The Abc's of an Unemployed Pseudo Hipster's Ipod

Be careful what you wish for. Make sure that what you consistently pine and dream for is indeed, exactly what you desire and/or need. In my case I had to suck up my humility and get on with my days after getting canned a couple weeks back. A case of biting one's lip you could say. But after several self-assuring sessions, multiple pots of coffee, daily hot bubble baths and numerous appointments with temp agencies, I think I'm finally on my way to getting started in the madness known as the Windy City. Or something. Sorry about the lack of updates in the past couple weeks, losing health care before surgery and a source of income has a tendency to eat away at your brain--resulting in lack of attention where its most needed--as a stress outlet.

So here I am children! Writing! Whether or not anyone chooses to read the following rubbish is not of importance, what is is that I scraped my sweat pants and rat nest of a mane off my couch away from "One Life to Live" to my forgotten beloved typing pad. So here, in my most desperate hour, I present to you more mundane non-literature.
A friend of mine recently requested I email him a list of "cool songs" that he could download to discover some hip new beats. Unfortunately, I'm no longer as hip to the swing of things as I used to be, but I have friends that are and they're kick ass enough to share their beloved new albums with yours truly. So with this in mine, the select few newer albums I have chosen to illegally download myself as well as legally purchase, I present to you (whomever you are, mwah ha ha ha) the ABC's of my ipod. . . . (in no particular relevance, newness or critically claimed(ness)). . .

A

I couldn't narrow down the letter A to one simple artist, as I more than likely won't be able to do for the majority of the letters, and I didn't feel like exercising my brain cells hard enough to debate whether Miss Ani fit under the letter A or the letter D, so I opted for simplicity. I'm also unsure of how to post actual tracks onto this nifty blog, other than through linking. I'm not really up for scouring the web for access to each individual selected tune I happen to attach so forgive me. Plus, I'm sure I would be breaking a multitude of laws if I posted ever tune I happened to get my boogie woogie on to, so if you're bored enough to read my blog, please feel pleased enough to simply view my selections, and then contact me if you're really that desperate to hear the tracks yourself and we'll have a dance party.

Atmosphere-- "Get Fly"

This is one of my favorite tracks from Slug himself. This particular track comes from his most recent record 2005's "You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having," (unless of course you count his college radio limited release ep "The Fun EP"). It's a lively soulful collection of beats guaranteed to get you bobbin' your shoulders and crank up the beat box.

Ani DiFranco-- "Subconscious"
My credibility with Ani knowledge has been challenged in the past. I wrote a review of her 2004/5 release of "Knuckledown" for my former student newspaper the Advance Titan, and I had no idea how many hardcore Aniheads were out there in the Fox Valley, just awaiting the opportunity to tear their teeth into my neck. After I had quoted her record as her sixteenth or whichever release (after going off of her official publicist's release kit for crying out loud!!) I received one particular very bitter email informing me that I needed to get my facts straight and that I should consider research before publication in the future. This particular reader, of course, didn't realize I had spent a considerably more timely stint in research in comparison to other articles for this very reason of being attacked by die hard fans. . . I believe I spent a good three evenings dedicated to this article's research alone, and felt naive enough to trust Ani's publicist in her info. . . ANYWAY. I wrote the article. Those who had an appreciation for Ani or my juvenile writing style seemed to dig it, those who built Ani shrines behind their bedstand's baseboard thought otherwise. . . . After falling out of the music loop, I hadn't realized that the super fem DiFranco had released yet another studio gem, which she indeedy had this past fall entitled "Reprieve." This particular track stands out to me as an emphasis on Ani's gentle, yet melodically nude swanky folk style. Beautiful song, great to know that such a talented artist is keeping at it.

B

Turns out the letter B is yet another tie-breaker, yet on more than just 2 contenders in the race. . . These selections are of course, listed in no relevant order. . .

Belle and Sebastian--"White Collar Boy"
This particular track was chosen based solely on my mood today. Pretty much any track on 2006's "The Life of Pursuit" is a winner, particularly "Suki in the Graveyard," "The Blues are Still Blue" and "For the Price of a Cup of Tea." Again, no Belle and Sebastian expert here, but I'm told "The Life of Pursuit" is against the grain of the norm for these Scottish indie greats. The joyous harmonies, fun synthesque percussion filled diddies are enough to get you out of your seat and put a smile on your face. This is the perfect album to wash the dishes to without having to realize you're partaking in a chore, skip to the park and fly a kite on a sunny spring day or spend more money than you've got at your local Urban Outfitters. (I know I did when I shelled out $30 bones on this t-shirt alone at that ripoff of a hipster boutique.) Anyway, B/S (no pun intended) is a definite joyride, destined to get your toes tapping.

Bloc Party--"Hunting for Witches" and "The Prayer"
I couldn't narrow just one track from these post-punk Brit rockers newest release "A Weekend in the City." It's a jump from their last release, 2005's "Silent Alarm," in the sense of its pop appeal. After the first three-four listens, "The Prayer" did absolutely nothing for me but disappoint. However, once I let the whole anticipation factor and my expectations for the next "Banquet" cease, I realized that this track is exactly that--the next "Banquet." But in a Twilight Zone sort of reversal sense, if you will. The opening to the track, filled with solemn, versus dancey and flashy, series of claps and humming, is the perfect segue to the sped up percussion and ideal bed for dreamy 25-year old frontman Kele Oberke's vocals. In other words, nice. Just drop the expectations for the next dance dance revolution and relish in their new found style. As far as "Hunting for Witches," this track is probably my favorite from the album. At first listen, I thought my computer was glitched up and I was going to have to restart it with all the skips and blips. As soon as the Ozzie ripoff riff of the intro to "Crazy Train" kicked in I realized this was just some sort of neo-postpunk new wave. And it's effing awesome! This is the Bloc Party I missed and loved, and they're back again just as solid as before. This track proves it and I can't wait to hear it blaring soon live, (that is, as soon after as they decide to hit up Chicago and I finally get a job. . . ) Awesome stuff all around. Review from "Silent Alarm" here.

Brazilian Girls--"Jique"
Again, this track was chosen on a whim, and probably because it's the only actual track off of their newest album actually on my ipod. The full album, "Talk to La Bomb," was one of my favorite Xmas gifts this past holiday. It's a departure from the group's debut self-titled, but still stays true to the eccentricities of these Non-Brazilian boys with one girl--lush, dreamy, electro-jazz, pop and orchestrally dynamic. Beautiful yet seductively done in a sense that this is nothing you'll find on your grandma's forty-five stashed with the rest of her jazz records.

C
I can tell this is going to be a timely task and endeavor already, after spending more than forty-five minutes getting through the first two letters of this twenty-six letter extravaganza, but hell, it's not like I have a job to get to, so here we go with C.

Cold War Kids--"Hang me Up to Dry"
It took me a while to catch onto the trend of the Cold War Kids. Sure, I had read about them on this blog and that, and I even half-assed an attempt at downloading some random tracks online, but after listening to their entire 2006 release "Robbers and Cowards" I realized I had been missing out on something. This is nothing that will change your life or revitalize your passion for indie rock by any means, but this is solid, catchy pop at its best, or at least close to it. After spinning this disc in my car's CD player for a solid week, I skimmed Pitchfork's review of the record and wanted to start spitting tacks. They labeled them something along the lines of being generic, watered down Christian pop and that's bullshit. I agree that the CWK clan seems to follow a trend in today's popular indie hype, that it's a dabble in the post-Strokes swing at rock and touching on the formula that's proved to work for so many of today's indie credsters, including the self-made Group Sounds, a bit reminiscent of Clap your Hands Say Yeah, among others. Who the hell cares? Cold War Kids deliver a solid pop album that holds somewhat relatable lyrics and an excuse to quit caring about what's cool to listen to and what's not. "Hang Me Up to Dry" and "We Used to Vacation" are two shining examples of inexcusable delicious indie pop and they're both more than worthy to be on a loser like Me's ipod. Check it out.

D

Part of me really wants to rave about my newly discovered passion for all things David Bowie and how Ziggy Stardust has inevitably changed my life and my outlook for all things croonable, but that's so 70's and I'm such a nerd. So instead, I will touch on two other undeniably talented group's in today's music scene.

Dresden Dolls --"Sex Changes" and "Girl Anchronism"
I don't know enough about this vaudevillesque male/female duo to dwell tons, but I do know enough that I am intoxicated by Amanda Palmer's husky/deep vocal style and sexual frankness in her lyrics. Quirky, poppy, dark yet upbeat while stirring enough of a wave in the muck of today's generic "Panic at the Disco"ness of so-called music--2006's "Yes, Virginia" is a diamond in the rough. This is the most unique sounding group I've heard in a long time, and it's comforting to know that creativity doesn't rely on the quantity of musicians, but the quality. While I hate to even mention the White Stripes in the same sentence as a comparison, I have to. The Dresden Dolls fall into the recent marvel of the two-man group alongside the husband and wife duo Mates of State as well as the infamous White Stripes . These two tracks were chosen just because they're awesome, as are the rest of the tracks on "Yes Virginia," or any of the rest of their records as well. Dive in with an open mind and enjoy.

The Decemberists--"Yankee Bayonet" and "The Crane Wife 3"
Of course I am going to mention the Decemberists. The release of "The Crane Wife" proved to be a successful and relevant feat for the Decemberists. Worries stirred after the group signed to major label Capitol, and speculations developed worrying that the group would lose its quirky yet melodic style. No fears, kids. The strangest turn landing a major label proved was the appearance of a rock opera, the 12 1/2 minute epic of three songs crammed into one, "The Island-Come & See/The Landlord’s Daughter/You’ll Not Feel The Drowning." It's good though, if you have the patience for it. Give it a spin and drink some tea, it's the most ambitious release from this Portland quintet yet.

E

Elliott Smith
"Pretty (Ugly Before)" "A Distorted Reality is a Necessity to Be Free" "King's Crossing" "Fond Farewell" "Coast to Coast" "Everything Means Nothing to Me" "Son of Sam" "Miss Misery" and so on. . . .

Elliott Smith changed my life. I probably sound as indie cliche as you can get when I site Mr. Smith as the number one inspiration in my current outlook on life. I got a three-letter reminder tattooed on my left wrist, the word "now." I read once how towards the end of his drug ridden life, he had had a spell and carved the same word in his own arm, but with a knife. I didn't feel quite that compelled to cause such a mutilation of devotion in my own arm, so opted for a little ink instead. The man was a lyrical and musical genius. He had some troubles, with drugs, a troubled family past, alcohol and heartbreak. But haven't we all? Unfortunately, this song-writer poet chose the end of his own demise, he stabbed himself in the heart in 2003, just about as "emo" as you can get. His post-humous release, "From a Basement on the Hill" remains to be the most emotionally stricken, gorgeous arrangements of melodies and lyrics in my entire album collection. Without the inspiration from Smith to get over it and seize the moment, to live in the now, to just fucking exist, I don't know where I would be as a person today. I just wish I could remember to take the time to read my 3-lettered reminder more for what it is than art, and I'd be a lot better off. The entire record of "From a Basement on the Hill" is completely untouchable, yet "XO," "Either/Or" and "Summer of Sam" also deserve a mention of merit on this measly blog post as well. The world will forever be deprived of another musical genius as torn and stricken, yet beautifully orchestrated, and that is a loss. You can read my review from the Advance Titan on "From a Basement on the Hill" here.

F

I really wanted to include Fiona Apple on this post too, but I have no time to dwell on her. . . Here's the link to my old AT review for Extraordinary Machine instead.

Felt-- "Employees of the Year"
I've already expressed my love for all things Slug and Atmosphere under the letter A, however, I feel that Felt was also worthy of a mention. This particular track stems from the Slug/Murs collaborative Felt album "A Tribute to Lisa Bonet" which fell a little too far under the radar to get much publicity or hype, for no reason at all. This album is full of jump-up-go-crazy hip-hop madness. It's subtle, yet clear as day that this record is worthy to own in your record collection and this track proves it.

G

The Go! Team--"Bottle Rocket" or "Huddle Formation"
These amazing cheerleaderesque poprocks may be nothing new in terms of recent releases, but their sound is still something I'm yet to hear from any other up and comers in today's music scene, unless of course you give credit to the Swedish eccentricics Love is All, which I'm sure I'll dwell more on later. "Thunder, Lightning, Strike!" is a body-movin', booty shakin' 70's revival to all things pleasurable, whether it the theme song to the A-Team, your high school's cheerleading squad, or whatever it would sound like if indie kids were actually really happy. Fronted by a five foot tall female MC who named herself Ninja, this group of kids love their music and what they do, and you can especially tell in their live performances. "Bottle Rocket" and "Huddle Formation" are two perfect shining examples of what happy-get-up-off-your-feet and get movin' music should sound like. Fun times await.

The Good, the Bad and the Queen--"Herculean"
We've all heard by now of the wondermind musical genius and my future husband in my dreams, Damon Albarn. He was the frontman (for rumored to get back together!) for Blur, the Brit-pops responsible for the likes of "Song 2" or more adequately known as by frat boys and 7th grade girls as the "Woo-hoo song", and "Girls and Boys". Blur still remains one of my favorite bands to this day. . . Albarn was also responsible for the pop sensation of the collective Gorillaz, which featured Del the Funky Homosapien, one of the members of Cibo Matto, Miho Hatori, as well as mega-producer Dan the Automator. We all remember "Clint Eastwood" and "Feel Good Inc." as we should. Mr. Albarn also focused on his own side project of African inspired sounds for a year or two along with Michael Nyman. This new attempt, however, includes noneother than Gorillaz producer and 1/2 of the collaborative of Gnarls Barkley, Dangermouse. Also on staff are The Clash's bassist Paul Simonon and former guitarist of The Verve Simon Tong. So there is some relief in today's music scene to realize that not all super groups such as smut like Tommy Lee's Supernova, Scott Weiland's Velvet Revolver, and Chris Cornell/RATM's AudioSlave actually work. This of course, is my personal opinion. But The Good, the Bad and the Queen is a melodic, dreamy and tasteful dish of something new and again innovative, thanks to Mr. Albarn. But again, with an all-star lineup of today's top musicians and the creative mind of Dangermouse, how could you not win? Check out "Herculean" or "Kingdom of Doom" for the soundtrack to a lazy, yet yearned for Sunday afternoon.

H

I'm beginning to get lazy at letter eight already, ho hum. I guess I'll just name drop for the sense of continuity anyways. . . Many critics would take the letter H as an opportunity to rave and praise the crazy success of the Minneotan bar-wonder rock group the Hold Steady, inserting snarky comments and witticisms. I will openly admit to hating that band. So, sorry, you're going to get an older suggestion circa 2002 instead.

Hot Hot Heat--"Bandages" or "Talk to Me, Dance With Me"

While I am fully aware that both of these tracks stem from 2 albums ago within the Hot Hot Heat discography, 2002's "Make up the Breakdown," I stand by my choices. These two selected tracks are reminiscant of ska, but not really. Reminiscant of 50's go-go beach party soundtracks, but not really. Just flat out catchy, catchy, catchy-ass dance dance a-go-go. Check it, spin it, get drunk and scream the words along while dancing on your best friend's coffee table and boogie. That's what I do, anyway.



I


Interpol--"Slow Hands"

I'm getting lazy again, I apologize. Here's my half-assed ignorant 2004 review of "Antics." After the first few listens, I wasn't as impressed as I am now with this album, you can read my mediocre review here. Please, however be warned and spare yourself the agony. "Antics" was a solid and relevant album to own. I like it a lot. I do not, however, like whichever butthole stole this cd of mine along with my other 20 some favorite cds of 2004/early 2005 from my car during a pizza delivery run back in spring of '05. Please return my cds, thief. While I'm awaiting my prized former possessions to be returned, I will say that this record, while nothing inexplicably different or new in sound, was a delightful listen and "Slow Hands" deserved the ten minutes or so of MTV fame it received. I look very forward to Interpol's third release early this year. Check out "Slow Hands" or "Not Even Jail" for a taste of these New Yorker's dark, melodic style.

J

Man, my posts and selections are getting more and more outdated as we go on, but I never claimed to be cool, so bare with me. I'd love to beam and chirp about the upcoming release of the new Jimmy Eat World album, but that's not due for a few more months yet, so rather than daddle about their 2004 release, I'll spare you and write a snippet about another noteworthy musician instead.

Jose Gonzalez--"Heartbeats"
Sure, this track wasn't even originally penned by Mr. Gonzalez, it originally belongs to the Knife. But this cover was more than enough to turn critics' heads towards this Brazillian acoustic songwriter. His album "Veneer" is a beautiful orchestrated mix of folk, acoustic and love songs. Possibly one of the most underrated albums in the last three years, "Veneer" is a blind sensation that could bring tears to any angst ridden heart-broken seventeen or thirty year old girl. It's beautiful, peaceful and lovely. Check it.

K

The Knife--"We Share our Mother's Health," "Heartbeats," "Like a Pen"
It's only natural that I follow up a reference to these crazy ass techno based Swedes with a more length description of what they do and who they be. The Knife's second release "Silent Shout" is the next chapter into their eccentric universe of mystery following their debut release "Deep Cuts." Both of these records have reached indie cred acclaim, but have fell lost on the average ear. Which is completely understandable. The first track that introduced me to the Knife was "Deep Cuts"'s "Heartbeats," a guilty pleasure of a dancefloor anthem. How one would dance to such a reckloose of a track is unknown to me, but I think it's effing radical nonetheless. Along with a handful of other zany yet addictive tracks on "Deep Cuts," I was pleasantly surprised to learn of the 2006 follow-up "Silent Shout." After the first track and five minutes into the album, I was utterly disappointed, however. This was of course, only after my first initial listen. After a few more spins and many boring commutes in my car showcasing this freaky Euro-techno, I finally embraced the complexities and strangeness known as the Knife. The beats are undeniable, the echoes and clanks and beeps and calamity that follows turns into the soundtrack for your own life--had you lived in your own videogame, that is. Regardless, with patience and a passion for discovering new and unique genres, the Knife proves to be the hidden success in breaking the monotany of today's music realm. I still have to admit, however, that I do not quite understand the reasoning behind this album creeping up numerous music publication's list of top 10-top 100 releases of 2006. But cracking this code is reason enough to give it a spin and put in your own two cents.

L

Lady Sovereign--"Adidas Hoodie" "Public Warning" "Love Me or Hate Me"
Lady Sovereign is the foul-mouthed British hip hop pint-sized queen I would have yearned to be when I was fourteen. Hell, I'd trade places with her at age 23. She's awesomely horribly radical in extremes I never will accomplish. She's five foot one, freshly 21, never spotted without her signature cornrows and side pony (and white), sports only baggie threads and was sarcastically charismatic just enough to nab a spot on Jay-Z's Def Jam label enterprise. Her debut album, "Public Warning" may have been only recently formally released, but leaks of her self-produced tracks have been floating around online for the past three years. She got her start spittin' her rhymes at age fifteen, self-recording her chipmunk beats and posting them on pirate-internet sites. After building enough hype, the S-O-V herself got a place with Chicago's own Chocolate Industries and released numerous eps and singles. Now Lady's found herself about to headline the upcoming spring tour for another female pop icon, Gwen Stefani. Self-labeled, "the biggest midget in tha game," Miss Sov got plenty of public acclaim and acknowledgement, along with TRL status for her single "Love Me or Hate Me." As much as I want to and know I should boycott this delectable pop guilty pleasure, I just can't. I'm unsure whether to credit her addictability to her chipmunk Brittish accent, her gameboy sound effects of beats, the ludacricity of her lyrics or her ability to rhyme super super fast. Either or, she's won me over. I not only boast my ownership of "Public Warning" but also have my phone set to her ringtone "Love Me or Hate Me." One of my girlfriend's dads referred to another song as "I want to listen to this while I drive fast and turn it up really loud," and I believe that this statement and mentality holds true to the S-O-V. I, too, want to drive fast and turn up anything by the SOV really loud. Drunken shows are also a must, with Lady. Just be warned, however, that you need to wear really tall shoes in order to accomplish this task. The biggest midget in tha game is indeed, vertically challenged. Her beats, however, are not. If you're not afraid to let loose and admit you drive fast while rocking out to an 80 pound Brittish female MC, you will not regret it.

Love is All--"Busy Doing Nothing" & "Make Out Fall Out"
Swedes, I love 'em. Noticing a trend, yet? Swedish hipsters can rock. You've got the Knife, Shiny Toy Guns, The Cardigans, amongst several others--but Love is All is the newest and freshest sound yet. With an interesting quilt arrayed of various instrumentation, Josephine Olausson's childlike shrieking and cartoonish vocal style and the reminiscant sounds of the long-lost saxophone, Love is All delivers a very catchy and wonderful tale to share with the release of 2006's "Nine Times that Same Song." The closest companion of comparison that comes to mind is that of the Go! Team and their release "Thunder, Lightning, Strike!". Both albums share the mentality of thinking outside the lines, incorporating more musical backgrounds versus grungy and shrieking guitars and a unique vocal delivery and style of lyrical simplicity. Love is All is one in a million, basing the complex duty of bringing forth a new style of music as we know it to a simple pattern comparable to that of a Paint-by-Number coloring pad. It's something that should have been done so many times, but yet remarkably hasn't. It's something that music lovers anywhere could find room to appreciate, yet still makes me want to dance around my apartment in my underwear and lipsynch in my hairbrush.

M

I'm going to take this opportunity to prepare a rough foreward of the letter M. I don't have the time or patience to write a blurb about every M artist that sits on my ipod, or for any other letter for that matter, but I'm choosing to take a moment and list a few bands and a few of their tracks that are worth checkin' (if you haven't already).

I'll always hold a place in my heart for the Mad Caddies, sure they're punkish ska and they haven't released nearly anything for quite a while now, but everytime I hear a track from 2001's "Just One More" my heart skips a beat. "Drinking for 11," (which just so happens to be playing from my itunes as I type), possesses undeniably catchy ska horns that make me wanna get up and trip on my old college pal's microwave (long story), "Last Breath" and "Good Intentions" are also gems, as well as my beloved tune "Popcorn." Man, I miss being 20 and lovin' what I loved wherever the hell it came from. Half the shit I used to rock out to in my little punk-pop princess days are long lost on my ears, but I will always hold the Mad Caddies dear in my heart (and itunes).

Another noteworthy M artist is the adorable husband-wife duo Mates of State. Their most recent release, "Bring it Back" is the most delecatble pop jewel brim-full of synth and melodic key-boarding since their release of 2002's "Team Boo." To read my older review on their ep "All Day" click here. To check out the brief Q & A interview I did with Jason, click here. Some tracks worth looking into include "Fraud in the 80's," "Think Long" and of course, my future wedding song, (at least in my dreams in which I'm also sporting a hot pink 80's prom dress as a wedding gown) "Like U Crazy." Fun! Fun! Fun!

And of course, also in the M realm, is that of Muse. Whenever I think of Muse I instantly think of the perfect soundtrack for any Zelda game, or any warrior castle videogame for that matter. Their most recent release, "Black Holes and Revelations" tore up the alternative rock charts, and its' no wonder why. Some key tracks include: "Supermassive Black Hole," "Starlight," "Take a Bow," and of course their single "Knights of Cydonia." I wish my life was a videogame. I would totally be a princess and wear one of those pointy caps with ribbons cascading down from the top. And I would listen to a buttload of Muse.



Margot & the Nuclear So-and-So's
"Quiet as a Mouse," "Skeleton Key," and "Paper Kitten Nightmare"
This Indianapolis-based collective consists of nine members, but does not take a liking to the consistent comparisons to the 12-member Canadianhood known as the Arcade Fire. Such comparisons come easily, as any band with more than six to seven members isn't exactly common. I think it's legit, however, to compare the two groups. While Margot may not consist of the Arcade Fire's usage of organs, accordians or pipes--they do possess a similarity in style. That, which with any band with 9+ members, a variety of instruments are used. Strings, horns, percussion, hell even the triangle, all seamlessly bring forth a new sense of sound to the listener. It's relaxing to hear that musicians are still embracing the different orchestrally based style of music and not just relying on Pharell or an over dosage of bass lines to sell a song. Margot is an upbeat, successfully strung together, poster for indie kids who put their different ideas into a musical blender--churning it on the highest mixing speed possible, and coming out sounding innovative. I don't know if whatever I just wrote makes sense, but somehow, these dudes do and "The Dust of Retreat" is a gorgeous example of making the old school sound come off clean and new.

N

It's 5:36 pm and I'm still in my pajamas, hair poking out every which way and I'm on my 6th cup of coffee in the past hour and a half. I'm just having a hell of a time coming up with witty reviews and snippets of music know-how, so I'm just gonna keep it on coming. Forgive me if it's not up to par or the likes of what I've begun. . . . . So with that in mind, please forgive me for skimping out on N.

Nada Surf--"Always Love"
This is a love song. A simple, cutesy, pretty ode to love, with vocalist Matthew Caws reminding us that "Hate will get you everytime" and to remember to choose "always love." It's nice, it's upbeat, and it always makes me smile. You might remember these alternative rockers from their '96 single "Popular," although if you try to put anything from any of their other albums in the same realm of comparison you're kidding yourself. 2005's "The Weight is a Gift" is a lovely collection of songs any girl would wish her boyfriend or crush to croon to her, while tossing pebbles up to her bedroom window.

O

I'm distracted. Nappy Roots' "Aww Naw" shuffled onto my itunes and it took me back to my freshman year of college and crowded garage houseparties thrown on farmer fraternity row. Pardon me while I regain myself.

Of Montreal--"She's a Rejector" "Disconnect the Dots" "So Returns our Alabee"
Of Montreal is probably the most pop-go-lucky-super-happy-fun-time group I've ever heard. Categorizing or labeling these popstars is all but impossible. Imagine elves jumproping in a pasture of easter basket grass. Think of unicorns line dancing with Elvis impersonators. Maybe pink and green bunny rabbits, parachuting down waterfalls and then breakdancing upon their return to Earth alongside Cyndi Lauper, those are among several of the images that pop into my ditzy brain when I hear the heavenly and charming quirky sounds of their psychodelic-pop style. Bottom line, Of Montreal is the soundtrack to your little sister's Barbie doll plays, your pot-smoking video game tournament, or your modern day hipster dance party. They're a solid fun-for-all good time, where not even the dreary drunken unemployed Al Bundy's of the world can feel down in the dumps. Their upcoming release, "Hissing Fauna, Are you the Destoryer?" hits the shelves this month, make sure to grab your own copy before you regret it. While you're at it, pick up "The Sunlandic Twins" as well.

P

P stands for many things. Peach, pixie and professor are just among three of the millions and trillions of P-words (if that many do indeed exist). I just chose three P-words that I enjoy, and those three P-words happen to double duty as three kick booty music groups as well. Fancy that.

Peaches--"Downtown" "Kick It" "Fuck the Pain Away"
Peaches is way cooler than you and me. She could kick your ass, rub your face in feces and then rock the mic harder than any chick at Lillith Fair ever could. She makes albums dismissing our country's leader, graphically describes her womenly parts and demands that you acknowledge all of those nasty little details about sexuality and pubic hair. She is awesome. You may or may not know of Peaches, but you really should if you don't. Remember that scene in "Lost in Translation" where Scarlett Johanssen meets up with Bill Murray at the Japanese strip joint--that's Peaches crooning in the background seductively stating matter of a factly that you need to be sucking on her titties, loving her all the time--as the crudely naked strippers shove their business in Mr. Murray's uncomfortable face. "Kick It" features the infamous Stooge's frontman Iggy Pop, featuring a more rockin' sound, while "Downtown" is a sexy pop mall tune. Hell, she even made a spot on the "Mean Girls" soundtrack. How's that for crudeness being diverse?

The Pixies--"Dig For Fire" "Monkey Gone to Heaven" "Gigantic" "Wave of Mutilation" "Debaser" "Bone Machine" and of course, for all you lameoids, "Where is my Mind"
These guys invented rock. Well, okay. Maybe not. But to me, these alterna-dudes definitely are way more arguable to have had an impact on today's (at least good) rock scene versus the old classic rock farts along the lines of Led Zepplin, The Stones, or what have you. I know that I am outnumbered by classic rock lovin' dudes and rock critics who would throw stones at me for saying these claims--but while I know the heaviness of my ideas, I can not stand classic rock. The whole style, music, genre, bleck. Gag me. My mom would lecture me for hours if she knew I'd sit down to argue my opinions on The Doors or CCR. Uck. U2, Nirvana and Radiohead are just a small handful of influential modern-rock artists who credit their creative abilities to the Pixies. Frank Black may be a crazy fucker, and his solo records may not sell to save his life--but when he combines forces with Kim Deal, Joey Santiago and Dave Lovering--they are an unstoppable weapon of mass destruction. Amazing, amazing, amazing. Don't believe me? Maybe these old articles I wrote for the Advance Titan will delve more into detail, one for their reunion and one for their show. If you want to save yourself some time, just spare yourself the time and my ramblings, and go pick up "Surfer Rosa" and "Doolittle" right NOW.

Professor Murder--"Free Stress Test" & "Champion"
When I first heard of Professor Murder, I was reading a music blog and at first overlooked it at first mention. I thought, judging by the name alone, that it sounded like pretentious ironic hip-hop. Boy, was I wrong. Professor Murder may indeed be an ironic name, but the disco backbeat and jungle beat bassline is just enough to sell me on the group alone in the track "Free Stress Test." Although I am yet to hear the entire full-length record from Prof. M, I am already intrigued by the fetching few tracks I've been graced to rock out to so far, and you will be too.

Q

The letter Q stands for, well--not much. But I managed to scrape together two groups worth or maybe not, worth a mention. Not enough for their own seperate blurbs, but I'll boldface the names anyway. The first: Q and Not U--fun guilt-free happy pop music. Highlighted track: "Wetworks."

The next group is an oldie, but a goodie--at least for me for nostalgia resons. Quarashi--whom I nearly had forgotten about, you've heard their track "Stick Em Up" on various TNT basketball games, introducing the lineup, or possibly on some random MTV awards show in the opening sequence. My particular fav, however, is "Mr. Jinx." Give it a listen and see if you like em or leave em.

R

Gotta at least mention the big boyz, Radiohead for all obvious reasons--"Fake Plastic Trees," "Paranoid Android," "Backdrifts," "Electroneering," "Just," "Talk Show Host," and anything off of "The Bends," "Pablo Honey," "OK Computer," "Kid A"--(well maybe) or "Hail to the Thief." How I love Thom Yorke a nd his lazy eye.

Another honorable and obvious mention: The Roots. Worthy tracks from these hip-hop pioneers, "Seed 2.0," "Don't Say Nuthin," "You Got Me" and "What You Want." If only hip-hop took a lesson from the Roots, we'd all be in a much better place. . . .

And of course I gots to represent some luv for Reggie. Reggie and the Full Effect is the mastermind of James Dewees, the former drummer for both Coalesce and the Get-Up Kids. Fun, quirky crazed pop-candy post-punkish beats layered with keys, synth, melodic singing and sometimes, oftentimes, screaming about heartbreak or dwarves. Good harmless deviant rockage. Necessary tracklist: "Girl, Why'd You Run Away?," "Gettin' By With Its," "Thanks for Stayin."

Now on with the victors. . . .

The Rapture--"Whoo! Alright--Yeah. . . Uh huh" "Out of the Races and onto the Track" "Get Myself Into It"
These post-punkers are reminscant to the sounds and style to the likes of Gang of Four, Bloc Party and other electro-dance rock. Very danceable, very pretentious and very electronic-go-garagey. Fun times around. Who cares if you're the only one not sporting this season's line of Gap jeans? You can still bob your head and be cool by getting caught with these rockstars on your playlist, and have one helluva dance party while you're at it.

Regina Spektor--"Better," "Fidelity," "On the Radio" "That Time"
Think of Fiona Apple. Now think of her if she was Jewish and Russian. Now think if she either took a lot of crack or was just extremely cheerful. This is Regina Spektor. Incredible vocal range capabilities, beautiful melodic choruses and the ideal soundtrack for "Grey's Anatomy." Even my older yuppie brother would probably dig it. She's adorable as hell and so is her style of singing.




S

I love The Strokes, (as does mostly everyone)--particularly "Juicebox," "You Only Live Once" and "Last Nite." I also heart Stars--a Canadian collective featuring members of Broken Social Scene. Very melodic, pretty and perfect for a trainride. Great tracks: "Your Ex-Lover is Dead," "Calendar Girl" and "One More Night." Old love for Stars can be found here. The Swedish greats The Sounds also deserve an honorable mention with such addicting girly synth-pop gems as "Painted by Numbers," "Tony the Beat" and "Ego." And of course, one of my favorite bands of all time--Spoon. This Austin based alternative group of dudes is responsible for whirring my cd player into an overheated fit on many an occassion. Personal Favs include: "The Beast and Dragon Adored," "I Turn my Camera On," "Merchants of Soul," "I Summon You," and "The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine." Any track off of "Gimme Fiction" and "Turn off the Moonlight" are amazing. Word.


The Shins--"Caring is Creepy," "New Slang" "Sleeping Lessons" "Red Rabbits"
Everybody loves the Shins! So you must too! These indie stars got their big break when featured in Zach Braff's flick "Garden State" when Natalie Portman's charcter labeled them as "life changing." I don't know if I'd go that far, but the gentle and delicate lush qualities of this folk kinda, pop kinda, light rock alternative kinda is definitely worthwhile. It's catchy, cute and quaint. Please agree. Please? "Wincing the Night Away" is the third full-length from the Shins, (if you don't count their first release as Flake Music), and it's released this week. Grab it while you can, it's a delicacy!

T


Tegan and Sara--"So Jealous," "Living Room," "You Wouldn't Like Me," "Speak Slow," "Freedom," "Walking With a Ghost"
All good things come from Canada--at least musicwise. You got the Arcade Fire, the Broken Social Scene clan featuring the solo artists Amy Millan, Emily Haines, Feist and Torquil Campbell, Wolfparade and Stars. Good solid musicianship. These cutesy 20 somethings indie folk singer songwriter twin sisters have been floating amidst the music scene for quite a few years now. Both "If it Was You" and "So Jealous" are solid albums from first track to last. Lesbians love em and so do I.



TV on the Radio--"Wolf Like Me"

Please just stop reading right now, grab your car keys and head to the nearest record store, Best Buy or anyplace you can buy CDs. Buy TV on the Radio's "Return to Cookie Mountain." Thank me later. Listen to track five multiple times. Then skip it and enjoy the remainder of the album. Trust me.

U
U are awesome. That's all I got for that piece of crap vowel.

V

Veruca Salt--"Shutterbug," "Volcano Girls," "Seether," "Forsynthia," "Spiderman '79"
I'm getting lazy here, kids. These alterna-rockettes rocked my world back in high school before saucy front women Nina Gordon and Louise Post got in a massive catfight, resulting in Nina leaving the band. I believe Louise is hangin' on tight to the band title, however, Veruca Salt disbanded and died long ago with the departure of Miss Gordon. My days of competing in high school air band competitions to "Volcano Girls" are long gone behind me. R.I.P. V. Salt, you had a good thing goin' there for a while anyway.

W

Wilco--"Handshake Drugs," "Spiders," "Hell is Chrome"
Everybody loves Wilco. They're folksy, indie, alternative and catchy. On the flipside they're depressing, dark and dirty. Jeff Tweedy's a pretty damned talented musician when he wants to be and is clean off drugs--check out any of their records for a good time. I particularly dig their recent live album, "Kicking Television: Live from Chicago."



Wolfparade--"You are a Runner and I am my Father's Son," "Modern World," "Shine a Light"
I already wrote reviews for the past 10 or so entries once last night and my computer glibbed out on me, so forgive me for the generic weak blibs. Wolfparade is good. As you can see, they are smiling in front of a rainbow, so you can only imagine the positive and fun sounds that come from these crazy Canadians. For more details, see below.
You can find my review for "Apologies to Queen Mary" for the Advance Titan here.



X
No way.

Y


Yeah Yeah Yeahs--"Y Control," "Maps," "Phenomena," "Cheated Hearts," "Gold Lion," "Dudley," "Warrior"
Possibly one of my most favorite bands of all time, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are endless with talent and charisma. Karen O's shrieking screamy sultry vocal style is enough to make me want to drop to my knees and worship. Her style is unique, her musical trends are jaw-dropping. Nick Zinner's one bad dude on the gee-tar as well, you may recognize his playing and name from playing on Connor Oburst's (Bright Eyes) "Digital Ash in a Digital Urn"). Pick up "Fever to Tell" and "Show Your Bones" to add to your top 100 essential must haves in your own record collection. Love me some Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs!!


Z

Z stands for zilch. Which is what bands start with the letter Z.