Justice: D.A.N.C.E.

The song is absolutely infectious, but it's just as much the video that made we want to feature Justice's "D.A.N.C.E." The video mixes live action with a barrage of T-shirt animation. It could be mistaken for a Threadless commercial. The song is uniquely organic sounding for the club/house genre. Your inclination may be to think the voices used are samples, but nay nay friend, they are indeed the real deal recorded solely for the song.It makes me want to get some groove-friendly kicks and show the youngsters what's up on the floor.

The French duo appreciates strong imagery, tapping So Me to lend well over 500 illustrations to give the video its look. Get into it, it's gonna make ya squiggle and squirm in yo seat!

Song Breakdown:

Best Place and Time to Listen:

Talk the struggling wedding DJ into getting the party started with this rambunctious jam.

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Mila Kunis. Really need a why?

Justice - "Dance" - Justice

Brass Castle: Hamlet

Listening to Brass Castle is like getting punched in the face . . . but a good punch in the face, you know, the kind you just might drop a Hamilton for. The two-man Atlanta-based band, traces it's roots back to some of the most caustic, interesting and epic Jacksonville bands including Gizzard and Dampading.

At time it can seem slightly in disarray, but it's truly purposeful and noisily novel. Forget White Stripe comparisons, this music is amazingly raucous and dirty. I swear to God that I smell whiskey soaked breath and cigarette smoke laden clothes from just listening to these songs. "Hamlet" is off their album Get on Fire. Brass Castle also contributed a song to the Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters Soundtrack.

Song Breakdown

Best Time and Place to Listen:

To prep for a night you won't remember.

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

George C. Scott.

Hamlet - Brass Castle

L.S.U. The Fold

L.S.U. (Life Savers Underground) was truly an enigma among CCM bands and "The Fold" may be one of the best songs that you have never heard . . . OK, I know a couple of you have, but in general. L.S.U. was mainly Michael Knott and you never really knew what to expect from album to album, and The Grape Prophet was no exception. It is a rock opera or a concept album if you will about an orange picker trying to rescue his fellow pickers from a sinister prophet.

"The Fold" encompasses a lot of sound in a short amount of time. From hair rock to indie rock and chorale conclusion, there is truly nothing else like it. Tortured vocals, howling guitars and thunderous drums eventually meet a children's choir-that's just how L.S.U. rolls. Incendiary and unforgettable, it's one of the reasons why this album is a true classic.

Song Breakdown

Best Place and Time to Listen:

It's the perfect soundtrack for late night, in-house hide and seek . . . yes, with the lights out. It's a blast, just try it.

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Nicolas Cage as Sailor Ripley in Wild at Heart.

Click Below to Listen to The Fold:

LSU - The Grape Prophet.wma

Bloc Party: So Here We Are

Fragile guitar notes layered on top of an upbeat drum line and thoughtful vocals make "So Here We Are" somehow simultaneously sentimental and cool. At its zenith, the lyrical refrain of "I Figured It Out, I Can See Again" lays a simple but meaningful proclamation of clarity over a jangly, exploratory guitar work. It's all completely endearing and it's one of those songs that has enough versatility to be fodder for teenage love mixtapes or alongside an elitist's collection of Thrill Jockey records. 

"Here We Are" is on the band's first record, Silent Alarm. 

Song Breakdown

Best Place and Time to Listen:

During makeout club with your main squeeze.

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Susan Dey.

Click Below to Listen to So Here We Are:

Bloc Party - So Here We Are.wma

Sloan: Everything You've Done Wrong

It's Friday and alas, still no sun. But who cares, we have Sloan! Those masters of pop rock construction have an uncanny smile inducing ability . . . what is it about those Canadians? Ah, America's hat has been great for smiles and laughs: Mike Myers, Jim Carrey, Pictionary, dental mirrors, those funny accents and of course, Sloan. 

Horn intro, layered vocals and jangly guitar goodness. It's all there in "Everything You've Done Wrong," seemingly a song about redemption . . . and who doesn't need a little redemption? You'll find the song off the fantastic One Chord to Another, the band's third album released in 1996. "Do your time and then come home for good," easy enough to apply to your day, whether you're working, in traffic, locked up, whatever, do your time, come home for good and you'll surely have somebody or something waiting for you! So what if it's just a stack of bills, somebody took the time to send them to you!

Song Breakdown

Best Place and Time to Listen:

A birthday party (or a welcome home party)!

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Martha Stewart.

Disclaimer: The player states "Chester the Molester," but it is indeed "Everything You've Done Wrong."

Beck: The Golden Age

Sublime, delicate and gorgeous. Sea Change was such a reflective, beautiful album that somehow makes sadness appealing. Taking a break from genre hopping, blips and bleeps and experimentation, Beck made a timeless album that will sound poignant and fresh and have the emotional weight fifteen years from now.

"The Golden Age" is bittersweet and despite being fueled mainly by acoustic guitar, pleasingly spacey. It's hard to pick just one song from Sea Change, but this one has everything. Embrace the melancholy, it looks good on you!

Song Breakdown:

Best Place and Time to Listen:

Sitting in your driveway after having just gotten home from a long night. Cigarettes and alcohol may or may not further the experience.

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Bill Murray as Bob Harris in Lost in Translation.

The Golden Age - Beck

Sparkle Afternoon: Gorgeous

Think you have the pulse on Indonesian pop minimalism? I thought so, but now you do! Sparkle Afternoon welcomes a concoction of shoegaze, dream pop, indie rock and small doses of brit pop. A sparse piano arrangement with delicate vocals builds into dominating guitar fuzz and drums. This BFW recording artist could just as easily have a place on 4AD's roster of shoegaze phenoms. 

You can download this track and other for FREE at BFW's website. You'll find a fantastic collection of music in not only this genre, but ambient, experimental and electronic artists that have not cracked the surface quite yet."Gorgeous" is just that . . . even makes me think of the Tracy Shedd's old band Sella. Remember them? Those were the days, begging for rides to the OP Civic Center!

Song Breakdown:

Best Place and Time to Listen:

An open field, slightly overcast, napping in the grass.

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Carol Kane.

Click Here to Listen to Gorgeous by Sparkle Afternoon

Chasing Ghosts: Nervine

An ominous piano intro ushers in a frenzied blitz of rock in Chasing Ghosts' "Nervine." While showing obvious proclivities to bands like the Deftones, there is a nod to pop sensibility in influences like Jimmy Eat World. When stripped of the electronic injections and studio touches, Jacksonville based Chasing Ghosts shows an earnest inclination for the intensity and energy that would be welcome by post-punk rockers that throw it up for Jets to Brazil and their ilk. I would imagine that this favorable characteristic really manifests itself in their live show.

While "Nervine" could fit comfortably into a modern rock radio station lineup with 30 Seconds to Mars and Fall Out Boy, there is a penchant for artistry, experiment and ambition that sets them apart and could be that type of gateway group that lays the groundwork for fans wanting more than what is in the DJ's rotation.

Don't miss their June 6th CD Release Party at Murray Hill Theatre on Edgewood Avenue!

Song Breakdown:

Best Time and Place to Listen:

The Himalaya Ride at the next fair you attend.

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Evan Rachel Wood.

Click Here to Listen to Nervine:

http://isitvivid.com/nervine-01.mp3

Iron & Wine: Boy with a Coin

Galvanic hand claps blended with an ethereal backward guitar loop and Sam Beam's patented, whispered vocals makes "Boy with a Coin" a big spooky delight. Off The Shepherd's Dog, a real evolution for Iron & Wine, "Boy with a Coin" possesses a snappy guitar progression and a rare danceable quality. 

While this is a departure from the hushed, understated singer-songwriter quality of earlier records, it's got the Iron & Wine stamp of sound architecture, distinct resonance and enigmatic, story-telling lyric. On that note, a lyric snippet:

Boy with a coin he found in the weeds

with bullets and pages of trade magazines

close to a car that flipped on the turn

when God left the ground to circle the world

Song Breakdown

Best Place and Time to Listen:

Meandering, twilight drives.

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Laura Harring . . . Mulholland Drive.

Boy With A Coin (Single) - Iron & Wine

Shangrala: Golden Streets

Delay goodness that gives nod to The Edge starts "Golden Streets" and permeates through the entire song. Interesting breaks, sincere vocals and smart musicianship give the song that Shangrala balance of accessibility, skillful math rock ability and a preciousness that nears but never embraces emo, rather transcending it and taking the banner from the pioneers of the now saturated genre instead of the imitators. This is a good band and as good as an album This Is How We Communicate is, they are even better live. So . . . .

Sunday - May 17th at the Eclipse

Don't miss them at their first show in over a year at the Stop Brian Cancer II benefit where all proceeds will go to Brian Hicks. Also playing: Mike Katilius and Thumbnail Sketch. You will be able to bid on art donated by celebrated local artists: Mark George, Ian Chase, Eric Gillyard, Donald Dusinberre, Mark Estlund, Shannon Estlund, Pete Henry and Morrison Pierce. Visit the Facebook group for further information or to bid on art.

01 Golden Streets.wma - Shangrala

Teddybears: Punk Rocker

Swedish grindcore at its finest with guest singer Iggy Pop! In the interest of keeping to punk rock sensibilities, make your own damn assessment of this song. 

Next week: local artists Chasing Ghosts and new EP from When Tides Collide.

05 What Elmo Isnt - Guy Smiley

Damien Jurado: Paper Wings

Lil Coco chiming in again and in style as usual.

Over the years Damien Jurado has been a constant in my ever changing rotation. From early on records Like Waters Ave S. and Rehearsals for Departure, Damien painted music landscapes with a strong penchant for lyrics and stellar songwriting. Primarily an acoustic songwriter, Jurado not only added a band on his priceless album I Break Chairs, but some aggression as well. "Paperwings" steals the show on this landmark record for the longtime Seattle songwriter.

What could be better than a catchy as hell melody and an unconventional songwriting structure? Jurado nabs the listener from the first chord progression and forces said listener to suck it up and realize the beauty that is Damien Jurado. Like his peers Jeremy Enigk, David Bazan and Sufjan Stevens, Jurado wears his heart on his sleeve at times; the only difference being Jurado typically doesn't wear short sleeve shirts. Do yourself a favor and pick up any of Damien's full lengths or EPs . . . you won't regret it. This purchase will counteract any previous terrible musical decision you have purchased: i.e. Daughtry, Taylor Hicks, Clay Aiken, etc.) I booked shows for 4+ years and had the nerve to name my production company Paperwings Productions, so if Damien and I ever come face to face, I will go fanboy on his ass.

"Here's a noose for your head, here's some tape for that broken wing..."

Song Breakdown

Best Time and Place to Listen:

Smoky dive bar on a broken-in bar stool, imported beer in hand, friends playing pool (Chuck Taylors optional).

If This Song Was a Celebrity:

Vincent Gallo

Click Here to Listen to Paper Wings

01 Paper Wings.wma

Laura Veirs: Wildwood Flowers

Sorry for the lull and thanks to my guest writer, the Pink Streaker for this take on a true classic.

Did you ever meet a kid that for whatever reason just seems to have the spirit of a very old, mellow person? They're unconcerned with the noisy, attention-getting tricks of childhood and instead seem happy to watch the world and soak up experiences. This song is a bit like that in its simplicity. A cadre of instruments and flourishes of mixing-board magic would clumsily crush the simple dulcimer accompaniment and the rock-steady alto vocals. Today's song is by Laura Veirs, who recently released the EP Two Beers Veirs, with several covers that I loved (also check out Wasps of Rain and Spike Drivers Blues). 

This song was recorded in the 50s by the Carter family, in the charming, old-school country style that's worth revisiting. But even they weren't the first to love this song: it was originally written in 1860 and since then versions of it have been tweaked and covered by Woody Guthrie, Joan Baez and others. 

They lyrics are simple; about love, disappointment, relational neglect--things most of us have experienced to some degree, I guess. It's bluegrassy and folky and yeah, the song's maybe even bit girly. I don't care. 

If you listen all the way through Laura Veirs' take, you'll get to hear some plucky bits of feedback that crop up like thorny little weeds thru the green flutter of the melody. 

Song Breakdown

Best Time and Place to Listen:

After a picnic on a not-too-warm early summer day. Have another piece of peach pie and lie back on your grandmother's faded quilt while you look for animal shapes in the clouds. 

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Drew Barrymore in E.T.

Click Below to Listen to Wildwood Flower

Laura Veirs - Wildwood Flower

Jeremy Enigk: Canons

My boy Lil Coco going to cover Listen Up for today and tomorrow. Good looking out J Gould!

There are few songwriters/musicians that seem to not only create magic, but seem to carry a gift so great that it seems that person was created for that purpose. Jeremy Enigk is that iconic magical voice, in a world of saturated paint-by-number musical acts. Jeremy started as the much adored front man of the legendary "emo" band Sunny Day Real Estate. His vocal style, songwriting and lyrics are often replicated, but are regularly lacking his poignancy. The song 

"Canons" is a true testament to the sheer brilliance that is Enigk. From the bombastic ebb and flow arrangements of the album World Waits, Enigk mesmerizes the listener from the opening chord like only he can. "Canons" may very well be the pinnacle track of his strong and dare I say "emotional" second solo effort. As Enigk yearns for daylight's cleansing in "Canons," he conveys his vulnerable side that many of have come to appreciate. Sunny Day Real Estate may have been passed up in the Seattle grunge explosion, but there mark as a band is legendary. Do yourself a favor and pick up anything Enigk has touched, he definitely has the Midas touch.

Your Lyric Snippet:

night will mourn
and i'm sleeping on the better debt of day
like the rising off
they won't need me till tomorrow
night that claims the sky
forever dreams of a better day

Song Breakdown:

Best Time and Place to Listen: 

A dark, smoke-filled venue, proudly sporting band T-shirt from prescribed rock genre, limited edition SDRE 7 inch in hand ... yep, you're THAT guy for the evening. 

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

John C. Reilly in Magnolia

05 Canons.wma - Jeremy Enigk

Barcelona: It's About Time

I first heard this guitar hook as bumper music on a talk show and couldn't get it out of my head . . . and couldn't find it either. Until this fortuitous day! Thanks to an imeem play list, I've discovered that this fantastic hook and song is "It's About Time" by Barcelona.

"It's About Time" is an endearing song with tons of crossover potential. While this song could find a home on any modern rock radio station, it possess the elements that appeal to good indie rockers everywhere. The ethereal guitar work juxtaposed with the straightforward rock sound of the rest of the song, strong vocals and rich layers throughout have made it a staple in my rotation.

Song Breakdown

Best Place and Time to Listen:

While Scrubs is in my television show graveyard already, Barcelona could up the ante. This is the sound bands like The Fray wish they could find. C'mon Zach, freshen it up, you know you can hear this song in an episode.

If This Song Was a Celebrity It Would Be:

Zach Braff.

ITS ABOUT TIME - Barcelona