Sunday, December 28, 2008

Unexpected



Wow. I have fallen into this album recently. The epic score with the cool sixties sound makes this feel retro and sophisticated. One of the best albums of the year. Also, it rocks. Enjoy...



Artist: The Last Shadow Puppets
Song: The Age Of Understatement

Decided
To sneak off away
From your stomach
And try your pulse
And captured
What seemed all
Unknowing and candid
But they suspected
It was false

She's playful
The boring would
Warn you be careful
Of her brigade
In order to tame
This relentless marauder
Move away from the parade

And she was walking on the tables
In the glass house
Endearingly bedraggled in the wind
Subtle in her method of seduction
The twenty little tragedies begin

And she would throw
A feather boa in the road
If she thought
That it would set the scene
Unfittingly dipped
Into your companions
Enlighten them to make you seethe

And there's affection to rent
The age of the understatement
Before the attraction ferments
Kiss me properly and pull me apart

Affection to rent
The age of the understatement
Before this attraction ferments
Kiss me properly and pull me apart

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

And my fingers scratch at my hair
Before my mind can get too reckless
The idea of seeing you here
Is enough to make the sweat grow cold

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Banjo Poetry



I have been rolling around in the folk genre the last few weeks. Personally, I like when an artist can make me think with lyrics and feel with the music. This song builds to a point where the music seems to have a hundred different layers. Simple and layered is the sweet spot if you ask me. Hope you enjoy.






Artist: Peter Bradley Adams
Song: I'll Forget You

Well those days have all but gone
And still I'm listening in
To that old long-distance call
But I'll forget you

Well the fields are turning gold
As the winter moves in
There's a love I used to know
But I'll forget you

So bye-bye
So bye-bye
I'll forget you

There's a ghost above my door
Still, can you hear
There's a high lonesome call
But I'll forget you

So bye-bye
So bye-bye
I'll forget you

As the space around me grows
I need the touch of your skin
So I wear this ring of gold
Til I forget you

So bye-bye
Bye-bye
So bye-bye
I'll forget you

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Guilty Pleasure

Martin Sexton

Martin Sexton

[via FoxyTunes / Martin Sexton]



I am a sucker for a great hook. I am always singing this song in the shower...settle down ladies. This dude writes a great song lyrically but with that he has a great sense of Americana in his voice. I hope you likey.




Artist: Martin Sexton
Song: Wild Angels

Even when the desert sands roll with thunder
Even when I know it's all for gasoline
Even when the hole in my head lets me wonder it
I know I sing because I must
Even when the truth waters down way too quickly
Even when the storm blows down in New Orleans
I will still be dreamin' when I know why this happens
But I know I love you and I trust
We are born with this music in our hearts
We tend forget a little each day right from the start
In a dream I rolled on back the clock and found another way
To remember the words

That we are wild angels
Believing in our childhood dreams
We're just trying to find our way back to
The source of the stream
We are wild and free
Even like the hills these songs they last forever
Even though the singer will be forgotten in good time
Even that a song can unify or move mountains
This I cry we sing because we must

We all love the sound of music in our head
And feel the joy and pain cuz we ain't dead
We have the power and the duty and the means to change the world
And to remember the words

Cuz we are wild angels
Sent down from our childhood dreams to change the world
And to remember the words
Cuz we are wild angels
Send down from our childhood dreams
And we're just trying to get ourselves back to the source of the stream
We are wild and we are free
It's where we want to be

Come and join us on the journey down the winding road
Doesn't matter what you fear cuz we are bold
We got the light inside us of the universe
Gonna let it flow like a raging river

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Medication

WEEN!

WEEN!

[via FoxyTunes / Ween]



Sometimes when life gets a little hectic, this song runs through my head. I have been a fan of Ween since the dawn of time. These guys are a big part of my eclectic taste in music, I am always amazed that they can sound like six different great bands all in one record. I hope this drives you to check them out...




Artist: Ween
Song: Zoloft

Gimme that z, o-l-o-f-t
Gimme a grip, make me love me
Suckin' 'em down, I'm happy man
Can feel it inside, makin' me smile

...realize that the sky's not made of gold
don't disguise the nature of your soul

Gimme that z, o-l-o-f-t
No longer pissed and you don't bother me
I'm makin' it through, I'm givin' my all
When base are loaded, I'm whacking the ball

...don't suck the mind, don't drain the source
the path of life's not so easy to course, buddy

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Heavy Rain

Marcus Congleton, Ambulance LTD

Marcus Congleton, Ambulance LTD

[via FoxyTunes / Ambulance LTD]



One of the things that I am thankful for this special season is that these dudes are making music together again. They make a fine hook. I think you'll dig it.





Artist: Ambulance LTD
Song: Heavy Lifting

True enough, I hear them take you away
But you could be home in a day
And let the hammer fall
Alone because my friends have places to go
My people have people to know
They've never seemed so remote

I'm taking it easy if it comes to fate
But for the time I've gotta wait

Soothe your bones
With the papers of a man that you know
His kids are really gonna grow
And leave their daddy home
But it's an easy game
Those clouds bring heavy, heavy rain
And lifting is an awful lot of pain
We're gonna be sore for sure

I'm takin it easy if it comes to fate
But for the time I've gotta wait

I'm takin it easy if it comes to fate
But for the time I've gotta wait



Sunday, October 26, 2008

Close Your Eyes



I have been diggin' the Brit Pop. This is catchy.




Artist: Clearlake
Song: It's Getting Light Outside

No Lyrics yet boys and girls....








Saturday, October 11, 2008

Ashes to Ashes

Beck Silhouette

Beck Silhouette

[via FoxyTunes / Beck]



I appreciate the Beck. I respect how the man can make an album sound like several different genres of music. This song is one of my favorite tunes and driven by that thick bottom bass line. Reflect.




Artist: Beck
Song: Paper Tiger

Just like a paper tiger
Torn apart by idle hands
Through the helter skelter morning
Fix yourself while you still can
No more ashes to ashes
No more cinders from the sky
All the laws of creation
Tell a dead man how to die

O deserts down below us
And storms up above
Like a stray dog gone defective
Like a paper tiger in the sun

Looking through a broken diamond
To make the past what it should be
Through the ruins and the weather
Capsized boats in the sea

O deserts down below us
And storms up above
Like a stray dog gone defective
Like a paper tiger in the sun

We're just holding on to nothing
To see how long nothing lasts

O deserts down below us
And storms up above
Like a stray dog gone defective

There's one road to the morning
There's one road to the truth
There's one road back to civilization
But there's no road back to you....



Saturday, September 6, 2008

Compliment

Stephen Malkmus, Connect Festival

Stephen Malkmus, Connect Festival

[via FoxyTunes / Pavement]



Every time this song comes up on a play list or randomly in my life I smile. It makes me think of good times with friends and question why on Earth Pavement doesn't sell more albums than Brittany Spears. Seriously. I think Stephen Malkmus has a great way with words. Never knew that Gypsy children wore electric dresses (They're Insane). One day I hope to be a light.





Artist: Pavement
Song: You Are A Light

Tangled in the midst of all the trust
the way you pissed inside
the brain file technology drives.
Show me you dots now.
Who was it that said the world
was mainly all divorces and spare change?
Let's lethalize our slingshots and swallow propane.
You are the liiiight. The calm in the day.
You are the liiiight. The calm in the day.

Senior year abroad i ripped the pea out of the pod.
In store for three months of exile in spain.
Where was the danger?
Watch out for the gypsy children in electric dresses
they're insane.
I hear they live in crematoriums
and smoke your remains.
You are the liiiight. The calm in the day.
You are the liiiight. The calm in the day.

I drive a stick. Gotta love it. Automatic.
Oh everybody's gotta ride in something.
High life, lived, comatosed him! Bring it on in.
I hope it arrives by monday.
Dry ice, skid, button the strippers and ??????
I have to die on sunday!
I rake in, laundry-matt spenders, and ??????
Who rolls with the isolater.
Gotta roll cause i am the isolater.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Cry Baby

Ryan Adams, Cambridge Corn Exchange 2006

Ryan Adams, Cambridge Corn Exchange 2006

[via FoxyTunes / Ryan Adams]



Cry baby is always how I hear people describe Ryan Adams. I have read stories of him walking off stage when an announcer accidentally calling him "Bryan Adams", as well as stories of him yelling at fans at his concerts for calling out songs they want to hear. Whatever his reputation I firmly believe that when he gets a song right he is one of the most gifted writers of our time. This is one of my favorite tunes of all time. Emmy Lou singing backup makes this haunting. Enjoy.





Artist: Ryan Adams
Song: Oh My Sweet Carolina

I went down to Houston
And I stopped in San 'Antone
I passed up the station for the bus
I was trying to find me something
But I wasn't sure just what
Man I ended up with pockets full of dust

So I went on to Cleveland and I ended up insane
I bought a borrowed suit and learned to dance
I was spending money like the way it likes to rain
Man I ended up with pockets full of cane

Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home

I ain't never been to Vegas, but I gambled up my life
Building newsprint boats I race to sewer mains
Was trying to find me something but I wasn't sure just what
Funny how they say that “some things never change”

Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home

Up here in the city feels like things are closing in
The sunset's just my light bulb burning out
I miss KENTUCKY and I miss my family
All the sweetest winds they blow across the south

Oh my sweet Carolina
What compels me to go?
Oh my sweet disposition
May you one day carry me home

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Readin'

My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket

[via FoxyTunes / My Morning Jacket]



I have been a fan of these guys since my brother, BD, said that I would enjoy the reverb. They have evolved through the years, as the band members changed, and Jim James just matured as a song writer. The new album is a look back at simpler times as well as a stab into the future. I have fallen in love with this particular tune because it makes me think. I am not sure if its because we are close in age or the fact that we were born in the same state in the same era but Jim always knows how to make me feel comfortable. When he writes songs I know where he is coming from. Enjoy.






Song: The Librarian
Artist: My Morning Jacket

Walk across the courtyard,
Towards the library.
I can hear the insects buzz on the leaves, 'neath my feet.

Ramble up the stairwell,
To the hall of books.
Since we got the interweb these hardly get used.

Duck into the men's room,
Combing through my hair.
When God gave us mirrors he had no idea.

Looking for a lesson
In the periodicals,
There I spy you listening to the AM radio.

Karen of the Carpenters,
Singing in the rain.
Another lovely victim of the mirror's evil way.

It's not like you're not trying,
With a pencil in your hair,
To defy the beauty the good Lord put in there

Simple little bookworm,
Buried underneath
Is the sexiest librarian.
Take off those glasses and let down your hair for me.

So I watch you through the bookcase,
Imagining a scene.
You and I had dinner,
Spending time when you sleep.
And what can I say to you,
Lying there in bed.
These words were the kiss I would play in your head.

What is it inside our heads
That makes us do the opposite,
Makes us do the opposite
Of what's right for us.
'Cause everything be great,
And everything be good,
And everybody gave,
Like everybody could.

Sweetest little bookworm,
Hidden underneath
Is the sexiest librarian.
Take off those glasses and let down your hair for me.
Take off those glasses, and let down your hair for me.

Simple little beauty,
Heaven in your breath.
Simplest of pleasures
The world at its best

Saturday, July 12, 2008

GI Joe



When I first heard this dude I was like "Deastro was one of Cobra Commanders henchmen in GI Joe!" I then remembered that he was Bad Ass. I hope you feel the same about the song. I have been really stretching my 80's legs lately, lovin' some synth and this groove really hits the spot, although it was released last month. Enjoy.



Artist: Deastro
Song: The Shaded Forest

No Lyrics at this time Y'all I will update when I find them. I think you will like it anyway...

This is the Destro I remember...

Friday, July 4, 2008

Energy to Spare

Los Campesinos!

Los Campesinos!

[via FoxyTunes / Los Campesinos!]



This is a shocking song. It starts fast, it's fast in the middle, and of course is traveling at light speed by the time you need a cigarette at the end. I have really been digging these chaps lately. The frantic violin is fearsome. Enjoy.




Artist: Los Campesinos!
Song: ..And We Exhale And Roll Our Eyes In Unison


It's bad enough you ever use the word as an adjective
But to suggest we do it in heels is really quite crass
And frankly, we're reasonably practical
And we know the benefits of always doing these things in flats

And I spent the last seven years perched on the edge of my bed
Scratching 'I am incredibly sincere' into my forearms
You should know better

A fifteen year old's editorial, some lazy innuendo
(The last man standing is a girl)
Four sweaty boys with guitars tell me NOTHING about my life
And the earth's air pressure gets far greater when I hear you
You should try harder

It takes an educated guess to see I like you little at best
And if you come here for the faces, hope you leave under duress
And you still treat it like a novelty
Less pop concert more butchery
And we exhale, and roll our eyes in unison

And we exhale
And we roll our eyes
And we do these things in unison

And woe is me
And woe is you
And woe is us, together

And woe is me
And woe is you
And woe is us, together.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

November

The Arcade Fire

The Arcade Fire

[via FoxyTunes / Arcade Fire]



When this came out last year I thought this was a somber cold Arcade Fire with a political view and no real musical emotion. The more I listen to the songs on this album I appreciate that the lyrics hold a lot of that emotion and if you listen closely you can hear a subtle rage. It is worth letting it grow on you. Soft spoken doesn't always mean small.




Artist: Arcade Fire
Song: Neon Bible

A vial of hope and a vial of pain,
In the light they both looked the same.
Pourred them out on into the world,
On every boy and every girl.

It's in the Neon Bible, the Neon Bible
Not much chance for survival,
If the Neon Bible is right.

Take the poison of your age,
Don’t lick your fingers when you turn the page,
What I know is what you know is right,
In the city it's the only light.

It's the Neon Bible, the Neon Bible
Not much chance for survival,
If the Neon Bible is right.

Oh God! well look at you now!
Oh! you lost it, but you don’t know how!
In the light of a golden calf,
Oh God! I had to laugh!

Take the poison of your age,
Don’t lick your fingers when you turn the page,
It was wrong but you said it was right,
In the future I will read at night.

In the Neon Bible, the Neon Bible
Not much chance for survival,
If the Neon Bible is true.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Layered




One of the things I admire about this groove is the way all the different sounds make a sublime wave, underneath her beautiful voice. I still have the weakness for a lady who can sing and this song showcases an artist that seems to be singing just to me. Love the old timey feel and the smooth powerful heart of the song.



Artist: She and Him
Song: Change is Hard


I’m all outta luck but what else could I be?
I know he’s yours and he'll never belong to me again.
I did him wrong.
So don’t brag,
Keep it to yourself.
I did him wrong.
I was never no, never no, never enough,
But I can try, I can try to toughen up.
I listened when they told me
If he burns you, let him go.
Change is hard, I should know.
I should know.
I should know.



So I'll keep my head down
If you keep it quiet from now on.
In the halls I’d rather hear silence than the bell of new love.
So don’t brag,
Keep it to yourself.
I did him wrong.
I was never no, never no, never enough,
But I can try, I can try to toughen up.
I listened when they told me
If he burns you, let him go.
Change is hard, I should know.
I should know.
I should know.
I should know.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

I Am Torn

Midlake Video Shoot - "Bandits"

[via FoxyTunes / Midlake]




I first heard this tune a few months ago and really could have easily forgotten all about it. Recently, I downloaded the acoustic version along with some other songs from these guys and the song took on a new life in my listening rotation. I think the dude wants to change his name to Roscoe..which I am down with. As always, now that I listen to them both, I can't decide which is better, so I will let you decide...








Song: Roscoe
Artist: Midlake

Stone-cutters made them from stones
Chosen specially for you and I
Who will live inside
The mountaineers gathered timber piled high
In which to take along
Travelling many miles knowing they'd get here

When they got here all exhausted
On the roof leaks they got started
And now when the rain comes we can be thankful

When the mountaineers saw that everything fit
They were glad and so they took off

Thought we were due for a change
Or two around this place
When they got back they're all mixed up
With no one to stay with

The village used to be all one really needs
Now it's filled with hundreds and hundreds of chemicals
That mostly surround you, you wish to flee
But it's not like you so listen to me listen to me

Oh and when the morning comes
We will step outside
We will not find another man in sight
We like the newness the newness of all
That has grown in our garden
Struggling for so long

Whenever I was a child
I wonder what if my name had changed
Into something more productive
Like Roscoe been born in 1891
Waiting with my aunt Rosaline

Thought we were due for a change
Or two around this place
When they got back they're all mixed up
With no one to stay with

1891 they roamed around and foraged
They made their house from cedars
They made their house from stone
Well they're a little like you
Adn they're a little like me
We have all we need

Thought we were due for a change
Or two around this place
This place
This place

When they got back they're all mixed up
With no one to stay with
When they got back they're all mixed up
With no one to stay with

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Old Brown Shoe

Ray Lamontagne

Ray Lamontagne

[via FoxyTunes / Ray LaMontagne]



I like that Ray was working in a shoe factory before he got his big break. I sold shoes for a short time and I guess if there is a worse job than selling shoes, it's making them. I like a good torch song every now and then, and this is better than most.



Artist: Ray Lamontagne
Song: Shelter


I guess you don't need it
I guess you don't want me to repeat it
But everything I have to give I'll give to you
It's not like we planned it
You tried to stay, but you could not stand it
To see me shut down slow
as though it was an easy thing to do
Listen when
All of this around us'll fall over
I tell you what we're gonna do
You will shelter me my love
And I will shelter you
I will shelter you
I left you heartbroken, but not until those very words were spoken
Has anybody ever made such a fool out of you
It's hard to believe it
Even as my eyes do see it
The very things that make you live are killing you
Listen when all of this around us'll fall over
I tell you what we're gonna do
You will shelter me my love
I will shelter you
Listen when
All of this around us'll fall over
I tell you what we're gonna do
Hey you will shelter me my love
I will shelter you
If you shelter me too
I will shelter you
I will shelter you

Monday, March 10, 2008

I Have Missed You. Did you notice I was gone?

Walter Martin of The Walkmen

Walter Martin of The Walkmen

[via FoxyTunes / The Walkmen]




I have had a busy few months. I know this is a typical excuse in the blogging world, but you must allow for me to live and such, or start paying me. I have moved from rural Alabama to the big city of Birmingham, and am loving it. I feel rejuvenated and inspired. Alas what has suffered from my life change is this precious jewel. I am here to tell you NO MORE! I will now begin again to tell you what to listen to and hope you will continue to at least somewhat comply. I have this piano tune going through my head pretty much all day long. I now transfer that burden to you. Enjoy.





Song: We've Been Had
Artist: The Walkmen

Well I'm a modern guy I don't care much for the go-go
or the retro image I see so often telling me to
keep trying maybe you'll get here someday
keep up the working, ok
I close the book on them right there

I see myself change as the days change over
I hear the songs and the words don't change
I write them out of the book right there

We've been had, you say it's over
Sometimes I'm just happy I'm older
We've been had I know it's over
Somehow it got easy to laugh out loud

See me age 19 with some dumb haircut from
1960 moving to New York City
live with my friends there we're all taking the same steps
they're foolish now


We've been had you say it's over
Sometimes I'm just happy I'm older
We've been had I know it's over
Somehow it got easy to laugh out loud

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Weak Spot

the delgados 2

the delgados 2

[via FoxyTunes / The Delgados]



I have this documented weak spot for the ladies who can sing. Somehow this song reminds me of the high ideals I had while going to college. Everything was so black and white then. Right and wrong never blurred any lines. There was less to loose. We are all trying to for the right kind of life....




Title: coming in from the cold
Artist: The Delgados

Step inside
A better dream job you could never find
A set of keys and bottles heaven wide
Find yourself a seat and settle in for the ride

Raise your glass
We’re going to drink now till the summer’s past
So bring the hats out we all need a laugh
And let the neighbours talk then make sure you lose them
We can

Try for the right kind of life
I only wish that you’d had a chance to decide
Have a look around you there’s no-one there
How can you call this fair

Not to blame
No-one’s telling you you’re not to blame
Things around they just don’t feel the same
And I don’t recognize this person that still remains

Settle down
I really hope that you can settle down
Take your tent and trailer out of town
We’ll find a place to roam where you could escape to
We can

Try for the right kind of life
I only wish that you’d had a chance to decide
Have a look around you there’s no-one there
How can you call this fair

Everybody’s waiting for the big surprise
But nobody will notice when it does arrive
So send it on

Try for the right kind of life
I only wish that you’d had a chance to decide
Have a look around you there’s no-one there
How can you call this fair

We’re coming in from the cold
And everybody’s searching for someone to hold
Have a look around you there’s no-one there
How can you call this fair

Friday, January 11, 2008

Sickeningly Good

Hitchcock Meets Wilco

Hitchcock Meets Wilco

[via FoxyTunes / Wilco]



I have to apologize for the delay. Sorry. To make up for it I have included one of my all time favorites. Quite possibly the best love song ever. In preparation for Valentines day... Love song's, On Fire...right here at Song-a-torium.






Jesus, Etc.
Wilco
Jesus, don't cry
you can rely on me honey
you can combine anything you want
I'll be around
you were right about the stars
each one is a setting sun

tall buildings shake
voices escape singing sad sad songs
tuned to chords strung down your cheeks
bitter melodies turning your orbit around

don't cry
you can rely on me honey
you can come by any time you want
I'll be around
you were right about the stars
each one is a setting sun

tall buildings shake
voices escape singing sad sad songs
tuned to chords strung down your cheeks
bitter melodies turning your orbit around

voices whine
skyscrapers are scraping, your gravelly voice
is smoking
my cigarettes are all you can get
turning your orbit around

our love
our love
our love is all we have
our love
our love is all of God's money
everyone is a burning sun

tall buildings shake
voices escape singing sad sad songs
tuned to chords strung down your cheeks
bitter melodies turning your orbit around

voices whine
skyscrapers are scraping, your gravelly voice
is smoking
last cigarettes are all you can get
turning your orbit around
last cigarettes are all you can get
turning your orbit around
last cigarettes are all you can get
turning your orbit around