Late to the party

Sometimes I'm wrong about an artist. I'll hear one track by a band and immediately dismiss them without even bothering to listen to anything else. Such a shame...

I first heard of Miike Snow when I was researching all the Lollapalooza artists last year. I have no idea which song I actually listened to, but all I know is that it sounded too poppy for me. And that was the last I heard of Miike Snow.

Until now.

As I was listening to my Whitest Boy Alive station on Pandora a few days ago, Miike Snow kept reappearing. Three songs within a few hours. The first two had me dancing in my chair, but then I heard "Cult Logic" and I knew I had to have that album. My only regret is that I could have been jamming to this stuff for the past year, if only I hadn't been late to the party. Oh well...better late than never.

Miike Snow is not a solo poppy poser like I had assumed. As a matter of fact, it's not one guy...it's three! There's your fun fact for the day, folks.

Anyhow, if you need something upbeat, fun and catchy in your life right now, here you go.



Miike Snow - Cult Logic


Miike Snow - Burial


Miike Snow - Black & Blue

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Foals Friday!

A little over a year ago, I posted a few tracks off of Foals' debut album Antidotes. I became pretty obsessed with them at the time. The album grew on me, more and more each day. And to this day, I blast those sassy tracks when I need a little pick-me-up.

I waited and waited and waited some more for a new album to come out. And my prayers were finally answered this week! The new Foals album, Total Life Forever, was released earlier this week and I haven't stopped playing it yet. It's definitely different than their first album. Less sass, more imaginative. The band members have been cited saying this album is more "tropical prog." And I'd have to agree.

Here's a little sample for your taste buds. These are the opening two tracks of the album. If you like what you hear, I suggest BUYING the album. That's right, I said it. Buy the damn thing!



Foals - Blue Blood


Foals - Miami

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Hello habit, welcome back!

Last night, it occurred to me the exact reason why I have been neglecting my writing. I mean, geez, look to your right and scroll down to my posts in 2009. I posted something almost everyday! Now, I'm lucky if I get in a post a week. I should be ashamed!

Anyhow...back to my original thought. So as I sat in the car and smoked a hitter, I listened to this track by Modest Mouse. My mind wandered to places it hasn't been in quite some time. And I started analyzing the strangest elements of the music. It suddenly occurred to me that I haven't been writing because I haven't been smoking!

That being said, I look forward to sparking up a fatty at SummerFest this Saturday while Modest Mouse hopefully plays this track and others that don't suck. (Please don't play Float On, please don't play Float On!!)

This is exactly the kind of track a stoner can appreciate. It's mellow, it's slightly repetitive, it's got those sinister strings and the lyrics reflect something so sad yet uplifting at the same time.

"So long to this cold, cold part of the world..."

So haunting. It reminds me of the moment you realize you need to say goodbye to a bad habit.

But me? I'm saying, "Welcome back!" to a habit. Otherwise, I'll have nothing more to say ;)



Modest Mouse - The Cold Part

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How you like me now?

Unless you paid close attention to the sixth season finale of Entourage or enjoy watching Kia commercials, that may be the only way you would have heard this track. Otherwise, get ready and enjoy the ride.

The Heavy is an English neo-soul, indie-rock band that has recently become the object of my obsession. I heard "How You Like Me Now?" on the radio the other day and downloaded the entire album immediately. Those funky horns and James Brown-esque vocals sucked me right in. I think I could wake up to this song every day.

And I'm clearly not the only one with this impression. Apparently, after their January 18 performance of "How You Like Me Now?" on The Late Show with David Letterman, Letterman requested they play an encore of the song, which is the first time the host has EVER asked an artist to perform an encore.

So hopefully I have piqued your curiosity a bit and you'll jam to these guys some more.

You can download the full album here.

And if you know anything about me and my obsession with skeletons, you understand why I love this video so much and had to post it.



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I could never be your woman

Certain songs bring people who are otherwise polar opposites together. There are some songs out there that have the power to define an element of a generation. It's a bizarre phenomenon.

I can't think of anyone in my generation who has never heard "Your Woman" by White Town. And I definitely can't think of anyone who dislikes the song. No matter what your musical taste, it's just a catchy tune. It's got that hook, and those lyrics that speak to 1990s youth suffering from unrequited teenage love.

So I recently heard there was a remix of this track floating around. I downloaded it, and it was definitely lacking. I won't even waste internet space on that one. But then I got my hands on this edit, and although it doesn't capture the same emotions as the original, it is still quite catchy.


Wiley - Never Be Your Woman (Herve Re-Work)

And because I think this is a track that needs to be in everyone's music library, here is the original...


White Town - Your Woman

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I'm just a preacher, not a spiritual hoe

Accidental discoveries. They're the best.

I don't think there's anything that makes me feel better than those moments when I stumble randomly across new music. Music that I wouldn't have discovered if I wasn't in that exact place at that exact time.

I rarely listen to the radio. But I did happen to throw on XRT a couple of days ago for just a few minutes, and I heard this band Hockey. I loved their sound and figured the entire album would be worth a download. And I was so...right...on. I am now obsessed.

Today is my birthday, and I think I'm going to celebrate by playing this song on repeat. All day. There's no way I'm going to get sick of it. I know I post a lot of random music on here, music that some of you like and some of you may hate. But I RARELY say that each and every one of you will like something as much as I do. Today is that day, folks. Trust.

Listen. Dance. Celebrate.


Hockey - Work

P.S. I looooove the lyrics: "And I guess there's a lot to learn. Well from a life of very fast days. Yes and I guess there's a lot to learn. All from a life of take-what-you-want-days. Oh, well me, well I just don't know. I'm just a preacher, not a spiritual hoe. Oh well come on, just figure it out with me. Even though I know it's so..."

P.S.S. And because I love house music so much, I had to throw on this remix as well...


Hockey - Learn To Lose (Filthy Dukes Remix)

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Give your eyes my view for a second

I feel so out of the loop. It's been a good five or so years since Zoot Woman has come out with an album. And they finally debut their third album, and I drop the ball. It's been out for months, and I just found out because my pal Tristan gave me a heads up. I've been anxiously waiting, and I snoozed.

Anyhow, this entire album is phenomenal, and I expected nothing less based on their first two albums. I love the way they're able to marry the 80s new wave sound with newer synth-electro beats, without sounding too cheesy. They have a very distinct sound, one that is emotional yet upbeat. Each of their tracks puts me in a very specific state of mind. That's what I love about them. They have a song for each of my feelings.

Here are four of my favorites off their most recent album, Things Are What They Used To Be. My personal favorite is "Saturation." The beat is infectious, and the lyrics are eloquently expressive. I also love the way it starts off soft and slow, then becomes hard-hitting and spirited. As he tells his story, I imagine a man observing this woman, as he falls in love at first sight. Or so he thinks. He becomes infatuated with her presence and will do anything for her, knowing he's not good enough. But he follows her anyway, because unrequited love is much more satisfying than no love at all.



Zoot Woman - Saturation


Zoot Woman - Blue Sea


Zoot Woman - Just A Friend Of Mine


Zoot Woman - We Won't Break

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A phoenix rising

I like to pride myself in the fact that I condemn all things "pop" for their damage to modern society. My friends call me a hater; it is what it is. So I don't normally attend any radio-sponsored concerts and events, but this one is an exception. Well, especially because it's an XRT show—not your typical pop radio.

My cousin Alexa discovered XRT's Holiday Concert is taking place on her birthday, December 11. The Flaming Lips, Phoenix and Pete Yorn will be performing. We're buying our tickets today, but you know I spent all day yesterday previewing tracks by each of these artists.

Phoenix has always been one of my favorites, since the first time I heard "If I Ever Feel Better." That song has the power to pick me up when I'm down every time. As a matter of fact, I played it this morning and it pretty much hit the nail on the head on my current state of mind. It's amazing how a song can do that. Do yourself a favor, and Google the lyrics. You'll thank me.

I have also added a few new favorites to the list, after yesterday's download frenzy. "Love Like A Sunset" is magical. You have to listen to it the whole way through to appreciate it. If you're an impatient type, go ahead and fast forward to the 2:45 mark; if that still doesn't work, go ahead to the 3:45 mark. That's when it drops! Now that's some snarlin' music!

As for the other XRT performers: The Flaming Lips are insanely trippy, and I had no idea I could get this into them. Up until yesterday, I was totally unaware that they have been around since the early '80s. It's definitely the older, grittier sound I like. And I'm surprised I am digging Pete Yorn as much as I am right now. I would typically label his style as a bit too sappy for me, but there's something about it. He has such a beautiful voice.

So check out the tracks, and if you like what you hear, come celebrate with me!

Phoenix - If I Ever Feel Better
Phoenix - Love Like A Sunset
Phoenix - 1901
Phoenix - Too Young

The Flaming Lips - Okay I'll Admit That I Really Don't Understand
The Flaming Lips - The Strange Design of Conscience
The Flaming Lips - Mountain Side

Pete Yorn - Lose You
Pete Yorn - Splendid Isolation

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You love her, she loves him

It's a pretty simple equation. And it happens all the time. Why do we always want what we can't have? Something about the impossible that makes us even more hungry for that which is unrequited.

"Cause maybe you want him. Like you want me. Only truly." Ouch.

"It hurts when you rule me. And the whole world can see through me." Damn.

I don't have much to say today. This track is sick, and it possesses so much power, passion and intensity. The remix is heavy. The more I listen to it, the more it stings. Don't worry, it's a good sting.


The American Analog Set - The Green Green Grass


The American Analog Set - The Green Green Grass (Telefon Tel Aviv Remix)

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Dripping with alchemy

I am kicking myself in the booty right now. I always reprimand my friends for not giving bands a chance. I say, "You only heard ONE song! How can you possibly already know you don't like them?" And today, I discovered I am guilty of doing the exact same thing.

I heard a few Yeah Yeah Yeahs' tracks a while back and just couldn't get into them. Then they performed at Lollapalooza this year. Once again, I had no interest in catching their set.

Well, my pal Shobi sent me a link to the video for "Heads Will Roll" this morning, and I've had this track on repeat ever since. It's so sinister and intoxicating. In my last post, I talked about how I just want to walk around and snarl. This right here is the ultimate snarling track. Just listen to the lyrics.

Gangstaaaaa...

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll

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Season of love

Today officially marks the start of fall season, and I couldn't be more ecstatic. Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the colors of the leaves and the smell of the crisp, cool air. And I finally get to sport my favorite scarves, hats, boots, etc. Whatever it takes to warm me up.

This also is a time for lovers. I mean, really, what is more satisfying than cuddling up next to your loved one under the blankets, sharing your warmth with one another? Or taking a walk in the park, holding hands, as the leaves crunch beneath your boots. I envision fireplaces, hot cocoa and making out. Lots of making out.

And I can't have a healthy winter make-out session without a warm, soothing playlist. So here's my attempt at creating a soundtrack to set the tone for a night in with your lover. I'm making this a long list, folks, so download the tracks and burn yourself a CD.

I know I may seem cold and cynical at times. I preach of the single life and how good it feels to be content by oneself. Deep down, I'm just as soft as the next girl. And these tracks bring out the lover in me.

Milosh - You Make Me Feel
Telefon Tel Aviv - I Lied
Beck - Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometimes
The XX - Teardrops
Beth Gibbons - Romance
Mylo - Need You Tonite
Bombay Dub Orchestra - Feel
Morcheeba - Undress Me Now
Soil & Pimp Sessions - Ha Hen
Boomclap Bachelors - Combiner
The Sea And Cake - New Schools
Pinback - Penelope

Tell me the story of how you ended up here

I was out of town for the past few days, and I just returned this evening. And for some reason, I can't stop listening to this song. I heard it for the first time the day before I flew out, but I haven't been able to truly appreciate it and listen to it in the right environment until now.

I have no idea what that means. "Hospital Beds" can be a metaphor for many things I suppose. But rather than use my time attempting to interpret words, I think I'll just sit back, close my eyes and turn up the speakers.


Cold War Kids - Hospital Beds

We're gonna win this!

In keeping with the political theme I started on Monday, I introduce to you "Price of Gas" by Bloc Party. Pretty self-explanatory, huh? This track is sick. Listen to it. I mean, really listen to it. Listen to the words. Listen to the guitar, the drums, the bass, the tone of his voice, the intensity of all the dimensions. It hits.

I like the beginning of the track; it sounds so sinister—like our government. And the aggression expressed is intoxicating. It sucks me right in. It makes me want to do something about the situation we're in, here and abroad.

Oil. The price of oil is the central theme...obviously. It seems all the evil in this world stems from greed. Greed for power. Greed for money. Greed for land. Greed for oil. And who suffers? Not those in control, that's for sure. We lose. Me. And you.

But through it all, we must remain positive. We must continue fighting for what is right, for what is just. Like Bloc Party vocalist Kele Okereke wails, "We're gonna win this!"



Bloc Party - Price Of Gas

So I also wanted to try something different today. My pal Riste understands music in a very profound way, and I wanted to pick at his brain. Riste, what's your take on this track?

It's chaos when I listen to the track, especially the beginning—reminds me of our government pulling a thick blanket over our eyes. "We're gonna win this" is yelled over and over, like to grab the blind followers' attention to open their eyes and to follow him or her into a mass protest. Just as the song gets closer to the end, like as if you have this feeling you're actually going to win this fight against the government, you're screaming, "We're gonna win this!" in a mass protest in front of the white house. But their windows are closed and they don't want to hear you; they'll just fix you right up. It ends in silence just as you think the song would keep going into another verse—BUT nothing, dead silence. You got fixed, and then people forget who you are and what you stood for.

"Do as you're told and everything will be OK," as what I've heard for years.

Well your judgment on "OK" is good for you but not me; I like to stick out and be that asshole. I have a voice, I don't care if you want to hear it our not. This song brings that protester out of me. Follow me, and you'll see what I see. Just whip that political crap off your eyes and open your mind.

Or don't listen to me, because you might end up like the person in the picture above. I'll take that RISK.

-Riste Ristevski

Expression session

Lately I've been neglecting my writing, and this troubles me. I used to keep a journal, since I was maybe 10 or 11 years old. And the older I get, the less time I allow myself to artistically express myself. I did, however, find an outlet through this website. Yet, there are so many other thoughts and ideas running through my head that I absolutely need to get on paper. Thoughts that have nothing and everything to do with music.

What I used to do and haven't done in a very, very long time is what I like to call my personal "expression sessions." It goes a little something like this:

I create a playlist, which includes songs that are thought-provoking, soothing and hypnotic. I throw those bad boys on a CD. I dim the lights just a bit, bust out a pen and paper and blast my new inspirational CD. I make sure there are no distractions; the cell phone is shut off. The music takes me on a journey, and I can't put the pen down. The thoughts come pouring out from my mind through the tips of my fingers. And I don't stop until I have nothing else to write.

This works for any form of art: painting, dancing, sculpting, etc. I want you to try this out one day. I can assure you won't regret it, and what's the worst that can happen anyway? You made yourself an awesome playlist. No harm, no foul.

Here I've posted some of the songs that I recently discovered that will definitely go on my next expressive session playlist. Maybe they will inspire you. I hope so.

I know I will go home tonight and write the things I've been longing to express for months now. What a release! Artistic expression is therapy for the heart and mind, and I am anxiously looking forward to my next session.


Quantic - Time Is The Enemy (Thanks for sharing, Paige.)
Air - Cherry Blossom Girl
90 Day Men - Saint Theresa In Ecstacy
Closer Musik - Maria
Handsome Boy Modeling School - The Truth
Grand National - Peanut Dreams

Keepin' it green!

I have been listening to Greenskeepers for a while now. I never knew much about them, but I was introduced to their music through Pandora, like most of my music. And today, I thought I'd do some research into this group. And apparently they are from Chicago, which explains so much. Their sound is so groovy and brings together so many different styles: indie, house, funk, alternative rock, new wave, etc. I especially like the main vocalist. He sounds so deliciously sinister!

So I did more research and found out another interesting fact. James Curd, an AMAZING Chicago house DJ, is one half of Greenskeepers. This also explains the reason for my obsession with this group.

And the best thing I discovered through today's research: Greenskeepers has a live DJ set at Underground in Chicago this Sunday! This made my day. After that, they'll be heading to Detroit, then Canada. It was meant to be. I had to look up Greenskeepers today. Funny how that happens, huh?

So if you're in the Chicagoland area this weekend, come check out Greenskeepers with me!

You'll notice all three of these songs are very different. "Lotion" is probably their first popular song. It pays homage to Buffalo Bill's character in Silence of the Lambs. Creepy, right? "Vagabond" is their most recent single, and you can hear it in the latest installment of Grand Theft Auto. "One Day" is a more electro/dance track, but its so funky fresh!


Greenskeepers - Lotion


Greenskeepers - Vagabond


The Juan MacLean - One Day (James Curd of Greenskeepers Remix)

Ready for the weekend!

The weekend has finally arrived...and not soon enough! It's been one crazy week, with the Chicago heat wave (70 degrees in February...madness!) and octo-baby mama drama and Chris Brown beating up on his much hotter, much cooler, much more talented girlfriend. It's been a turbulent few days, and I need a release! I'm going to close out this week the only way I know how...with some hot tracks and dancing, of course!

These three tracks are permanent fixtures on my "getting ready to go out" playlist. They're fun, catchy and vibrant. So if you're feeling as pooped as I am right now and need a little pick-me-up, jam to these tracks and get motivated! It's Friday!

Also, if any of you are in the Chicago area this weekend, I highly recommend attending Madd Soul's performance at Cuatro tonight. Madd Soul is a combination of percussion, trumpet and saxophone played live with Chicago house DJ, David Sabat. I've already seen this group perform quite a few times, and I have probably become their biggest promoter! I'm telling you, if you like to dance, this is the place to be. And the crowd is so lively. The drinks are delicious. No doubt, you'll have a good time.


Grand National - Cherry Tree (Download)


Laurent Wolf - No Stress (Download)


Punks Jump Up - Dance To Our Disco (Download)

Quite a heartbeat...

I'd like to take this moment to share my new favorite band with you: The Foals. Although I'm sure they'd be categorized as "alternative" or "punk," their music absolutely has an electronic/techno influence. That's why I like them so much. They're not the typical emo-pop-punk band. You can rock out to their tracks...or dance...or relax. The Foals can fit any mood, any vibe. They're like Minus The Bear meets Pinback, with a splash of Bloc Party (mostly because of the British accents). Anyhow, give these few songs a listen, and if you like them, all these tracks can be found on their album Antidotes.

Some commentary on the tracks:

Hummer is aggressive, yet funky. Has some good solos, especially at the 1:45 mark.

Electric Bloom is for those who want something more mellow, dark and chill.

Olympic Airways is fun and full of energy. It has a pretty melody, and the vocals are mesmerizing.


Foals - Hummer (Download)


Foals - Electric Bloom (Download)


Foals - Olympic Airways (Download)

The Blue-Eyed Artist

I dedicate this playlist to you, blue-eyed artist, who walked out of my life as quickly as you walked in. But this isn't a bitter message, it's thankful. I am grateful for the imprint you have left on my path. Although you walked out of my life without explanation, you did something very special and profound for me. In the brief time I knew you, you made me feel things I never thought I would or could feel again. That is a gift, blue eyes, and you will never even know.

It pains me that you'll never know what could have been. You excited me, and you still do. But I will admit, part of the reason you still get under my skin, even in your absence, is the mystery, the challenge, the unknown. However, I have no regrets, because I tried. You were hard to crack. But you will never know my story. The story I wanted so badly to share with you.

That door is now closed, and that is unfortunate. You walked in and out as quick as that game of Connect Four at Carol's.

Just listen to the songs, and know your impact.


Erlend Øye - A Sudden Rush (Download)

"A sudden rush of expectation...
Initial hint of disappointment...
Another blow of resignation...
Why did you come at all? If it wasn't for me."



The Whitest Boy Alive - Inflation (Download)

"Painless
So easy
You come fast
And leave me."



Bloc Party - The Present (Download)

"I wish I could've given you the lightness
The lightness that you deserve...
And they say time is a healer
And time will look after you
Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go
Come over."