I'm ready to...

Okay, it's time to finally take a break from my hectic life and update you on the goodies that have hit the WNR inbox.

I always list my songs in the order I'd play them, so it helps if you have a few minutes to go through them track by track. To give you a heads up - the start of this list is a little more of an electronic jolt, the middle becomes foot-tapping and head-nodding goodness, and the end is soft and dreamy. It's just the way to live your day in music.

Today's theme: (Who Needs) Radio, live submission.

One Second Fame - The Sky:
There's a similiarity to Massive Attack in the beginning of this track, but I think it's just the strong bass that triggers the comparison. At about 1:21, it softens up with a beautiful yet simple melody that has already gotten stuck in my head twice today. It's hard for me to get into electronic music anymore because I find most of it repetitive, but One Second Fame have a good diversity to them/him.

DR - Butterfly:
Fan of 80's synth influenced electro-pop? You should definitely give this a try then. They've been described as sounding like the outcome of a dirty one night stand between the Scissor Sisters and Mylo. Also, these guys are running a remix competition right now, with the prizes being a free Sony NW-HD3 and a chance at having your name on the charts. Go here for more info.

Detroit Grand Pubahs - Sandwiches:
"You can be the bun. And I can be the burger, girl." With a voice that reminds me of the little pink/purple Mooninite from Aqua Teen Hunger Force, this song is equally addictive as it is funny. You should definitely check these guys out at their myspace page (linked in the artist name). They are just as interesting visually.

Uffie - I'm Ready to Uff:
I would say if you like Peaches and Le Tigre, you'll like this. The lyrics are lewd, but the girl is hot.

Professor Murder - Champion:
I just now found out these guys played a show last night, and if I hadn't been working from home while mapping out songs for you guys, I would've been there. I really don't know how to describe them. Percussion and bass is the only thing that can pop in my mind at this time. Jim at Stereogum described it as a combination of Refused, "Trench"-era Liars and the most obscure dub. Sounds about right to me.

Home Wreckers Club - What Went Wrong:
Kind of Strokes-ish, but I don't like using that as a comparison because it's actually good. Bloody hell, just listen to it already and tell me what YOU think of these brits.

Division Day - Tap-Tap, Click-Click:
So far everything I've heard from this indie-rock band has been catchy, so I'm looking forward to seeing how their debut release, Beartrap Island, goes in March. Some people have described the vocals being similiar to those of Incubus' Brandon Boyd, but those people also smoke crack as a day job so I wouldn't trust them.

The DeBretts - Is It Me:
Her voice! It's just so addictive and enticing. Picture this: her doing the twist around the stage while giving you a Mia Wallace kind of glare, singing into the mic with pouty red lips. I am really bad at describing what I'm picturing, so I hope you get the point. Her voice is just sexy. The song begins very dark, but then strangely starts to sound like a B-52s track as it evolves.

Santa Dog - Rosa:
Well made indie-pop with stunning female vocals. Be sure to pre-order their new EP so you can get your name on the sleeve notes!

Surefire - What Else Could I Say:
These kids, and I say that literally because they are young, have opened up for the Arctic Monkeys and Ambulance Ltd. They're already getting a lot of attention, but they deserve it for being so talented and together.

The Cherokees - Run of the Day:
If I had to pick a ultimate favorite out of all of the songs posted today, this one would be it. There is just so much emotion behind his voice. It reminds me of Radiohead circa The Bends. I've already listened to this one track alone at least 20 times.

Transcargo - Salt:
Another song with amazing vocals, full bodied and backed up with an exquisite arrangement of instruments. The horns kick in at the most perfect times, never overpowering her voice.

Louis - My Own Good:
Known for his well-praised former band Regia, Louis Schefano fronts his new project (simply named Louis) with his talented and beautiful girlfriend on drums. I used to have the pleasure of working with this guy, but alas I don't get to make fun of him on a daily basis anymore. I won't make fun of him here though, as his musical talent is no joking matter. Go purchase his album, Freak Show Revenge, for only $3.99 at his site.

Pilot (the Morning Fall) - December:
This is going to seem biased considering I'm close to one of the members, but whether or not - the music is still post worthy. This song was already superb, but then J Greco came in and mixed it to perfection. I'm hoping they do a lot more with their talent.

Oh Travioso - Let It Go:
I don't know if I'm the first to post about this group/guy, but if I am then something's wrong in the blogosphere. People, listen up! This is good! The vocals, guitar... everything. Give it a try for yourself.

That's it for now, kids. Hope it holds you over for a little while, because I still have a lot to do before the March move.

- LB

Guest Contributor: Lewis Black

You may recognize him from The Daily Show. You may have seen one of his comedy specials on HBO or Comedy Central Presents. You may have read his snarky yet heartfelt memoir, Nothing's Sacred. Hell, you may have even caught one of his segments on The Weather Channel. Who is he? The fiercely hilarious political comedian/author/playwright/actor - Lewis Black. And he comes to us this month as a special contributor to show you his softer side... his love for what music once was. I'll let him do the talking:

I love music. It's as close as we have to a natural drug. It transports you to places unimaginable, filling us with images, colors and a sense of something grander. It's power is extraordinary. And its fucking fun and fun to fuck to or dance to or think to or eat to or clean to and it makes exercise nearly bearable. It is an exquisite mystery. The pisser is that between the record companies and radio stations that computerize a series of asinine and homogenous playlists... good music, REALLY good music, is becoming tougher and tougher to find.

Here are the albums that shaped me:

Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" -
The essence of Dylan!
Selection: Shelter From The Storm

The Beatles' "White Album" -
A double album that never ends.
Selection: Happiness Is A Warm Gun

The Allman Brothers' "Live at the Fillmore East" -
Saw them live when Duane was alive, and this is as close as it gets.
Selection: Hot 'Lanta

The Rolling Stones' "Exile on Main Street" -
Helped me survive a divorce and it never gets old.
Selection: Rocks Off

Laura Nyro's "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" -
Nothing like it.
Selection: Eli's Comin'

Janis Joplin's "Cheap Thrills" -
The grittiest of all the angels.
Selection: Combination of the Two

Blood, Sweat & Tears' "Child is the Father to the Man" -
No one has made anything that's sounded like this since.
Selection: My Days Are Numbered

Chicago's "Chicago Transit Authority" -
A bunch of kids who sold their genius so that we could hear it the way they intended... and never came close after.
Selection: Listen

And all of Motown.

We'd like to thank Lewis for taking time out of his insane schedule to write for WNR. It's not easy being funny all the time, we know. That's why we're not funny.

.....

Expect more special contributions like this as we get them. Hope you enjoyed it, folks!

We ride the short bus.

"Dear God, UPDATE already!" is probably what you're thinking. Well, we don't blame you. We're just a little slow right now, as the title of this post suggests. I'm sure that Paul's busy muddin' or cow tipping in Jacksonville, and I'm still sore from all that V-Day lovemaking.

Just kidding.

Currently, I'm doing an overhaul on my life while learning the ropes of my new job. Not only am I assisting with the maintenance of another site, I'm also trying to find a way to keep WNR updated at the same time. And to top it all off? I'm downsizing and packing the personal belongings for my transition from the "Yo!" of Bed-Stuy to the "Hola!" of Lower East Side.

After my move from Brooklyn to Manhattan at the beginning of March, I will be able to dive deeper in all the submissions and mp3s I've gotten my hands on. There are a lot of them, and I'm surprised at how good they mostly all are. So if you've submitted something, don't worry. You'll be seeing your name on WNR shortly.

Stay tuned.

- LB

Nothing says "I Love You" like a VD

Around this time of year, I'm always cursing this Hallmark holiday called "Valentine's Day" that reminds us just how alone we are in this world. I'm also usually nauseated by anything heart shaped or covered in chocolate. Well, my how things have changed for me. It makes all the difference in the world when someone special makes you realize just how loved you are.

So call me inspired, but I've compiled these various loving tracks for you to share with your special ones on this 1-800-flowers/Godiva/Hallmark driven beautiful holiday.

1) Styrofoam - I Found Love (ft Sarah Shannon)
2) Cut Copy - Time Stands Still
3) The Magic Numbers - Love Me Like You
4) Built To Spill - Reasons
5) Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
6) The Tah Dahs - Mix Tape = Love
7) Death Cab For Cutie - All Is Full Of Love (Bjork Cover)
8) The Smiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
9) Of Montreal - Everthing Disappears When You Come Around
10) Starflyer 59 - Fell In Love At 22
11) Arrogants - I Want You
12) Otis Redding - That's How Strong My Love Is
13) Velvet Underground - I Found A Reason
14) Easy Access Orchestra - Love Letter
15) Air - Playground Love
16) Red House Painters - Silly Love Songs
17) Reindeer Section - Will You Please Be There For Me
18) Slowdive - Crazy For You
19) Chet Baker - My Funny Valentine
20) The Zombies - The Way I Feel Inside

And for those of you not so keen on this loving feeling, these unromantic tracks are for you:

-- Public Image Limited - This Is Not A Lovesong
-- Delgados - All You Need Is Hate
-- Antony & The Johnsons - Fistful Of Love
-- My Bloody Valentine - Slow

And remember kids, cover your stump before you hump. It will be sweeter if you wrap your peter!

XOXO - LB

Oh Monday!

This past weekend was a really short cold weekend at the end of a really LONG week. Trust me. I was glad to see it end and sleep it all off. But as things go, here we are again at the start of a new week. Oh Monday, I hate thee.

Rather than doing a "Valentine's Day" post, I figured I'd put a bunch of stuff I've recently been turned on to. It's not all British but it's still good. My next post will be 100% Best of British. Keep your Union Jack's handy and prepare to sing God Save the Queen.

Until then enjoy these golden brown tunes fresh out of the Who Needs Radio oven. If you're really lazy or forgot Tuesday is a holiday, burn them onto a CD and give them to your significant other as a Valentine! See what we do for you people!

From the dreamy/softer side of things... music to woo to.

-- Devics: Come Up
-- Magnet: Hold On

From the rocky side of things... music to erm.. have an argument to while dancing.

-- The Sounds: Painted by Numbers
-- Mellowdrone: Oh My

And finally from across the pond... music to be a Rock n' Roll couple to (the bassist and guitarist are dating as it happens).

-- Subways: Rock n' Roll Queen (LIVE 11/27/2005)
-- Subways: Staring at the Sun (TV on the Radio cover)

Their album FINALLY came out here in the States. For those of you who weren't fortunate to walk away w/free stuff at the release party at POP! last week, here are two tracks that are rare and cool (even if the drums sound like a roofer on acid).

Happy V-D (It's now officially Tuesday as I finish this up). Next time we head back over the pond for a cuppa and some digestives.

Paul...the tired Anglophile.

Music Moves Me

You may not be seeing many posts from me here on WNR in the next week. Reason being? My life is changing fast and for the better. I am starting a new job next week with a great company back on the music side of things... and due to this, I'm finally hauling my stuff over the bridge from Brooklyn and becoming a studio-living, downtown Manhattanite. Since this is a short month, I have little time to get everything downsized and packed, but I will try to keep up with posting as much as possible.

Today's theme: Songs To Pack To

Hefner - When The Angels Play Their Drum Machine (Mothership Mix):
"Let me let you let me down again." Hefner, you've never let me down and you never could. Bouncy, spacey synth sounds erupt from behind Darren Hayman's unusually soft voice in this remix. Not a recent track, but still one of my favorites. Be on the lookout for 'The Best of Hefner' in March, and the various solo/side projects he's got going on which I have yet to listen to.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Gold Lion:
I really hope they don't come after me for this one, but this is the new YYYs everyone's been talking about. I think everyone deserves to hear it, because it sounds much different than what we've heard from them before. I'm not sure if I like it yet, but it's catchy the second time around.

New Young Pony Club - Ice Cream:
I heard this out at Mondo and instantly fell in love with it on the dancefloor. Lyrics with playfulness like that of The Waitresses "I Know What Boys like", and the tease of the bass and guitar that isn't masked by the synth strings... it's impossible not to fall in love with it.

Arab Strap - The Holiday Girl (David Holmes Remix):
Arab Strap + Bass = Joy. If you haven't heard Arab Strap before, think Slint's storytelling/spoken word style done with a scottish accent over music that's not quite as dark. And if you haven't heard Slint... well, just listen to it already.

His Name Is Alive - Summer Left Your Heart Behind:
I just saw this band recently when they opened up for Low at Bowery Ballroom. I had heard a few of their songs already, this one being my favorite, but seeing them live was way better than I was expecting. The entire band is talented, trading seats and pulling out various odd instruments throughout the show, and the lead singer's voice could sing the most beautiful lullabies.
Myspace His Name Is Alive

- LB

P.S. Don't be afraid to leave us comments and let us know how we're doing. We'd like to get some input from you on what you're enjoying or how you think we're doing. Consider that comment link your customer satisfaction card.

Straight Outta Jacksonville

Ok... let's face it. Jacksonville, FL, is generally known for two things musically: Skynyrd and the worst nu-metal band ever - Limp Bizkit. I don't know about you, but I'm not sure that if I was Jacksonville I'd be resting on my musical laurels. Thankfully, many of the local musicians here are of the same mindset and are determined to prove that this town has something more to offer than Southern Rock and dorks in cargo shorts trying to be Hip Hop.

Since I'm not originally from Jacksonville, one of the ways I learned the ropes was by checking out the local bands that were around. In the six years I've been here I've seen lots of great bands and became friends with many of them. There is hope for this town. With so many of the bands itching for a deal, it is only a matter of time before our rather sketchy reputation is a thing of the past.

So here folks, is a sampling of some of the bands that Jacksonville has to offer. I hope you enjoy checking out our little scene and if you live here, get to know each of these bands!

Just so there's an element of mystery to all this, I won't write anything about the bands. You'll just have to check out their sites/pages and read about them, hear them, or see them for yourselves.

-- From Out of the Sky : Wake Up

-- The Julius Airwave: Appely

-- Mata Hari: Love Is Excess

-- New Berlin: Ship Aground

-- Shangrala: Clearance To Land

I think the next post I do on local music will feature a few bands that are no longer with us but are worth hearing none the less.

Feeling local-like.

Paul the Anglophile

PS: If you're on Myspace, don't forget to add us! You'll get updates on what's new, and who knows what else.

Ain't nothin' like the old thing, baby.

Today's theme: Please Recycle

The Whip - Frustration:
I dare you to listen to this and tell me it doesn't sound just like New Order with Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler on vocals. Strangely enough, this group is also from Manchester. I'm still not too sure about the other tracks on their profile, but this one definitely stands out.
Myspace The Whip

Kim Novak - Female Friends:
I get sad when I hear Cure'esque songs that sound better than the Cure's current releases. C'mon guys! Listen to me! Listen to this! Your old sound was good. Seriously. It's what got you where you are. Stop screwing up and take note from the bands influenced by you.
Myspace Kim Novak

Melody Function - She Goes:
Hand clapping is always a winner with me. It gives me something to do with my upper body while I'm dancing along. It's right up there with cowbell, but you should never combine the two. This song sounds like a mix between the Kinks and the Beatles... and someone else I can't put my finger on at the moment. I'm sure you'll think of it once you listen to it.

Alright, it's really late and I have a big day tomorrow. Wish me luck!

- LB

From The Vault

Ever just sit amongst the stacks of your collection and look through the old forgotten records that reside there? You know, just have a wratch through stuff you bought ages ago and remember where, when, and why you bought a particular record.

Every once and a while, I'll just sit in my record room and just pull out random records. It's a trip down memory lane and a wee bit of fun because it's always interesting to see how I reacted to certain bands years ago. What's even more interesting is to see whether or not I still feel the same way today as I did back then.

Well here are five bands/tracks that have survived my test of time. I loved them back then...and I still do. Enjoy and feel free to let me know what bands have stood your test of time.

The Adventure Babies - Barking Mad:
First things first, this single was on Factory. That means it can't be bad, period. While they might not be quite as big as the other Factory bands, they still managed to put out several fine records for the label. Barking Mad is a nice jangly pop tune that is almost a bit twee. This is the perfect record for a nice walk in the park or perhaps a skip instead. Simple goofy pop songs sometimes just hit the right way and "Barking Mad" does just that.

The Candyskins - Monday Morning:
This is an interesting band because they were around for a while towards the tail end of the baggy thing then got dropped from Geffen and then reappeared in the middle of the Britpop craze and signed to Ultimate Records. Whether they were bandwagon jumpers or not could be debated, but they did put out some really good stuff. Monday Morning was from their Britpop period and was one of my Top 25 singles for 1997. It features Amelia Fletcher on background vocals.

Family Cat - Airplane Gardens:
This is a fun, slightly gazey pop record that has a nice echoey riff that pops up now and again but sticks in your head forever. The Family Cat was generally a noisy band by nature and this single is a pretty good example of what they were capable of. While the record could blow out a Marshall stack it still finds time for a nice chorus amongst all the guitar antics.

The Heart Throbs - She's in a Trance(Remix):
I LOVED this band. They were so damn good and floated easily between dreamy pop and dark suggestive tunes. I guess that's what happens when your twin sister is in the band. Talk about issues. Whether it was the sisters energy that propelled the band or the fact that the drummer used to be in Echo & The Bunnymen, they managed to put out some great tunes. I still love this song, and man did I cane the hell out of this record on radio

The Hinnies - Gong:
Who the hell are the Hinnies? I'm not sure they know or even remember. Hell even allmusic.com doesn't have anything to say about them. What I do remember about this band is that they wrote fairly simple noisy tunes that were catchy and came off like an American indie rock band lost in the UK. "Gong," is lazy and a bit rough around the edges and I would like to think that Mr. J. Mascis would fancy this tune.

So there you have it, a short trip through my past. Tomorrow, we'll bring it back to the present w/a couple of bands from Jacksonville, FL. It's not all Skynyrd and Limp Bizkit over here...trust me.

Ever the anglophile....Paul

You can live in my mind tonight.

Paul is going to make an mp3 post later on, but I wanted to give you NYC kids a heads-up about some events tonight that I think you should be a part of. I know I'll be there.

Roughly around 10:30PM, Modernage (link takes you to myspace where you can preview) will be taking the stage at Pianos. Comparable to Elefant, The Stills and Interpol... but don't let the recent nametags scare you off. These guys hail from my home state, proving once again that Florida isn't just old people, mall goths and horrendous pop-punk bands. Let's give them a warm welcome on this surprisingly warm day. 60 degrees, people. It's 60 degrees out right now. Thank the heavens for global warming, right?

After the show (around midnite or so) we're all heading over to Mondo at Luke & Leroy. While Mondo has been around a while, it's first appearance at Luke & Leroy was two weeks ago. And honestly? It's much more fun than any other "dance" party I've been to around here. It's nice to see Mondo have a good home to continue the good music. I'm looking forward to tonight's second round.

Hope to see you out. The rest of the weekend will be shitty, but at least we have tonight.

- LB

How is your hangover?

Today's theme: Pop Goes the Indie

Barcelona Pavilion - How Are You People Going to Have Fun If None of You People Ever Participate?:
First off, a song in dedication and contender for the longest title possible. I brought this one up to Paul the other day, as he and I can relate to the complications of trying to get something going in a place where no one goes. Barcelona Pavilion capture this perfectly in only 1:45, spouting off at the mouth with the title lyric questioning it's audience. Short and not-so-sweet, but any DJ, promoter, band member or person trying to entertain will appreciate this one. And just FYI, Barcelona Pavilion consists of the same guy from The Blankket, Steven Kado, who did an obnoxious and quirky cover of Outkast's "Hey Ya". Back when DJing in Florida, I used to throw it on to confuse the patrons who requested the original.

Cantona - She's Gone Off Again:
I've really got a thing lately for bands out of Seattle and Australia. These two aren't really related except for the fact that they both seem to be the birthplace of fantastic music lately. I remember first hearing Cantona on an internet broadcast from Seattle's KEXP, which has long been a favorite station of mine. Needless to say, I've been in love since. Even this live recording is good, so give it a listen.

Boycrazy - Bad Things:
I get confused by this song. At one moment it's sweet and poppy, and then the next minute the singer is seducing me with his voice. Oh, I meant confused in a good way. It's like I'm being aurally and mentally stimulated at the same time. And while the lyrics may be repetitive, I honestly don't mind hearing them more than once.

Finest Dearest - Idaho:
I was shocked when I got an email from Christine of Finest Dearest asking me to check them out. Shocked because I'm absolutely in love with this band and I'm honored that they would even think they had to ask me. Now that I've brown nosed the band enough, I absolutely recommend you check them out. Do you miss what indie rock used to be? So did I until I found out about Finest Dearest.
Myspace Finest Dearest

Kid Theodore - I Am A Moth:
When Kid Theodore emailed me their mp3s, I wasn't certain of what to expect. Maybe it's just subconsciously because of the "Kid" part of their name. But immediately after I opened the first one, I was very pleasantly surprised. While this is the tamer of the two songs they sent over, I feel it's a great introduction. Click on their name to check out more tracks over on Myspace.

- LB