ROULETTE 37

"You play the victim perfectly, holding your beating heart..."

I've been horribly truant as of late, with the post count of the past two months being absolutely dismal. Sincere apologies, all; university sucks. That said, here's a smattering of songs from this year that I've been enjoying in the past few days. When time clears up a little, you'll get posts of a bit deeper quality, I promise.

Sia - Electric Bird [Some People Have Real Problems, 2008]

Calexico - Victor Jara's Hands [Carried to Dust, 2008]

David Byrne and Brian Eno - One Fine Day [Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, 2008]

Songdog - Likes of You and Me [Wretched Sinner's Song, 2008]

And don't forget, search for more at The Hype Machine; purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 36

"If I could just see straight, I'd probably head straight for the door..."



Coldplay - Viva La Vida [Viva La Vida, 2008]

I should not like this song. For a long time, I've despised Coldplay, after a moment of realisation that their lyrics were downright embarrassing. But though the whole album hasn't warmed to me, the lead single from it is much more impressive than almost all of their previous output. This isn't inane attempts at cuteness or shallow imitations of depth, but a song capturing a specific feeling via an extended metaphor: the loss of power with the loss of love, working as both literal story of a fallen king and metaphorical tale of a modern-day romantic with a broken heart. I'm honestly impressed, and I hope they keep it up.

Ben Folds - Cologne [Way to Normal, 2008]

Hearkening back to some of his older work, "Cologne" is a piece about letting go. Folds is well and truly vulnerable here, at his best, filling the song with the tiny details. There's something very touching about the countdown and the idea of both wishing for a connection ("in my hotel room I'm wondering if you read that story too, and if we might be having the same imaginary conversation...") and trying to disconnect ("I'm letting you go."). The piano and subtle strings works wonders to make this a frail, emotional piece.

Carissa's Wierd - One Night Stand [I Before E, 2004]

I've been so immersed in this year's offerings, I sometimes forget to listen to old favourites. Favourites like this bizarre tale of broken people, the type of song Carissa's Wierd does best. The male/female harmony adds to the feeling of disorientation and haziness of the titular one night stand, while adding a universal quality to the proceedings. It happens to everyone, male or female. The strings and guitars mourn in the background. Beautiful.

And don't forget, search for more at The Hype Machine; purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 31

"I'd rather take a bath with a sociopath than a date with Bill Gates."

LAL feat. Leah - Your Body Could Start A War (Deportation, 2008)

The Chapin Sisters - Toxic (Britney Spears cover)

Anya Marina - Sociopath (Miss Halfway, 2005)

Micah P. Hinson - Throw the Stone (Micah P. Hinson and the Red Empire Orchestra, 2008)

And don't forget, search for more at The Hype Machine; purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 28

"The people screaming just as they should, but you don't even know if you're good..."


Looking forward to some great-looking new albums from artists I like coming up in the next four months...

Jem - I Always Knew (Down to Earth, 2008)

Keane - Spiralling (Radio Edit) (Perfect Symmetry, 2008)

Amanda Palmer feat. East Bay Ray - Guitar Hero (Who Killed Amanda Palmer, 2008)

Annie - I Know UR Girlfriend Hates Me (Don't Stop, 2008)

Dido - Look No Further (Safe Way Home, 2008)

Of Montreal - Triphallus, to Punctuate! (Skeletal Lamping, 2008)

And don't forget, search for more at The Hype Machine; purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 27

"There is no nation of you, there is no nation of me..."


Ani DiFranco - Star Matter [Red Letter Year, 2008]

I've always been a mild fan of Ani DiFranco, never much of one to follow her work however. Her new album seems quite nice, however, and I foresee listening to it a good amount over the next few weeks. This one's a sweet little song, the first off the album to catch my attention.

Bitter:Sweet - The Bomb [Drama, 2008]

Bitter:Sweet are always great fun to listen to, and this song from their newest album is no different. There's something vaguely glamorous about Shana Halligan's vocals, and the songs are filled with the manic stylings of partner-in-crime Kiran Shahani, making the music busy, bouncy pieces of pop. This song was perfectly chosen as the theme of TV show "Lipstick Jungle" about wealthy, high-powered woman, as it feels fun, devilish and slightly dangerous.

Franz Ferdinand - Lucid Dreams [Madden NFL 09 video game, 2008]

A rollicking adventure of a song, typical of Franz, using the device of lucid dreams to explore the idea of escapism and the fun of it. Sad to hear this isn't a single from their forthcoming album, but definitely shows the gang are on full form.

The Pipettes - The Shoe That Fits (Vocal Mix) [Unreleased]

Alerted to this via Zeon, I immediately pounced on this new track from an old favourite. The Pipettes, though my listening has waned in recent months, were always a great band to listen to. Songs mostly about dancing and love or the lack thereof sung by girls with real character. Two have left to pursue solo careers, and two new girls have stepped up to the plate. This is an a capella version of the new track, ready to be remixed, and I'm a little charmed, though I'll have to see the final version.

Ten Kens - The Whore of Revelation [Ten Kens, 2008]

A quite indie band from our good city of Toronto are Ten Kens, who seem quite promising. "The Whore of Revelation" is like a bizarrely haunting, crunching carousel. Ghosts live here. Their music is a fantastic mix of music-noise and craggy vocals. While not as catchy as other bands, I'm deeply impressed with Ten Kens, and I wish them success.

Helen Lawson - Something in the Wine [Crossing the Bridge EP, 2008]

Helen Lawson is a London singer-songwriter with an absolutely beautiful voice that feels like it belongs to some bygone decade. This song is romantic, contemplative and feels like being enfolded in a cool bath. I'll be getting her full EP soon, and I fully expect to enjoy every song if they are as half as good as this one.

And don't forget, search for more at The Hype Machine; purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 26

"Thou shalt not use poetry, art or music to get into a girl's pants; use it to get into their heads."

Some excellent tracks from albums in contention for my end of year best-of list...

Bloc Party - Ion Square [Intimacy, 2008]

Emily Wells - Symphony 1 in the Barrel of a Gun [The Symphonies: Dreams Memories & Parties, 2008]

Muke - Clockwork [Shutterspeed Lullabies, 2008]

Yael Naim - Toxic (Britney Spears cover) [Yael Naim, 2008]

Micah P. Hinson - Sunrise Over The Olympus Mons [Micah P. Hinson and the Red Empire Orchestra, 2008]

Shearwater - I Was a Cloud [Rook, 2008]

Why? - The Hollows [Alopecia, 2008]

Forest City Lovers - Sullen Seas [Haunting Moon Sinking, 2008]

Dan le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip - Thou Shalt Always Kill [Angles, 2008]

of Montreal - Wicked Wisdom [Lantana, 2008]

Death Cab For Cutie - Long Division [Narrow Stairs, 2008]

Got an intense crop here, guys. Can't wait to see what the next four months bring!

And don't forget, search for more at The Hype Machine; purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 25

"I just want my trophy back; it's not for sale."


Another roulette, coming right up!

Maxïmo Park - The Coast is Always Changing [A Certain Trigger, 2005]

Lykke Li - Dance Dance Dance [Youth Novels, 2008]

Emily Wells - View From a Blind Eye [Beautiful Sleepyhead and the Laughing Yaks, 2006]

Bat For Lashes - Trophy [Fur and Gold, 2007]

Sondre Lerche - After All [Phantom Punch, 2007]

And don't forget, search for more at The Hype Machine; purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 24

"My mind races with all my longings, but can't keep up with what I've got."



Bloc Party - This Modern Love [Silent Alarm, 2005]

I've been enamoured of this song since it was used perfectly to the heartbreaking end of the first season finale of "How I Met Your Mother". I love the upbeat-yet-downbeat feel of the song, and the fact that the singer sounds often like he's singing into an intercom. Jump left!

Boney M -Bahama Mama [Oceans of Fantasy; 1979]

I've been a fan of Boney M's since I first heard the riotous "Rasputin", and their signature style is used to perfection here. A story of a 'bahama mama' in desperate need for husbands for her six beautiful, rich daughters that plays like a virtual ad for moronic bachelors. It's very endearing, with its 80's sound, horns and group singing.

Bright Eyes - Road to Joy [I'm Wide Awake It's Morning, 2005]

Based musically on the very famous 'Ode to Joy', this Bright Eyes piece will always be ingrained in my mind from its memorable placement in the "Heroes" pilot, wherein drug user Isaac is discovered to have overdosed. After that scene I looked out for this song, and found that I actually liked it beyond background music when I did. A great, sometimes self-deprecating, character piece, whether about Conor Oberst himself or a creation.

And don't forget, search for more at The Hype Machine; purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 23

"Nobody wants to see a beating heart."

Another roulette, though I do apologise for the scarcity of the posts lately.


The Chapin Sisters - Kill Me Now [Lake Bottom, 2008]
(BONUS: The Chapin Sisters - Borderline [Madonna cover])

The Chapin Sisters are a group of actual sisters, Abigail and Lily Chapin, and Jessica Craven, whose dark, sad and heavy folk here weighs down your heart beautifully. Their voices intertwine in a lovely way. Hear an original song, pleading for a lover to kill them; and their reimagining of a Madonna hit.

Bitter:Sweet - Take 2 Blue [The Mating Game, 2006]

A playful, satiric jab at modern life and its ease with antidepressants and other 'pills' as a curative for all the ills in life. A handy filter gives lead singer Shana Halligan the feel of an announcer or voice through a telephone, sweetly instructing us to bend to the pressures of life and 'take 2 blue'. See, now don't you feel lovely? Now good night.

Great Lake Swimmers - The Man With No Skin [Great Lake Swimmers, 2003]

There's something earthy and natural about Great Lake Swimmers, something about their music that, at a visceral level, sounds like the mountains singing. I think it's Tony Dekker's voice, which feels like the lines that run through a stone when you break it and draw your finger across it, or else like the wind echoing through the peaks. This song in particular is a beautiful look at the nature of vulnerability.

Los Campesinos! - Death to Los Campesinos! [Hold On Now, Youngster..., 2008]

Los Campesinos!, a Welsh band so fantastic they require an exclamation mark at the end! It fits, too, because listening to them automatically means I'm bouncing in my seat. A duet swinging between Campesinos Gareth and Aleksandra, this is a wonderful piece of dance-about music. Note that they have another album due out in a couple months, as well.

And don't forget, search for more at The Hype Machine; purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 21

Here's another batch of excellent songs...

1. Amy Studt - Nice Boys
Album: My Paper Made Men, 2008

I've got conflicted feelings about Ms Amy Studt's new CD. The songs are impeccably produced, but the songs themselves don't always draw me in. This song highlights this exactly: It's an utter joy to listen to, but a song proclaiming the faults of 'nice boys' merely annoys me, maybe because I don't like the idea of promoting, what, mean boys? That said, I can't stop listening to it; the choir chanting, the emotion Studt projects (a couple points are particularly impressive), and just the soaring feeling of it.

2. Shearwater - Seventy Four Seventy Five
Album: Palo Santo, 2006

Heartstopping. The pounding, relentless piano diving in head first with Jonathan Meiburg's amazing vocals, rising in tension until it slams down to a sparse, quiet, rending portion with basically just vocals and subtle instrumentation before briefly slamming back into action. One of my favourite recent discoveries. I recently got their newest, "Rook", and am enjoying it very much.

3. The National - All the Wine
Album: Alligator, 2005

There's a lot a good lead singer can do for a band, and Matt Berninger does a great job for The National. The band is great, but what keeps bringing me back is the vocals, smoky and raspy at the same time. This song is especially great, a stumbling-yet-smooth tribute to being the one with 'all the wine'. The lyrics are hilarious, as Berninger makes his protagonist sound genuinely drunk - that or crazy. From the confident "I'm a perfect piece of ass," to the bizarre "I'm a birthday candle in a circle of black girls," it's an interesting song.

4. Lily Allen - Who'd Have Known
Album: Myspace Release, 2008

A nice little piece produced for her new album, Stuck on the Naughty Step, but we get it unofficially on MySpace because the lovely Lily Allen doesn't like paperwork. Allen's got a great new sound going, vulnerability and sweetness instead of venom. I loved her putdowns, but I also love the heart and soul feel, which shows that her appeal isn't just in her old sweet-attack-mode approach. This song would be spiritual cousin to Still, Alright's "Littlest Things", but this is just sweet and content where that was mournful.

And don't forget, search for more at The Hype Machine; purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 20

"Did my heart break enough this time?"


Another roulette, as I've been so very negligent...

1. Lack Thereof - Ask Permission
Album: Your Anchor (2008)

From an album I recently acquired, an interesting whispery song from Menomena band member Danny Seim. A great listen, very well crafted, even though Seim constantly reminds me of Pelle Carlberg if he'd been more influenced by, say, Menomena than his current lighter and more anecdotal style. An album review hopefully forthcoming.

2. Yael Naim - New Soul
Album: Yael Naim (2008)

A song making the rounds recently, I came across the cover by Tristan Prettyman before hearing the original. Both are wonderful. The original is so damn charming, with the sparse vocals-and-piano beginning breaking out into a warm cacophany of echoing voices. It's such a beautiful naiveté.

3. Rilo Kiley - Breakin' Up (Hot Chip Remix)
Album: Breakin' Up EP (2008)

Shamelessly stolen from Zeon, who posted it less than a month ago, nonetheless anything that gives this rather inspired remix more notice is worth it. Taking the dancing feel of the original and extending it into this lush, introspective and dazzling version is great. May not listen to it much, but I enjoy it very much when I do.

4. Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You
Album: Partie Traumatic (2008)

Coming late to the party here, I'm sure. This song first came across my virtual desk as a cover version by a female singer, and it took me a while to look into getting the original. I love the sounding of this song, with the group singing, the great beat, and the vocals dripping with the frustration of unnoticed longing. This song is just plain fun.

5. Forest City Lovers - Pirates (Can't All Sail the Indian Ocean)
Album: Haunting Moon Sinking (2008)

I love this band, who are sadly underappreciated even on my own iPod. Beautiful, forceful, with piano and strings drawing you into a paranoid feel. By the time the ghostly choir begins in the background, your eyes are closed and you're just soaking it in. Truly wonderful piece of music, with a cute title to boot.

And don't forget, search for more at The Hype Machine; purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 19

Another roulette, as I've been listening to quite a bit of music lately. Some great stuff here, hope you enjoy.

Dead Heart Bloom - I Hope I Stop Fading
Album: Dead Heart Bloom (2006)

Full of mournful strings and low, sad vocals, this song resonates somewhere deep within me, almost bringing tears to my eyes. The sadness here, the wish to not 'die and fade away', breaks my heart.

Menomena - Evil Bee
Album: Friend and Foe (2007)

A dark, moody masterpiece introduced to me by a cousin who demanded I watch the bizarre music video. I've had the song on the 'pod for a long time, but I only listened to it then, and it really intrigued me. The pleading, sad quality of the lyrics and the emotion behind them, empowered by the engine-like machinations behind the music, both engage and terrify.

Imogen Heap - Meantime
Album: G:MT - Greenwich Mean Time OST (1999)

Thanks to the wonderful Maggie at goodnight and go, I now possess a startling amount of rare Imogen Heap tracks. This, one of her more obscure OST contributions, follows the rule of her soundtrack submissions being excellent; it's a beautiful, soaring piece backed with buzzing techno and wonderful lyrics.

Bitter:Sweet - Dirty Laundry
Album: The Mating Game (2006)

After hearing the Morgan Page remix of the song, I wasn't too blown away, but I've finally come across the original. A swaggering, playful piece of trip hop that's expertly put together with dramatic horns, clashing sounds, a wonderfully beat and calm, swirling, sexually-potent vocals, this one's a winner.

And remember, search for more at The Hype Machine; purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 16

Haven't been keeping up lately, sadly enough. Still, here's some songs I've been enjoying as of late...

1. Sarah McLachlan - Prayer of St. Francis (from Rarities, B-Sides And Other Stuff Volume 2; 2008)

McLachlan does gorgeous work with music-izing this prayer, making a beautiful piece of music even for those with no religious affiliation. A longtime favourite.

2. Adrienne Pierce - Fool's Gold (from Faultline; 2007)

A really pretty song found through "Grey's Anatomy". The lyrics are pretty similar to most of its ilk, but Pierce has quite a nice voice.

3. Jem - It's Amazing (from Sex and the City Movie OST; 2008)

We've all been waiting far too long for Jem's new album, and we get a small sneak peek with her inclusion in the "Sex and the City" OST. It's nice, and foretells good things for the new album.

4. Alanis Morissette - The Guy Who Leaves (from Flavors of Entanglement Bonus Disc; 2008)

While I agree with Morissette's decision to leave this song off the CD proper, it makes a very nice b-side of sorts, with a nice introspective look and an enjoyable sound.

5. Wolf Parade - Call It a Ritual (from Mount Zoomer; 2008)

A new discovery prompted by a cousin. Definitely worth a listen, with vocals that sound a little like Belle & Sebastian if they were more indy-rock-whatever instead of twee.

Search for more at The Hype Machine. Purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 13

Geez, I have neglected you guys, huh? Here's some stuff I've been enjoying lately...


1. Conjure One - Tears From the Moon (with Sinead O'Connor on vocals)
2. Conjure One - Centre of the Sun (with Poe on vocals)
3. Conjure One - Make a Wish (with Poe on vocals)

Recently grabbed these off of Amie St., as they gave me a free $2.00 this past week. Love both these vocalists, and I have been craving more Poe since finding out about her Conjure One guest spots. These are the standouts of the ones I grabbed. The last is one I've had for a while, the one that prompted the Amie St. purchases.

4. Drawing Down the Sun - Porcelain Girl
5. Drawing Down the Sun - Unravel

There's something mysterious and intriguing about this band, another Amie purchase formerly unfamiliar to me. It's hard to explain, really, but it's very pretty, and seems to be a bit trip-hop/electronic gothic rock with a wonderful female vocalist. Will be looking into them further, because I can see a future for them.

6. Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal

This beautiful, folky, harmonic song is addictive. From that gorgeous building opening all through the track, it does feel winteresque, like a troupe singing as they walk through a wintery forest. There's a fantastic beat under the soaring harmonics, keeping it clip along at a nice pace. The lyrics are very curious, including the phrase, 'turning the white snow red as strawberries in summertime'.

7. Sia - Playground

The next of Sia's album Some People Have Real Problems to click with me, this is a playful little piece recalling childhood and the wish for that simplicity. Ironically, though it's meant to deal with childish themes, it's one of Sia's sexier-sounding songs (probably intentional, there). It's just so damn charming.

8. Islands - Pieces of You

The bizarre stylings of Islands have been drawing me in as of late, and this is a great sample of that, from their new album, Arm's Way. There's an amazing energy to their music, with the music and the vocals working together to pull you toward the sky. Also, I can never listen to this song without bopping along to the beat.

Search for more at The Hype Machine. Purchase albums or mp3's at Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amie St., cdbaby, or Insound.

ROULETTE 12

Another roulette! Sorry the posts haven't been too in-depth as of late, but I'll be distracted for about another month. Until then, though, I'll try to keep posting good music!

1. The New Amsterdams - Turn Out the Light

A quietly affecting song from new (to me) band The New Amsterdams, who combine a hint of a country aesthetic to more low-key, indie singer-songwriter fare. This song relies on the textured voice of the vocalist and the subtleties of the music behind it.

2. The Perishers and Sarah McLachlan - Pills (live)

One of my favourite female singers joins The Perishers on my favourite of their songs, from McLachlan's newest B-Sides compilation. She's got some real gems on this new one, including an old favourite, her musical rendition of "The Prayer of St. Francis".

3. Throw Me the Statue - Moonbeams

Backed by a mournful horn and funeral beat, this low-key song from Throw Me the Statue is a recent discovery that works quite nicely. It stays grounded by the darker beats and the straightforward vocals, whose singer sounds like a dozen indie singers and yet has a tone very much of his own. That man is Scott Reitherman, who it turns out is responsible for all the instrumentation as well; quite surprising, and definitely impressive.

4. Daughter Darling - Dust in the Wind (Kansas cover)

This song should be familiar to about everybody, as the original Kansas song is very well-known. In fact, devout readers of this blog should find more than the song familiar, but the vocalist - Daughter Darling is, in fact, the former band of tBoS favourite Natalie Walker. The group split mid-second album, and the pieces became Nat's debut, Urban Angel. One of my favourite covers, I must say, with the trip hop element alongside the gorgeous strings and Walker's amazing voice.

Small but excellent group for this one, I'd say. Give them all a listen!

BUY: Amazon | Amazon Canada

ROULETTE 11

Another roulette for you guys, both for some variety and to show off some new acquisitions...

Russian Red - No Past Land

I recently got my hands on Spanish indie band Russian Red's I Love Your Glasses, and it's enchanting. Lourdes Hernandez has a gorgeous voice, different than most of those I listen to. It's dark and beautiful and an excellent newcomer, even if information about the band is sparse. This album improves with every listen.

The Dresden Dolls - Night Reconnaissance

The first single for The Dresden Dolls' b-sides compilation, No, Virginia..., I'm a fan of the lyrics but still warming to the song itself. Though it's quite a good song, and as personally-relevant as the best of Palmer's work, the song works against her voice in many places instead of enhancing it. That said, I can't wait for the album and hope this song grows on me like most of the Dolls' previous work has.

Radiohead - (Nice Dream)

This is far from new. It is, in fact, from Radiohead's 1995 album The Bends, which I uncovered in a stack of old CDs of my sister's that I haven't listened to in years. I feel nostalgic every time I hear it, because though I can barely remember back then I used to listen to it occasionally on my old CD player. This was always my favourite off the disc, though "Fake Plastic Trees" went on to become an omnipresent cover in the current scene.

Moloko - The Time is Now

I've also gotten Catalogue, the compilation for Moloko - aka Roisin Murphy's old band. I've always liked Roisin, and I'm now discovering Moloko might also be something to look into. "The Time is Now" is quite nice, pretty different from the more-intense songs Murphy creates.

My Brightest Diamond - The Brightest Diamond (alternately known as 'The Diamond')

From My Brightest Diamond's (to be released) sophomore album, this song is a quiet, hazy and beautiful piece. Shara Worden, at the core of this project, has created a beautiful landscape of a love song filled with regret, and her vocals are the showcase here (as always). It's operatic in its scope, classical in its sound, with both strumming and soaring strings. It's different than the sound of Bring Me the Workhorse, but that's far from a bad thing.

ROULETTE 10

Haven't felt up to blogging much as of late, despite that lovely concert review I wanted to do. It's getting further and further back, but I do still have my notes and my memories... Anyhow, a roulette of some recent songs I've been listening to...

The Pale Young Gentlemen - Clap Your Hands

I've been getting these indie/rock playlists, and this song was one of them. A reeling, old-sounding song about dancing and the escape from one's problems it brings. Very enjoyable.

Forest City Lovers - Monsters

A lovely, soft song with pretty vocals. I'm new to the Forest City Lovers, but I'm becoming a fan.

Meg & Dia - Monster

There's something about these harmonising pairs that just hit me in the right way. Electric guitars with simple female vocals, giving a great sense of paranoia to the lyrics - especially when the guitars fall away, leaving the scared, worried vocals on their own.

Islands - Creeper

I will admit, I first got hooked on this song because the slang term 'creeper' (for, obviously, a creepy person) has been making the rounds in my group of friends and it amused me. However, I've begun to really enjoy the song, as it has a great sound. It's a genuinely creepy song about being ambushed upon coming home by a 'creeper' with a knife, and despite that creepiness has a really cool beat to it.

Damien Rice - Rat Within the Grain

Though I was a bit hard on Damien Rice once he and Lisa Hannigan split, I'm coming back around on him. Actually, while I once declared O to be the far superior album, I find myself becoming more and more bored by the long, artsy songs on it and instead enjoy the angrier, tighter work on 9, despite a lack of Lisa. After finding an excellent set of live recordings of him, I took a look around and found this wonderful "9 Crimes" b-side. It's short, bitter and self-deprecating; that is, Damien at his best.

Laura Marling - New Romantic

I didn't get the appeal of this song when my cousin Marelly declared it amazing, but recently I've come around to it. Really, it's the kind of honest confessional style I love, and despite the protagonist's dilemma of whether to leave her guy (whom she convinced to break up with his girlfriend to be with her), you feel how confused and pissed off at herself she is here. She attempts to swear off love altogether, but finds herself wavering in the face of this 'new romantic way'.

Also, while you're here, check out the two excellent demos Lily Allen has thrown up on her MySpace. "I Don't Know" in particular has major potential to be a new favourite.

ROULETTE 9

(Note: Some readers may have had trouble downloading these, due to bandwidth restrictions. The former links have been replaced with reliable YouSendIt links, so feel free to give it another shot.)

Going to go for a bit of theme with this one, as it's been really intriguing me these past few days: instrumental music! I know it seems off to put it all in together, but it really is a different creature entirely from music with conventional vocals, with its own unique worlds of sound as well. For me, it's practically a new universe to explore.

So, here goes, scratching the surface of the instrumental side of things...

(Please excuse any mistakes I make in describing the instrumentation. I can easily analyse vocals because I, like everyone else, speak on a daily basis - Instruments are something new and different to me.)

SCORES

1. Christophe Beck - Sacrifice (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

The heartbreaking final moments of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's fifth season, wherein Buffy sacrifices her own life to save both her sister's life and the world, was one of my favourite TV moments ever. A good amount of that resonance should be rightly credited to this beautiful piece of work, which accompanied what was planned to be the series' final moments.

2. Bear McCreary - Two Funerals (from Battlestar Galactica)

From before I watched the series, I knew and loved this song. I had acquired the OST, and the mournful, dark horns with the sad-but-hopeful resonating strings underneath drew me in completely. The drums that follow add that 'military funeral' feeling to everything, and it smoothly folds into a beautiful ending.

3. Daniel Licht - Party (from Dexter)

The strumming, rather Spanish sound of this song reminds me of Miami, where the series is set, and feels like sedately sexy and happy. The song drifts into a sadder place as it goes, and even when you feel like there's a real party going on and the music begins to reach up, that sadness remains with the leading strings. Wonderful piece of feeling music.

4. John Williams - Confluence (from Memoirs of a Geisha)

I admit to being fascinated, in an outsider-looking-in kind of way, with Japanese culture: their history, their culture, their art and music. This may be why I found "Memoirs" so intriguing, both the novel and the adaptation that followed. I uncovered the OST recently, and this was the first song to really grab me. It's very sparse until it really kicks in about halway, where it fills with layers of beauty.

5. Michael Giacchino - Win One for the Reaper (from Lost)

Initially, I was planning on skipping this song for this post, merely because I didn't want it to run too long. However, I began relistening to it, and remembering why Giacchino's work on Lost has been utterly genius. This song, a tribute to the fallen Boone, I believe, is a beautiful funereal piece that shines among Giacchino's work on the show.

ALBUMS

1. Explosions in the Sky - Remember Me as a Time of Day (from How Strange, Innocence)

Long-time tBoS-ers will recognise this song from my debut post. I wondered whether I should include it, but realised I couldn't have this post mean anything and not include it. This was my gateway song into instrumental, into feeling a song beyond words. For a long time while I didn't listen to pretty much anything instrumental, this was in my top ten played songs. It's just a beautiful song.

2. Kaki King - Open Mouth (from Dreaming of Revenge)

I first heard Kaki King on an REM cover by Sara Quinn (of Tegan and Sara), and her guitar work was quite nice, so I remembered her name when I saw Dreaming of Revenge and decided to grab it. This song, creeping up my spine and drifting like gas through me, freezing my insides and filling my head with bits of light, is what I found. I've since criminally ignored this album, and in constructing this post I have remembered this and sworn to rectify that.

Seven is enough for now, I think. Enjoy, and maybe I will post some more. I am looking into more scores, from movies and TV alike. Any suggestions?

ROULETTE 8

Another roulette! I'm enjoying throwing these together more and more, as I get to show off what I'm listening to recently or what I'm thinking about without linking them in any real specific way. One theme running through this post, actually, is wonderful female singers, so enjoy!



Amy Macdonald - Footballer's Wife (Sendspace link)
Album: This is the Life (2007)

A friend recently pointed me towards the lovely Ms. Macdonald, and then another mentioned the name, so I couldn't resist and grabbed her debut album. This wonderful Scottish lass is slowly creeping up on me. This is the best I've heard from her album, though I'm still warming to her as a whole.

Idina Menzel - I Feel Everything (Sendspace link)
Album: I Stand (2008)

I fell in love with Menzel when I heard her as Elphaba on the Wicked soundtrack, and her new album, I Stand, has only cemented that. This song, about the emotional connection between lovers, in particular showcases her amazing range and vulnerability, without being forced to sing quietly like other singers might have to be. Her Tony award-winning stage presence shows even in studio recordings for her album. I Stand is a genuine contender for 2008's best album this early in the game.

Hanne Hukkelberg - Do Not As I Do (Sendspace link)
Album: Little Things (2005)

This beautiful Norwegian singer is gaining buzz for her recent album, Rykestrasse 68, but I've only gotten my hands on Little Things so far. However, getting into this album is a treat, and this low key affair is definitely a nice addition to my collection. I love the simplicity of the hook, "Do as I say, not as I do... or you'll feel blue!" It sounds overly simplistic in pure text, but it works nicely sung.

Dolores O'Riordan - Ordinary Day (Morgan Page Remix) (Sendspace link)
Album: Are You Listening? (2007) [Original song]

I always liked O'Riordan's lead single for her solo album (though I much preferred the overlooked "Black Widow"), and I've recently begun to dig into Morgan Page's remixes. Anyone who read the review I posted of his new album knows that Page is on of few remixers I hold in esteem even in his missteps, and thus this was a nice treat to come across. Not as flat-out excellent as his take on Regina Spektor's "Fidelity", but still quite an interesting (in a good way) shot at reinventing the song.

Shivaree - Lost in a Dream (Sendspace link)
Album: Who's Got Trouble (2005)

I've had a song or two from Who's Got Trouble for a long time, but only recently did I finally come across the full album in its nostalgic glory. This is one such song, a little jazzy and very nice. This is one of the reasons that Trouble is much easier to get into compared to recent offerings Rough Dreams and covers album Tainted Love: Mating Calls and Fighting Songs, both of which are far too inaccessible - but happen to be worth the effort. Shivaree are just so easy to listen to, and sexy in an understated kind of way.

There's a lot of damn good female vocalists around these days, and I'm happy to slowly uncover them. Anyone who claims I'm biased in favour of female singers is probably right, as they populate my favourite singers' lists in a big way. Maybe next time a guy will slip his way into the mix.

Also, big news! Those who know me personally know it's been one of my personal quests to get tBoS listed on the fabulous Hype Machine, quickly becoming one of my favourite websites of all time for making access to blogs and new mp3's so easy. I was surprised and honoured to find that The Bringer of Song is now, in fact, listed there. I can't think of any surprise that could possibly top this. Not even getting a sneak peek at Amanda Palmer's debut album, though I admit that would be a close second (damn you Neil Gaiman!). Anyhow, if you're not already familiar with this site, you should get familiar. Though, you might find that there are far more interesting places to be than my poor lil blog.

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!