Song of the Day - October 31, 2005

Happy Halloween! I originally had picked another song of the day, but realized it just wasn't appropriate for Halloween. I was at a loss, but thanks to the help of The Negative Creep and her Halloween Mix the problem was solved. Check it out, I highly recommend it. It is under her Oct 22nd post 3 Playlists for 3 Days. I always loved "The Monster Mash" when I was kid. The Misfits put their own spin on it, and I love it. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 28, 2005

Belgium is known for its exquisite chocolate and excellent beer. Soon Belgium will be known for the Girls in Hawaii. Their music slowly grows on you and is definitely in the slowcore genre. Just like a good box of chocolates, it's difficult to pick just one song from their album From Here to There. At times I feel their music is a cross of CSN and Nirvana, especially on the track "Flavor." The music starts out slowly with some nice harmonies, only to erupt in a riot of sounds. I would compare it to eating a beautiful Belgian chocolate, first savoring the bittersweet chocolate coating, only to be surprised by the burst of flavor within. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 27, 2005

Have you been electrocuted? If not, I don't know what you are waiting for. You must experience the full force of Electric Eel Shock. They are a totally cool hard rocking Japanese band that have begun their invasion of the United States and I will not resist. Last week they played the Metro in Chicago, unfortunately I couldn't attend. If you are lucky enough to live in New York or Boston, you can see them this Thursday and Friday respectively at Irving Park and Avalon. One of my favorite songs on their latest album Beat Me is "Bastard!" What a great rockin' song with its chorus of "Bastard, Bastard,..." Click here to listen. I just have to add that I think their video is awesome with their take on Japanese anime and parody of the Powerpuff Girls. Click on the link to view the Bastard! video.

Jazz to Melt the Frost off the Pumpkin

It's cold outside early this morning and there is frost on the pumpkins. Well, I can't have that. Here's a list of gently simmering jazz that will melt the frost off the pumpkins and warm you soul. There's some great tracks here including the first track by Booker Ervin with some excellent trumpet work by Woody Shaw and tasty ivory manipulations by Kenny Barron. Of course, I had to include the original Mr. T, Stanley Turrentine, and the outright funkiness of Brother Jack McDuff and "Cold Duck Time." Click here to listen.

1. Gichi - Booker Ervin
2. Pia - Stanley Turrentine
3. Sir John - Blue Mitchell, Curtis Fuller, Johnny Griffin, Wynton Kelly, Wilbur Ware, and Philly Joe Jones
4. Cold Duck Time - Brother Jack McDuff
5. Blues In The Closet - Ron Carter
6. Frank's Blues - Frank Hewitt
7. Little Rock - Sonny Sharrock
8. Faith - Cuong Vu
9. Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am - Charles Mingus
10. Orbits - The Ben Monder Trio
11. Desert Sands - Wilbur Ware
12. Seven Ways - Jason Lindner

Song of the Day - October 26, 2005

Tim Fite samples bits of assorted music with the criteria that the records he uses cost no more than one dollar. An aficionado of cut out bins, Tim Fite could be called a Dr. Frankenstein of forgotten music by resurrecting samples of assorted songs into his own creation. On his album Gone Ain't Gone, one of my favorite tracks is "Not A Hit Song." I love the reverb drenched guitar sound and the alt country take of PIL's "This Is Not A Love Song." Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 25, 2005

Mommy and Daddy are at it again with another awesome release of electro-clash, punk, funk, creationism called Duel At Dawn. One of the things I love about Mommy and Daddy is they have the raw sound of a garage band, yet they rely heavily on synthesizers. Their songs have a darkness, an edge, that I find extremely appealing. I feel as if I was just shot out of a cannon when I listen to their music. An exhilarating feeling to be sure, one where you live for the moment and worry about the results later. One of my favorite tracks is "Pretty Loser," with a definite industrial influence from the likes of Ministry, but not quite as heavy. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 24, 2005

Do you miss Jimi Hendrix? I do, and I often wonder what he would be doing if he were still alive. One listen to Ladell McLin and you will believe Jimi lives again. Ladell comes from the Chicago blues scene and grew up playing the guitar and learning the ropes from blues legends like Buddy Guy. On what I believe is his debut album Stand Out, McLin just shreds on his guitar and delivers awesome guitar solos that Jimi Hendrix himself would be proud of. One of my favorite tracks is "Mona Lisa," a bubbling brew of screaming blues licks and distorted guitar. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 21, 2005

Oh man! I just love this band. Thanks go to the Negative Creep, who turned me on to The Hatepinks. The Hatepinks are four snotty, spitting, rude, raucous, rocking, Frenchmen. I guess it is just appropriate that they are Frenchmen. Their album Plastic Bag Ambitions is awesome! If you are a fan of early punk pioneers like the Sex Pistols, you are going to love The Hatepinks. The songs are fast, short, rude, and full of emotion, analogous to a nuclear bomb of punk energy. One of my favorite tracks is the title cut, "Plastic Bag Ambitions," which turns the simple phrase 1,2,3,4 into an anthem of punk angst. Click here to listen. The album Plastic Bag Ambitions is a total knockout with standout tracks such as "Razor Lips," "Microwave Drugs," and "I Piss in your Swimming Pool."

Song of the Day - October 20, 2005

The Birthday Massacre immediately brings to mind bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees and Ultravox. They excel at combining 80's style synthesizers with a layered guitar sound that is very appealing. I very much enjoyed this gothic style aural treat influenced by echoes of the 80's. "Happy Birthday" is one of the best tracks on their most recent release Violet. The guitar and synthesizer riff that introduces the song has been bouncing around my skull all week. It is time to break out the all black attire and do a little dance to The Birthday Massacre's "Happy Birthday." Of course, some of us never abandoned that all black wardrobe. Whatever you wear, I am sure you will enjoy The Birthday Massacre. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 19, 2005

If you enjoyed the Great Lake Swimmers debut album, their second album, Bodies and Minds, is just as good. Like the first album, which was recorded in a silo, their second album was recorded in a lakeside church in rural southern Ontario. The album echoes with lonesome reverb and continues to be strongly influenced by the sound of the legendary Neil Young. One of my favorite tracks is "I Saw You in the Wild." Click here to listen. The entire album is excellent and definitely worth a listen, especially if you are in a contemplative mood. Outstanding tracks include "Song for the Angels," "I Could be Nothing," and "Falling into the Sky." Click on the link to hear the entire album Bodies and Minds.

Song of the Day - October 18, 2005

It was difficult to pick a favorite song from the latest Minus Story effort No Rest for Ghosts. Hailing from Boonville, Missouri Minus Story definitely has a Midwestern sound, only that sound has been filtered through an indie aesthetic making for some beautiful music. The lead vocalist voice, though not beautiful, has unique characteristics that make for compelling listening. The band mixes many layers of sounds from traditional instruments and whatever else they find laying about. The end result is just great music. One of my favorite tracks is "Waking Up." Click here to listen. I strongly recommending listening to the whole album. Other worthwhile tracks include "I Was Hit," "Little Wet Head," and "There Is A Light." Click on the link to listen to No Rest For Ghosts.

Song of the Day - October 17, 2005

The Cops are here! There may have been a time in your life when you didn't want to hear this, but that time has passed. The Cops are another great band out of Seattle that are steeped in the sounds of The Clash, Kinks, and The Jam. The Cops have taken that British sound and distorted it by the influence of the sound of Seattle. The end result is an excellent EP called Why Kids Go Wrong. Their first track "Working The Wall" is a definite standout and my song of the day. There are definite Clash influences at work here plus a throwback to 70's era bands. The song is just plain infectious. I love it! Click here to listen. To enjoy the rest of their EP click on the link Why Kids Go Wrong. I especially enjoyed the track "Don't Take It Personal, Dave."

Song of the Day - October 14, 2005

I love The Fall and I am not talking about the weather. I have been a fan since the late 70's. The band was actually formed in 1977. They have been hugely influential and to still exist all these years later as a viable band is a major accomplishment. The latest release on Rhapsody is Fall vs 2003. My favorite track is "Susan vs. Youthclub." To many, The Fall are an acquired taste, but since I was raised on their music, I crave it. Click here to listen.

Jazz for a Friday Morning

I just needed a little jazz today to get me through the day, so here's my playlist. The first song is a phenomenal version of Miles Davis' "Flamenco Sketches" by Jessica Williams. I also threw in some of my classic favorites such as Dexter Gordon, Coltrane, and Art Blakey. Click here to listen.

1. Flamenco Sketches - Jessica Williams
2. The Groits - Andrew Hill
3. Afro-Blue (Live At The Half Note) - John Coltrane
4. Moanin' - Art Blakey And The Jazz Messengers
5. Taru, What's Wrong With You - Lee Morgan
6. Blues Up And Down - Dexter Gordon
7. My Funny Valentine - Miles Davis/George Coleman

Song of the Day - October 13, 2005

We had a taste of this next band last week on my 100 Proof Whiskey playlist. Well, I couldn't do with just one sip. I need more of the Ex-Girl. Unfortunately, they only have one album on Rhapsody, Back to the Mono Kero, but it is an excellent one. I must say that it is an acquired taste. The Ex-Girl are 3 Japanese girls that are an amalgamation of many musical styles and influences. There are definite riot grrrl, new wave, and noise pop influences here. Try to imagine a combination of the B-52's, Queen as geisha girls, and Sleater-Kinney. My song of the day is Sasuke. This is relatively mild compared to the craziness of "Waving Scientist @ Frog King." I like craziness by the way. They also do a quirky version of "Pop Musik." Other outstanding tracks include "Tozka" and "Solid States Kerock 'N' Roll." Click on the link to hear the entire album Back to the Mono Kero

Song of the Day - October 12, 2005

When I first heard the track "Dance 4," I immediately thought it was a track by Altered Images. I was wrong. It is by the Montreal based Kiss Me Deadly. Listen to the track "Happy Birthday" to get an idea of Altered Images' sound, if you are not familiar with them. It is lead vocalist Emily Elizabeth's singing style that made me fall for Kiss Me Deadly. Her high-pitched, breathy vocals, and occasional screeches are what appeals to me. I especially like the screeches. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 11, 2005

I Am Kloot's track "No Direction Home" combines the best of late 60's influences with the current state of British pop. The track has a catchy guitar riff that vaguely reminds me of some other song that I can't remember, though I am thinking it possibly might be a Doors tune. This is probably due to the repetitive piano chords, echoed by the guitar. Besides the piano, there are some organ sounding style keyboards in the background, again that Doors influence, and a driving bass line. The whole combination is bloody good. Click here to listen

Song of the Day - October 10, 2005

I have been listening to the new/old Wrens quite a bit since it appeared on Rhapsody last week. The Wrens in combination with The Five Mod Four released an EP called the Split CD. Supposedly, these tracks date from 2002, but they sound every bit as good today. My favorite track is "Was There Ever." New Wren material whether it is old, new, or misplaced is always a welcome find. Click here to listen.

Song of the Day - October 7, 2005

I can't believe I missed new Art Brut. They are one of my favorite current bands, I guess I was distracted by my constant search for new music. On their current single, they released a few unheard of tracks; the best of these is "Really Bad Weekend." I just love Eddie Argos singing/speaking style of vocals -oh yeah, and their smartass lyrics. Get your Art Brut fix here.

100 Proof Whiskey

Yeah, I need more Art Brut, so I started off my playlist today with another dose of Art Brut. I also satisfied my Gang of Four jones, with a track from their latest release Return The Gift. The playlist is high on intensity, but only about 30 minutes long. This is not a subdued list. I caution you not to listen to this list if you want to relax, think of it as a shot of 100 proof whiskey. Click here to down your 100 proof shot, no chaser provided.

1. Modern Art - Art Brut
2. Riot Radio - The Dead 60s
3. Ether - Gang Of Four
4. Say No! To Authority - Screeching Weasel
5. Aji Fry (Fried Horse Mackerel) - Ex-Girl
6. Legally Tender - Panthers
7. OOO- WEE - The Immortal Lee County Killers
8. Blasted - The Mutts
9. New Feudalism - The No W.T.O. Combo
10. Monkey Hand - Half Japanese

Song of the Day - October 6, 2005

Boduf Songs self-titled CD is basically a demo disk by Mat Sweet, of Southampton in the UK, submitted to Kranky records. The folks at Kranky liked the music so much, they basically decided to release the album unaltered. The result is a great album of subtle, folk tinged psychedelic music. The music reminds me of early Pink Floyd crossed with a smidgen of Simon and Garfunkel. There is a dark, menacing side to the music, a feeling that all is not entirely well. One of my favorite tracks is "Puke a Pitch Black Rainbow to the Sun" Mat Sweet definitely had to listen to a few early Pink Floyd albums to come up with such an esoteric title. Click here to listen. Click on the link for the full psychedelic experience of Boduf Songs

Two Olives, Gin, No Vodka, A Touch of Vermouth, Oh, Yes, Shaken Not Stirred

I need a drink. I think a classic martini will do the trick. I need gin, not vodka. Oh yes, and a little music as I transition myself from work to relaxation. Click here to begin your happy hour.

1. Midnight Caffe - Gabin
2. Beau Mot Plage - Isolee
3. Crosstown Traffic - Soulive
4. Summer Sun - Koop
5. A Taste Of Honey - Herb Alpert & The Tijuana B...
6. Ante Tus Ojos - Federico Aubele
7. Basmati - Dzihan & Kamien
8. Girl On A GoPed - Andy Votel (with Jane Weaver)
9. Moisture Seekers - Tipsy
10. The Hunger - Nostalgia 77
11. Long - Brazilian Girls

Song of the Day - Cctober 5, 2005

Ladytron's "Destroy Everything You Touch" is my aural treat of the day. Reminiscent of Human League and Depeche Mode, "Destroy Everything You Touch" could have easily been released in the early 80's. This is not necessarily a bad thing, during the 80's I was heavily into the above bands, and works by the likes of Ladytron bring back the sounds of 80's synth bands, but at the same time are entirely new music to me. Ladytron is a UK based band, which seems to be a breeding ground for excellent bands, in particular synthesizer based music. Click here to get you fix of 80's retro music.

Song of the Day - October 4, 2005

I came across The Washdown while doing a header into the Internet, but it was worth it. Like catching the perfect wave, sometimes you find the song that just fits your mood. Today was the day, I needed a frantic, chaotic, aggressive song and The Washdown's "Right Foot" was the perfect match. The song definitely has the frantic sound passed down from the Gang of Four, but even more, the song reminded me of Jimi Hendrix's classic "Machine Gun," with its staccato drum beats. Hey, Jimi used a guitar, but who's complaining. Their whole album Yes to Everything deserves to be better known. As I progress through the tracks, every song gets my blood flowing; you will not be disappointed. Check out the tracks "Bad Connection with a Lover," "Learning Makes You Handsome," and "Aweful Truth." To hear the song of the day click here. Click on the link to hear The Washdown's Yes To Everything

September's Songs of the Day

September was a month of change. I started the month with the gentle pop of the Snow Machine and ended with the riotous gypsy punk music of Gogol Bordello. In between, I inserted a little New Orleans based funk from Drums & Tuba, plus the Welsh crooning of Gruf Rhys. One of my favorite finds was the unstoppable energy from the band Levelload. Hey, I like them all. Click here to listen.

1. Camel Lights - Snow Machine
2. Anti-Depresants - Time Fly's
3. Eight Degrees in Buffalo - Drums & Tuba
4. Sharp Leather Walkin' Shoes - The Makers
5. ExLadyboy - Part Chimp
6. Sonar In My Soul - Richard Youngs
7. Palisades - Angels Of Light
8. Isabelle - Battle
9. A.S.A. To Accuracy - Kaito
10. Glad To Be Alive - Low Flying Owls
11. Last of the World's Gentlemen - The Beautiful Mothers
12. I'm From LA - Go Betty Go
13. Epynt - Gruff Rhys
14. Born To Be Wild - The Knitters
15. Horizon - The Bats
16. Tive Razao - Seu Jorge
17. Palookaville - LEVELLOAD
18. Copticon - The Flesh
19. I am The Contact Kid - Mixel Pixel
20. Hit 'N' Run - Horrorpops
21. Wicked Light Sleeper - The Joggers
22. Sally - Gogol Bordello

Song of the Day - October 3, 2005

"It's good to be the king," The King of France that is. Their latest self-titled album is full of quirky pop classics. The track "Mexico" reminds me of The Smiths, except on Prozac, as the music is definitely not as melancholy. Echoes of Lou Reed or could that be Iggy Pop can be heard when lead vocalist Steve Salad suddenly switches from singing to speaking during the course of the song. Their whole album is a treat. I particularly liked the tracks "Beast," and the energetic "White Confection" Click here to hear the song of the day "Mexico." To hear their album in it's entirety click here