What's Spinning on the Ipod

Now that the election is over and we can get back to the ordinary course of politicians ignoring the express will of the people, I thought it would be a good time to drop what's on my iPod playlist.

I cruised some of the celebrity playlists on iTunes and found myself laughing out lout at some of the people trying a little too hard to be cool in their music choices (I'm looking at you, Michael Cera). If you don't really like indie rock, then don't put bands no one has ever heard of on your playlist. It doesn't make you cool, it just makes you a poser.

Here's some of what I'm listening to recently. As you can tell, I'm having a bit of a classic punk phase.

Police on my Back--The Clash



I can't help it, I've become a huge Clash Fanatic. If you are not yet a devotee of the Clash, repent hit amazon.com's mp3 page immediately. Not liking the clash is the musical equivalent of voting no on prop 8.

Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn've)--The Buzzcocks.



You may recognize the song from Pete Yorn's remake for one of the Shrek Movies. He actually did a pretty good job, but original is generally the best. By the way, how does someone as decidedly non-punk as Pete Yorn end up remaking a song by the Buzzcocks? I mean, Jason Mraz redid Blitzkrieg Bop, but at least he was in on the joke. The more I think about it, it's like Coldplay doing a cover of "Anarchy in the U.K." Actually, that would be pretty cool. In fact, I'm now insisting that this happen. Chris Matin, wherever you are, I'm begging you the start remaking Sex Pistols songs. Who wouldn't buy this? If anyone out there has connections in the music industry, make this happen.

You are the Best Thing--Ray Lamontagne


Ray Lamontagne is finally starting to get some much deserved recognition. He's essentially Joe cocker for the modern age. It is criminal that people haven't heard of this guy while that "I kissed a girl" song is playing on a continuous loop on pop radio. If that doesn't prove that civilization is doomed, I don't know what does. Maybe this.

Perfect Day--Lou Reed



Yes, I do know what the song is about and I don't care. It's still beautiful. While we're on the subject, if they ever legalize drugs, I think that instead of a surgeon general's warning, they should just put Lou Reed's picture on the packaging. I think the idea of one day looking that messed up should be enough to deter ANYONE from using. In fact, this could single-handedly win the war on drugs.

P.S. John Cale has a much better voice and more musical talent than Lou Reed, so why was Lou Reed the vocalist for Velvet Underground? These questions keep me awake at night.

Closer--Kings of Leon


Just put their entire latest album here. It's great. I don't even care that they lent their music to an impossibly lame season of Gossip Girl, which is 1/10th the show the O.C. was. Yes, even the 22 episode long practical joke that was season 3. Darn it, it was the show that gave us Death Cab for Cutie and it was much better than Gossip Girl will ever be. It had better music and the girls were 10X hotter. I can no longer discuss this rationally, I'm posting the song Life is a Song by Patrick Park in memoriam.



Head On--The Pixies


Okay, it's a cover, but it's a good one, darnit. Besides the Pixies have the distinction of having been loved by Weezer. The Legiao Urbana version is better, but we try and feature english speaking bands on this site.

Flightless Bird American Male--Iron and Wine



Look, I've been listening to Iron and Wine for years, so I knew them before they were cool. If I could grow a convincing beard, I'd be this guy's exact clone. As such, I'm willing to forgive them for allowing this awesome song to be included on the soundtrack for a certain teeny-bopper vampire movie which I will not allow to be named on this site. Seriously, if you name it in the comments section don't think I won't delete you. The video is from a pretty awesome live version, but the recorded version is great too.

He Doesn't Know Why--Fleet Foxes



I've written about this band before, but I can't say enough about them as far as I am concerned. Buy this CD. GO to amazon and pay the 10 bucks for the whole album; it is absolutely worth it. One of the best bands I have ever heard, spread the word.

That's it for now kiddos. Happy listening.