Lately on the stereo

A lazy blog post about some tracks I’ve really been hammering to death on my music player. I thought I’d share some and post a few youtube live performances for you appreciation.

Tenuousness by Andrew Bird from “Noble Beast”.

I think I’ve finally ‘got’ Andrew Bird on this latest album. Not that he wasn’t good before, I just didn’t think much of his previous records – I didn’t know the way in. This song in particular has opened that door.



Little Secrets by Passion Pit from "Manners".

Call them what you will, but this album is a cracker. This song has a great chorus and is a godo alternative to the other more radio friendly songs off this record.



Percussion Gun by White Rabbits from "It's Frightening".

A recommendation from a friend of mine. This album is not bad, but I really like the record opener.



Another One Goes By by the Walkmen from"A Hundred Miles Off".

The Walkmen have defined 2009 for me. This Mazarin cover from "A Hundred Miles Off" recalls the dreamy dancehall sounds of the 50s and 60s.



Young Adult Friction by the Pains of Being Pure at Heart from "The Pains of Being Pure at Heart".

How anyone in 2009 is going to top this record, I’m not sure how. I really love this song and I really hope the Pains make the trip across to Australia sometime soon.



You can tell that I’m in the middle of essay writing hell. I have a lot of assessment and no motivation to write. Frequently, I try kick myself out of these ruts by returning to blogging, hence the series of posts I’ve managed to smash out over the last few days.

Four Provinces

Hi all. No real blog today in any meaningful, critical way. Unfortunately, an essay on political realism has claimed my mind for the time being.

However, I do have something to share. I've been really digging the most recent record by THE WALKMEN, "You & I", that came out last year. LastFm told me I should like them based on my listening habits. I'm usually a bit skeptical of these things, but for once the internet was totally correct! Expect some more words on this record...later.

Anyway, one of the songs from the album "Four Provinces" (which I think is absolutely stellar) has been used in what I can only describe as a fan video, I don't think its the actual video or anything. The video, which is available on youtube, is really fun, whimsical with a romantic thread running just beneath its surface. Basically, its a guy and girl having a dance off.



In other news, I was aghast to learn that James Iha, formerly of the Smashing Pumpkins, has teamed up with Taylor Hanson, formerly of Hanson, to form some band called TINTED WINDOW. What in the hell. It seems unholy that a musical genius like Taylor Hanson should team up with such an untalented, disgraceful guitarist such as Iha. I'm turning up my nose.

Anyway, I'm off to listen to the best of Glen Campbell.