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I originally was going to compile my favorite seven posts I've made (out of 380+ posts) and it proved too, too much! Anyway, since I previously compiled something similar to this (see W♥M Award Nomination), this post will be an easy breeze.
I present to you: the Top 7: Favorites! Yes, these were voted by you guys. If you don't like any of these songs, it's all your fault.
Coming in at 16 Favorites is Stars. Stars, Stars, Stars! It's always about Stars.
France Gall's "Laisse Tomber Les Filles" song got 13 Favorites. If you don't understand French, check out April March's "Chick Magnet".
Dolly Parton's "Jolene", the one, and only, original classic song is marked with 12 Favorites. To hear eight "Jolene" cover songs, head over to my abandoned Cover Lover.
"Sway" by Dean Martin got 10 Favorites. It's such a great song, I'm sad to see it so low if you ask me.
And seriously, Stars once against shows up unexpected with "Heart" with 10 Favorites. I suspect the reason why this song got marked up recently is because it was mentioned in the Top 7: Concerts.
Jonathan Coulton probably would charted higher if we'd use his "Code Monkey" song (which is a favorite among nerds), but instead "Baby Got Back" is just as awesome with 9 Favorites. You can download "Baby Got Back" from jonathancoulton.com.
Incidentally, since Alanis Morissette did a similar cover of My Humps, Coulton loves it and covered Morissette's You Oughta Know.
Speaking of similar, OrangeAppled said that The Parcels's "Jessica Pancakes" is "to the tune of the Associations' "Windy"...." I've since checked out the said-song and you know what? Wow it's practically stolen! Still 8 Favorites from you guys managed to keep it on the top 7.
After researching Sunshine Pop, I might check out more stuff in this genre because I've already am a big fan of The Beach Boys and The Mammas and the Pappas... so look for this article next year.
So what's up and coming? These are hot: Kerry Politzer's Always with (5), This Morning Call's Clockworks (5), The Chemical Brothers's The Salmon Dance (5) Colin Meloy's Jack the Ripper (5), The Legendary K.O.'s George Bush Doesn't Care About Black People (5), Hans Zimmer's Spider Pig (5), and Asha Bhosle's Mohabbat Hoon Haqiqat Hoon (5).
So this is the 7th and final installment of the Top 7. I have to say that it was really fun to look back at 2007! I'm so excited for Top 8, aren't you?
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12/31/2007 21:07:25
vu
my♥posts
www.weheartmusic.com
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So you probably figured that I get a ton of press releases - which I want with because it's all part of the job to shift through news and releases. What I need PR and marketing people to understand is that you should not send me multiple solicitations about the same topic. Seriously, if I get the same email about the same subjects more than twice, I'm marking you as spam.
Also: I need the press releases to be sent to info@weheartmusic.com, where it is filtered on my inbox (so this is very important for alerts).
So I posted a few press releases on press.weheartmusic.com, which I now have updating this via FTP to a science. I'm very picky on what gets to go on this page.
The first thing I wanted to mention was that The Vandelles are playing this New Years Eve for MTV2. They are playing starting at 10pm, so tune in if you have satellite. Since I have Comcrap, the next best thing we have to music is VH1.
If you're interested in reading more about The Vandelles, read Lara's concert review. Excerpt from press release:
If you aren’t already familiar with their boy/girl zombie beach party music, The Vandelles are born out of two New York band merging their distorted sounds into what can only be described as The Beach Boys getting a facelift by Jesus and Mary Chain. Listen to their MP3s here:
“Lovely Weather”
“Swell To Heaven”
This second press release has nothing to do with music, but I was drawn to it because the creator, Judy Foston, created the Sammy Davis, Jr. Awards TV Show, which aired for 10 years aired on Channel 2!
Read the entire press release on press.weheartmusic.com.
12/31/2007 15:52:51
vu
my♥posts
press.weheartmusic.com
So first up is the best thing I heard all year, Sarah Howell's psychadelic like guitar and smoothly flowing voice in the reasuringly powerful chorus of Halflight's When We Danced, turning the whole tune from a fairly good indie pop track to my favourite single track of 2007. If you wanna hear more, it's available on the band's My Disguise EP along with previously WHM'd tune Worship. If they improve on this next year I'll have to move back to Wales.
And that's it from me this year. Next year you can look forward to even harder rock from the likes of obscure early 2000s punk imigrants Papa Roach, yet-another-criminally-underated UK indie rockers Kinesis, and god-not-another-self-obsessed-pepsi-post "My First Time", a collection of the original tunes that got me in to all the bands I've posted so much about on here. You know what that means eh? More Crocketts! Well... at least you got Vu to look forward to. Who's up for a pool on when he'll reach 800 posts then? 2009 too late?
- Christopher (pepsi_max2k)
Loudlife were the biggest surprise out of all the albums I was given to review. I typically don't read the inserts that come with the CD's - I try to guess what the album is going to sound like before I color my opinions with anyone else's. That said, I thought that Loudlife were going to be your run of the mill rock band.
Boy was I wrong.
Fronted by a woman that puts most male rock vocalists to shame and a guitarist that has clearly studied his Jimmy Page, Loudlife lulled me in with a sweet guitar riff and then blasted my face off. Almost quite literally. This CD is meant to be played at the highest volume possible.
Lead singer Lorraine Ferro boasts quite an impressive resume - she performs in Loudlife and two other bands. She's a songwriter, voice over actor and songwriting coach. She's written two multi-platinum Gospel hits in the middle of all of that!
Guitarist aka "the guitarsenal" Geoff Sobel provides the hard rocking yet melodic guitar riffs that Loudlife should be known for. It's not often that a song can be beautiful and hard rocking, which is what surprised me most about Loudlife.
Sadly, there are no upcoming tour dates for Loudlife and from their previous schedule it looks like they only tour on the East Coast. The most up-to-date information I've found was via their MySpace
Enjoy these tracks from their only album to date. I hope they come out with new music soon!
12/31/2007 08:15:40
ceji
my♥posts
www.loudlifeband.com
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Discography
Influences
Bessie Smith, Ida Cox, Billie Holiday, Muddy Waters, Judy Henske, Joan Baez, Ricky Lee Jones, Lotte Lenya, Ella Fitzgerald, Betty Carter, Irene Kral, Anita O'Day, Sheila Jordan, Abbey Lincoln, Nancy Wilson, Helen Merrill, Mark Murphy, Janis Siegel, Norma Winstone, Patricia Barber, Charles Lloyd, Steve Kuhn, Fred Hersch Bonus Audio
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I spent most of the day cleaning up my living area and listening to Susan Krebs's latest 2007 CD, Jazz Aviary with The Soaring Sextet (her band).
If you've never heard of Susan Kreps, the jazz singer, you might actually know her as an actress. Looking at her impressive filmography, I was surprise to see that she's appeared in some of my favorite films (Million Dollar Baby and 28 Days Later) and television shows (Freaks and Geeks, Ally McBeal, Full House and Sledge Hammer!).
It would seem that her real passion is music, and have been releasing music since 1999 with Jazz Gardener.
The latest album, Jazz Aviary is an interesting birds/nature concept album. Each songs has something to do with birds, and I believe they're all cover songs (from traditional songs to pop hits).
The song that you'll probably recognize is the The Beatles' "Blackbird" as jazzified by Krebs. It's very different from the original, if you want to take a listen to it, head over to her myspace.
My favorite song off this album is the crazy medley of Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" with "Dink's Blues" (traditional) and Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds". Trust me, you haven't heard "Three Little Birds" until you hear this version.
As for "I'm So Lonesome", the song does mention two birds: a Whip-poor-will and a robin in the song. It's quite interesting to see a reggae and a country song together in a jazz setting. As a bonus, I'm including the original songs for you to hear.
I leave you with a quote from Krebs and her fascination with birds:
I remember as a kid, lying stretched out in a hammock between two grand sycamores, watching the birds, listening to the birds - digging the birds! Birds and humans have shared this planet for many millennia. Our impulse to sing and our desire to fly reflect this deep and ancient connection with the avian tribe. The eloquent biologist, E.O. Wilson, writes that the preservation of the world lies in understanding and appreciating the wonder and awe that nature arouses. With Jazz Aviary - a concert of musical ornithology, spoken word and birdsong - I want to express the wonder and awe specifically that birds arouse.
Susan Krebs and The Soaring Sextet's Jazz Aviary was released on September 18, 2007 by GreenGig Music. If you need to use up your emusic downloads (since it's the end of the month), this is the ONLY album that GreenGig is offering on emusic.
12/30/2007 22:40:00
vu
my♥posts
www.susankrebsmusic.com
This is the 6th Top 7, so you know what that means? The 7th and final installment will appear on December 31st, the last day of 2007. I love it when a plan comes together, don't you?
So I had to leave myself off this list because I have written over 387 stories. My goal was to write a story a day, so it's really no surprise that I have over 365+ posts.
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Coming in at 35 stories is my right-hand-man, The Dharma Blues dude himself, Ryan. Just take a look at some of his stories: We're All Going to Die for Christmas, Music from troubled minds (Mental Health Day), Joanna Newsom @ The Royal Albert Hall, From the trenches of my artificial Glastonbury: Day Two ("Glasto Coverage"), and A song about a man who doesn't have a cat... ("No Pussy Blues" by Nick Cave).
24 stories from Jason, all quality in my opinion! So many of my favorites: Little Boxes (ever wanted to hear 44+ "Little Boxes" covers?????!!?), (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons, Ratatouille / Le FestinHarry Potter and the Phenomenon of Wizard Rock (this article introduced me to "Wizard Rock", who knew?), Tetris Music (a must read!), Night and Day (29 classic covers), and Jaymay. Also check out Jason's free mp3 blog.
Christopher stories are all based around hot women who can play guitars (all Australian) and obscure band names. But don't let me discourage you from checking out Llama Farmers, Little Blue Crunchy Things (see what I was saying about weird names?), Robyn - Konichiwa Bitches, and Nobou Uematsu - Final Fantasy VII Soundtrack (who doesn't love FF?).
For Swedish pop, check out Randy's stories: The Concretes - Chosen One, The Charade - Monday Morning, Acid House Kings - Say Yes If You Love Me, and Suburban Kids With Biblical Names - Rent A Wreck.
Hopefully we'll see the return of Gus in 2008. My favorite Gus stories: Bettie Serveert - "Hell = Other People" (I love Bettie Serveert!), A Group Called Smith (Deathproof), and 23 (Blonde Redhead).
The only lady to make it on the Top 7, is the Cristina. Check out: Soundtrack Maestros: Goblin, Reunion Recap (The Verve, Héroes del Silencio, Soda Stereo, Shed Seven, and Superdrag), and Birthday Beefcake (DANZIG).
Mads have disappeared, but his posts lives on: Jetstream Lovers - Floored, Rhythms del Mundo project, Candie Payne - All I Need To Hear, and Stereolab - Eye Of The Volcano.
I want to let you know that all contributors are very important to me, and although these didn't make it on the Top 7, you should check out their stories: Maggie, Lara, Jennifer, Emelia, WB Mook, Michael, Sally, Em, Dave, Troy, Kristine, inuit66, Valley Girl, Silpa, Alex, Ceji, Kennie, Jessica, Eric, Mel, Minh, Jaime, Marcus, Adina, and Celeste.
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12/30/2007 10:42:28
vu
my♥posts
www.weheartmusic.com
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Concerts
01/12/08 Champions Of Tomorrow - Winter Gardens, Blackpool 01/16/08 Federation Star Ball - Copthorne Hotel, Gatwick 01/19/08 Manchester Championships - Longfield Centre, Prestwich, M/cr Lancashire 01/22/08 Rising Stars Championships - Bournemouth, International Centre 01/23/08 UK Open Championships - Bournemouth International Centre [More tour dates on rossmitchellband.com] |
When I first saw this cover artwork for Ross Mitchell, His Band And Singers, I knew I wanted to talk about him. Just looking at that cover makes me laugh!
And seriously, who names their album Sweet Beat????!!??
So anyway, he's been in music since he was 15, leaving school behind to join The Nat Allan Band as a drummer. He recorded for EMI and Vogue recording in various groups (The Nocturnes, The Track, Crème Caramel, etc) and eventually formed Ross Mitchell, His Band And Singers.
They mostly cover songs into dance-room numbers. For instance, "Love Potion No 9" was changed to Cha Cha Cha.
There's so many good numbers on this record, but I think I'm going to stick to Cole Porter's "It's All Right With Me" was changed to a Quickstep dance song.
If you're into ballroom dancing, the good news is that checking his concert appearances, he's very busy throughout 2008. Unfortunately, they all look like very fancy-pants events.
As a special bonus, I'm including Tom Waits' crazy version of "It's All Right With Me".
12/30/2007 02:14:40
vu
my♥posts
www.rossmitchellband.com
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Here are the Top 7 most talked about musicians on W♥M (based on tags).
The winner is Morrissey (14 tags) and The Smiths (11 tags), which is all my fault as every possible opportunity presents itself - I will mention the great Mozzer.
Radiohead came in second with 11 tags, obviously because of the news they generated by giving away their album, In Rainbows for any price you can afford.
Belle & Sebastian also made a few appearance, mostly because I love them and they recently gave away "Are You Come Over for Christmas" as an xmas gift.
And as usual, Stars are heavily covered by a few of us. Most recently appearing as a Top 7 Concert and also Most Favorite song with 15 people marking "This Charming man" cover as a favorite.
Blur made some appearances, with some stories such as Blur to finally reunite with Coxon? and Blur Drummer Running for Office in London. By the way, Dave Rowntree didn't win the election.
Obviously we're all big fans of 80s alternative, so it's really no surprise that The Cure made it on the list.
Shockingly, Avril Lavigne made it on this list with over six mentions. It started with The Rubinoos suing Lavigne over her "hey hey you" bit in her hit song "Girlfriend".
For a comparison, I suggest you head over to The Rubinoos vs Avril Lavigne and listen for yourself (they sound nothing alike).
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12/29/2007 15:01:56
vu
my♥posts
www.weheartmusic.com
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Sounds Like
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Condor Moments' motto is "We're not happy until you're not happy".
This really describe their sense of humor.
It would seem that these guys are shrouded in mystery and even their so-called biography lists humorous stories like: "Using tiki torches and water balloons the duo started writing some of the most challenging campfire songs to hit the dirt since Casey and the Sunshine Acid Blues Crawlers."
Since they only gave their stage names, what I can tell you is that they're primarily a trio of Richy Midnight (singer/keyboards), The Real David Grey (drums), and Gregory Pex (bass). They are joined on the record (and probably on stage when they have live performances) by a few collaborators: Bob Drake, Brucie Millions, humansacrifice, Lady Dah, and Daddy Madge.
I know, I know, strange stage names.... Strange is also their music styling.
I think to get a real appreciation for their music, you will have to see them live in concert. I couldn't find any live footage of them on youtube, but this picture of them live on stage looks like a multimedia explosion of fun (check out the singer's facial expression: creepy and laughable!).
Condor Moments' album is called ...And Though We're Told We've Got It All, The All We've Got Is Freezing Cold..., released a few months ago (October 2nd, 2007), and is available for 11 clams at What Delicate Recordings.
12/29/2007 14:08:55
vu
my♥posts
condormoments.com
myspace.com
Firstly, I just wanted to make sure everyone has had a loverly christmasy holiday? Yes? Good.
Secondly, I would like to send a big thankyou to Mission Australia, who along with doing some fabulous work, not just over the Christmas period, but all year round, have blessed me with choosing me as one of the winners of their recent Homebake competition and therefore are the driver behind this review with the delivery of a delightful EMI Artists prize pack which included this very cd:
Faker - Be the Twilight
Now I sit and listen to this new album, i realise, that just as I suspected, there is nothing outstanding about Faker. They aren't bad by any means. Your typical, drums, bass, guitars, singer kinda band; good music to vacuum to.
In fact, i feel quite terrible in saying this, but none of the songs on this album stand out above any others to any large extent. The first (and first single from the album) song "This Heart Attack" is marginally more catchy than the rest.
I have never seen Faker live, but I imagine that they are 10 times better live (especially when there is beer on hand).
See what you think.
Faker are:
Nathan Hudson - Vocals
Nic Munnings - Bass
Stefan Gregory - Guitar
Paul Berryman - Drums
Fakers Official Website
Never fear! Every cloud has a silver lining.... etc:
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Clare Bowditch and the Feeding Set - The Moon Looked On
Clare Bowditch, from Melbourne, happens to have an amazing voice and even though her latest album is not in the style of Britpop, her 3rd album with the Feeding Set, The Moon Looked On, get's a thumbs up from me!
A sort of folky with snippets of pop sort of style. Each song sounds quite different and is catchy in its own way. Even though it seems to just be basic music written for guitars, the songs are embelished by other instruments and vocal harmonies that set each song apart from the rest. It defintely shows that she has a wealth of song writing experience.
"When the Lights went down" is the first single from this album and if you want to have a look at the clip below, you'll see that this is one of the more poppy-esque songs on the album (because i'm sure you already have the cd sitting there in front of you and can easily compare.... ahem)
Compared with the Faker album (although there's really no point comparing) I would also have this album on whilst doing housework, but probably dusting rather than vacuuming.
The Feeding Set are:
Marty Brown - drums (and drummer for Art of Fighting)
Warren Bloom - bass
Tim Harvey - guitar (and frontman of the band, Hot Little Hands)
Libby Chow - french horn and backing vocals
Official Wesbite
That'd be all from me - Sally and the Schnitzel Safari
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