Bonnie “Prince” Billy – Cursed Sleep
The Letting Go (2006)
Other Songs to Check Out: “Agnes Queen of Sorrow”, “Workhorse”
http://www.bonnieprincebilly.com/
By the end of the first line of this song, I was hooked on Will Oldham (aka Bonnie “Prince” Billy). Man this guy can sing. I also love the fact that according to his Wikipedia page, he’s been called an “Appalachian post-punk solipsist” because I have absolutely no clue what that means. Anyway I don't have much else to say about him - just enjoy this beautiful song.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
#50 Dashboard Confessional - So Impossible
Dashboard Confessional - So Impossible
So Impossible EP (2001)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Hands Down", "Standard Lines"
http://www.dashboardconfessional.com/news/default.aspx
I'll probably lose major street-cred points for this submission, but I love Dashboard's older stuff. Lyrically, it might be a little high-schoolish, but it's catchy, fun to sing, and disgustingly cute. The first song I ever heard from him was "Hands Down" (acoustic version), but since this song (and "Standard Lines") have really grown on me. I feel that Dashboard's stuff has gone a bit downhill after his first full album, but that might just be personal preference. I actually had written up a totally different post last night for a different song, only to find out that embedding had been disabled (and since I'm lazy, that meant putting off until tonight).
So Impossible EP (2001)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Hands Down", "Standard Lines"
http://www.dashboardconfessional.com/news/default.aspx
I'll probably lose major street-cred points for this submission, but I love Dashboard's older stuff. Lyrically, it might be a little high-schoolish, but it's catchy, fun to sing, and disgustingly cute. The first song I ever heard from him was "Hands Down" (acoustic version), but since this song (and "Standard Lines") have really grown on me. I feel that Dashboard's stuff has gone a bit downhill after his first full album, but that might just be personal preference. I actually had written up a totally different post last night for a different song, only to find out that embedding had been disabled (and since I'm lazy, that meant putting off until tonight).
Saturday, August 16, 2008
#49 Psapp - Hi
Psapp – Hi
The Only Thing I Ever Wanted (2006)
Other Songs to Check Out: “Tricycle”, “On Site”
http://psapp.net/
It seems entirely possible that everyone else in the world is aware of Psapp because apparently one of their songs is the theme song for Grey’s Anatomy, but I’ve never watched that show so they’re a new discovery for me. The band is sometimes credited with creating a new musical genre called toytronica, which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. The song has a cool, funky feeling that I really love, and the video matches the song perfectly.
The Only Thing I Ever Wanted (2006)
Other Songs to Check Out: “Tricycle”, “On Site”
http://psapp.net/
It seems entirely possible that everyone else in the world is aware of Psapp because apparently one of their songs is the theme song for Grey’s Anatomy, but I’ve never watched that show so they’re a new discovery for me. The band is sometimes credited with creating a new musical genre called toytronica, which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. The song has a cool, funky feeling that I really love, and the video matches the song perfectly.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
#48 The Promise Ring - Become One Anything One Time
The Promise Ring - Become One Anything One Time
Wood Water (2002)
Other Songs to Check Out: -
I've decided to stop ignoring some of my favorite songs just because they don't have music videos on YouTube. Thus, meet The Promise Ring's "Become One Anything One Time". This would have been one of my first songs posted had I been able to find a music video of it, but I've decided this bit from Conan is still golden. Unfortunately, The Promise Ring are no more (hence no website listed... none exists that I could find), but some of the members have moved on to form the band Maritime (who I also strongly recommend). To me, this song defines what it means to make a "summertime feel-good song" (yes that's a pretty detailed genre, so sue me). Nothing says a cute-cuddly song like a chorus of "I'm just happy you stuck aaaaaarounddd". Enjoy!
Wood Water (2002)
Other Songs to Check Out: -
I've decided to stop ignoring some of my favorite songs just because they don't have music videos on YouTube. Thus, meet The Promise Ring's "Become One Anything One Time". This would have been one of my first songs posted had I been able to find a music video of it, but I've decided this bit from Conan is still golden. Unfortunately, The Promise Ring are no more (hence no website listed... none exists that I could find), but some of the members have moved on to form the band Maritime (who I also strongly recommend). To me, this song defines what it means to make a "summertime feel-good song" (yes that's a pretty detailed genre, so sue me). Nothing says a cute-cuddly song like a chorus of "I'm just happy you stuck aaaaaarounddd". Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
#47 3OH!3 – Electroshock!
3OH!3 – Electroshock!
3OH!3 (2007)
Other Songs to Check Out: “I’m Not Comin’ to Your Party, Girl”, “Don’t Dance”, “Holler Till You Pass Out”
http://www.myspace.com/3oh3
3OH!3 is one of those spectacularly odd bands that are ridiculous, but totally make me smile. Their music is a fantastic combination of rap and electronica, and all from two white kids from Colorado. Also they’ve opened for Snoop Dogg, and frankly if Snoop Dogg likes a band then they’re cool with me. Some of their other songs show their rap side more (like “Holler Till You Pass Out”, which is just so over the top and wonderful), but this one is much more electronica, so of course it’s more up my alley.
3OH!3 (2007)
Other Songs to Check Out: “I’m Not Comin’ to Your Party, Girl”, “Don’t Dance”, “Holler Till You Pass Out”
http://www.myspace.com/3oh3
3OH!3 is one of those spectacularly odd bands that are ridiculous, but totally make me smile. Their music is a fantastic combination of rap and electronica, and all from two white kids from Colorado. Also they’ve opened for Snoop Dogg, and frankly if Snoop Dogg likes a band then they’re cool with me. Some of their other songs show their rap side more (like “Holler Till You Pass Out”, which is just so over the top and wonderful), but this one is much more electronica, so of course it’s more up my alley.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
#46 P.O.S. - Bleeding Hearts Club
P.O.S. - Bleeding Hearts Club
Audition (2006)
Other Songs to Check Out: -
http://www.myspace.com/pos
First, I want to apologize for the delay between posts. GIRL! and myself were both in transit to our new schools for this coming semester, and we both just landed in Asia and Europe respectively. Second, I have had a hard time finding a lot out about this band, so you'll have to forgive the lack of songs requested. I don't consider myself a big hip-hop or rap fan, so you won't find too many posts of mine being songs of this genre. However, I am crazy about a select few rap songs, and this is my favorite of the bunch (by far). I cannot remember where I heard it, I haven't been able to hear anything else by them, but this song gives me hope that when I finally get to listen to their cd, it should blow me away. The chorus is catchy, the beats are awesome, and it's just generally a fantastic song.
Audition (2006)
Other Songs to Check Out: -
http://www.myspace.com/pos
First, I want to apologize for the delay between posts. GIRL! and myself were both in transit to our new schools for this coming semester, and we both just landed in Asia and Europe respectively. Second, I have had a hard time finding a lot out about this band, so you'll have to forgive the lack of songs requested. I don't consider myself a big hip-hop or rap fan, so you won't find too many posts of mine being songs of this genre. However, I am crazy about a select few rap songs, and this is my favorite of the bunch (by far). I cannot remember where I heard it, I haven't been able to hear anything else by them, but this song gives me hope that when I finally get to listen to their cd, it should blow me away. The chorus is catchy, the beats are awesome, and it's just generally a fantastic song.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
#45 Daniel Johnston – True Love Will Find You in the End
Daniel Johnston – True Love Will Find You in the End
1990 (1990)
Other Songs to Check Out: “I Had Lost My Mind”, “Story of an Artist”, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Your Grievances”
http://www.hihowareyou.com/
I know that I’m kind of breaking the rules with this entry, because this blog is all about new music and this song is from 1990 (by the way that’s not a typo above – the album is actually called “1990”), but I figured if it’s new to me it must be new to someone else. Daniel Johnston is an outsider musician and fascinating character whose simple songs have been praised and covered by big names like Kurt Cobain, David Bowie, Pearl Jam, and The Flaming Lips despite the fact that he recorded many of them on cassettes at home using a Boombox. He has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, both of which have influenced his music and his often unpredictable offstage behaviour. The video is actually a trailer for a documentary made about him called “The Devil and Daniel Johnston”.
1990 (1990)
Other Songs to Check Out: “I Had Lost My Mind”, “Story of an Artist”, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Your Grievances”
http://www.hihowareyou.com/
I know that I’m kind of breaking the rules with this entry, because this blog is all about new music and this song is from 1990 (by the way that’s not a typo above – the album is actually called “1990”), but I figured if it’s new to me it must be new to someone else. Daniel Johnston is an outsider musician and fascinating character whose simple songs have been praised and covered by big names like Kurt Cobain, David Bowie, Pearl Jam, and The Flaming Lips despite the fact that he recorded many of them on cassettes at home using a Boombox. He has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, both of which have influenced his music and his often unpredictable offstage behaviour. The video is actually a trailer for a documentary made about him called “The Devil and Daniel Johnston”.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
#44 The Presets - This Boy's In Love
The Presets - This Boy's In Love
Apocalypso (2008)
Other Songs to Check Out: "If I Know You", "Eucalyptus"
http://www.thepresets.com/deterioration_content.html
I am really loving Australian music right now. Cut Copy, Pete Murray, Gotye and now The Presets (and I'm sure more, but I'm too lazy to look) - all fantastic stuff. Apocalypso, the second album from The Presets, is solid beginning to end, but this song (and "If I Know You") really stood out for me. I don't really know what to say about this song except that I love it, from the singer's deep voice, to the beats in the background, to the awesome lyrics. The Presets toured in late 2007 with Daft Punk, and for anyone who knows how much I love Daft Punk... man, what a show that would have been!
Apocalypso (2008)
Other Songs to Check Out: "If I Know You", "Eucalyptus"
http://www.thepresets.com/deterioration_content.html
I am really loving Australian music right now. Cut Copy, Pete Murray, Gotye and now The Presets (and I'm sure more, but I'm too lazy to look) - all fantastic stuff. Apocalypso, the second album from The Presets, is solid beginning to end, but this song (and "If I Know You") really stood out for me. I don't really know what to say about this song except that I love it, from the singer's deep voice, to the beats in the background, to the awesome lyrics. The Presets toured in late 2007 with Daft Punk, and for anyone who knows how much I love Daft Punk... man, what a show that would have been!
Friday, August 8, 2008
#43 M.Ward - Chinese Translastion
M. Ward – Chinese Translation
Post-War (2006)
Other Songs to Check Out: “Requiem”, “Color of Water”
http://www.myspace.com/mward
So we’ve been doing this blog for a while, and yet it has taken me this long to acknowledge where I find a lot of my new music. When I’m working, I throw on one of the online radio stations at www.live365.com – I usually go with “Baroque Pop” or “Homework Music”. Anyway, that’s how I came across a lot of the bands that I’ve featured, including M. Ward. I don’t have much to say about him other than I love his voice and his music is really beautiful.
Post-War (2006)
Other Songs to Check Out: “Requiem”, “Color of Water”
http://www.myspace.com/mward
So we’ve been doing this blog for a while, and yet it has taken me this long to acknowledge where I find a lot of my new music. When I’m working, I throw on one of the online radio stations at www.live365.com – I usually go with “Baroque Pop” or “Homework Music”. Anyway, that’s how I came across a lot of the bands that I’ve featured, including M. Ward. I don’t have much to say about him other than I love his voice and his music is really beautiful.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
GUEST BLOGGER: Wally DeBacker (AKA. Gotye)
I'm really excited to share with you guys an interview with Wally (who goes by the stage name Gotye in the musical world). Gotye is my favorite new artist (new in terms of me discovering him within the past year), and I was absolutely thrilled he could do this for us. Gotye started off playing drums with some friends when he was a teenager, covering grunge and metal bands. He then taught himself piano so he could write original songs, and from this he learned to do production with computers, synth and sampling. Another reason why he decided to become a musician? "I found an ancient book collecting dust in the area under my childhood home when I was 11 years old. It prophesized that I was a chosen child who would one day travel to a dark, distant land and be challenged by an evil wizard to free the beautiful princess from his castle fortress. What a heap of horse shit! As a result I vowed to become a musician and never listen to prog rock music from the '70s that mentions unicorns."
Q: What is the most embarrassing CD in your collection?
A: My Little Unicorn- cd soundtrack. It's not prog rock. I may have relented on the unicorn thing.
Q: What is your all-time favourite band / musician?
A: Rolf Harris. That man is a national treasure, whichever country claims him. It doesn't get any better than when he covers Stairway To Heaven.
Q: What's the first CD you can remember buying?
A: CD I don't remember, but I have a vivid recollection of the first cassette tape I ever bought. It was a pirated copy of WHAM!'s "The Final", dubbed onto a C-90 cassette and sold to me by a questionable fellow with a music stand in the transit lounge at Abu Dhabi airport. I was 8 years old.
Q: What are some songs you're really into right now?
A: Some tracks I'm listening to a lot right now
New stuff:
Mirando- Ratatat
Kids- MGMT
The Kids Don't Stand a Chance- Vampire Weekend
Older stuff:
Fight Test- The Flaming Lips
Be (Jonathan Livingston Seagull soundtrack)- Niel Diamond
Outside World- Midnight Oil
What's It Take?- Robert Palmer
Who Are Parents?- The Shaggs
Finally, as per our request, Wally gave us his pick for a music video of the day! "One of my favourite videos: Curare by Bogdan Irkuk. The video is made by a Swedish production house called Pistachios. www.pistachios.se. This video
just adds such a sinister story to an already very dark sounding '80s
Moroder-esque club track"
Q: What is the most embarrassing CD in your collection?
A: My Little Unicorn- cd soundtrack. It's not prog rock. I may have relented on the unicorn thing.
Q: What is your all-time favourite band / musician?
A: Rolf Harris. That man is a national treasure, whichever country claims him. It doesn't get any better than when he covers Stairway To Heaven.
Q: What's the first CD you can remember buying?
A: CD I don't remember, but I have a vivid recollection of the first cassette tape I ever bought. It was a pirated copy of WHAM!'s "The Final", dubbed onto a C-90 cassette and sold to me by a questionable fellow with a music stand in the transit lounge at Abu Dhabi airport. I was 8 years old.
Q: What are some songs you're really into right now?
A: Some tracks I'm listening to a lot right now
New stuff:
Mirando- Ratatat
Kids- MGMT
The Kids Don't Stand a Chance- Vampire Weekend
Older stuff:
Fight Test- The Flaming Lips
Be (Jonathan Livingston Seagull soundtrack)- Niel Diamond
Outside World- Midnight Oil
What's It Take?- Robert Palmer
Who Are Parents?- The Shaggs
Finally, as per our request, Wally gave us his pick for a music video of the day! "One of my favourite videos: Curare by Bogdan Irkuk. The video is made by a Swedish production house called Pistachios. www.pistachios.se. This video
just adds such a sinister story to an already very dark sounding '80s
Moroder-esque club track"
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
#42 People in Planes - Pretty Buildings
People in Planes - Pretty Buildings
Beyond the Horizon (2008)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Mayday (M'aidez)", "Know by Now", "Last Man Standing"
http://www.peopleinplanes.com/
A few months ago, my friend and I got tickets to go check out a show by People in Planes. It was an incredibly fun night, so I associate this band with fond memories. But even if I didn't have that bias, I would like them. They put on a great live show, and their music is very addictive. This song is really beautiful - I like how each part of the song sounds a little bit different and has a different tone, and I love when he sings "You know it hurts like hell". Plus they're from Wales, and, as we've already established, I have a weakness for accents.
Beyond the Horizon (2008)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Mayday (M'aidez)", "Know by Now", "Last Man Standing"
http://www.peopleinplanes.com/
A few months ago, my friend and I got tickets to go check out a show by People in Planes. It was an incredibly fun night, so I associate this band with fond memories. But even if I didn't have that bias, I would like them. They put on a great live show, and their music is very addictive. This song is really beautiful - I like how each part of the song sounds a little bit different and has a different tone, and I love when he sings "You know it hurts like hell". Plus they're from Wales, and, as we've already established, I have a weakness for accents.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
#41 A.C. Newman - Better Than Most
A.C. Newman - Better Than Most
The Slow Wonder (2004)
Other Songs to Check Out: "On the Table", "35 in the Shade"
http://www.acnewman.net/
Most people know A.C. Newman as the frontman for The New Pornorgraphers. However, back in 2004, Newman decided to put out a solo record, and it features "Better Than Most", one of my top 5 favorite songs ever. The whole album is full of catchy pop beats, but it's something about that guitar riff in the background and the light-hearted way he sings that makes me love this song. Unfortunately, A.C. Newman has only released one record to date, so hopefully there's more from where this came from in the future. Once again, the music video is a home video, so the first and last 30 seconds can probably be ignored.
The Slow Wonder (2004)
Other Songs to Check Out: "On the Table", "35 in the Shade"
http://www.acnewman.net/
Most people know A.C. Newman as the frontman for The New Pornorgraphers. However, back in 2004, Newman decided to put out a solo record, and it features "Better Than Most", one of my top 5 favorite songs ever. The whole album is full of catchy pop beats, but it's something about that guitar riff in the background and the light-hearted way he sings that makes me love this song. Unfortunately, A.C. Newman has only released one record to date, so hopefully there's more from where this came from in the future. Once again, the music video is a home video, so the first and last 30 seconds can probably be ignored.
Monday, August 4, 2008
#40 The Bees - Who Cares What the Question Is?
The Bees - Who Cares What the Question Is?
Octopus (2007)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Listening Man", "These Are The Ghosts"
http://www.thebees.info/
This song for The Bees (also known as A Band of Bees) is sort of weird, and I wasn't quite sure if I should post it or go with one of their other songs. The Bees are a British band that have a very classic psychedelic rock sound, but out of nowhere they have a couple of sort of honky-tonk songs. I almost went with "Listening Man", a great song with a fantastic video that is probably more representative of their sound, but in the end I decided to stick with "Who Cares What the Question Is?" because it's the first song that got me into them, plus it's just a lot of fun to listen to.
Octopus (2007)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Listening Man", "These Are The Ghosts"
http://www.thebees.info/
This song for The Bees (also known as A Band of Bees) is sort of weird, and I wasn't quite sure if I should post it or go with one of their other songs. The Bees are a British band that have a very classic psychedelic rock sound, but out of nowhere they have a couple of sort of honky-tonk songs. I almost went with "Listening Man", a great song with a fantastic video that is probably more representative of their sound, but in the end I decided to stick with "Who Cares What the Question Is?" because it's the first song that got me into them, plus it's just a lot of fun to listen to.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
NEWS: Looking for a New Blogger!!
By the end of August, both GIRL! and BOY! will be overseas on international exchanges for several months. This might make it difficult to keep up our pace of a post a day. So, to ensure that SPR will consistently continue to provide new music and other features, we will be looking for an addition to our staff! If you are interested, or know someone who would be, send us an email at shuffleplayrepeat@gmail.com. Let us know what kind of music you are into, tell us a bit about yourself, give us a sample music video blog entry, and we'll go from there!
#39 Shearwater - The Snow Leopard
Shearwater - The Snow Leopard
Rook (2008)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Leviathan, Bound", "St. Mary's Walk", "Wedding Bells Are Breaking Up That Old Gang of Mine"
http://www.shearwatermusic.com/
Those of you who know Okkervil River will find Shearwater eerily similar. That's because, Shearwater is made up of Jonathan Meiburg and Will Sheff, both from Okkervil River, and Thor Harris. Often, my favorite songs will have moments in them that I just wait for everytime I hear the song. For this song, it occurs during the second verse. The lines "I've had enough, wasting my body, my life" changed this song from "this is sounding pretty rad" to "OH MAN, new favorite song!!#!@#". Granted, I love the vocals in general (you'll find that many of my favorite bands are determined by the vocals), but that part makes it for me (although when his voice cracks at one point near the end is also awesome). As for the video itself, the best I could find was yet again a homemade video. The Planet Earth guy is not actually part of the song, nor are the sound effects like splashing of water and animal sounds. So, you'll have to bear with that as you enjoy the song!
Rook (2008)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Leviathan, Bound", "St. Mary's Walk", "Wedding Bells Are Breaking Up That Old Gang of Mine"
http://www.shearwatermusic.com/
Those of you who know Okkervil River will find Shearwater eerily similar. That's because, Shearwater is made up of Jonathan Meiburg and Will Sheff, both from Okkervil River, and Thor Harris. Often, my favorite songs will have moments in them that I just wait for everytime I hear the song. For this song, it occurs during the second verse. The lines "I've had enough, wasting my body, my life" changed this song from "this is sounding pretty rad" to "OH MAN, new favorite song!!#!@#". Granted, I love the vocals in general (you'll find that many of my favorite bands are determined by the vocals), but that part makes it for me (although when his voice cracks at one point near the end is also awesome). As for the video itself, the best I could find was yet again a homemade video. The Planet Earth guy is not actually part of the song, nor are the sound effects like splashing of water and animal sounds. So, you'll have to bear with that as you enjoy the song!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
#38 Mates of State - Get Better
Mates of State - Get Better
Re-Arrange Us (2008)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Like U Crazy", "Fluke", "Goods (All in Your Head)"
http://www.matesofstate.com/
Mates of State are a husband and wife duo that I got the chance to see at Pemberton (which was spectacular by the way). I love the non-traditional sound that they create by combining the electric organ and the drums, and the fact that their voices don't quite fit together perfectly but it totally works. Every time she starts belting out the words, I melt a little. Their sound is very unique and I really enjoy it.
Re-Arrange Us (2008)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Like U Crazy", "Fluke", "Goods (All in Your Head)"
http://www.matesofstate.com/
Mates of State are a husband and wife duo that I got the chance to see at Pemberton (which was spectacular by the way). I love the non-traditional sound that they create by combining the electric organ and the drums, and the fact that their voices don't quite fit together perfectly but it totally works. Every time she starts belting out the words, I melt a little. Their sound is very unique and I really enjoy it.
Friday, August 1, 2008
#37 The Secret Machines - Nowhere Again
The Secret Machines - Nowhere Again
Now Here is Nowhere (2004)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Lightning Blue Eyes", "Alone Jealous and Stoned", "All At Once (It's Not Important)"
http://www.thesecretmachines.com/
"Nowhere Again" is one of those songs that I don't really know why I like it, yet it has manage to stand the test of time and is still one of my favorite songs, four years after I first heard it. I do love a lot of The Secret Machines stuff, and I'm looking forward to their new album coming out sometime in the near future (no realease date has been mentioned yet). I would describe them as something of a cross between Interpol and The Stills (a great Canadian band!). Even after four years of singing along with this song when it plays on my playlist, I still cannot sing that first line without messing up: "Cellophane flowers..." gets me everytime.
Now Here is Nowhere (2004)
Other Songs to Check Out: "Lightning Blue Eyes", "Alone Jealous and Stoned", "All At Once (It's Not Important)"
http://www.thesecretmachines.com/
"Nowhere Again" is one of those songs that I don't really know why I like it, yet it has manage to stand the test of time and is still one of my favorite songs, four years after I first heard it. I do love a lot of The Secret Machines stuff, and I'm looking forward to their new album coming out sometime in the near future (no realease date has been mentioned yet). I would describe them as something of a cross between Interpol and The Stills (a great Canadian band!). Even after four years of singing along with this song when it plays on my playlist, I still cannot sing that first line without messing up: "Cellophane flowers..." gets me everytime.
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