Correction -- that should be 'Bleed Like Me' by Garbage!

The first album by the Scissor Sisters, great CD. I am so looking forward to their second CD. The songs are terrific and they have such a fun, campy style to them. They also have the best band logo out there today with the scissors and the go-go boots on the bottom.

I am also listening to "American Idiot" by Green Day. All I know is, they were robbed at the Grammy's. I hope they keep speaking out because we need more artists like them.

I bought "Free Me" by Emma, who was Baby Spice of the Spice Girls. The girl has all grown up and the CD very much suprised me on how good that it was. I got interested in this CD by seeing a couple of videos out at the clubs. Most American music and radio today I cannot stomach to listen to. I like European pop and dance music so much more right now.

That leads me to the final thing in my CD player, Ultimate Kylie. The second CD with all the newer songs is terrific. I am such a big fan, I just wish she would tour somewhere near this continent.

Three cheers for disc 2 of Ultimate Kylie! I'm one of the few staunch supporters of her much-maligned Body Language (an album that's actually better than either Fever or Light Years in my opinion), and she just keeps coming up with the goods. Anyhoo - I'm listening to:

Birth (OST) - Alexandre Desplat
Lovely stuff. Sort of like if Autechre and Brian Eno and Tchaikovsky collaborated on the score for a remake of A Little Romance. Certain tracks work better within the context of the film, but the overall effect of the full album is pretty mesmerizing.

Waiting for the Sirens' Call - New Order
Two bona-fide classics (the title track, "Guilt is a useless emotion"), three very good ones ("Krafty," "I told you so," "Working overtime"), and only one real dud (upcoming single "Jetstream," which is actually rescued by a couple nice remixes). The rest is just...okay. Still, it's their best since Technique.

"Snowden" - Doves (from the Some Cities album)
Technicolor miserablism from Manchester trio. Heavily indebted to The Flaming Lips, but not in a rip-offy kind of way.

"1 thing" - Amerie (from the Touch album)
This is awesomely cool. Glitchy Motown meets pseudo go-go with oodles of vocal hooks smeared on top. This is as exciting as the opening thirty seconds of Beyoncé's "Crazy in love," and even better, it doesn't peter out (unlike that massively overrated Destiny's Orphan track).

[ April 30, 2005, 10:50 AM: Message edited by: Jim ]

I've been listening to the new "Back to Mine" compilation of favorites by the Pet Shop Boys. It's a 2 disc set, one for Neil and one for Chris. The former is very late night, slow and trippy, with some wonderful classical selections mixed in. The latter is much more upbeat, peppy and vintage dance. And of course, they each have a Dusty Springfield cut. They're both a lot of fun.

I've been looking for the PSB Back to Mine all over the friggin' place out here, and it's nowhere to be found! You wouldn't happen to know if it's getting a domestic release, would you? DYING to hear it.

I got my copy at Rebel on Bleecker because I didn't want to wait, and they always have everything I might be looking for. Amazon lists a May 6 release date, but they still refer to it as an import, so who knows? Based on the track record of DMC World, I am guessing it will be out here some time in the merry month of May.

Though they are not yet on my CD player (since they haven't been released yet), two upcoming releases will soon be doing hard time if they are anywhere near as good as the most recent works by these artists. Aimee Mann's The Forgotten Arm will be released tomorrow. And then on June 7, we have the new Coldplay, titles X&Y.

Anyone have the new Bruce Springsteen (Devils & Dust)? I've heard bits of it, butit just isn't drawing me in. Not sure if I want to spend money on it. While I like Bruce's first foray into acoustic (Nebraska), the last one (The Ghost of Tom Joad) just left me cold.

>>>And then on June 7, we have the new Coldplay, titles X&Y.

Extremely early heads up to any Coldplay fan. You might want to check out The Fray. Their debut album is slated to come out on Epic this fall. I really like it - maybe you will, too. You can give them an early listen here:

http://www.myspace.com/thefrayforum

LXN

Kathy Valentine - best known as the bassist in the Go-Gos - released her first solo album last week. (She also formed and sang in the Delphines.) It is absolutely brilliant. She is a great lyricist - her songs have a gritty, tangible quality to them. The sound of the album is something like Debbie Harry meets Liz Phair meets the punk/pop origins of the Go-Gos.

It's an indie album that's being sold through CD Baby, which on a side note is an extremely cool little company in Portland. You can order the album and listen to samples here:

http://cdbaby.com/cd/kvalentine

It kicks serious ass.

Thanks G4G! I have to check it out. I Love the Go Go's and all their solo projects. Boy, it's about time that Kathy released a solo album.

My Top 20 playlist:

1. Liebe Ist - Nena. Yes, THAT Nena.
2. The Hand That Feeds - Nine Inch Nails
3. Wishing On A Star - Paul Weller
4-5. Hard Road & Hold On - The Shore
6. I Predict A Riot - Kaiser Chiefs
7. Speed of SOund - Coldplay
8. One Evening - Feist
9. Sinnerman (Felix Da Housecat Remix) - Nina Simone
10-12. Giving You Up /Made of Glass & Lovin' You - Kylie
13. California Dreamin' - Jose Feliciano
14. Out of Reach -Cities of Foam
15-16. Don't You Want Me (Human League cover) & Love Life (written by Pet Shop Boys)- Alcazar
17. Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani
18. Lifelines - A-Ha
19. Perfect To Me - Al Green
20. Behind These Hazel Eyes - Clarkson, Kelly

It was worth the wait. She took her time and worked very hard on this record and it shows. Kathy is awesome.

Of the clips available on the CD Baby site, "Getting By" is my favorite. It's one of my two fave songs on the album. "Creation Myth" is lyrically bad ass ... but I don't think the clip is long enough to get to the line I really like: a genius plan, I'll give them that. We've all been bad but Eve took the rap.

I can't recommend this cd more highly to anyone who likes women that can rock a guitar.

So her follow-up album will be released in 2025? wink

I'll definitely check it out.

So, since the Go Go's split, we've had:

Belinda - Solo cd's

Jane - Solo cd's

Gina - House of Schock

Charlotte: Member of The Graces which also included Merdeith "Bitch" Brooks and Gia Cambotti

Kathy: part of The Delphines with Dominique Davalos

Were there any other projects?

First, because you wrote "since the break up" ... I want to add their comeback album, God Bless The Go-Gos. I think GBTGG is the best music they ever made.

The Go-Go's actually are touring right now ...

Jane was in the band froSTed and - of course - on the last season of Surreal Life. (f**k Da Brat! Jane is a legend, you punk.) And I've heard people talk about Charlotte and Astrid's Mother, but I don't know much about that project. Kathy was also in the Bluebonnets. I'm not certain all these groups/projects resulted in albums though. It's just what I hear fans talk about on the Go-Gos chat board.

A side note, Charlotte has written a lot of music with Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles "Talking Myself Down" on GBTGG and "Something That You Said" off the Bangles comeback - Doll Revolution - among them. You know I love the Bangles more than anything.

I liked both the Bangles and the Go-Go's "reunion" albums well enough, but neither of them had a song that lodged in brain as much as their previous work did. Some days I get a Bangles song stuck in my head - "Manic Monday" or "Hero Takes a Fall" or "James" (a personal favorite). Some days I find myself humming (under my breath) "Head Over Heels" or even "The Whole World Lost Its Head". But I don't find myself doing that with anything from their latest albums. I don't know if that's because the songs just aren't burrowing their way in, or maybe I need to listen to them 5000 more times. Well, I'm pretty sure I know which you'll say.

That said, I found an old 80s CD I made for myself awhile back and played it at maximum volume yesterday. Jane Wiedlin's "Rush Hour" was on there, plus other songs that are far more embarrassing.

LXN

Someone else on the board who is familiar enough with both the Go-Gos and the Bangles to quote song titles and discuss the merits of the pre- and post - break up albums??

Lexington, I love you!

For the Go-Gos, I think "Apology" (written by Kathy Valentine about Belinda's divorce) is their best song ever, although I do love me some "Head Over Heels." Kathy also had a hand in HOH.

I love the Bangles too much to be objective. I like everything, absolutely everything. "Dover Beach" is my all-time favorite, but new songs like "Something That You Said," "I Will Take Care of You," "Between the Two," "Song For A Good Son," "Here Right Now," and "Stealing Rosemary" rock my world.

Although ... sniff sniff ... Michael Steele has left the band. The Bangles are now a trio. frown

I'll have to check out the new Kathy Valentine. I was a little disappointed with Susanna Hoff's last CD. Not her best. Belinda Carlisle really needs to put out something new... she's one of my all-time faves.

I absolutely love the new Anna Nalick CD and have been listening to it non-stop. And the "Breathe (2 a.m.)" video is a great one. If you're thinking about picking up the Anna Nalick CD, do it! I'd highly recommend it.

boz scaggs greatest hits

Really? It was such an improvement over her first solo cd, which was a disaster. But the Bangles are a classic example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. I always miss the great Peterson sister harmonies when I hear Susanna sing alone.

Susanna is currently working on an album with Matthew Sweet (on top of California tour dates and projects with the Bangles); they met as part of Austin Powers' fictional back-up band, Ming Tea, and decided to continue working together. I think it'll be out next year.

I am listening to the Il Divo, CD....and yes, I am staring at the cover of the CD...LOL

>>>Someone else on the board who is familiar enough with both the Go-Gos and the Bangles to quote song titles and discuss the merits of the pre- and post - break up albums?? Lexington, I love you!

Pshaw. Just wish I had better things to say about them.

It'll be interesting to see how the Hoffs/Sweet collaboration turns out. I've been a Matthew Sweet fan for years. I was a bit disappointed in his work with Hanson (yes, Hanson), probably because I had my hopes up too high (yes, high).

Started at the end of the (alphabetical) CD rack and am working my way forwards. I'll be on XTC for a bit longer. The band, I mean.

LXN

Maybe I'm just in like with you then.

Lust to love was the last thing I was dreamin' of ...

Well, here's hoping I didn't leave skidmarks on your heart...

LXN

[ May 04, 2005, 01:28 PM: Message edited by: Gaga4Gaby ]

Snow Patrol. Saw them live last night at the moore theatre in seattle. Great show really enjoyed it.

It must be that circuit boy in me, but I am listening to a lot of Tony Moran's CDs.

It's great for the gym ... high intensity, hardly ever dark and always fun!!

Has anyone else heard the new Coldplay single, "Speed of sound?"

My God...they should sue themselves!

Well, you know the theory. "If they bought it once, they're ready to buy it again."

Finally finished the XTC, now knee-deep into Stevie Wonder's "At the Close of the Century" box set. A must-have for anyone who likes soul or pop music at all, I think.

LXN

Recent purchases:

Mountain Goats - The Sunset Tree. More produced than earlier releases, but great. My #3 album of the year so far.
Rolling Stones - Exile on Main Street. Finally...I've been listening to the mp3s for almost a year.
Derek & the Dominos - Layla. Just starting to grate on me now, but I played that obsessively for a week after the CD came in the mail.
Randy Newman - Sail Away. My wallet is going to kill me picking up the rest of his stuff, which isn't on BMG.

Also listening to a lot of Guided By Voices, NEW Sufjan Stevens which is incredible and Iron & Wine.

I picked up the new Queer as Folk CD
Very good and also picked up a Smokey Robinson Greatest Hits!!

Songs on Random play on this week's MDB ipod:

1. Anyplace, Anwhere, Anytime - Nena & Kim Wilde
2. Liebe Ist - Nena
3. Hate It Or Love It – the Game & 50 Cent
4. Ventura Highway (Deepsky’s Blizzard In LA mix) - America
5. Friday Night In London – Bryan Adams
6. Giving You Up - Kylie
7. Lot of Leavin’ Yet To Do – Dierks Bentley
8. Want Me, Want Me – Namie Amuro
9. One Evening - Feist
10. Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz
11. Holiday – Green Day
12. Lotta Love (The Lotta Nic Mix) - Nicolette
13. The Hand That Feeds - NIN
14. I’ll Take That As A Yes – Phil Vassar
15. A Real Fine Place To Start – Sara Evans

If you have itunes, you can search for Duck House A Go Go for the full list!

Good Charlotte - The Chronicles of Life and Death

Recent faves (with a hopelessly obscure slant):

"Side streets" - Saint Etienne, Tales from Turnpike House

"Wraith pinned to the mist and other games" - Of Montreal, the Sunlandic Twins

"Open your eyes" - United State of Electronica, U.S.E.

"Speak low" (Bent remix) - Billie Holiday, Verve Remixed 3

"Even tho" - Joseph Arthur, Our Shadows Will Remain

"Us" - Regina Spektor, Soviet Kitsch

"Baby" - Melody Club, Face the Music

"Chicago" - Sufjan Stevens, Illinois

And in light of recent events,

"I believe in you" - Kylie Minogue, Ultimate Kylie (get well soon!)

[ May 19, 2005, 02:37 PM: Message edited by: Jim ]

Edie Brickell and New Bohemians "Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars"

I'm in total slush mode at the moment so here are 12 mash-ups that I adore. If you want any, drop me a line.

"No One Takes Your Freedom" – Scissor Sisters/Beatles/George Michael/Aretha Franklin. Mashes up "Take Your Mama", a Beatles song, "Freedom" and "Think"

"Fixing Up For A Love Connection" – Frou Frou/Madonna. Very cool mixing primarily Frou Frou's version of "Holing Out For A Hero" and using Madge's "Justify My Love" as the beat.

"Das Supermodel" – RuPaul vs. Kraftwerk. NEed I say more? I actually love this version almost as much as the original.

"My Bad" – Michael Jackson/Justin Timerlake/Eminem

This one is so wrong. Michael coos up to Justin T with "sweet" talk, then sings "Bad" with the beats of Em's "My Band"

"Just Let Go in LA" – Fischerspooner/Nilsson
Using Nilsson's song "One" as the lyrics under the beats of Fischerspooner's "Just Let Go".

"Hollaback Barracuda": Gwen Stefani meets the Wilson Sisters! Kicks. Ass.

"Don’t Mess with Orgazmatron" – Eurythmics/Miss Kitten: “Missionary Man” goes X-rated

“Sweet Home Country Grammer” – Lynyrd Skynyrd / Nelly: ‘nuff said

“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” – Green Day/Oasis/Travis – Essentially sounds the same as Boulevard..but all of a sudden, you’re humming a different song.

“Diamonds Are Dead”: The Dueling Marilyns (Monroe & Manson): One’s dead and the other one…well, could be.

“Somebody Rock Me” – The Clash vs. The Killers: Sure it’s overplayed, but hearing it mixed in with “Rock The Casbah” gives it a different sound.

“Body Mmmmbop” – Beastie Boys thrash Hanson

From the descriptions, these sound intriguing...could they be burned onto a CD perchance?

So I was wondering about these 2 songs I'd been hearing when I was out at the clubs lately, I had no idea what they were. So imagine my surprise when it turns out to be Fantasia "It's All Good (Scumfrog)" and Kelly Osbourne "One Word (Chris Cox)"

and for more of the they're remaking the '80's, I offer these

Eric Prydz - Call On Me (Steve Winwood - Valerie)
Vinylshakerz - One Night In Bangkok
DHT - Listen To Your Heart
and getting a 2nd wind is
Angel City - Love Me Right (Oh Sheila)

and then there's the song that might supplant Suzanne Palmer's "Home" as my obsession

Tony Moran/Deborah Cooper - Live You All Over

Check your PM.

One thing good or bad about A.Idol...it makes me pull out the old songs. "Nights On Broadway", "Vehicle", "Son of A Preacher Man" and "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" have been on my playlist. So has the remixed, updated versions of 70's hits "Lotta Love", "Ventura Highway" and "Hello, It's Me".

Trick Pony's new single is a remake of Bonnie Tyler's "It's A Heartache".

Yes, I listen to a lot of music since my commute is horrendous.

Nice list, Breesy!

Don't forget to add these to the re-make/re-imaged list:

- Pepper Mashay's "Send Me An Angel" with Digital Trip

- Mohito Featuring Howard Jones: "Slip Away"

- Max Graham vs. Yes "Owner of a Lonely Heart" and

- Moustache Featuring Melinda Jackson singing Fleetwood Mac's "Everywhere".

and I think you mentioned this one in a previous post Cabin Crew's "Star To Fall"

I forgot about Cabin Crew and Max Graham .... "Star to Fall" just started getting played here, "Owner" has been played recently as well, I hadn't heard the mohito tho, but have the other 2

I'm not a huge mash-up fan, but that Green Day/Oasis one is stellar. It sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen...

Currently been listening to new CDs by the Gorillaz, Fall Out Boy, and Harmonic 33 (very odd, this last one). I just got word that the Fray (as mentioned above) have already released their first single for download on Napster, iTunes, Real Player, and elsewhere. I'll go snag a copy of that, as well.

LXN

Bloc Party Silent Alarm. great album. Picked it up this past weekend after hearing them play a blazing set at the Sasquatch music festival. Even though it was 500 degrees you couldnt help but enjoy listening to the music.

Several weeks (or posts) ago, I mentioned the Fray. They now have a (live) video for their song "Over My Head (Cable Car)" finished. I'm one of the morons singing along, but best of luck picking my voice out.

WARNING! The following links will connect you to soft, corporate rock!!

Real Player Version
Quicktime Version
Windows Media Player lo-fi
Windows Media Player hi-fi

Oh, and to forestall any rumors, that's NOT me introducing the band.

LXN

[ June 11, 2005, 04:02 PM: Message edited by: Lexington ]

For the record:

Husker Du - New Day Rising is one of my favorite albums.
Gibby Haynes and His Problem - one of my least favorites.

But point taken - and post duly updated.

LXN

[ June 11, 2005, 04:00 PM: Message edited by: Lexington ]

On my iPod, and I keep playing it over and over...

Backstreet Boys "Incomplete" Can't help it. I love those guys!!!

Diana Ross "Upside Down"

"Juke Box Hero".....by Foreigner

Last CD I burned, the genres never mix

Boxer- Simon & Garfunkel
Planets on Fire- Sammy Hagar
Good People- Jack Johnson
Janie's Got a Gun- Aerosmith
Im the Only One- Melissa Etheridge
Theme from Midnight Cowboy- Faith No More
Run Like Hell- Pink Floyd
Roof With A Hole- Meat Puppets
Sun in the Stream- Enya
When I Close My Eyes- Kenny Chesney
Sea of Sorrow- AIC
Hey Joe- Jimi Hendrix
LIving on the Edge- Aerosmith
Figured You Out- Nickelback
Fade to Black- Metallica
Duality- Slipknot
Holy Water- Big & Rich
Send the Pain Below- Chevelle
I Stay Away- AIC

David Sedaris'April in Paris'

Not sure if anyone else is a fan. I "discovered" him on NPR and have since read a couple of his books.

New additions:

Audio Bullys/Nancy Sinatra - "Bang Bang (Lee-Cabrera)"
Infernal - "From Paris To Berlin"

New CD by a duo called Ringside (one of the two is actor Balthazar Getty). Really fun stuff...nice beat. Also, the Gin Blossoms, my favorite band from the 90's. Just saw them in concert again two weeks ago and they're still awesome.