Lovely L's

This was a fun one. Here are my L's in alphabetical order.

1. Lark - Josh Ritter. I know you all just don't get my love for this Idaho native. He was named by Paste magazine as one of the top 100 songwriters of all times so I am not alone here. This song has gotten me through some hard times. "I am assured that peace will come to me.  A peace that surpasses my understanding and my need." Beeeeautiful.

2. Last Train from Poor Valley - Norman Blake. I grew up listening to my father perform this song. So it is a part of my soul. I like his version better, but it isn't on youtube. He used to change the name to Misty instead of Becky..."And the soft, new snows of December lightly fall my cabin round. I saw the last train from Poor Valley takin' my brown haired, Misty, Richmond bound."

3. Let's Not Shit Ourselves (To Love and To Be Loved) - Bright Eyes. A fantastic protest song. "We all fit into your slogan on the fast food marquis. Red blood, white skin, and the blues. I've got the blues. I've got the blues! That's me!" Have I mentioned how much I love Conor Oberst? "To love and to be loved. Let's just hope that it's enough."

4. Live and Die - The Avett Brothers. Americana at its best. Making banjos cool. And rockin' the cello. Come on.

5. Living Proof - Cat Power. This is Chan Marshall at her soulful best. "You're supposed to have the answer. You're supposed to have living proof." Weird video...she is one cool weird lady.

6. Losin' Yo Head - Monsters of Folk
Probably the most My Morning Jacket sounding song on this masterpiece collaborative album by Jim James, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes), and M. Ward. They are my supergroup.

7. Love Cats - the Cure. This is one of those happy Cure songs that are so easy to love.

The Most Hated Man in America

I read this short article shortly after you both resoundingly agreed that Billy Joel was the absolute worst and thought that you'd both enjoy reading the article.

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9175027/billy-joel-released-album-new-songs-20-years-#8212-been-good-legacy

And as a bonus, I've linked another article published four years ago which explains specifically why Billy Joel is so bad.

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/the_spectator/2009/01/the_worst_pop_singer_ever.html

BOTW - Foals

Let's get one thing straight - when you mix math rock with Oxford England and a lead singer named Yannis, you know you're dealing with Holy Fire.  Like Christopher Columbus, I found this band by chance.  My daughter was playing around with my iPod one day, and must have accidentally purchased one of their songs.  The pure rage of .99 lost turned into pure joy as I listened to the floating vibes.  She was named "Blue Blood"

The Foals have a strange way of mixing familiar riffs into something completely original.  While listening, I often strain trying to make connections with other bands or vocalists (Temper Trap?).  Perhaps this tendancy is informed by their influences.  They site bands like Arthur Russell, Talking Heads, and The Redneck Manifesto.  Personally, I have a hard time drawing the comparison.

I love how they turn an elevator tune into something so violent and exciting.  Their new album, Holy Fire, really is something else.  Like Empire of the Sun, the music should really have a prescribed wardrobe, scandinavian name, and facial hair.  Something like this:



For as vague as I've been, you'd think I was trying to break up with my girlfriend.  The ultimate message - it's not me, it's them.  They are the real deal.  Along with their stellar sound, they have managed to stay obscure enough to retain my attention.  Without reservation, I recommend this band.

Along with Blue Blood, check out these songs:

Late Night:

My Number:

Bad Habit (personal favorite):

Bright Eyes - I Love Him Like My Luggage

A while ago, MG asked who I wanted to see most in concert, and I can never answer questions like that on the spot...don't ask me why. Of course, the answer is Bright Eyes!!! And here is an interesting article I read today that I thought I would share since you all love Top 10 lists so much. While this is not my Top Ten...I will agree that these are all fantastic songs.

The Ten Best Bright Eyes Songs - Stereogum

La la la la la la la la la

WTF....almost my entire music library is not showing up in iTUNES!!!!!!

My Tardy K's

The long awaited K's:

• Karma Police - Radiohead
• Kids - Sleigh Bells ( I would have done MGMT's Kids, but I think MG took it)
• Kill - Jimmy Eat World
• Kim & Jessie - M83
• Kinder Blumen - Real Estate
• King of the Beach - Wavves
• Know Your Onion - The Shins (MG, you didn't take this right?)