Today I blog for a cause. Well sort of. When I heard Neko Case had a new album coming out I was excited. When I learned she was giving away her 1st single for free I was thrilled. When I learned that her label was going to donate $5 to Best Friends Animal Society for every music blog that reposts the single I decided to do my part for I am nothing if not philanthropic. Ok, so I just read that word in a book the other day. I am not alone in my desire to give back apparently. I can't click a link without stumbling on another music blog who is helping out by doing a post on this track. Awesomely donating to charity whilst making sure that your single is EVERYWHERE aside, Neko certainly doesn't dissapoint sound wise. "People Got a Lotta Nerve" is 2:30 of wonderful twangy guitars backing Case's soaring voice. She sings of elephants and killer whales and maneaters. I'm down for it all. Give a listen and check out the link above and the video below to learn more about the charity. Enjoy.
Neko Case - Some People Got a Lotta Nerve (MediaFire)
Visit Neko's Myspace for more info about her album, Middle Cyclone, due out March 3rd
If Prince's "When Doves Cry" and Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" had a beautiful, if not coke induced one night stand the result would surely be the 1st single from British newcomer La Roux.
(Tilda Swinton Sings?)
Effortlessly produced and effervescent, "Quicksand" is a brilliant bit of pop perfection from fire haired siren Elly Jackson and producer Ben Langmaid that retains all of the intensity from its parents without all of the weight.
She is currently touring with Lily Allen and has a full length album due out this spring. Until then, load this onto your iPod and push the repeat button.
It funny sometimes the connections that lead you from one place to another. Like the other day I was searching for a remix of "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé (Don't judge me!!!) and ended up discovering a completely unrelated new artist I am exceptionally excited about.
His name is Gavin Castleton and I cannot stop playing his music. I stumbled upon his blog where he had posted a video cover of "Nothing Compares 2 u" and was hooked. I must've watched it 5 times all the way through back to back. And that's something as it clocks in at just over 9 minutes. From there I began to listen to the snippets he had available on his Myspace and now it seems I'm completely obsessed. He has a few albums out now (check out Hospital Hymns, it's gorgeous!!) but I am most interested in his forthcoming endeavor titled Home. His myspace is almost baren, spare a creepy hand rising from the dirt and this :
When your lover tears your heart clumsily from your chest and holds it up to your face you will first wonder "How an I still alive?" But then you will think, "I had no idea my heart was that big." Your friends will tell you to hury up and get over it. they will prescrive all sorts of bandaids, exalting the near ad distant future while you can't see two feet in front of your face.
The truth is, there is no right way to cope and there is no wrong way to cope... You just cope. This music is how Gavin Castleton chose to cope.
"HOME," and album designed to heal heartache.
I'm in!
The bits and pieces I've heard from this album have me salivating at the thought of the outright feast. Ordinarily I would have no problem with searching for an advanced copy to quench my desires but at the artists specific request (as per his blog about the album's leak) I have decided to wait very patiently for it's Friday the 13th release date next month. I was able to track down some downloads made available from him that are completely guilt free and will share those with you now in the hopes that you too will be one of the 1rst in line to purchase Home when it drops.
From Home
This track is bouncy and fun with a retro sound that makes my heart smile!
and although I won't post it for download, Gavin put up this track on his myspace and you have to hear it. I keep the player open all day just to listen over and over again!!! It's called "Sugar in the Sheets" and the time change makes my pulse quicken! I also threw in a couple othe misc. Gavin goodies. GO BUY THIS GUYS STUFF!!!
This next track appears as a b-side on the 1st single released on itunes from Home, it's creepy and the cover has what looks to be zombies and I love it!!!
Gavin Castleton - Since 1968 (The Overclock Orchestra Remix) Download from RCRDLBL (after the jump)
and finally the aformentioned cover of the Sinéad O'Connor track
Gavin Castleton - Nothing Compares 2 U (MediaFire)
Of all the girls out there who are not afraid to sound really British when they sing, Lil's still my favorite and I'm really excited for her new album.
