If you’ve been following this little site for a while, you may remember my Twee Pop Tuesday segment I had running for about a month. For some reason I got bored with it and scrapped it, but had plans to start some other weekly project.

To give you all a better idea of my tastes (or perhaps lack thereof), each Wednesday I’ll post three unrelated songs that have been staples on my weekly playlist. They may be good or they may be complete crap, but I’ll try to explain why I like them. Either way it gives you more music and lets you know what I’m really listening to. So, let me introduce My Three Songs.

Readymade FC: The Only One [ft. Yael Naim]

Despite the fact that it’s a blistering 7 degrees here, the ground’s covered with snow and ice and my mailbox is frozen shut, it’s been radiating summertime in my apartment, largely thanks to this Readymade FC song. Yael Naim’s vocals are simply exquisite in their breathy lightness, and the plucked guitar is buttery smooth. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a day on the beach, hand in hand with your lover as you explore the seaside together before lounging on the shore with an ice-cold mixed drink.

Air France: Beach Party

Another completely out of place song for the time of year, this one is also bursting with that summertime aura, but has a more chilled out vibe to it. While Air France’s “Beach Party” doesn’t sound anything like Zero 7′s “Destiny,” I have to compare the two for just having that “it” quality. “Beach Party” is like that fantastic tune you hear that you absolutely cannot wait to hear again, and again, and again. Fans of the Avalanches will love this one.

The Good, the Bad & the Queen: Herculean

Damon Albarn’s band Blur never did much for me. His side-project Gorillaz is hit-and-miss. For some reason, though, his latest side-project The Good, the Bad & the Queen I find appealing, especially this song, “Herculean.” It’s a combination of Think Tank‘s moodiness and Gorillaz layered textures. Mostly electronic Britpop in sound, Damon’s deadpan vocals are spot-on as they seem to capture that shimmering bit of hope in the disparity of life.

So there we have it. If you like what you heard, I encourage you to check out more songs by these artists. Google and MySpace are a great place to start.

A few days are left before 2007 is ushered in, and with it, lots of new albums. This year was a strange one indeed as artists like the Streets, the Strokes and the Flaming Lips who are known for solid albums, well, failed to deliver.

As with every year, 06 opened our ears to loads of new talent like Annuals, Lily Allen and Girl Talk.

From the sounds of early albums leaks, 2007 looks like it will easily be one of the best years for music. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Now, out of all of the music I listened to this year, here’s what stuck out as the 15 best releases of 2006.

Ariel Pink’s latest side-project is certainly a grower. It took me about 6 listens before I could appreciate the album. For those of you who pick it up, be warned. Pink’s one to never really care about digital mastering, so song quality ranges from tolerable to craptacaular. One cool thing that can be said of this mastering technique is that the entire album sounds like a mixtape of demos from your friend’s favorite local bands.

Holy Shit: Tokyo Gamblers

Six Demon Bag is just that: a tortured album that sounds like it was recorded with six different personalities. Styles are spastic and fleeting, and oddity runs amok throughout Bag, but somehow, it’s all good.

Man Man: Ice Dogs

A little band I first wrote about in Totally Twee Tuesdays, Arrah and the Ferns debut is a real charmer. Their little twee-pop jingles just got better and better each time I listened. Plus, it’s pretty hard to beat the pairing of a banjo and lyrics about a MySpace emo-ster.

Arrah and the Ferns: Emo Phillips

Math and Physics Club is an acoustic pop album with some emotion behind it. It started out with me listening to this album in the evenings to wind down, and eventually turned into it becoming one of my favorites of 06.

Math and Physics Club: Darling, Please Come Home

Bat For Lashes’ Fur and Gold is a pretty neat little album that’s meant to be listened to from dusk til dawn. It starts out at dusk on the edge of a forest and with a quest. During our journey through said forest, we encounter magic, foxfire and enchanted creatures which give the album a supernatural atmosphere.

Bat For Lashes: Horse and I

British soulstress lends her unique voice over 50s and 60s Motown beats to make one hell of an R&B album.

Amy Winehouse: Rehab

Lily Allen’s debut is brash, cool, playful breathe of fresh air in the watered-down pop world. Alright, Still is the beacon of hope that talent still exists.

Lily Allen: LDN

TV on the Radio’s Return To Cookie Mountain is like nothing you’ve ever heard. It’s an extremely complex and sophisticated rock album that throws in everything, including the kitchen sink, into its sound.

TV on the Radio: Wolf Like Me

One of my favorites because I can’t pinpoint exactly what the heck it is. Electro? Dance? Pop? Tribal? World Music? Whatever it is, it’s wickedly delightful and dark. And oh-so danceable.

The Knife: We Share Our Mother’s Health

The first few times I listened to The Crane Wife, I was pretty sure it would be my favorite album of 06. While I now see it’s flaws more so than before, it’s still a beautiful journey through lands filled with scoundrels, baby-butchers and magic. Easily the Decemberists best effort.

The Decemberists: The Crane Wife III

I don’t think there’s a CD that I’ve listened to more this year than Girl Talk’s Night Ripper. Not only is it one of the most important releases of our time — it combines more than 150 sampled sources without permission and mashes those old songs together to create new ones — it’s also one of the coolest and most fun.

Girl Talk: Bounce That

From the moment I listened to the November 05 leak, I knew this would be one of my favorites for 06. Chan Marshall’s songwriting and musicianship go unmatched on this one.

Cat Power: Love & Communication

Even I am surprised at how high I rated Singer. But after giving it much thought, it really goes unrivaled as one of this year’s best because of how simple it is and enjoyable it. It’s not life-changing, but it is heart-warming twee-pop.

The Besties: Pirate Song

If it’s possible to fall in love with an album, Boys and Girls in America would be it for me. Hands-down some of the finest songwriting and stories to appear in music this decade.

The Hold Steady: Stuck Between Stations

I pretty much already said everything I wanted to say about Ys here. If you haven’t read it, I’ll save you the time by saying this: It’s magical. It’s captivating. It’s a very rewarding listen. It’s a modern-day masterpiece.

Joanna Newsom: Emily

Biggest disappointment of 2006 goes to

When I first read about Swan Lake I was estatic. An indie supergroup comprised of Carey Mercer (Frog Eyes), Daniel Bejar (Destroyer and the New Pornographers) and Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown) was every audio junkie’s wet dream. Their lead single “All Fires” brought even more hype and with it expectations that Beast Moans just may be the best album of the year. I mean c’mon, just look at the lineup. Maybe it was the rough production (Beast Moans was meant to sound like a live recording from the Daytrotter Sessions) or the fact that there just wasn’t anything as immediately accessible as “All Fires,” but Swan Lake disappointed on colossal levels. The album sounded like a rushed jam session, in which arrangements just wondered aimlessly under the muddy production. I have yet to make it through the album in just one sitting.

Swan Lake: All Fires

So it looks like the mad dash is almost over for most of the bloggers and fanzines to post their Top-whatever album list of 2006. The one thing I’ve noticed is that most have left out the EP — y’know, those little mini albums that generally include 3 to 5 songs and serve as like a sampler of what’s to come or a different direction the artist wanted to pursue. Well, sometimes bigger isn’t always better, and there’s been some great EPs released this year. Without further ado, here’s my shorties need love too list, in no particular order.

Voxtrot: Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives

The first of two EPs released in 2006 by the Austin pop group, this was the album that started all of the attention, and is one of my most anticipated full-lengths for the next year.

Voxtrot: Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives




Sparrow House: Falls

Score a hit for eMusic’s recommendations. Voxtrot keyboardist Jared Van Fleet’s solo album is a real stunner, and easily one of the best releases of the year, full-length or otherwise. This is the reason I love music.

Sparrow House: When I Am Gone




Cassius: Toop Toop

Probably more of a single than a true EP since it’s all remixes, “Toop Toop” is one of my favorite songs of the year. With it’s dance-demanding rhythm, 80′s-inspired guitar solos and shout along chorus, how can you deny greatness like this?

Cassius: Toop Toop

Klaxons: Xan Valleys

Proof that dance influences are still alive and well in rock. England’s Klaxons’ were one of the breakout groups pioneering the new-rave genre. After repeated listens, the dark lyrics and freaky dancefloor grooves really had me wanting more. Another of my most-anticipated full-length releases for 2007.

Klaxons: Alantis To Interzone [Crystal Castle Remix]




Guillemots: From the Cliffs

Probably not an essential release for those who own the group’s full-length Through the Windowpane since most of these tracks appear on that album, this EP was almost like a “best of” Windowpane by cutting the filler tracks.

Guillemots: Trains To Brazil



DeVotchKa: Curse Your Little Heart

This was really DeVotchKa’s year as the duo released their best effort so far and started making a name for themselves after appearing on the Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack. If you like beautifully orchestrated music with a classical tinge, don’t overlook this group.

DeVotchKa: I Cried Like A Silly Boy




Lucky Lucky Pigeons: Happy Birds Day

Sweden’s never failed to deliver syrupy pop outfits, and their latest export is every bit as good as their previous ones. Happy Birds Day is a completely irreverent in the big scheme of things. But it’s also completely essential to any pop enthusiast’s catalog.

Lucky Lucky Pigeons: Who Smells Marshmallows?




Tokyo Police Club: A Lesson In Crime

Another EP that would have been included on my best full-length release list if it didn’t clock in at just 16 minutes. After a pretty disappointing release from The Strokes this year, TPC was a welcomed group (especially with the addition of female vocals), and one of the best New York-rock sounding bands of 2006. Expect to hear about this group in the future.

Tokyo Police Club: Be Good



Uffie: Hot Chick In Charge

For me, Uffie is one of those artists that works best on EP format, as a little bit of her grimey brand of dance goes a long way. Her song “Hot Chick” though was one of the year’s best club songs that was surprisingly absent in the clubs.

Uffie: Hot Chick


Professor Murder: Professor Murder Rides the Subway

One of the most gushed about EPs of the year due to its creativity and 70′s-inspired post-punk musicality. This album doesn’t skimp on the fun factor.

Professor Murder: Champion




Scissors For Lefty: S/T

Four tracks. Four kicks in the butt to get on the floor and move. Did you comply?

Scissors For Lefty: Ghetto Ways



Little Ones: Sing Song

A group I compared to the Shins earlier this year. While this album probably won’t “change your life” or have Natalie Portman giggle at you while a dog dry humps your leg, it will deliver 6 delicious tracks and make you long for more.

Little Ones: Lovers Who Uncover


Bobby Baby: Loves To Dance

Without a doubt my most listened to EP of 2006. Period. Another Swedish act, Bobby Baby focuses more on dreamy indie pop backed by strong lyrics as opposed to the spastic Swedish bubblegum I typically write about. Every time I listen to Loves To Dance I fall in love with it all over again. Hopefully you will too.

Bobby Baby: Later




Van She: S/T

There’s no denying that I’m a pushover when it comes to a great piece of pop, and in the case of Van She’s 80′s-infused debut, they had me on the ground faster than I could say “this album’s bitchin’.” The odd thing about the group is that every remix they’ve done for similar Modular artists swaps the cool pop for massive guitar crunches.

Van She: Kelly



Robbers On High Street: The Fatalist

A buzz worthy group that’s making bluesy gypsy rock similar in vein to Cold War Kids. Another group to keep your eye on for 2007 as bloggers are anticipating they’ll be “the next big thing.”

Robbers On High Street: The Fatalist

If you happen to like what you heard, most of these releases can be found on eMusic.

Flipping through the channels this afternoon, I was a little weirded out seeing Lady Sovereign on TRL, especially as the number 1 video. In fact, I’ve been a little surprised with how well she’s becoming received in America, not that she’s not deserving, it’s just odd to watch an artist transition from underground to mainstream.

In 2003 I was going through a bit of a musical crisis. The stuff I listened to in high school really wasn’t that appealing any longer, and neither was anything on FM radio. Turning to internet forums in hopes of finding something that sounded fresh, I stumbled upon Britain’s grime scene. The scene, which was still emerging at the time, mixed garage rap and electronic beats, and gave rise to artists like Wiley, Dizzee Rascal and Sharkie Major. It was London’s Lady Sovereign though that interested me the most.

My first taste of Sov was on the freestyle “The Battle,” where she and fellow female MC Shystie dueled Frost P and Zus Rock in what sounded like a hyperactive videogame. Something about Lady Sovereign’s shrill voice and brash lyrics appealed to me enough to closely follow her career for nearly two years, all the while waiting with bated breath for her full-length debut Public Warning!, which was released last week. I had a bad feeling about the album due to the fact each single Sov released since mid-2005 (“9 To 5,” “Hoodie,” “Gatheration” and now “Love Me Or Hate Me”) has been a further departure from what originally made her so appealing.

So, when I got my hands on Public Warning!, I hated it. Half of the songs, songs I had grown familiar with over the course of a year-and-a-half, now suddenly sounded different, tweaked for radio appeal. It’s been a little week now, and I’m beginning to warm up to it a bit. It’s still far from the promise she shows, but I guess it’s a start. As many problems as I have with this album, I felt honored when I was asked to review it for the campus paper, simply because I had watched Sov’s career develop. (You can read my review of Public Warning! below.)

Don’t let my comments above turn you off to Lady Sovereign, as she’s got talent. My frustration for Public Warning! comes from the fact that while she’s more than capable of making great material, she just settles for good here.

MP3s

Lady Sovereign: Those Were the Days

A hands-down stunner. It’s one of those great, nostalgic golden-era chilled out rap tracks that’s so rare these days. An essential listen.

Lady Sovereign: Random [Menta Remix, ft. Riko]

Her remixes are some of the best as they feature new lyrics and life all their own.

Lady Sovereign: Random

Despite being first released two years ago, the song still sounds as fresh as ever.

Lady Sovereign on MySpace.

The Review

(more…)

I just want to take this time to wish everyone a Happy Halloween from Audictive to you at home.

My classes are starting to slow down, so I hope to make more frequent posts, and at an earlier time. Maybe even multiple posts in one day. Fingers crossed on that one.

In the spirit of the holiday, here’s three music videos that I remember seeing in high school. They scared the hell out of me at the time, and they still do. Maybe you’ll experience the same…

Aphex Twin: “Widowlicker”

WARNING: If you’re offended by bad words and racial slurs, you should probably avoid this one.

VAST: “Pretty When You Cry”

I remember constantly glancing over my shoulder when I first saw this one. Needless to say, I’ve never forgotten this one.

Taco: “Puttin’ on the Ritz” [Original Version]

Laugh if you will, but have you actually seen this thing?

Two leeks in two months by the iTunes Music Store has to be making the Apple execs sweat. Its latest faux pas was forgetting to set the “Pre-Order” mode for the latest Jet album Shine On. Fans of the band who visited the iTunes UK Music Store were able to download the album 18 days before its Oct. 3 street date.

The same thing happened last month when Barenaked Ladies: Barenaked Ladies Are Me leaked nearly a month early due to the same problem in the US Store.

iTunes had also managed to release Keane’s Under the Iron Sea, via the Belgian Store, nearly a month early, and last year Oasis’s Don’t Believe the Truth appeared on the German Store two months in advance.

I had found out about the Jet leak Tuesday night when I accidently found this. I didn’t think too much about it at the time, but now it seems to becoming a big deal. Maybe next time I visit you, iTunes, you can leak some bands I’m more interested in.

Jet: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

A long time ago when I was in high school I was an artist. I had a style and people were familiar with my work. With the induction of a new group of frosh one year, one of them apparently had or developed the same style as I had. During an annual student show, several people approached me telling me how much they liked a new drawing I had done. When they wanted me to explain its meaning I couldn’t. Sure, the drawing looked almost exactly like something I would do, but the piece wasn’t one of mine. Yet, people were giving me credit for having done it. I imagine this is kind of how Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello of The Postal Service are feeling right now. Recently the duo released a new song, which they have no recollection of making.

To Recap:

On Sept. 5, Derek from Good Weather For Airstrikes posted what he believed to be a leaked demo from the new Postal Service album, tentatively due in the first quarter of 2007. Derek said his source had six other demos the group had been working on, which would be released after they premiered on a UK XFM station. Also posted was news on the album. Apparently Gibbard, also of Death Cab For Cutie fame, Tamborello, of Dntel, and pseudo third member Jenny Lewis, of Rilo Kiley (she did background vocals for some songs on the Service’s Give Up), were each writing, composing and recording vocals for one-third of the album, which would later be combined and arranged to form the new record. The leaked song, “The Importance of Being,” supposedly was from Tamborello’s third, and therefore featured him on vocals instead of Gibbard. Of the other alleged six demos, four featured Gibbard on vocal duties while the others had Tamborello singing.

Almost immediately bloggers began questioning the song’s authenticity, claiming that it sounded too sugary to be The Postal Service and that Tamborello’s voice doesn’t sound like that (click here to read the Good Weather comments discussion). And, less than a week after it was posted, SubPop Records, who manage The Postal Service, sent an e-mail to Good Weather, saying that the song was a hoax and that this “mediocre” song should be pulled. Good Weather obliged, by removing The Postal Service as the artist from the ID3 tags, but leaving the song available to download. Other claims arose that it was a Dntel demo from an upcoming album, which Tamborello personally denied, and that it was a track by The Northern Two, another lappop group who were hyping their soon-to-be-released album. After e-mailing Northern Two, Good Weather got word that it was not this group either.

Not much has changed in the three weeks since it was first posed. The identity of the artist is still unknown. And, for some bizarre reason, yesterday MTV decided to take focus off of Fergie for 5 minutes to post a news story about the controversy. The story, which can be read here, is mostly a rehash of what you’ve read in this post. However, in their story, they interviewed an anonymous executive at SubPop who said of the event, “I have no clue who made that thing, but I would like to kill them.”

Although it’s been determined that it’s not actually a Postal Service demo, it’s entirely possible that one could leak in the future. In both an interview with Pitchfork and MTV, Gibbard said he and Tamborello were beginning to e-mail samples and demos to each other. Whoever it is, though, channeled Tomborello’s instrumentation spot-on. Even the break-downs bear his signature.

Even after I told people that I hadn’t drawn the picture, since it was so similar to my own work, my confession didn’t seem to register with many of them. I understand why. Sometimes, when I’m listening to “The Importance of Being,” I close my eyes and tell myself it is them.

To listen to the little song that’s causing so much noise, click here.