Billie Holiday - “Lady Sings the Blues”
There’s so much to say about Billie Holiday. I wish I had met her, but not just because she’s one of the most revolutionary jazz singers we know; she’s so real in everything she sings about.
Holiday co-wrote this song, and the most redeeming quality to me is the empowering perspective on what it’s like for a woman to have the blues. There’s also a film about Billie Holiday, played by Diana Ross, titled Lady Sings the Blues.
Annie - “Loco”
I’ve listened to this song approximately 25 times in a row. I don’t know what it is: the driving synth beat, the post-punk mopey guitars or Annie’s sweet voice. But if I could transform this song into a pop-bliss serum and enter it intravenously, I would.
It’s the second track released from Annie’s forthcoming album Don’t Stop.
Air - “Universal Traveler”
The week is coming to an end and it’s time to unwind. We all just need to sit back and chill out for a few minutes and listening to Air is the best way I know. From their first EP Premiers Symptômes in 1997 to last year’s Pocket Symphony , Air always seems to create a beautiful backdrop of sound.
From their 2004 release Talkie Walkie, “Universal Traveler” is another beautiful song with a vagabond message.
However, if you’re in a more upbeat mood go check out the previous Tuneage post for Air’s “Kelly Watch the Stars”.
We know, we know: this episode is long overdue. It’s been a busy month for the Tuneage guys, with one finishing college, and the other being awesome somewhere else. Nonetheless, almost a month late, here’s episode 6.
The week we recorded this, if you can remember that far back, was the week Sigur Rós’ “Gobbledigook” was released unto the Internet, and predictably, that was our most reblogged track that week by far, with something like 43 reblogs at the time. And so, because Sigur Rós’ music can get a little odd at times, “Gobbledigook” being no exception, we decided to theme this episode on music of a more experimental ilk. Click through to get your tracklisting.
Listen to episode 6 and let us know what you think!
…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead - Relative Ways
It was October of 2002. The Beltway Sniper had just been caught and I, along with my friend Kate, were traveling to a local hippy hangout where we would then board a bus en route to Washington DC to attend a peace rally. We were running early so on the way we stopped at a used CD store. After perusing the selection for all of fifteen minutes I had settled upon 3 artists that I had kind of, sort of heard of before. I settled on …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead.
We rode in a chartered bus all night from Ohio to our nation’s capital and while my cohorts, many of them older, sang their favorite songs of peace and love and happiness there I sat with my red Sony portable CD player listening to a band called …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead.
Bill Evans - “When I Fall In Love”
I always picture this song as a perfect opener for a Woody Allen film. Not Scoop or even Deconstructing Harry, but Hannah & Her Sisters, or the venerable Annie Hall.
It makes me think of sad, dimly lit bars and the people that drink there. I picture shots of the city skyline, the lush parks, and the buildings at sunset, but coupled with the dark and seedy side. Sirens blare and people scatter as police cruisers speed through red lights. A man is too drunk to open his door - so he passes out on his front step.
Sometimes the slower songs can be the most expressive and engaging.
Sigur Rós - “Inní mér syngur vitleysingur” (Within me a lunatic sings)
So, everyone’s had a chance to listen to the new Sigur Rós album, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, now — it’s been streamable for a few weeks, and was finally released this week — and if it’s not one of the best albums you’ve heard this year, then there’s something wrong with you.
I won’t get too in-depth here; Sigur Rós need no introduction, and the album isn’t a huge departure from their usual sound. However, it is, perhaps, a little more accessible and digestible than their previous releases (only two songs go too far past the 5-minute mark, for one), without losing the vibrant, emotional energy they’re known for.
“Inní mér syngur vitleysingur” (Within me a lunatic sings) is the second track off the album, and one of the highlights. It embodies everything I love about Sigur Rós, containing all the signature elements — horns, glockenspiels, and the finely-crafted build up to a magnificent crescendo — without being too indulgent, in one of the best 4 minutes of music you’ll hear today.
Little Dragon - “Wink”
Here’s a sexy song for hump day. Yukimi Nagano is an unbelievable singer, especially with Swedish trip-hop to back her up.
I skipped the train to listen to Little Dragon’s album in my car. Not all of it is down-tempo, and the bass kicks in with her voice in a few of the songs. You might also think this album is amazing if you are fond of various mixtures of electricity, jazz, R&B, driving Volvos, hip-hop, black female artists, or Nelly Furtado.
There’s more of Little Dragon on MySpace.
The Booze - “Broken Hearted Man”
I’ve posted The Booze quite a few times on my own blog. I can’t help but love the 60’s inspired garage/mod rock that this Atlanta, GA quintet create—they’re definitely influenced by early Beatles, Who, Stones, etc. This song is off their most recent album, Straight, No Chaser which came out in April and is available through iTunes.
Show plug: They’re playing tomorrow night in NYC at Pianos. If you dig this, come see them live. They’re a great band to dance to and really fun to watch. Check out their Myspace page for other tour dates.
Tuneage aims to bring you music you haven't heard before, be it brand new or forty years old. If you have something you'd like us to listen to, send us an e-mail or use our submission form.
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