Everything leaves a mark

I've been holding off writing about Pictures and Sound, the latest project from former Blue Merle lead Luke Reynolds, because the sound sort of defies description or categorization. There's a big element of New Wave in the shiny, electro-laden arrangements, but the foundation is pure pop/singer-songwriter, reinforced by Reynolds' organic voice. There's a touch of punk ("The Last Ocean,") a little soul ("It's You,") some electro synth-pop ("100 Directions,") even a hint of Western country ("Every War.") The result is an album that has the cutting-edge sound that makes soundtrack editors swoon - deceptively addictive ear candy, packaged in layers of complexity.

Listen to a few tracks on Pictures and Sound's MySpace Page. This is music that gets under your skin after a few listens, so give it some time to sink in. And then just try to stop listening... it's nearly impossible.

Oh, and...: Thanks to the September Paste sampler for introducing me to this band!

Not just another ordinary day

First of all: welcome back, Beth. It's been a long summer without you.

Secondly, have you seen the new ad for Bounce dryer sheets? Well that song you hear is "Ordinary Day" by Canadian folkstress Emilie Mover and it's a bright and happy folk-pop gem. Listen to the song and other, slightly sadder songs on Mover's MySpace page. ("No Hill Too High" is also upbeat and lovely.)

Or you can download the "Ordinary Day" mp3 for free at the Bounce Website.

All That I Want

Have you seen that charming JC Penney commercial where people are shopping on an idyllic street in the snow and a folky Christmas song about ships in a harbor is playing? Well that song is "All That I Want" by an awesome folk duo, The Weepies.

And over at archive.org, you can listen to an excellent live show they did back in 2004 in Cleveland. (Unlike in the past, now you can stream it right there on the page - SO convenient!) The show is excellent - a good, long setlist, excellent sound quality and cute between-song banter. (If they sound like an extra chummy folk duo, that's because shortly after they met and formed the Weepies, they also fell in love. In fact, just a few months ago, they had a baby! For their full bio, which is ADORABLE, visit their MySpace page.)

Highlights of the concert include "How Will He Find Me," "I've Got To Have You," "Vegas Baby" and the positively charming "All That I Want," which is destined to become a new Christmas classic.

Happy holidays!

Singular Obsession: Holiday edition

I am pleased to announce that after a short musical dry spell, I have emerged with a new, holiday-themed singular obsession. This one came via the Paste Magazine Dec./Jan. music sampler.

The song? "It Really Is a Wonderful Life" by Mindy Smith. But you don't have to be a Paste Magazine subscriber to enjoy it (though why aren't you a Paste Magazine subscriber? Right now, they're offering a pay-what-you-want subscription plan!) Check out Smith's MySpace page to hear the retro-lovely, tiki-jazz-tinged holiday gem.

Just don't be surprised if you get the urge to listen to it over and over and over again. It's that infectiously charming. Happy Thanksgiving (a few days late)!!!

Live and Feist-y

I've been hearing nothing but good things about the new Feist album. Haven't had a chance to check out the whole thing yet, but I am currently LOVING the song "1 2 3 4" on a mix, so I searched out a live set she did for KCRW.

This set is a little sleepier than the rest of the songs I've heard, but it should give you a good idea of her sound, which combines the best of female singer-songwriters and indie sonic textures.

Visit Feist's MySpace page to listen to "1 2 3 4" and three others.

And while I'm on the subject of Feist, check out this feature from Paste Magazine.

Spiraling on a snow day

Happy December! I was lucky enough to get a foot of snow as a beginning-of-winter surprise. Sounds sarcastic, I know, but I LOVE snow days! Magical things happen on the day of the first snowfall.

This year's magical thing? I found a new band I just had to share: Spiraling. Any band that claims the Beatles, Weezer, Yes, Goffin/King, and XTC among their influences is worth a listen, no?

Check out four of their songs at their Myspace page. Their version of "Do You Hear What I Hear" is actually sung to The Who's "Baba O'Reilly." Now that's festive.