Six Pack of the Week - Soundtrack Songs

The soundtrack is quite possibly the most underrated part of a movie. Really though, what truly great movies have not had a similarly brilliant companion soundtrack? It's not just about picking the right music, it's about getting the right feeling to move the story along. Directors that can pair the sites with the sounds deliver a product that is truly moving. This week's six pack focuses on the often-overlooked soundtrack. Kraig goes first this week.

The Dropkick Murphys - I'm Shipping Up to Boston (The Departed)

Sure, that little intro sounds a little mushy and you certainly need a mushy song for a mushy movie. But what about if you've an ass-kicking movie? Well, then you need your self an ass-kicking song.

The Departed was a brilliant film, absolutely fantastic. The film deserved all the critical acclaim it received and more. Truth is, I probably wouldn't find myself re-watching it again and again if it wasn't for this monstrous tune by The Dropkick Murphys. It sets the tone early on for the entire movie. I can't stress how important that "tone" was, especially given the length of the movie. Is this song solely responsible for the success of the film? Hell no. Did it a play a part? Surely did.

[mp3] I'm Shipping Up to Boston

Get the soundtrack: Amazon | iTunes
Buy some Dropkick Murphys: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them online: Official | Myspace

Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova - Falling Slowly (Once)

Now we'll get back to that touchy-feely crap. Once was an ambitious film that was more of a soundtrack turning into a film rather than a set of songs setting up a film. When a film focuses so much on music it's absolutely critical that the music is able to stand up on it's own. The soundtrack for Once is certainly able to do so.

Falling Slowly is the standout track in my mind. The duet version is very sweet and subtle. I've also posted the full band version from Glen's band, The Frames. I prefer the full band version just because it has a little more depth - there's more drama, more of a build...but both are fantastic.

[mp3] Falling Slowly (Glen & Marketa)
[mp3] Falling Slowly (The Frames)

Get the soundtrack: Amazon | iTunes
Buy some Glen Hansard: Amazon | iTunes
Visit him online: Official | Myspace

Stu's
Stereophonics - Maybe Tomorrow (Crash, Wicker Park)

Flexibility is the middle name I have just now given to Stereophonics' wonderful track, "Maybe Tomorrow." Not only does it serve as a great opening credits song (a la Wicker Park) but it also functions as an excellent closeout number (in Crash). How many songs could ever hope to accomplish that? That's right, not many, thus my new nickname: Maybe 'Flexibility' Tomorrow. Think of it like the middle name 'Danger,' it actually makes sense that way. Anyway, it's an all around great track, and if you've never heard it you're probably missing out on 3 great things (2 movies, 1 song). Start with the listening and finish up with the viewing, that's my advice.

[mp3] Maybe Tomorrow

Get the soundtrack: [Crash] Amazon | iTunes [Wicker Park] Amazon | iTunes
Buy some Stereophonics: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them online: Official | Myspace

Maroon 5 - Woman (Spiderman 2)

Not appearing in the film (at least not to my knowledge) but appearing on the soundtrack is this funky number from Maroon 5 entitled "Woman." And it is funky, don't let the appearance of the name "Maroon 5" sway your downloading judgment. Interesting sidenote: I wouldn't listen to Maroon 5 for a long time because I didn't think they were my "thing." I finally jumped on the bandwagon after hearing this number, and was pleasantly surprised with most of their stuff from Songs About Jane. I have since jumped off the bandwagon (as is the tendency with all bandwagons), but this remains my favorite Maroon 5 song.

[mp3] Woman

Get the soundtrack: Amazon | iTunes
Buy some Maroon 5: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them online: Official | Myspace

Brock's
Pete Yorn - Undercover

Another song used on a Spider-man movie, this little ditty appeared on the soundtrack for the first one. The lyric in the chorus is "walk me to a car-park," a weird phrase Pete got from a woman he dated. She was from New Zealand, and refered to parking lots as car-parks. Okay story, great song.

[mp3] Undercover

Buy some Pete Yorn: Amazon | iTunes
Visit him online: Official | Myspace

Dog's Eye View - Umbrella

No, not that "Umbrella."
I have been a fan of Peter Stuart and Dog's Eye View for a long time, in no small part due to this song, and its presence in the silly teen comedy Can't Hardly Wait.

[mp3] Umbrella

The sites: Official | Myspace
The sounds: iTunes | Amazon

The Matches - A Band In Hope

The sticker on the front of my copy of A Band In Hope, The Matches' new album, said "The Matches: A Band as Weird as You Are." Oh, gracious, but I do love the Matches. Shawn Harris has such a distinctive voice. It's powerful the way it seems constantly on the brink of collapse, and helps to cement the Matches as one of my favorite bands.

"AM Tilts" starts the new album, and it's a good return to the unique sound of the Matches. The vocals are spot-on, but the guitars feel somewhat reserved, making this a track that gets off the ground but doesn't really soar.

"Their City" feels like a better start to a Matches record; it's simply a great rock song. The guitars and drums are what I would describe as "unrelenting."

There are a couple quiet tracks, which is something we haven't really seen before on a Matches album: "Darkness Rising," an all piano song, and "Clouds Crash," an acoustic one. "Darkness Rising" isn't great; the melody really doesn't come across as well established. "Clouds Crash," on the other hand, is excellent. It's intense and moving.

A Band In Hope features some changes from previous Matches records, including more backing vocals than I'm used to from them, but the changes aren't at all unwelcome. It's a terrific album; and I'd be much obliged if you'd run out and buy it.

[mp3] The Matches - Their City

[mp3] The Matches - Clouds Crash

The sites: Official / Myspace

The sounds: iTunes / Amazon

Six Pack of the Week - Grab Bag

We had originally intended to do a six pack featuring really good songs from bands that otherwise suck. But as it turns out, those kinds of songs are hard to come by. I guess it makes sense, and, really, why would we want to make you listen to sucky bands? Instead here are some good songs that have been on our minds of late. Brock goes first this time, and let's all welcome him back to the land of the Internet.

Ben's Brother - Stuttering (Kiss Me Again)

First off is a song I've been meaning to post for some time now. It's catchy stuff, and I can't help but sing along. I love the whole stuttering thing throughout the song. Check it out!

[mp3] Ben's Brother - Stuttering

The sites: Official | Myspace

The sounds: iTunes | Amazon

Ludo - Love Me Dead

The vocals on this one kind of remind me of Max from Say Anything; intense and urgent. The lyrical content is Say Anything-ish, as well. It's a bizarre mix of romantic and morbid, and it totally works.

[mp3] Ludo - Love Me Dead

The sites: Official | Myspace

The sounds: iTunes | Amazon

Kraig's Picks

The Damnwells - Kung Fu Grip Kiss

I've been stuck on Air Stereo recently. Maybe there's just something about the warm, sunny weather that makes me yearn for the album, or maybe it's just some damn fine music. I think I'll go with the latter, though I do tend to listen to this one whenever I'm adventuring in the great outdoors.

Kung Fu Grip Kiss has a rather silly name but don't be deceived, it's killer (not filler). If you enjoy some damn fine vocals, swelling horns and a catchy-as-hell hook (who DOESN'T??) then I recommend takin' a listen. This song will put a goofy smile on your face right when you hear those shiny horns take you halfway to funky town - guaransheed.

[mp3] The Damnwells - Kung Fu Grip Kiss

Visit them online: Official | Myspace
Buy their music: Amazon | iTunes

Arizona - Some Kind of Chill

Ah, yet another band that finds itself in rather favorable position on my virtual iTunes chart due to the changing of the seasons. I'd imagine that Some Kind of Chill will somehow make it's way onto a summer playlist of mine in my golden years. I'd hope so anyways.

Take a bit of folk and add some sunny back ground vocals with some smart instrumentation and you've got Arizona. I highly recommend checking them out if you haven't done so already.

[mp3] Arizona - Some Kind of Chill

Visit them online: Official | Myspace
Buy their music: Amazon | iTunes

Stu's Two

The Shins - Sea Legs

I keep wanting to call this song funky. I think it's because the bass line sets the tone, which usually results in a funky song. And yes, I absolutely loooove the bass. The other thing I enjoy about this song: it sounds nothing like what you'd expect from The Shins. You owe it to yourself to check this out, even if you're biased against these dudes.

[mp3] The Shins - Sea Legs

Visit The Shins online: Official | Myspace
Buy some: Amazon | iTunes

Counting Crows - Anna Begins

I listened to Anna Begins many, many times before I finally developed an appreciation for it. The first couple listens left me feeling generally...uneasy. Still, I gave it a listen every once in a while until one day it finally clicked. It really is an excellent blend of beat, instruments, and vocals to create a precise mood. I now love the repeating, "I am not worried, I am not overly concerned;" so basic, yet so effective. It's an oldie (from August and Everything After), but always worth a listen.

[mp3] Counting Crows - Anna Begins

Visit Counting Crows online: Official | Myspace
Buy some: Amazon | iTunes

The Flobots - Handlebars

Some things you should know about this song: 1. It's hip-hop. 2. It's actually a few years old, but recently radio has picked it up and it has exploded. 3. You're going to like it.

This song has been picked up by the alternative stations here in Salt Lake, and the response has been huge. It's meaningful hip-hop with horns and violins viola (thanks, ellie :)), and the way it starts out kind of innocent and then builds to a thundering crescendo literally gives me chills.

[mp3] Flobots - Handlebars

The sites: Official Myspace
The sounds: iTunes Amazon

Six Pack of the Week - Covers (Vol. II)

Ah, it's covers. I love covers. I'm not sure why I have such a fascination with one band playing another's music, but it always has (and always will) intrigue me. Sometimes they bring something new to the song or emphasize it in a way you never thought of it. Sometimes it's just really, really shitty. We'll try to avoid those ones. To start things off, I (Kraig) will take you out to Africa for my selections.

Mysterious Ways - Angelique Kidjo (originally by U2)

Both of the tracks I'm posting come from the album In the Name of Love, which is more or less a tribute to U2. All of the tracks on the album are U2 songs performed by African bands/artists. As you can imagine, these often take off in directions you wouldn't normally find in your "typical" cover.

I'm not going to pretend to be all knowing when it comes to the music you'll find on the album, but I recommend picking it up if you're into covers and/or if you're into U2. You'll certainly dig it if you listen to a bit of "world" music (whatever that means today).

Anyways, this first track caught my ear and got my interest in the album. You'll recognize it as a cover, but it takes off with some different beats and splits out of English during the verses.

[mp3] Mysterious Ways

Buy her music online: Amazon | iTunes
Visit her online: Official | Myspace

Pride (In the Name of Love) - Soweto Gospel Choir (originally by U2)

...and here we have another take on a U2 classic. Not much in the instrumental department, but it probably delivers the message at the heart of the song better than Bono could with his mates.

[mp3] Pride (In the Name of Love)

Buy some of their music online: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them online: Official | Myspace

Hard Sun - Eddie Vedder (Originally by Indio)

I'm sure you all heard this blaring through sunroofs and fancy cars with tops down last summer/fall. It's still a regular on my playlists. I highly recommend listening to this one in headphones if you haven't yet.

[mp3] Hard Sun

Buy some Pearl Jam online: Amazon | iTunes
Visit PJ/Eddie online: Official | Myspace


Back to the album - I recommend picking it up if for nothing else than to expose yourself to some music you wouldn't normally listen to. Since it's a cover album it's a bit easier to step into the "world" music genre because you'll already know the songs. Check it out here on Amazon, visit the official page (with streams) here.

Stu's:

Africa - Howie Day (Toto cover)(Live)

Speaking of Africa...Howie Day does a pretty awesome cover of Africa. This version is from his 4-21-01 show, and you should probably go pick up the whole show for FREE from archive.org. You can't argue with free!

[mp3] Howie Day - Africa

All Along the Watchtower - Howie Day (Bob Dylan cover)(Live)

Back in the days before Stop All The World Now, it used to be a pretty popular thing to go to Howie Day shows and yell, "FORTY-ONE!!!" at him. I'm not sure why, I've heard his cover of #41 (originally by the Dave Matthews Band) and it never really jumped out at me. At least it didn't jump out at me like this cover of a cover (supposedly Howie covers this like DMB covers it, therefore cover-of-a-cover). Truth be told, this is the first Howie Day song I ever heard. It's an interesting first song to hear, mostly because you aren't expecting the raw emotion and passion (or the excellent screaming). This one's from his 7-20-99 show, which is also free at archive.org.

[mp3] Howie Day - All Along the Watchtower

Buy some Howie Day: Amazon | iTunes
Visit him online: Official | Myspace | theHDTB

Splendid Isolation - Pete Yorn (Warren Zevon cover)

This cover comes straight from Petey's most recent album, Nightcrawler. Originally by Warren Zevon, Pete's take on Splendid Isolation is very well done (I'm a fan of the harmonica work myself). Incidentally, splendid isolation is also a foreign policy pursued by Britain during the late 19th century. So ya, now you know that.

[mp3] Pete Yorn - Splendid Isolation

Buy some Pete Yorn: Amazon | iTunes
Visit him online: Official | Myspace

No picks from Brock this week kiddies, he's internet-less right now (hence the lack of Brockness lately). Hopefully he'll get that resolved soon. We're missing a certain dash of Lurp 'round these parts...

Six Pack of the Week - City Central

So I'm sure everyone can think of some song by their favorite band that's about (or just named after) a city. Yeah, there sure are a lot of them. I like to think they're written for some reason other than to get a loud "Whooo" (or "woot" if you prefer) when they play them for said city, but I think I'm just lying to myself. It's sad really, lying to yourself. Anyway, this week's six pack is songs about cities. Stu's going first this time, let's see how long it takes me to screw this up:

Sufjan Stevens - Chicago

This song will one day go in my series of "listen-to-this-song-if-someone-recommends-this-artist's-music-to -you-and-doesn't-tell-you-what-to-listen-to." And I may have to consider a name change for said series. People always say to me, "hey, hot stuff, you should listen to such-and-such band/singer," but they never tell me what to listen to! This is usually somewhat infuriating. This was once again the case with Sufjan. Finally, after sifting through half a billion chirpy-bird songs, I found Chicago. I think it's a good Intro to Sufjan song.

I've been trying to think of the right descriptor word to explain his music, and I think I'm going to go with complex. He adds in a lot of different elements and it seems like you need to start by listening to some of his more "basic" songs before you can appreciate the rest of 'em. And now, crap, I'm going to screw up this six-pack at the very start by making it a 7-pack! Jacksonville is too good (and also too named after a city) to be left out of this one. So this is a two-fer.

[mp3] Sufjan Stevens - Chicago
[mp3] Sufjan Stevens - Jacksonville

Buy some Sufjan (pronounced Soof-Yawn): Amazon | iTunes
Visit his sites: Official | Myspace

The Stills - Of Montreal

If your first instinct was to ask, "are these guys Canadian?" then you, sir or madam, would be good at a little game I like to call, umm, Name Their Heritage. 100 points to you, Huzzah! If that was not your first instinct, shame on you, it's right in the title and everything! Try to try a little harder next time, will you?

Seriously though, if you've never heard of The Stills then you should at least hear of them long enough to listen to their debut album, Logic Will Break Your Heart; if you don't like them after that, then perhaps rock music just isn't for you! Ha, I jest of course, but it is definitely an album I'm glad I have, and when it gets to that point you've pretty much got to recommend it to whomever crosses your path. Take Of Montreal as an example: I never would've thought that I'd be hyping a song where a dude sings about what's turning him on, but there ya go, I just did. Crazy talk!

[mp3] The Stills - Of Montreal

Buy some music by The Stills: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them online: Official | Myspace

Kraig's Picks:

Collective Soul - Over Tokyo

I'm bringin' this baby out of the states and into the Far East! This is by far the best track (and probably the only track worth mentioning) from Blender. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it's actually a reworking of a much older song that Ed did on his solo album? Yeah, probably. I've included the totally 80's version from Ed' solo album, Ed E Roland, just for kicks.

PS: Anyone have a copy of Ed E Roland? I only have this track and I'm wondering if it's worth picking up...

[mp3] Collective Soul - Over Tokyo
[mp3] Ed E Roland - Over Tokyo

Buy some Collective Soul: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them Online: Official | Myspace

Ryan Adams - New York, New York (live)

I know this makes me a square, but I had never heard of Ryan Adams until New York, New York smacked me upside the head. Ryan is one of my favorite artists so this song has a special place in my heart since it was my introduction to Mr. Adams. This version is from the Loft Sessions and it's a completely different beast than the original - much more bluesy.

[mp3] Ryan Adams - New York, New York (live)

Buy some Ryan Adams: Amazon | iTunes
Visit him online: Official | Myspace

Brock's Picks

As I was searching through my music collection, I realized we could very easily do a "Songs About New York and Los Angeles" six-pack. In all actuality, we could just as easily do a "Songs About Los Angeles by Counting Crows" six-pack. That being said, the following songs are not about Los Angeles...

The Stereo - Have I Paid My Debt to Minneapolis?

Okay, you're right, this song does mention Los Angeles. But it's not really about LA! The Stereo is a cool little pop-rock band that sort of paved the way for the pop-punk bands on the Fueled by Ramen label. So, depending on your view of that whole musical movement, sorry...? But this song is an excellent example of the clever lyrics and catchy songwriting typical of The Stereo.

[mp3] The Stereo - Have I Paid My Debt to Minneapolis?

The Site: Label(old) | Wikipedia
The Sounds: iTunes | Amazon

Beirut - Nantes

When Stu first posted about Beirut, I braced myself for some sissy-la-la Frenchy music. I was sorely mistaken, my friends. There is simply nothing sissy or la-la about it, just good times folk-pop music. Hopefully you've already checked out the music video, and if you haven't purchased The Flying Club Cup you should do yourself a favor and purchase it. (By the way, Nantes is a city in France.)

[mp3] Beirut - Nantes

The sites: Official | Myspace

The sounds: iTunes | Amazon

PlayRadioPlay! - Texas

PlayRadioPlay!'s sound falls somewhere between Death Cab for Cutie and the Postal Service. That... that doesn't actually sound like much space, but when you hear it, you'll get it.

Comparisons to hellogoodbye would also be appropriate; though the songs are written about (and probably during) high school, they don't really feel immature or inaccessible. Even a song like "My Attendance is Bad, My Intentions Are Good" overcomes the high school theme. Dan Hunter, the mind behind PlayRadioPlay!, is 18 years old with a talent far beyond his years.

The lyrics are fairly simple, but totally work for the genre ("emotronic" okay with everyone? Good). Definitely check this one out!

[mp3] PlayRadioPlay! - Madi Don't Leave
[mp3]PlayRadioPlay! - I'm a Pirate, You're a Princess

The sites: Official | Myspace
The sounds: iTunes | Amazon

Six Pack of the Week - Rainy Day Tunes

The month of April and rain are nearly synonymous in the north-western hemisphere of the world. Since that's where I live those are the lamentations you shall hear today.

It rained (and snowed) today in the little place I call home and I'm sure it will keep on raining through the end of the month. And then stop. Forever. Because I live in a desert.

We've got some tunes to get your drenched and dreary soul through the day. First off, my (Kraig) picks:

The Beatles - Rain

Oh, The Beatles. They're either the greatest thing since sliced bread or the most over-hyped band that's ever graced the planet depending on your stance. Regardless of whether you like them or not, most people seem to agree on the overwhelming influence The Beatles have had on popular music over the past 40 years. "Rain" is a shining example of why they were such a revolutionary band.

The song features the best drum fills Ringo has made this side of Abbey Road, some of the sweetest tone to be heard at the time on the bass, a collection of the first real "psychedelic" lyrics John brought our way - not to mention the fact that we're hearing the first implementation of a backwards track when John's vocals reverse right before it starts to fade out. Really, The Beatles don't get much better than this. And it's a b-side?? Seriously - there's very few tracks I hold in this high of a regard and it's not even an a-side single. Crazy. Oh, and it's about rain (well, probably) if you didn't guess.

[mp3] The Beatles - Rain

Buy some music from The Beatles: Amazon

Pearl Jam - Wash

This song has more to do with "washing away" then rain, but there's a heavy dose of precipitation imagery involved throughout. When I hear this I can always see Eddie screaming to the skies to open themselves up as the song closes out - a lot of passion there. I was a bit surprised that they were able to retain the original grit when this was re-recorded for Lost Dogs a few years ago. I've posted the most recent version, but the original is quite epic as well.

The most important thing here is that I get to hype my two favorite bands in the same post for songs they aren't well known for. How often does that happen?

[mp3] Pearl Jam - Wash

Buy some Pearl Jam: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them online: Official | Myspace

Stu's:

Collective Soul - She Gathers Rain

I once asked Kraig if this song was about a fat chick. It makes sense, doesn't it? If she's gathering rain, she must be a pretty big girl. Pretty self-explanatory to me, but I think it came at Kraig completely out of left field.

I was never very fond of this song until I had the privilege to hear it live. A couple years ago CSoul came to Boise, Idaho, and played at the Idaho State Fair (of all places!), and we (Kraig, Brock, myself, and some friends) decided this was too good an opportunity to pass up. We all squeezed in a tiny car and drove the 4-5 hour trip up to Boise. The song wasn't any different at the show, but for some reason the hook just sounded soooo good live. Now She Gathers Rain is one of the songs I think of when I think Collective Soul. Oh, and it also has the rain theme we're featuring this week. Ya, nice.

[mp3] Collective Soul - She Gathers Rain

Buy some Collective Soul: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them online: Official | Myspace

Adam Elk - It's Raining In Here

I don't really feel qualified to talk about Adam Elk (as I know incredibly little about him, besides that he's an ex-member of the Mommyheads), but I knew I had to include this track in our rainy day list. Elk brings the funk and, wow, is it good. That's some good funk right there. A couple years ago I wasn't a fan of the funk, but I credit many of the tracks on Labello to bringing me over to the funk side.

[mp3] Adam Elk - It's Raining In Here

Buy some Adam Elk: Amazon | iTunes

Brock's Songs

The Apples in Stereo - The Rainbow

This is a song that's ostensibly about rain, but in a happy way! The Apples in Stereo can't really help but make you happy, with such a excellent mix of quasi-psychadelic, 60's-style sugary sweet pop. Check it out!

[mp3] The Apples in Stereo - The Rainbow

The sites: Official | Myspace

The sounds: iTunes | Amazon

The Jayhawks - Save It For a Rainy Day

If you don't own the album Rainy Day Music by the Jayhawks, you're missing out on a modern masterpiece. It's fantastic alt.country that evokes early Beatles and has some of the greatest vocal harmonies around. The Jayhawks are currently on hiatus, which fills me with some rain-soaked sadness.

[mp3] The Jayhawks - Save It For a Rainy Day

The sites: Fansite

The sounds: iTunes

Six Pack of the Week - Bonus Tracks!

Sometimes 12 songs just isn't enough. Sometimes, you're just listening along to a new cd, and that last song ends, but it doesn't end. Or sometimes it'll just be an extra track thrown your way, as a very special thank you for buying the cd. You'd better buckle up, because you've entered the realm of bonus tracks, baby. I (Brock) will go first this time around.

The Damnwells - Air Stereo

Air Stereo is hands down one of my favorite albums. "Accidental Man," "I've Got You," and "I Am a Leaver," just to name a few incredible tracks. Why they chose the title track as a bonus track is beyond me, but I'm more than willing to accept an odd decision with such a good album.

[mp3] The Damnwells - Air Stereo

Buy some Damnwells: iTunes | Amazon

Visit the site: Official | Myspace

Jack's Mannequin - Into the Airwaves

Everything in Transit is the (so far) only album from the former frontman for Something Corporate, and it's a great record. It "ends" with a song called "M.F.E.O./You Can Breathe" that is a giant run-on sentence of beautiful pop-punk-piano songwriting. Then there's a little spoken thing about the end of the record, and how there won't be another record for a while because of laziness. Then "Into the Airwaves" starts up, right out of nowhere.

[mp3] Jack's Mannequin - Into the Airwaves

Buy some Jack's Mannequin: iTunes | Amazon

Visit the websites: Official | Myspace

Kraig's Picks

Counting Crows - Sunday Morning L.A.

Brock and I recently reviewed Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings, Counting Crows' latest release. While we were slightly disappointed with the album itself, we didn't directly address the bonus tracks that came with an iTunes purchase of the album.

Strangely enough, Counting Crows followed in the footsteps they themselves set in This Desert Life by keeping some of the best work off of the proper album, instead saving it for a bonus track. Similar to "Kid Things" from This Desert Life, "Sunday Morning L.A." is a very strong track - which further boggles my mind as to why it couldn't make the cut over some of the other duds that did.

[mp3] Sunday Morning L.A.

Buy some Counting Crows: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them online: Official | Myspace

Howie Day - So, Goodbye

As I discussed in a previous post, Howie Day's post Australia career has left me wanting a bit more. Stop All The Wold Now was a fair album (on a good day) with a few strong tracks and a lot of songs that were trying too hard to hit top 40 radio. It seemed almost like Howie was trying to distance himself from the sound he created on Australia.

That, in itself, was probably the reason I fell hard for the bonus tracks that popped up in the Special Edition releases and on the Japanese release. These tracks had more passion and depth then the rest of the album - it was Howie, not some cheap TRL clone! Not surprisingly, my favorite cuts from the album ended up being "bonus tracks". Most were included after-the-fact on import or special editions, including this one, "So, Goodbye".

[mp3] So, Goodbye

Buy some Howie Day: Amazon | iTunes
Visit Howie online: Official | Myspace

Stu's Two

First, I just want to say that Brock stole one of my bonus tracks, that dirty sneak! But I will echo his sentiments on The Damnwells - Air Stereo; most days I feel like this is the best song on the album. Usually on those days Kraig calls me an idiot, but I shall continue to stick to my crazy notions and opinions!

Pete Yorn - Go With It

Back when Pete released Nightcrawler either his label, his management or the man himself decided that, in order to better promote the record, they should throw out a bunch 'o bonus tracks that were "exclusive" to different stores. This meant that you got different bonus tracks if you bought Nightcrawler from Circuit City rather than from Best Buy or iTunes, and vice versa. (Pete talks about it in an old interview with BrooklynVegan)

On one hand, it was nice that all these new Pete Yorn tracks were being released. On the other, it made the couple days after the album was released quite hectic while we were trying to round up all the bonus tracks. (Check out these old posts from Heather and Bryce for most of 'em). Go With It is the most rockin' of the bonus tracks, and probably should've been put in the meaty part of the CD instead of being an iTunes-only song.

[mp3] Pete Yorn - Go With It

Buy some Pete Yorn: Amazon | iTunes
Visit him online: Official | Myspace

Sense Field - The Horse Is Alive

So I think the story goes that one day Kraig was browsing around in our local independent music store (which, sadly, no longer exists), and randomly found Sense Field's Living Outside and picked it up on a whim. I managed to get a hold of it ('cause that's what happens when you live with a dude), and it didn't leave my grasp for quite a while.

It makes me sad that these guys broke up, Living Outside was downright awesome. Powerful vocals, great keys, nice drummin' and strummin'; it's very good stuff! And The Horse Is Alive is one of the best types of bonus tracks: the hidden ones. I hate when they call a song a "bonus track" when it's got its own track break. That's too easy! Your bonus should come after much hard work and due diligence (like fast forwarding for like a minute 'til you're at the exact right moment where the bonus track starts). Yeah, that's what it should be. Anyway, I figure most of you don't want to fast forward through a bunch of silence, so I cut the bonus track out of the nearly 11 minute final track. Hopefully you enjoy it as much as I.

[mp3] Sense Field - The Horse Is Alive

Buy some Sense Field: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them online: Myspace (tribute page)

Bonus Tracks: Now what would a six-pack about bonus tracks be without some bonus tracks? Unless you pre-ordered the deluxe version of Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings, you probably didn't get these songs. I don't think that's terribly fair, so here are two bonus bonus tracks (along with my apologies for the delayed post [Brock's fault]):

[mp3] Counting Crows - There Goes Everything

[mp3] Counting Crows - Come Around (Acoustic)

Six Pack of the Week - Our Weekly Top Songs

Most of you probably come to this website to get some recommendations about what you should listen to. With this weeks six-pack, we'll actually let you inside our playlists so you can see what WE are listening to. Since there's three of us, we've each uploaded the two songs that saw the most action on each of our playlists last week. I (Kraig) will kick things off:

See These Bones - Nada Surf

Coming in with 11 plays last week and the #2 rating is See These Bones by Nada Surf off of Lucky.

Nada Surf seems to be known as "that band who wrote the "Popular" song" back in the 90's. It's a shame that they've been tagged as a one-hit wonder, but I guess that's life. Lucky is a CD that you need to pick up if you haven't already - it's by far my favorite album from the band. See These Bones is my favorite track off the album, check it out to see what you've been missing if you've been dismissing these guys as just another one-hit wonder.

[mp3] See These Bones

Buy some music from Nada Surf: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them online: Official | Myspace

2nd Boys Will Be 1st Choice - The Brobecks

My most played track (with 18) from last week comes from a local Salt Lake City band, The Brobecks. Brock wrote up a little ditty about these guys a while ago, but I highly recommend checking them out if you didn't already. Take Phantom Planet's knack for catchy pop songs, turn it up to 11 and up the tempo a bit and you've got The Brobecks.

I'm sick and tired of Utah only being known for The Used (as far as music goes). The Brobecks deserve some serious attention and this song is a must download for all you blog-surfers.

[mp3] 2nd Boys Will Be 1st Choice

Buy some music from The Brobecks: CD Baby | iTunes
Visit them online: Myspace

Time for Brock's picks!

I don't have official totals to give you, all I have to offer is some excellent tunes that, by my best guess, dominated my headphones this past week. And away we go!

Say Anything - That is Why

This song is almost always in my top few, because it is just so darn catchy. Say Anything is so freaking awesome, and if you ever get the chance to see them live, do it. They will rock you soundly.

[mp3] Say Anything - That is Why

Buy their music: iTunes | Amazon

Visit the sites: Official | Myspace

Motion City Soundtrack - Last Night

It's pretty much accepted that Motion City Soundtrack made a great first album (I Am the Movie), an incredible sophomore album (Commit this to Memory), and a pretty good third album. This song is from that third record, Even If It Kills Me, which gets somewhat overlooked simply because the other albums are so good. MCS writes fantastic pop-rock songs with great hooks and awesome keyboard solos. Observe:

[mp3] Motion City Soundtrack - Last Night

Buy MCS music: iTunes | Amazon

Visit their sites: Official | Myspace

Stu's Stupendous Songs of Sensuality

I like to alliterate sometimes, it's fun, you should try it. I don't have play counts either, but it's a fairly good bet that these two songs were at the top of last weeks most-played list.

The Thrills - Saturday Night

Sometimes I am a proponent of the gigantic, entire music library shuffle, and it was at one of these random times that I found this song. Last week I got addicted to it again, so it vaulted its way up to the top of my playlist. I'm a big fan of the fairly repetitive, "Is this what they call...?" line; every once in a while (like last week) that really clicks with me, and I start to think, "hey, yeah, is this what they call...?" about all sorts of things. "They" always ruin everything, I tell ya!

[mp3] The Thrills - Saturday Night

Buy some music from The Thrills: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them online: Official | Myspace

The French Kicks - So Far We Are

I would like to say that Kraig's post on The French Kicks earlier this week inspired me to explore the sea of their music, but sadly this is not the case. I explored that sea last week! It seemed like the right time, they were about to release their new album (Swimming) and I'd heard of them before, but never really heard them. Here are the results of my exploration: Abandon is great, and So Far We Are is equally awesome. Both feature good use of hand-claps, which I've become something of a fan of recently. Hear for yourself:

[mp3] The French Kicks - So Far We Are

Buy some music from The French Kicks: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them online: Official | Myspace

You're not listening to enough musical saw...

...I just know you're not! Luckily, Nathan Moomaw wants to help. He recorded one song every month for the year he turned 26 years old, and made an album called 26, in which he uses musical saw, jaw harp, a turkey call, and probably an acoustic guitar to create beautiful pop songs in the vein of Iron and Wine or Rocky Votolato. These songs are at times very sparse, and at others very lush and atmospheric. It's a fantastic experience, and gets its official release May 13th, but you can stream the whole album here.

Buy Nathan Moomaw's music! iTunes CDBaby

Then visit him on the webs: Official Myspace

because your love feels so literal today

Review - Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings

Album Review - Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings by Counting Crows

It has arrived! Today Kraig and Brock will take you through the new album from Adam Duritz and the gang. It's a two-part album, so how about a two-part review?

Saturday Nights (Kraig)

The first half of the album (Saturday Nights) has long been referred to has the "edgier" half. Adam promised some balls-out rock and the boys deliver, right from the opening riff of 1492 and all the way through to Cowboys.

Speaking of Cowboys, while it's the last track of the Saturday Nights side, it was also the first track to leak from the sessions that became Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings. I was elated, nay, ecstatic upon my first listen of Cowboys. Adam's vocals were passionate - downright pissed at times. The guitars were ferocious. The lyrical content was beautiful - definitely leaning heavily on the Recovering the Satellites days.

Sadly, the rest of the cuts from Saturday Nights are hit and miss. 1492 makes me feel like Adam is trying a bit too hard to be a "rocker". Hanging Tree almost has it, then they throw in a bit too much in the bridge. Los Angeles, Sundays and Insignificant are all fine tracks - just not up to the standard that they set with Cowboys.

While the Saturday Nights side is short, I can't really say it's sweet. I want to love this album, I really do - it just doesn't quite do it for me. Cowboys and Hanging Tree seem to be the standout tracks on this side, the rest seems to be more "filler" than "killer".

[mp3] Cowboys

Sunday Mornings (Brock)

The fierce, driving guitars of "Cowboys" give way to the delicate picking of "Washington Square," and we begin the remorse and reparations of Sunday morning. Even though Adam claims to have sold his piano in the first line, piano music provides a gorgeous backdrop to the lush arrangement. Every note is deliberate and excellent, as guitar, piano, banjo, and harmonica join together on the walk home to Washington Square. The stand-out track for me is definitely "When I Dream of Michelangelo." It is acoustic perfection, and ties together a lot of ideas from previous Crows records.

Lyrically Sunday feels to be on par with the rest of Counting Crows' catalog, and musically it feels like an acoustic This Desert Life. As you can most likely tell, I want very much to heap praise on this latest offering from my all-time favorite band. I just can't.

[mp3] When I Dream of Michelangelo

Conclusion (Kraig)

In all, the album is solid. If you're a fan of Counting Crows then you'll be pleased with the majority of the songs. The main gripe we seemed to have was that they tried to do a bit too much on this album. If this was cut down to a 10-12 track album it would probably be getting stellar reviews across the web. Instead, we got stuck with more "filler" than "killer" which left us forgetting some of the higher points of the album.

But seriously, Cowboys is good enough in it's own right for the entire price of admission. It's that good.

Order the album: Amazon | iTunes

Visit Counting Crows on the web: Official | Myspace

Six Pack of the Week: Guilty Pleasures

We've all been there. You're out with your friends and then, out of the blue Come Sail Away comes on your iPod. Everyone looks at you like "What the hell man?!" All you can really say is "I don't know, my brother must have been messin' with my playlists. I *DON'T* listen to this shit".

Of course, they don't believe you. You can blame it on your bro, the wife, even the damn cat and they aren't going to believe you. Now they know what you secretly listen to when you're in your car by yourself. It isn't the super-cool indie bands, no Vampire Weekend or The Decemberists - hell, not even The Raconteurs. You're blastin' Sweet Child 'O Mine and pushing yourself into falsetto as best you can to sing along.

I suppose it's nothing to really be ashamed of. Well, yes it is. It really, really is. But this week, despite the shame, we're going to share some guilty pleasures with you. First off, I (Kraig) will share mine:

Boston - More Than a Feeling

I have a special place in my heart for the genre dubbed "Arena Rock". For those of you unfamiliar with rock 'n roll history, this is the rock that came before "Hair Bands" and just after Zeppelin.

I can't quite explain the feeling these bombastic ballads give me deep down in my insides, nor can I deny them. I just turn them up to 11 when I'm alone in my car. I don't even think my wife knows I listen to this shit.

But seriously, listen to the guitar tone in this song - it's a beautiful thing. The harmonies are brilliant. Alright, I'm done defending Boston now.

[mp3] Boston - More Than a Feeling

Buy some music from Boston: Amazon | iTunes
Visit them online: Official | Myspace

Journey - Don't Stop Believin'

Here it is, the big one. The mother of all arena-rock ballads. It gives me chills when the vocals drop in over the top of the keys. I don't know why, it's nothing spectacular, but I just want those kids to meet up on those damn midnight trains going anywhere...

[mp3] Journey - Don't Stop Believin'

Buy some music from Journey: Amazon | iTunes

Visit them online: Official | Myspace

Brock's:

Cute is What We Aim For - There's a Class for This

Definitely one of the most cutesy of the emo-pop bands (seriously, just look at the band name), these guys write undeniably catchy songs to make you tap those toes. As much as I just want to hate them, I find myself singing along to every song and secretly looking forward to their next album.

[mp3] Cute is What We Aim For - There's a Class for This

I won't tell if you buy some Cute is What We Aim For music: Amazon | iTunes

And check out their website: Official | Myspace

A Fine Frenzy - Rangers

This one definitely falls under the category of "blame on the wife." A Fine Frenzy is beautiful, haunting piano pop written by a waifish red-headed woman. I saw her perform on the Carson Daly Show, and immediately ran out and bought the cd. Of course, what I mean is that my wife did that...

[mp3] A Fine Frenzy - Rangers

Buy A Fine Frenzy's music: Amazon | iTunes

Visit the websites: Official | Myspace

Stu's:

Avril Lavigne - Naked

It seems wrong to preface a guilty pleasures post, but that's exactly what I'm going to do! I like Avril's old stuff and by "old stuff," I mean anything before her most recent album, The Best Damn Thing. I really want to make a 'worst damn thing' joke but I think you're already there, so we shall skip it.

Anyway, most think of her as a member of the pop-punk genre but at least half of her early tracks are pop-rockish, which makes it understandable that I like it, right? ...right? Ok, I'm not foolin' anyone. Oh, and I'd like to apologize to anyone who accidentally found this post while searching for porn; sorry, unintentional.

[mp3] Avril Lavigne - Naked

Buy some pre-The Best Damn Thing music from Avril Lavigne: Amazon | iTunes
The Internet's on computers now: Official | Myspace

John Mayer - Something's Missing

I think all three of us would agree that Mayer's first album, Room for Squares, was pretty alright. However, at some point between when it came out and when every teenage and pre-teen girl decided to swoon over him, I was supposed to stop liking his stuff. I never got the memo. Damn. And as much as I want to call him a sellout for seemingly skewing songs towards his teenage fans, I keep listening, sooo...

[mp3] John Mayer - Something's Missing

Buy some music from John Mayer: Amazon | iTunes
Visit him online: Official | Myspace

Feature - Amateur Night!

Amateur Night is a new feature we're trying out here at Sell the Lie. Basically, I will arduosly pore over literally several videos of random acoustic songs on YouTube to find the best, strangest, or most otherwise noteworthy that the vast webs of Internet have to offer. All out love for you, the reader.





First on the list is a young man named Daniel Choi covering "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley. You might be turned off by the way he sings the actual "crazy" hook part, but, seriously, that's a tough note to hit!







Buy some Gnarls Barkley on iTunes

Next is a song originally by one of my favorite bands, a little group called Fall Out Boy. This song is from the album Take This to Your Grave, which is absolutely one of the best rock records I've ever heard. The official title of this song is "Tell That Kid Mick He Just Made My List of Things to Do Today," and it's a perfect example of why I love Fall Out Boy; great melody and hook, and when you finally realize what the actual lyrics are it's like a gift for your brain. I won't spoil it for you, but after "Let's play this game/" is especially delightful.

Buy some FOB! iTunes

So just to keep things balanced, I figure we should now feature a male singer covering a song originally done by a female. So this song is called "Samson," originally by Regina Spektor. Regina writes quirky, beautiful pop songs, and you should certainly give her a listen. But first, give this a listen!

Buy some Regina Spektor! iTunes

That's all for this session, but be sure to join us (possibly) next time for more Amateur Night!

Of Fate and Chance

Check out Of Fate and Chance, a rocking little band from the East Coast. They're a young band with a polished sound; heavy and melodic and catchy. I love the way "Bravery" seems like it's building to a pre-chorus, then the chorus just takes off. Also keep an ear out for the excellent vocal harmonies in the 2nd verse. I think you'll agree that it's quite nice.

[mp3]Bravery

[mp3]Post Explosion

Buy some Of Fate and Chance: Big Cartel Tripod

From Alternative to Rock?

I typically put very little stock in the user reviews on iTunes. It seems like the ratings are given on a scale of "pretty awesome" to "so very awesome." So I was somewhat puzzled when I noticed that the new album from The Spill Canvas, No Really I'm Fine, was getting 2's and 3's. So I checked a few of the reviews, and there was kind of an odd theme through most of the posts, the overwhelming opinion being that the new album was no good because they had changed "from alternative to rock." Maybe I'm just living in a marshmallow candy world of love and tolerance, but can't we just like music?

This rather strange aside is going somewhere, I assure you. It seems that the Spill Canvas is opening for Yellowcard on a tour beginning in March at the Avalon here in Salt Lake. But it's not just any tour. This particular tour will be an acoustic tour. I am usually a fan of punk/alternative/rock bands re-working their songs as acoustic songs. The album Punk Goes Acoustic can probably be partially held responsible for this, and I've included a Yellowcard track from that album to whet your appetite. Also give a listen to the Spill Canvas, and please let me know if it's sufficiently alternative. Both are acoustic tracks, naturally.

Yellowcard - Firewater.mp3

The Spill Canvas - Staplegunned.mp3 from Punk Goes Acoustic Vol. 2

Buy some Yellowcard: iTunes / Amazon

Visit them on the tubes: Official / Myspace

Ditto for Spill Canvas: iTunes / Amazon

Spill Canvas sites: Official / Myspace