SHOWCASE: THE DRESDEN DOLLS

"There is this thing keeping everyone's lungs and lips locked. It is called fear and its seeing a great renaissance."


The Dresden Dolls is an utterly fantastic 'Brechtian punk cabaret' act, known to their friends as Amanda Palmer (who has one of the best voices I've ever heard) and Brian Viglione. Their music is dark in nature, and alternately hilarious and vicious as it takes on society, sexuality and overblown singers' egos. The two hail from Boston, Massachusetts. They mix Palmer's amazing vocals with instruments such as the violin, the piano, the ukelele, and the guitar.

The Dresden Dolls - Sing (Sendspace link)
Album: Yes, Virginia...

Atypical for the Dolls in its inspiring nature, this is a powerful call to arms against fear and self-consciousness, urging everyone to, well, sing. This song gives me chills every time I listen to it as Palmer's voice swells, and the utter simplicity of its chorus allows for the genius writing. What artist, in this landscape, would urge us to "sing for the President, sing for the terrorists", just sing whatever is in your heart. My description will always make it seem sappy, but its just beautiful.

The Dresden Dolls - The Jeep Song (Sendspace link)
Album: The Dresden Dolls

One of their funniest offerings, this song has Palmer fixating on her ex-boyfriend's Jeep, and the similar ones everyone in Boston sees to drive. Even as she leaves him behind, she is haunted by the '96 Jeep Cherokee' that refuses to leave her alone. The witty lyrics are aided by a jaunty, slightly crazy music (including wonderful 'ba ba ba ba ba!' backing bits that slay me).

The Dresden Dolls - Backstabber (Sendspace link)
Album: Yes, Virginia...

Here, Palmer needles another singer, one who "only sleeps with girls who say they like [his] music" and has an annoying tendency to tell her how to write her own music. The anger here is a refreshing outlet, as she targets his ego, his appearances on 'popular magazines', and his hypocrisy in his advice to her. She doesn't hold back here, never reducing herself to shrieking, instead tearing him down word by word. Also note that the Dolls did a hilarious video for this song featuring them warring against Panic! at the Disco, guest starring as the subject of the song.

The Dresden Dolls - Mandy Goes to Med School (Sendspace link)
Album: Yes, Virginia...

The most madcap of my Doll favourites, this one bounces through hilarious and rather frightening lyrics related to the idea of Palmer becoming a med student. Take this lyric: "[I'm] giddy as a gangbanger with a set of sutures where his Magic Johnson ought to be..." She sings all of this with this dark excitement, kind of morbid joy as suggests "a nine month vacation and a two foot coffin". If there's a particular message here other than tokeep Amanda Palmer away from scalpels, I haven't uncovered it, but I love listening to the song anyway.

The Dresden Dolls - Coin-Operated Boy (Sendspace link)
Album: The Dresden Dolls

A fantastic song about the nature of loneliness and desperation, the Dolls spin a great tale of a girl who finds herself fascinated with her new plastic boyfriend, claiming that she "will never cry at night again". There are some interesting bits, such as when she seems to be caught in a loop, suggesting that in her state of loneliness she's become somewhat robotic herself. She pleads with a real-life person to pursue her despite her rejections, despite her seeming lack of reciprocated feelings, merely because she doesn't trust in the idea of love. This is a character study of a damaged, broken girl, and it fascinates, amuses and ultimately breaks your heart.


Of course, a post about the Dolls would be sadly remiss without mentioning Amanda Palmer's upcoming solo debut, Who Killed Amanda Palmer?, due out sometime this Spring. I'd have to say, of all the albums due out in 2008, it's my most-anticipated album for the year. And what I've heard from it is fantastic, including the following song, which I'm desperately hoping is the lead single as it's just that good...

Amanda Palmer - I Will Follow You Into the Dark (Sendspace link)
Album: Who Killed Amanda Palmer?

The best preview of Who Killed is the gorgeous "Ampersand", but as I've already offered that in the Newcomers post, her studio-recorded cover of Death Cab For Cutie's "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" fits nicely into this spot. The original is probably one of my all-time favourites, with sweet lyrics of devotion that I can't help but love, and Palmer does a great job with it. It's low, voice on the edge of breaking, piano-driven and heart-stirring. Doesn't quite match the raw feeling of the original, but damn close.

Also Check Out:
The Dresden Dolls - Modern Moonlight
The Dresden Dolls - Sex Changes
The Dresden Dolls - Missed Me

If you're impressed by what you've heard here, look into purchasing some Dresden Dolls albums.

ROULETTE 5 (SPECIAL EDITION)

An announcement: Just before I lost contact with Blogger, a bought an 80 gigabyte iPod Classic! It has made me so happy, and while trying to make sure I've transferred all the same music and rebuilding my old playlists is a tad annoying, it's 100% everything I wanted. And, no, I've been free to more experimentation with my music instead of posting the old standbys.

In honour of this wonderful event, this shot at roulette will include ten songs! And, bucking the recent trend, I will actually try to throw out a couple words about each song...

1. Alanis Morissette - Underneath (Sendspace link)

A song hopefully on her upcoming album Flavors of Entanglement, Morissette has put together a great song about how personal responsibility is the core of every problem in the greater world. We can' expect world peace if we cannot live in our own small bubble peacefully, something many people cannot comprehend. Until we learn to love those around us, we can't expect the rest of the world's problems to magically work out. This is a wise song, something Morissette has been moving towards for albums now, and I'm hoping it becomes a single and gets some exposure.

2. Alanis Morissette - Symptoms (Sendspace link)

Looking at aspects explored in the former song, this Morissette b-side for 'Hands Clean' puts forward much of the same theme. 'Underneath' posits that the larger problems are a cause of our smaller issues, and 'Symptoms' tells us that all of these problems are because we are relentless in our search for individuality, and in doing so we have ignored the fact that we are all one group, undivided by skin or gender or anything else. We are all human, and when we betray that, the cracks start to form. Morissette sometimes gets too caught up in her own drama, but this song showcases some of her best work, and its a shame it was left to a b-side.

3. A Band Called Quinn - I Wish You Love (Sendspace link)

There's something beautiful about this song that draws me in. The vocals are of course gorgeous, and the instrumentation is something I haven't encountered as much before. It's got a hazy, but nice, atmosphere that makes it just very enjoyable.

4. Maximo Park - Girls Who Play Guitars (Sendspace link)

I haven't listened much to Maximo Park in the past, but this song has intrigued me enough to make me want to follow up on it. A pair of friends wherein the protagonist is secretly in love with her, but she's clueless even as she's spent a year "watching me decay". He reflects on their conversations while thinking sadly about her promiscuity ("She goes out, she gets drunk, she gets off, she goes home, she gives in").

5. Rogue Traders - I Never Liked You (Sendspace link)

I have been addicted to this song for weeks now, and it has only just started to taper off. The energy in it is just utterly exciting, and that's a feeling I love. The lyrics are fun, unsubtle and not needing to be. It's just a plain good fun time, as we all imagine chewing out someone but refusing to say anything, whether out of self-preseration or just politeness.

6. Amy Studt - Furniture (Sendspace link)

I don't believe I've mentioned Studt on this blog, but her ldebut album, False Smiles, was pretty good. The new single for her upcoming April 2008 album My Paper Made Men has appeared and it blows pretty much every song off Smiles out of the water. It's quiet, broken, beautiful, with vulnerable lyrics that dodge the obvious or the cliche. I only recently acquired it, but its gorgeous, and bodes well for new new album.

7. The New Pornographers - The Bones of an Idol (Sendspace link)

It has recently come to my realisation that The New Pornographers' album Twin Cinema is quite possibly one of the most consistently excellent albums I have amongst my collection. This song is possibly my favourite off the album, though its hard to choose amongst the gold nuggets present here. I'm still finding the love for their others, but this album (and this song) are just wonderful.

8. Tegan and Sara - Superstar (Sendspace link)

An old favourite of mine, this may be the song that got me properly addicted to Tegan and Sara. It's eerie and gorgeous, atmospheric in a way Tegan and Sara aren't most of the time. Layers of vocals, with a great beat and a bizarre mix of speaking and singing that leaves you wondering where exactly the line is. I love the lyrics, about the seeking out of fame and the finding of it. It feels disorienting. "Take my heart while you're at it!" the protagonist yells, trying not to sell out and probably failing.

9. Pink - Dear Mr. President (Sendspace link)

The other night, I stumbled upon this gem while listening to the 'Pod. It's a song I ignored until now, but I've fallen in love with it. George W. Bush is a figure I've both tried to follow and ignore since his ascendancy to President of the US. It asks many of the questions I'd love to see the man answer, and besides the fantastic lyrics (which only sometimes falter), the performance of the song is commendable as well. The style of singing to the chorus, with a backup singer enhancing Alecia Moore's (aka Pink) point as the guitar moves simply in the background. It's beautiful. The final "Let me tell you 'bout hard work!' sequence is particularly moving.

10. Avril Lavigne - Sk8er Boi (Sendspace link)

To end on a funny note, this is my ultimate guilty pleasure that I can't see popping up here in any other context, so I'm posting it now. I first heard it years ago, in the parking lot of a Go Kart track, and listening to it always brings me back there. It's not particularly deep or moving, but it's a nice look at social classes and prejudices despite it being a 'mainstream pop song', and its a well-constructed story that gives me a nice visual. I can always imagine the events of this song nicely. And, ultimately, it makes me smile, and that's what counts!

Of course, as always, I think you should look into any artists you like and check out their albums! Will try to scare up a new showcase or even finish off that Top 100 of 2007 list by the end of this week!

Apologies...

Really sorry about the lack of posts. My computer's privacy settings temporarily blocked me from signing in here, so I couldn't post (or even leave a comment, for some reason!).

Until I put together a real post...

Nick Cave and PJ Harvey - Henry Lee (Sendspace)

Enjoy! Will post again soon!

TOP 100 SONGS OF 2007: 11-20

Almost 2 months late, but we're finally getting to the gold at the end of the rainbow. This is where you'll begin finding the songs I expect to be listening to for years to come. This is were repetition starts to come in, as the truly exceptional albums all have 5-6 songs that deserve charting high. You'll see The pierces, Dragonette and Arcade Fire duplicate within this entry alone! But let that not sway you, as they are all utterly soulbreaking songs.

20. The Pierces - Sticks & Stones (Sendspace)
Album: Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge

An eery, creepy and greatly fun song as the girls take on the guise of witches as they tease a fearful, and have much too much fun doing it. Whether they're actual witches or just pretending to be for the sake of a prank, it's still excellent. The girls' unique harmony works especially well here, giving it a bizarre mystic feel.

19. Patrick Park - Pawn Song (Sendspace)
Album: Everyone's In Everyone

A rousing anti-war song, Park shows his cool rage and disappointment toward anyone 'thinking there's peace at the end of a gun'. He looks on soldiers and revolutionaries both as pawns in the war between leaders to scared to do anything themselves. Park's voice here is tight, pain-filled but determined to make a change, much like his song.

18. Beirut - Cliquot (Sendspace)
Album: The Flying Club Cup

While Beirut is often beautiful, finding connections with their music is often hit or miss for me. However, "Cliquot" is one of the best exceptions I could find, wrapping itself in my soul and tugging it high into the sky. The vocals are stricken, with the rhythms behind it recalling a time long, long ago as it tells the story of a dying man and his love living on without him. Truly epic and gorgeous.

17. Arcade Fire - Keep the Car Running (Sendspace)
Album: Neon Bible

This song can be summed up in one word: exciting. Everything within me seems to race forward listening to it, and I'm grinning the entire way. It's just a song that makes you happy, even if the lyrics don't hint to much joy in the situation. Produced differently, this song could've been far too heavy, but the tack Arcade Fire have taken with it here makes it one of the most enjoyable tracks on the album.

16. Dragonette - True Believer (Sendspace)
Album: Galore

Of all the songs on Dragonette's shamelessly sexy album, this might be the most interesting, coming from the typical Dragonette protagonist with a twist - she's been 'saved', though with love instead of religion. A former bad girl with a string of one-time beaus, she's almost ashamed to be involved in an actual relationship, and you can see that she's loving it despite feeling as if she's losing something in the deal. In a quieter part, she even admits insecurity, wondering if she's just "the new girl curled round your finger", then soon after yells, "It's you who's done this thing to me; I used to be so bad!". There's a lot of complexity here, much more than the typical Dragonette song, and I love it.

15. The Pierces - Secret (Sendspace)
Album: Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge

The most overtly-threatening song of the bunch, this is a song about the dangers of entrusting your deepest secrets to anyone else, throwing out the tagline, "Two can keep a secret if one of them is dead". The two have made a darkly beautiful song, and when the spoken dialogue comes in the middle, it seems like a natural part in the song that leads into its climax perfectly.

14. Scala & Kolacny Brothers - The Beautiful People (Marilyn Manson cover) (Sendspace)
Album: One-Winged Angel

I'm definitely no fan of Marylin Manson. While I recognise the skill with which he constructs his songs, his style is my antithesis. That said, taking the angelic vocals of Scala and applying them to this vicious attack on capitalism is a brilliant move, as they bring a new dimension to the song with the choral, female tone. It sends shivers down your spine, to hear this coming from a group such as Scala.

13. Arcade Fire - Intervention (Sendspace)
Album: Neon Bible

A truly epic song, showcasing church-style organs to skyrocket the song into the stratosphere while vocalist Win Butler tells a story of poverty and family in his distinctive way. It's soaring, pulling you in and dragging you up and throwing you into a free fall toward the sky. The pain and desperation in Butler's voice is compelling, and this is a song that practically hurts to listen to. And yet, every time, I feel the need to charge the volume so high I'll be deaf by 25. Best lyrics: "Singing hallelujah with the fear in your heart."

12. Dragonette – The Boys (Calvin Harris cover) (Sendspace)
Album: Single

A new take on Calvin Harris' 'The Girls', this song reverses the gender role and, even better, rearranges some parts. For example, the segue from the first part to the second always amuses me. This is the perfect song for Dragonette to take on, actually, as is follows the themes of joyful promiscuity from Galore while also being a fun counterpoint to Harris' version.

11. Spoon - The Underdog (Sendspace)
Album: Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

If exciting summed up 'Keep the Car Running', then 'fun' sums up this one. I love the message not to underestimate the underdog, because they always do spoil your plans. This tearing down of the self-superior and stuck up is great for the everyman who has to live in this world, getting stepped on in turn by all those above him. A song that will not be forgotten. "You've got no fear of the underdog; that's why you will not survive." Hell yeah.

If you enjoy these songs, I really think you should check out their albums! If a song's up this high, the album they're on is probably pretty damn exceptional.

TOP 100 SONGS OF 2007: 21-30

It's been a while, but we're slowly reaching the top. It's about time, as we're knee deep into February! I have to apologise for the suspense, but that just makes it more fun. Right?



30. White Rabbits - Navy Wives (Sendspace link)
Album: Fort Nightly

This song, though I will never properly understand its lyrics, is just utterly enjoyable. It pulls a beat through it really well, the vocals are great, the lyrics are bizarre and intriguing. White Rabbits are hard to write about coherently, so just give it a shot!


29. Die Romantik - Tik Tok (Sendspace link)
Album: Narcissist's Waltz

This song feels like a drugged up, high-speed ballroom dance, with colours blurring and your feet moving in ways you're not exactly trained for, but it's a rush. The vocals, dark and lush as always, make this something special. "Don't you know what it means, I forget where I am... You are everything, everything." There's something addictive in Die Romantik's style, definitely at work here.



28. A Fine Frenzy - Rangers (Sendspace link)
Album: One Cell in the Sea

A piano-led romp through the woods, with Alison Sudol's heavenly voice leading us through a fantasy landscape wherein we are hunted by mysterious 'rangers'. It builds up excellently for the choruses, while continuing momentum toward the climax. Beautiful piece of work.



27. Arcade Fire - No Cars Go (Sendspace link)
Album: Neon Bible

A wonderful song, full of great sounds that, even in their seeming randomness combine to make an utterly excellent song, with horns and yells of 'Hey!' kicking it off. The lyrics, about a place 'where no cars go' seems to be an interesting fantasy, Arcade Fire-style, even if the idea of a place with no transportation isn't wholly fantastic. The whole style, with the mixed vocals, the epic instrumentation, the evacuation speech in the middle pause, all give a feel of the fantastic.



26. Jens Lekman - And I Remember Every Kiss (Sendspace link)
Album: Night Falls Over Kortedala

Slowing is down a little, this is an ethereal-sounding number from Jens Lekman, whose state as indie golden boy is cemented here in a passionate tribute to, well, passion. When Jens sings, 'I would never kiss anyone who doesn't burn me like the sun' you want to follow his lead, and when he continues with 'and I remember every kiss like my first kiss', you believe him. It rises to epic heights, with horns and musical fireworks over the magnificent chorus.



25. Franz Ferdinand - Wine in the Afternoon (Sendspace link)
Album: Eleanor Put Your Boots On B-Side

An utterly fun song, in every way. It's a paean to living outside the rules, forgoing rent, work and responsibility for debauchery and intimacy. It's a seductive and exciting lifestyle that translates perfectly here, in both the lyrics and the tone, with the vocals supporting it perfectly. This revels in the feelings of the 'who cares?' that lovers feel, perfectly expressing them for listeners who have never experienced it.



24. Dragonette - Black Limousine (Sendspace link)
Album: Galore

A cheeky, sexy story of a woman-for-hire, drenched in expensive compensation for her sexual prowess and loving it. Dragonette is unapologetic here as they spin the tale of a woman who 'feel[s] the leather of a moving car', presumably with her bare skin. The pounding beats at the beginning just drip with the feeling of importance and wealth, and the vocals are, of course, teasing, hilarious and sexy.



23. Feist - Sea Lion Woman (Nina Simone cover) (Sendspace link)
Album: The Reminder

I didn't notice until now, but this song, apparently about a prostitute, comes just after Black Limosine, whose protagonist has a similar occupation. Feist's vocals here are crystal clear and gorgeous, fitting in with the excellent beat of this piece. Automatic foot tapping is a symptom of listening to this song, as are dancing along in your chair and utter excitement.

22. Patrick Park - Business of Oblivion (Sendspace link)
Album: songs of Peace / Songs of Protest

Patrick Park, whose hope was showcased in 'Life's a Song' and whose tiredness appeared in 'Something Pretty', shows his teeth in this biting diatribe against corporations and their amoral practises that threaten the people and the world around us. Remembering the excellent 'Pawn Song', one notes that Park has a knack for these moving issue songs, andthis is definitely no exception.

21. The Bravery - This is Not the End (Sendspace link)
Album: The Sun and the Moon

An intensely touching tribute to a mysterious dying figure, this song denies the idea of nonexistence post-death, even if the person in question lives on in their influence. The vocals are filled with raw pain, as the protagonist rages against the concept of life and death. By far the greatest offering so far from The Bravery. This song is not about a lover, that is obvious from the lyrics, and you get the sense that a beloved mentor, teacher and leader is about to die - though, according to this song, that is not the end.

If you enjoy these songs, I urge you to check out their albums!

EXITING CO-BLOGGER: JORDAN HYMAN

And as quietly as he appeared, so does he exit.

Jordan Hyman, who came on as co-blogger early last month, will unfortunately be leaving The Bringer of Song. It's a sad parting, but I wish him the best of luck in all his endeavours. Thanks for being my partner these past couple months, Jordan!

~ Alden

ROULETTE 4

And, as these are so nice and easy, as well as let me showcase some music that otherwise doesn't usually get the attention over newer, flashier bands and songs...

1. M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel - When I Get to the Border (Sendspace) *
2. Grand Archives - Louis Riel (Sendspace)
3. The Dresden Dolls - The Jeep Song (Sendspace)
4. Regina Spektor & Sondre Lerche - Hell No (Sendspace)
5. Iron & Wine - Wolves (Song of the Shepherd's Dog) (Sendspace)

(* Pre-'She and Him' days)

Enjoy! If you like these songs, make sure you check out their albums!

MAINTENANCE POST #3

Here's a maintenance post. This is for:

* A hub for you guys to request reuploads, which I will reupload and edit into this post.
* A place where those who cannot use Sendspace/Rapidshare (for some older posts), or prefer not to, can request uploads from other sites - Megaupload, Rapidshare, etc.

Anything I can help with, just comment!

Reuploaded for idkristen: Lights - February Air (Sendspace)

EDIT Also reuploaded for idkristen!: Lights - I Owe You One (Sendspace)

TRACK SHOWCASE: PEOPLE IN PLANES' "PRETTY BUILDINGS"

"I will dive into my sleep and dream of the pretty buildings..."


Last post I mentioned a great song from People in Planes called "If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode)". It was the standout track from their debut album (at least under the People moniker, having previously been Tetra Splendour), entitled As Far As the Eye Can See, which was generally quite good. The band are now prepping their sophomore LP, which I've heard is titled Beyond the Horizon, and a new song is making the rounds.

It's called "Pretty Buildings", and after "Talk" its my favourite of their discography so far. It's got a great, soaring sound to it that I just love. It's being offered to everyone who signs up for their newsletter. I'm betting, though, that you guys'll wanna be impressed by the song first, and then you'll wanna check out the newsletter for info on the upcoming album. Am I right?

TRACK: People in Planes - "Pretty Buildings" (Sendspace)

And if you're interested in that newsletter, check it out here. Buy their stuff here or here.

ROULETTE 3

It's been a while since I've done one of these, hasn't it? First roulette of 2008!

1. Bear McCreary - A Good Lighter [Battlestar Galactica S2 OST, 2006]
2. People in Planes - If You Talk Too Much (My Head Will Explode) [As Far As the Eye Can See, 2006]
3. The Puppini Sisters - I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor cover) [Betcha Bottom Dollar, 2006]
4. The New Pornographers - My Rights Versus Yours [Challengers, 2007]
5. Eugene Francis Jnr. - Poor Me [The Golden Beatle, TBR 2008]
6. The Fashion - Solo Impala (Take the Money and Run) [The Fashion LP TBR 2008]

Remember, if you enjoy these songs, I urge you to check out their artists!

SHOWCASE: THE DAMNWELLS

"If she is not the truth, I'll take the lie."


The Damnwells are a great indie rock band from New York, who I've been following a little courtesy of their biggest music blogger fan, I AM FUEL, YOU ARE FRIENDS, a blog I occasionally visit. Their lyrics are often amusing, their tone wistful romantic but very down-to-earth. I've only tracked down few of their songs, but I've enjoyed every one.

The Damnwells - You Don't Have to Like Me to Love Me (Tonight) (Sendspace link)
Album: Air Stereo

This rather low key invitation to a worn down object of affection is a favourite, with the vocals keeping it very down-to-earth while the music in the back occasionally rocks out. The message is cocky, but there's something caring about the song, with the protagonist promising to 'take good care of you', and even a little pleading in what seems originally to be a song full of confidence.

(Unfortunately, I could only find the acoustic version of this to upload, which isn't my favourite. It's nice in its own way, though.)

The Damnwells - I Am a Leaver (Sendspace link)
The Damnwells - I Am a Leaver (alternate stripped version) (Sendspace link)
Album: Air Stereo (original), demo (alternate)

The alternate stripped version of this song is where I fell in love with these guys, long before I discovered their other material. The original rocks quite a bit, but the original is full of soul and pain in the vocals, something I really loved. Still trying to figure out what the lyrics mean, though.

The Damnwells - She's the New York City Skyline (Sendspace link)
Album: Myspace

A mysterious tribute to an elusive figure, The Damnwells' latest tune may very well be their best. Rolling along, feeling a lot more personal than the others, this is a confession without a crime, a confession of love long gone. The lyrics are enigmatic, hiding but hinting at the truth. Small details ("She never signed her paintings with her name") and big moments ("She surrendered 'I love you's with bitter shame") are side by side here, along with a plethora of metaphors (even in the title) that, once properly added up, will finally tell you something about this hidden love.

If you wanna purchase one of their albums, try here, here or here.

SHOWCASE: DIANA ANAID

"I'm not in danger just because I'm here tonight."


I discovered the beautiful Diana Anaid via Amie Street, and though I'm still digging into her CD the two tracks I've fallen for deserve to be heard. Diana Anaid's sound is a bit rougher and angrier than my usual fare, with guitars raging and her lyrics filled with anger, without screaming or swearing her head off as many do. Her protagonists may not make the best choices, but they refuse to be told what to do, a qulity I like in the lyrics.

Diana Anaid - Dumb Opinion (Sendspace link) Album: Beautiful Obscene

This song, which I've been addicted to for the past week or so, has Anaid dealing with the fallout of her new relationship and people worrying too much about her safety. One can't help but wonder if she's blinding herself to the person's flaws out of rebellion and pride, and that actually adds a bit of shading to the song. Have you ever done the wrong thing despite knowing exactly what you were doing, or done it merely because it was wrong? Thjis is the vibe I get from this song.

Diana Anaid - Last Thing (Sendspace)
Album: Beautiful Obscene
"It is my mistake, and no-one's business," Anaid sings, almost like a complete sequel to 'Dumb Opinion'. Her voice has a totally different quality here, beautiful and mourning, with the chorus showing that she has indeed learning from her mistakes and that she needs someone who won't 'bring [her] down', while struggling to deal with and end things without hurting her partner or herself. This seems almost like a self-apology for crimes against her unknowing self, as well as to her romantic partner.

Diana Anaid - Beautiful Obscene (Sendspace link) Album: Beautiful Obscene

Anaid has a different take on acceptance of one's mistakes here, telling us, "give me a wish and I'd do it all again", refusing to regret her mistakes that have made her who she is now. There's a hint of self-deprecation, quite a bit of sadness, and maybe a bit of maturity that she didn't have in 'Dumb Opinion'. There's a degree of heartbreak here, too.

Buy some Diana Anaid here, here, here or here.

MUSIC VIDEO SHOWCASE: REMI NICOLE'S "ROCK'N'ROLL"

One artist I've fallen head over heels for recently is Remi Nicole, whose debut album My Conscience & I landed late 2007. She's young and very fun to listen to. Her latest video for new single 'Rock'n'Roll' showcases her great sense of humour: The song is all about her being black getting her pigeonholed by labels, and the video visualises her lyrics hilariously. I especially love the rapper. You'll know what I mean when you watch it.

SHOWCASE: SIA

"I'm a binary code that you cracked long ago, but to you I'm just a novel that you wish you never wrote."


Sia Furler (who releases albums under just Sia), popularised by her song Breathe Me being used in the final scene of the groundbreaking TV show Six Feet Under, has had a great career so far, in terms of output. After two iffy (and very rare) albums in OnlySee and Healing is Difficult, she finally broke out with the wonderful Colour the Small One and Breathe Me. Since then, she's released the Lady Croissant Live EP and, this year, standout album Some People Have Real Problems. I got my hands on the album a little early, and thus have heard most of the songs - including a handful that would have definitely scored on 2007's Best Tracks list.

The highlight of Sia's music is her amazing voice, as well as her often mysterious lyrics that seem to often allude to insanity or at least self-confusion and a search for balance and identity. Her voice soars among a cacophony of female singer-songwriters reaching out for attention these days, one of the purest around.

I've already shared her breakout track, Breathe Me, and last year's single, Buttons, with you guys. Luckily, there are plenty more great songs in her catalogue...

Sia - Numb (Sendspace link)
Album: Colour the Small One

This song, in the thread of Breathe Me and Buttons, seems to tie into the idea of mental instability, sounding like pieces of the products of therapy sessions for the titular 'numb' girl. Sia is numb here, without droning or boring the listener, bringing a vulnerability to it that really makes the song work.

Sia - Sunday (Sendspace link)
Album: Colour the Small One

This scattered group of phrases is all tied together with references to Sunday, the Sabbath day of rest in Christian religions, and a reference to Jesus implies this is very much meant. The sound is very mournful and depressing, the lyrics calling to mind possibly a prayer of some sort, referencing both drug users, migraine sufferers and regretters, telling them 'it will be okay, do not think today, give yourself a break, let your imagination run away', bringing the idea of the Sabbath and rest into the song. It's truly a beautiful song, no matter your interpretation.

Sia - Academia (Sendspace link)
Album: Some People Have Real Problems

This song is hilarious and yet touching in its phrasings, using both mathematical and literary terms (both sides of 'academia') as metaphors for relationship problems, presumably between two people who belong on each side of the fence - those relating to him are often literary, while hers are mostly mathematical. The song bounces from its soothing chorus to the frenetic lyrical ramblings that charm completely.

Sia - Soon We'll Be Found (Sendspace link)
Album: Some People Have Real Problems

A sad song about the disconnection between two people as they go to bed, trying to avoid the subject as they lay next to one another. "Shut your eyes, there are no lies in this world we call sleep[...] Tomorrow we'll be free," sings Sia, desperation in her voice as she pleads to have one more night before the storm. She's so tired, so ragged in this song that it's hard not to be heartbroken just listening to it.

BONUS: Sia - Paranoid Android (Radiohead cover) (Sendspace link)
Album: Exit Music: Songs With Radio Heads

I must admit, while loving the various Fake Plastic Trees covers that have made the rounds, I've never been a massive fan of Radiohead themselves. That said, I am a little familiar with them, and this is a pitch perfect cover in recreating the 'lost' feeling I would often get from them. The mournful strings in the background while she warbles hopelessly, bringing life to the mysterious lyrics. After all, she's used to the enigmatic, having a number of hits that require intense interpretation to make sense. Her voice here is better showcased than in many of her own tracks, and is probably the highlight of the tribute album it was recorded for.

I love Sia's music and I'm hoping she sees continued (and greater) success from now on. If you wanna support her and buy some Sia, look here, here or here.

TRACK SHOWCASE: ANNA NALICK'S "SHINE"

"Isn't it time you got over how fragile you are?"


Anna Nalick, whose song Breathe (2 AM) was showcased in a pivotal scene of the Grey's Anatomy 'Superbowl' episode back in season 2, which featured a Code Black bomb scare. The song was beautiful and I immediately sought out Nalick's debut album, Wreck of the Day. Since, she's stopped being a big influence on my musical life, but I'm hoping for a great new album to remind me why I love her.

She's just previewed a new single for her upcoming album, which I've heard will be called Acceptance. It's a nice pop song, much in the vein of her other songs, even if it doesn't have the epic feeling of Breathe (2 AM) or the quiet wonder of Forever Love (Digame). Give it a shot, even if you never liked Grey's Anatomy

DOWNLOAD: Anna Nalick - "Shine"