2007-01-18 02:41:00
PLEASURE - OUT OF LOVE"And I'm running away and I just don't stop to feel"The brilliant Popjustice and Into the Groove highlighted this group (or, to be more specific, one-man act) back in 2006 and I know that I listened to this song some months ago but I'm kicking myself because I didn't really "discover" it until a week ago. And, I really think it is one of the best tracks of 2006. Like fellow favs Alphabeat and Lucky Soul, this is pop music but it's not vacuous in any way. High quality, unique melody... spare disco beat... it is absolutely essential. Brilliant, even, in its simplicity. Pleasure is the work of Fred Ball, Uk DJ and pop music creator extraordinare. An album is promised "soon," though I can't wait if it's anything as good as this (and judging from second -and completely different- single Back To You, it is).mp3: Pleasure - Out Of Lovezshare: Pleasure - Out Of Love(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! No album
2007-01-19 03:23:00
For those who may be wondering...
1. I have not stopped making the #1 Hits promo sleeves. But, instead of two a month with 14-15 tracks on each, there will now only be one at the end of the month with 20-22 tracks.
2. Special weekly features will return next week, beginning with a bit of a literary journey...
2007-01-19 02:15:00
SWITCHES - NO HERO
"It's true, so what can I do?"
Switches are one of the more ambitious of the new crop of UK bands. They take the spiky, alternative rock of their peers and add multitracked vocals and odd stylistic turns. This instantly makes them more interesting than a lot of indie groups and also leads me to believe that their debut is going to be quite a listen when it's released later this year. I'm posting No Hero, though their new single Drama Queen and older release Lay Down The Law are both well worth searching out. All three are punchy, glam inspired indie rock that could see bands like the Kaiser Chiefs watching their backs.
mp3: Switches - No Hero
zshare: Switches - No Hero
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! No album yet, but preorder the new single here.)
2007-01-20 02:17:00
ERIK FABER - NOT OVER
"You might think it's over, but it's never over"
Say hello to the single that would have catapulted Keane back into the spotlight rather than the tepid Is It Any Wonder. Erik Faber is a Norwegian solo artist with a few releases under his belt. Not Over was a big hit from his most recent offering, Passages. From the look of things, you may mistake this guy for another
2007-01-20 20:50:00
The Ark - Absolutely No DecorumHere it is, folks... the song of the year so far. When it comes to The Ark don't expect me to shed any of my enthusiasm and offer any kind of solid critique beyond saying that this is another masterpiece for the band. Just give it a listen and you'll see what I mean. Below (in the youtube video) is the studio version of the song, which I will not be posting for download in the hopes that fans will go out and buy it next week, but I will post the band's live debut performance of the song from the P3 Guld 2007 radio awards. The track's given a bit of a different flavor live. The piano and background are more prominent. Both versions are beyond excellent, though. I am anxiously waiting the release of The Worrying Kind, the band's Melodifestivalen entry, early next month, and the album after that. No band can get me in such a frenzy like this one.mp3: The Ark - Absolutely No Decorum (Live on P3 Guld 2007)
2007-01-20 19:00:00
Video Premiere: Robbie Williams - She's MadonnaVery strange video, but at least it explains the infamous drag interview. So far, though, this is definitely the best vid from Rudebox and an altogether interesting choice.
2007-01-21 23:33:00
The Shins - Wincing The Night Away
Release Date: January 23, 2007
Label: Sub Pop
Wincing The Night Away, The Shins' third full-length, follows two brilliant albums chock full of perfect indie-pop hooks and jaunty playfulness. So, why do they sound so dour now? Wincing opens up with the languid Sleeping Lessons, which with its prog overtones takes far too long to get going. It's a taster of what's to come.
While punchy hooks are still to be found (see first single Phantom Limb), they are often buried deeper this time around. For every Australia and Sea Legs, which hearken back to the band's in-your-face pop songwriting, there are two more Sailor Girl-s and Split Needles, tracks that float along nicely enough but fail to linger after they've finished. The problem is not the slower tempo that permeates the record. After all, those that have followed the band know that they can be just as hooky and effective no matter what the tempo. The letdown is really in the songs
2007-01-21 22:46:00
Before My Favorite Stars Were Stars
Today's post features some rare demos and/or EP tracks from some of the #1 Hits preferred artist roster. All were released before the bands' debut albums and are definitely of varying quality. Some of these bands hadn't quite found their sound yet (see The Ark, The Killers and Melody Club especially), while others (Scissor Sisters and UTIOG) came swinging right out of the gate. Even though every song may not be an instant classic, they are all interesting to hear.
1. Scissor Sisters - Step Aside For The Man
2. The Sounds - Bombs Bombs Away
3. The Ark - I Laid It Down
4. Under The Influence Of Giants - Beautiful
5. The Killers - Desperate
6. Surferosa - Disco Love
7. Don Juan Dracula - Sober
8. Melody Club - A Matter Of Days (Early Demo)
2007-01-23 02:27:00
JUVELEN - HANNA
"Hanna I know I never ever did do you right"
Juvelen calls himself the "one man boyband." I think he's selling himself short, because he is far more interesting than that. More interesting for any label, in fact. Juvelen (means "jewel" in Swedish) is recieving mountains of hype in Sweden, and for good reason. His current single Watch You Step, is a fine slice of catchy post-Prince pop, but I like Hanna better. Hanna is the kind of pop song that I seriously can't imagine anybody disliking. it is the kind of thing that Outkast promised us in that brief period where they made good pop... a wicked, surprising track that still manages to be conventional, catchier-than-should-be-allowed pop. In between sparkling synthesizer and funky guitars is pure genius. For the second time in less than two weeks, I'm afraid I'll have to use the word essential to decribe this.
mp3: Juvelen - Hanna
zshare: Juvelen - Hanna
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If
2007-01-23 02:00:00
I'm a big fan of literature (teen and kid's, especially). It was a huge part of my college major and I'm currently working on writing several novels within the genre. So, in addition to regular posts this week, I'm going to spotlight some of my literature pics, culminating in..... drumroll..... the trilogy to end all trilogies! Do you know what it is??
Day One: RUNAWAYS
Now, I grew up reading comic books (Marvel, btw... not that that'll probably mean much to a lot of you), so I was well ingratiated with the genre already. But, for those who have never read a "superhero" comic before (or at least not this one), I've got something very special to share with you today.
Premise: Hasn't everybody considered the fact that their parents might be evil at one point? For the young cast of Runaways, this isn't just a passing thought. After the gang witnesses their folks performing a human sacrifice, they (as the title points to) run away. But, their parents aren't going
2007-01-23 02:00:00
I'm a big fan of story (teen and kid's, especially). It was a huge part of my college major and I'm currently working on writing several novels within the genre. So, in addition to regular posts this week, I'm going to spotlight some of my literature picks, culminating in..... drumroll..... the trilogy to end all trilogies! Do you know what it is??
Day One: RUNAWAYS
Now, I grew up reading comic books (Marvel, btw... not that that'll probably mean much to a lot of you), so I was well ingratiated with the genre already. But, for those who have never read a "superhero" comic before (or at least not this one), I've got something very special to share with you today.
Premise: Hasn't everybody considered the fact that their parents might be evil at one point? For the young cast of Runaways, this isn't just a passing thought. After the gang witnesses their folks performing a human sacrifice, they (as the title points to) run away. But, their parents aren't going to l
2007-01-24 02:33:00
THE LIPS - LOVE OUT OF LINE
"Love love love love love love out of line!"
Sweden's The Lips have quite a throwback rock sound. The seventies-inspired (semi)soft rock track Love Out Of Line, with its lovely harmonized chorus and catchy verses could have easily been a hit in any decade. It's just one of those songs that sounds like it fell together almost on its own. It's a shame that a band this great is still unsigned, though I doubt that that'll last for long. For those that like their rock and pop mixed in a catchy, sing-along style (think ELO, The Feeling, etc), check this out.
mp3: The Lips - Love Out Of Line
zshare: The Lips - Love Out Of Line
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! No album yet, but buy it when it's out!)
2007-01-24 01:51:00
LIT HITS
DAY TWO: Y.A. COMING OF AGE
Most of my favorite books (or movies, or music, or tv) deal with a similar theme: coming of age. Perhaps it's because that's precisely where I am in life right now, even though I haven't been in high school for nearly six years. Still, I find the teenage years to be the most interesting to read about, and these selections portray them brilliantly.
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
by Stephen ChboskyA captivating read, Wallflower's told exclusively through letters from Charlie (the young protagonist) to an undisclosed, mystery person. The letters are at times hilarious, at times quite dark, and always realistic. Wallflower seems to be the teen book of choice (at least in the States) and is considered by many as a modern classic. I've yet to recommend it to someone who hasn't loved it. Don't let the "MTV Books" label stop you from picking this up.
The Highest Tide
by Jim LynchI read this when I was studying/working over in
2007-01-25 02:48:00
ZEIGEIST - CHASING YOUR SHADOW
"So, your eyes gave me the blues"
Zeigeist are the third Swedish band in a row on the blog, but who can help it if Swede's produce the best music in the world? Anyway, most of these electro-art-poppers' tunes sound quite like The Knife, but I think that Chasing Your Shadow, a majestic slow builder, would be more at home on a Scissor Sisters record. Imagine it placed between, let's say… The Other Side and It Can't Come Quickly Enough, and I think you'll see what I mean. What the track lacks in instantaneous pop pleasure, it more than makes up for with a flawless, lingering melody, even if I can"t understand a word they're saying!
mp3: Zeigeist - Chasing Your Shadow
zshare: Zeigeist - Chasing Your Shadow
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! No album yet, but buy it when it's out!)
2007-01-25 02:20:00
LIT HITS DAY THREE: BONEBriefly going back to comics/graphic novels today, Bone (try not to chuckle at the title, because it has nothing to do with what you're thinking) is one of the most fantastic fantasy sagas ever released in any format. Despite being entirely in black and white and utilizing simple, cartoon-like images, the series manages to effortlessly glide between comedy, melodrama and action.Bone follows the adventures of the (who else?) Bone brothers, three strange creatures finding their way through a world full of dragons, rat creatures and other unpleasant and fantastical characters. The comic was published for twelve years by creator (and certified genius) Jeff Smith and the newest paperback released contains all 1300 pages of this glorious epic. Bone is one of the few adventures that is appropriate for all ages and enjoyed by all ages, a near impossible feat.Those who like their fantasy laced with humor, intrigue and memorable characters should definitely check this ou
2007-01-26 02:17:00
STRIP MUSIC - HEADLIGHTS"Will this at all amount to anything? Amen!"I'm surprised by the lack of blog hype surrounding Swedish band Strip Music. During the past few years, they've created some great glam-infused synth rock. Their new album, Hollywood & Wolfman, has supplied some brilliant singles, with the Suede-sounding Headlights the best thing they've done so far. It's a big, boisterous record with cascading synths, giant riffs and an undeniable chorus, proving once again that the Swedes can do it all. In fact, I think this whole week will prove that!mp3: Strip Music - Headlightszshare: Strip Music - Headlights(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! Buy the album here.)
2007-01-26 01:51:00
LIT HITS
DAY FOUR: THE UNKNOWNS
Today I'm featuring two books (one adult, one children's) that are among my favorites, yet are relatively unknown. One is from the 80's, one from the 70's, but that's not where the differences end.
To the Vanishing Point
by Alan Dean FosterOne of the few science fiction books I've actually enjoyed, I'm not quite sure why I latched onto this book. It's far from a literary masterpiece and much of the dialogue seems dated now, but I also find it to be one of the most imaginitive stories I've read. The book follows "all-American" family the Sonderbergs as they make their way to Las Vegas on a family vacation. Along the way, they pick up a beautiful hitchhiker, and everything starts to change. Reality begins to fall apart and the world becomes a strange series of nightmares and alternate realities.
The Brothers Lionheart
by Astrid LindgrenLindgren, the Swedish author most famous for her Pippi Longstocking books, give
2007-01-27 02:40:00
Just Jack - Overtones
Release Date: January 29, 2007Label: Universal
You have likely heard (or soon will) the first single from this new Just Jack record. Starz In Their Eyes, from its building drumline to its disco-funk guitars, is closer to hip-hop nirvana than any artist has achieved for a few years now. It will be a massive hit. There are also at least two other guaranteed smashes on the record (that'd be opener Writer's Block and down tempo Disco Friends). So, how about the rest of the album? Well, take a cue from the artist's chosen moniker and it'll give you a hint.
Other than its few inspired moments, much of Overtones is just Jack. And, quite frankly, he's just not interesting enough to fill in the filler. Lyrically, he can't touch The Streets or Eminem. He's better than a rapping Robbie Williams, but really who isn't? When Jack doesn't have the tunes to back up his rhymes, the record falters and ends up being all too forgettable. There are the brig
2007-01-27 02:10:00
LOVEKEVINS - PRIVATE LIFE OF A CAT
"Where did all the love go?"
Private Life Of A Cat, as you can probably tell from the title, is a strange little tune. It's the kind of song that could only be a hit in Sweden. It has that kooky Scandinavian indie sound... a breezy, almost fey pop and roll. If I heard this on American radios, I would know that hell had frozen over. It's sad, because this track is ridiculously fun and very interesting. It might not sound like much at first, but it works its way into your brain and finds its own spot to revel in glorious weirdness. Interested yet?
mp3: Lovekevins - Private Life Of A Cat
zshare: Lovekevins - Private Life Of A Cat
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! Album out in March, buy the single here.)
2007-01-27 02:00:00
LIT HITS
DAY FIVE: THE TRILOGY TO END ALL TRILOGIES
His Dark Materials:
If you have not read this series, you must. Far from the "children's" books they are billed as, Pullman's epic fantasy is thought provoking, heartbreaking and riveting. Harry Potter may be fantastic (and it definitely is), but the His Dark Materials trilogy is truly one from the ages. Containing more humanity and heart than Tolkien's work, more guts and insight than CS Lewis', and more timelessness than any fantasy released in the last twenty years, read these books if you have even a passing interest in fantasy and literature.
What amazon says:
"In an epic trilogy, Philip Pullman unlocks the door to a world parallel to our own, but with a mysterious slant all its own. Dæmons and winged creatures live side by side with humans, and a mysterious entity called Dust just might have the power to unite the universes--if it isn't destroyed first. Join Lyra, Pantalaimon, Will, and the rest as they em
2007-01-28 02:50:00
Two More Reasons To Be Excited About 2007
Now, if I could only figure out where to buy these that actually ships to the States. Any help would be greatly appreciated ;)
Pleasure - Pleasure 2(out Feb. 12)
01: Intro02: Alright All Nite03: Out Of Love04: Throw It All Away05: Back To You06: Uptown07: Bite The Beat08: Silk Dream09: Eskimo Kiss10: Finest Thing11: NYCSC12: Nightvision
Alphabeat(out March 5th)
01: 10.000 Nights of Thunder02: Fascination03: Into The Jungle04: What is Happening05: Rubberboots06: Boyfriend07: Ocean Blue08: Fantastic 609: The Hours10: Nothing But My Baby
2007-01-28 00:59:01
Sky - Piece Of Paradise (1999)The very first album I ever bought was Savage Garden's debut release, and it remains my favorite pop album of all time. Any fan of that band should also own Piece Of Paradise. To me, it might as well be the lost Savage Garden album. It may have a few more r&b influences, but the lead singer (that would be James Renald, since the band had three different leads throughout its short career) shares the wispy, pop-influenced style of Darren Hayes.Although the album tanked in America, in the band's home country of Canada, it was a huge success. It's a shame that, with the exception of Japan, it made little noise elsewhere. Perfect pop albums are few and far between, and it's safe to say that Piece Of Paradise qualifies. This is a record that will always remind me of the late nineties, but doesn't feel dated at all. These songs could be hits today.Singles: Some Kinda Wonderful, Love Song, PushStrange: Opening with brilliant anthematic synthesizer and equally
2007-01-29 00:21:00
Repeat Offenders
Today's post is going to shine the spotlight back on acts that have already been featured on this site. Since I only post one song (usually my personal pick to showcase the band/artist), most of the acts I write about have other tracks that are equally as brilliant as the one that I chose to post. So, here's your second chance to discover some of these wonderful artists.
1. Switches - Every Second Counts In Love (prev. posted No Hero on Jan. 18th, 2007)2. This Episode - The Movies (prev. posted Paris London New York on Sep. 12th, 2006)3. Dolly Daggers - A Face To Put On (prev. posted Never Ending on Oct. 13th, 2006)4. The KBC - Not Anymore (prev. posted Steven Get Even on Dec. 11th, 2006)5. Tiger Baby - At Least I'm Honest (prev. posted Girlfriend on Sep. 14th, 2006)6. The Sunshine - Love (prev. posted Sabotage on Nov. 24th, 2006)7. The Rinse - Shy (prev. posted Naughty on Dec. 7th, 2006)
2007-01-30 02:19:00
PENNEBAKER - RUNAWAY HEART"Give me the open road on a sunny day"I know that a lot of my readers are fans of the soft-rock resurgence (think The Feeling, or any other Supertramp influenced band out there), and I'm sure that those people will absolutely adore this track. Pennebaker is a Swedish trio who sings "soft rock/pop woth western influences." Think driving down the west coast with the top down. Or... if you haven't actually done that, try to imagine what it'd be like. Runaway Heart, a minor hit in Sweden, is a near perfect pop nugget, all wispy vocals and pounding piano. If this track doesn't make you wish for summer, I don't know what will. Based on its quality, I'll probably be playing it well into the spring.mp3: Pennebaker - Runaway Heartzshare: Pennebaker - Runaway Heart(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! Buy the single here and the album "?". 10 points to anyone who can tell me where to get this!)
2007-01-31 02:15:00
Bobby - She's History
"Everyone says she's wonderful, but to me she's a mystery"
I think I may have broken my own record for consecutive Swedish posts. I have yet another Swedish band today, the fabulous Bobby. Bobby has been producing new-romantic influenced glam pop for the better part of the decade and have some brilliant singles under their belt (check out Wide Eyes Open, Sooner Or Later, and Come Crashing In), but their most instant is also their most recent. She's History almost sounds like a long-lost Roxette track. The lyrics are a bit suspect, but there is absolutely no denying the pure pop catchiness of the guitar assisted chorus. This should have been massive. The band is releasing a new album later this spring, and I'm hoping it gives them the success they deserve.
mp3: Bobby - She's History
zshare: Bobby - She's History
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! Buy the album and singles here, or dow
2007-02-01 03:21:00
Soft Complex - Barcelona EP
Release Date: October 17, 2006Label: Silverthree Sound
Barcelona, the debut EP by Washington DC based super group Soft Complex begins with a solo funk guitar, which is soon awash with wispy vocals and lovelorn melodies. The title track, which opens the EP, is an example of how great the 80's synth rock revival can be. Catchy without being obnoxious, polished without losing personality, and downbeat without being boring, it's a great pop song. The following two original tracks are also successful, though they don't quite add up to the strength of Barcelona. Beat The Chill's catchy verses are a highlight, while Sad Note takes a bit longer to establish itself. Still, all three tracks display the songwriting and production strength of this young band. They will be one to watch in the future.
The remainder of the EP is filled out with remixes, all of which are extensions of the original three tracks, the final one (a great version of Barcelona)
2007-02-01 02:29:00
Mute Math - Chaos
"I know you stay true when my world is false"
Taking a break from the long stream of Swedish bands today, I've got a good ol' fashioned American rock and roll band to end January with. Mute Math create an epic sounding rock sound with many classic influences as well as some prog leanings. Chaos may lack the immediate pop edge that most of the songs on this blog have, but it's a great song nonetheless. A swirling, chaotic (well, duh) sounding track, it is complex yet catchy at the same time. More than anything, though, the chorus is amazing.
mp3: Mute Math - Chaos
zshare: Mute Math - Chaos
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! Buy the album here.)
2007-02-02 01:39:00
Gram Rabbit - Bloody Bunnies
"Take it in stride"
Bizarreness for you today. Gram Rabbit entered the music scene with a record called Music To Start A Cult To, and they are most definitely of that ilk. Bloody Bunnies (and how is that for a title?) starts out all Alice In Videoland-ish before launching into harder and rockier choruses. Sort of a mix between electro and rock but in a different way than we're used to hearing. It is a strange (yet insanely catchy) track to say the least. Ditto for the press pictures. I don't think I've ever seen a band use bunny ears as part of their promo. One question though: why would a band who obviously has a huge affinity for rabbits write a song called bloody bunnies? The mysteries of life, folks.
*Oh yeah, and the lead singer's called Jesika von Rabbit, as if you're surprised.
mp3: Gram Rabbit - Bloody Bunnies
zshare: Gram Rabbit - Bloody Bunnies
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support t
2007-02-03 02:37:00
King Midas - Acid Guitars
"March through the streets on fire"
Jetting to Norway, we find King Midas, a glam rock band that is fairly successful in their homeland yet quite unknown everywhere else. I wanted to post their new single, West End Boys, which is absolutely brilliant (stream it at their myspace, and die of happiness), but I couldn't find an mp3 anywhere. So, I'm posting their other brilliant song, off of their most current album Jaguars. Acid Guitars is pure glam boogie, like Ziggy Stardust with a major (tom?) pop edge. Once the guitars enter and invade the chorus, it's pure bliss.
mp3: King Midas - Acid Guitars
zshare: King Midas - Acid Guitars
(Music posted for evaluation purposes only. If you like what you hear, support the artists! Buy the album here.)
2007-02-04 00:56:00
January 2007 #1 Hits Promo Sleeve
A few days late, I've got the most recent promo sleeve for you today (just click on the picture and then save). I know I always say this, but January has been by far my favorite month for music on the blog. I had to shave off the last two tracks from January so the whole thing would fit on one cd, but they'll join the February tracks next month!
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