mann and Michael Penn perform this, but I can't remember if it was on one of their Acoustic Vaudeville tours or one of Aimee Mann's Christmas shows that she did for a few years straight. It had to be an AV show. It was originally recorded for Paul Thomas Anderson's Hard Eight, which I believe was scored by Michael Penn and Jon Brion. Anderson later wrote the screenplay for the film, Magnolia, based, in part, upon hearing Aimee Mann's Deathly, which would also be featured on the soundtrack. In any case, it's a cool song; kinda bittersweet, by a couple of my favorite musicians.

Aimee Mann & Michael Penn - Christmastime

Repost: Come On, Santa

This is a repost from a couple years ago. Way back when, I was young and I used to want to write; I used to think I could do it, but I'm actually terrible and full of cliches. If I'd actually kept at it, I'd more than likely be labeled a hack. Maybe I'd have gotten good, who knows, I just didn't have the patience to wade through all of the crap that pours out of my brain. Blog and Twitter posts, however, are a different sort of animal and I feel more comfortable in these mediums.

Every once in a while, however, inspiration strikes and this is one of the more interesting posts I've written of late. I even received a really nice compliment on it, from someone whose opinion I hold in high regard, no less, and it made me feel all fuzzy. It's late right now, nearly 2am on a Friday morning, and I don't feel up to a new post, so I thought I'd push this back out into the world.


You're sitting in a booth in an old greasy spoon, eyes staring into the eternal darkness of the coffee that sits before you. It's Christmas eve and there's a sad little Charlie Brown Christmas tree by the door. There's one other patron, a man sitting at the counter, wearing a faded baseball cap, ignoring his plate of sausage and eggs while he drinks from a flask of Wild Turkey that he intermittently pulls from his shirt pocket.

She walks through the doorway and the open doors momentarily allow the wind to announce her presence. She slowly drifts to your booth and the music starts as if it were cued for this moment. For a second she's standing there, staring down at you with big blue eyes shrink-wrapped in tears, and it feels like forever. You give a barely perceptible nod and start to get up. As your frame unfolds, she takes your hand and leads you for a few steps and then stops. She whirls in slow motion to face you and takes a hold of your hips, pulls you close and you both begin to slowly sway to the music. Her arms snake their way up and drape themselves around your neck, her head resting on your shoulders while she breathes sighs into your ears. "Come on, Santa..."

The Raveonettes > Come On, Santa

Christmas is a rockin' time

Good ol' Tom Petty steps in with Christmas All Over again. This was on the soundtrack of the godawful Four Christmases, which I've never seen and I never want to see it, based on the terrible trailers. Despite not having seen it, I have no problem judging this film. Vince Vaughn? C'mon. Reese Witherspoon? Please. If the best thing about your movie is a Tom Petty Christmas song, then you'd better get back to the drawing board. Either that or just go remake Miracle on 34th Street, since you can't write your own movie.

Tom Petty - Christmas All Over Again

I make all the little girls happy

Since Thanksgiving crept up on me and is now just over a week away, I figure it's time to bust out the Christmas tunes. We're gonna start off old school with Clarence Carter's Back Door Santa; smokin' hot. The horns from this song were sampled in another Christmas classic, Run-DMC's Christmas in Hollis.

Clarence Carter - Back Door Santa

50 Words for Snow

As anyone around here knows, I am a huge fan of Kate Bush. I thought I'd let whomever is around that NPR has the new album, 50 Words for Snow, streaming right now. The album itself will be released in a week, on the 21st, but you can get a head start on the listening, if you so desire. I've listened a few times already and I seriously had chills; it's that good. But don't take my word for it, listen for yourself!

Adieu

I just stumbled upon a new Coeur de Pirate track, it's really great. She has a new album out called Blonde. I'm so all over this.

Coming into a dark world

I wanted to check out Chrysta Bell's This Train because I'd heard that David Lynch was involved with the album. I don't know how much of this story is true, but from what I've read, Lynch met Bell when she was 19 or 20ish and wanted to work with her on a long term project. He wanted to turn her into a chanteuse or something. She's a bit over 30 now; this album is finally seeing the light of day and it's a pretty good one.

If you're familiar with Lynch at all, you'll immediately be able to tell that his fingerprints are all over this album. Apparently, he wrote all of the music and lyrics; all that's missing are Angelo Badalamenti arrangements.

Chrysta Bell - Bird of Flames

When I was seventeen

I've only just discovered Youth Lagoon's The Year of Hibernation, but it feels like I've known these songs forever. There's a child-like sense of wonder, a haunting quality and a hanging sadness (or maybe a feeling of longing) that pervades each track. I like the way the vocals are pushed back into the mix. You have to fight to make out the words, sorta like catching fleeting glimpses when you're looking for something and trying not to blink so you won't miss it.

Another aspect of this album I really like is that it's just over half an hour long. Some artists really don't know how to self-edit (Hello, Tori Amos) and put out albums that become endurance tests. Just because you can fit an hour and twenty minutes on a disc doesn't mean that you should. The Year of Hibernation is already one of my favorite albums of the year. Viva, Youth Lagoon.

Youth Lagoon - Seventeen