New Release Of The Week: Liam Finn “Fomo”

This week, son-of-head Crowdie Liam Finn releases a new one, the strangely-titled “Fomo.”  Liam sounds amazingly like his father Neil, who is lead singer of Crowded House.

Pick it up at Amazon.com.

He’s a Soul Man

My latest album purchase is Raphael Saadiq’s The Way I See It, his second solo album.  It’s not new, but it is a great one.  Saadiq was the lead singer of the band Tony! Toni! Toné! and is now a solo artist doing music in the style of 1960s Motown and soul, but with a bit of a modern twist.  He’s worth a listen if you’re into that kind of music. 

Here’s the video for “Let’s Take A Walk”:

Song Of The Day: “Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love)”

Inspired by a movie I saw today called Midnight In Paris:

Song Of The Day: Curve “Horror Head”

Because this band was great and this song is beautiful:

Song Of The Day: Johnny Cash “A Boy Named Sue”

Today’s song is “A Boy Named Sue” performed by Johnny Cash.  Why?  Because I felt like posting some Johnny Cash. 

Top Five On Friday - 6/3/11

From Music Memoirs:

Top Five “Sunny” Songs

1)  “Wake Up Boo” by The Boo Radleys.
2)  “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden
3)  “In The Sun” by Joseph Arthur
4)  “Into The Sunset” by Neil Finn

5)  “Steal My Sunshine” by Len

Review: SPC ECO “Big Fat World EP”

While I was away on vacation, SPC ECO was busy releasing their latest
collection of music, the Big Fat World EP.  I had no clue they were planning to put out new music, so this was a pleasant surprise.  They've already released two other EPs plus a full-length album, and another EP just adds to what they've been doing in the past few years.  Overall, it's a very strong EP with some great new additions to their repertoire. 

Opening song "Gone" has been heard before via YouTube, and it's a good way to start things off.  It's somewhat industrial, darker than many of their other songs.  The guitars are a little more threatening, the bass a little deeper, and Rose's vocals a bit more ominous.  Next comes "Silo Too High," which brings us back to the spacey, dreamy sound that SPC ECO does so well.  As always, Rose Berlin's voice carries us through the song.  The beat hammers along slowly, and Rose drenches us in beauty.

Song three is the title track, "Big Fat World," possibly one of their best songs yet.  Unlike many other songs, Rose's vocals aren't hidden behind effects and echoes.  Her voice is loud and clear, almost too much so.  I really enjoy the melody here.  The verses set us up for the chorus, when Rose really soars.  Also great is the drumming, which is a bit livelier than it usually is for this band.

"Forever Now" isn't the most memorable track on the album, but it does feature some soft, sweet vocals by Rose.  By now, you should be realizing that Rose's voice is a key component of the SPC ECO sound.  This is a peaceful song, something you can really relax to.

"Here I Am" is another killer track.  It's all about the chorus, which is beautiful musically and lyrically.  The last song, "Feels Like Flying," is another song that's up there with their best.  It's a 7 minute epic with absolutely gorgeous vocals.  The bass playing by Dean Garcia is excellent too.  The whole EP leads up to this, and it doesn't disappoint.  Hearing it will make you feel like flying, too.

It's so nice to get some new songs from a band I've only recently discovered and fallen in love with.  This EP is quite excellent, and has some very strong material.  I know "Feels Like Flying" is going to be a popular concert favorite.  This band makes beautiful music, and I can't wait until the next EP, single or LP.

You can get the Big Fat World EP at SPC ECO's Bandcamp page for the big fat price of free right now.  Go download and listen!  It's worth your time.         

New Release Of The Week: Eddie Vedder “Ukelele Songs”

Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam, the King of grunge vocals, releases an album of songs done entirely on ukelele?  How can that NOT be the album of the week?

If you want to pick it up, it’s only $8.99 at Amazon, one dollar less for the mp3 version.

New discovery: Eliza Doolittle

Sometimes you find the most wonderful music in the most random places.  I was browsing a message board last night, and I clicked on a link to a Youtube video someone mentioned.  That video happened to be for Eliza Doolittle, an up-and-coming British singer-songwriter:



I really love this girl’s vibe!  All of the songs I’ve heard so far are just completely upbeat, happy, and carefree.  It’s the kind of music you can use to take away your troubles and remember that the world can be fun.

Check out “Pack Up,” which has an awesome jazzy, retro sound:



I’m definitely going to check out more from this girl and keep an eye on her promising career.

Edwyn Collins - Home Again

I’m sure most of you remember Edwyn Collins from his big 1990s retro hit “A Girl Like You.”  What a fantastic song and fantastic sound.

Last night and today, I’ve been watching a documentary about Edwyn and his amazing comeback after two strokes.  A few years after this documentary was produced, it seems his comeback is still going strong.  What an amazing guy.  You can see he is really determined to let nothing slow him down.  Here’s the first part, and the other three parts are also on Youtube: