Covered in Love.

Valentine's day is here again. Meh. It's not my favorite holiday, even when I am part of a pair. But I guess I can stay topical. I've got a few dance diddies to get your heart racing if nothing else tonight will.

Stacy Q. Two of Hearts. I don't know anything else she ever put out. I don't really care. I've loved that song ever since I was a gay youth. Recently it's been covered a couple times recently and I love those just as much.** Enjoy.

The 1st is by Norwegian ElectroPop-Tart Annie. It's got a serious freestyle sound behind the wheel while the vocals remain pretty true to the original. It was originally released as the first single in October from her as yet unreleased album Don't Stop. But the last time I checked up on the album, I didn't see the song on the track list. Hmmm... I've included the single version as well as my favorite remix (Duh!).

Annie - Two of Hearts (MediaFire)

Annie - Two of Hearts (Skatebaards High Energy In The Night Remix) (MediaFire)

The second cover comes from the wonderful Buffetlibre Rewind. If you don't know what that is go do some digging. It's well worth your time! The song is the work of Electric Valentine and Ultraviolet Sound and while I don't know anything about the two groups who've come together to produce this most perfect pop track, I do know that it has been at the very top of my playlist since I downloaded it! The kid in me loves that it doesn't stray too far from the original version, but the grown up in me loves the retrofitted electro sound. Yeah, I just referenced a frosted miniwheats commercial, Jealous?!

Electric Valentine + Ultraviolet Sound - Two of Hearts (MediaFire)

And just in case you don't already have it (For Shame!) the original.

Stacey Q - Two of Hearts (MediaFire)


** it should be noted that Kelly Osbourne covered this song as well. It was not good. I will not be including it.


Check out the artists featured above and buy their music so they can make more!

Annie

Electric Valentine

Ultraviolet Sound

And go check out the full roster over at the Buffetlibre! Do it!

Watch Out Boy, She'll Chew You Up.

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

Like Buried Treasure

I can't stop watching this video, I can't stop listening to this song.

iTunes gave this video away for free like a month ago and I didn't bother to watch it after I downloaded. I wish I wasn't dumb! It's exquisite.

Enjoy.

Soon We'll Be Found




From Some People Have Real Problems

Sia - Soon We'll Be Found (MediaFire)

Buy it Here


See More Sia at her Myspace

La Roux Is On Fire!

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.

Enjoy.

La Roux - Quicksand (MediaFire)

and a remix for good measure

La Roux - Quicksand [Chateau Marmont Remix] (MediaFire)

Check out the Music Video


(You are not mistaken, She is indeed leaning on a giant pineapple)


Visit Her Myspace for more.

So Crazy in Love

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!

Gavin Castleton - CoffeeLocks

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)


Nothing Compares 2 (Sinead O'Connor cover) from Gavin Castleton on Vimeo.


Visit his Myspace

his blog

buy his stuff, learn some more all here.



ps. Thanks for the tip, Boo-yonce!

Don't Sugar Coat It.

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.

Here's a tidbit.

Enjoy.

Lily Allen - Fuck You (MediaFire)

Pre order It's Not Me, It's You HERE

Visit Her Myspace For More

Regifted

Apparently 'tis the season again. Ask anyone who knows me and they will tell you that Christmas is not my favorite holiday. Not by a long shot. For me it's just another year flown by and I'm forced to listen to (mostly terrible) Christmas music all day at work. Maybe it was listening to Jessica Simpson X-mas bullshit at least 3 times per day that compelled to put together my own mix of a few of my very favorite holiday songs. Ones that don't make me wanna blow out my own eardrums. It started off quite small and somehow snowballed (no, that wasn't a pun!) into a full blown playlist as I scoured my iTunes and found gem after seasonal gem.

There are a few standards, if not obvious choices on the list. The Drifters' "White Christmas" always makes me think of Home Alone (or was it Home Alone 2? They're both great so who cares) and while there are tons of covers of "Last Christmas" I find the original Wham! version is perfection. And it wouldn't be Christmas without Brenda Lee's incomparable "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree." My mother played her Christmas album every year on a loop and it has remained my favorite ever since.

I also threw in some newer stuff like the incredibly fun Rosie Thomas original "Why Can't It Be Christmastime All Year" (thank you Daniel), a fabulous remix of Kay Starr's "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" and a bouncy holiday 'fuck you' from one of my favorite new discoveries Hello Saferide. The one track I cannot seem to get enough of is the last one in the set. Originally from the movie "Toys," The Closing of the Year" has been humming around in my head for days now and always leaves me with a cheerful grin on my face and a childlike optimism for the season and the year to come.

Enjoy.


Listen to Excerpts




White Elephant

Download the .ZIP file

(Zshare)


Full Track List

1. Martina Sorbara - It's The Most Wonderful Time of Year

2. The Raveonettes - The Christmas Song

3. Rosie Thomas - Why Can't It Be Christmastime All Year

4. Brenda Lee - Rock' Around the Christmas Tree

5. The Drifters - White Christmas

6. Allison Sattinger - Santa Baby

7. Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone - Baby, It's Cold Outside

8. Kay Starr - I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (Stuhr Remix)

9. London Festival Orchestra - Carol of the Bells (Starchild Excalibur Drumadelic Remix)

10. Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmas Time

11. The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping

12. Hello Saferide - iPod Xmas

13. Wham! - Last Christmas

14. Sixpence None The Richer - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

15. Sufjan Stevens - Joy to the World

16. The Weepies - All I Want

17. The Winston Jazz Routine - Through the Snow

18. Hem - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

19. Joni Mitchell - River

20. Tracy Chapman - O Holy Night

21. Wendy & Lisa - The Closing of the Year (Feat. Seal)

Hold The Black Eyed Peas, Please.

I have been listening to a lot of guilty pleasure pop bullshit lately and as a result I feel it's time to get back to some music of a little more substance. I cannot tell you how much I adore the song "Where is the Love" by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway (no it isn't that same song by Fergie and the gang) and I've been listening to it a lot lately. Recently I discovered that John Legend sang it at a concert in Philadelphia with guest vocalist Corinne Bailey Rae. Now at least I can cycle between the two versions when I need my fix. Enjoy.



Where is the Love? - John Legend Feat. Corinne Bailey Rae. (MediaFire)

Check out the original version in this video




Purchase More Roberta Flack HERE

Please Stop Acting Like You're Not Impressed

I found some free time and an overwhelming need to share this with anyone who will listen! A lot of people think the SNL has been sub par for the past few seasons, but I strongly disagree. I think it's generally on point and I watch it religiously. Last night was no exception. And thank the lord or I might have missed the digital short by The Lonely Island, a comedy trio composed of SNL cast member Andy Samberg and Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone both of whom are SNL writers. It's a little diddy straight out of the 80's, with a serious Pet Shop Boys sound. Oh, and it's effing hilarious! With cameos by Molly Sims, Justin Timberlake and Jamie Lynn Sigler.

Naturally I have provided the video to watch copy of the song for all of you who, like myself, want to take it on the go. I give you "Jizz in My Pants" Enjoy.




Download the song (after the jump) at MediaFire

Watch more SNL over at HULU

and

Check out more on The Lonely Island at their Official Website.

The Bitch is Back

While all of my free time has been completely reserved for reading the Twilight series (no this isn't another post about that) I have very nearly ignored all other forms of entertainment. I was so engrossed that I almost missed the return of pop princess turned hot crazy mess turned comeback kid, Britney Spears. Her new single, "Womanizer," took a couple of listens before I was relishing the mindlessness of it. Sure enough before long I couldn't keep my head from bouncing about my shoulder like a cheap bobble-head toy. Because the song is everywhere I'm gonna post a couple of my favorite remixes. The first is by those filthy mouthed french boys, The Teenagers, giving the song a decidedly more "indie rock" feel. Next we have a gritty electro romp courtesy of Brad Walsh. It's quite good. My favorite of the handful I have actually. Good to know he won't need a leg up from his boyfriend, Project Runway season 4 winner Christian Soriano. Although, I'm sure that doesn't hurt matters.
Enjoy.

Womanizer (The Teenagers Remix) (YSI)

Womanizer (Brad Walsh Remix) (YSI)



Check out more on Britney (HERE)

Check out more on The Teenagers (HERE)

Check out more on Brad Walsh (HERE)

Also have a look at the music video for the single, Britney looks fan-fucking-tastic.

And So The Lion Fell in Love With The Lamb.

A friend of mine (actually a few friends) were trying to convince me that I needed to read the Twilight series of books by author Stephenie Meyer, and naturally I put it off as long as I could. Do I really need one more thing to obsess about? Apparently I was in dire need! In the last few days all of my free time was devoted to the first book in the series. I only put it down when absolutely necessary. Last night I began reading chapter 11 at about midnight, thinking "I'll just read for about a half hour the get to bed." I had to work the next morning. Well, there never really seemed a good place to stop, and before I knew it, the time was 4am and I had finished it. Devoured it. Savored every last little phrase. It was fantastic. Without giving too much away, the book is told from the perspective of a girl named Bella who moves to a small town in the northwest and falls deeply in love with the mysterious , gorgeous Edward. Knowing full well that he is a vampire. The way the author described their relationship was intoxicating. The unequivocal need they felt for one another despite the inherent dangers posed by the very nature of the relationship was exhilarating. The hunger Edward endured for both her love and her life was incredibly sexy. It made my skin tingle. *Sigh*


(Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson play the leads in the movie version)

At any rate, it has been all I can think about all day. From the moment I dragged my sorry, tired butt out of bed this morning I couldn't wait to buy the next book and continue on with the story. It even played into my musical selection this morning. I plugged in my iPod and quickly threw together a playlist of songs that recreated some of the emotions I was feeling while reading. I certainly won't make you suffer trough it's entirety but I would love to share with you the 1st two songs that initially sprang to mind.

Without a second thought, I immediately searched my library for Sarah Mclachlan's wonderfully crafted and incredibly intimate album, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. While her more recent work leaves me wanting, I take comfort in the fact that this album never gets old for me. But I digress. At the tail end of the record lies the absolutely beautiful "Fear." Glitchy and haunting, it is easily my favorite track on the record. With it's layered dub and the soaring soprano of her voice gently coaxing you closer, soft and safe, before unleashing the full force of an emotional barrage that leaves the listener devastated. Broken. It's absolutely stunning. And wickedly appropriate for this story with lyrics like:

"from above
they say temptation will destroy our love
The never ending hunger

but I fear
I have nothing to give
I have so much to lose
here in this lonely place
tangled up in our embrace
there's nothing I'd like
better than to fall
but I fear..."

A perfect fit to our star crossed lovers.

The second track is naturally the next on the disc. I pretty much can't listen to the first without seamlessly following to the next. I believe a great deal of thought went into the placement of these songs on the disc, and when the opening line of the title track is "All the fear has left me now, I'm not frightened anymore," how could you ever play one without the other? More one story in two parts than two separate songs, I find "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" a lovely juxtaposition to it's sister song. Softer still, it lays it all out on the table. All of the hesitation from "Fear" is drifting out in the atmosphere and what remains is the calm and collected acceptance of a love that will not be denied. "It's my heart that pounds beneath my flesh, it's my mouth that pushes out this breath" she whispers at a hush so in contrast to the operatics of the previous confession that it could only be truth.

"Peace in the struggle to find peace. Comfort on the way to comfort," she hums
gently in your ear as if simply willing away the darkness before out rightly defying it:

"...and if I shed a tear I won't cage it
I won't fear love
and if I feel a rage I won't deny it
I won't fear love."

Download

From Fumbling Towards Ecstasy


(After the Jump)

Fear (YSI)

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (YSI)


I love these songs. As I write this I listen to them on a loop, just as I did all afternoon in anticipation for purchasing the 2nd book. Do yourself a favor and listen to these track, with headphones if possible so it feels like it's just the two of you. And I highly suggest you pick up a copy of Twilight. Sure there's a movie coming out in a month or so, but I guarantee it will not be nearly as good. Enjoy.

Purchase the Twilight series HERE.

Purchase Fumbling Towards Ecstasy HERE.

Check out more on the movie HERE.

Baleted!

Blogger deleted another of my posts. Not sure what is really going on here.

Hateful!

Again, I'm not going to repost the whole thing, just the link to the mix.

Here's Indian Summer in case you missed it.

Enjoy.




Indian Summer (ZSHARE)

UnDead, and Loving It.

My idea of heaven this evening was curling up on my couch with a cup of chai tea, a chocolate chip cookie (or two) and watching the DVD's of one of my favorite new programs, Pushing Daisies. It's the brain child of one of my favorite television writers Bryan Fuller who is also responsible for the short lived and also fantastic "Wonderfalls" as well as the original idea for "Dead Like Me." Oh, he also wrote my favorite episode of Heroes to date, "Company Man."

Anyway, Pushing Daisies follows Ned (Lee Pace) , the pie maker with the unusual gift to bring people back from the dead with his touch, and his childhood love, Charlotte "Chuck" Charles (the lovely Anna Friel) , who he's recently brought back to life. The gift is not without its consequence however as one more touch from Ned and she would be dead again. Forever. Wackyness ensues.

One of the best parts of the show is the use of popular songs incorporated as musical numbers performed by the incredibly talented cast. Broadway darling Kristin Chenoweth and Little Shop of Horrors' marvelous Ellen Greene have both contributed wonderfully whimsical numbers much to my delight. But then, how could you have either of those two on a show and not showcase their beautiful voices? I've ripped the songs from the video and the quality is pretty decent and I've also included the original tracks for reference, just in case you're one of the 3 people on the planet that needs it. Check out Season 1 online HERE and be sure to catch up by Weds, Oct 1st when season 2 begins. Enjoy.





In the 2nd episode we're treated to an impromptu ballad from Olive Snook (Kristin Chenoweth) as she pours her heart out over unrequited love for the pie maker. She belts "Hopelessly Devoted To You" in the pie shop as she closes up, stopping only when interrupted by passers by before returning to a grand finale of emotional unrest! Then she lets the the dog lick the tears from her face. Kristin Chenoweth is awesome.




Hopelessly Devoted to You - Olivia Newton-John (YSI)

Hopelessly Devoted to You - Kristin Chenoweth (YSI)


Afraid the shock would be too great, Chuck has yet to reveal to her aunts Lilly (Swoosie Kurts) and Vivian (Ellen Greene) that she has been brought back to life. Once stars of the synchronized swimming act The Darling Mermaid Darlings, they have not not been in the pool for years due to shared personality disorders and have not left the house since the death of their niece. One rainy day Vivian sits at the window musing about rejoining the outside world and begins to sing a somber if hopeful rendition of Cat Stevens' "Morning Has Broken." The title line takes on a beautiful metaphor as she finally breaks free of the mourning that has weighed her down for so long now. It makes my heart smile.




Morning Has Broken - Cat Stevens (YSI)

Morning Has Broken - Ellen Greene (YSI)


Also I came across this the other day, Kristin Chenoweth hosting an intervention for a crystal meth addict. In song.

See more Kristin Chenoweth videos at Funny or Die

My Bubbles, My Bubbles!!!

I was watching Vh1 18 or something the other day because Pop Up Video was on. Remember that show? Some of my favorite useless trivia came from that program. Such as "Meatloaf got his nickname when he stepped on the foot of his high school football coach." (also, did you know that none other than Transformer's Michael Bay directed the music video for "I would do anything for love..." hmmm...) Anyway, at the end of the show I was reading through the credits and the writer of the theme song came up as Mike Errico. If you don't remember (and how could you not?) it goes a little something like this:



Lost you there for a minute, huh? I know, it's mesmerizing.

Ok so I thought to myself, "That's funny I have a song I really like from a long time ago by a guy with that name. I wonder if it's him?" Sure enough after some simple Googling there it was on his official page: TV Credits "Pop Up Video."

I hadn't listened to this song in some time, but I could never forget my favorite line from it "if my life were a movie you'd be burried in the credits. you'd be woman number two with her head up her ass, but it's too late." Awesome.

He's made a couple more albums since 1999's Pictures of the Big Vacation. Who knew? I'm gonna go check out some of his newer stuff, give this track a listen and, if you like it, do the same. Enjoy.

Mike Errico - Daylight (YSI LINK)

Purchase Pictures of the Big Vacation

from his Official Site

There Will Be Blood

Well not really, but I am kinda pissed. On August 30th I did a post for my end of summer mix and now it's gone. No draft, not even an echo of the post remains. Grrr Arrg. I am going to re-post the link for the mix, but I've decided not to replicate the whole post. I have a whole bunch of new music that I'm really excited to share with everyone and another summer-ish mix that goes in a completely different direction that the last so stay tuned for that. In the mean time, here's the link to the zipped file of Digital Current. Enjoy.





Sendspace


Also, I can't stop listening to this and thought it needed to be shared. It's a stripped down, folky cover of one of my favorite U2 tracks. Oh and because my usual file storage server is acting up, it's being hosted on Youssendit.

Colin Munroe - Sunday Bloody Sunday (YSI)

Check out more of Colin here.

Blasphemy Never Sounded So Good

I've nearly finished my (end of) Summer mix, but it's not quite ready for post yet, so I've got some other goodies to tide you over. Remixes are tricky business. The best (in my opinion) have to resemble the original enough that it's recognizable without being just the vocal track with a casio keyboard beat laid in the background and at the same time contribute a perspective that is wholly fresh and unique. In this instance, a kick-ass electronic perspective. Not something easily done with the likes of Michael Jackson and Nirvana. Now while purists might cry sacrilege at the thought of defiling such iconic music I urge you to give it an honest listen before you have me burned at the stake.



First off we have Streetlife DJs remix of the gloved one's "Wanna Be Startin' Something." This is quite the departure from the original and I'll admit it took me a few listens before they had me. But now it plays on a loop in my head. And why the hell not?? It strips away all the fluff and puts my 3 favorite parts on the front lines. Number 1, the "Yeah, yeah." Number 2, MJ's signature "Ooooh." and number 3 " Mama Se, Mama Sa, Mama Coo Sa" chanted again and again all over distorted synth, atari bleeps and a drum pulse you could set your watch by. It's my 80's retro dream. Well, that and a live action Rainbow Brite Movie. Enjoy.

Michael Jackson - Wanna Be Startin' Something (Streetlife DJs Remix)





The second track may be a bit harder to swallow for some. If you like Nirvana, and you like a good electro song, then this might be you're new favorite song. If you really only like Nirvana, you very well might want me dead. That's a risk I'm willing to take. So was Patrick Alavi. He's the genius that managed to cross Kurt Cobain and Tron and have it come out sounding like the lawnmower man covered in grime and grunge. It's a beautiful sight sound. He takes the trashing drums and slicing guitar riffs of the original and throws it in a blender with his laptop to create something resonant and incredibly unique. It's fast and it's hard and it keeps me running when I would otherwise give in to the burning in my legs. Enjoy.

Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit (Patrick Alavi Rerox)

Lie With Me.

I just got cable hooked up in my new place and it includes all of the premium channels. Awesome. The best part though is the on demand feature that lets me catch up on things I've been meaning to see like "Dexter" and my latest marathon watch Showtime's "Secret Diary of a Call Girl." It stars one time british poptart and Doctor's companion Billie Piper as Belle, a high end London escort. Barreling through the 1st eight episodes on my day off made me remember a mix I had put together for a friend of my mine several months ago. I feel a little back story is needed.



Sometime last year my oldest (and sorely missed) friend Andy sent me a gorgeous double CD mix of dirty pop : The Definitive Stripper Mix. Part 1 "Polestar's Jukebox" and Part 2 "Stripping for my Supper." They were wonderfully crafted play lists. Mixing schoolgirl flirting with voracious intent, the tracks were sure to get your blood racing whether it was your 1st time on stage or your 3rd visit to the club that week. I clearly had to counter with my own interpretation of life on the other side of the bright lights. But since he'd pretty much covered the finer points of dancing for cash I thought I'd continue the line to the next progression in the erotic arts. By which of course I mean selling your body for money.

Women in the oldest profession in the world go by many different names, I enjoy Belle's very matter of fact take on it "Escort, hooker, prostitute, whore: I don't mind what you call me -- that's just semantics." The word isn't the point. It's the act that makes people turn up their noses... or blush... or sweat. Now I'm by no means advocating selling your carnal treasure for rent money but there is something unquestionably enticing, tantalizingly taboo, delightfully dirty about the thought. Hell, that's why I tuned in for 3 hours straight. It's why people role play behind closed doors. Because sometimes feeling 'wrong' feels fantastic. But I digress. I toiled around with the idea of this mix for a while. What was the point of view? Who is playing these songs and why? I actually came up with the title before I'd laid in the tracks. "Call Girl Confidential: A Night in the Life." I wanted to see the world from the eyes of someone who does the things I don't dare, and more than a few of the things I wouldn't dream of. The exhilaration of the idea. The pulse of anticipation. The smooth seduction. The consequence of action. I tried to cover what I think it must feel like. At least sonically. I think it turned out quite well. So give a listen, I'm sure there's something here you'll like. Enjoy.


Call Girl Confidential: A Night in the Life.

1. Faster Kill Pussycat - Oakenfold Featuring Brittany Murphy (Yes, that Brittany Murphy)

2. No One Else (The Amalgamation Of Soundz Remix) - Natalie Walker

3. Let's Get Physical - Sara Love

4. 4 Minutes to Break the Ice - Britney Spears ( A Mashup up of Brit's vocals and Madge's track. Better than both of the originals.)

5. Substance (Felix Da Housecat Remix) - Dot Allison

6. Like it or Not - Madonna

7. Black & Gold - Sam Sparro (I cannot stop listening to this album!!!)

8. Strict Machine - Goldfrapp

9. Dame de Lotus - Émilie Simon

10. What If - Aaliyah

11. Filthy Mind - Amanda Ghost

12. Mouth (The Stingray Mix) - Bush

13. Addicted - Kelly Clarkson

14. I Drive Alone - Esthero (Because Esthero NEEDED to be included on this and Andy already used "Song for Holly." Asshole!)

15. Miracle - Olive

16. Running Up That Hill - Placebo (A haunting cover of the gorgeous Kate Bush track. "It doesn't hurt me. You wanna feel how it feels?"

Please support these artists if you like what you hear.

Purchase the album for these tracks here:

1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ,10, 11, 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16.

Quick, Say Somthing Manly!!!

While I'm certainly not thinking of turning this blog into a political soapbox, something caught my eye the other day and I'd like to share it with you. Heinz recently released and quickly pulled a commercial from the airwaves in Britain because it was considered offensive by some. The reason? A kiss between two men. Are you serious with this shit!?! It's 2008. I don't know what irritates me more, the fact that some people can't think of anything more important than two men kissing, or that Heinz would buckle so quickly to a mere 200 people who have no sense of humor. Hell the kiss wasn't even remotely sexual. See for yourself.



Apparently I'm not the only one who thought to call "Bullshit" as Brighton tabloid newspaper One80news posed the question "Is This Really Offensive, Kids?" on its front page accompanied by this photo:




Awesome.


Torsten Højer of One80news went on to say “We were disgusted at Heinz for pulling their ‘gay kiss’ ad and for apologizing so readily for their own ‘offensive’ imagery. We just couldn’t believe that in 2008, the sight of two men affectionately kissing really offends that many people - so we thought we’d put an image of a gay kiss out there."

They even provided their readers with Heinz's customer care telephone # and urged people to call and complain about the removal of the ad, stating, "if it isn't Heinz, it isn't homophobic."

There's even a news story about British law makers criticizing Heinz for pulling the ad. You can check that out here if you wish.


On that note, I give a bit of gender bending. Enjoy.



Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" generally makes me angry. There's this sense of undeserved accomplishment that eminates from the whole thing. Like some stupid sorority girl who's bragging to her sisters about how crazy she got at last nights kegger. And let's face it, the best thing Katy has going for her is that she looks like a poor man's Zooey Deschanel.






But Goddamn if that hook doesn't get stuck in my head! Therefor I'm gonna offer up a sick remix I've been using to get my fix.

Katy Perry - I Kissed a Girl (MR GASPAR Remix)


Also a less grating and much cheekier version by Max Vernon that he posted on his Myspace. Less Homo-centric ( is that even a word?) one would think because of the change in point of view, until you realize he hasn't changed the gender and exclaims "Hope my boyfriend don't mind it." Nice. Ok maybe there's more to this song than I'm giving it credit for, as it is clearly works in so many ways. The opening piano line sounds like the music that's played in cartoons where the moustached man would tie the damsel in distress to the train tracks. And the track closes out with doo wop and hand snaps. It's brilliant. As is the silent film style video he's released to accompany it. Check them both out below.

Max Vernon - I Kissed a Girl




And speaking of things that are gay and ridiculously funny... check out this summer's queer blockbuster!



"uhhhhhh..."

One less than Five, One more than Three

It's been nearly two months since I last published and I was honestly wondering if I would ever have the urge to post again. Leave it to the lovely Leslie Feist to be my muse. Well, Feist and a few Monsters, Penguins and Chickens just back from the shore. Allow me to explain. It looks like Sesame Street is taking page from Yo Gabba Gabba by collaborating with indie artists in an effort to lure hipster parents and their fickle children to their program. Feist re-tools the lyrics of her crossover hit "1234" into an (even more) playful and (somewhat) educational pop gem. You can see the video below and if you're crazy like me you can download the ripped mp3 as well. If you consider yourself too cool to bother with the track: A. I included a cover that she did with Constantines of the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton hit "Islands in the Stream." and B. we probably cannot be friends. Enjoy.


Watch:


(Listen close when the chickens 'sing' along! Awesome!)


Download:

Fesit - 1234 (Sesame Street Version)

Constantines and Feist - Islands in the Stream

also, if the only way you recognize the above is from "Ghetto Superstar" then we definitely can't be friends.

Just Thought You Outta Know...

Madonna may be the mother of reinvention, but mama's getting on in years and it seems she doesn't have the same grasp on what's current as some of her younger pop counterparts. I am of course speaking of... Alanis Morisette. What? You didn't see that coming? Ok. So I don't think that these two artists are necessarily on the same path, but they both have a pension for creating incredibly catchy, if not wonderfully crafted pop music. The difference is that while Madonna desperately clings to whatever hot producer is offering up the sweet beats of the moment, Alanis finds a way to re introduce herself to die hard fans as well as new listeners without coming off as forced. Record after record she has managed to bring something new to the table without losing her sense of self or her sense of humor (You've no doubt seen her viral cover of "My Humps"). Flavors of Entanglement is certainly no exception. At my first listen I was admittedly confused for a moment, "What's this? Alanis? Going Electronic?" Then I got to the middle of the first track "Citizen of The Planet" and everything became at once clear again. Alanis hasn't simply changed her sound. She's evolving. She's taken her signature blend of alt/pop hooks and bittersweet lyrics and added eastern elements, electronic beats and loops over them to further blend the scope of her genre bending sound.

The immediate comparison I had was to that of Imogen Heap. Which is no surprise when I found out that the record was produced by non other than Guy Sigsworth, Imogen's former band mate from the fabulous Frou Frou. He brings a renewed sense of whimsy to tracks like "In Praise of The Vulnerable Man" and his influence is none more apparent than on the wonderfully effervescent track "Giggling Again for No Reason." She even shows she knows how to dance on tracks like the gothy, gorgeous "A Version of Violence" and one of my immediate favorites "Straightjacket" which sounds like BT and Goldfrapp had a club kid baby.

Don't worry, Alanis hasn't left out the incredibly intimate and earnest songs we have come to expect from her. "Torch" plays out as an epic confession of longing for a lost lover. Unabashed and real as only true yearning could bring to the surface, let alone one's mouth.

"...I'm pseudo-making it. From scratch, begin again, but this time 'I' as 'I' and not as 'We'." she wails on the heart wrenching "Not as We." proving that she certainly hasn't lost the ability to reach deep within her own personal feelings of despair and create something absolutely beautiful from the wreckage.

Her first new material in four years, Flavors of Entanglement is not only a welcome change of pace but and encouraged one. If Alanis continues to evolve her sound like this, when it feels right, feels fresh, I'll surely continue to but her records long into the future regardless of how long it takes between them. I've posted a few of my favorite tracks that (I think) best illustrate the new direction this album is taking, but it is by no means a one trick pony. This record touches upon several different moods and genres and I'm certain if you give it a listen you'll find something that interests you. Enjoy.


Straightjacket

Giggling Again for No Reason




Preorder Flavors of Entanglement from Amazon

-or from her-

Official Page