Mad music Wednesday

There's a new community for hotness: mos_daily because you can never have enough Mos Def in your life. At least I can't. Mmmm, Mos…


circe_tigana asked me for new music, so I said, uh, yeah, sure. Some are new. Some aren't. They're just what I happen to really love right now and wanted to share:


The Avalanches 'Since I Left You' -- The Avalanches were supposed to be the next big thing, infusing slick beats with wry, luscious vocals. They never quite lived up to their press, but what they do is very pretty.

Erykah Badu 'Tyrone' – I think everyone has had that one prat of a boyfriend (or girlfriend) who was just good for fuck all (except sex), and you couldn't understand why you were with them, and then, one day, you woke up. Yeah, this song is about that.

Gomez 'Whippin Piccadilly' – I love Gomez like I love most British bands of the 90's, but what makes these boys special are their live shows, which are one big house party. Whatever you hear on CD cannot begin to compare to how brilliant they are. This is a song about going to Manchester with your mates, getting stoned, and almost missing the train home. * Aside to Circe: The Mez won the Mercury Music Prize for this album.

Ray LaMontagne 'Trouble' -- ethrosdemon sent me this two years ago, because she knows my all-consuming love for singer/song-writers. LaMontagne's voice makes you want to roll around in warm cotton sheets with your lover –- and then kick your lover out the bed and sleep for 12 hours.

The Levellers feat. Joe Strummer 'Just the One' -- I don't know who gave me this song, or when, but fucking hell, THANK YOU, because a) Joe Strummer and b) the catchy chorus. This is the song you will find yourself singing at three in the morning when you can't sleep because of insomnia.

3 Colours Red 'Beautiful Day' -- You know those bands that slave for years and years for recognition, and then, the minute they get it, they self-destruct? Yeah, that would be 3 Colours Red. This is their big hit, but they were too busy imploding to appreciate it.

The Verve 'History' -- I think everything I could say about this band, I've already said before. I loved this band, and I'm still fucking vexed that Richard's egotism and coke habit ruined it.

Wilco 'Jesus, Etc' – I have spasticat to thank for introducing me to the wonder of Wilco's 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' album. When it first came out I was against it on principle as Wilco's front man, Jeff Tweedy, has a long-standing, acrimonious relationship with my most beloved Ryan Adams. They are the Harry/Draco or Clark/Lex of alternative country. This album transcended my allegiances.


The Old Skool Track of the Day

Audio Two 'Top Billin' – A long time ago, before Biggie and Tupac, rap was all about hanging at your friend's house and listening to cassette tapes or sitting outside after dark and talking with your friends. No gangsters, no bling, no big pimpin, just talking smack and not worrying about you were going to get shot for. Top Billin' is classic rap at its best.

…and because, really, I'm not in the most amiable mood today…

Portishead 'Sour Times'