Unless your name happens to be Dennis in which case I've prattled on about all of these and practically forced you to listen all of this dreck. Also, these won't be unfamiliar if your name is Jesse and you have wicked musical chops.
1 - "Gone For Good" by The Shins from Chutes Too Narrow
This just might be the perfect song. The clunky rythmn, the wailing pedal steel, the forelorn voice of James Mercer. The standout track from probably my favorite album of the year.
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2 - "Scientist" by The Dandy Warhols from Welcome To The Monkey House
Yes, they stole their album title from a Vonnegut novel. Yes, they stole their album art from Warhol. Yes, they stole their sound from Duran Duran. Just listen to this and try to sit still. Then be glad that I didn't choose an Outkast song 'cause I like them too, you know.
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3 - "Black Cat" by Starlight Mints from Built on Squares
A little Waits, a little vintage Cure, a little Spaghetti Western, a whole lotta goodness. I vote this the official randomness song to chase away the winter blues.
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4 - "Styrofoam" by Vic Chesnutt from Silver Lake
Look, I'm not going to kid you. Most of you will simply not understand my love of Vic. I've accepted that fact long ago. However, I still liken his work to Faulkner with a guitar. This song probably won't sway any opinions, but it's one of my faves that I've seen him do live for more than a decade. I think this version's a bit much, though. That's my problem with the whole album. It's very polished (he's backed by Lucinda Williams' touring band) and one think Vic ain't is polished.
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5a - "Love of the Loveless" by Eels from Shootenanny!
This album is entirely hit-or-miss but this song is another perfect example of E's ability to take the most depressing material and make a nifty little pop ditty out of it. For an even better example see "Mr. E's Beautiful Blues" from Daisies of the Galaxy. But don't listen to Electo-Shock Blues with any sharp objects in your proximity.
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5b - "Wayside/Back In Time" by Gillian Welch from Soul Journey
I simply adore Gillian. This album, however, took some time to grow on me because, well, it's very peppy. I've come to love it and I would swear that this track was a traditional tune if I didn't know it was a Rawlings/Welch composition. It's just that good.
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Enjoy and let me know what you think. Next week I'll chime in on my favorite albums of 2003.
You are correct, I have not heard of these except for Vic.
We don't make it out much anymore. I have turned more into an Ella Fitgerald fan. My only source for new music is my brother in San Fran.
See ya!
Posted by: TBaker on December 9, 2003 09:50 PMHey! You're not the only one around here that I've dragged to see Vic, Tim. I'm relentless that way. Thanks for stoppin' in.
Oh, and be sure to download these songs this week if you're so inclined, kids. I'll have to take them down by the middle of next week.
Posted by: mrw on December 9, 2003 10:10 PMI LUUUVVV "I Am A Scientist". And just so everybody knows, Nick Rhodes *was* on-board to make sure that the Duran Duran sound came out just right. There is also apparently a sample from Bowie's "Fashion" on that track, but I've never been able to extrapolate it in my brain. I will also add that Oingo Boingo's "Weird Science" is a nerdfully wonderful follow-up to this song if you ever find yourself playing it at a party. That is all.
Posted by: Jesse on December 10, 2003 02:15 PM