Soundtrack to My Life

2010-06-23T06:17:00.000-07:00

Brad 2010-06:

1. Animal - Miike Snow
2. I Hope I Become A Ghost - The Deadly Syndrome
3. By your side - CocoRosie
4. Sorrow - The National
5. All Fires - Swan Lake

2010-03-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

Brad 2010-02:

1. Fancy Footwork - Chromeo
2. Empire State Of Mind [Jay-Z Alicia Keys] - Jay-Z
3. Polite Dance Song - The Bird And The Bee
4. Help I'm Alive - Metric
5. The High Road - Broken Bells
6. Getting Scared - Imogen Heap

2010-01-03T01:19:00.000-08:00

Brad 2009-12:

1. Andy - I'm From Barcelona
2. Lisztomania - Phoenix
3. Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
4. Police And The Private - Metric
5. Spinnin' - Speech Debelle
6. Cuckoo! - Neon Horse
7. Plastic Stars - Freezepop

2009-11-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

Brad 2009-10:

1. Keep Them Alive (Slender Version) - The Spinto Band
2. Quiet Little Voices - We Were Promised Jetpacks
3. You Don't Have To Be A Prostitute - Flight Of The Conchords
4. All Is Love - Karen O And The Kids
5. Michael Myers Resplendent - The Mountain Goats
6. Adventures In Solitude - New Pornographers

2009-09-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

Brad 2009-09:

1. Only If You Run - Julian Plenti

Interpol frontman Paul Banks eases the wait for a 4th album with this solo project.
2. Ganglord - Morrissey

"They say to protect and to serve, but what they really mean to say..."
3. Moth's Wings - Passion Pit

Pitchfork regularly calls out their picks for good tracks. This was one of the first I agreed with.
4. Dlz - TV On The Radio

Used fabulously in the final moments of a Breaking Bad episode. Great Song. Great Show.
5. Doot Doot - Freur

While Verizon decides if they want to carry the Palm Pre or not, please enjoy this song from the commercial.
6. 35 Black And White - Over The Atlantic

Pandora once again succeeds in guessing my tastes.
7. White Shade - Lukestar

Alright, Lukestar, you win.
8. Angeles - Crosstide

This Elliot Smith cover does the late singer justice.
9. Rain - Mika

Mika's new album is even more ready for musical theater than his last.

10. The Re-arranger - Mates of State

Heard in a PUMA store in Philly.

2009-09-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

Brad -Year 4 Top Ten:

This year's list was relatively easy. The gems rose right to the top.

10. William, It Was Really Nothing - The Smiths

One of several Morrisey fronted songs that I got into this year. He shows no signs of slowing.
9. The King Beetle On A Coconut Estate - mewithoutYou

Of all the bands on the Cornerstone roster this year, only this one had the lyrical and musical creativity to impress me. Go Eastern!
8. The Well And The Lighthouse - Arcade Fire

While we may never have another obvious genre-leader like Nirvana in the post internet age, many would nominate this band.

7. Who Said We're Wack? - The Lonely Island
I suppose I could get protective about the once-underground "Dudes" making it big, but they don't appear to have lost a drop of talent.

6. Gospel - The National

I constantly heard that this album was great. I guess it took me a while to come around.
5. Bad News - Kanye West
For my money, the "breakup album" worked beautifully.

4. Daylight - Matt and Kim
A very cool album from a band that looks like the inverted Mates of State.

3. Normadie - Shout Out Louds
The Cure-like vocals put me off for a while, but I had to eventually succumb to the amount of great songs here.

2. My Rhymes - Mc Chris
MC Chris already had nerd cred with me, but the inclusion of electropop/better production put this album over the top.

1. Tonight - Lykke Li

A fantastic, romantic album that I discovered through a web design blog. For my money, she deserves a place with the Fiests and Adelle's of the world.

2009-08-04T05:13:00.000-07:00

Brad 2009-07:

1. Early In The Morning - Peter, Paul and Mary
2. Peppermint (Original Mix) - Plastic Operator
3. The Well And The Lighthouse - Arcade Fire
4. Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap
5. Gospel - The National
6. The King Beetle On A Coconut Estate - mewithoutYou

2009-06-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

Brad 2009-05:

This months playlist features new material from three of my favorite bands.

1. Money Can't Dance - Fischerspooner
A favorite track from the new album. Purchased at a Best Buy across the street from the Daytona 500.
2. My Mirror Speaks (EP Version) - Death Cab For Cutie
This B-side could have been an A-side.
3. Day 'N' Nite (Original Explicit) - Kid Cudi
I have been told that the radio says this is cool.
4. Can I Kick It? - A Tribe Called Quest
Heard in "The Wackness".
5. Sad Song - Au Revoir Simone
Score one for Pandora.
6. Happy You're Gone - Placebo
I agonized over this pick. There were several runners up from the new album.

BONUS TRACK: Be sure to check out Auto Tune the News #4

2009-03-31T13:15:00.000-07:00

Brad 2009-03:

1. Who Said We're Wack? - The Lonely Island
While we are denied the excellent "Stork Patrol" and "Iran so far", the very existence of this album is so geekily inspiring.
2. Something Is Squeezing My Skull - Morrissey
You know what they say. With age comes .....the heaviest rocking of your career?
3. Jai Ho featuring Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, Mahalaxmi Iyer - A.R. Rahman
While the celebratory dance at the end of this movie may not be an American tradition, I fully welcome it.
4. My Rhymes - Mc Chris
From the "black" version of his new album.
5. Mushaboom (Postal Service Remix) - Feist
As the possibility of a new Postal Service album grows ever doubtful, side tracks like this one become precious gems.
6. Blue Flower/Blue Flame - Destroyer
Passes the "stuck in my head" test.
7. Archangel - Burial
Rejected for a playlist inclusion many moons ago, I have decided to finally lay it down.

2009-02-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

Brad 2009-01:

1. Daylight - Matt and Kim
Lately, it's been hard for me to find many songs I like, let alone albums. This one came like a breath of fresh air.
2. Otherland - Blind Guardian
I may never fully understand the connection between medieval fantasy and metal, but this song is so powerful, I watched it instantly convert a coworker into a fan.
3. Reese - Mc Chris
After hearing this, I had a dream I met MC Chris. I told him that I love Reese's Pieces too.
4. No One's Gonna Love You - Band Of Horses
This band is steadily reeling me in one song at a time.
5. You Kill Me - Paper Route
The chorus was stuck in my head so much that it practically demanded inclusion.

2008-12-22T13:17:00.000-08:00

Brad 2008-11:

1. William, It Was Really Nothing - The Smiths
I hadn't heard this gem before the new compilation.
2. Money For That - Shiny Toy Guns
A bittersweet choice. The new album is clearly affected by the departure of Carah Charnow. While this song (like the album) has great moments, it's largely missing it's teeth. Here's hoping this awesome band can recover it's former glory.
3. Ma Sheba Ba (What Comes Around) - Hadag Nachash
Apparently, you don't mess with the Zohan.
4. Bad News - Kanye West
Kanye has recieved flack for this decidedly sadder album, which deals with the loss of his mother and fiance. In my opinion, these kinds of risks are what separate him from the pack.
5. Halfway Home - TV On The Radio
The best Bloc Party song that TV on The Radio ever wrote.

2008-10-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

Brad 2008-10:

1. Human - The Killers

If the measure of a band is thier live performances, the Killers knocked this one out of the park on SNL.
2. Sleepyhead - Passion Pit

Given all the repetition, my standards for electronica are very high. This one has been allowed into the fold.
3. Summer Grof - The Spinto Band

Sadly, this is one of the few standouts for me from the long awaited "Moonwink".
4. Tonight - Lykke Li

If you're looking for a pretty solid TAE (total album experience) this month, this is my pick.

5. Everything Is Borrowed - The Streets

Still a unique voice in hip hop, this band may be coming to a close soon.

6. You Don't Know Me (featuring Regina Spektor) - Ben Folds

I desperately sought out an edited version of this otherwise great song. Does anyone else see the incongruity between beautiful music and "f***"?

Bonus Track: Please seek out the Gears of War 2 "Last Days" trailer here for Devotchka's "How It Ends".

2008-10-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

Brad 2008-09:

1. A Jagged Gorgeous Winter - The Main Drag
2. Normadie - Shout Out Louds
3. Better To Be - Liam Finn
4. The Funeral - Band Of Horses
5. Reckoner - Radiohead
6. Radio Heart - The Futureheads
7. Burning - The Whitest Boy Alive
8. Everything Counts (Live) - Depeche Mode

2008-08-31T01:29:00.000-07:00

Brad 2008-08 - Year 3-Top Ten:

Year 3 is here already! I listened to alot of great songs in the last 12 months, but these were my favorites (in order of greatness). Enjoy!

2008-07-12T16:09:00.001-07:00

Brad 2008-06

1. Long Division - Death Cab For Cutie
After weeks of taking this album in, I now present you with my vote for best track.
2. Petite Feet - Tim And Eric
You mean this album has been on Rhapsody and I didn't know!
3. L.E.S. Artistes - Santogold
This track seems to combine several genres and I look forward to hearing more.
4. Viva La Vida - Coldplay
Coldplay may not have "hiatused" as long as I thought they would, but this bands quality is highly dependable.
5. Zeroes -They Might Be Giants
Let's close by learning about the number that means nothing at all.

2008-06-02T12:38:00.000-07:00

Brad 2008-05:

1. Ghouls - We Are Scientists
The follow up to a great first album builds it's opening piece by piece.
2. Death to Los Campesinos! - Los Campesinos!
Frenetic craziness of the good variety. Recommended by Alex Navarro.
3. West Coast - Coconut Records
My second shout out to Schwartzman's solo joint.
4. Flashing Lights (Edited) - Kanye West
Courtesy of the The Beat 102.7
5. Handlebars - The Flobots
Recommended wisely by a Rhapsody editor.
6. Goodbye, Horses - Q Lazzarus
Courtesy of Liberty Rock Radio 97.8

2008-04-30T06:07:00.000-07:00

Brad 2008-04:

1. These Few Presidents - Why?
Did you ever really want to make a video for a song? My favorite pick this month.
2. Handbook for the Sellout (Live) - Five Iron Frenzy
The (nearly) full catalog, including this farewell concert, finally arrived on Rhapsody.
3. The Best Revenge - Fischerspooner
While between labels, Warren Fischer and Casey Spooner kick out this single.
4. One Friends - Andy Dick
Made me laugh.
5. This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) - Talking Heads
From the soundtrack to Lars and the Real Girl, a film so good that I blew kisses to the screen after seeing it.
6. I Will Possess Your Heart (Radio Edit) - Death Cab For Cutie
I trust this band so completely now, that not even the 4 minute long intro to this song (shortened here) can cast doubt on the forthcoming album.
7. Breathe Babylon (Live) - P.O.D
Rap rock may be dying off, but this live cut reminds me why P.O.D blew up in the first place. Raw, agressive energy and crowd interaction make me wish I could go back to younger days for a moment.

2008-04-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

Brad 2008-03:

1. Time To Pretend (Super Clean Version) - MGMT
I haven't heard a song that was this instantly catchy in a long time.
2. Touch Too Much - Hot Chip
Consistently playing all month.
3. Superstar - Lupe Fiasco
My wife heard this at a St. Patrick's Day party.
4. Hurdy Gurdy Man - Donovan
The haunting credits to the excellent 2007 film Zodiac.
5. Nude - Radiohead
The free album so good that people payed for it is finally on Rhapsody.

2008-03-03T05:48:00.000-08:00

Brad 2008-02:

1. Hey Sandy - Polaris
The Theme Song to "The Adventures of Pete and Pete". It's official. the 90's are now nostalgia.
2. The Party Song - Emery
I can't decide if this song is goofy or awesome, but thinking about it keeps me listening.
3. Got You (Where I Want You) - The Flys
My wife's iPod produced this apparantly famous song that I was ashamed to have never heard.
4. Nine In The Afternoon (Radio Mix) - Panic At The Disco
I was instantly drawn to this song after seeing the video. A bunch of people going happily insane.
5. It Is Pitch Dark - MC Frontalot
A rap about The Zork text adventure. Shhhyeah!
6. She Moves In Her Own Way - The Kooks
Again, I'm probably the last guy to discover this very talented band.
7. Its Not You Its Me - Coconut Records
Tv's Jason Schwartzman breaks from Phantom Planet for a moment to record a cool solo record.
8. I Hear The Bells - Mike Doughty
Great background music for confessing your true feelings to that girl at the party (Veronica Mars reference).
9. Seventy Jane - Aarktica
So perfectly captures New Wave that it might as well have existed alongside it.

2008-01-13T18:13:00.000-08:00

Brad 2008-01:

1. Run - Air
From "Veronica Mars".
2. Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want - The Smiths
From "Starter for 10", my favorite movie of 2007.
3. Paper Planes - M.I.A.
This song doesn't hide it's overtly criminal themes, but dang it's catchy.
4. Les Champs-Elysees - Joe Dassin
From "The Darjeeling Limited".
5. Say It To Me Now - Glen Hansard
From "Once", a great little movie about music.
6. Most Of The Time - Bob Dylan
From "High Fidelity".

2007-10-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

Brad 2007-10:

1. Wave Of Mutilation - Pixies
In preperation of Rockband's release, I'm learning this song now.
2. Fever Dreams - Dashboard Confessional
While he still has plenty of fans to earn back after "Dusk and Summer", Chris Carraba's experimentation with drum machine is a nice start.
3. The Zookeeper's Boy (Live For Rhapsody) - Mew
While I dug the rockier album version, I felt the acoustic recording was tighter and more recomendable.
4. Halcyon On On - Orbital
While admittedly long, this track makes for nice background music at your evening get-together of choice.

2007-09-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

Brad 2007-09:

1. Silver Lining - Rilo Kiley
The band founded by two child actors starts strong on thier new album.
2. Rockit - Herbie Hancock
Just give me some socks and a linoleum floor.
3. Baby Love Child - Pizzicato Five
From the episode of Futurama where Leela finally meets her parents.
4. Six Different Ways (2006 Remastered LP Version) - The Cure
The first of two movie recommendations this month. Do yourself a big favor and rent "Starter for 10" as soon as possible. This track is from the killer soundtrack.
5. Chicago - Sufjan Stevens
Do yourself another favor. If you ever liked Danielson, please rent the fantastic documentary about him and his band, of which Sufjan was once a member.
6. Faust, Midas, And Myself - Switchfoot
This song attached itself to me because of its cinematic lyrics. Listen and tell me if you wouldn't love to see an animated or claymation video.
7. From Yesterday - 30 Seconds To Mars
Although the video struck me as a bit overdramatic, this is one of several great singles from "A Beautiful Lie".
8. Ideas As Opiates - Tears for Fears
Again, see "Starter for 10".
9. If I Didn't Care - The Ink Spots
Would you kindly listen to this track from the BioShock soundtrack.
10. Brainy - The National
A rhapsody pick for those that like thier rock served deep and mellow.
11. Redemption Song - Bob Marley
When I visited Jamaica on my honeymoon, I heard alot of Bob Marley's music, and consequently became interested in his life. This song is a personal favorite.
12. Pomp And Circumstances - Smashing Pumpkins
Much has been said about the first Pumpkins record without James Iha and Darcy. While thier absence is definitely felt, this album still has heart, as evidenced by the closing track.

2007-08-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

Brad 08-07: Top Ten Songs (Year 2)

Well, my music blog officially turned 2 this month! To celebrate, I've
compiled my favorite tracks from this past year. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

This track was meant to be featured in next month's playlist, but the frequency of listens earns it a spot in the year's best. While I struggled with thier comparisons to Interpol at first, further listens reveal a talented band in thier own right.

I'll be honest. This song gives me powerful flashbacks of playing in my Grandmother's attic as a child (and of my childhood in general). There are endless "mellow" electronica songs, but Erland Oye's soothing vocals put this in a class of it's own.

As a long time fan, listening to a new TMBG album is always a treat for me. I like to make sure the conditions are just right before starting that first track. Usually, I smile my way through the whole thing. "The Else" was no exception.

My favorite track from "Our Love to Admire" was also one of the tracks they played live when I saw them in Pittsburgh recently.

You know what? God bless Pigeon John, man. A fully unique artist in any rap scene (Christian or not), he just relates his life, regardless of whether it's "hip hop" enough. I wore out his homemade debut on many a car ride, learning about his ex-girlfriends, jobs, and appreciation of Phil Collins.

The Killers trade thier high fashion image and smooth romantics for mustaches and nervous vocals. While initially jarring, "Sam's Town" is a great "concept album", spinning a cohesive feel of dusty, down and out places.

Many bands are helping evolve/relive the synth rock years, but Shiny Toy Guns instantly felt like the real thing. The male and female vocal interplay combined with the integrity of thier live show equals a band to keep your eye on.

This will sound like a slam, but The Shins don't seem to have even heard the latest trends (sonically or lyrically). Their music evokes felings of old, antique things and thier lyrics are literate and poetic. A truly special band.

In today's single driven market, it's easy to sample a new album one song at a time. But, when you collect all those great singles and realize you've heard all the songs, it's time to recognize a great album.

Like many favorites, this one started as a curiosity. Brian Molkos effeminite appearance and nasally voice can seem strange. But, that strangeness works to thier advantage, mixing with dark, biting lyrics and spacey rock to create something entirely thier own. "Meds" grew on me one song at a time until it was no contest for my album of the year.

2007-08-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

The words that almost instantly went through my mind were "lyrical genius".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwTZ2xpQwpA"

2007-07-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

Brad 2007-07:

1. Last Living Souls - Gorillaz
The excellent intro to a live concert that I saw on cable recently. The band was in silhouette, of course.
2. Hockey Monkey - James Kochalka Superstar
The theme song to Fox's "The Loop, which my wife watches.
3. Section 28: Guaranteed Nightlite - The Polyphonic Spree
The new album reminds us how special a 24 member band is.
4. Golden Skans - Klaxons
Energetic dance jam.
5. Rest My Chemistry - Interpol
Joins "The Else" for new albums I have been highly anticipating. While "Our Love to Admire" doesn't quite live up to the previous two releases, it has several high points.
6. Don't Mug Yourself (Video Edit) - The Streets
In the minority of edited "Streets" tracks on Rhapsody.
7. Chinese Translation - M. Ward
Have you ever known that you were hearing a classic on the first listen?

2007-06-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

Brad 2007-05:

1. Heinrich Maneuver (Radio Edit) (Radio Single) - Interpol
Interpol keep it cold and calculated on this single from the upcoming disc, "Our Love to Admire".
2. Bleed It Out - Linkin Park
While the new direction of the band saddens me, this track has all of the factors that made LP great. Chester, recently the victim of some nasty identity theft, is particularly fired up on this one.
3. Into The Ocean - Blue October
A relaxing track that played frequently on BOB FM while I remodeled my family room. Eventually, it got to me.
4. In A Big Country - Big Country
I never heard this during it's original radio run, but it's grown on me. Reminds me a bit of something that would have been on the "Young Einstein" soundtrack.

2007-05-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

Imogen is as talented technically as she is vocally.

2007-05-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

Brad 2007-04:

1. Breakfast In America - Supertramp
Recently popularized by the Gym Class Heroes "cover", in which the Supertramp lyric is sung by Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump.
2. Ruby - Kaiser Chiefs
Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Rubay!
3. Tomorrow - Silverchair
My fiancee's iPod recently dusted off this 90s hit. The lyrics can be laughable, but the song is heavy with hooks.
4. Heaven - I Monster
I hunted this one down after hearing about 10 seconds of it on a shoe sale commercial.
5. Lazarus - Placebo
This B-side was added to the re-release of Meds, and it's just as great as the rest of the album.
6. Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie
A classic Bowie song about his alter ego.
7. I'm Not Worried At All - Moby
More of what Moby does best. This album has several great tracks in this vein.

BONUS SONG: Dig around the web for "Boll Weevil" by the late Greg Hale Jones. This song was a regular favorite of mine on the now defunct MP3.com, and almost surely inspirational to Moby.

2007-04-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

Brad 2007-03

1. No Cars Go - Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire was the first band in my first playlist on Blogger. They seem to be gaining a following to match thier epic sound.
2. Flathead - The Fratellis
Also known as "the song from that ipod commercial". The album is well worth a listen.
3. Dashboard - Modest Mouse
This song has grown on me more and more. The imaginative video on Xbox Live didn't hurt either.
4. This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race (Kanye West Remix (Clean Version)) - Fall Out Boy
If you can excuse Kanye's "H-bomb", this song is the only incarnation of the FOB hit I can find without the string of "GD"s in the chorus.
5. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) - Billy Joel
Can't say I ever heard this one before BOB FM a few mornings ago.
6. Eyes - Rogue Wave
A romantic little ditty.
7. Tom's Diner - Suzanne Vega
Remember this song?
8. Start The Machine - Angels And Airwaves
I know they've been on my playlists before, but this album is chock full of hits.
9. Age Of Consent - New Order
While not featured in the film, this track appeared in the trailer for Sophia Coppola's "Marie Antionette". A film I would recommend, by the way.
10. Master Exploder (Clean Version) - Tenacious D
Okay, Bonus track in honor of the new white "axe" sitting next to my 360.

2007-02-28T12:45:00.000-08:00

Brad 2007-02:

1. Magazine - Pedro The Lion
While we wait for someone to make a stage version of thier debut EP, consider this more recent track.
2. Overkill - The Benjamin Gate
Although Men at Work's catalog has (finally) been added to Rhapsody, this version does the original proud.
3. Turn To Stone - Electric Light Orchestra
One of many great songs from a diverse career.
4. Amsterdam - Peter, Bjorn, and John
Recommended by Drew Barrymore's shirt.
5. The Warning - Hot Chip
The most relaxing death threat ever!
6. People Get Ready - The Impressions
A great oldie that shouldn't go away.
7. Special - Mew
Recommended by The Shins.
8. Waiting For The 7.18 - Bloc Party
Bloc Party's latest disc may fall short of the first, but it's not without it's moments. This is probably my favorite song this month.
9. Make Your Own Kind Of Music - Mama Cass Elliot
For Desmond.

2007-01-31T07:16:00.000-08:00

Brad 2007-01

1. Grace Kelly - Mika
I'll kick this off with a"girlfriend pick". She scored big time on this one. Mika rocks.
2. If You See Light - The Mountain Goats
I must admit that I like not a single song from the rest of this album. But darn if this one isn't cool.
3. Sea Legs - The Shins
The middle song in a trio of favorites from the new disc.
4. Melatonin - Silversun Pickups
Another girlfriend pick, and a band that calls to mind the warm static of 90's alterna-rock.
5. Main Title - Shirley Walker
I don't know how many people saw BM:MOTP, but those who didn't missed one of the best intros to a Batman film yet.
6. All Is Full Of Love - Bjork
Perfectly dark and eerie.
7. Doin' Time - Sublime
Memories of 105.9 in Pittsburgh. I always thought this track was called "Summertime". It turns out the original is.
8. Baby I'm Yours - Arctic Monkeys
For all thier goofing off, these guys pulled out a flawless cover of this classic.
9. Hi - Psapp
Toytronica (?) from the folks who do the Grey's Anatomy theme.
10. My Love (Single Version) - Justin Timberlake
We end on a guilty pleasure. Added to "Cry me a river" for JT tracks I kind of dig...unless anyone asks.

2006-12-31T09:16:00.000-08:00

Brad 2006-12

1. A Wonderful Christmas Time - As Fast As
My favorite Christmas song. Though the McCartney original isn't on Rhapsody, this cover does it justice.
2. Anna Molly - Incubus
This song joins Our Lady Peace's "Clumsy" as first videos I've watched on a new game console.
3. The Payback - James Brown
This tribute to what is arguably the coolest James Brown track will now have to serve as a farewell. One thing we know about James. There were some things he just couldn't take.
4. Pepper - Butthole Surfers
The band with quite possibly the worst name (or job description) had this hit in the 90s.
5. Lonesome Valley - The Fairfield Four
A great old spiritual from "O Brother Where Art Thou".
6. Remember - Air
A smooth bit of electronica from a great mellow album.
7. Black - Aaron Lewis
Staind's vocalist does an excellent job with the Pearl Jam original.
8. Distraction - Angels And Airwaves
One of several awesome tracks from this album.
9. Welcome Back - Mase
The world's laziest rapper returned in 2004 (cleaned up and having earned a degree in theology) with this single.
10. Letterbox - OK Go
This clever spin on They Might Be Giants original further cements Ok Go's reputation for me.
11. Shalom - Pax 217
Crank this one up loud for old times sake.

2006-12-05T05:43:00.000-08:00

Brad 2006-11: The Depressing 80s:

In grade school, I would often stay up late cramming for tests. Occasionally, I would turn to soft rock radio for some comfort. There was no comfort to be found there.

1. Take My Breath Away - Berlin
2. Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes
3. Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper
4. Making Love Out Of Nothing At All - Air Supply
5. Drive - The Cars
6. I Want To Know What Love Is - Foreigner
7. If You Leave Me Now - Chicago
8. Hello - Lionel Richie
9. Against All Odds - Phil Collins
10. Africa - Toto
11. Open Arms - Journey
12. Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Bonnie Tyler
13. The Lady In Red - Chris De Burgh

2006-10-31T11:56:00.000-08:00

Brad 2006-10:

1. Pretend We're Dead - L7
A radio ditty from my high school days.
2. Crystal Ball - Keane
Another spin in the player yields a new favorite.
3. Eyes Without A Face - Billy Idol
Morning drives into work with Bob FM.
4. I'd Rather Dance With You - Kings Of Convenience
Last months Royskopp pick lead me to this excellent little band.
5. Why Do I Keep Counting? - The Killers
The dirtier, more warbly Killers score several standouts on thier new disc.

2006-10-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Pop. Pop.

2006-10-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Brad 09-06:

1. Dirty Second Hands - Switchfoot
A sampling of things to come from the ever evolving Switchfoot.
2. Be Yourself And Five Other Cliches - Rock Star: Supernova
Okay, so maybe Lukas was the right choice afterall. Creepy cool studio vocals help make this band an interesting one to watch.
3. Ever (Foreign Flag) - Team Sleep.
Deftones light.
4. Pressure Drop - Toots and the Maytals
From Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs of all time. Foundational reggae.
5. Monkey Gone To Heaven - The Pixies
"...and if the devil is six..."
6. Mother Of Pearl - Roxy Music
After about a minute twenty of "cabaret rock", Roxy settles into a lenghty and memorable verse.
7. Remind Me - Royksopp
Bittersweet electropop. I eat this stuff for breakfast.
8. (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais - The Clash
Foundational to many a rocker.
9. Standing In The Shadows Of Love - The Four Tops
Man, how many hits can one band have! Several entries in the RS Top 500.
10. Ask - The Smiths
My girlfriend's favorite Smiths track.
11. Growin' Old - Pigeon John
My favorite rapper's beats are slicker than ever on this new album. The older I get, the more I can relate to the waves of nostalgia described in the finale track.

2006-09-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Pandora Internet Radio

You know, sometimes we all need good music advice from someone we trust. Enter Pandora. Good music may not be an exact science, but Pandora is sure close. Rather than suggesting music based on something general like genre (a wide sprectrum), they analyze each SONG based on 200-400 factors (time signature, tonality, etc.) and then make recommendations.

Check it out and see if it can't find something for you.

2006-09-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

Brad 08-06: Top Ten Songs:

This month marks 1 year of blogging on Rhapsody!
I made many musical discoveries and rediscoveries in the past year, but these were my favorites. Your psychoanalysis welcome!

I first saw this band with TMBG in Pittsburgh. They were impressive then and they show no signs of slowing.

This Scottish four piece have reintroduced disco's "unn tsss" to rock, influencing many others to follow suit.

The dark new wave originals who birthed New Order have also influenced several bands on this list.

If this ends up being the last album they ever record, it will go down as one of the best. A glimpse into the future of punk, it's up to every other punk act to play catch up.

I endlessly listened to this album since it hit my radar last November. If this is thier talent in high school, what is to come?

Imogen is a one girl powerhouse. She understands how to use technology to her advantage and the results are awesome.

The Johns certainly hold the record for the longest lasting artists in my headphones. I expect to still be appreciating thier wit and ingenuity when I'm 60.

An enigma of a band that I randomly discovered one night. I would have laughed at them if they weren't so intruiging and creative. Eagerly awaiting thier next album.

The band with the snobby underground name that I avoided for so long. Thankfully, I gave in shortly after hearing The Postal Service. Vivid, often dark, lyrics that move me on many a listen.

The extremely tight and polished band that every modern secret agent should have in his car. Despite being a Rhapsody member, I will buy thier new CD on day 1.

2006-08-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

Brad 07-06:

1. Exactly Where I'm At - Ween
A slick recommendation from a fellow artist at work.
2. Starlight - Muse
The unanimous pick (in my social circle) for best new Muse track .
3. In The Deep - Bird York
This song plays endlessly at Loews Cineplex. I don't really mind.
4. Never Tear Us Apart - INXS
A good track to pick the pace back up in any playlist.
5. Sloop John B - The Beach Boys
From an episode of Sports Night.
6. Suzie - Boy Kill Boy
The sweet, new wave-y single from a fairly new band.
7. Brandy Alexander - The Walkmen
More organ and drum madness from the new CD.
8. Peace Train - Cat Stevens
"Everyones high on the B String!"
9. Teen Angst - M83
From the trailer for "A Scanner Darkly".
10. Damaged - Plumb
This mellow finish went undiscovered during the years I listened to Plumb.

2006-06-30T17:18:00.000-07:00

Brad 06-06:

1. Breathe (Extended Remix) - Telepopmusik
Lately, I've been trying to create playlists that cover a full workday. This song is a regular opener.
2. The Pageant Of The Bizarre - Zero 7
A smooth track from the band that Garden State popularized.
3. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
This song's coolness is only amplified by the "Star Warsian" performance during the MTV movie awards.
4. Darts Of Pleasure - Franz Ferdinand
This song had to be included for the final 45 seconds. Ich heisse Superphantastisch!
5. The Mollusk - Ween
I'm sure I'll never decode what inspired this bizzare but cool song.
6. The Sky Is Broken - Moby
Moby whispers his way through this calm rainy track. Bonus for being a techno artist who uses his pipes.
7. The World Before Later On - They Might Be Giants
John Flansberg asks the questions many of us have ("wheres my jetpack?") and some that only the Johns can.
8. One Lonely Visitor - Chevelle
An old album now, perhaps, but as "hard ballads" go, this is choice.

2006-06-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

Brad 05-06:

1. We've Only Just Begun - Run Kid Run
The awesome single from a friends new band.
2. Turn Me On - Vitamin C
Guilty pleasure of the month. "Vitamin" weighs the pros and cons of a relationship.
3. Glued To The Girl - Self
Not nearly enough of this band on Rhapsody. May have to buy "Subliminal Plasic Motives".
4. All The Hands And The Cook - The Walkmen
Loud, low quality, goodness from the new album.
5. The Plumbing Song - Weird Al Yankovic
For fans of Al or Milli Vanilli.
6. Miss Murder - Afi
The dark video raised my interest in this well known band.
7. New Hampshire - John Linnell
The latest in nearly monthly Linell tracks. No one else has these lyrics.

2006-05-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

Brad 04-06:

1. Royal Oil - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
As the cold weather leaves Pittsburgh, here's a toast to warm spring days.
2. Hello - Hawk Nelson
A recommendation from one of the high school guys I counseled at a recent retreat. Am I too old for pop punk?
3. Bedroom Suite - Joe Christmas
"Muchas veces" (many times) his mother said he would be a man.
4. Fully Alive - Flyleaf
Sure, the first scream caught me off guard, but this girl fronted grunge act has potential to match it's positive lyrics.
5. Bodies - Smashing Pumpkins
A dark but awesome song from the nearly flawless "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness".
6. Why I Cry - The Magnetic Fields
The end credits to the Pete and Pete" episode where Ardy ("the strongest man in the world") leaves.

2006-03-29T06:51:00.000-08:00

Brad 03-06:

1. Yeah! Oh, Yeah! - The Magnetic Fields
The first in a trilogy of non-love songs from this months fav.
2. Uptown Girl - Billy Joel
Somewhere there's a picture of a younger me "playing" this song on a tennis racket. Karaoke Revolution fans will know it as one tough nut to harmonize.
3. On The Other Side - The Strokes
The down and out Strokes attempt to come to grips with thier problems.
4. I Don't Really Love You Anymore - The Magnetic Fields
More love on the rocks from TMF.
5. Truth About It Is - Dogwood
Supposedly, a favorite album around The Simpsons art department. Stick around for the title lyric toward the end.
6. Aftermath - The Southland
This band was recently featured on Scrubs. Scrubs was recently featured in my DVD player.
7. I Didn't Believe You - The Magnetic Fields
"I had a dream and you were in it....."
8. Someone Saved My Life Tonight - Elton John
This bittersweet tune still packs a punch 30 years later.
9. Jorge Regula - The Moldy Peaches
An extremely minimal track which finishes off the work day nicely.

2006-03-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

Brad 02-06:

A short playlist for a short month. Enjoy!

1. Making Plans For Nigel - XTC
The band that helped inspire They Might Be Giants has been around even longer and has an equally large reputation for cleverness .
2. Saint Simon - The Shins
After wearing out the many popular tracks from thier 2 great albums, I stumbled on this number.
3. Blue Light - Bloc Party
Ditto for this track from the hit heavy "Silent Alarm"
4. Tiny Vessels - Death Cab For Cutie
Many people have already heard this, but it's practically worthy of it's own playlist. Crushingly honest. It breaks my heart for this generation: Men trained to look at women as objects. Women seking real love. Kills me almost everytime I listen.

2006-01-31T07:02:00.000-08:00

Brad 01-06:

1. This Scene Is Dead - We Are Scientists
I've been anticipating this band's US release ever since I first saw their two awesome videos, directed by The Lonely Island's Akiva Schaeffer. Fortunately, those weren't the only good tracks.
2. Pressure - Skindred
A harder edged reggae metal act. Featured in the Xbox 360 version of Project Gotham Racing.
3. My Coco - Stellastarr
A cool British 80's track. Except that it's neither.
4. L.A. Song - Fischerspooner
A song I like to play in my car as I pretend I've just gone crazy.
5. Just For Now - Imogen Heap
One of my top three tracks from the artist who recently impressed David Letterman with her "one woman band". I imagine that it's about overhearing various family members at Christmas time.
6. Marlene Dietrich's favorite Poem - Peter Murphy
This former Bauhaus singer can hold his own with the deepest of deep voiced new wave. I love this stuff.
7. Men Of Station - 13 and God
In the sea of repetetive electronic music, only a few rare gems shine through for me. This is one of them. In constant rotation on my Rio Carbon.
8. Anxious Arms - The Jealous Sound
A cool optimistic song with a cool optimistic chorus.
9. Goods - Mates Of State
A married couple who make sweet dancable harmony together. I discovered this little band on Rhapsody. A week later, my enjoyment was amplified by this homemade video: http://www1.matesofstate.com/vid/gj-goods.mov
10. Island Of The Honest Man - Hot Hot Heat
I avoided this band because of all the hype. But, this song is worth it just for the chorus.

2005-12-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

Brad 12-05:

1. Actually It's Darkness - Idlewild
Recommended by Rhapsody. Well known in the UK = Indie here.
2. Caught By The Fuzz - Supergrass
Recommended by my sister after a trip to London.
3. Song for All Time - Joy Electric
Recommended by my guilty conscience. Apparantly, JE still exists.
4. Michigan - John Linnell
Recommended by those who think this should totally be Michigan's new anthem.
5. Shpadoinkle - Trey Parker
Recommended by fans of "Cannibal: The Musical".
6. Nice Weather For Ducks - Lemon Jelly
Recommended by fans of techno with a sense of humor.
7. Over Seasons - Authority Zero
Recommended by a talented friend. Keeps you guessing.
8. Never Ending Story - Kajagoogoo And Limahl
Recommended by Falcor.
9. (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame - Elvis Presley
Recommended by my girlfriend. In her words, "poor Elvis".
10. When You're Hot, You're Hot - Jerry Reed
Recommended by Kenny Rogers on a late night infommercial.
11. Sunday Sun - Beck
Recommended by the disc changer at a recent Christmas party.
12. Between the Bars - Madeleine Peyroux
Recommended by Jon Foreman of Switchfoot.
13. The Universal - Blur
Recommended by Rhapsody. Apparantly, there's more than "Song 2".

2005-11-29T06:36:00.000-08:00

Brad 11-05:

1. We Just Won't Be Defeated - The Go Team
Consistently stuck in my head this month.
2. Say Something New - The Concretes
Further evidence that commercials can be a great source of rockage.
3. Body Movin' (Fatboy Slim Remix) - Beastie Boys
A long overdue addition to Rhapsody.
4. Ring Of Fire - Social Distortion
A nice cover of the Johnny Cash original.
5. Bela Lugosi's Dead - Bauhaus
I'm fairly obsessed with this lengthy 80's goth track.
6. C'mere - Interpol
Rapidly becoming one of my favorite bands.
7. Playground Love - Air
The end titles to "The Virgin Suicides".
8. A New England - Billy Bragg
A punk gone acoustic shares his troubles.

2005-11-22T21:14:00.000-08:00

Brad 11-05 A Concept Playlist:

This is my attempt at a "concept" playlist. It tells the story of one man's spiritual journey from the ground up.

1. You'll Have Time - William Shatner (arranged by Ben Folds)
The first step. Recognition that the seeking cannot go on forever.
2. Meaning Of Life - Monty Python's Flying Circus
The seeking begins. Major life questions are asked in this funny/poignant song.
3. Reprehensible - They Might Be Giants
The seeker looks within and finds what each of us already know.
4. Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? - Moby
The seeker tries to resolve his guilt with distraction and denial.
5. Burning Clean - Stavesacre
The seeker knows he needs more than feelings. He needs truth.
6. Under Bridges - Brave Saint Saturn
Sweet forgiveness comes at at last to an undeserving person / world.
7. The Man Comes Around - Johnny Cash
Another look toward the end. This time with hope.

2005-10-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

Brad 10-05:

1. Before This Time - Ollabelle
Some good old folk gospel.
2. Attack - 30 Seconds To Mars
Actor Jared Leto (Panic Room) has a pretty good band. Who knew?
3. Interview - Wesley Willis Fiasco
A quick chat with the schizophrenic "rock legend".
4. Concrete And Clay - Unit 4 + 2
Catchy oldie from the "Rushmore" Soundtrack.
5. Mr. Spock - Nerf Herder
Pure nerd rock.
6. Going Places - Starflyer 59
A fine driving song from a fine band.
7. A Movie Script Ending - Death Cab For Cutie
Some great pre-hit Death Cab.
8. Every You Every Me - Placebo
Saw this live on TV and it caught my attention.
9. Jupiter Crash - The Cure
My brother Matt used to play this alot. Glad I found it again.
10. Just Like Honey - Jesus and Mary Chain
The end credits to "Lost in Translation"

2005-10-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

Brad 09\05:

1. Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth With Money In My Hand - Primitive Radio Gods
2. Contact - Citizen Cope
3. '10' - L.A. Symphony
4. The Shadow Proves The Sunshine - Switchfoot
5. Cabron - Red Hot Chili Peppers
6. Kyur4 Th Ich (Chairman Hahn) - Linkin Park
7. Jump In The Line - Harry Belafonte
8. Under The Milky Way - The Church
9. Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division
10. The Killing Moon - Echo & The Bunnymen
11. Rock N' Roll McDonald's - Wesley Willis
12. 867-5309/Jenny - Arnold Schwarzenegger
13. Stephanie Says - Velvet Underground
14. This Is The Day - The The

2005-10-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

Brad 08\05:

1. Wake Up - Arcade Fire
2. Y Control - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3. Don't Change - INXS
4. Run On - Moby
5. Ender Will Save Us All - Dashboard Confessional
6. You Can't Always Get What You Want - The Rolling Stones
7. Everything Is Alright - Motion City Soundtrack
8. Prevenge - They Might Be Giants
9. Get Confused - Fischerspooner
10. Red Right Hand - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
11. Whoever You Are - Geggy Tah
12. Once In A Lifetime - Talking Heads
13. At The River - Groove Armada
14. Furious Angels - Rob Dougan
15. Hard To Explain - The Strokes
16. Title And Registration - Death Cab For Cutie
17. Dream - Dizzee Rascal
18. Over And Done With - The Proclaimers
19. Erase/Rewind - The Cardigans
20. Two Points For Honesty - Guster
21. The Fold Out - The Jealous Sound
22. Nightswimming - R.E.M.
23. You'll Have Time - William Shatner (arranged by Ben Folds)
24. Sarpodyl - Soul-Junk
25. Infinity - Merrick
26. Valley Of The Mind's Eye - Thomas Dolby
27. A Lack Of Color - Death Cab For Cutie"