Music post.

[hackthis_archive]

I just wanted to give some music away because I can, so there.

If you like Ben Folds, try Ben Lee. I know everybody loves Ben Folds, he rocks the suburbs, he's sarcastic, he tells stories, he writes haunting songs like 'Brick' that depress the shit out of you, and you keep coming back for it like a sucker. Ben Lee is a lot like that just shorter. And Australian. And doesn't play the piano. Whatever. Try one. Try both. You'll be better for it. Ben Folds 'Landed'; Ben Lee 'Grammercy Park Hotel

Ah, Gomez how do I love thee? Let me count the ways: Ian, Ben, Blackie, Ollie, and Tom. That's five ways. Five whole ways. I can't compare Gomez to anybody else, I wouldn't even try. Their sound is distinctive. Their personalities eccentric. They're blues/indie/rock/cult-following-inducing and truly one of the best live bands that you'll ever come across. Their music has suddenly popped up all over Grey's Anatomy apparently, but I recommend them unilaterally anyway (that would be sarcasm) -– and not just because Ben tells you to tie him up and seal his mouth with gaffer tape. Gomez 'The Best in Town'; Gomez 'Woman! Man!'

If you liked Ryan Adams before he went all, well, Ryan. And if you like, um, singer-songwriters that do that blues/I'm so depressed/oh god, my woman left and took my dog/my iPod/ my money/ my clothes, then yeah, you want to hear Jeffrey Foucault. Plus, he gets bonus points for being from Baltimore. I hope y'all are watching The Wire, just saying. Jeffrey Foucault 'Money Blues'; Jeffrey Foucault '4 & 20 Blues'

If you like Lady Sovereign, um, try Lily Allen. Yeah, okay Lily doesn't rap or anything, mostly she just has that sort of sarcastic white chick thing happening, but she amuses me, so she should amuse you too. Plus, she'd Keith Allen's daughter so if that doesn't amuse you (read scare the crap out of you), you know, hey. Lily Allen 'LDN'; Lily Allen 'Cheryl Tweedy'

Back in the early 90s there was a whole progressive hip hop movement with A Tribe Called Quest and Leaders of the New School, where it was okay to be smart and rap and then gangster rap came along and screwed it up. Now, we don't have much in the way of that, but if you like Kanye West or ATCQ try Lupe Fiasco. Where Kanye talks about the black middle class experience and trying to fit in the middle, Lupe talks about trying to be whomever you are, black, white, yellow, pink, purple, skateboarder or what have you and how you have to be yourself regardless. Lupe Fiasco 'The Emperors Soundtrack'; Lupe Fiasco 'Just Might Be Okay'

Pulp is not new in any way shape or form. In fact, Pulp is so old that they're retired, but during the great 80s and 90s brit-pop/stool rock/madchester/here let me take 20 E's/ britrock/lanky-pasty-bloke-with-too-tight-pants-phase, there was nobody better than Jarvis Cocker and Pulp, especially not that scary looking Brett Anderson. Yuck. Anyroad, Pulp are like Bowie, and I know you lot like Bowie. Pulp 'Last Day of the Miners Strike'; Pulp 'Common People'

I you like Ed Harcourt, Rufus Wainwright and/or Damien Rice try M Ward. Matt Ward to be exact. I can't even begin to explain why I like Matthew, there's just something about his voice that I find incredibly elegant and soothing at the same time. 'M Ward – Let's Dance' (David Bowie cover)'; M Ward 'Chinese Translation'

If you like Ok Go, I highly recommend What Made Milwaukee Famous, who are, uh, from Austin, TX. About a year ago one of you lovely people dropped 'Hello Drama' in this LJ. At the time WMMF didn't have a website or proper CD or anything you could pick up. This has all changed, hell, last month they were on Morning Becomes Eclectic, which is a very big deal in singer/songwriter music scene so. What Made Milwaukee Famous 'Sweet Lady' ; What Made Milwaukee Famous 'Hello Drama'


As always here is the zip, with a few extra surprises: If You Like…zip

ETA: Now with even more singles, because you can't decide you like a singer/songwriter based on one song. Believe me, I've tried.

Comments

[daraq.livejournal.com]

I'm downloading Gomez, thanks!

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

Embrace the 'Mez! We love the Mez!

[slodwick.livejournal.com]

Mmmmm, tunes. *happysigh*

I'm all pleased with myself that I already know the Bens, Gomez, Jeffrey, Pulp, M Ward and WMMF (a little).

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

No Lupe or Lily though, huh? *raises eyebrow* Would the lady like something special since she's ahead of most of the class? Very well, this is Lisa Hannigan (Damien Rice's partner) singing Last Leaf (http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=D06BD43D643FF496), from the Cake Sale.

[green-queen.livejournal.com]

Now, see, usually this doesn't work for me. I tend to like one or two artists from one genre and then nothing else from that genre.

I do love both those Bens, though (and the other Ben too) so I'll give some of the others a shot. Thanks!

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

Ah, see I don't go by genre, I go by artist. I figure I should try everything at least once so I know for a fact that it makes me want to stab someone else. ;)

[septembergurl.livejournal.com]

Trying Jeffrey Foucault. Thanks!

And it's Matt (Matthew) Ward. ;)

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

I knew that about Matt, but clearly this is what you get when you're thinking of someone named Michael. Thanks for pointing out the snafu ;)

[rossywar.livejournal.com]

Jarvis has recently released a solo album (http://www.hmv.co.uk/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=281;1;-1;-1&sku=567954). Called 'Jarvis' appropriately enough. Also, he has a podcast - the Jarvcast - where he reads aloud some of his favourite stories. Jarvis is a god among men. But I haven't heard his album yet. I think his Myspace - Jarvspace - has some clips?

You probably knew all that already, but just in case you didn't.

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

Aw, Jarvis bless. Yes, the whole solo album is what's inspired this sort of Pulp-renaissance in my brain.

[murklins.livejournal.com]

Taking the zip. You make it all sound so good. Even though I know that I'm not a huge Jeffrey Foucault fan, I start to doubt myself and I wonder, hmm, maybe I was just in the wrong mood.

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

I find with Jeffrey there are some things I like very much and some I just go 'meh.' I posted the two songs that I really love the most, I'm hoping the rest will grow on me with time

[alegriagraciela.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm taking quite a few of these. :D

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

Enjoy!

[kismeteve.livejournal.com]

I actually posted a bunch of M Ward-Lily Allen-other people stuff that you might not (but probably do) have. I'm grabbing what I don't. :D

[kismeteve.livejournal.com]

A link would be good (http://kismeteve.livejournal.com/244109.html).

[chinawolf.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I was just thinking that I *need* some new music, but had no idea what to buy. I guess now I'll get proded in good directions. :D

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

I am always glad to be of service :)

[thefourthvine.livejournal.com]

I already knew both Bens (and what does it say about me that I have 12 Ben Lee tracks to 2 Ben Folds tracks, and much prefer Lee?), Gomez, Jeffrey Foucault, and Pulp, mostly because my music collection has been heavily influenced by this LJer called hackthis. But I'm grabbing the zip for the others (and for the promise of bonus tracks; I am a sucker for bonus tracks).

And, hey, I recently got my "never played" music folder down to 2 songs (from a high of 1412), so obviously it's time to start building that up again.

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

*preens with pride*

I am always glad to be of service, let me know if there's anything you'd like more of.

[lazulus]

Oh, Pulp. How much do I love thee? I have an enormous soft spot for This is Hardcore and play that more than any other Pulp LP. Of all of them, it's the one that seems not to fit into a particular time or place. I used to see Jarvis at Highbury & Islington station all the time, which was both amusing and more than a little disturbing. ;)

I am nabbing the Matt Ward as I have a different soft spot for Ed Harcourt. Ta, very much. :)

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

That's totally my favorite Pulp CD too! but everyone always seems to prefer Common People, which you know, is great. Still, This is Hardcore has 'Help the Aged', which for some reason I've always adored.

[such_heights]

Oh, fabulous! Thanks a lot!

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

Enjoy!

[lynnmonster.livejournal.com]

I am dl-ing the zip, beause many of these will be new to me! Thanks!

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

I hope very much that you like them!

[anenko.livejournal.com]

I first found your lj through your fanfic, but I wanted to say that you have awesome taste in music. I love when people point out new (to me) artists.

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

You are very sweet, I hope you enjoy the music.

[kgoodbuddy.livejournal.com]

I think you were the one who turned me on to Gomez---did I thank you profusely? Easily one of my top 5 albums in the last 5 years.

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

See, now that's what I like to hear. Yay, 'Mez!

[aurora]

Mmmmmmm, awesome! I'm taking Ben Folds/Ben Lee and Gomez. Thank you!

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

You are very welcome!

[nippa56.livejournal.com]

not taking anything, i just want to say, dude, jeffrey foucault! ♥ i've got all of his stuff (that i could find, at least) and it's nice to see someone else on my flist appreciating him! :)

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

:D

[aphelant.livejournal.com]

AHAHAHA ZIP.

God, I love it when you post music. *glomp*

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

You are very welcome, darlin'. I hope you enjoy it.

[callmesandy.livejournal.com]

Downloading the WMMF and M. Ward, thank you! And you are SO SO right about Jeffrey Foucault - his new album is AMAZING.

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

Enjoy the music!

[veryshortlist.livejournal.com]

I've decided that I liked several artists by one song.

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

Yes, I know dear, so have I. But I've also -- quite infamously -- been wrong. There's nothing quite like dragging people to see someone live, swearing up and down based on one single that this person is The Next One, and they must be signed, and then they perform and everyone's like like WTF?!

[supergrover24.livejournal.com]

Taking the zip so I can explore. Thanks!

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

Enjoy!

[sumofparts.livejournal.com]

I'm downloading the zip. Thanks so much for sharing!

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

You are very welcome!

[cincodemaygirl.livejournal.com]

Downloading the zip, thank you so much! Excellent taste!

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

You're very sweet, enjoy!

[robjlea.livejournal.com]

I've grabbed the zip and I am so looking forward to something new. It feels like I haven't heard anything new in ages.

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

I hope you find something you like!

so exciting!

[kormantic.livejournal.com]

Thank you so for sharing the tunes!

Re: so exciting!

[hackthis.livejournal.com]

You're welcome!