Shaun's Pick--M. Ward

 M. Ward is a kick ass folk artist from Portland, OR, and is one of the four Monsters of Folk (Yim Yames, Conor Oberst, and Mike Mogis being the other three.) What are some of the more amazing things about M. Ward? He lived in New Hampshire in 2006, and he also accompanies Zooey Deschanel in their band She & Him.

Here are some awesome tracks from his newest album, Hold Time:

Stars of Leo

Rave On (feat. Zooey Deschanel)

And a song from his previous album, Post-War

Chinese Translation

Mikey's Pick--Bright Eyes

With Bright Eyes much anticipated tour everybody has been on the edge of their seat to hear the new album due in January. (The People's Key)  Streaming from the Bright Eyes Website here is the new single.  By revealing an e-mail, this song can be downloaded from their site.  This album already is receive acclaim and a lot of hype already, along with the tour, I do not see fans being disappointed.  Enjoy.

Bright Eyes--Shell Games

And a classic for all the readers un-knowing of Bright Eyes:

Bright Eyes--First Day of My Life

Mikey's Pick--Neon Indian

You can't listen to these guys without a smile.  This Texan band has exploded over the past two years and has received much acclaim for their debut album in 2009.  Frankly, I love them and all their psychedelic funky bass beats.  We can expect great things from these guys in the future as I believe an album is in the works for 2011.    

Neon Indian--Sleep Paralysis

Neon Indian--Deadbeat Summer 

Mikey's Pick--Sigur Ros

This Icelandic band creates such moods their songs could make robots cry.  The music is so emotional and powerful even if you do not speak their native tongue.  Sigur Ros often times uses primitive sounds instead of his native language to create a meaning and mood every listener can understand.  These are also some of the most fantastic videos.  I recommend Glosoli.   Enjoy. 

Sigur Ros--Glosoli

 Sigur Ros--Hoppipolla

 Sigur Ros--Viorar Vel Til Loftarasa

Sigur Ros--The Nothing Song LIVE (You might recognize this song from the film, Vanilla Sky)

Mikey's Pick--Tallest Man on Earth

I am not sure how tall he actually is but his music carries him above many.  Good folk is hard to come by.  The Tallest Man on Earth is from Sweden, don't get him confused with Bob Dylan.  A new album is in the works for this guy and is sure to be a keeper.  Enjoy.
Tallest Man on Earth--A Lion's Heart

Tallest Man on Earth--King of Spain

Tallest Man on Earth--LIVE on NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Mikey's Pick--Gorillaz

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, Blogger seemed to wanna take a break for Christmas and not allow me to post.
Gorillaz released a free album Christmas day which was all done on an ipad.  In my opinion the album (The Fall) is not so good but what can you expect from an ipad.  You can download the album on their site, you just have to sign up for a mailing list.

Here is the first track and video which I think is one of the worst but as I said there are some decent tracks available.  This was the only one I could find on You-tube. 
Gorillaz--Phoner to Arizona

And because the Gorillaz are still an amazing band here are some tracks from their other albums other than THE FALL
Gorillaz--Feel Good Inc.

Gorillaz--Rhinestone Eyes (story board film)

Gorillaz--Spitting out the Demons

AND HERE IS THE ENTIRE DEMON DAYS ALBUM PREFORMED LIVE: 

Gorillaz--Demon Days Album LIVE

Merry Christmas--Elvis

The Tralfadomadorians:  the last song ever played together as an encore performance one year ago.  We still want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and are planning a reunion tour.

Elvis--Blue Christmas LIVE

Mikey's Pick--Misfits

What can I say about The Misfits?  The Misfits: good wholesome American music which has time after time warmed all our hearts and families while providing us with love and virtuous morals.  With their sweet melodies and encouraging lyrics they have not only developed a great sound but a great following as well.  What would the world be like without them?   

 
Misfits--Saturday Night

Misfits--Attitude

Misfits--One last Caress

Mikey's Pick--Led Zepplin

Because right now this is perfect.  I hope you feel the same.  Turn it up and feel so fine.

Led Zeppelin--Hey Hey What Can I Do

Mikey's Pick--MGMT

Being snowed in late late at night of course led me to blaring perfectly orchestrated psychedelic rock from a band originated from my home state of Mass.  This is kind of a bonus post because I suspect most readers have heard of these guys.  If you are not aware of these guys yet...I am sorry, and you are welcome for this enlightenment. If you have, well the videos are nice so take a look.  These tracks all taken from their debut.

MGMT--Time to Pretend

MGMT--Electric Feel

MGMT--Kids

Mikey's Picks--Elbow & Massive Attack

I woke up today with about 6inches of snow on the ground today and surprised because the weatherman said maybe an inch or two.  Hmmmm, don't you love how accurate they can be?  Well, it turned out to be a good day for lounging around the house and blasting some good rock n' roll.  That's exactly what these guys are about.  This UK rock band has exploded with their fourth album "The Seldom Seen Kid" and have won multiple awards for it.  Enjoy. 

Elbow--Grounds for Divorce

 Elbow--Switching Off (Fan Video)

Elbow--The Bones of You

And a cover of a Massive Attack song:

Elbow--Teardrop(Fan Video)



And since I wasn't able to post yesterday, I'll make up for it with a couple Massive Attack songs.  First I'll start with Teardrop.

Massive Attack--Teardrop

Massive Attack--Saturday Come Slow(Fan Video)

Massive Attack--Splitting the Atom

Massive Attack--Karmacoma (LIVE)

Mikey's Pick--Pretty Lights

With so much music out there how are we supposed to filter through it?  With the current technology any hipster in his basement can make a beat and some decent electron. Look no further, I found Pretty Lights and I think that's all we need so fill your hard drive and your turntables and enjoy.  Here are two new videos put out some few days ago.  I found them from "turnupyourspeakers".  "Let 'em know it's time to go" is a fantastic song while both videos are pretty cool.     

Pretty Light--Let 'm Know it's Time To Go

Pretty Lights--Look Both Ways

And one to more for good measure:

Pretty Lights--High School Art Class

Mikey's Pick--The Dirtbombs

Take a bit of soul and a bit of punk and mesh it together and you have a perfect soundtrack to the type of day I am having.  It was a little chaotic yet blissful.  This Detroit based group has been around for almost a decade.  They are a spin off of the band called The Gories which also has some good sound.  These guys have a nice sound but are most noted for their live acts which I have not had the privileged to see.  Dig 'em. 

The Dirtbombs--Chains of Love

The Dirtbombs--Your Love Belongs Under A Rock

The Dirtbombs--Ode To A Black Man (take away series)

The Dirtbombs--Devil Inside (take away series)

Mikey's Pick--Animal Collective and Taken by Trees

One of my all time favorite bands.  Here, a handful of some of their more well-known tracks as well as some of my personal favorites.  Each song comes with a terrific video filled with bizarre eye candy and killer bass beats.  

 Animal Collective--Fireworks 

Animal Collective--Leaf House

Animal Collective--Who Could Win a Rabbit?

Animal Collective--Grass

Animal Collective--My Gurls

What inspired this play-list of sorts, is a discovery of this amazing version of "My Gurls" by a band named Taken By Trees.  A friend posted this to face-book today so THANK YOU.   I think I might prefer this version, at least for today. Her voice is so elegant and the video gives her such a graceful vibe.  Energetic yet tranquil.  Enjoy.
Taken By Trees--My Boys

Mikey's Pick--Foster the People

While I was losing myself once again in the you-tube world I came across this track.  This song is fantastic but where are the others?  I didn't search hard but I could barley find any information on this band at all or any other songs by them.  What am I missing?  Am I out of the loop here? 

Foster the People--Pumped Up Kicks
(of course this is fan video and one of many...wtf?)

Mikey's Pick--Paul Simon

When you're in the mood for a sing-along while having a laugh... this video is the one for you.
Chevy Chase and Paul Simon, how could you go wrong?!

Paul Simon--Call Me Al

dreamer's pick--Lisa Hannigan

I couldn't resist showcasing Lisa Hannigan's solo recording after posting her early work with Damien Rice, so here is a song off of her 2008 debut album, Sea Sew. Many thanks to Mr. Rice for helping to get this girl on the map. She truly deserves it! (Plus she is adorable..)

Lisa Hannigan--I Don't Know

dreamer's pick--Damien Rice

It started snowing here tonight, and I couldn't stop singing this song in my head. The tune is off of Damien Rice's first album, O, which is one of those albums that everyone should own a copy of. In a word, BEAUTIFUL.

Lisa Hannigan provides chilling backup vocals on this track, layered with the cello and the always incredible voice of Damien, you will want to curl up in a blanket hugging a pillow and get lost in the sound.

Damien Rice--Cold Water

MIkey' Pick--Scott Walker

This musician to me is a highly over looked genius.  He remains somewhat popular but mostly in the UK.  His songs are covered by many of the greats yet his influence on rock n' roll still flies under the radar.  A biographical film has been made titled Scott Walker: 30th Century Man, which I have not had the pleasure to see yet.  Enjoy his unique style and bone chilling voice in these three tracks.

Scott Walker--Amsterdam

Scott Walker--30th Century Man
 
Scott Walker--Ain't No Sunshine 
(Since the first two tracks are so often covered, here is one Scott covered of Bill Withers)

dreamer's pick--Beats Antique

Take a well-rounded group of musicians incorporating many influences of the world, crossing and melding genre lines, plus add a seductive bellydancing front-woman, and you get Beats Antique. Every show is a unique exhibition of quality performance art. Raw, sensual, modern, yet classy. I can't get enough!

Beats Antique--Beauty Beats

Mikey's Pick--Cowboy Beebop Soundtrack

Here is a BONUS!  These are different artists but they make a great soundtrack together.  These songs are not only great, they provide terrific sounds for a terrific movie.  Each tune is from an entirely different genre.  I suggest a listen to the rest of the soundtrack: for now enjoy my picks of  it. 

Coboy Bebop--Diggin'

Cowboy Bebop--What Planet is This?

Cowboy Bebop--Fingers

Mikey's Pick--Wolf Parade

This band is an acquired taste I think.  They are for sure very talented but sometimes his voice is a little much for me.  Nevertheless, they are artistic with their music and their videos and because I have seen their name around a lot recently as well, I give them the song of the day.  For the great videos I have to post more than one.  Enjoy.  I would love some comments on them for I am not fully sold on these guys yet.  

Wolf Parade--Modern World

Wolf Parade--I'll Believe in Anything

Wolf Parade--Grounds for divorce
(This is a fan video but I liked the Andy Interview...and the cats)

Mikey's Pick--Cold War Kids

This Long Beach band has exploded over the past couple years.  They have two albums out and one currently in the make. They have a great sound and great lyrics, their much anticipated next album promises to be monumental. 

Cold War Kids--We used to Vacation

Cold War Kids--Hang me up to Dry

Cold War Kids--The Wedding

Mikey's Pick--Wilco

For along time I avoided this band.  Since then I have re-visited them and realize I was missing out for sure.  Each album offers a different sound and feel making it so everyone can find something they like.  This song is off the album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, an album I have been diggin' all day.  If you haven't yet, check them out. 

Wilco--Jesus Ect.

dreamer's pick--Dawn Landes

There is truth that behind every great man there is a great woman, and here is proof. Dawn Landes is married to Josh Ritter, but hardly gets the credit she deserves. I absolutely adore this song, and this album.

Dawn Landes--Straight Lines

And for those of you who don't know her husband's music, here is a bonus song for you from him. The video is a piece of art in itself, and compliments the song's story nicely.

Josh Ritter--The Curse

Mikey's Pick--Boom Box

I do not know much about this except that this album is awesome!!! This song never gets old and is perfect in any atmosphere.  Dance and Enjoy.  Oh yeah...Turn it up, the bass line is killer.

 Boom Box--Stereo

dreamer's pick--Fruit Bats and Vetiver

This is a beautiful song written by Bobby Charles, who has a very interesting story of his own that the guys briefly mention at the beginning of the video. The acoustic rendition of the tune here has "such a pleasant sound" as you will hear.

Fruit Bats & Vetiver--I Must Be In A Good Place Now

Mikey's Pick--The Morning Benders

This Californian indie Berkly band is one to watch.  With only two albums so far they are a very new band and one I hope sticks around.  Enjoy.

The Morning Benders--Excuses (Yours Truly Session)

20 Links to get this all STARTED!

My song of the day started a few weeks back on Facebook.  I have moved the song of the day to this blog to reach a wider audience.  I will continue to update the blog daily along with an additional two authors to add even more variety in music taste.  To get things rolling, here are many of the past songs I had previously posted: a mix of classics, rarities, modern, and well done tracks.  This should act as a quick play list to get us all up to speed.  Each song has been selected for the music not necessarily because of the video although great videos are a bonus of course.  ENJOY.

Devendra Banhart--Feel just like a Child


Arcade Fire--Neon Bible, LIVE! in an elevator!

Radiohead--Where I End and You Begin, LIVE!, from the basement

Deer Hunter--Coronado

Beruit--Elephant Gun

Ween--Object

Atlas Sound w. Noah Lennnox--Walkabout

Lou Reed--Sweet Jane, (American Poet Version)

The Smiths--Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want

David Bowie--In the Heat of the Morning

Brian Eno and David Byrne--Strange Overtones

Funkadelic--Maggot Brain

Belle and Sebastian--Dog on Wheels

Underworld--Trim

Jimi Hendrix ft. Buddy Miles--Changes

Sam Cooke--Change is Gonna Come

Of Montreal--Lysergic Bliss

Iggy Pop--Passenger

Brian Jonestown Massacre--That Girl Suicide

Flotation Toy Warning--Happy 13