Sir Paul Gives His Regards to Broadway

For the benefit of those who caught the excellent appearance by Paul McCartney on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' last night and were left scratching your head with the second song he performed, here is a quick synopsis:

The Fireman is the moniker given to electronic music experiments created by McCartney and Youth that date back to 1993. The song from Letterman's show, "Sing the Changes", is from their latest, 'Electric Arguments', released in 2008. McCartney and Youth have done at least three records together, and I can vouch that their latest is among McCartney's best of the last two decades. I'm sure there were lots of viewers screaming for another Fab Four classic, but I thought his selection was inspired. FYI: For those who saw him live on the street, they did get a second Beatles song... "Helter Skelter".

The Fireman - Sing the Changes (mp3)

Songs in Cinema: '(500) Days of Summer'

In my mind, the most-anticipated soundtrack of the summer-movie season is out this week... and so is the film. The anti-love story '(500) Days of Summer' stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. In other words, there is an actor for me and Mrs. Linear Tracking Lives! I have no idea if this movie will be any good, but I know the music is getting two thumbs up... way up! For me, the best moment is She & Him covering The Smiths. I have read this version of the song is not really in the movie, but I don't care. Give it a listen. Check out the tracklist too. It's a great mix of '80s memories and presently relevant indie performers.

She & Him - Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want (mp3)

Tracklist:
1. Mychael Danna And Rob Simonsen - "A Story Of Boy Meets Girl"
2. Regina Spektor - "Us"
3. The Smiths - "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"
4. Black Lips - "Bad Kids"
5. The Smiths - "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want"
6. Doves - "There Goes The Fear"
7. Hall & Oates - "You Make My Dreams"
8. The Temper Trap - "Sweet Disposition"
9. Carla Bruni - "Quelqu'un M'a Dit"
10. Feist - "Mushaboom"
11. Regina Spektor - "Hero"
12. Simon & Garfunkel - "Bookends"
13. Wolfmother - "Vagabond"
14. Mumm-Ra - "She's Got You High"
15. Meaghan Smith - "Here Comes Your Man"
16. She & Him - "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want"

Pixies To Do 'Doolittle'

How sad was it on this side of the pond when we learned the Pixies were reuniting (again) to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 'Doolittle'... but only in Europe? Those lucky bastards were going to hear that seminal record in its entirety, complete with B-sides, no less. Hope you didn't buy your ticket overseas for those October shows because Frank Black just broke the news to Spin that they would do a handful of these shows in America too. Sounds like it will happen in Oakland, Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C. and New York right after the trip abroad. 'Doolittle' is cool enough, but I dig some of those B-sides. Here is a reminder of those songs:

"From Monkey Gone to Heaven" single...
"Manta Ray"
"Weird at My School"
"Dancing the Manta Ray"

"From Here Comes Your Man" single...
"Wave of Mutilation (UK Surf)"
"Into the White"
"Bailey's Walk"

Now, Pixies played the UK Surf version of "Wave of Mutilation" on their last tour, and Black mentions in the liner notes of the B-Sides compilation that this slower take "got even a bigger reaction from the audiences than the more rockin' version from 'Doolittle'. I guess mellow can sometimes be much more rockin'." My hope is the band will play both versions at each show to complete the record and B-sides. Here are both versions and another slow take recorded for John Peel's BBC show on April 16, 1989. Which one do you like best?

Pixies - Wave of Mutilation (mp3) (from 'Doolittle')

Pixies - Wave of Mutilation (UK Surf) (mp3) (from "Here Comes Your Man" single)

Pixies - Wave of Mutilation (mp3) (from 'At the BBC')

Do We Need Another 'Repo Man'?

Legendary director Alex Cox thinks we do. Cox directed the original 1984 masterpiece (as well as 'Sid & Nancy' and a few other gems), and now he returns with a sequel produced by David Lynch. This is not a remake. In fact, this is a whole new story with a new lead. Sorry, no Otto here. This film is called... trumpet fanfare, please ...'Repo Chick'.

Yep, the film stars Jaclyn Jonet. You may know her from another Cox film, 'Searchers 2.0', from 2007. The movie was shot in January and February and is in post-production now. Cox says on his blog that the film already has a slot in an unnamed film festival this September.

Cox says the movie will "unfold against the background of the credit crunch and the subprime mortgage crisis in the US, where repossessions of homes, cars and other forms of property is at a new high. The repo business has expanded to everything from boats, houses, aeroplanes, small nations...children." If you want to follow the past, present and future of this movie, I suggest you check out Cox's blog. I'm afraid, curious and a whole lot of other emotions when it comes to this one. The film and soundtrack have quite a bit to live up to, eh?

Iggy Pop - Repo Man (mp3)

Songs in Cinema: Oingo Boingo Edition

We all know how vital Danny Elfman's music has been in films like the Tim Burton canon, 'Superman', 'Spiderman', 'Good Will Hunting' and dozens more. Let's not forget, however, that his old band, Oingo Boingo, appeared on the soundtracks of what seemed like every film in the '80s. 'Bachelor Party', 'The Last American Virgin', 'Ghostbusters 2', 'Summer School', 'Teen Wolf Too', 'My Best Friend Is A Vampire' and 'Beverly Hills Cop' make up only a handful of examples. The ones that I enjoyed the most during the "me decade" are from the following films:

Oingo Boingo - Weird Science (mp3)
If you can find the out-of-print soundtrack, you can get this single as well as an extended dance version. What a blast!

Oingo Boingo - Wild Sex (In the Working Class) (mp3)
Try to listen to this one without picturing Anthony Michael Hall attempting to dance with Molly Ringwald in 'Sixteen Candles'. "Very hot. Very hot."

Oingo Boingo - Not My Slave (mp3)
It's hardly pivotal to 'Something Wild', but this is one of my favorite soundtracks of all time. It will get an entire entry from me at some point. This soundtrack version is about 30 seconds longer than the single.

Oingo Boingo - Dead Man's Party (mp3)
The band actually performs this one in Rodney Dangerfield's dorm room in the film 'Back to School'. "Always look out for number one, and be careful not to step in number two." "Oh, you're a poetry major. Maybe you can help me straighten out my Longfellow." "Flunk me? Flunk you!" I could do this all day.

Oingo Boingo - Goodbye Goodbye (mp3)
This one closes out 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' as Hamilton spalshes a would-be robber with hot coffee while working at a convenience store. Awesome, totally, awesome way to end a classic.

Did you know that 'Fast Times' was also a short-lived TV series? It's true, and Oingo Boingo did the opening music for this CBS show back in '86. Check out the song and a couple of future stars that appeared on it. Wow, how about the show snagging the original Mr. Vargas and Mr. Hand, too?

First Listen: Bloc Party

What ever happened to these guys? I loved their debut, 'Silent Alarm', so much I plunked down big bucks for the import because I couldn't wait for the U.S. release. Are you, like me, filled with regret weeks later when you see the domestic version in your neighborhood shop for $10? Anyway, I have not liked anything by Bloc Party since "Banquet", "Helicopter" annd all the other greats on that album and, although this is not a 'Silent Alarm'-worthy song, it's still the best thing they have done since then. This single is officially released on Wichita Recordings Aug. 10.

Bloc Party - One More Chance (mp3)

First Listen: The Clientele and Arctic Monkeys

This continues to be a great week for new music. Merge has announced The Clientele's fifth record, 'Bonfires on the Heath', will be released on Oct. 6. I ranked these dry, '60's-influenced Brits No. 8 on my list of favorite Merge artists, and you can download my favorite song by the band right here. The following new song does exactly what a leaked tune is supposed to do... make you want to run out and buy it. Here is the tracklist, too.

1. I Wonder Who We Are
2. Bonfires on the Heath
3. Harvest Time
4. Never Anyone But You
5. Jennifer & Julia
6. Sketch
7. Tonight
8. Share the Night
9. I Know I'll See Your Face
10. Never Saw Them Before
11. Graven Wood
12. Walking In The Park

The Clientele - I Wonder Who We Are (mp3)


I have been a big fan of the Arctic Monkeys' snotty neo-punk since they debuted with 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' back in 2006. They have not let me down yet, and by the sound of this leaked song from the upcoming Domino release, 'Humbug', we are in for another really good time. It's amazing how big these guys are in the UK. Imagine Oasis back in the '90s. Could this be the one that explodes stateside? Check out the cover artwork above, and turn this one way up. 'Humbug' hits the streets Aug. 25. Here is the tracklist:

1. My Propeller
2. Crying Lightning
3. Dangerous Animals
4. Secret Door
5. Potion Approaching
6. Fire And The Thud
7. Cornerstone
8. Dance Little Liar
9. Pretty Visitors
10. The Jeweller's Hands

Arctic Monkeys - Crying Lightning (mp3)

Hey You! Don't Watch That...

Watch this! It's the new Madness video below.



Thirty years after the release of 'One Step Beyond', the band returns with, yes, a brand-new album, and it's vintage "Nutty Boys". 'The Liberty of Norton Folgate' has been out for a few weeks across the pond, and many reviewers, including those at MOJO and the Daily Mirror, say it's the band's best work. Pretty difficult to believe, I know. Suggs & Co. got Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley to produce just like the old days. So, that's a good start. You can purchase the results on iTunes (out this week), or you can wait until Aug. 18 to get the CD from Yep Roc. Pre-ordering it will get you two bonus tracks to boot. You can stream the entire record here. To get you in the mood, here is one of my favorites from the lads that goes back to 1980.

Madness - Embarrassment (mp3) (from Absolutely)

First Listen: Air and The Cribs

Uh-oh. I just heard the first single from Air's 'Love 2', and it was not quite what I was expecting. As you know from my preview a couple of weeks ago, I have been looking forward to this moment for a long time. I have enjoyed the mature sound of the last couple of albums much more than the '10,000 Hz Legend' and, to a lesser extent, 'Moon Safari' songs from their youth. I made the assumption (wrongly, it appears), the French duo would continue to move in that direction. Perhaps it's a midlife crisis. What do you think? 'Love 2' hits the streets Oct. 6. I'll try to remain optimistic (or unpack my dancing shoes).

Air - Do The Joy (mp3)

I wrote about The Cribs' new album last week, and now we get a sneak peek at what adding Johnny Marr to the fold has done to their sound. For 24 hours, the record's opener, "Abort the Aborted", was made available on their Web site. Thanks lads. They definitely sound more expansive and confident on this one, but it's still very much the kind of anthem we have come to expect from them. We'll hear the rest when 'Ignore the Ignorant' is released Sept. 7.

The Cribs - We Were Aborted (mp3)

Wise Guy

When I think of all the brilliant performers who didn't get a Staples Center moment like Michael's... I need a tissue.

Songs in Cinema: Part 2

"I'm Not in Love" is an excellent 10cc ballad that made it all the way to No. 2 on the Billboard charts in 1975. I have a vivid memory of listening to that song via transistor radio on WLS radio out of Chicago (long before they went all talk).

Fast forward to 1993 and the indecent piece of celluloid called 'Indecent Proposal'. When a film is remembered for nothing other than a dress worn by Demi Moore, you know you're in trouble. The soundtrack, in general, was also horrible. In fact, Lisa Stansfield was a Razzie Award nominee for Worst Original Song with her classic "(You Love Me) In All the Right Places". Ugh, how about that for a title?

In the middle of all this sludge, however, The Pretenders covered the 10cc classic. I think it's the band's second-best cover behind their very first single, The Kinks' "Stop Your Sobbing".

The Pretenders - I'm Not in Love (mp3)

Best of 2009 (So Far)

Six months are in the books, and the first half of the year in music has been fruitful. Here are my favorites. First, a few caveats about my list. If I heard it, the song qualifies... even if the record is not officially out yet but is expected to be released in 2009. Also, a band can only fill one spot. This keeps me from having one band in the Top 5 spots. I stopped at 30 because the list has to stop somewhere. That means singles by Vivian Girls, British Sea Power, The Sounds, Office and about a dozen others were considered but not included. Enjoy.

1. Phoenix - 1901 (mp3)
I have to side with the blogosphere on this one. 'Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix' is by far my favorite album of the year. If I didn't have rules, this is the band that would dominate my list like Michael Jackson did on the Billboard chart this week. Their previous, work, 'It's Never Been Like That', was my favorite album in 2006.

2. Neko Case - This Tornado Loves You (mp3)
Her voice is like an angel, but even I'm surprised she is the top New Pornographer on my list.

3. Coconut Records - Microphone (mp3)
Jason Schwartzman put together a beautiful piece of piano-driven pop. I love this album from beginning to end.

4. Robyn Hitchcock - I'm Falling (mp3)
'Goodnight Oslo' has become my favorite Hitchcock album. Thus, he makes my list for the first time in his long career.

5. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Stay Alive (mp3)
Pitchfork's most recent pet is fuzzy like Jesus and Mary Chain's 'Psychocandy'.

6. Casper & The Cookies - Little King (mp3)
Most critics were hard on their latest album because it was too long (70 minutes). It is too long, but you can edit it yourself and have a great record with about half the music. This song is one of my favorites.

7. The Crayon Fields - Mirror Ball (mp3)
This is the first song on my list from a record not yet released. These Aussies craft a gentle '60s vibe that's very catchy. I hope they can match 'Animal Bells'.

8. The Clean - In the Dreamlife You Need a Rubber Soul (mp3)
It's so exciting to have these New Zealand popsters back. This album will be out in September.

9. Boy Least Likely To - Saddle Up (mp3)
Childlike melodies set to layers of interesting instrumentation make the British duo's two records among my favorites this decade.

10. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll (mp3)
Their sound has changed and become more accessible, and the new one as a whole is better than the last record.

11. M. Ward - Never Had Nobody Like You (mp3)
Zooey has joined him for this one. Enough said.

12. Those Darlins - Red Light Love (mp3)
When these three Tennessee gals do it, I almost like country.

13. Spiral Stairs - Maltese Terrier (mp3)
This is the first leaked song from the Pavement founder's upcoming record due this fall. Me likey.

14. 1990s - The Box (mp3)
There were at least four songs on their last album that were absolute keepers. This is the only song from their latest that comes even close to being an anthem.

15. Yo La Tengo - Periodically Double or Triple (mp3)
Fourteen albums in I finally get it.

16. God Help the Girl - Come Monday Night (mp3)
Belle & Sebastian's Suart Murdoch has been working on this side project for years, and it was worth the wait.

17. A.C. Newman - Like a Hitman, Like a Dancer (mp3)
'Slow Wonder' was in my Top 5 for 2004. His latest, 'Get Guilty', is not nearly as strong, but there are a few gems.

18. Jenny Owen Youngs - Led To The Sea (mp3)
Some of her work sounds too much like about 10 other gals (Feist, for example), but there are worse people to emulate.

19. The Breeders - Fate to Fatal (mp3)
Kim Deal has been relevant this whole time, but nobody seems to notice unless she is standing next to Frank Black. Too bad.

20. Camera Obscura - French Navy (mp3)
These Scots are getting better with each new record.

21. Roger Joseph Manning Jr. - Down In Front
He's still likes that over-production slickness like he did in Jellyfish, but it works for me.

22. Fruit Bats - My Unusual Friend (mp3)
I'm a sucker for anything that sounds like lo-fi Elephant 6.

23. Modest Mouse - Autumn Beds (mp3)
This list needs a lil' banjo.

24. Elvis Costello - Hidden Shame (mp3)
Declan does Americana for at least the third time in his prolific career.

25. Wilco - Wilco (The Song) (mp3)
I haven't loved a Wilco record since 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot'. I don't see this one making me year-end list either.

26. Marshall Crenshaw - Someone Told Me (mp3)
'Jaggedland' is his best album since 1996's 'Miracle of Science'.

27. Franz Ferdinand - No You Girls (mp3)
I haven't been into these Scots for quite a while, but this one reminds me of their stellar debut.

28. We Were Promised Jetpacks - Quiet Little Voices
Debut shows lots of promise. Better keep an eye on these Scots.

29. The Drums - Let's Go Surfing
Catchiest whistling since Peter, Bjorn & John. This song is from a six-song EP out in August called 'Summertime!'.

30. Modern Skirts - Soft Pedals (mp3)
Second-rate Air, but I don't have any new Air yet. So, this will have to do.