Monster Mix

If you've seen Cloverfield, then you probably were enjoying most of the music that was playing at the beginning during Rob's farewell party. And, if like me, you not only wanted to know which songs were played but you wanted them, then head on over to Hypeful for a full track list and individual downloads.

I Like You A Little At Best

For those eagerly awaiting the February 19, 2008 release of Hold On Now, Youngster, I've got good news for you. For me, it's lived up to the hype. It's fun, intelligent electro-pop that makes you want to get up and dance. You can't help but get in a good mood when listening to it. It is difficult to say for sure with so many great albums coming out already this year, but it's likely this one will rank high on my list of favourite albums. To get you even more pumped, here's one of my fav tracks from the album, it's called ...And We Exhale And Roll Our Eyes In Unison.




Head over to MySpace for additional songs and tour info (nothing yet for the US market). Buy albums and/or songs via iTunes:

US

UK

Where There's Wooden Saints For Sale

Marah is a Brooklyn-based rock band whose latest album, Angels Of Destruction, was just released earlier this month. Unfortunately, the group has since lost three members due to falling out over tour plans. As a result, their stateside tour has been canceled. Despite their recent hardships, the album is receiving lots of critical acclaim. It's been on steady rotation on my iTunes for two months now, so I definitely recommend you at least check it out. The song below is Santos De Madera.






For more information and songs, visit them over on MySpace. Buy the album on iTunes via the link(s) below:

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UK

If I Find Her

Soko is a French singer who is currently working on her debut album. In the track below, I'll Kill Her, she talks about a relationship that fell apart because of another woman. The title pretty much lays it out there. It's a, dare I say, cute song and it makes me curious to hear what else she has up her sleeves.




For more about this artist, check her out over on MySpace.

Ain't Artsier Than Me

Earlier in the week I posted about how Kanye West and Aesop Rock are the only two hip-hop artists that I really like nowadays. However, two artists, Wale (who I reported about a few days ago) and edIT, are gaining momentum in that department. Okay, technically edIT doesn't actually rap, he brings in others to do that. Despite that, I'm kind of enjoying the following track, Artsy Remix, which features rapper The Grouch. It's from the album, Certified Air Raid Material.




Head over to MySpace for additional songs and tour dates. To buy the album head over to iTunes via the link below:

US only

Life Is Sweet

The other day I retrieved the mail and found two copies of Entertainment Weekly. My roommate has subscriptions to countless magazines, including EW, so I initially thought there was just a slip-up and he received a duplicate copy. Then I saw my name at the bottom. I had a subscription, but it expired over a year ago. Since then they have been sending offer after offer begging me to come back.

So how did I get signed up for another year-long subscription? I certainly didn't sign up for it (since my roommate has one already) and I haven't been charged anything. Nobody has let me know that they purchased the subscription for me. Am I to assume that EW decided that the lowest they could go on price for renewing my subscription would be to give it to me for free?

Has anything like this happened to any of you?

Lay Your Eyes On Me

Ida Maria is a fresh import from Sweden, a country that appears to be celebrating a renewed pop renaissance thanks to the likes of Peter Bjorn And John and Lykke Li. Where Peter leans more pop and Lykke more electronic, Ida incorporates a little rock edge to her work. The track I'm currently in love with is Queen Of The World, a ultra-catchy, ultra-fun pop song that'll leave you pressing repeat. Listen to the track below...





Visit her on MySpace for more songs, tour dates and info on buying her songs (as well as a free download).

Hold My Hand While You Cut Me Down

I've been reluctant to post about Adele since it seems just about everyone else already has. Assuming you haven't already heard of her, she's a singer-songwriter that ranked first in the recent Sound Of 2008 poll conducted by industry experts for BBC 6. She's also been heavily compared to Amy Winehouse, but, in my opinion after listening to her debut album 19, I'm definitely confused by those comparisons. Granted, she has a raspy voice, but she sounds more like Kate Nash (with a hint of Winehouse, maybe). I just think that the comparisons to Winehouse can only hurt her. I personally went into the album expecting something completely different, so it was kind of a let down. I guess if you had to compare her to Winehouse, you could say she's scaled back, drama-free Winehouse-lite. I'm not trying to discount the album, because it's definitely solid. There are a lot of great songs, including Tired (which I can't seem to get enough of right now), which you can listen to below. Just warning you so you don't go in expecting something as brilliant as Back To Black




Head on over to MySpace for more tunes and tour dates. Buy her album and/or single(s) via the iTunes link below:

UK only

US residents can buy the import via Amazon.com.

Away From Me Lover

Tearjerker

When American Dad debuted a few years ago on FOX, I thought it was just okay. The only thing the show had going for it was Roger, the sarcastic, back-talking, cross-dressing and bi-sexual fugitive alien that the family is harbouring. Of course, three seasons in, he still remains the prime draw; however, the series has, in my opinion, taken off thanks to smart writing and delivery.

For those who haven't seen the show or just don't know much about it, here is the premise: Stan is a CIA Operative and a stout Republican who gets carried away making sure that his extreme points of view are followed by the family, friends and neighbours. Keeping him in check are his ditzy wife Francine, his liberal and rebellious daughter Hayley and their dorky son Steve. Of course, the aforementioned Roger is there to wreck even more havoc.

Below is one of the latest episodes and is a parody of James Bond.

Short But Sweet

The Shortlist has taken a cut. The number of finalists vying for the prize has now been narrowed to ten: Arcade Fire, Burial, Feist (pictured), Justice, LCD Soundsystem, M.I.A., Spoon, Stars, Wilco, Working For A Nuclear Free City.

Personally, I'm rooting for either Feist or Spoon, but I have a feeling neither will snag it.

Carving Up The Wall

London-based electro-pop band Hot Chip have shifted into a more mainstream-friendly sound. Their latest offering, Made For The Dark, is due in stores early next month, and, if what I've heard is any indication, it's going to be, err, HOT! Their prepping us ahead of time with the gorgeous dance song Ready For The Floor. Listen below...




Visit their MySpace page for additional tunes and tour dates. Buy their stuff over on iTunes:

US

UK

One To Watch

There aren't too many artists today that are producing intelligent hip-hop (aside from Kanye West and Aesop Rock, that is), so it's always refreshing when someone fresh emerges. Such is the case with much buzzed about D.C.-based rapper Wale. This track isn't new (it was offered up as a free download on iTunes back in November), but it's certainly hot. It also proves this guy has potential to break out big. Then again, anyone who has support from Mark Ronson has to be good...right? Judge for yourself.




For more songs and tour dates, check him out on MySpace. Buy the single at iTunes via the link(s) below:

US

UK

Every Inch Of You

She's had a career that rivals Madonna practically everywhere but in the United States (where she's known only for Locomotion and Can't Get You Out Of My Head), but hopefully Kylie Minogue will be able to find some success here with her latest effort, X. She got off to a rocky start with her first single, 2 Hearts, which received a lukewarm response in the UK, but she's poised for a rebound with her latest offering, Wow. Here's hoping a US record label will take notice and get her released here for all her stateside gays.




For additional songs and tour info (it starts up in May), visit her page on MySpace. Purchase songs on iTunes via the links below:

US

UK

Ground Beneath

If you haven't heard of Vampire Weekend yet, well, consider this your introduction. Hailing from my soon-to-be-home city of NYC, this indie band has been receiving majour buzz in the blogosphere over the past few months. All building up to the release of their eagerly anticipated self-titled debut album due for release this Tuesday. It's a fantastic album that I fully endorse.

Recently, the band stopped by Paris to film a Take-Away Show for la Blogotheque. I love these shows since they typically bring the music to the streets. As for Vampire Weekend, they took to a van, performing as they crossed town. The song, Mansard Roof, is well suited for this platform as the city seems to move along to it.

For additional songs and tour dates visit their MySpace page. Stop by Target between January 29 and February 4, 2008, and pick up the album for just $8.99. The site shows it's $10.99, so it may be an in-store promotion.

Come Out Loud

Brooke Waggoner is a folk singer-songwriter who is steadily gaining buzz, thanks in part to offering up her EP Fresh Pair Of Eyes for free on her site. No, you didn't read that wrong. A guilt-free (i.e. - LEGAL) download. As if that isn't tempting enough, give a listen to the beautiful track Hush If You Must









Now head over HERE and download the EP.

Keep Playing Me

Late last year a promising duo came roaring out of the UK with the deliciously addictive song That's Not My Name. While they haven't necessarily taken it a notch higher, they certainly haven't backed it up with their latest track to leak - Fruit Machine. Admittedly, I didn't think I would like it after the first listen, but I was hooked by the second go round.

So just who are The Ting Tings? They're a UK duo whose sound is kind of like Yeah Yeah Yeahs (only a little more pop). The newly signed (to Columbia) twosome are poised to be one of the breakout artists of the year. Don't believe me? Take a listen to Fruit Machine below.




Want more? Check 'em out over on MySpace for additional songs and tour info.

Who's That Girl?

Nearly three years AFTER it's initial release, Robyn's self-titled (and originally self-released) album is still a force to be reckoned with. They are finally testing the waters stateside by releasing the Rakamonie EP this Tuesday. It contains five brilliant tracks that I would call the best off the album...if only it weren't one of those rare albums where all the tracks are equally brilliant. This is the only album that has made my yearly Best Albums list more than once (in 2005 and 2007, and most likely 2008, as well).

Below is the ballad version of the original first single (third in the UK rollout)




It's unfortunate that I will be missing her performances here in the states. If only I could move to NYC sooner. I'm sure I'll get to see her one day. Check her out on MySpace and check out more from her on iTunes:

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UK

Safe & Sound

The Eels is an essentially one-man-band and hails from America. It appears I'm now on a kick with American artists. Anyway, I haven't listened to this group since their album Beautiful Freak, which came out over a decade ago. A close friend had turned me on to them and I was instantly in love with it. Hmmm...I think I need to track down my copy now that I think about, it's due a good listen to. I'm getting sidetracked. His new album, Useless Trinkets: B Sides, Soundtracks, Rarities And Unreleased 1996-2007 got released last week and Stereogum offered up the below track for free this week. The track is titled I Want To Protect You.




Like what you hear? Check him out on MySpace for additional music and tour dates. Purchase music over on iTunes:

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UK

Name Dropping

So back in October, I was strolling through SOHO with a friend when we came across Lucy Liu getting prepped for a shoot. At the time, I had forgotten that she was the lead in the new ABC series Cashmere Mafia, but last night I happened to catch the episode they were filming at the time.

Here's my shot:



And from last night's episode:



Yeah, I know it's not really that cool or even remotely impressive, but I'm not usually one to encounter celebrities of any kind.

Dress Up In You

I never managed to get into M.I.A. last year, despite everyone raving about her single Jimmy. I'm not opposed to it, it just wasn't for me. However, I'm quite fond of this cover by my favourite band, Of Montreal, though. Give it a listen to below:









Props to Pitchfork for providing the tune. Check out the band over on MySpace and iTunes:

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UK

Coming After You

Lately I've been focusing mostly on artists from across the pond, so I've decided to highlight an American artist every now and then, too. Based out of Seattle, Barton Carroll is a folk-rock artist whose latest album The Lost One was released this week. Since I've spent the morning looking at available apartments in the Brooklyn area (shhh!! don't tell my boss), I felt it was only appropriate to post his single Brooklyn Girl, You're Going To Be My Bride. It's a fun track that I hope represents the album well (I haven't had a chance to pick it up just yet).





Like what you hear? Check him out over on MySpace for more songs and tour information. Download the album via iTunes by clicking on the link below:

US


UK

It Feels Like

Jape is an Irish indie artist. His latest album, The Monkeys In The Zoo Have More Fun Than Me, is available HERE. Check out first single Floating below:




Check him out on MySpace and on iTunes:

Go Along With

Swedish band Peter Bjorn And John originally released their single Young Folks (which features vocals by Victoria Bergsman) all the way back in 2006. It was re-released in September of last year and even named iTunes' 2007 song of the year. And yet, somehow, it completely flew under my radar. I know I'm jumping on the bandwagon late, but I just caught on to it and it's a fantastic song with a retro-yet-modern vibe. Once again, it's best to leave pop in the hands of the Swedish...they obviously know what they are doing.




Like what you hear? Check them out on MySpace or iTunes:

The Truth Lies

Here is the video for Feist's new single, I Feel It All

Too Long

Over the past several weeks, this blog has drifted off into music/entertainment only. I've neglected to put a more personal touch for most of the year because I simply haven't felt like it. There hasn't really been much going on in my life, so I haven't felt that there is anything to report. I'm not in a state of unhappiness. Far from it. I'm just growing accustomed to living the frugal life. This means spending most of my days at home listening to music, watching movies and catching up on television shows.

I may also be getting a second job, which will mean less of a social life than I have now. Which I'm not complaining about, as I could really use the extra money to put toward a much needed new wardrobe. I should hopefully find out about the part-time job this upcoming Monday.

My plans for moving to NYC are still a go. In fact, if I'm able to continue saving as much as I am (and I get a bonus at work), I will be able to meet my target move date of May 1, 2008. Of course, all that's really left now is to find a place to move to.

Terrorizing The Playground

Cara Beth Satalino is a singer-songwriter based out of Athens, GA. See, I do like American artists! Not to discount her at all (because I love what I've heard so far), but she could easily be classified as another Grey's Girl in the vain of Feist, Regina Spektor and Ingrid Michaelson. If you find that genre growing stale, then steer clear. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy the track Life Is Sweet.





Here album, Crowded Mouth, is available HERE. Also, check her out on MySpace.

Put Your Records On

Sebastian Tellier is a pop-electronica artist that hails from Paris. France, not Texas. His new album, Sexual Sportswear, is due out soon. Check out the track, Divine, which is pretty, well, divine.









Check him out on MySpace or via iTunes:

And The Nominees Are...

The Oscars were announced earlier this morning. Leading the pack with eight nominations each were No Country For Old Men (my personal favourite) and There Will Be Blood (which I hope to finally see this weekend). Good luck to new front-runner for best picture, Juno (proving once again to be this year's 'Little Miss Sunshine'). Also, here's hoping that Cate Blanchett's two nominations (in two different categories) don't end up canceling her out altogether, as she truly is the most gifted actress to come along since Meryl Streep.



Best Picture
Atonement
Juno
Michael Clayton
No Country For Old Men
There Will Be Blood

Actor—Leading
George Clooney, Michael Clayton
Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood
Johnny Depp, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
Tommy Lee Jones, In The Valley Of Elah
Viggo Mortensen, Eastern Promises

Actor—Supporting
Casey Affleck, The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford
Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Charlie Wilson’s War
Hal Holbrook, Into The Wild
Tom Wilkinson, Michael Clayton

Actress—Leading
Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Julie Christie, Away From Her
Marion Cotillard, La Vie en Rose
Laura Linney, The Savages
Ellen Page, Juno

Actress—Supporting
Cate Blanchett, I’m Not There
Ruby Dee, American Gangster
Saoirse Ronan, Atonement
Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone
Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton

Animated Feature
Persepolis
Ratatouille
Surf’s Up

Directing
The Diving Bell And The Butterfly
Juno
Michael Clayton
No Country For Old Men
There Will Be Blood

Documentary Feature
No End In Sight
Operation Homecoming:
Writing The Wartime Experience
Sicko
Taxi To The Dark Side
War/Dance

Foreign Language Film
Beaufort
The Counterfeiters
Katyń
Mongol
12

Cinematography
The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford Atonement
The Diving Bell And The Butterfly
No Country For Old Men
There Will Be Blood

Costume Design
Across The Universe
Atonement
Elizabeth: The Golden Age
La Vie En Rose
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street

Original Score
Atonement
The Kite Runner
Michael Clayton
Ratatouille
3:10 To Yuma

Original Song
"Falling Slowly" - Once
"Happy Working Song" - Enchanted
"Raise It Up" August Rush
"So Close" - Enchanted
"That’s How You Know" - Enchanted

Documentary Short
Freeheld
La Corona (The Crown)
Salim Baba
Sari’s Mother

Art Direction
American Gangster
Atonement
The Golden Compass
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
There Will Be Blood

Makeup
La Vie En Rose
Norbit
Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End

Film Editing
The Bourne Ultimatum
The Diving Bell And The Butterfly
Into the Wild
No Country For Old Men
There Will Be Blood

Visual Effects
The Golden Compass
Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End
Transformers

Sound Editing
The Bourne Ultimatum
No Country For Old Men
Ratatouille
There Will Be Blood
Transformers

Screenplay—Adapted
Atonement
Away From Her
The Diving Bell And The Butterfly
No Country For Old Men
There Will Be Blood

Screenplay—Original
Juno
Lars And The Real Girl
Michael Clayton
Ratatouille
The Savages

Sound Mixing
The Bourne Ultimatum
No Country For Old Men
Ratatouille
3:10 To Yuma
Transformers

Short Film—Live Action
At Night
Il Supplente (The Substitute)
Le Mozart Des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)
Tanghi Argentini
The Tonto Woman

Short Film—Animated
I Met The Walrus
Madame Tutli-Putli
Même Les Pigeons Vont
Au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go to Heaven)
My Love (Moya Lyubov)
Peter & the Wolf

Lover Please

Laura Marling is a singer-songwriter that hails from England. Her debut album, Alas I Cannot Swim is set to arrive next month and the first single is Ghosts (listen below):













Like what you hear? Check her out on MySpace or iTunes: