I know I've been away from the blog for a while...and I'm actually considering taking a break for a little while longer. Right now it just seems like a chore when I post, and something like this shouldn't. That just tells me that my heart just isn't in it right now. But I've hit a bit of a rough patch here lately, dealing with being a little bit homesick (just missing my friends back in Texas a bit). I expect to be back up and running after my visit back "home" this time next month.
I know that I have been absent for a couple weeks, but here come the excuses! Work has been busier and more draining than usual. My mother was in town for a few days. My laptop is nearing the end of its run and has essentially become a desktop. And my dog at my homework. But now I'm back...somewhat. Unfortunately, I am traveling for work and do not have access to my extensive collection of music; therefore, I am unable to post newer music. As a result, I'll be taking the NBC route and presenting a "it's new to you" song from a band that I've previously posted about here. 
I'm a big fan of free stuff, but an even bigger fan of free music. It is a safe assumption that if you're here, then you probably are, too. Which is why I'm happy to let you in on not only some free tunes, but what I consider to be some really fantastic songs. I'd definitely pay for them if it weren't already available for no charge. Richard Swift creates some gorgeous tunes with only a four-track recorder and a computer. His new EP, Ground Trouble Jar, sounds straight out of the 60s or 70s and feature some beautiful vocals. So head over HERE to download the album if you like the sample below.
So I have three new obsessions that just started this week. The first is, if you know me at all, quite shocking due to my lifelong dislike of fruit. I was roaming the LES over the weekend and felt compelled to try out Liquiteria. As I was studying the menu, one of the guys behind the bar asked if I wanted a sample. It was taken with much hesitancy because the Green Monster (which, contrary to what the name suggests, is not actually green) contains my most hated of all fruits...strawberry (you'll also find blueberries and bananas in there). To my delight, the mixture was sweet and delicious. Now I find myself scurrying over there at least once a day...out of the way (and rather pricey - a little more than $6 for my drink alone) as it may be.
One of my new favourite songs is I Wish I Could Keep You by New Zealand-based duo Little Pictures. It's a cute, pop-y song, plus, it makes me think about someone I know. Their debut album, owl + owl, is out now and may be ordered via Lil' Chief Records.
The musical talent runs in the family, at least in the case of The Barbers. Last month I reported on Matthew Barber, but now it's his sister's turn. Jill Barber has delivered a saccharine sweet album all about love. Where her brother puts a pop twist on folk, she takes a decidedly country route. Dare I say I may just be more impressed with her body of work...enjoy Hard Line, a track from the album For All Time. Now, mind you, this album was actually released in Canada all the way back in 2006, but it's just now finding its way outside of that market. It's a good thing.
Pitchfork has just made me the happiest guy alive! They've debuted the first single, Id Engager, from Of Montreal's upcoming album Skeletal Lamping! This is something that I've been eagerly anticipating since first listening to their previous effort, the amazing Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer, just under two years ago.
Swedish singer-songwriter Kristoffer Ragnstam's new album Wrong Side Of The Room drops August 19th courtesy of Bluhammock Music. If the lead single, Swing That Tambourine, is any indication, this album should be hot.
Normally I wouldn't find the idea of an abusive relationship so fun, especially considering one of my dearest friends was in such a bind at one time; However, Florence And The Machine have made such a delectably catchy song out of a couple that beat each other up that I've been forced to make an exception. And yes, the band has stated that this isn't about domestic violence, but rather about a couple pushing each other to psychological extremes and how relationships can be completely destructive. The lyrics make it a little difficult to believe that, but you decide for yourself. Regardless of what the song is about, it's hard not to want to dance and sing along to it.
Some very sad news today - Estelle Getty has passed away. Best known for her performance as the cranky yet lovable Sophia on a total of three different (but related) sitcoms, the long running Golden Girls and two of its spin-offs, Empty Nest and the short lived Golden Palace. 
Because I promised you yesterday, below are the remainder of the videos I took of Santogold performing at SummerStage in Central Park yesterday. Let me apologize for all the stupid hands. The annoying people who surrounded me insisted on standing if front of me to wave their hands and seemed to follow wherever I pointed my camera.
Must like last week, I found myself back in Central Park for yet another free concert (thanks to SummerStage). Unlike last week, I actually started off in the correct line. The show was fantastic! The headliner was Santogold, but the brilliant DJ Diplo, another DJ and some rappers all performed prior to her storming the stage. Below is the first video from the concert that I've been able to upload (it's a slow process when you're internet connection isn't reliable). I was able to get all but two songs recorded, so there are a few more that I'll be posting. But, for now, below is Santogold performing Creator (UK only)
A couple weeks ago I was listening to some of my favourite songs from a couple years back. This included a few tracks from Red Book, a particularly strong pop album from the Glasgow band Texas. I've been a fan since the nineties, so it got me wondering when they would be putting out a new album since a couple years had passed. I put on checking because I've been particularly lazy as of late. Imagine my delight when, a few days later, I stumbled across a familiar name on a site I visit frequently. It started bugging me, so I looked it up. Turns out it's the lead singer, Sharleen Spiteri, and her solo debut hit stores yesterday. The first single, All The Times I Cried, is indistinguishable from her work with Texas, but that isn't a bad thing by any means. She's knows what her fans like and uses it to make the transition easier. Of course, the rest of the album, Melody, isn't much different either, it just has more of a retro-pop vibe.
Yesterday Summer Stage hosted a concert in Central Park with performers Julieta Venegas, Plastilina Mosh and DJ Bitman. Unfortunately for me (at least at first, Bon Jovi was also performing in the park. No, I didn't want see that band, but I ended up standing in line to see him for two hours because where I entered the line (after walking south five blocks just to get to the end of it) there was no information about who was performing, just that it was for a concert. Thankfully by the time we moved up six blocks there were people standing around directing people to the concert I was there for. Of course, that meant standing in yet another long line when I could have already been in the venue. I was pissed but quickly got over it once the show started up. DJ Bitman got the crowd warmed up. From what I heard yesterday, his style reminded me of the band Avalanche (if they were to add the occasional rap in, that is). 
Bitman was followed by Plastilina Mosh and their mix of dance, rap and rock. They started off very strong and got the crowd dancing and jumping around. They hit a lull toward the latter half of the middle when they started experimenting a little, but then kicked it back into high gear as they wrapped up their set. See video below:
One of my favourite bands, Cold War Kids, is putting on a free show this Friday as part of Celebrate Brooklyn. Other artists performing will be Elvis Perkins In Dearland and Sam Champion. The show will be at the Prospect Park Bandshell and starts at 7:00 p.m. I'll be there and so should you!
