Scribble Nation

Yael Naim

A collection of tunes from Yael Naim.

A video for her most popular tune, "New Soul".

Performing "Puppet" live...

...and unexpectedly, covering Britney Spears's "Toxic"

The Bird and the Bee

I am loving The Bird and The Bee lately.  Disco vocals against modern indie electronic. Sweet.

Frida Hyvönen

Have you heard Frida Hyvonen?  Oh so deliciously weird. "Once I was a Serene Teenage Child" and "Straight Thin Line" are probably my favorites on her newest album. Diggy Diggy.

St. Vincent Concert

Last weekend Mitchello and I took a trip to Boston to see my sis, Heather, and to go to a bangin' concert.  St. Vincent headlined a show at The Middle East Club in Cambridge.  There was a huge line when we got there so we checked out this awesome boutique across the street for a while.  I could have bought everything in there if I had lots and lots of dollars.  Twas called Buckaroo's Mercantile, and is definitely worth a visit if you ever find yourself in that neck of the woods.  My favorite part of the shop was the amazing collection of kitschy vintage lamps.  They were so rad.  Well, those and the Carmen Miranda paper dolls.

Anyway, the concert opened with a set by Basia Bulat, an indie folkie singer w/ band.  I must admit I was impressed with her voice, and the use of the auto-harp, but all in all, it wasn't quite my cup of tea. It was almost like a sugar coated, girl version of Beirut.  And I love Beirut! Anyway, close for me, enjoyable, but no cigar.  However, I should say that there is probably no shortage of people who would really enjoy Basia Bulat's music.  She's definitely good, just not my taste I guess.

Next up was Foreign Born who rocked out! They were a lot of fun.  Sort of Strokes-ish, Modest Mouse-ish, indie, rock and roll.  It would have been hard not to like it.

And last, but naturally not least, St. Vincent!! Obviously I was a fan, since I was at the show, but I never ever expected to be so impressed.  I imagined a much softer side of St. Vincent to be playing.  Instead, they jammed like crazy!! It was sooooo good, in fact, that I wonder if my sister and Michelle (who had never even heard St. Vincent) will be disappointed when they get their hands on an album?  I also want to just note how refreshing it was to see a chick on stage looking so totally in charge of it all.  Her band was awesome, but there was no confusion that Annie Clark was the star of the show.  She guitar solo'd, she switched instruments, played some songs alone. Totally kick ass.

K is for KICKASS!!

You know how almost everyone has some friend or friend of a friend that is supposedly some really talented musician? And they go on and on blathering about all of the great things that will happen when their buddy gets their big break or whatever? And the whole time you try to act impressed, but you are secretly assuming that this guy is just some big haired loser who doesn't like having a full time job?

Well, I assure you this is NOT the case with MY friend, Scott Daly, of Arms and Legs. I've had a lot of musical friends over the years. I even fell in love with one. Many of these people (including my dear sweet Bobleo) really are very very talented, passionate artists. Daly, however, put his nose to the grind stone in a really amazing way, worked his ass off and followed through with his dreams. His album was released recently and I can't say how happy I am for him. I know there is still a long road ahead on the way to success, but to see someone I care about achieve such a huge goal just tickles me pink. :) Good job, Daly !!!

I went on Itunes (Hooray he's on Itunes!!) and bought myself a copy of the album I already had just a moment ago. The Album is called "Bars All Closed" by Arms and Legs. I suggest you all do the same. That is, if you enjoy heartfelt lyrics, masterful acoustic guitar, kickass ukelele, and melodies that will forever lodge themselves into your brain. If you want a taste before you buy check out some reviews, samples, and the Arms and Legs MySpace page.

Minus 5

I just downloaded Down with Wilco by Minus 5. And Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, Peter Buck from R.E.M. and Scott Mcaughey of Young Fresh Fellows are making beautiful music together. Minus five combines catchy rock n roll hooks with haunting sounds and clever lyrics. I'm in super duper love with this album.