Tender Ballads 03

I originally wrote a different "Tender Ballads" post as the next installment in the series, but due to recent listening I had to write a completely new one. I've been giving Sinéad O'Connor's famous cover version of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U" far too many spins over the past week. Despite its intensely depressingly message of hopelessness and desolation, it's somehow lifted my spirits and alleviated some hard times. While it's only very recently been added to my iPod's ballads playlist, it's arguably one that defines what it means to be a "tender ballad." Also on repeat on my ballads playlist is Mandy Moore's "Gardenia." Taken from her more mature recent album Wild Hope, it is hands-down the best thing she's ever recorded. A truly heart-wrenching ballad, its simple instrumentation and powerful vocals defy any expectations of the former pop puppet. Following a similar theme of breakdowns and desperation, Tori Amos's "Jackie's Strength" is one of her finest tracks, epitomizing why so many love her with its smart lyrics, addictive piano melody and universal messages of feeling lost and utterly alone. Last up, Nancy Sinatra's much-covered classic, "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)." A favorite of mine for a while, it showed up on my playlist after a long absence after I watched Kill Bill Vol. 1 again after my midterm. Stripped to the barest instrumentation, it relies on its catchy, haunting lyrics to hit home. After listening to these tracks, you'll be glad I posted so much Kylie and Róisín Murphy!

Sinéad O'Connor, "Nothing Compares 2 U" (Prince Cover) [YSI] (from the album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got)
Mandy Moore, "Gardenia" [YSI] (from the album Wild Hope)
Tori Amos, "Jackie's Strength" [YSI] (from the compilation Tales Of A Librarian)
Nancy Sinatra, "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" [YSI] (from the soundtrack album Kill Bill Vol. 1)

***Note: Links removed***

Save to del.icio.us!

Mixed & Mashed 12: Róisín Remixed

If you've ever set eyes on this blog before, you're probably well aware of my fascination with Róisín Murphy. Her cutting-edge Overpowered album won't be leaving my playlists for a very long time, nor will the many excellent remixes of her tracks that have come out over the years. Moloko, the electronic duo she got her start in, was often times at their best when remixed by others, most notably with the international smash hit remix of "Sing It Back" by Boris Dlugosch. While few of her mixes dwarf the originals in the same way, Róisín's single releases are never lacking in amazing reworkings. As previewed earlier, here are two brand-new remixes of her upcoming single "You Know Me Better," neither of which will feature on the CD formats. Also check out four classic Róisín remixes below, including a summery dance mix of her debut single "If We're In Love" and the banging mixes of "Overpowered" and "Cry Baby" by Hervé and Paul Oakenfold, respectively. You'll have no excuse to be sitting down for these.

The new single:
Róisín Murphy, "You Know Me Better" (Trevor Loveys Remix) [YSI]
Róisín Murphy, "You Know Me Better" (Nightmoves Mix) [YSI]

Classic mixes:
Róisín Murphy, "If We're In Love" (Ashley Beedle Remix) [YSI]
Róisín Murphy, "Overpowered" (Herve and Roisin in the Secret Garden Mix) [YSI]
Róisín Murphy, "Let Me Know" (Joey Negro Destination Boogie Mix) [YSI]
Róisín Murphy, "Cry Baby" (Oakenfold Mix) [YSI] (previously featured in Mixed & Mashed 03)

***Note: Links removed***

Save to del.icio.us!

Review: The Raveonettes, "Lust Lust Lust"

The Raveonettes are well-known, at least in an underground sense, for their unique brand of retro-chic indie rock. Every element of their image and sound is a nod to a bygone era, as any photo shoot with band members Sharin Foo and Sune Rose Wagner will show. Their debut EP Whip It On and first full album Chain Gang of Love were crafted with self-imposed key restrictions (B-flat minor and major, respectively) and a rule of songs not running over three minutes. Their sound, relying heavily on noise, distortion and multiple layers of guitar, recalled rock instrumentation of the 50s and 60s, and quickly caught on thanks to catchy tunes like "That Great Love Sound" and "Heartbreak Stroll." While Pretty In Black continued their kitsch factor and broadened their sound, it didn't really bring them into the mainstream as it should have. As a result, they stepped back and reevaluated their sound, returning last year with the career-defining Lust Lust Lust.

On first listen, Lust Lust Lust is not a particularly outstanding record. The songs seem to run into each other and few standouts linger in the listener's mind. Given another chance, and with the volume turned up, the album really begins to unfold, though. The duo have this time thrown out any superficial restrictions, instead focusing on the singular theme of lust and its utter destruction of love. The distortion level has been maximized, so the songs are best heard as close to full volume as possible, allowing the layers of sound to blend and resonate. From the opening beats of "Aly, Walk With Me" it's clear that Lust Lust Lust will stick with you. "Hallucinations" picks up where the haunting opener left off, with riffs as catchy as any of Foo or Wagner's vocals. Song for song, the entire first side (of the vinyl, which is what I've been listening to the album on) is flawless. "Dead Sound," the first single, is as alive as anything they or many of their contemporaries have recorded. "Blush" and "Lust" take the arresting wall-of-sound guitars and couple them with heartbreaking lyrics about the negative power of desire. On side two, things change tone with the upbeat "You Want The Candy," the excellent second single released from the record. "My Heartbeat's Dying" and "The Beat Dies" help end the album on a reflective and slightly melancholy note. As soon as it's through playing, you'll want to hear it again and again. While Lust Lust Lust may not immediately grab you, with a bit of time you won't be able to get enough. This will be on my playlist for quite some time! The US release was just released last week, while the UK and Europe have already had the album for three months. To sweeten the deal, the US issue includes bonus tracks "My Heartbeat's Dying" and "Honey, I Never Had You." It's pretty frustrating, though, for those of us who already bought the album as a pricey import (whatever, my vinyl copy came with super-awesome 3D glasses, so top that!).

The Raveonettes, "Hallucinations" [YSI]
The Raveonettes, "Blush" [YSI]
The Raveonettes, "You Want The Candy" [YSI]

***Note: Links removed***

Save to del.icio.us!

Pedestal 05: M83

M83, the name of a distant galaxy, is a fitting moniker for Anthony Gonzalez's acclaimed electronica band. Coming out of France at the beginning of the decade, Gonzalez and former bandmate Nicolas Fromageau began crafting music combining elements of ambient electronica, synth pop and shoegazing alternative rock that drew comparisons to Mogwai and My Bloody Valentine. Their European-released self-titled debut put all their influences out on the table, but their sound wasn't fully developed until the majestic Dead Cities, Red Seas and Lost Ghosts in 2003 (which I highly recommend getting, even if you're not so into electronic music). It combined loud, overbearing electronic washes with hushed overlaid vocals, ranging in tone from sprawling, ambient chillout to frantic, highly-charged crescendos, as in the still-unmatched "Run Into Flowers" and "America." Fromageau left the partnership after that album, but Gonzalez continued and released Before the Dawn Heals Us in early 2005. Enhanced with more vocals, guitars and organic instrumentation, it stayed true to the core M83 sound, with standouts like singles "Don't Save Us From The Flames" and "Teen Angst" holding up well alongside frenzied cuts like "*" and the reflective "A Guitar And A Heart." I had the chance to catch M83 live after the album's release, and it was truly a mindblowing experience. The wall-of-sound approach translated into a spectacular live show, with more emotion than I've probably ever seen in the electronica genre. Last year, M83 released the digital-exclusive ambient side project Digital Shades, Vol. 1 as a precursor to the fourth proper M83 album. Slated for release this April, Saturdays=Youth is produced by Ken Thomas (of Sigur Rós and Suede fame) and Ewan Pearson (the famous dance producer noted for his work with Goldfrapp, Ladytron and The Rapture). Said to focus more on tight song structures, and with a truly tantalizing slate of collaborators (not to mention brilliant promo artwork), it's a record I'm already anxiously looking forward to. Look out for a US tour in May (I'll definitely be in attendance), and in the meantime fill yourself in with selections from M83's albums below. Also notable is the remix work he's done for Goldfrapp, Placebo and others (including an excellent mix of Depeche Mode's "Suffer Well" that I unfortunately don't have in MP3 form).

M83, "Sitting" [YSI] (from the album M83)
M83, "Run Into Flowers" [YSI] (from the album Dead Cities, Red Seas and Lost Ghosts)
M83, "America" [YSI] (from the album Dead Cities, Red Seas and Lost Ghosts)
M83, "Don't Save Us From The Flames" [YSI] (from the album Before the Dawn Heals Us)
M83, "Coloring The Void" [YSI] (from the album Digital Shades, Vol. 1)
M83, "Couleurs" [YSI] (from the forthcoming album Saturdays=Youth)

Remixes:
Goldfrapp, "Black Cherry" (M83 Remix) [YSI] (previously featured in Mixed & Mashed 08)
Placebo, "Protege Moi" (M83 Remix) [YSI]

Check out M83's website for updates and more info.

***Note: Links removed***

Save to del.icio.us!

Open Your Box 13: Classical Musings

Although it would be difficult to guess based on this blog, I've actually been playing the cello for most of my life. It seems like No Doubt and The Cardigans swayed me towards the pop world right around the time I started playing, and made my sights set on strictly modern music. While my music collection is easily 99% contemporary music, I do have some space on my hard drive for a few of my favorite classical pieces, some of which I grew to love by playing and eventually memorizing. Of these, Faure's "Elegie" and Camille Saint-Saens' "The Swan" are my favorite slow songs for the cello, while Boccherini's cello concerto and Squire's "Tarantella" are among my picks for best fast piece. Alongside those, Bach's solo cello suites have always been an obvious pick, the popular prelude to the first suite being my favorite. Here are the ones I had recordings of below, alongside some great classical works not made for the cello. Debussy's well-known "Clair de Lune" for piano is essential, as is George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue." As a bonus, check out the uplifting orchestral version of The Beatles' "Hey Jude" featured in the beginning of The Royal Tenenbaums. For those of you who aren't that into classical music, start with The Beatles' cover, then ease into "Clair de Lune" and Gershwin for an introduction that would appeal to almost anyone.

Yo-Yo Ma, "Cello Suite #1 in G - Prelude" (Bach) [YSI] (from the album Classic Yo-Yo)
Yo-Yo Ma with Phillipe Entrement and Gaby Casadesus, "The Carnival Of The Animals - The Swan" (Saint-Saens) [YSI] (from the album Portrait of Yo-Yo Ma)
Alexis Weissenberg, "Suite Bergamasque: 3. Clair De Lune" (Debussy) [YSI] (from the soundtrack album The Darjeeling Limited)
George Gershwin, "Rhapsody In Blue" [YSI] (from the soundtrack album Fantasia 2000)

Bonus:
Mutato Muzika Orchestra, "Hey Jude" (The Beatles Cover) [YSI] (from the soundtrack album The Royal Tenenbaums)

***Note: Links removed***

Save to del.icio.us!

Classics 17: California Dreaming

With weather like we've had in Berkeley lately, it's hard to imagine living anywhere but California. The (kind of) perpetually clear, sunny skies can spoil even passing visitors, so it's pretty clear why California is known worldwide as a land of possibility and good fortune. In music, this has inspired countless works on every subject, with a common theme of the "Golden State." It formed the basis of The Thrills' excellent debut record, So Much For The City, with each song in some way devoted to dreams of West Coast glory. Madonna (like many before and after her) considers the darker side of the American dream, epitomized by the excesses of Hollywood in her single named after the town (presented here in the Thin White Duke remix she performed at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards). The short-lived teen sensation The O.C. made Phantom Planet's "California" a well-known theme tune pretty much everywhere, and it sums up the feeling of freedom and new chances that many associate with this side of the States. Since you're likely very sick of the original edition (featured here for latecomers), I've supplemented it with a live version performed with the hottest producer of the moment, Mark Ronson.

EDIT: I couldn't find the Mark Ronson live version online anywhere, and the "Valerie" single it's on isn't in the US iTunes store, so... it's actually not featured. If anyone has the track and would like to email it to me, I'll update the post to include it.

The Thrills, "Santa Cruz (You're Not That Far)" [YSI] (from the album So Much For The City)
Madonna, "Hollywood" (Jacques Lu Cont's Thin White Duck Mix Edit) [YSI] (original version on the album American Life)
Phantom Planet, "California" [YSI] (from the album The Guest)

***Note: Links removed***

Save to del.icio.us!

Dear Ibiza 10: Cheesy Euro-dance!

Looking at the UK singles chart for the past month, I began to get a bit irritated by the ridiculously long run at the top of Basshunter's "Now You're Gone." I had thought the days of Euro-dance clogging up the charts were long gone, but, as I always love a good beat, I decided to finally check it out. After one listen, I was hooked. Turns out the track, which had already been a huge European hit long before its UK launch, has a catchy melody rivaling many established Euro-dance favorites. Here it is below, along with some very guilty pleasures in the shape of some old-school dance hits, including the foreign-language favorite "Dragostea Din Tei." Also featured are Hi_Tack's Michael Jackson-sampling "Say Say Say (Waiting 4 U)," rising star September's single "Looking For Love" and Infernal's huge European hit "From Paris To Berlin" (taken from an older post that has long since expired). If it makes you feel any better, you can blame their presence on your iPod on me (because I know they will end up there in heavy rotation!).

Basshunter, "Now You're Gone" (Radio Edit) [YSI]
O-Zone, "Dragostea Din Tei" [YSI]
Hi_Tack, "Say Say Say (Waiting 4 U)" (Radio Edit) [YSI]
September, "Looking For Love" [YSI] (from the forthcoming US-exclusive album September)
Infernal, "From Paris To Berlin" [YSI]

***Note: Links removed***

Save to del.icio.us!

Preview: "You Know Me Better"

Róisín Murphy can really do no wrong. Her first solo album Ruby Blue was an excellent, eccentric record surpassed only by her dance-centric sophomore disc Overpowered, which topped my favorites of 2007 and is still in heavy rotation on my iPod. The album's finest track, the addictive "You Know Me Better," is at last getting a single release on March 31, featuring (more!!!) new b-sides and remixes by Andy Cato, Samim, Trevor Lovely, Guy Williams and Toddla T. The video is not out yet, but, par for the course, the avant-garde single cover is out and confounds all expectations with its strangeness. Check out the Best of 2007 posts (for albums and singles) and other posts featuring Róisín to catch up, and follow the links below to hear the first official mixes of the song.

Link: Róisín Murphy, "You Know Me Better" (Guy's Stronger&Stronger Mix)
Link: Róisín Murphy, "You Know Me Better" (Toddla T Mix)

Save to del.icio.us!

Review: New Records Round-up

Released a few weeks ago, Chan Marshall's (aka Cat Power's) Jukebox is her second collection of covers. Unlike its predecessor, 2000's The Covers Record, Jukebox is a full-bodied set of songs, backed by her touring band The Dirty Delta Blues. Her previous versions stripped back the originals to bare, raw sketches that allowed her voice and emotion to overtake the source material. Here, Marshall's sound is refined and fleshed out, but at times she fails to take full control of the compositions. Of course, she's come a long way since her first cover project, releasing You Are Free and the amazing The Greatest in the interim. Her takes on "Ramblin' (Wo)Man" and "Silver Stallion" bear the marks of the artistic growth she's undergone with her past two records, while others like the stylish "New York" merely display her newfound skill as a blues frontwoman without really going anywhere. After an excellent start, the record gets a bit lackluster around the middle, before picking up again with the decent Dylan cover "I Believe In You" and a heartfelt closing trio. While not her best album by any means (for that look to her last two), it is a worthwhile listen even for modest Cat Power fans. That said, the deluxe edition is a must-buy, as the five songs on the included bonus disc rival and at times surpass the main album's covers. Her version of "I Feel" is interesting, while her re-recording of past cover version "Naked, If I Want To" is pure fun. "Angelitos Negros," a nearly eight-minute Spanish cover, is beautiful, as is her cover of Nick Cave's "Breathless," making this reviewer wonder why they weren't on the proper album in place of some of the less exciting versions included there.

Note: Links to Cat Power have been removed by request. To listen to tracks from Jukebox, check out Cat Power on Hype Machine. Buy the new record from Matador Records here.

Vampire Weekend seem to be the darlings of just about every blog on the face of the earth right now. Luckily, I hadn't gotten caught up in the hype at all, and didn't hear them until this past weekend while browsing Virgin. Based on maybe a minute at the listening station, I made an impulse buy and definitely do not regret it! Their self-titled debut album is a refreshing, unique slice of indie rock with a broad appeal and easily personalized lyrics. Though a bit repetitive on some of the tracks, the record's brevity and crisp rhythms work in its favor. "Mansard Roof" gets things off to a catchy start, nicely followed by the snarky "Oxford Comma." From there on, it's hard to pinpoint favorites, as it becomes extremely difficult to not listen to the entire thing through (which is far from a bad thing). "Campus" sticks out as a perfect anthem for those caught somewhere in between their carefree youth and impending adult responsibility. "I Stand Corrected" is the album's thoughtful midtempo ballad, and fits any disappointing situation like a glove. Alongside the jaunty "Walcott," it creates yet another near-perfect moment in an album full of pleasant surprises. This is a record that needs to be heard, and needs to be heard in its entirety for full effect. All the pre-release hype was right, so get listening now!

Vampire Weekend, "I Stand Corrected" [YSI] (from the album Vampire Weekend)
Vampire Weekend, "Walcott" [YSI] (from the album Vampire Weekend)

Also culled from my trip to Virgin was Hot Chip's new record, released just last week. Their third proper album, Made In The Dark is a bit of a mixed bag. In an effort to progress their sound, Hot Chip expand on all of their varied influences at once, making for a record that jumps from upbeat electro numbers to downbeat r&b grooves without much transition. Upon first listen, this unfocused tendency makes for an underwhelming listen. Repeated listens, however, reveal the individual tracks to be up there with Hot Chip's best, like "Hold On"'s twisted beats and tongue-in-cheek lyrics ("I'm only going to heaven if it feels like hell / I'm only going to heaven if it tastes like caramel") and the glitchy breakdowns of "Bendable Poseable" and "Don't Dance." The ballads prove a bit jarring, but with time "We're Looking For A Lot Of Love" manages to stand out, even if the others don't. Made In The Dark ends up being one of those records that is somehow less than the sum of its parts, but contains enough amazing tracks to vouch for the increasing greatness of Hot Chip.

Hot Chip, "Touch Too Much" [YSI] (from the album Made In The Dark)
Hot Chip, "Hold On" [YSI] (from the album Made In The Dark)

***Note: Links removed***

Save to del.icio.us!

Hits 16: I Can't Speak French, So...

Girls Aloud just keep on going and going! Now on their fourth album (the effortlessly cool Tangled Up), they have defied the odds and actually crafted a successful career out of their reality show beginnings. Their latest single, the catchy "Can't Speak French," isn't likely to win any songwriting awards in the near future, but makes up for its childish lyrics with a solid tune and the girls' consistent charm factor. The saucy video involves the quintet crashing a regal dinner party and seducing the guests, and if nothing else matches the song pretty well. Check out the updated radio edit below. The single release is also slated to feature b-sides "Hoxton Heroes," which takes aim at the indie snobs of the Hoxton neighborhood, and a Live Lounge cover of Robyn's "With Every Heartbeat," which may just find its way onto this site in the near future if you keep a close lookout.

Girls Aloud, "Can't Speak French" (from the album Tangled Up)

Download: Girls Aloud, "Can't Speak French" (Jeremy Wheatley Radio Edit) [YSI] (original version on the album Tangled Up)

***Note: Links removed***

Save to del.icio.us!

Classics 16: Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is upon us, and yet again we're forced to evaluate our love lives (or lack thereof). There are two sides to every story, of course, and not everyone will be happily parading around celebrating their good fortune in finding a valentine. To cover all bases, here are a few more optimistic tracks looking at the bright side of future opportunities, followed by some songs of sorrow and bitterness. The first portion of the playlist features some classic pop from Mandy Moore and Natalie Imbruglia alongside the classic Beatles love song ("All You Need Is Love"), followed up with some less bright jams by the likes of Garbage and Fiona Apple, among others. To top it off, I've thrown in some random tracks to get down (including Donna Summer and Outkast). Whatever your mood ends up being on February 14, hopefully you can at least find the right soundtrack! These 14 songs (see what I did there?) should give you a head start.

For The Hopeful:
Mandy Moore, "Crush" [YSI] (from Mandy Moore)
Natalie Imbruglia, "Starting Today" [YSI] (from Counting Down The Days)
Sixpence None The Richer, "Kiss Me" [YSI] (from Sixpence None The Richer)
The Beatles, "All You Need Is Love" [YSI] (from 1)
Björk, "Big Time Sensuality" [YSI] (from Debut)

For The Bitter:
Garbage, "Nobody Loves You" [YSI] (from Beautifulgarbage)
Fiona Apple, "Get Him Back" [YSI] (from Extraordinary Machine)
Madonna, "Take A Bow" [YSI] (from Bedtime Stories)
Manic Street Preachers, "You Stole The Sun From My Heart" [YSI] (from Forever Delayed)

Let's Get Down:
Outkast, "Happy Valentine's Day" [YSI] (from The Love Below)
Jennifer Lopez, "Waiting For Tonight" [YSI] (from On The 6)
Donna Summer, "I Feel Love" [YSI] (from The Journey)
Goldfrapp, "Strict Machine" (Single Mix) [YSI] (from Black Cherry)
Justin Timberlake, "Rock Your Body" [YSI] (from Justified)

***Note: Links removed***

Save to del.icio.us!

Classics 15: Love For Sale

Whether by a lapse of judgment or a moment of charitable sentiment, I've agreed to be auctioned off in a Valentine's Day date auction to benefit charity. Although the event is tonight, I still haven't decided how I really feel about the "date-for-sale" concept on the whole. Regardless, I'll be on the block, so if you happen to be in Berkeley, definitely stop by (it's at 7:30 in Naia Lounge). As with any event or mood, there's a playlist to accompany the occasion. Ella Fitzgerald's take on Cole Porter standard "Love For Sale" is a standout of her songbook projects. The Cardigans' vocalist Nina Persson addresses the issue in "I Can Buy You" (under her solo moniker of A Camp). Last, some throwback J. Lo with the obvious "Love Don't Cost A Thing." Any takers?

Ella Fitzgerald, "Love For Sale" [YSI] (from the compilation The Best of the Song Books)
A Camp, "I Can Buy You" [YSI] (from the album A Camp)
Jennifer Lopez, "Love Don't Cost A Thing" [YSI] (from the album J. Lo)

***Note: Links removed***

Save to del.icio.us!

Hits 15

In the latest round-up of potential hit singles, there are tracks from two brand-new acts. First up is Wynter Gordon, who sounds like a cross between Rihanna and Leona Lewis, with a bit of the Sugababes' sass thrown in. Popjustice has summed it up nicely as "Umbrella" + "The Way I Are" + "Maneater" = "Surveillance." Luckily, though, it is able to stand on its own two feet as a catchy pop song. Sam Sparro's debut "Black & Gold" is also quite instant and strongly reminiscent of Goldfrapp's Black Cherry in a very good way. After a mostly-ignored EP release last year, the track got him a deal with Island and is being fully released in March. Following the buzz acts are R.E.M., who are back with a new album Accelerate featuring first single "Supernatural Superserious." Although not among their most memorable songs, it does have the effect of recalling past glories (which may work for or against the song, depending on your perspective). Look for new records from all these featured acts in the coming months. Also, keep on the lookout for rumored new music by Annie (of "Heartbeat" grandeur) and Khia (the woman who unleashed "My Neck, My Back" on the world).

Wynter Gordon, "Surveillance" [YSI]
Sam Sparro, "Black & Gold" [YSI]
R.E.M., "Supernatural Superserious" [YSI] (from the forthcoming album Accelerate)

***Note: Links removed***

Save to del.icio.us!