Music Ramen

“Chasing Pirates” by Norah Jones

lindsey — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:15:10 +0000

I love me some pirates. So I wasn’t that interested in the new Norah Jones stuff until I saw this. The video finds Norah getting all swashbuckley and turning her apartment building into a pirate ship (really?). It’s a pretty decent song. I guess it makes me curious to hear the rest of the album. (Wow, this is the most enthusiastic review EVAR).

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

But at the end, VH1 tells me that a related video is Creed’s “Rain”??? You just burned my eyes VH1, thanks. Thanks a lot.

“Hi-Fi Goon” by Throw Me The Statue

lindsey — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:52:09 +0000

Maaaaan I have so many cool bands from CMJ that I wish I could tell you guys about, but need to save them for my day job. Soon enough my babies. For now let’s go with a sophomore album that I’m really liking. And that would be from the likes of Throw Me The Statue. I may or may not have played this song in my Spaceland DJ set. Ok, I did. Enjoooooooy!

Throw Me The Statue - Hi-Fi Goon (mp3)

“New Fang” by Them Crooked Vultures

lindsey — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:29:21 +0000

Phew. Made it through CMJ! It was insanity, but so much fun. Trying to get back into the swing of things this morning and my brother IM’d me this video. Took me a second to register who this band is. Well, they’re not amateurs… unless you consider Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, and John Paul Jones spring chickens. Expect everyone to freak out over this record. I already heard that they were great at ACL. Here’s a little preview:

“Heartbreaker” by MSTRKRFT feat. John Legend

lindsey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:55:59 +0000

So last night I made my DJ debut at Spaceland. It was a lot of fun. And this was one of the songs I played that got people dancing. Although… have to say… Hall and Oates was the sleeper hit of the evening. Anyhow, there is a new video for this song and thought I would share it with you all. Enjoy!

“Roslyn” by Bon Iver & St. Vincent

lindsey — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:46:50 +0000

Hoooooooly crap. I just died. Instead of a vampire, I’m a ghost. It PAINS me that this beautiful song has to be associated with such a crappy teen phenomenon (cue the hate mail). It PAINS me that I just downloaded this soundtrack (you can too, here). But whatever, I’ll just be hurting while enjoying two of my favorite artists together on one great song.

“My Boys” by Taken By Trees

lindsey — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:40:18 +0000

I’m not the biggest Animal Collective fan. I like “My Girls”, but that’s about it. I guess it’s just not on my wavelength. Sorry… everybody? haha Anyhow, I reeeaallly like this cover by Taken By Trees. She’s the girl from The Concretes who also sang on Peter Bjorn & John’s “Young Folks”. Aaahhhh it’s all making sense now, isn’t it?

Taken By Trees - My Boys (mp3)

“Dominos” by The Big Pink

lindsey — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 06:34:43 +0000

Should I be offended by this song? As a female? “These girls fall like dominos”. Not sure. But I like the song so I’m not gonna worry about it Haven’t delved into the whole album yet, but I hear it’s amazing. It’s sitting on my computer waiting to be listened to. Along with 20 bajillion other things. Too many albums, too little time! (Oh what a problem to have…)

The Big Pink - Dominos (mp3)

The Big Pink on Myspace.

A Brief History of Love is out now via 4AD.

“Horchata” by Vampire Weekend

lindsey — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:20:28 +0000

So Vampire Weekend have offered up a new song for free. Question is: Did they go the offer up the first single for free route? And this is the best thing we’re gonna hear? Or did they just throw us a bone for now and the album will be much better? It’s pretty good. Don’t love it. Yet. Maybe it needs a few listens. Download and let me know what you think…

Click here to go to Vampire Weekend’s site where you can download “Horchata”.

“40 Day Dream” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

lindsey — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:12:24 +0000

You know, I’ve been fighting liking this band for so long now. I just can’t get behind the fact that this guy was in Imarobot and now he’s some hippie guru that needs 20 of his friends on stage to warble some tunes. Just seems like an act to me. Especially considering that Imarobot was always a Hollywood band… seemed like it was just a sceney thing. So it makes me feel like they just invented this new thing to have some more fun times together. Not genuine. People assure me that’s not true, but I don’t know man. Plus, every industry person and their mother was fawning over this band like they were the next Arcade Fire. People who wouldn’t know the next Arcade Fire level band if it was playing in their backyard. Bleh. (Wow, this is quite the rant for so early in the morning!)

BUT…

The one thing that ALWAYS wins out is good songs. And that they do have. There are some good ones here. So I’m partially caving.

I just can’t watch things like this because I see the girl next to him dancing like she’s Ray Charles and I want to spit out my Cheerios:

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros - “40 Day Dream”

So just listening folks… no visuals for now… baby steps.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - 40 Day Dream (mp3)

“You’ve Got The Love (The XX Remix)” by Florence And The Machine

lindsey — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:06:32 +0000

Prepare to put this song on repeat. Your finger should be hovering over the play button because you’re going to push it as soon as this song ends. Trust me.

The original was great. Florence’s cover was super fun. And now this XX remix just takes it to a whole other place. On a side note… still trying to fully get into that XX album. It’s good but not blowing me away yet. I’m thinking this remix wins them some brownie points.

Download the track for free from RCRDLBL.com, yipee! Just click here.

“Limits” by Calvin Harris

lindsey — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:56:38 +0000

I’m just starting to really get into this Calvin Harris album. Thanks KCRW! I would have guessed my brother would have been shoving this down my throat as this kind of music is right up his alley. But we both had discussed how we wanted to check out the album… months ago. FAIL on our part. Better late than never!

Ready for the Weekend is available now:

“Surprise Hotel” by Fool’s Gold

lindsey — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:22:00 +0000

This may or may not be the third time I’ve posted this song. Ok it is. But I’m really happy that people are catching on to this band. They’re extremely talented and their shows are so fun. How all bands should be, I say. Their debut album is out today on IAMSOUND so you should definitely buy it. Still crossing my fingers that they play Coachella next year because it would just be an insane desert dance party.

The video features old guys so it is instantly awesome:

“Every Glance” by Jack Penate

lindsey — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:04:50 +0000

Ok, this is my favorite song on the record right now. Such a good feel to it. And honestly, every song on this album is great. It’s for sure going to make my top 10 albums of the year. Blew me away on first listen and is still doing so today. You can imagine my excitement for the Jack Penate and Miike Snow (another top 10-er) show next week. Thinking about buying tickets for Sunday’s show as well. Anyone else going?

No mp3’s here my friends, making you go buy the album. It’s worth it, I promise:

“Marrow” by St. Vincent

lindsey — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:33:25 +0000

Uuuugggghhhhh she KILLS me. New video from St. Vincent. And it’s for my favorite song off the album, “Marrow”. Hooray! This video has people in need of help following Annie like she’s the pied piper. They also tend to get remixed along the way (wiki wiki!). She looks gorgeous as always too. Well done my friend.

Actor is out now via 4AD. If you don’t have it yet, buy it immediately:

“The Walls Are Coming Down” by Fanfarlo

lindsey — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:02:17 +0000

I apologize for the brief hiatus, but my day job has been insanity lately. And I can’t really call it a day job because it’s more like an all the time job. I do A&R so I’m in the office all day then out scouting bands all night. I also try to not write about bands I’m pursuing for work in here. So it makes it a little difficult. Gotta wait til they sign sometimes…

… like this band! Fanfarlo just recently did a deal with a small indie in NY. I’ve been following them for a while and I’m really excited that they’ve released a new album, Reservoir. They’re currently on a US tour, playing the Troubadour here in LA tomorrow night. Here’s their latest video:

Fanfarlo - The Walls Are Coming Down (mp3)

Enjoy the tune! And thanks for all the support you guys. Promise to be less tardy moving forward. I love sharing music with all of you through this blog and want to keep it going Have a great week!

“Maximus” by Beni feat. Sam Sparro

lindsey — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:05:28 +0000

You guys have heard me say that I’m a sucker for a kid’s chorus on a song. Passion Pit knows the way to my heart apparently. The other thing you can’t go wrong with… little kids dancing in your video. Seriously, it could probably make me like a 3oh3 or Katy Perry vid if the kids were busting a move. Ok, maybe nothing could save those videos (heeeeeeey!) but this song needed no saving at all. Pure goodness all around!

BENI - Maximus
by MaisonKitsune

Beni - Maximus (mp3)

“Off That (feat. Drake)” by Jay-Z

lindsey — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 05:09:44 +0000

I’ve heard 4 or 5 of the leaked tracks from The Blueprint 3. This one takes the cake for me so far. Produced by Timbaland. Featuring Jimmy… I mean Drake

Jay-Z - Off That (feat. Drake) (mp3)

“Warm Heart of Africa” by The Very Best feat. Ezra Koenig

lindsey — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:15:32 +0000

Wasn’t really feeling this song at first, but it has grown on me a lot. Maybe the summer just needed to get into full swing for it to work. Anyhow, The Very Best = Radioclit (who is a DJ) and Esau Mwamwaya (who is a Malawian singer… wha? where?). This song features the prepster dreamboat lead singer of Vampire Weekend, Ezra Koenig (who I hear are releasing their 2nd album next month). Enjoy my babies…

The Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa (feat. Ezra Koenig) (mp3)

“Song for Old People” by Sherlock’s Daughter

lindsey — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:17:53 +0000

Randomly discovered this Australian band and their new video. It reminds me of Where The Wild Things Are. Which btw… how long until that’s the thing everything else gets compared to. You know, all videos will be WTWTA-ish. Just like how for a while all bands “sounded like Coldplay”. Whatever, the movie looks amazing, and I will be happy if that becomes a new standard. Anyhow, back to the music… Looks like this band just got done touring Australia with School of Seven Bells. Enjoy their new video:

Sherlocks Daughter - Song For Old People [Official Music Video] from Sherlock's Daughter on Vimeo.

“I Got Soul, I’m So Wasted” by Wallpaper

lindsey — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:57:25 +0000

Hmmm… didn’t know what to make of this one at first since I’m usually vehemently opposed to autotune. And this video is up on MTV. Evil combo. BUT THEN… realized that this is the same guy as “Combination Pizza Hut Taco Bell”… well the remix at least. And the remix that brought it out of obscurity and into the hipster light. Kind of awesome. What do you guys think? Yes no maybe so? Will you be playing this at your next house party? Gotta say, it’s already stuck in my head…

Das Racist - Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell (Wallpaper remix) (mp3)

“A Whole Lot Better” by Brendan Benson

lindsey — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:45:35 +0000

I’m a huge Brendan Benson fan. People who still don’t know who he is make me mad. Ok, maybe not mad… but I do want to shake them and then immediately play them “Cold Hands, Warm Heart”. Ugh! So good. Anyhow, he has a new album out! Makes me happy, especially since I’m one of the few people that doesn’t like Jack White and would much rather have a solo album from Brendan than another Raconteurs album. I know, kill me, whatever. One of the perks of my job is that I’ve had this album for a while now. So glad you guys can finally enjoy it too Still love it just as much as when I first got it…

Here’s Brendan on Letterman last week:

Brendan Benson - A Whole Lot Better (mp3)

My Old, Familiar Friend is out now via ATO.

For old time’s sake:

“Coffee” by Motel Motel

lindsey — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:06:58 +0000

This was one of my SXSW finds. Yeah, I know it’s like half a year later (wow, scary). But this song is still a great one. And for some reason, the beginning always makes me think of Here We Go Magic’s “Fangela”, another great track. I’m actually impressed that I remember seeing this band after all the similarly named ones I saw that week… Motel Motel, Saint Motel, Burning Hotels. I’m pretty sure there were even more with some kind of dwelling in their name. Ah, such a blur. As it always is. But glad this one stuck out for me…

Motel Motel - Coffee (Official Video) - dissentfilms.com from Matthew Murphy on Vimeo.

Motel Motel - Coffee (mp3)

“Song Away” by Hockey

lindsey — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:46:40 +0000

I’m starting to love anything with Charlene Yi in it. Including this video!

Hockey - Song Away (Official Music Video)

I’m surprised I haven’t posted the other Hockey song I love… “Too Fake”. Anyhow, their debut album Mind Chaos drops October 6th, via my original stomping grounds - Capitol Records.

Hockey - Song Away (mp3)

“Sleep Alone” by Bat for Lashes

lindsey — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:37:48 +0000

Natasha is kind of the queen of 2009. I’d be surprised if her album Two Suns doesn’t make most of the year end best lists. Here’s another video from that album for the phenomenal “Sleep Alone”:

“Drumming Song” by Florence and the Machine

lindsey — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:13:14 +0000

Florence is amazing. Simply amazing. Pick up her debut album Lungs if you haven’t already and you will agree I’m sure.

“Sleepyhead (Passion Pit cover)” by Francisco Yglesia

lindsey — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 06:38:09 +0000

This cover is so great! Passion Pit on a harp?? Yes, please! Sounds so beautiful…

“Why Do You Let Me Stay Here” by She & Him

lindsey — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:45:17 +0000

This is too cute not to post. I saw 500 Days of Summer last weekend and loved it. Love love love. I know some people were kinda eh on it, but I thought it was great. I want Summer’s whole wardrobe. The soundtrack is awesome and it features several songs from this little duo. If you were unfamiliar with She & Him before, it’s Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward and they cover pretty songs. Now is as good a time as any for you to get into them!

“Billionaires” by Your Twenties

lindsey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:40:16 +0000

Awwww this song is so summery cute! It’s from a nice little UK band signed to Neon Gold (the people who brought you Passion Pit and Marina & The Diamonds). This song will get stuck in your head. But it’s a good one to have stuck there.

Your Twenties - Billionaires (mp3)

“Boys & Girls” by Martin Solveig & Dragonette

lindsey — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:30:33 +0000

Maaaaaaaaaan. More proof that I need to move to the UK. THIS is the kind of pop music they get over there. I mean, they really already did it with Little Boots. But this is just sugar on top. This song features French producer Martin Solveig and the awesome front woman from Dragonette (see here). It’s a nice slice of pop with a Jean-Paul Gaultier cameo… definitely has me swooning.

Martin Solveig & Dragonette - Boys & Girls (mp3)

“Albatross Albatross Albatross” by Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band

lindsey — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:43:22 +0000

Ok, so this band is kiiiiiinda awesome. They’re the first band to play a VOLCANO. That’s right. They’re going to play at Mt. St. Helens which is an ACTIVE VOLCANO. Who knows what could happen!? Things could get all Pompeii on their asses. Worth checking out, I’d say. It’s happening on August 15th. Here’s a preview of their rockingness.

Also, the drummer is 14. For realsies.