Electric Warrior by T. Rex

Another constant on my iPod is Electric Warrior by T. Rex. I only recently "discovered" T. Rex but they have rapidly moved up my list of favorite bands. It was funny when I recently rewatched "Billy Elliot" and realized that almost the entire soundtrack is made up of T. Rex songs. Though I also really enjoy Futuristic Dragon, it has more of a glam rock feel to it than Electric Warrior. There is something very grounded about Electric Warrior, that makes me feel kinda cool inside when I listen to it. The beats are infectious but simple. Everytime I listen to this album I can't help but exclaim, "Marc Bolan is a fucking genius!" Maybe you will feel that same way.

Below is a T. Rex song I am sure you know.

Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors

This album doesn't go on my favorite list of albums but it does have some redeemable qualities. It has a very Polyphonic Spree or The Darkness feel to it. I have to say that the only song that I don't like is "The Bride", which just totally creeps me out. Not exactly my cup of tea at this time but doesn't mean that it won't become a favorite later on down the road, when I am in the mood. But don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself and see what you think.

Monk's Dream by The Thelonious Monk Quartet

By far one of my favorite albums, Monk's Dream is a constant on my iPod. I love Jazz music but I am not always in the mood for it. But this album is an exception. No matter what mood I am in, musically, I cannot help but marvel at the genius behind each song. If you ever wanted to look at music differently, this album will definately do that. During a radio program on Columbia University's WKCR, a Columbia student was going on about how Monk created Art out of wrong notes. I have to say that there is something there because it does appear that way to someone like me. It opens up your world to endless musical possibilities. However, I should state, that according to the same story, Thelonious Monk called the radio station and stated to the student "The piano ain't got no wrong notes." But it is easy for someone like him to say this because as far as he is concerned, their aren't any wrong notes when they are in his capable hands.

Bible Belt by Diane Birch

My Great Aunt sent me a recommendation for a new artist named Diane Birch. I had heard of her and even listened to a song but I wasn't in a place where I could truly listen, so it made no impression on me. However, when I receive any kind of recommendation from my aunt, I always give it a chance. I am truly glad that I did. Diane Birch's raw vocal power is evident. She has a maturity to her voice that evokes a young Bonnie Raitt or Melissa Etheridge. But the music, that is something else entirely. It took me some time to process the music and what it reminded me of but after several listens, I realized that the style of music reminds me of Zach Gill's from Animal Liberation Orchestra. The music has a sense of being alive.

If you are looking for something new, different and vibrant, then give this a listen. It might be what you were looking for.

Diane Birch's Official Site


Diane Birch's Myspace Page

Ten Year Night by Lucy Kaplansky

When I was in High School, I spent the summers in the North Carolina Mountains working for my Great Aunt at her music store. Music was such a huge part of my life even then because of dance but before these summers, I didn't understand music the way that I do now. I had no idea of the vastness of the music industry and all there was to offer. Before this point in time, I only listened to classical, The Beatles, The Who, Pink Floyd, The Moody Blues, Michael Jackson, New Age and whatever was on the radio (or whatever CD's my sister bought). Mostly because this was what was around me. It is kind of sad when you write it down actually. But the first CD that I was drawn to was Lucy Kaplansky's "Ten Year Night". It spoke to me in a way that no music had before. It was the first album that I decided that I liked, all on my own. No one told me to like it, I discovered it, so to speak. And since this point in time, discovering new music has been a passion. But new music for me doesn't mean it has to be new, just new to me. So, sample the goodness that is Lucy Kaplansky.

Monsters of Folk

Monsters of Folk is the collaboration of M. Ward of She & Him, Jim James of My Morning Jacket and Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes. Apparently this album started while Bright Eyes and My Morning Jacket were on tour together. Though some of the songs are not quite my taste (a little too much country), all in all, it is a fantastic album. The first song off the album, "Dear God (Sincerely, M.O.F.)" doesn't set the tone of the album properly. For the most part, the Folk title in the bands name is appropriate; however, "Dear God" doesn't sound anything like Folk at all, it's got the smooth groove of a 80's R&B ballad. With that in mind though, it is one of my favorite songs off the album. The majority of the songs are up beat and energetic. At times, it reminds me of The Kinks but I have been in such a Kinks kick recently, I don't feel like I can be very objective on that front. If you like any of these guys other bands, than you will definately like this. It is a better album than a lot of the junk out there now.

Below are my two favorite songs off the album but there is more where this came from. Slow Down Jo has the most blatant My Morning Jacket sound and I love the steel drums. Check it out for yourself.

The Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z

I was reading this New Yorker article over the weekend and though I am not a huge fan of hip-hop or rap music, I was interested in the idea that rap music as we know it is dead. I started thinking about this idea and realized that in a lot of ways, it is. Rap started as a form of repressive expression. A means to express the plight of a generation. Honestly, very much like Bob Dylan. There were things that most middle class American's never knew were happening but the voice of rap music made people listen and become aware. But now, what is rap music? How has it progressed?

Well, while listening to The Blueprint 3 by Jay-Z, I heard something in the music that was alluded to in the article. Rap music has come out of the projects and moved into a posh New York penthouse over looking Central Park. And you can hear it. There is no grit or dirt behind the rhymes and when they try, it just sounds cheesy. We all know that you can buy me three times over, so stop trying to act like your broke and living in the slums. Jay-Z however, doesn't give you the impression of anything other than grandeur, which I honestly appreciate.

During a recent discussion with a friend, they said that Jay-Z was tone deaf. It made me laugh because I had never come to the same conclusion being a minor fan of his. I have always appreciated Jay-Z's love of music. It is very obvious with the music that he uses, that he is a fan of many genres. But after listening to the Blueprint 3, I kind of have to agree. He is a little tone deaf when he is rapping but I can't believe that he is tone deaf in reality. The vibe of the music he creates says a lot about the talent behind the man.

I enjoyed the album, I put it in over the weekend while reading a book. It wasn't disturbing to have in the background and it was rather catchy. I believe that the gem of the whole album is Empire State of Mind featuring Alicia Keys. I saw it performed on the MTV Video Music Awards and was blown away then. As a little girl, I dreamed of moving to New York City and becoming a dancer, living in the City where dreams are made. Empire State of Mind evokes such strong emotion in me. When I listen to this song, I get the same feeling as when I was a little girl dreaming of New York City.

All in all, not bad. Can't say it's my favorite album of all time but there are definately some songs that will be going onto a playlist on my iPod.

La Ritournelle by Sebastien Tellier

I haven't heard a lot of Sebestien Tellier but this song is just beautiful. I am a huge fan of music that seems to haunt me and this is no exception.

Into the Woods

In my previous posts I have professed my undying love for one Bon Iver. I thought that it would be appropriate for those who don't know of this talented musician to read this article. I am an avid reader of the New Yorker and this article is what first turned me onto him.

Uprising by Muse

For some reason men are obsessed with zombie's. My guy friends are no exception. So when one of my friends posted this video on their Facebook page, I couldn't help myself. I had to post it. I am a fan of Muse but not to the extent of some. However, I must say this video is genius. Enjoy.

Unmap by Volcano Choir

Released on Bon Iver's label JagJaguwar Records, Volcano Choir is the collarborative effort of Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and the guys from Collections of Colonies of Bees according to their Myspace Page . I can't say that I am familiar with Collections of Colonies of Bees but I am a HUGE fan of Bon Iver.

" Unmap " isn't like Bon Iver's debut album " For Emma, Forever Ago ". There is more drive behind this album. It reminds of me of many new age albums I have heard through the years but not in the style of music by in the delivery. Worth checking out and forming your own opinion. Is it Bon Iver? No. But I don't think that is what they were going for anyway. A nice layover for any Bon Iver fan until he comes out with another album.

Who'd Have Known Video by Lily Allen

I must admit, I am a fan of Lily Allen. Not only do I appreciate her music and the fact that she is an extremely witty lyricist but she has a lot of spunk, which is refreshing when you seem to live around zombies. Her latest album, It's Not Me, It's You is more pop inspired than her previous effort. As a fan of pop music to some extent, I have really enjoyed all the songs on this album. It is definately a pick me up when I just want to dance around my house in my underwear. A video has just been released for her latest single, "Who'd Have Known". Check it out below.

Bonnie & Clyde by Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot

I haven't listened to alot of Sege Gainsbourg but the little that I have heard, I have thoroughly enjoyed. But of all the songs that I have heard, this is by far my favorite. It just makes me smile.

The Best of Neopolitan Songs by Jimmy Roselli

Sometimes when I am at home cooking dinner or sitting at the office, praying for some form of relief, I put in Jimmy Roselli and his voice melts all my worries away. There is no greater album than Jimmy Rosell's The Best of Neopolitan Songs, if you are in need of an escape. I have always been a fan of the classic crooners, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Bing Crosby, etc. But on more than one occasion, the power of Jimmy Roselli's voice has almost brought me to my knees. Music has a very powerful affect on me, so it isn't uncommon for me to feel completely overwhelmed with emotion when I listen to a song. This entire album of songs has that affect on me. I can close my eyes and for one moment, see myself standing in a field on a Tuscan Hillside. I can feel the afternoon sun on my face. The smell the cool breeze as it brushes across my face. And then, when I come back to reality, the world around me feels just a little brighter and I can continue on. What more can you ask of a piece of music?

The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe

I love books. If I could go back in time, I would travel to the Ancient City of Alexandria and peruse their library. Every time I walk into a library, the smell is completely overwhelming and warming. The feel of a book in my hands is like no other pleasure. It is impressive how, hidden within the binding, pages and words, there is a whole story waiting to be read. It gets me excited just thinking about it.

I haven't always been a book nerd. I hated reading when I was in school. I pretty much hate being told what to do, even if it is good for me. I would much rather discover things on my own, in my own way. When I was a child, I loved books but I loved dance more, so it took up the majority of my time, when I wasn't doing school work. Reading for pleasure wasn't even in my vocabulary until after High School. It mostly started with my subscription to The New Yorker. After reading so many wonderful articles, most of time about things I had never even heard of, I realized that there was so much knowledge out there ready for the taking. So I started reading everything I could get my hands on.... blogs, news, books, magazines, etc. I ended up in information overload (especially during the election) and finally decided that not everything is worth reading. Now, I refuse to read the news, mostly because it is all junk (balloon boy anyone?) but I do love my New Yorker, InStyle Magazine and a well written book.

For many years, I had The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test taunting me from my shelf. A book, like many on my shelf at the time, that hadn't been read. I made numerous attempt to get through the book but to no avail. But finally, I just picked it up and said to myself "Okay, you are going to read this book all the way through, no excuses!" and so I did. And I must say, that once you get through the first 50 pages and get into Tom Wolfe's groove of writing, the story is beyond colorful. I have always been fascinated by this era of history. I swear I was meant to be a Merry Prankster or maybe I was in a former life, who knows. But if you have any interest in a tale of partying, life discovery, philosophy, Hell's Angels and day-glo, then this is your book. I can't say that I am a fan of Ken Kesey but I am a fan of Tom Wolfe. The fact that he is able to compile a very thorough and comprehensive recollection of the life of Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, is a feat of its own. It isn't until you have completed the book that you realize what a task it truly must have been. It will provide significant insight to the minds of this generation, as well as give you an idea of what it must be like to "Trip".

Music was such an integral part of what Ken Kesey was trying to accomplish and The Grateful Dead were integral to Ken Kesey's accomplishment. Though The Dead are not a main draw to this story, it is fascinating to watch them progress into the beginnings of what they are now.

Lola versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One by The Kinks

I grew up listening to The Beatles. When I was seven years old, I remember being obsessed with The Yellow Submarine, running around yelling "The Blue Meanies are coming!" Then when I was ten, my father sat me down for another one of his favorites, "Tommy" and a Who fan was born. It is funny how that movie disturbs me more now then it did as a kid. I eventually got into The Rolling Stones when I was in High School but it wasn't until I was twenty or so, that I discovered The Kinks. Considered a British Invasion band, they are the 98 Degrees of the British Invasion with one small exception, their music is actually very, very good. It is unfortunate that The Kinks had to come across the pond at the same time as The Beatles, The Who and The Rolling Stones. Who wants to be compared to the likes of them, only to fall short every single time. They aren't The Beatles, The Stones or The Who.... they are The Kinks. They aren't the same but better in their own way. So today, I sit here and listen to The Kinks' Lola versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One. Always highly impressed by what they have been able to accomplish, in spite of the comparisons. Don't hate me for saying it but I have always loved The Kinks more than The Stones. If you haven't had the privlege of listening to a Kinks album, start with Lola versus Powerman.

So for your viewing pleasure, their hit "Lola" as performed on Top of the Pops.

La Belle et Le Bad Boy by MC Solaar

I was watching the final season of Sex and the City over the weekend and this song came on. I am not a fan of much rap music, as I am not a fan of much country music, but this song was just very endearing. And I pretty much love about any form of music when it is sung in French.

Pablo's Blues by Gare Du Nord

If you are looking for a fresh new approach to Blues, this is it. A wonderful song with a haunting vocal by Robert Johnson.

Noah and the Whale- The First Days of Spring

When you listen to Charles Fink's vocals there is a part of you asking yourself, "Why do I like this guys voice?", but ultimately, you do. It is the same questions I ask myself about Tom Waits or Bob Dylan. But, before you even hear his voice on "The First Days of Spring" something happens to you. You have the overwhelming urge to cry. The first minute of the song is beyond words. What this band has been able to create in the first song alone is a masterpiece. But then you continue to listen to this album and you realize that this band is more than just a band, they are truly musicians. They don't just create a simple song around five or six chords, with a catchy hook. They create supple and dramatic effect with their music. The build of "The First Days of Spring" is so powerful that it almost knocks you on your ass. And then there is "Love of an Orchestra", my favorite off of the album. There is something so familiar about this song but I still haven't been able to place it. I cannot listen to this song without smiling. It is so upbeat and fun, kind of like an exhilarating bike ride down a large hill.

There is so much that Noah and the Whale have to offer in this album, that I would highly recommend you give it a listen. You may be surprised, I know I was.

New Moon Soundtrack Review

Like many young females, I must admit that I am a fan of the Twilight Series. It was my mother who shoved the books down my throat, even upon my insistence that I was not interested. There are times when I think I might have been better off never having read them because they are like crack but what is done is done.

The New Moon Soundtrack
comes out tomorrow, October 16th, 2009 and I have been fortunate enough to have had an oppurtunity to listen to the tracks prior to it's release. I was a little concerned on my first listen that I wasn't really going to get where these songs would fit in with the book with the exception of Bon Iver & St. Vincent, Thom Yorke, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Grizzly Bear and Editors. If you don't know anything about the book, I can tell you that it is a very sad, heartbreaking story. And the likes of Muse just didn't fit the story that I remembered. So to give a more objective opinion, I reread the book and then relistened again. After reading the book again, I have to say that the soundtrack makes a decent companion to the book. Band of Skulls "Friends" has been stuck in my head for days now and though I am not sure where they will be placed within the movie, I really don't care. I can say that I enjoy each and every track on the soundtrack. The last song of the soundtrack is a piano piece by Alexandre Desplat. This piece of music is hauntingly beautiful and has almost ripped my heart out on each listen.

1. Death Cab for Cutie- "Meet Me On The Equinox"
2. Band of Skulls- "Friends"
3. Thom Yorke- "Hearing Damage"
4. Lykke Li- "Possibility"
5. The Killers- "A White Demon Love Song"
6. Anya Marina- "Satellite Heart"
7. Muse- "I Belong To You (New Moon Remix)"
8. Bon Iver & St. Vincent- "Roslyn"
9. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club- "Done All Wrong"
10. Hurricane Bells- "Monsters"
11. Sea Wolf- "The Violet Hour"
12. Ok Go- "Shooting The Moon"
13. Grizzly Bear- "Slow Life"
14. Editors- "No Sound But The Wind"
15. Alexandre Desplat- "New Moon (The Meadow)"

Do you think there is something wrong with me?

The weather is starting to change and the smell of fall is in the air. Today, like many days in the foreseeable future, it is rainy and dreary. Now most people, when making their music choices for such a day, would avoid the likes of Bon Iver, Damien Rice, Elliot Smith or Arcade Fire. But for some sick, masochistic reason, I am drawn to this feel of music more than usual on days like this. It is the same thing as when I am depressed. I like, no better word is love, to wallow in the melancholy. To feel the deep sadness that envelopes me, take over and consume my every emotion. But instead of it depressing me further, it just makes me feel on warm inside, like someone has just wrapped me in a heavy blanket. Does this mean there is something seriously warped about me or what?

Currently listening to Bon Iver's "For Emma, Forever Ago"

Photo Courtesy of Dieter Drescher via Flickr