Music

If you are looking for good study music, look into the unaccompanied Bach Cello Suites. There is a fantastic recording by Yo-Yo Ma. That music got me through my studying for my hardest college course; it's non-distracting, but at the same time, beautiful music in its own merit.

And no- it doesn't get any better than Ludwig Van. :)

Nice one, what do you think of the In An Aeroplane Over The Sea cover?

Murray

http://www.shufflesongs.co.uk/index.php/2009/04/matt-pond-pa-in-an-aeroplane-over-the-sea-visitor-recommendation/

One of my top five most favorite songs ever is 'Fool in the Rain'. Indeed, a great band.

I couldn't agree more. This particular piece is a treasure, and as such, it should be buried deep.

Hey gejamich,

I have a burned cd from a friend who saw Ray in Seattle. The cd is currently in the US while I am in Ecuador, but I'd be happy to send a copy your way when I make it home. It is a fantastic cd with songs I have definitely never heard Ray sing or heard on a cd.

Curious about the cd with three or four unreleased songs (cupcake). I saw Ray play in 2000 and at the time he had one cd which seems to no longer be available. There were definitely some songs on that cd that aren't included on Trouble or Til The Sun Turns Black. Would love more info.

Car Crash is not about wanting to die in a crash, the lyrics are: "Don't wanna die in a car crash"

I agree with you 100 percent. It will be interesting to see how hip hop is going to evolve, because right now, it's some garbage!!

www.hiphopbeatsonline.info

Oh nice. So it was limited. Thanks for the update.

The band just sold out of copies for their mailorder. Glad I got mine early! And it's still on iTunes, for people who are late to the party... :)

I liked the song "Car Crash" where can i get the lyrics?

The two other songs I heard were the ones listed on Youtube on the page for the "In the Morning" video. I forget their names now, but they were very different.

The Coral are pretty good. I would actually recommend their self-titled debut album over their later efforts.

To be honest, I've probably put more effort into listening to these tracks than I would have if Peter didn't give them to me, but I'm glad I took the time to explore their sound. The duo has really grown on me. Here's my shiny nickel:

1. I think this song best showcases the dichotomy between sound and lyrics that seems to be characteristic of the duo. While I am bopping along to my favorite sound on the cd, I catch myself singing the morbid lyrics aloud. Oh well.
2. Ah, Jon Jon. Yes, I know several of them, and I love how the song has him meeting his Jane Jane who acts as reckless as he. Puts a romantic spin on this upbeat tune.
3. Paz Suay has such a sweet innocence to her voice in this song. It doesn't require much thought to enjoy it, but putting in the extra effort to listen to the lyrics makes it that much better.
4. I second the "carefree summer feeling" comment. In fact, this song makes me want to float in a pool while sipping a margarita. Ok, well I usually feel like that. But whatever, it's a good tune.
5. The depressing lyrics and search for answers/identity coupled with a slight disco beat make this song a prime contender for use in a Zach Braff movie. Maybe that's why I like it.

I trust your judgment, I have been very happy with his last release that you recommended to me, I will certainly give this one a try.

Peter is right....It is Augustana that sings the songs about Boston...Has any one heard their album?

No, that is Augustana I believe.

is he the one with the song about going to boston?

I really enjoy the few songs of his that I have heard, although none have showcased his speaking rather than singing tendency. VH1 has really pushed his music by making him a "You Oughta Know" artist which can sometimes turn me off--they tend to shove it down viewers' throats. Still, I'd like to hear the rest of the album to give him a chance.

I will have to listen to this myself, as you sometimes have odd taste in music. However, I will be very sad if you turn out to be correct! I have enjoyed him in the past....

Thank you. I've never seen that.

ain't that the truth.

This is a great album!

this is a fantastic album.

I don't like the lyrics much either but I like the beat. I don't like the true meaning of it though.

Pozzi are you deaf? do you realise how out of context that would have been (Foxy?) the tune is shit and you should listen to nothing.

yalll a haterrrrrrrrrrr

am i on the committee? if i am, i may have to vote for 'shake your laffy taffy' instead

I heard this on the radio and thought it was Foxy Brown singing, "I'm Foxy"

You know, as in her name?

Rumor goes that his new album is sappy and slow and cliche' Indie Rock. I'll be curious to your respective takes on it, as fans of his work.

He's unique in the fact that he's from Maine. How many famous people do you know from Maine other than Stephen King? Not many. His voice is unique, but not unique as in like Johnny Cash was before Joaquin. I just don't think you can or should compare artists, that is all. Plus, he's not weird. Also, I can think of a few as well (e.g. Ani Difranco), but that isn't necessary. I just used weird in reference to Peter for the sake of comparison. I think we can come to a conclusion by accepting Ray's music for what it is and by agreeing that we all kind of like him.

You can compare any semi-mainstream musical artist to at least one other. Ray is not THAT unique. He's basically a folk singer with a tragic twist. If you want some examples of "weird" artists, I give you Deerhoof, The Flaming Lips, and Bjork.

Wait, you just favorably compared me to Ray LaMontagne in an effort to show that you cannot compare us to anyone. Sweet irony!

This is the part in the cartoon when the robot's head blows up. Cool.

There is no comparison. He's unique. It's like trying to find some one of whom Peter reminds you. There just isn't anyone. He's too weird.

I'm ok without comparisons.

Let me clear my good name here. I said the *best* comparison I could come up with, trying to give Joker an idea of what to expect. I challenge you to come up with a better comparison for the uninitiated.

Ray is obviously a distinct artist, and his Trouble album is one of my favorites from the last few years.

I disagree with the Van comparison. I love Van but I love Ray more (shocking, I know). I also consider myself an expert on the two musicians. Van, for the most part, is more upbeat. Ray has little more depth in a tragic sort of way. He used to work at a shoe factory in Maine. One day he quit his job to sing. Both singers belong in the same genre of music, but don't sound the same. I believe I told you to buy Ray's album two years ago (but what do I know). His new album is coming out next month. I also have a cd with three or four unreleased songs, if anyone is interested.

I am uneasy with all the Van comparisons...

I wish I had that for you. I've seen a few hits come from people in search of just that, so it would be nice to be able to supply it. So, sorry, but I don't.

do you have a setlist by any chance? like do you know all the songs they played?

I really love that song. Daniel tried to change the station once when it was on and Katie made him change it back because I was *enjoying it.



*enjoying = singing horribly to*

Talk about putting the pressure on me to keep it up. Watch, the next one I post will ruin my streak. Great, I really like the one I was going to put up next, too...

You're on a roll man! Great song... I discovered it as well, I think it was last summer. Check out "Brooklyn is Burning", and "I Shot William H. Macy" (the first is a good song, the second is a good song title) as well. These guys aren't too genre-friendly (hardcore singer + Gorillaz beatmaster). I've been wanting to build a mix with either "Beating" or "Brooklyn", but I am having the same problem you are. Unfortunately I'm at work and can't browse my music collection for suggestions for you... I'll try to get back to you cause now I'm itchin' to make my mix.

Conveniently Love is No Big Truth is on the same album as "Dance" (Riot On An Empty Street). Glad I have my iPod handy. I'm listening to it now. I like it.

Great call on Kings of Convenience man. I got hooked on them through a song called "Love is No Big Truth". Just like "Dance", it's catchy without being annoying, and it always makes me smile. Check it out if you haven't already.

GREAT REVIEW, love the format!
A word of note: "All On Me" was actually produced by Sean's younger brother Jason Alexander. I guess his first effort on the international scene. Still a below par song though as you stated. Who knows if they release it as a single it will probably tear up the Billboard Hot 100 though. Sean can do no wrong Stateside.

Surprisingly, or not, I think he played some Jack Mannequin that day, too. I believe I was enjoying it somewhat.

Thanks for the comment.

This band is going to be with about 130 others at lallapalooza in Chicago in Aug. I think they are going to be fun live. If you do like this album you might also like Jack Mannequin. I know Amazon links them also...thought I would share :)

I guess that shows how long it has been since I listened to that album. Thanks for helping me out.

The line comes from Biggie's song "Nasty Boy" from Life After Death, which was recorded before he died, but released after.

i'm just glad you made enough blog entries to bump Jay Wright's ugly mug down so i don't have to see it every time i visit your site.

but that was still a lot better than your buddy in the banana-hammock you had on your front page prior to blogging in v1.0