Bits O' Music

That's right kids! I dusted off the old Bits O' Music segment. Fortunately, the American Single segments will stay buried.

You might be asking why I would dust off such an old segment. First off, thank you for asking. Secondly, the reason is I received a package today from Sweden. You might have remembered me posting a video almost four weeks ago showing a group of Swedes singing about bringing us love. Well, that Monday I placed an order to Sweden for I'm From Barcelona's "Let Me Introduce My Friends." Twenty-four days later I found the CD in my mailbox. I put the CD in my player around 9 and I've been listening to it since.

I'm From Barcelona is more than just a collective of art school Swedes goofing around. Ok it kind of is, but they've also written 11 brilliant indie pop songs. Actually, they've written twelve because even the hidden track is great. Using every instrument they could get their hands on, IFB have created orchestral pop songs for everyone to sing along to. This is the kind of album that is made to brighten those Monday mornings or to celebrate those lazy weekends with your close friends. With only one song truly exceeding the three minute pop song curfew, the sweetness never overstays it welcome.

I was debating what song to post because they are all worthy. Do I go with the joys of stamp collecting or "Oversleeping?" Maybe the hand clap and piano bounce of "Rec & Play" is the way to go? Well, I decided on "Chicken Pox." Why? Because associating the childhood illness of chickenpox with being in love is pretty genius. I also like the sad little clarinet in the song and the whistling. I also linked to their myspace page that has other songs and their videos. I also linked to a store on this continent that sells the album. Enjoy and smile.

I'm From Barcelona-Chicken Pox-let me introduce my friends

I'm From Barcelona's myspace page.

Buy the album here, and not have to wait nearly a month to get it.

You Can Write Only One Song

What if everyone had one good song in them? You couldn’t really sing or play for most of your life, but for one instant you could put down 3 minutes of musical joy. What would it be? Would you write something that would be used in commercials or stadiums for years to come? Those residuals would come in handy. Perhaps a great love song, or something that would shine a light on the travesties of the world? I’m sure you have good idea what my choice would be. If you thought I’d come up with something along the lines of the Afghan Whigs, you’d be wrong. Those who have really paid attention have probably decided it would be some funky R&B jam with blaring horns. You know what? You too are wrong. I would want to just write a happy pop-rock song like the one below. Ti doesn't have to be a huge hit. It just needs a good hook with handclaps and simply make the listen smile. Causing the listener to tap their foot would be a nice bonus. That’s what I’d write for my only song. But an old school R&B song is awfully tempting.

The Cryers-Shake it Up (Ain't it Time)

Bits O' Music

I’ve meant to put this band up here awhile ago, but it kept slipping my mind. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are an indie rock band from Brooklyn. When I say indie, I mean they are truly indie since they have no PR or record label. What they do have is a great name and a great debut album. Over jangling guitars and a solid back beat their singer does his best David Byrne impression. This isn’t some Talking Heads rip-off though. It’s a solid indie rock band that has me looking forward to what they will do next. Check out their web site for more info.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah-The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

Bits O' Music

Here's a song from one of the albums I picked up while I was on my blog hiatus. It's another album I picked up on a whim. Amoeba seems to bring that out of me. I wasn't thrilled when I first listened to the album. Then one of the songs would randomly come up on my iPod and I'd always find myself playing it again. I guess most would categorize them as post-punk. Which I guess is correct. If you do like this, I have a little bit of bad news. Rex Aquarium is a local band, Silverlake to be exact. What does that mean. It means the album is only available in two stores: Amoeba and Sea Level. I'm willing to help out though, and pciking it up for you if you want. Visit the Rex Aquarium website for more info.

Rex Aquarium-The Back of the Room-The Back of the Room


If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

Bits O' Music

This song comes from a power pop compilation called Yellow Pills: Prefill. I recommended this album last year. In fact it placed in my top ten. It’s chock full of catchy sugar coated rock n’ roll. I imagine if Billy Joel lead T. Rex this is the kind of songs they would write.

Jack Stack a Track-Good Time Music-Yellow Pills: Prefill

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

Bit O' Music ( Halloween Edition)

A little Halloween music for those who used the excuse it's not secular music it's comedy music.

"Weird Al" Yankovic-Nature Trail to Hell-In 3-D

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

As Promised...

I received the CD's of goodness in the mail. So here a couple of the popular songs. Add them to your iPod, and get a treat when you hit shuffle.

The Music Machine-The Music Machine

Have Patience-The Music Machine

Tell the Truth-Sir Oliver's Song "God don't dig lyin'!"

Kalepo-Sir Oliver's Song

Give it up for Agapeland!

Bits O' Music

I've come to The Magic Numbers party a little late. It was probably the comparisons to Coldplay that made me hesitant. Aren't there enough bands trying to be the next Coldplay, who in turn are trying to be the next U2? Well, after listening to them I can say they aren't the next Coldplay. They are more of a modern update of the Mama's and Papa's. I only say that because they harmonize so well. They definately have that 60's pop feeling of melancholy optimisim. It is sweet and soothing music that rolls along. It will put a smile on your face.

The Magic Numbers-Love is a Game


If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

Bits O Music

Sorry there's no Rambling right now. I'm working on it. I was up late watching "The Warriors." To tide you over till about 5pm today, I offer you a catchy little song from the early days of Sloan. I like this song for two reasons, handclaps and the Chicago style horns. Though I'm glad the little trumpet solo is short.

Sloan-Everything You've Done Wrong-One Chord to Another

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

Bits O' Music

It's been awhile since I've posted a bit. With my iPod on shuffle, I came across this song from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. It's from the Abattoir Blues / The Lyre Of Orpheus double album that was released last year. I know a lot of die hard fans would rather remember Mr. Cave before he found God. I agree his music was consistently better back then. This is still great stuff. I admit I'm a sucker for rock n' roll that includes rolling piano and a gospel-like choir.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds-Nature Boy-Abattoir Blues / The Lyre Of Orpheus


If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

Bits O' Music

WAIT! Look I know you usually hit the back button once you see the “Bits O’Music” title, but I need your help on this. I’ve recently heard the band UFO mentioned in artists interviews. I had never heard of them, so I researched a little on them, and got a hold of some songs. My first reaction was, “How the hell did I not hear of these guys?” It took awhile to find a CD or even an MP3. iTunes didn’t have it. Amazon only had imports. Then recently UFO albums started appearing on iTunes, and remastered CD’s became available. It upsets me that I missed out on these guys. This is great classic rock. So my question to you is, have you heard of them? I realize I had a lot of catching up musically since my conservative youth, and some bands have slipped through the cracks. But, I can’t imagine a so called “popular” band like this passing me by especially when I was in my classic rock phase. My favorite song of the few I’ve listened to so far is “I’m a loser.” I love the piano and the build up to the end. It’s great power ballad stuff. Again, if anyone (Tim, Bobby, PLW) can shed a little light on these guys, I’d appreciate it.

UFO-I'm a Loser

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Bits O' Music

Once again I was watching VH1 Classic at 2am, and the video for this song came on. It was one of those, "How the hell did I forget about this" moment. I think this came out in 1982, which is before I made my foray into secular music. I do remember it though. It's a catchy little number, and I'm pretty sure The Choir ripped it off. I'd prove it if I could just find their Circle Slide CD.

Marshall Crenshaw-Someday, Someway-Marshall Crenshaw

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

Bits O' Music

I recently got an e-mail from a friend. All it said was: Enjoy!. Attached to the e-mail was this mp3. It's "Use It" from the upcoming New Pornographers album Twin Cinema. If you are not familiar with the New Pornographers, you have been missing out on some well-crafted pop songs. There are not many artists anymore that get my "buy it the day it comes out" seal of approval, but these guys have earned it. I came late to their first album Mass Romantic, and have regretted it ever since. This alt. supergroup are truly musicians who keep expanding and experimenting from album to album, but the outcome is always hummable songs. Enjoy.

The New Pornographers-Use It-Twin Cinema.

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

Another Bit

In other news, Dulli's finally releasing Amber Headlights on Sep. 6th. I don't know how available it will be in your neighborhood, so I suggest ordering it on-line. The sucker I am went a head and paid the extra shipping, so I could get it on the day it's released. The songs "So Tight," "Domani," and "Wicked" have all appeared as B-sides on singles from the Blackberry Belle album. I've also seen him play "Cigarettes" live a few times. I'm interested to hear if the album version rocks as hard as the live version. I have a rough version of "Golden Boy" for you fans. Enjoy.

Greg Dulli-Golden Boy-Amber Headlights


Track listing
1. So Tight
2. Cigarettes
3. Domani
4. Early Today (And LaterThat Night)
5. Golden Boy
6. Black Swan
7. Pussywillow
8. Wicked
9. Get the Wheel


If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.

Bits O' Music

After a lengthy search I finally got hold of The Go! Team EP that was sold exclusively during their Australian tour. Three of the songs ("We Listen Everyday," "The Ice Storm" and "Hold Yr Terror Close") are B-sides from previously released singles. There is also a re-recorded single version of "Bottle Rocket" which I assume will be similar to the U.S. remixed version. The main differences between this version and the original is that due to the U.S.'s stricter sampling laws their rapper Ninja sings the sampled rap in the U.K. version. This new version is much cleaner sounding which I think takes away a little bit of the charm of the album. That homemade kitchen sink sound is lost. There are two previously unreleased tracks, "Did You Feel It Too?" and "We Just Won't Be Defeated." "Did You Feel It Too?" sounds like it belongs on Thunder, Lightning, Strike. It is though missing that "80's action" kick. I am still digging it, so that's what I'm posting.

The Go! Team-Did You Feel It Too?-Are You Ready for More: The Go! Team Australian Tour .... EP


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Bits O' Music

There are so many bands from Ryan Adams and the rest of the alt. country ilk to the Replacements and REM that have been influenced by the band Big Star. I'll admit I didn't know about them till The Replacements album Pleased to Meet Me. That's my mistake and yours if you haven't experienced Big Star. I was going to post their song "In the Street" which was covered by Cheap Trick for that crappy "That 70's Show," but wisely decided on this . To use a MOL nation term, Big Star is "genius."

Big Star-Watch the Sunrise-#1 Record

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Bits O' Music

It's time for another flashback track from days gone by. This song comes from another underrated band, Cheap Trick, off their underrated album, In Color. "Southern Girls" is Cheap Trick's response to The Beach Boys "California Girls." Cheap Trick is more than "Dream Police" or "I Want You to Want Me." Please don't define them by "The Flame." (shudder) I'm sure they didn't know what they were doing at the time. Of course, they are also right about those Southern Girls.

Cheap Trick-Southern Girls-In Color

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Bits O' Music (Redux)

It's back kids. Enjoy!

The Exploding Hearts-Sleeping Aides & Razorblades-Guitar Romantic

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Bits O' Music

This song comes from the Exploding Hearts debut album Guitar Romantic. Which perfectly describes this album. It's an unabashedly catchy as hell album seeped in the Buzzcocks, Big Star, The Records, and The Only Ones. There is no "too cool" irony here like the Strokes and other so called NYC bands. This is simply a love for all things power pop. Unfortunately, three fourths of the band died in a car accident July of 2003. Which is a shame because this album definitely showed promise. For those that know me and I've shoved my "Starry Eyes" or "Baby's Coming Back" on you, you'll probably like this. I can't recommend this album enough.

The Exploding Hearts-Throwaway Style-Guitar Romantic

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Bits O' Music (For Bob)

So here's the Twilight Singers live track I was going to post yesterday. I'm torn on which one to actually put up, but I'm going with the more significant but not good as quality track. This is "Something Hot" live inNewport, Kentucky for April 6th, 2004. I was going to go with the song "Annie Mae" simply because it rocks so much harder than the album version but I'm going with this for one reason. It's an Afghan Whigs song and Dulli's former bassist with the Whigs, John Curley, shows up to play during the second encore. So it's significant to those Afghan Whigs fans and Twilight Singers fans like me and Bob. If you'd like the DVD, they are available on ebay. Don't bother Bob, I've already got you covered.

Twilight Singers-Something Hot-Live: Newport, Kentucky April 6, 2004

If you are an artist or artist representative being featured on this blog and want me to take down a song, let me know, and it will be removed from the server immediately.