Best of 2014

It is the little things.  A warm cup of coffee on a blistery winter's day.  The smell of a Christmas tree after a shitty day at the office.  The sound of your daughter's voice after a particularly good test score or sporting event.  A shared laugh with an old friend.  When your head hits the pillow late at night and the eyes looking back at you are your soul mates.

This winter, and in particular this month, has sucked real bad.

But with all the moments described above littered into the mix, shit ain't half bad either.

We all get sick.  We all (well, most of us at least) have anxiety about money.  The Holiday brings about a special set of tension and hostility.

So, if we do not embrace those little things, however fleeting, what on Earth are we doing this for???

This space attempts to filter out the noise and show you some pieces of beauty you may have missed during your tumult, er, life.

Between my colleague Doc S and I we try to cover some film, television, literature, and music.

We ask that you join the conversation during the year, either here, or on our way more active Facebook page.  I know, I know...  what kind of blogger/social media person uses Blogger and Facebook? you ask?  An out of touch one, that's who.  We tweet and have dabbled with Instagram.

But who has the time?  This will have to do for now.  Sorry, not sorry.

In order to do a proper Best of 2014, it has to start with Philadelphia rockers The War on Drugs.  If you have been paying attention to this column, and many other publications, you would know their record, Lost in The Dream, was one of the most highly acclaimed records of the year.  Adam Granduciel's soaring guitar vibe record is high on energy, positive on vibes, and, according to my Spotify playlist, absorbed for nearly 20,000 minutes.  It is a glorious ode to 70s icons like Mark Knopfler, Don Henley and Warren Zevon.  No frills.  No fuss.  Maximum pleasure.

Start with "Under the Pressure", the albums' hypnotic opening track.  From there, pay close attention to other gems like "Red Eyes" and "An Ocean In Between the Waves".

My attention span prevents me from listening to many "records."  That is, a track, or a couple singles, are often my only exposure to a band or artist.  I wanna be exposed to many different styles and varieties.  Albums and long plays take time.  Sure, I could stop listening to The War on Drugs so much.  But I am also compulsive.  Each year I happen to latch on to a record and cannot put it down.  Given that, the other down times I cram in as much as I can.

The War on Drugs Lost in the Dream is my record of the year

There were a couple other records that got some extended play.

Runners up include First Aid Kit's Stay Gold.  

The New Pornographers: Brill Bruisers (which includes "Dancehall Domine" amongst others.)

Lana Del Rey's sophomore effort, Ultraviolence, was a nice early year surprise.

Any record by Ryan Adams, this year a self titled one, is worth a listen.  This record had more than a few memorable tracks.  Who knew a married and contented Adams would exist?  And who would have guessed his records would be this good???  Adams also produced  Jenny Lewis' excellent The Voyager.    Pay close attention to "She's Not Me" which brings both of their talents together in a very Linda Ronstadt/Don Henley 70s SoCal vibe.   It is also reminiscent to the work Eric Clapton did for Scorsese's The Color of Money. 

Spoon's They Want My Soul was the Austin's band finest effort since, well, their last effort.  This band is as formidable, consistent and entertaining as any American band making music today.  Sorry Weezer, Foo Fighters, and whomever the hell you might be thinking of.

Speaking of the Foo Fighters, they had a huge year too.  But it is not for their music.  Let's all be honest, Dave Grohl is the luckiest man in the music business.  Nirvana was a lightning in a bottle moment he happened to watch from the drum kit.  And no, this isn't shitting on Grohl's ability and song making.  He plays just fine thanks.  But many a drummer could have done what he did with Cobain's words and hooks.  His Foo Fighters are, sorry, a rather average rock and roll band.  Grohl's range is limited, as are his chords, and overall his songs.  Yes, "Everlong" is a classic.  And there are others.  But c'mon, enough already.  It's like letting Green Day in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

That said, his HBO show detailing his record, Sonic Highways, was a television wonder.  Grohl's travelogue through 8 cities as he records his new record was informative, well edited and highly entertaining.  What it lacked in detail, diversity and/or whatever else Pitchfork or Stereogum bitched about it more than made up with in heart and sincerity.

Back to the music...

Tove Lo's debut was special.  So too Alt-J's latest.  Merchandise, Beyonce, Interpol, Parquet Courts, Lykke Li, new Eels!, Cloud Nothings, and Walk the Moon also had records that were on heavy rotation in our executive offices.

Tove Lo produced a smart and sexy debut album

The band Strand of Oaks came from nowhere to critical acclaim.  Their album, Heal, is well worth the hype.  The title track and ode to the late nineties, Goshen '97 are highlights.  The fact that Tim Showalter, pretty much the entire band, spent some time living in Wilkes-Barre, PA makes this story all the more sweeeettt.   

The child band, Orwells, released their record Disgraceland earlier this year.  It had some great cuts and an overall positive vibe.  Their live show, witnessed by this author at Asbury Lanes, was far more rewarding.  As they are, like 20 years old, expect them to come around often over the next decade or so.  Do yourself a favor and see them.  Hell, I will drive.  Til then:  "Southern Comfort" recorded in The Live Room  and The Orwells Live at Letterman- Dave loves it- "Who Needs You?"

Speaking of Letterman, Baltimore journeyman Future Islands made the most of their appearance earlier this year.  Their version of the synth heavy "Seasons (Waiting on You)" was fine.  It was the lead singers, Samuel T. Herring performance that catapulted it into "viryl" status.   Herring is like a demonic, lovable cookie monster- and it all works so wonderfully.

We won't get too detailed.  You like what you like.   We like what we like.

However, 2014 was a fun and diverse year.  Artists as diverse as St. Vincent, Real Estate, Phantogram, Vance Joy, Taylor Swift, , and Lana Del Rey made memorable albums.  The definitive collection can be found on Best of 2014 and at our alternate home, GTS on FB.  

Truth is, things are freaking busy.

Not complaining, just stating facts.

There are no concerts on the horizon.  Songs, and albums, are listened to primarily going to and from.  Work, sport, school, HOLIDAYS wreak havoc on the social calendar.  Bands are often holed up for a few months too, which helps.

Let's all catch our breath as the New Year approaches.  Resolve to live a little.  Resolve to smile more.  

Earlier today, while crossing 23rd St and 5th Ave, I walked toward Bill Clinton.  Yeah, President Bill Clinton, smiling and shopping in midtown Manhattan, was standing right in front of me.  "Hello Mr President."  I said.  

"Hey" he replied.

Off he went, perhaps looking for after Christmas bargains.  I met my ladies for pasta and an espresso.

America, a country where former Presidents can share City streets with schlubs like me and exchange pleasantries.  That is what I prefer to think at least.

It is NOT the pussy whipped Nation that either a) succumbs to a dictator's request to scrap a movie or worse b) plays us for a bunch of fools and uses a canceling ploy to cover the fact their movie sucks.

It is NOT a country of hate mongers, racists, cop hating, con-artists.

It is NOT war hungry.  It is NOT corrupt.   

"I'm in my finest hour/Can I be more than just a fool?/It always gets so hard to see/Right before the moon."   *

Happy New Year all and...

* The War on Drugs "An Ocean In Between the Waves"

The World We Live in (and the best of April 2014 music)

Maybe these things should be called "worst" of...

That isn't to say my World and the World around us, is not filled with joy and beauty.  I can sit here and rattle off a dozen things that put a smile on my face.

The green grass, and white buds that have enveloped Main Street.

The first sip of an overdue coffee.

The laugh from your child when she thinks what you said was funny.

My dogs reaction to us returning home.

The smell of hot peanuts on a cold New York City evening.

My wife's head on my shoulder at the end of a long day, or at the beginning of a new one.

Reading something my daughter has read.

NHL playoff hockey.

Portlandia.

When the hair stands on end listening to your favorite band kill a song.

A nice pint.

The vicarious thrill watching my middle schooler compete.  Not just sports either-  I mean compete.  She studies to make the grade.  She navigates the social World of school, adolescence and this brutal, unforgiving section of the Northeast.

It's a battle.  But one worth fighting.

But there are times, and boy do I try to ignore them, that I wonder.

For instance, I do a bit of youth coaching.  This year I took over my daughter's schools middle school softball team.  They had not won last year.  I had a bit of success with the basketball team.  A marriage was formed.

It is a terrific group of girls, and easy to root for and attempt to lead.  The season is short, too; it is 8 games and a playoff.  After 2 games we hadn't lost.  Things were looking up.  Before spring break I held one more practice before everyone went to an Island.  We did too, work in Manhattan, but who is keeping score?  Right, everyone.

As the practice ended and we gathered our gear to leave, one of the kids mothers approached me.

"Hi, Im (insert mom name).  How are you?"

Soon I was being told where her daughter preferred to play.  And that she played there "all last year."

Yeah, well, that is not very safe anymore.

Then she gave me the line of the year:  "I was not aware it was merit based."

Huh?  Isn't everything?  If not, what the hell are we doing here?  I can get a bowl cut and be Kim Jung Un's bitch I suppose.  Or I can try and work real hard to get ahead in life.

And you better be sure I am not telling my kid to sign up and expect greatness.  Some kids are not capable to do ONE certain thing.  If we keep telling them to try everything and expect to excel.  And if, for some crazy reason, you are let down or fail- blame everyone else.

My girl is not a scholar.  If I sent her to the math bee and had her school's reputation on the line there would be a lot of unhappy people around.  Most of all my daughter would suffer psychological wounds.

All these kids want is an opportunity to succeed.  We, as parents, need to present options that best suit  them, not us.

There are 30 NFL quarterbacks, maybe 15 that are talented.  Clearly not every kid playing Pop Warner is gonna make it.

Lets let these things work themselves out a bit, shall we?

Nurture skill sets.  Teach them to wake eye contact and communicate with words and complete sentences.  Make sure they are polite and respectful.

Steer them in, what you think, is the right direction.  It is understood that there will be issues along the way.  We can't all agree on things and what fun would that be anyway.

But do we want them to end up like the other story that resonated over the Easter season.

A friend of mine is a City cop in Wilkes-Barre, PA.  He does some serious shit.  Task force stuff.  Buying drugs and making arrests.

Whether I agree with the efforts or not, I can assure you he works hard.  Maybe harder than anyone I know.

We shared some beers a few nights back and he told me of his latest shift.

It was a good one.  He took weapons off the street and made dozens of arrests.  Dozens I said.  1 shift  I said.

As he was bringing one of the suspects back to the precinct house his captive had some chilling words.

"Yeah, you did good tonight copper.  You did good.  I will do 3, maybe 5.  But I'm 23, I will be back out here.  And when I come back, I will still be your worst nightmare."

Lovely.

I have got a pal out there busting his ass and risking his life.

And he is chasing after kids who value NOTHING.  They go to school in Wilkes-Barre to learn how to sell drugs.  Gangs from Philly and New York send their youth there to nine their craft.  Once they learn how to deal with a hard scrabble town of 30k they graduate to the big leagues.

Funny, they have minor league hockey and baseball up there too.  They can only wish to be as successful as the drug trade.

Ok, so that is pretty freakin gloomy.  We are all better than that, right?

We are all going to prioritize and make sound decisions.

Or die trying.  Starting.....  now!!!




In other news, let's keep pushing new music.  The following are the 10 tracks that have caught my attention.  Use them wisely.  On the treadmill, or in the car. or chilling in your favorite easy chair, these songs represent what is hot or at least should be, in all things alternative.  Enjoy.

And don't be scared to share your opinions.  What are you listening to?  What do you love?  Hate?

Who are you seeing on tour this summer?   What is the best festival?  Worst?

Happy Spring all.  Let's all shake off the winter from hell, shall we?

From Fun, to maybe the most fun song of 2014- Jack Antonoff from Bleachers.

Bleachers "I Want To Get Better"

Jack Antonoff is today's "It" alt rocker.  He is on sabbatical from his immensely popular band Fun.  Nate Ruess might get all the headlines from that act, but Jack plays lead and writes his share of music.  He is also dating Lena Dunham, who is herself the "It" girl of TV.  He grew up among privilege in New Jersey and attended exclusive schools including NYC's Professional Children's School (where he took Scar Jo to prom.)  I should probably hate him.  But nope, I root for him and respect the hell out of someone who could come out of that scenario with hit after hit.  And this song, and the video his girlfriend directed, are a joyous romp.

Lily Allen "Sheezus"

A cockney accent, little bit of attitude, and a penchant for talking shit- yeah, I missed Lily Allen.
Here she takes on Lorde, Gaga, Katy Perry and of course Kanye.  It is as much spoken word as anything.  But when you speak "Give me that crown bitch/I want to be Sheezus" you have my attention.  Love it!

Paramore "Ain't It Fun"

Sometimes a pop song just knocks me out and puts a smile on my face.  Maybe it was because Hayley Williams impressed the hell out of me at MSG last year.  Whatever the case, this simple pop diddy (with some gospel thrown in) is infectious.  She said it was written as an anthem of adulthood after her band went through some inner turmoil.  Or at least that is what my 11 year old told me based on her Instagram knowledge.  There are worse sources, believe me.

Gardens & Villa "Colony Glen"

Yes, I am a sucker for synths.  In particular, I dig me 80s inspired synths.  Harold Faltemeyer and Thomas Dolby must be endorsing this track from California "Galactic rockers" Gardens & Villa.


Kongos "Come With Me Now"

I know I heard this song sometime last year promoting a cable show.  Was it Vikings?  Or something else on AMC?  Point is, it is not all that new.  It is gaining in popularity, that is for certain.  Toe tapping arena rock performed by Aussie brothers- yes they all share the last name Kongos (Johnny, Jesse, Dylan, and Daniel.)  A little pedal steel, organ, and wait, is that an accordion??  Totally digging it.

In The Valley Below "Peaches"

LA duo Angela Gail and Jeffrey Jacob have created a moody, 90s inspired, synth power ballad.  Both kids sing, trading verses and harmonies effortlessly.  Just when you thought you heard the definitive "Peaches" song this thing comes along.  A nice, easy going mediation on fruit, and the feeling one gets enjoying it.

Swedish sisters First Aid Kit have a new record coming out.  Dig it!

First Aid Kit "My Silver Lining"

A few years back these Swedish sisters rocked not only my World, but the alt World as a whole, with their dreamy and elegant debut record.  One wonders how they became so polished, so fast?  Their influences are clearly rooted in 70s alt country like Gram Parsons and their muse Emmylou Harris.  They could sing the phone book and I would be interested.   When everyone these days seems eager to mimic the 80s, 90s or otherwise let the auto tune do the work, these ladies are a welcome throwback.  Hell, the repeating lyric in this first single from their sophomore effort is "Try to keep on/keeping on."  Old school indeed.  And I am very much on board.

Lykke Li "Gunshot"

Another Swedish songstress, Lykke Li will be releasing her third LP, I Never Learn, in the very near future.  This is the third single released and it is easy to tell she is a Stevie Nicks disciple.  Having seen her live it is as much visual as her singing.  She favors dark lighting, long flowing clothes, and more than a little mystery.  When the Fleetwood Mac tribute album was released a few years back she destroyed (in the best way) Nicks' wonderful "Silver Springs".   She will be playing Brooklyn Bowl Monday 5.5 to promote the new album.  Wishing I could be there!!

Real Estate "Crime"

NJ band done good.  These guys are labeled a lot of things, repetitious and monotonous is one.  I for one dig the low key, surf rock sounds they are pushing.  Their latest record is full of god vibes and chill tunes like this one, which is probably my favorite.

Lydia Loveless "Really Wanna See You"

A few years back I stumbled out of a lifeless Tanlines show at Webster Hall.   Before leaving the venue I walked through the Studio (Webster Hall's intimate basement club.)  The evening was instantly transformed by a spirited set by Lydia Loveless.  It comes as no surprise that her debut record is full of life.  This is country rock, make no mistake.  Like First Aid Kit, Loveless herself is a throwback.  Simple lyrics.  Simple chords.  Simple happiness.

Enjoy all!  Remember to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter

Sounds of Summer 2012, Part 3

"There is someone here who laughs too hard at everything."  That might be the best lyric of 2012 so far. (as written/performed by Swedish alt top act Miike Snow from their precocious and toe tapping single "Paddling Out.")

This humble blog has a tendency to do that.  We giggled a bit when JLO and Steven Tyler both left American Idol this week.  Perhaps, we hoped, that God forsaken show will fade into our memories and folks can start recognizing the talent already out there.  You know, the kids who have been busting their asses touring 10 months a year.  The kids not worrying about their stylist or image.  Rather, they go about their business perfecting their craft.  They play small clubs to rabid fans in hopes of landing a commercial or soundtrack spot.  These days that is the best way to make coin in the music business.  Hell even the American Idol's fail to bring home big paychecks.

And don't give me Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood either.  They are supreme talents who deserve all the acclaim they receive.  But for every Clarkson and Underwood I raise you a Ruben Studdard or Taylor Hicks, Kris Allen, and Lee DeWyze.  Those guys are poster children for how the big talent shows FAIL as indicators of commercial success.  They may have had some flashing appeal and/or a few hits.  But you could argue their successes could have been achieved with or without Idol.  After all, we live in a World that helped Taco, Rockwell, Right Said Fred, Kajagoogoo, Baja Men, and many more 1 hit wonders grab their collective fifteen minutes.  There is no shortage of hits, and hit-makers, making music today.

Popular music is as much as about the image, timing and marketing behind the song/artist as it does with the song/artist him/herself.

It is the intention of this space to remind readers that there are options.  Strip away the packaging and focus group research and you might just find some hidden gems.  Allow me to take a look at today's Billboard Top 10 and offer some healthy alternatives.  Interested?  Scared?  It's ok, you can do it.

#10 Billboard track:   "Starships" by Nicky Minaj  Minaj has a certain something.  Her disastrous Grammy performance aside she has been chruning out catch dance tracks the past few years.  She runs the risk of becoming too gimmicky with the cartoon voice, wigs and overall wacky persona.  Take away all the goofiness and look here for another single lady doing weird stuff.  It's Canadian Clair Boucher, or alter ego Grimes.  Big synths, weird hair and a personality that won't quit.  Sound Familiar?  "Genesis" Grimes From Jools Holland show April, 2012  Probably more performance art than music/rock and roll.  Still pretty darn cool.

#9 Billboard Track:  "Titanium" David Guetta featuring Sia  Everyone likes a dj these days.  Mr Guetta  has done quite nicely mixing beats and bringing aboard super talent to sing.  Long before Sia became our latest Nelly Furtado she was the voice that fronted indie darlings Zero 7.  She also had some success as a solo act, notably the amazing track "Breathe Me" which you might remember from the series finale of Six Feet Under.  Give some of her other work a listen:

"In the Waiting Line" Zero 7  Their signature song and notable too for soundtrack work, this time in the Zach Braff vehicle Garden State.  As chill a song as you can make.

"Destiny" live from Top of The Pops.  A stirring live version from Zero 7.  A strong dose of R and B that makes for a great bar-b-q companion.
 
"Breathe Me" Sia  As sad and haunting a love song you will ever hear.  Aching and heartfelt vocals and a simple and elegant piano line.

#8 Billboard Track:  "What Makes You Beautiful" One Direction  These guys don't need any more press so let's move on.  Boy bands come and go.   Every 3 or 4 years guys like this capture a large amount of attention, like New Edition, Backstreet Boys, New Kids, NSync, you name it.  If it is male harmonies you like give Brooklyn's Tanlines a try.  It's just as queer to admit liking them as One Direction.  "All of Me" Tanlines  Fast forward through the first wasteful minute.  Also, "Brothers" Tanlines

#7 Billboard Track:  "Scream" Usher  Hmm, not really in my wheelhouse.  Does the alt/indie World have an equivalent?   Probably not.  In that case look here for some other tall guys singing songs.  "Away From You" Oberhofer or "Only The Horses" Scissor Sisters  This has more a David Guetta feel, but Usher has played with him too, right?  Good, clean, foot stomping goodness from this group of merrymakers.

#6 Billboard Track: "Wide Awake" Katy Perry  Ms Perry is a tough one to figure.  She has the whole conservative background and rebelling girl vibe.  She kissed a girl, and sang with Snoop.  She, like Gaga and Minaj, dons wigs and acts zany.  But somewhere in all the packaging is a singer/songwriter.  Why can't she just do that act, like say Ms Clarkson.  She can sing, right?  She doesn't have to dance or wear cupcake bras set on fire, right?  Why do we make her do it?  Or does she make herself do it?  Whatever the case may be there are several female singers and songwriters who are doing it sans wardrobe malfunctions and marketing teams.  Midwestern Eleanor Friedberger is one of them, and you should take a look/listen.  Think today's Rickie Lee Jones.   "My Mistakes" Eleanor Friedberger. Cheeky little video that only makes me like her more or "Roosevelt Island" Eleanor Friedberger  She absolutely killed this song last week at South St Seaport.  A jazzy and straight up funky little number spoken over with brashness by our heroine.  A hidden gem if there ever was one.

#5 Billboard Track:  "Lights" Ellie Goulding  Sometimes the masses are spot on.  This diddy is straight up addicting.  Got nothing to say except enjoy.

# 4 Billboard Track: "Somebody That I Used To Know" Gotye  Like, # 5 the masses are on the money.  This is a viral video (almost 300 million hits!!) and song.   But this Aussie is no one hit wonder.  Do yourself a favor and explore his entire LP.  It is well worth it.  He is also performing live in and around the NYC area in the coming months and his live act is most worthy.  Get the hell on board already.   His LP Making Mirrors is (understatement) brilliant.  "Easy Way Out" Gotye or "Eyes Wide Open" Gotye for further evidence.

#3 Billboard Track:  "Where Have You Been" Rhianna  There is plenty of synth and techno in the alt World.  There are also plenty of female voices.  And it is doubtful these artists have been assaulted by Chris Brown.  Let's celebrate that.  New Zealand's own "Girls Like You" Naked and The Famous or "You're Early" 2:54  Ok, these brit sisters are more rock than dance.  But they are still worth a listen. This is early Sarah McLachan if there ever was!!  Remember, Sarah was quite a performer before she became Ms Animal Abuse Downer.

#2 Billboard Track: "Call Me Maybe" Carly Rae Jepsen  Sugary sweet cut from the Justin Bieber talent factory.  Not offensive.  Not Earth shattering.  A classic summer pop song.  No harm in liking this track for sure.  But if you like female voices without the cheesy videos and overly sweet sentiment take a trip to Sweden, or Iceland.  Their chicks are a bit darker and sing with a bit of an edge as evidence suggests here:  Iceland's Of Monsters and Men "Mountain Sound" and Sweden's First Aid Kit "Emmylou"  Both live videos and both performed quite well.  Big futures await both youthful acts.  First Aid Kit are the second sister act listed here too.  Coolness.

#1 Billboard Track:  "Payphone" Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa  There are several things that defy logic here and they are not the songs success.  It is more of the same for Adam Levine and CO and that's all good.  However, why does he need to use Autotune on the track and why, oh why, does he cast himself as a gun wielding here in this video.  Sheer bloody fantasy for sure.  At least he isn't a boxer or something, what, wait?  He does that in the video for "One More Night"??  Oh Moses smell the Roses.  Oh, and Minka Kelly is his girl???  Boy oh boy he is living the dream.  Sour grapes much.  Yes indeed.   Give this some attention so you can forget all about Levine's amazing life:

New Killers track "Runaways"  Brandon Flowers' voice is as good as Levine's if not better.  No effect here either.  So glad they are coming out with a new record.  Their new single is a very promising sign.

Plenty of options out there folks.  Happy listening.

Some Diversions

Monday from hell...  when aren't they??...  and 5 minutes of solace before homework...  dinner...  accounts payable (is there such a thing as receivable???)

Music?  Are you out there??  Take me away...

The Band "Don't Do it"  A good friend mentioned how the passing of Levon Helm was one that "cut a little deeper than most."  Nothing more to add in this space.  RIP Mr Helm.  You are already missed.

Snow Patrol "This Isn't Everything You Are"  They fact that Gary Lightbody wrote the lyric "Don't keel over" is one thing.  That he gets away with it, with such flair and conviction, is another thing entirely.  Hard to call them underrated since they have enjoyed a long and successful career.  But what a talented band they are.

Silversun Pickups "Bloody Mary"  This track, from their forthcoming LP, has a Snow Patrol intro feel.  Once Brian Aubert's vocals enter the song has a left coast Silversun feel to it.  Sure they are Smashing Pumpkins lite, but there are worse acts to emulate.  Looking forward to hearing the rest of it.

First Aid Kit "The Lion's Roar"  Hard to fathom these Swedish sisters are so polished.  They have the proper admiration for the past and a clear vision of the future.  Their debut record is worth listening to and some tracks, like this one, are plain fabulous.

Beirut "Santa Fe"  This song has appeared here previously.  But it continues to resonate.  It continues to play in my head.  Then it disappears for a while.  Then my daughter plays it on Spotify, or views the hysterical and clever video, and again it is unescapable.  Loving a lead singer/trumpet player.  Central Park for them later this summer and I can't see how I miss it.

White Rabbits "Danny Come Inside"  Live cut from Fordham's venerable WFUV.  Good old fashioned rock and roll right here from NYC.  Another track that has entered the bloodstream...  and did not know of it until I heard it live.

Naked and the Famous "Girls Like You"  Digging the trend of female/male singers all over the charts these days.  This band, Givers, Grouplove, Lady Antebellum, what, you don't like "Need You Now" and sing at the top of your lungs in the shower?  Just me??  "It's a quarter after 1/I'm a little lonely..."
Whatever, this track got some legs in the promo spot for the promising HBO show "Girls."  Great tempo and melody.  Clean and efficient fun.  And let's be honest, we can all relate to the lyric "Don't you know people write songs/About Girls like you!!"

Chappo "Come Home"  Along the lines of Naked and The Famous...  dance pop/synth/goofiness.  New surf or something along that line.  Or, it's got a good beat and you can dance to it.  You, not me.

Santigold "Disparate Youth"  Philly is blowing up the past few years.  Dr Dog, War on Drugs and Santogold to name a few.  And this will be our ode to Dick Clark (who started Bandstand in the City of Brotherly Love.)  RIP Mr Clark.  You were called the World's oldest teenager right?  Let's all remember our youth...  and hopefully remember it fondly.

The Band "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"