Mogwai
Mogwai, the eclectic quintet from Scotland, offers us their stunning 8th studio album Rave Tapes.
Listen here to the mesmerizing instrumental “Remurdered” followed by the intriguing song “Repelish”.
“Remurdered”
“Repelish”
The Crystal Method
The electronic duo of Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland, known as The Crystal Method, have just released their 5th studio album and their first in almost 5 years.
I recall a dinner with the band in New York City last decade along with their record representative at the time Matt Pollack.
During the course of the meal one of the two (I don’t recall which) began choking on his food. Matt claims it was me but I attribute the rapid application of the Heimlich Maneuver to Matt. Regardless, the entrenched obstruction popped out onto the floor and even more memorable, we then all sat down and resumed our conversation as if nothing had ever happened!
That evening The Crystal Method did not become a solo act and today for some reason they have eponymously titled their new record.
“Emulator” is the first track.
“Emulator”
Peter Gabriel and Arcade Fire
In 2010 Peter Gabriel recorded an album entitled Scratch My Back.
It consisted of gorgeous cover versions of songs by artists that he admires, including Lou Reed, Bon Iver, Regina Spektor, Radiohead, David Bowie, Talking Heads and Arcade Fire.
Many of these same artists have returned the favor by recording his songs on the album And I’ll Scratch Yours.
Listen here to Peter Gabriel’s version of Arcades Fires’ “My Body is a Cage” and then Arcades Fire performing Gabriel’s “Games Without Frontiers”.
“My Body is a Cage”
“Games Without Frontiers”
James Vincent McMorrow
Post Tropical is the 2nd album from James Vincent McMorrow.
This Irish singer/songwriter has a most beautiful soulful voice.
Prepare to be mesmerized with a listen to “Cavalier”.
The Dead Weather
We have a new The Dead Weather song, the first since their 2010 Sea of Cowards album.
This “supergroup” led by Jack White promise a new album in 2015.
In the meantime “Open Up (That’s Enough)” is a new addition to their repertoire.
Sweetheart 2014
As I prepare for my annual sojourn to Southeast Asia I depart with a wonderful compilation entitled Sweetheart 2014.
The album consists of handpicked love songs covered by the likes of Beck, Jim James, Fiona Apple, Phosphorescent, Ben Harper, The Head and the Heart, Valerie June, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings and a daring choice by Vampire Weekend.
The band chose “Time to Say Goodbye (Con te partirò)” made famous by the great Italian opera tenor Andrea Bocelli.
We’ll hear each version here.
Vampire Weekend
Andrea Bocelli duet with Sarah Brightman
Happy
We end 2013 on a happy note.
A little different for this site but the song by Pharrell Williams is irresistible.
“Happy” first appeared in the film Despicable Me 2.
Pharrell, who was featured in one of the songs of the year with Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky”, now gives us the very first 24 hour video.
Happy New Year.
“Happy”
Official video:
Merry Christmas
The Waitresses gave us this Christmas classic in 1981.
We finally have a wonderful new interpretation from:
The Good Natured and Colette Carr.
“Christmas Wrapping”
The Head and the Heart
One of the delights of the past year has been new music from the indie folk band from Seattle, The Head and the Heart.
“Shake” is from Let’s Be Still.
St. Vincent
What a holiday treat!
A free download from St. Vincent.
Annie has just finished touring with David Byrne and her new self-titled album is due in February.
“Birth in Reverse” is yours from her website.
“Birth in Reverse”
I’m Not a Pilot
I’m Not a Pilot is a guitar-less band from Milwaukee featuring the cello.
This clever chamber-pop sound can be heard on their latest EP The Story So Far.
It is currently a free download from NoiseTrade.
“No Order” is the lead track.