Songs of the Day: "Can't Go Back Now" and "World Spins Madly On" by The Weepies

>> Wednesday, March 31, 2010

This is a band that I have been dying to get posted as a song of the day. But the band is like the Pearl Jam of the indie folk sect. Never making videos. The only videos that I can really find are fan created, and thus kinda crap. That was until today when I stumbled into two things. First, a great little song off their most recent album that they actually made a video for. Well, I use the word "they" loosely, as it is a muppet version of the duo. Anyways, moving on. Also, I found a fan video of my favorite song of theirs, that does not completely suck, so I have posted that below as well. I hope you enjoys, as this is one of my favorite bands. Very mellow, awfully sweet, and perfectly listenable.

"Can't Go Back Now" by The Weepies



"World Spins Madly On" by The Weepies

Song of the Day:

>> Monday, March 29, 2010

The Toadies were one of my favorite bands of the 90's and I don't think any teenager in 1994 doesn't remember Possum Kingdom. A darker rock song, Possum Kingdom was the angsty anthem to so many a 14 year old back in the height of "Alternative" rock. From their own website: "This sick, twisted essence was first exemplified on the band’s 1994 debut, Rubberneck (Interscope). An intense, swirling vortex of guitar rock built around Lewis’s “wrong” songs and abstract lyrics—like the smash single “Possum Kingdom,” subject to as much speculation as what’s in the Pulp Fiction briefcase, it rocketed to platinum status."
I can also appreciate any band with a kick-ass chick bass player. Take a listen, reminisce...

The Alphabet List: Letter B

>> Sunday, March 28, 2010

Following Adams debut list of the best bands starting with the letter A is my version with the letter B. Yes there are many great bands out there with B - and even some popular crappy ones (Backstreet Boys anyone?) but this is my own list of personal faves. Enjoy!

1. Bush



2. Blind Pilot



3. (The) Beatles



4. Boat



5. Blues Traveler



6. Bishop Allen



7. Blind Melon



8. Boyz II Men



9. Beastie Boys



10. Beach Boys

Song of the Day: Andrew Belle "The Ladder"

I am loving this song right now. It's a mixture of his voice, syrupy, beautiful along with great visual lyrics. Take a listen and then go buy the album.

Songs of the Day: "The Walls Are Coming Down" by Fanfarlo and "Our House" by Madness

>> Thursday, March 25, 2010

One of my favorite secret bands. Such a full sound. Great stuff. I don't know if it is his voice, the horns, or something else, but this band makes me think of "Our House" by Madness (below). But whatevs, its not a bad thing.

Enjoy

"The Walls Are Coming Down" by Fanfarlo

"Our House" by Madness

Song of the Day: "The Sun (Acoustic)" by Portugal. The Man

>> Wednesday, March 24, 2010

This is my new all time favorite band of all time, today.

LOVE IT!

"The Sun (Acoustic)" by Portugal. The Man

Song of the Day: "Desperado" by The Eagles

>> Tuesday, March 23, 2010

This shit is my jam.

"Desperado" by The Eagles

Song of the Day: "Hold On To Hope Love" by Amy Stroup

>> Monday, March 22, 2010

This is a great song that I have been WAITING for a video of, but it has not come. But, recently found an article praising the same song that I have been listening to for months now. Apparently it won a song writing award, and I must say, it is well deserved, it is one hell of a tune.

With out a video to share, I have posted the song via Lala.com. Just click play and enjoy.

"Hold On To Hope Love" by Amy Stroup

Song of the day: "You Really Got a Hold On Me" by She and Him

>> Sunday, March 21, 2010

This just cements my infatuation with Zooey Deschanel. If you are not familiar with She and Him, the album is just filled with lovely songs that make you want to drink coco.

"You Really Got a Hold On Me" by She and Him

The Alphabet List: Letter "A"

>> Saturday, March 20, 2010

So, with the first of 26 entries, I present to you my favorite bands that start with the letter "A."


Few rules to lay down for this and these upcoming lists. No "real" names. So, as much as I like Amos Lee and The Avett Brothers, you will not see them on this following list. I did this, in part to make it more difficult, but also, because I have had this fascination with band names lately. Choosing a band name is a huge decision, and Amos did not choose that name, it was given to him. So, he is disqualified.
The most important rule, I have to actually, really love the band, as this is MY list. So, although it would be easy to fill the list with Air Supply, AC/DC, and so on, it would not be something I would put on a playlist and enjoy.

I hope you enjoy my list.

Song of the Day: "Why Does It Always Rain On Me" by Travis

>> Friday, March 19, 2010

GREAT song from a severely underrated album. One of my all time favorite records. I can still put this in, 10 years later, and have it amplify my life. If you do not know this record, your life is less fulfilled than it could be.

Oh, and I feel like an idiot to have left this band off my Bands That Lie list, as none of them are even named Travis.

"Why Does It Always Rain On Me" by Travis

Song of the Day: "Mrs. Potters Lullaby" by Counting Crows.

>> Thursday, March 18, 2010

So, when looking for the song of the day, I first decided on the band I wanted to dip into today, but could not narrow down a selection. So, I turned to my best friend, co-blogger, Stevie and asked for her insights. But she had the audacity to suggest "American Girls" one of this bands worst singles ever, makes me wonder if I shouldn't start to advertise for new friends.... But she redeemed herself by pointing out the weather, and choosing a song to reflect how great of a day it is. So, I picked, "Mrs. Potters Lullaby" for that exact reason.

Now, understand that the lyrics are not sunny, but the music, melody and song itself is a hell of a trip.

"Mrs. Potters Lullaby" by Counting Crows.

Song of the Day: "No Other Way" by Paolo Nutini

>> Wednesday, March 17, 2010

I was walking the isles of Safeway this evening, picking up fixings for Tuna Casserole, when a song came on my iPod. yes, i wear it everywhere. A song that I had NEVER heard before, scrambling for my pockets to find out what song had just stopped me in my tracks, I was SHOCKED to find it as, none other than, Paolo Nutini. One of my favorite artists. How does one never hear a track on the ipod that you both own and constantly listen too, its a mystery, but it is also a spectacular song. It has a little Unchained Melody feel too it, but not the annoying way you would expect. It's powerful and passionate, and it's a song that I will play all the time now.

I have included a live clip as well as the lala player. If you get the chance to see him live, I fully suggest it. It may not be the best "showman" often too drunk to stand, but that voice needs to be experienced live.... enjoy.

"No Other Way" by Paolo Nutini

Song of the Day: "When You Find Me" By Joshua Radin and Maria Taylor

>> Monday, March 15, 2010

I pause when choosing to post a song that has no video to go with it, but this song speaks to me so much, that I need to share it even though it is video-less.
As to be expected I guess, a song, made for an indie film that almost no one saw. And everyone missed out. The movie "Adam" is a gem of a movie that plastered the silliest grin on my face for nearly two hours. And that does not even take in account for the music, oh wow, the music. Including this song, the film is littered with songs that fit into the moments like a sheet of unbroken fresh snow, before the footsteps, perfect.

"When You Find Me" By Joshua Radin and Maria Taylor

A Plea for Books

So last January I posted a list of books that I intended to read over the next year. It was a modest collection of 40 books, 20 of which I read (and then some off of the list). I am revisiting that list again and would love to hear from you! What books should I read this year? What is worth my limited reading time? What do you love?
I'll collect a list of recommended books, mesh it with my own to-reads and post it on here next week.

Thanks for your help! -Stevie

Song of the Day: "Guarantees" by Atmosphere

>> Sunday, March 14, 2010

A single camera shot, when used correctly, can be perfectly impactful.

"Guarantees" by Atmosphere

Song of the Day: "Drops of Jupiter" by Train

>> Saturday, March 13, 2010

This, silly little band, was one of my favorites in the '90's. I don't know why that is so embarrassing, but it is. Hmmm. Anyways.....

Enjoy.

"Drops of Jupiter" by Train

Song of the Day: "Banditos" by The Refreshments

>> Friday, March 12, 2010

As songs go, this one is superb. The lyrical content is nothing short of spectacular and life changing. OK, not really. But it is fucking fun. This song, from one of my all time favorite albums is what I put in when I'm driving around and just want to chase sunbreaks and let the world melt away.

"Banditos" by The Refreshments

Song of the Day: "Winter" by the dodos

>> Thursday, March 11, 2010

Do you ever have a song that you just keep coming back too? A song that no matter what mood your in, your turn up when hearing? A song that, without explanation, gives you goose bumps? That is this song. It has been my ringtone for the last 9 months, and for someone like me, who values music over almost everything, to keep a tone for that long...... yeah.

(Not the best music video, but apparently it was made by an intern at the label, so its good enough)
"Winter" by the dodos

Song of the Day: "We've Got Tonight" by Bob Seger

>> Wednesday, March 10, 2010

This song is a warm blanket on a blustery day.

"We've Got Tonight" by Bob Seger

Song of the Day: "Please Forgive Me" by David Gray

>> Monday, March 8, 2010

I feel that I have neglected David Gray. If you look at my best songs, albums, artists, and other various lists, you will see them littered with Mr. Gray. Yet, he has not been honored as a Song of the Day.
So, I give you, one of my favorite songs, from one of my favorite albums. I hope you enjoy.

"Please Forgive Me" by David Gray

Song of the Day: "Faithfully" by Journey

>> Sunday, March 7, 2010

Journey is where it is at. And at is here.
Super cheesy 80's montage video at its best.

"Faithfully" by Journey

Song of the Day: "Action/Reaction" by Choir of Young Believers

>> Saturday, March 6, 2010

This is one of the bands I have loved for the last couple years, and kinda have kept to myself. I tend to do that when I cannot quite find a home in my head for the music. What I mean by that is.... well, I really cannot explain it. Music fits a purpose for me. Everyband will fill a void or niche that has been crying to be filled. Sometimes, that need is met within 4 bars, sometimes, even though something is very very good (as it is here) it takes months, or years for the dust to settle.
That is the reason why I have withheld this band, from even some of my closest friends. If I cannot figure out what this music is good for, how am I supposed to know who needs to hear it. To be honest, I am still having trouble placing this song, but it got me through some pretty tough writers block, so, it is time to share. And this live clip of this small duo with a huge brushstrokes filling a room is pretty special. I hope you enjoy, and I hope this song fills in your holes whole.

"Action/Reaction" by Choir of Young Believers

Baker's Dozen: Bands that Lie!

>> Friday, March 5, 2010

I have had this list in my back pocket for a few months now. I have been hesitant to post it, mainly because my co-blogger took great enjoyment in poking holes in my logic and the entire argument that is this strange little list. But, I think that it is time to just move past that and post it.

Bands That Lie! Lately, bands have gotten more and more creative with their names, as is especially evident with my Punctuation list. But, some of these bands, including some of my personal favorite are just plain liars. Claiming to be something they are not, and sometimes blatantly and unvaguely. Below you will see 13 big fat liars. This does not take away from their sound, or listenability, unless you have a serious problem with liars. And I love to lie. So, maybe, we shouldn't be friends anymore, reader.

Songs of the Day: "Buddy Holly" by Weezer & "Not an Addict" by K's Choice

Songs of the day. I couldn't decide. One would suggest, to maybe just post one today, and the other tomorrow, but I do not work that way. If I have an option of either a maple bar, or a custer donut, and I cannot chose, I eat them both. Yes, gross. But, its how I roll. So, two of my favorite 90's songs.

"Buddy Holly" by Weezer

"Not an Addict" by K's Choice

Song of the Day: "Rio" by Hey Marseilles (Live at Capital Hill Block Party)

>> Thursday, March 4, 2010

OK, so I may have shared this song in the past, and if you are at all attached to my facebook page, you would have had the chance to experience this great song.
Easily becoming one of my favorite songs of all time, this local 7 piece multi-instrumentalists blow my mind each time I hear them, or get the chance to see what they do live, as with this video. I know that violins and cellos are not sexy rockband shit, but screw that.
SxSW is this weekend, and, I am tempted to fly down to Austin to see this Seattle band, if not for the music itself, but to witness unwitting people fall in love with melody and lyric.


"Rio" by Hey Marseilles (Live at Capital Hill Block Party)

Hey Marseilles - Rio (Live at CHBP) from KEXP RADIO on Vimeo.

Song of the Day: "The Gambler" & "At Least I'm Not as Sad (As I Used To Be) by fun.

>> Wednesday, March 3, 2010



Ok, So i PROMISE a real list is forthcoming. I have several irons in the fire (thats a saying, right? Somewhere? Maybe?) and you will see something awesome in the next couple days. But, until than, another song of the day. This band fun., lowercase "f" and period included in name, is one of my current favorites. Made up from pieces of some of my favorite indie bands, including the voice that made The Format one of my favorite albums of all time, is truly special. As is on display below in this double song video from an instore in Nashville.

Two of my favorite songs from the record that was number 2/3 on by best of the year list, but I could honestly say that about everysong. So....

Enjoy, truly a great clip.

"So I left, That is it. That's my life, Nothing is sacred.
I don't keep friends,I keep acquainted,
I'm not a prophet, But I'm here to profit."

"The Gambler" & "At Least I'm Not as Sad (As I Used To Be) by fun.

Song of the Day: "Living a Lie!" by Daniel Zott

>> Tuesday, March 2, 2010

I heard this song last night used in the show Chuck, which, I have to admit does some pretty good damn things with music. Anyways, I LOVE it as a song. And it is my song of the day. I found a really, really crappy youtube video, but does the song no justice at all. So, I hope you enjoy.

"Living a Lie!' by Daniel Zott

Song of the Day: Safety Dance (Scrubs version)

>> Monday, March 1, 2010

So say what you will but this song is RAD! I thought it never could get better until I saw this Turk montage of awesome dance moves put to music. Enjoy!