HBO's The Wire :: Way Down In The Hole

Friends will attest to the fact that the past few months have found me neck deep in all things related to the HBO serial drama The Wire. For those not familiar, the show is a fascinating take on the overtones an undertones of life and the inner workings of the modern American city (Baltimore, Maryland). Far from pretty the show has, over the course of four seasons, tied together complicated plot lines more akin to literature than television. This show ain't checkers, it's chess.

The music: Unlike, say, The Sopranos, The Wire changes up it's opening credits theme song each season. The first season used The Blind Boys of Alabama's spirited take on Tom Waits "Way Down In The Hole" while the second made use of Waits original off his '87 album Franks Wild Years.

Much of The Wire's innovative use of music can be credited to music supervisor Blake Leyh who also writes the music blog Ten Thousand Things.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Tom Waits :: Way Down In The Hole
MP3: The Blind Boys of Alabama :: Way Down In The Hole
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Amazon: Tom Waits - Franks Wild Years
Amazon: The Blind Boys of Alabama - Spirit of the Century

www.hbo.com/thewire ++ www.blindboys.com ++ www.tomwaits.com

+ Artists available through eMusic's 25 Free MP3 offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Tom Waits MP3s.

Neil Young :: BBC TV Theatre - 1971

This short set was recorded February 23, 1971 at the BBC's Television Theatre in Shepherd's Bush, London. An incredibly clean recording, I am hoping Neil explores selections from this tour in his newly minted Archives series. As you might note from previous live Neil Young shows I have posted here in the past, this era of his solo live performances are a personal favorite.

Tour : 1971 Journey Through The Past solo tour
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Update: Neil has announced they will in fact be releasing this very set so I am taking these down as of Jan 16th 2007 as it's no longer a bootleg. Support Neil, buy this when it comes out.

Download:
MP3: Neil Young :: Out On The Weekend 3:54
MP3: Neil Young :: Old Man 3:58
MP3: Neil Young :: Journey Through The Past 3:17
MP3: Neil Young :: Heart of Gold 5:12
MP3: Neil Young :: Don't Let It Bring You Down 3:35
MP3: Neil Young :: A Man Needs A Maid 6:23
MP3: Neil Young :: Love In Mind 2:54
MP3: Neil Young :: Dance Dance Dance 2:47
----------
www.neilyoung.com

+ + Explore eMusic's no risk 25 Free MP3 trial offer. No Strings.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Neil Young MP3s.

The Soft Boys :: Underwater Moonlight

Robyn Hitchcock's 2006 album Olé! Tarantula was such a strong comeback it re-kindled my interest in The Soft Boys 2004 reunion album, Nextdoorland, which then whetted my appetite to dig out their second album, and opus, 1980's Underwater Moonlight. Whew - that was a mouthful. I had some of this album on cassette, but in '02 Matador re-released it with some interesting bonus tracks from the era tacked on to the end of disc one, plus a fairly decent second disc of demos..

Being that I was five years old at the time of Underwater Moonlight's release, I came to know of the group, not directly, but through their influence on much of the (more interesting) music of the mid-late '80s and nineties. A new wave, post punk cross-breed, this Byrds and Captain Beefheart obsessed group must have seemed incredibly out of place at the time, which is most definitely why they never achieved any of the acclaim of their peers. As it would play out vocalist Robyn Hitchcock would go on to inhabit cult-like status with his work with the Egyptians.

If you're a fan of Hitchcock's latest incarnation, the Venus 3, or his past projects give these neo-classics a download. I'm sure I'll be listening to a few of these flying cross-country back to the east coast for the holidays this evening. Cheers.

Elsewhere: Nice audio interview with Hitchcock on NPR's World Cafe December 7, 2006 .

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: The Soft Boys :: I Wanna Destroy You
MP3: The Soft Boys :: I Got The Hots
MP3: The Soft Boys :: Old Pervert
----------
Amazon: The Soft Boys :: Underwater Moonlight

www.robynhitchcock.com +++ www.thesoftboys.com

+ The Soft Boys available through eMusic's 25 Free MP3 trial offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Soft Boys MP3s.

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Love Is All :: Nine Times That Same Song

My first exposure to Sweden's Love Is All was at a day show last March at SXSW. Soon after I picked up their '05 foreign release Nine Times That Same Song which later saw a U.S. release with additional tracks. Being this was originally an '05 release it did not make it on to this year's best-of list, but certainly could have if going by the U.S. release date.

Elsewhere: Like Swedish pop? Then you'll want to regularly visit Swedes Please.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Love Is All :: Make Up Fall Out Make Up
MP3: Love Is All :: Busy Doing Nothing
----------
Amazon: Love Is All - Nine Times That Same Song
www.loveisall.se ++ www.myspace.com/loveisall8

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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Love Is All MP3s.

Ryan Adams :: Ludwigshafen, Germany

Mr. Garrison Reid turned me onto this show via archive.org a few weeks ago claiming it was a super fine Ryan Adams bootleg head to toe -- he was right, too. The show, recorded this past October in Germany, has everything a good boot should: the band's in top form, it contains a few unreleased songs, the selected material is tops with the band reinterpreting much of it, and the audio quality is soundboard pristine. I saw the band twice on this tour and this set from Ludwigshafen faithfully represents the setlist and overall atmosphere very well. You can download it in it's entirety at archive.org, but below is a teaser should you need more of an incentive.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Ryan Adams :: Magnolia Mountain
MP3: Ryan Adams :: Blue Hotel
MP3: Ryan Adams :: New York, New York
MP3: Ryan Adams :: Freeway To The Canyon
MP3: Ryan Adams :: Easy Plateau
MP3: Ryan Adams :: Peaceful Valley
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Download: The show in it's entirety at Archive.org

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Seasons Greetings :: Hey Parker, It's Christmas

Ryan Adams and Parker Posey may no longer be a couple, but this holiday nugget from 2003 remains with us. Hearkening back to Adams' Love Is Hell period, with it's melancholy mood and Smiths undertones, "Hey Parker, It's Christmas" was originally released as a vinyl limited release 7 inch.

Download:
MP3: Ryan Adams :: Hey Parker, It's Christmas
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www.ryan-adams.com ++ www.answeringbell.com

+ Explore eMusic's no risk 25 Free MP3 trial offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Ryan Adams MP3s.

Roy Orbison :: In Dreams (Blue Velvet Redux)

Roy Orbison, like many pioneering rock & roll artists of his generation, has the dubious honor of countless greatest hits collections bearing his name -- all of them of varying quality. I know this because I have owned several over the years. One of the more interesting of Orbison's 'best of' collections is the 1987 greatest hits package In Dreams. What makes this set interesting is also what makes it so controversial among Orbison traditionalists.

In Dreams is indeed a collection of Orbison's most beloved tracks, but, and this is a big but, they are all re-recordings of the originals. Admittedly, there is nothing on the package material that identifies this fact -- but other than that you are left with a phenomenal set that I personally find myself listening to as often as the originals. The sound, and T-Bone Burnett's production, of the '87 set have more bottom to them without losing the ethereal feel of the originals.

But why re-record? Allegedly David Lynch asked Orbison to re-cut the song "In Dreams" for a scene in his film Blue Velvet , which he later decided not to use. The prevailing school of thought is that either a) Orbison liked the results enough to re-record all his old hits with modern technology, or, b) and more probable, Orbison and his team realized if they re-cut the tracks and repackaged them they stood to gain 100 percent of the profits. Readily available in record stores used section -- if a fan of the haunting master crooner -- do consider picking up Orbison's late '80s redux.

Below is the brothel scene in which Lynch used "In Dreams" in his early calling card film Blue Velvet. Dean Stockwell's lip-sticked lip-synch is as disturbing as it is unforgettable. A classic Lynchian celluloid moment.


DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Roy Orbison :: In Dreams (1985)
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Amazon: In Dreams: Roy Orbison's Greatest Hits

+ Roy Orbison catalog available through eMusic's 25 Free MP3 offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Roy Orbison MP3s.

Califone :: Roots & Crowns

As mentioned in the 2006 Year In Review, Califone's fifth album, Roots & Crowns, has become one of my favorite albums of 2006. My esteem and fondness for the LP grow with every listen -- and possibly might have edged it's way into my top twelve of '06 if given another week of listening.

With it's languid, kitchen sink blues sound running throughout, it's an album experience in every sense of the word. What immediately comes to mind is a 21st century twisted and low key take on Exile On Main Street if recorded in a dingy Chicago basement instead of a French mansion by the sea.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Califone :: Orchids
MP3: Califone :: Pink & Sour
----------
Amazon: Califone - Roots & Crowns
www.myspace.com/califonemusic

+ Califone available through eMusic's 25 no risk Free MP3 trial offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Califone MP3s.

Sonic Youth :: The Destroyed Room

New releases tend to notoriously dry up the last month of the year. This being so, I had been anxiously awaiting the copy of Sonic Youth's odds and sods compilation, The Destroyed Room, to land in my mailbox. I am happy to report -- as far as die hard Sonic Youth fans go -- the set does not disappoint.

The 12 tracks are compiled from session outtakes, mostly from the Jim O'Rourke years, that had previously been unavailable to the public and/or rare (read: foreign vinyl imports, etc). While by no means an ideal starting point for those just getting on board with SY, the collection provides an interesting alternate history of the band. The track "Razor Blade" for example, the b-side to 1994's "Bull In Heather" off Experimental Jet Set Trash & No Star, conjures a rustic, acoustic backwoods vibe in contrast the albums, as noted at the time, return to experimentalism post Dirty.

Of course being a Sonic Youth record, The Destroyed Room is also well endowed with many improvisational noise freakouts and extended experimentalist jams. Fans of Washing Machine will note the official release of the extended version of "The Diamond Sea," all 20+ minutes of it. Brief notes contained within the booklet shed some light on the track inclusions lineage and history.

Previously: Sonic Youth's 2006 album Rather Ripped included on An Aquarium Drunkard's Best of 2006 Year In Review feature.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Sonic Youth :: Razor Blade (Bull In Heather B-side)
MP3: Sonic Youth :: Fire Engine Dream
----------
Amazon: Sonic Youth - The Destroyed Room
www.sonicyouth.com ++ sonic youth myspace

+ Sonic Youth available through eMusic's 25 no risk Free MP3 trial offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Sonic Youth MP3s.

Tropicalia :: A Brazilian Revolution in Sound

Through my father's collection I inherited a formidable amount of out-of-print and rare Latin jazz, Latin soul, and salsa on vinyl. One day I will get around to ripping some of it to MP3 format to share on the Drunkard, but until then a number of key artists and tracks are captured on the Soul Jazz label's 2006 compilation Tropicalia :: A Brazilian Revolution in Sound. Under twenty dollars the comp rounds up a who's who of the Brazilian scene in the late '60s. Consider this collection a South American Nuggets -- exposing this music to, and inspiring, a whole new generation. Like underground late '60s french and Vietnamese rock/pop compilations, Tropicalia is a fascinating look at the melting pot of American pop and rock influences as heard through a foreign lens.

Also of note, Tom Ze released a great album via Luaka Bop this year entitled Estudando o Pagode that is well worth checking out if a Ze fan, and/or, tropicalia enthusiast.

Elsewhere: Gorilla vs. Bear included, and dropped knowledge on the compilation in his round up of reissues and comps of 2006.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Caetano Veloso :: Alfomega
MP3: Tom Ze :: Jimmy, Renda-Se
----------
Amazon: Tropicalia: A Brazilian Revolution in Sound

+ Many artists included available through eMusic's 25 Free MP3 trial offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Tropicalia MP3s.

Seasons Greetings :: The Pogues

Irish lilt mixed with the attitude of early UK punk rock was what initially powered the The Pogues. Fronted by the (in)famous Shane MacGowan, The Pogues lifted traditional Irish music out of the gutter of past injecting it with a strong dose of piss and lager.

Originally released in 1987 If I Should Fall from Grace With God was the band's calling card and breakthrough to mainstream audiences anchored by the crossover Christmas ballad "Fairytale of New York." MacGowan's writing and the band are in top form here, swimming in cigarettes and Guinness.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: The Pogues :: Fairytale of New York (Christmas In The Drunk Tank)
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www.pogues.com
www.shanemacgowan.com
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Pogues MP3s.

David Bowie :: Under Review 1976-1979 DVD

The most recent addition to the "Under Review" DVD series focuses on what would become known as Bowie's Berlin period from 1976-1979. A particularly fertile period in Bowie's artistic development, the sessions produced the albums Low, Heroes and Lodger, not to mention Bowie's production and co-writer credits on Iggy Pop's albums The Idiot and Lust For Life.

Like all "Under Review" projects, the DVD is made up of insider interviews and old Bowie interview audio commentary. Note: neither Bowie nor Brian Eno (who played a huge role is the sound and direction of this Bowie period) make an appearance here. In essence the two hour affair plays out like an oral history of the era. While not at all essential, it's still an enjoyable watch and worth adding to your Netflix queue if at all a Bowie fan.

The two tracks below are off of Bowie's albums Low and Heroes respectively. Nothing from Lodger as I do not own it. Maybe one to pick up in 2007.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: David Bowie :: Speed of Life
MP3: David Bowie :: Heroes
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Amazon: David Bowie - Under Review 1976-1979 (DVD)
www.davidbowie.com

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Seasons Greetings :: Bing Crosby/David Bowie

And what would Christmas be without this unlikely pairing?? That's right, Bing Crosby paired with David Bowie on "Little Drummer Boy. " Someone obviously lost a bet on this one.

If you have seen the 1970s television special you will most definitely remember Bowie showing up at Crosby's home unannounced, in a coke delirium, on Christmas eve in his full-on Ziggy Stardust get up. Just kidding, but wouldn't that have been great?? Watch a subdued Bowie banter and croon with Bing in the video below via YouTube.

Download:
MP3: David Bowie & Bing Crosby :: Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy
Video: David Bowie & Bing Crosby :: Little Drummer Boy
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Amazon: Bing Crosby & David Bowie - Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy

+ Explore eMusic's no risk 25 Free MP3 trial offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional David Bowie MP3s.

Elvis Costello :: Armed Forces Revisited

The beauty of Amoeba records on Sunset blvd., with L.A. being a music industry town, is that you can stroll into the used section and often find reissues at half their original price, and often unopened. Such was the case last weekend when I spotted the 2002 double disc reissue of Elvis Costello's third album. Bolstered by a second disc of b-sides, and a recording of The Attractions 1978 performance at Hollywood High, I was more than sold.

Costello's Armed Forces is the final installment of his late '70s creative triumvirate made up of: My Aim Is True (1977), This Year's Model (1978), and Armed Forces (1979). This new-wave golden age of Costello would go on to be hailed as one of the most inventive and creative in recent rock history. While the rest of is career has proved both fruitful and prolific, this is generally where the real goods are to be had.

Produced by Nick Lowe the disc comes with liner notes penned by Costello reflecting on both the initial track selection, track notes, and the general atmosphere of both his public and personal life at the time. I found it fascinating, and at the same time not surprising, that many of the production choices used on Armed Forces were a direct correlation to what the band had been listening to in the van in during The Attractions 1978 tour of the U.S.; RE: the States a.m. commercial radio and the band's road-purchased cassettes, all making there way both consciously and subconsciously onto their, soon to be, next album.

Listen below to the outtake "Tiny Steps" from the Armed Forces sessions. A classic Costello gem left off the album solely because it seemed like a throwback to the style of the album's predecessor This Year's Model. An alternate version of "Busy Bodies" and a live track from the 1978 Hollywood High performance. Oh, to have been a fly on the wall....

Previously:
*Costello/Toussaint :: Live In New Orleans
*Elvis Costello :: I Don't Want To Go To (Chelsea)

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Elvis Costello :: Tiny Steps
MP3: Elvis Costello :: Busy Bodies (alternate)
MP3: Elvis Costello :: Accidents Will Happen (live)
----------
Amazon: Elvis Costello - Armed Forces
www.elviscostello.com

+ Download Costello at eMusic's no risk 25 Free MP3 trial offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Elvis Costello MP3s.

Ola Podrida :: One To Watch In 2007

Last week I received an advance copy of Ola Podrida's self titled album that is being released through Plug Research in the Spring of 2007. What began as a nom de plume for David Wingo's home recording projects has blossomed into a live quartet playing in and around Wingo's present home base of Brooklyn, NY.

Continuing in the vein of his self released home recordings, the upcoming album is a thing of quiet beauty reminiscent of the very best under-the-radar homegrown '70s folk experiments. Those familiar with, and appreciative of, the resurgence in this brand of music take heed and keep your eye out for both this '07 album as well as future Wingo projects. I have a feeling this is only the beginning.

Coincidentally Wingo has scored some of the films by one of my very favorite contemporary directors, David Gordon Green. Those interested in the subtle nuances of the present day American south would do themselves a great service investigating Green's work.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Ola Podrida :: Instead
--
Previously:
MP3: Ola Podrida :: Jordanna
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www.myspace.com/olapodrida

+ Explore eMusic's no risk 25 Free MP3 trial offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Ola Podrida MP3s.

The Louvin Brothers :: Satan Is Real

This album is the Rosetta stone of fire and brimstone country gospel. Released in 1960, wrapped up in quite possibly the greatest iconic album cover of all time, Satan Is Real pulled no punches.

Brothers Ira and Charlie Louvin conceived and concocted an original LP preaching Pentecostal warnings of the desires of the flesh, sin and of course, Satan. The brothers angelic harmonization adds a depth and reverence for the material further highlighting the fact that these two men believed every word they were singing/preaching. There is no middle ground here -- you are either in the flock or destined to an eternity of damnation.

Listen to the spoken word section of the album's opening track "Satan Is Real." The album's liner notes reveal that brother Ira Louvin always felt guilty for ignoring his calling to the ministry and this piece was the next best thing preaching "it's sweet to know that God is real...but Satan is real too."

Many of us got turned onto this record while exploring the "roots" of the alt.country scene via The Byrds 1968 album, featuring Gram Parsons, Sweetheart of The Rodeo. Below is the Byrds take on the Louvin's "The Christian Life."

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: The Louvin Brothers :: Satan Is Real
MP3: The Louvin Brothers :: The Christian Life
--
Bonus:
MP3: The Byrds :: The Christian Life
MP3: The Byrds :: The Christian Life (rehearsal)
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Amazon: The Louvin Brothers - Satan Is Real

+ Explore eMusic's no risk 25 Free MP3 trial offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Louvin Brothers MP3s.

Okkervil River :: Listening To Otis Redding At Home During Christmas

"Listening To Otis Redding At Home During Christmas"

"Home is where beds are made and butter is added to toast. On a cold afternoon you can float room to room like a ghost. Take the crèche out and argue about who gets to set up the kings. And I know that it’s home because that’s where the stereo sings “I’ve got dreams to remember.” But not even home can be with you forever. It’s Christmastime and the plane flies me over white hills to a town in a dream, where the sky is frozen and still, and a room (that’s not mine but it’s just like I left it before, with the wax from the candles all dusty and locks on the door) where I held you so tenderly, and where in summer I opened your letter to me. ..."

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Okkervil River :: Listening To Otis Redding At Home During Christmas
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Amazon: Okkervil River - Don't Fall In Love With Everyone You See
www.myspace.com/okkervilriver ++ okkervil website

+ Okkervil River available through eMusic's no risk 25 Free MP3 trial offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Okkervil River MP3s.

Rosie Thomas :: These Friends of Mine

Earlier this fall Seattle's Rosie Thomas put the finishing touches on her new album, These Friends of Mine, featuring a bevy of guests including: Sufjan Stevens, Damien Jurado, Denison Whitmer, Dave Bazan, and Jeremy Enigk. The sessions yielded some fine collaborations with each gentleman adding his own stamp to the material. The album is being released on Rosie's new imprint "Sing Along Records" through the Nettwerk group. Embracing technology, the digital release comes out December 12th with a hard physical release slated for March 13th.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Rosie Thomas :: All The Way To New York City
----------
www.rosiethomas.com

+ Rosie Thomas available through eMusic's 25 Free MP3 trial offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Rosie Thomas MP3s.

Christmas Medley :: December 2006

As far as we're concerned, blog-wise, Big Rock Candy Mountain is the place to be during the month of December. For three years now, every December, the site steadily offers up obscure quality Christmas nuggets you won't hear at the mall or Starbucks. What's more impressive is the fact none of the tunes have been repeated since they began their holiday tunes tradition.

The following is a medley of tracks I gathered last year from Big Rock Candy Mountain's December Christmas series. For a current dose of Christmas Americana head on over and check out the their latest holiday finds.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Clarence Carter :: Backdoor Santa
MP3: Jack Scott :: There's Trouble Brewin'
MP3: The Youngsters :: Chistmas In Jail
MP3: Mae West :: Put The Loot In The Boot, Santa
MP3: Champion Jack DuPree :: Santa Claus Blues
MP3: Loretta Lynn :: Country Christmas
MP3: Red Simpson :: Truckin' Trees For Christmas
MP3: Brenda Lee :: I'm Gonna Lasso Santa Claus
MP3: Big John Greer :: We Wanna See Santa Do The Mambo
MP3: Hank Thompson :: I'd Like To Have An Elephant For Christmas
MP3: Roger Miller :: Old Toy Trains
----------

+ Explore eMusic's no risk 25 Free MP3 trial offer.
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Holiday MP3s.

The Pretenders :: Pretenders II

Allow me to, again, gush over another Pretenders reissue. This time it's their 1981 second album appropriately entitled Pretenders II. The short-lived band led by guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and Chrissie Hynde sadly only lasted for these first two albums (after Honeyman's death The Pretenders name simply became a vehicle for Hynde) so these reissues, with their bonus cuts and live tracks are a true treat.

Like the reissue of The Pretenders debut (review here), Pretenders II follows the same format: housed on disc one is the original remastered album, and the live tracks and outtakes/bonus material on the second. If you only know the band from it's sub par Hynde led '80s MTV existence, I recommend checking out these first two seminal new wave/post punk albums.

Previously: Aquarium Drunkard review of The Pretenders debut reissue.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: The Pretenders :: Up The Neck (live)
MP3: The Pretenders :: Message of Love
----------
Amazon: The Pretenders - Pretenders II
www.pretendersarchives.com
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+ Visit The Hype Machine for additional Pretenders MP3s.

2006 Year In Review, Pt 2 :: The 12 Albums

Part Two of our Year In Review...Part One can be found HERE.

The following list is comprised of my favorite 12 albums released in 2006. Take note that this list is in flux, and could be very different a month from now. For example, last year I declared Sufjan Steven's Illinois as my top album of '05, but in retrospect that title, without a doubt, goes to The National's Alligator. Such is the nature of time spent with music and our appreciation of it. As I tend to spend a lot of time with older artist's catalogs, I encourage you to visit the blogroll to the right too see how other contemporary audio blogs are weighing in on the year in music. It's been a great year -- thanks for reading.

- A.D.
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Robert Pollard :: From A Compound Eye (Merge)

After disbanding Guided By Voices a solo Robert Pollard ironically released, via Merge Records, the best GBV record in years entitled From A Compound Eye. Working with producer and collaborator Todd Tobias, Pollard made good on his threat to release a double album and for the most part the results were excellent all the way through. True to himself, as he is known to do, Pollard also released another album on Merge in 2006 entitled Normal Happiness to an albeit overall less enthusiastic response.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Robert Pollard :: Dancing Girls And Dancing Men
MP3: Robert Pollard :: Love Is Stronger Than Witchcraft
----------
Amazon: Robert Pollard - From A Compound Eye
www.robertpollard.net

+ Robert Pollard available through eMusic's 25 Free MP3 offer.
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Centro-matic :: Fort Recovery (Misra)

Even before it's official release, Drive-by Trucker , Patterson Hood hailed Centro-matic's 2006 LP his favorite album of the year. High praise indeed, but far from unwarranted. Fort Recovery is the sound of Centro-matic coming into their own after many years working together in both the Centro-matic and South San Gabriel. The album was also the soundtrack driving across the country -- and back -- with my wife this past summer. "Patience For The Ride " took on a wholly personal meaning eating up mile after mile of U.S. freeway for two plus months.

Related: A.D. review of Centro-matic's performance in L.A. September 2006 at The Troubadour.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Centro-matic :: Calling Thermatico
MP3: Centro-matic :: Patience For The Ride
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Amazon: Centro-matic - Fort Recovery
www.centro-matic.com ++ www.south-san-gabriel.com

+ Centro-matic available through eMusic's 25 Free MP3 offer.
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TV On The Radio :: Return To Cookie Mountain (Interscope Records)

Sonically descending from out of nowhere, Brooklyn’s TV On The Radio tore out of the gate with their Young Liars EP unleashing their chaotic blend of fuzzed out post-rock on the indie-minded masses. Effortlessly combining an organic blend of gospel, free-jazz, punk, and drum loops, TVOTR sounded like nothing else on the contemporary music scene. That claim can still be made in 2006. Riffing on the same atmospheric paranoia as its predecessor, yet expanding on both the sound and the songwriting, Return To Cookie Mountain defies convention. Like their previous work, this album continues to show the listener something new with each listen.

Related : A.D. review of TV On The Radio's performance in L.A. September 2006 at The Hollywood Bowl.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: TV On The Radio :: Wolf Like Me
MP3: TV On The Radio :: I Was A Lover
----------
Amazon: TV On The Radio - Return To Cookie Mountain
www.tvontherdio.com ++ www.myspace.com/tvotr

+ TV On The Radio available through eMusic's 25 Free MP3 Trial offer.
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Howe Gelb :: 'Sno Angel Like You (Thrill Jockey Records)

Another great road album from last summer's cross-country fandango, this LP is quickly earning a "modern classic" tag in my book.

If you don't know the score already, this is the album Howe Gelb enlisted the help from a Canadian Gospel choir (Voices Of Praise Choir) to back his off-kilter musical leanings. This odd pairing works amazingly well adding a texture to Gelb's music that sounds more like exaltation than church.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Howe Gelb :: Howe Gelb :: Paradise Here Abouts
MP3: Howe Gelb :: But I Did Not
----------
Amazon: Howe Gelb - 'Sno Angel Like You
www.howegelb.com ++ www.giantsand.com

+ Howe Gelb available through eMusic's 25 Free MP3 Trial offer.
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Drive-By Truckers :: A Blessing And A Curse (New West)

A Blessing and a Curse finds the Truckers once again delivering yet another stellar batch of raw, imaginative Southern Rock. The album’s opener and first single, “Feb 14,” finds Hood ruminating on the aftermath of a less than perfect romance. Standard rock ‘n roll fare, only Hood puts his undeniable touch on the well-worn subject matter, and in doing so, owns it. Contributions from both Cooley and Isbell round out the album touching on subjects not at all inherently “Southern,” which is something the band has stated they wanted to achieve with this album. No matter the Zip code the band, once again, achieves big here.

Related: A.D. review of the Truckers two night run in L.A. at the House of Blues last May.

DOWNLOAD:
MP3: Drive-By Truckers :: Feb 14
MP3: Drive-By Truckers - A World Of Hurt
www.drivebytruckers.com

+ Drive-By Truckers available through eMusic's 25 Free MP3 Trial offer.
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