Hacienda - Loud is the Night

So I was skimming my favorite music blogs this morning and came across the wonderful sounds of Hacienda. This band needs a moment of your precious time so they can proceed to blow your mind.
This San Antonio quartet have found just the right mix of roots/indie rock to keep you locked into their fantastic little groove. Their new album was produced by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, and they're currently touring with one of my current favorites, Dr Dog.

Use the interactive play list below to sample the tracks, or just click HERE to stream a few choice cuts form their new album, you'll be glad you did.

Everything That Happens Will Happen Today

So, David Byrne and Brian Eno made a record, and they want you to hear it (what a concept!!). Click the PLAY button below to listen to the album.
Enjoy!

So will me, and so will you ...

(click HERE to listen)



tracklist

1. Orphans - Beck 0:00
2. In Field & Town - Hayden 3:17
3. Modern Music - Black Mountain 7:08
4. Singing to the Earth - Apollo Sunshine 9:53
5. Language City - Wolf Parade 13:13
6. Bangers & Mash - Radiohead 18:18
7. Broke - Beta Band 21:38
8. Take the Bench - Sloan 26:19
9. Dead Flowers - the Rolling Stones 39:10
10. Record Body Count - the Local Rabbits 43:15
11. Oceans & Stream - the Black Keys 47:21
12. Top Yourself - the Raconteurs 50:47
13. All Passed By - the Unintended 55:13
14. Darkness on the Face of the Earth - Willie Nelson 59:29
15. Perfect Day - Lou Reed 1:03:13

Don't replace it... fix it.

(click HERE to listen)

tracklist

1. Top Drawer - Man Man
2. Just - Mark Ronson feat. Alex Grenwald
3. Easy - The Beta Band
4. the Breaks - The Black Keys
5. the Modern Age - The Strokes
6. Jimmy Jazz - The Clash
7. The Ballad of Daykitty - Lou Barlow
8. Your Name/My Game - Herman Dune
9. Scarlet Begonias - Grateful Dead
10. Sissyneck - Beck
11. Bullet - Frank Black & the Catholics
12. Dignified and Old - The Modern Lovers
13. Papercut Hearts - Jason Collett
14. Jenny & the Ess-Dog - Stephen Malkmus
15. Love in Vain - The Rolling Stones

Breakfast with the Arghts

(click HERE to listen)

I'm getting back into the groove.... expect more frequent posts in the future. That being said, here's a few tracks to help kick start summer.

All This Time - Heartless Bastards
This Ohio based trio is a new addition to the Restless Radio playlist, having only recently discovered them via mix someone sent me. I love how three people can make a song sound so full and complete, and with lead singer Erika Wennerstrom singing her heart out it makes this track a winner.

Hard Feelings - Constantines
The Cons have a new record out titled Kensington Heights, and in true Cons fashion it's in your face and loud. Sooo good.

Aluminum Park - My Morning Jacket
I'm following one new release with another. Evil Urges is My Morning Jackets latest studio effort and to say they've evolved their sound would be an understatement of epic proportions ... kinda like saying Mt Everest is a nice little hike. They incorporate all sorts of different styles (soul, funk, rock, jam, etc...) on the new record, Jim James even sounds like Michael Jackson on one of the tracks. But to keep the rock vibe of this playlist going I've decided to sample one of the true rockers on the album for your listening pleasure.

Keep It Down - Local Rabbits (Basic Concepts)
Peter Elkas and his fellow Rabbits were known for laying a solid groove wherever they went and this track is a perfect example. RIP Local Rabbits.

Oh No - Dr. Dog (Easy Beat)
So one of the reasons I haven't been posting many podcasts as of late is that I just haven't had the time to listen to very much music, let alone new music ... but the one band I have been devouring for the past few months has been Dr Dog. Their music can be nuttier than squirrel shit at times, but it's always interesting and their grooves just don't quit. This particular track is from their '05 release Easy Beat. If you love your ears and want to reward them for all those years of service with some solid tunes then this is the band to do it with.

The Grey Estates - Wolf Parade
Wolf Parade is releasing a new record soon (REJOICE!!!) and this song might be on it... (you didn't hear it from me).

Thunder on the Mountain - Bob Dylan
I saw Bob Dylan and his band last week at the Coliseum and it was nothing short of amazing. His band was insanely tight and "his Bobness" was rocking out on keys all night (I'm told he places less guitar and more keys these days due to some nagging arthritis in his hands). This track is from his most recent lp 'Modern Times' and really showcases the sound he's been refining over the past 5 years. He's not as prolific as he used to be, but his output hits the mark every time.

Happiest Day of Our Lives -> Another Brick In the Wall Pt. 2 - Luther Wright & the Wrongs (Rebuild the Wall)
One of the perks with having a wife who works at a local top 40 radio station is that they (the station) often times discards GREAT CDs because they don't fit their top 40 mold. A few times a year the employees get to dig through boxes full of unplayed albums and this Luther Wright & the Wrongs album was one of the gems that made it home to me. LW & the W's decided to faithfully reproduce Pink Floyd's 19'78 classic "The Wall", the twist being that it's done in an alt-country way. I used to think the Wall was the most depressing album ever... no more. Put on yer 10 gallon hat and rock out to one of the funnest covers you'll ever hear.

Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - She & Him (Volume 1)
M.Ward (the musician) & Zoe Deschanel (the actress) have teamed up to record an album. Music wise it may be right up your alley, so here's a sample.

Et Moi, Et Moi, Et Moi - Jacques Dutronc
This track comes to you straight from 1966 era France, sung by one of the most popular French vocalists in existence. I just happen to like the song. If you can understand french you'll get the rebellious nature of the song, if not ... c'est la vie.

My Old Ways - Dr. Dog (We All Belong)
I did say I was listening to these guys non-stop lately right? A great track from their latest lp titled 'We All Belong'.

Old Enough - the Raconteurs
The Racs released their latest LP 'Consolers of the Lonely' guerilla style, giving the industry and fans alike only one weeks notice before unleashing this beast of an album on us. Personally, I like the tactic. It means less time waiting in anticipation and more time listening ... what a concept!

The Sweetest Tooth - Camphor
Camphor is a New York based group with Max Avery Lichtenstein (indie film score composer) at the helm. Vocally there are similarities with mellow era Beck ('Sea Changes' anyone?), but musically this stuff is cinematic in scope, which makes sense given Max's background. A solid track to say the least (one of two songs this week gratefully "donated" by DJ Bones ).

Challengers - The New Pornographers
The poster children of Canadian indie rock return to the Podcast with this A.C. Newman penned gem of a song. The combination Of Neko Case's vocals and the faint mandolin in the background totally make this track.


Mona Lisa - Blair
This New Orleans native has a real angel of a voice and is just an absolute pleasure to listen to. More of her stuff can be found here. Big thanks to DJ Bones for another fine recommendation.

Bedhead - Shotgun Jimmie (the Onlys)
From the ashes of Sackville's now defunct Shotgun & Jaybird comes this solo outing from one of it's co-founders. It's mellow and quirky, a fitting end to this weeks melange of tunes.

Until next time ...
MD


tracklist

1. All This Time - Heartless Bastards 0:00
2. Hard Feelings - Constantines 3:07
3. Aluminum Park - My Morning Jacket 6:32
4. Keep It Down - Local Rabbits 10:30
5. Oh No - Dr. Dog 14:31
6. The Grey Estates - Wolf Parade 18:36
7. Thunder on the Mountain - Bob Dylan 22:04
8. Happiest Day of Our Lives - Luther Wright & the Wrongs 27:59
9. Another Brick In the Wall Pt. 2 - Luther Wright & the Wrongs 29:02
10. Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - She & Him 33:03
11. Et Moi, Et Moi, Et Moi - Jacques Dutronc 35:34
12. My Old Ways - Dr. Dog 38:30
13. Old Enough - the Raconteurs 42:01
14. The Sweetest Tooth - Camphor 45:48
15. Challengers - The New Pornographers 49:52
16. Mona Lisa - Blair 53:24
17. Bedhead - Shotgun Jimmie 56:16

Brostash

(click HERE to listen)

So it's been a while since my last post. I've been busy with a few other "projects" but I'm hoping to get back on track with the weekly podcasts soon. Although I've been busy I have picked up some new music recently and wanted to pass some of it along for your listening pleasure. Big thanks to NYC Ian for sending me a solid mix by mail, it's been in heavy rotation in the car all week and a few tracks are present in the mix below.
And now.... the breakdown.

Dope Fiends and BoozeHounds - the Inbreds (Rheostatics Tribute, the Secret Sessions)
Covering a song isn't an easy thing to do when the band you are attempting to cover is one of the most original Canadian rock bands of all time. The Inbreds were very much up to the task with their interpretation of this Rheostatics classic. The track is from one of the better tribute albums I've heard in a long time titled "Rheostatics Tribute - the Secret Sessions". Fans of the Canadian idie rock scene will no doubt recognize several of the bands who appear on the album. Download it for yourself over at zunior.com

Beautiful Sorta - Ryan Adams & the Cardinals (Cold Roses)
From my favorite Ryan Adams record, one of three albums he released in 2005 alone, this track finds RA & the Cardinals working out their rock & roll chops like only they can.

Man-Sized Wreath - R.E.M. (Accelerate)
R.E.M. is BACK! Their new album 'Accelerate' is a true return to form with the band turning up the volume and rocking out HARD on this new release. They haven't sounded this good since 1996's 'New Adventures in Hi-Fi'. Buy this record, you won't be disappointed.

All Over Town - No North (Beyond the Black)
This is an excellent track NYC Ian put on a mix for me recently. It's a straight up shot of indie/garage rock with hints of the VU and the Black Keys. For a live version of this track click here

Down - Ben Kweller (On My Way)
No stranger to the podcast, yet another solid tune from Ben Kweller.

Ain't It Strange - Dr. Dog (We All Belong)
Stewart Mason described the band best when he said "Philadelphia indie pop act Dr. Dog is part of a long tradition of D.I.Y. pop oddballs who blend unapologetic '60s pop worship with lo-fi recording techniques and a complete disregard of current trends". They combine the pop sensibilities of the Beatles with the sonic experimentation of the Velvet Underground, and throw in a touch of 2007 for good measure. My favorite band of the moment.

Lowdown - Tom Waits (Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards)
This guy is about as original as they get. With a career spanning over 35 years, and roughly 33 albums to his credit, Tom Waits is an artist in the truest sense of the word. I am by no means a devout follower, but the stuff of his that I have heard is incredible. This track is from a compilation of rarities and unreleased songs titled 'Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards' released in 2006.

I Burn Today - Frank Black (Honeycomb)
One of my all-time favorite recording artists, Frank Black is both incredibly talented and prolific (an excellent combo if there ever was one). After disbanding the Pixies in '93 he changed his performing name from Black Francis to Frank Black and a solo career was born! He has a sometimes backing band called "the Catholics", but this track finds him performing with ace Nashville session musicians Steve Crooper and Spooner Oldham to create a more intimate sound.

Unless It's Kicks - Okkervile River (the Stage Names)
These guys are one of MANY great acts recording for the Jagjaguwar label

Andy Warhol - Danny Michel (Loving the Alien)
Danny Michel's album of Bowie covers is one I go back to time and time again. So good.

Open Doors - Josh Ritter (The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter)
I picked up this album on a tip from my brother a few months back and it's been in steady rotation ever since. Judge for yourself.

If You Gotta Go, Go Now - Bob Dylan (Bootleg Series Vol 1-3)
In honor of Bob's recent announcement that he'll be touring the Maritimes this spring I thought I'd feature one of my favorite Dylan tunes. Originally recorded during the 'Bringing it All Back Home' sessions, this track was only ever officially released as a single in the Netherlands in 1967 (backed w/ the b side 'To Ramona') before appearing as part of the Bootleg Series Vol 1-3. Definitely one of the funnest songs from the Dylan catalogue.

Baby Come On Home - Baby Eagle (No Blues)
Fans of the Constantines will want to check out this interesting Steve Lambke side project. Recorded in Sackville & Toronto with members of Shotgun & Jaybird, this album is very much a departure from the Constantines sound and showcases Lambke's chops as a singer/songwriter.

While You Were Sleeping - Elvis Perkins (Ash Wednesday)
Here's another song that was sent my way from NYC Ian. It's a nice little tune that just keeps building, layers and layers of instruments are added with every verse, combined with Perkin's voice this makes for a sweet closing track for this week.

Adios

MD

tracklist

1. Dope Fiends and Booze Hounds - the Inbreds 0:00

2. Beautiful Sorta - Ryan Adams & the Cardinals 4:42

3. Man-Sized Wreath - R.E.M. 7:40

4. All Over Town - No North 10:13

5. Down - Ben Kweller 13:49

6. Ain't It Strange - Dr. Dog 17:56

7. Lowdown - Tom Waits 22:21

8. I Burn Today - Frank Black 26:34

9. Unless It's Kicks - Okkervile River 30:35

10. Andy Warhol - Danny Michel 35:12

11. Open Doors - Josh Ritter 37:48

12. If You Gotta Go, Go Now - Bob Dylan 40:22

13. Baby Come On Home - Baby Eagle 43:13

14. While You Were Sleeping - Elvis Perkins 45:20

Tres-seh

(click HERE to listen)

Alright, here's another slightly disjointed set of tunes for your consumption. There's a definite rock vibe running through this compilation, more so than in the last few sets I've posted anyway. If that's your bag then have at it, it's a solid one.
I've featured most of these artists on the podcast before so I'll keep the descriptions brief.

Don't Talk Anymore - the Whigs (Give'em All a Big Fat Lip)
Athens GA has been a hotbed for indie rock since before the days of R.E.M, and you can add the Whigs to that impressive list of southern talent. Their debut LP was released in 2005 to critical acclaim and with good reason, it's a solid listen from start to finish.

Shine a Light - Wolf Parade (Apologies to the Queen Mary)
I was fortunate to see this band a couple of years ago in their home town of Montreal at the Osheaga festival. The weather was shitty, the band had sound problems throughout their entire set, and they still managed to blow me away. I cannot wait for them to release a new record.

Got My Eye on You - Brian Jonestown Massacre (Strung Out in Heaven)
The Rolling Stones fan in me absolutely LOVES this tune. Anton Newcombe yelps just like Jagger in the chorus and the guitar riffs are pure Keith Richards, yet the band make this one all their own.

Two Crows - Herman Düne (Switzerland Heritage)
The Düne are a Restless Radio favorite. The first time I heard them I thought I was listening to an obscure Cake record, but I quickly realized that they have their own unique sound and a VERY extensive back catalogue. If you like searching, this is a band with a pot of gold at the end of each rainbow.

National Anthem of Nowhere - Apostle of Hustle (National Anthem of Nowhere)
From the pulsing horn section to the relentless bass line, this track from these Broken Social Scene family tree members is chalk full of epic goodness.

the Hook - Stephen Malkmus (s/t)
If you were a fan of the seminal 90's indie rock band Pavement then this track will be right up your alley. Their former front-man has been busy since the breakup releasing 4 "solo" records, most of which were recorded with his backing band the Jicks. In terms of song writers, this guy is as good as they come.

It's a Long Line - the Mendoza Line (Fortune)
I've gotta thank my NYC buddy Ian for this track. During one of his famous 2am phone calls from Queens one night (or was it the East Village?) he gushed about seeing this excellent band perform at some hole-in-the-wall club. At the time I thought it was just the liquor talking, but a few months later a CD mix showed up on my doorstep from NYC with this track on it. Wicked tune.

Maageeta - My Morning Jacket (It Still Moves)
In case I needed a reason to feature yet another MMJ tune on the podcast, I learned this week that they'll be releasing a new record in June. Giddy up!

G turns to D - Sloan (One Chord to Another)
With the ECMA's just around the corner I thought it fitting to offer up a tune from my favorite ex-pat maritimers.

Things I Don't Remember - Ugly Cassanova (Sharpen Your Teeth)
Fans of Modest Mouse will know this song well, but if it's your first time listening... you're in for a real treat. And if you're up for reading a great little story about the making of this project head over to SubPop's website.

Havana Gang Brawl - the Zutons (Who Killed .... the Zutons)
Just a fantastically fun song to listen to. Long live Brit rock.

I Don't Want to Go - Mike O'Neil (the Owl)
I think I've featured another one of Mr O'Neil's songs in a previous post, and to be honest I'd post the whole album if it wasn't illegal. One of the most underrated Canadian singer songwriters out there.

Heart of Lovers - the Mohawk Lodge (Wild Fires)
A track from one of my favorite albums of 2007. If you like it, head over to the White Whale Records shop and pick up a copy for yourself.

Modern Girl - Sleater Kinney (the Woods)
SK are the loudest live band I've ever heard. It's a damn shame they called it quites in 2006 after an 11 year career. Pearl Jam fans will no doubt recognize the chorus as it was frequently featured as a tag onto "Wishlist" during the '05 and '06 tours.

Shine a Light - the Rolling Stones (Exile on Main Street)
I have several favorite Stones songs, and this one is most certainly near the top of that list. I always thought it should have been the closing track on "Exile", but who am I?
You'd swear it was a gospel tune during the first verse, but in true Stones fashion they kick it up a notch during the chorus with Bill Wyman's bass and the dueling Taylor & Richards combo completely taking over. Billy Preston is all over this track, and in true Preston fashion almost steals the thunder (the Beatles "Get Back" anyone?) from Mick & Keif. I could go on and on about this track and the "Exile on Main St" album as whole, it's just one of those PERFECT records.

Enjoy!

1. Don't Talk Anymore - the Whigs
2. Shine a Light - Wolf Parade
3. Got My Eye on You - Brian Jonestown Massacre
4. Two Crows - Herman Dune
5. National Anthem of nowhere - Apostle of Hustle
6. the Hook - Stephen Malkmus
7. It's a Long Line - the Mendoza Line
8. Maageeta - My Morning Jacket
9. G turns to D - Sloan
10. Things I Don't Remember - Ugly Cassanova
11. Havana Gang Brawl - the Zutons
12. I Don't Want to Go - Mike O'Neil
13. Heart of Lovers - the Mohawk Lodge
14. Modern Girl - Sleater Kinney
15. Shine a Light - the Rolling Stones

Montreal Snowfall Effect

(click HERE to listen)


This weeks installment of the podcast is brought to you by a Restless Radio listener turned correspondent. I crossed paths with Aaron while living in Ottawa a few years back, he was living one floor up from my brother and would always throw in his 2 cents whenever Eric and I were discussing our latest musical discoveries. Since then we've always kind of been on the same mailing lists so we've stayed in touch and traded musical experiences from time to time. He's currently calling Montreal home and has been lucky enough to get one of those special gigs in the music biz.
Most of these tracks were first time listens for me so it was refreshing to hear so many excellent songs in one sitting from bands that I'd never heard of for the most part. Early favorites of mine thus far include Kinetic Stereokids, Holy Fuck, and Handsome Furs.
Much like a fresh blanket of snow, these tunes will creep up on you... happy shoveling!
MD

************************************************************

allo, c’est moi aaron. i moved to montreal to get enwrapped in music. found a gig with pop montreal. pop is a music festival that breathes artistic creativity, magnifying the local community & culture and promoting musicians tout le monde who are pushing the industry (well in my modest and unbiased definition). over the past year i’ve been toiling around ‘the scene’, here is what my ears have fallen in love with via pop mtl.

side a

silently - blonde redhead
mccaren park pool, brooklyn, new york. sitting backstage, sipping free whisky, witnessing the sun slowly descend, peering out over the same scene the band receives, in their home court no less and all you have to carry you along is this sonic bliss. i’d place this song 12 times, but that doesn’t make for much variety.

sing! captain - handsome furs (mtl)
face from ‘wolf parade’ accompanied by his girlfriend provides montreal its own ‘beck’.

the wind - peasant
running around as a patron at pop montreal 2006, i tripped upon on this conor oberst/elliot smith-esque presence. couldn’t shake the bright eyes stage relation… with his drunkard between song shyness completely offset by a clear and ever emotional in song act.

this thing about you - miracle fortress (mtl)
still haven’t taken much a fondness or been won over considering the inner city hype surrounding this one man show (graham van pelt), but you can’t deny a good tune and everyone seems to speak praise of his character, haha.

acoustic blue sun - think about life (mtl)
onstage gimmicks are seemingly pretentious, but when the lead singer came out wearing a motorcycle helmet, it just seemed natural. they are a bit off the wall, and enjoy their fans going off so, but also show this calm side.

explosions were heard - kinetic stereokids
from Flint, MI. (yes, the lead singers parents met while working on the set of micheal moore’s film ‘roger & me’). in running the listening sessions for this year’s festival, i had to sit through over 1,000 bands material, this here was my veto (or needo if you like) to play the festival, my #1. you might not take to the samples (giggling kids), but hopefully you’ll take to the talent.
side b

lovely allen - holy fuck (mtl)
my vote goes for best live act of 2007. infectious, my eyes were glued to the drummer their entire set,…and I promise I don’t have a fetish for drummers. they giver 127.6% and improvise constantly. the transition to album is not magical, but a step down is expected, still keeping it pretty decent. for someone not liking instrumentals, you’ll believe there were words.

what we had - handsome furs (mtl)
if only they could physically get across the border, oh the movements they’d be making.

you are never alone - socalled (mtl)
nothing beats a jewish cowboy, or the sweet, sweet voice of an accompanying katie moore. additionally, the video is worth a look.

insistor - tapes 'n tapes
there’s always an exception to the rule, this is thus, no pop relation. coachella 2006, easily the best performance of that excruciatingly hot california weekend, they rocked out like it wasn’t even hot (and with mullets no less).

fog and the horn - hot springs (mtl)
guilty pleasure, despite a strong distaste for this attractive female as a person, can’t quite shake my love of the music. played the festival at a literal whole in the wall venue holding a max. capacity of 4 mice, somehow 100 loyal fans squeezed in, yet even the faithful are tired of her mundane antics, witness to them constantly shouting “NEXT SONG” to disrupt her sexually laced between song banter.

paul cries - think about life (mtl)
describe themselves as “black guy, a hipster, a polar bear, and an albino”. here they are giving their taste of ‘the strokes’.

23 - blonde redhead
this whole album should be on here.

as for Restless Radio, might i throw in this plug…

“I was always impressed with a tombstone of a nameless musician I once saw. All it said was MUSICIAN – HE PASSED IT ON”

- Keith Richards

tracklist
1. silently - blonde redhead
2. sing! captain - handsome furs
3. the wind - peasant
4. this thing about you - miracle fortress
5. acoustic blue sun - think about life
6. explosions were heard - kinetic stereokids
7. lovely allen - holy fuck
8. what we had - handsome furs
9. you are never alone - socalled
10. insistor - tapes 'n tapes
11. fog and the horn - hot springs
12. paul cries - think about life
13. 23 - blonde redhead

A Mix Tape For '08

(click HERE to listen)

Hey all,
By now I would imagine you're all fully recovered from the holidays, but in case you haven't .... toss on this mix, it'll cure what ails you.

Vegan in Furs - Of Montreal (Satanic Panic in the Attic)
Despite what their name may lead you to believe, these guys are actually from Athens, GA. Regardless of where you might be while listening to this track I can GUARANTEE you'll be groovin'. It's a full on assault on your ears.

Mr Saturday - Two Hours Traffic (s/t)
The best thing to come out of PEI since the potatoe.

Young Leaves - Attack in Black (Marriage)
I happened to catch this tune on Much Music while channel surfing a few weeks back. I only caught the tail end of the video but it involved the band standing around a record player listening to an Elevator lp. It was all the convincing I needed to track down the mp3 ... and I'm glad I did.

You Can't Hold the Hand of a Rock 'n Roll Man - Okkervil River (the Stage Names)
This track has it all! A great name AND a groove that won't quit. The band is on the Jagjaguwar label and toured with label-mate Julie Doiron over in Europe at the end of 2007.

Nevertheless - Brian Jonestown Massacre (Teppid Peppermint Wonderland)
If you haven't seen the movie DIG! please make it a point to do so as I believe to be required viewing for ANY fan of rock 'n roll. The film is a documentary that spans 7 years and details the life and times of Courtney Taylor (of the Dandy Warhols) and Anton Newcombe (of the Brian Jonestown Massacre) as they paddle their respective bands through the rough seas of the music industry.
note: the film is not nearly as cheesy as my description above.

Passenger Side - Wilco (A.M.)
Here's some old school Wilco for your listening pleasure. This tune is stripped down to the bare alt country essentials with liquor and Neil Young references abound.

What's Left Behind - the Sadies (New Seasons)
This is currently my favorite track from an absolutely face melting record by Canada's favorite alt country son's, the Sadies. The lead guitar licks alone will leave you bruised and battered.

Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car - Iron & Wine (the Shepherd's Dog)
My friend Mars described the (relatively) new Iron & Wine album best hen he said "it's f'ing serious". Nuff said.

Almost Crimes - Broken Social Scene (You Forgot It In People)
My better half isn't quite finished with her BSS obsession, so here's another great little ditty from our Arts & Crafts friends.

By Winter's End - Cuff the Duke (Sidelines of the City)
Another excellent track from a truly solid record.

Star of Bethlehem - Neil Young (American Stars 'n Bars)
This tune is in my top 5 favorite Neil tracks of all time. I've always been a fan of his mellower stuff to begin with , but what makes this track for me is Emmylou Harris on backing vocals. Absolutely Angelic. The track was originally recorded for the Chrome Dreams lp but the album never materialized so it eventually ended up on American Stars 'n Bars (an absolute goldmine of an album when it comes to classic Neil performances). "Yet still a light is shining, from that lamp on down the hall. Maybe the star of Bethlehem, wasn't a star at all. "

Eyes - Rogue Wave (???)
To be completely honest I'm not sure how this tune made it into my iTunes library, but after one listen I made it a point to buy an albums worth of material. The track has a bit of an Iron & Wine meets the Shins kind of feel to it and sounds VERY familiar. Did I hear it in a commercial? You tell me, 'cause I haven't got the foggiest clue!

Golden - My Morning Jacket (It Still Moves)
Some songs seem like they were written for the road. You hear them while driving and you just want to keep chasing the horizon.

Superstar - Sonic Youth (If I Were A Carpenter)
I saw the film Juno a couple of weeks back and side from being a great little flick its use of music throughout the film was excellent. Our friends over at the Aquarium Drunkard discusses the use of this Sonic Youth track here, check it out.

Anyone Else But You - the Moldy Peaches (s/t)
And finally to wrap things up this week I decided to use another track from the Juno soundtrack. The Moldy Peaches (fronted by Kimya Dawson & Adam Green) were an integral part of the New York anti-folk scene of the early 2000's and Kimya's music is featured prominently in the film. With clever lines such as "up up, down down, left right, left right, B A Start. Just because we use cheats doesn't mean we're not smart", the Moldy Peaches are a fun band to listen to, they sing about the little things in life that we've all lived but may have forgotten about.

Until next time!
MD

1. Vegan in Furs - Of Montreal
2. Mr Saturday - Two Hours Traffic
3. Young Leaves - Attack in Black
4. You Can't Hold the Hand of a Rock 'n Roll Man - Okkervil River
5. Nevertheless - Brian Jonestown Massacre
6. Passenger Side - Wilco
7. What's Left Behind - the Sadies
8. Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car - Iron & Wine
9. Almost Crimes - Broken Social Scene
10. By Winter's End - Cuff the Duke
11. Star of Bethlehem - Neil Young
12. Eyes - Rogue Wave
13. Golden - My Morning Jacket
14. Superstar - Sonic Youth
15. Anyone Else But You - the Moldy Peaches