One Alternative

I am a huge fan of covers, and was delighted to come across Cassettes Won't Listen's free EP One Alternative (a playoff on the No Alternative album from the 90s). Released on December 7th, Jason Drake (the one-man show behind Cassettes) remade five songs from that era. The EP is available at his website at no cost.

For your ears -
Cassettes Won't Listen: Fuck and Run (Liz Phair cover)
Cassettes Won't Listen: Change (Blind Melon cover) highly recommended
download the One Alternative EP here

For your eyes -
CWL's video for "Where Did Go"

Doo-Wop with a twist

British girl group The Pipettes takes the 60s pop sounds of bands like The Shangri Las, and puts a somewhat nasty twist to it. The group was formed in 2003 by producer Monster Bobby and released their first full length album, We Are The Pipettes, in 2006. The Pipettes have released a new EP stateside called Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me. If tight harmonies, sugary beats, and clever lyrics are your bag, be sure to check them out.

For your ears -
The Pipettes: I Love A Boy In Uniform (School Uniform)
The Pipettes: Pull Shapes
from the album We Are The Pipettes (Buy It)

For your eyes -
The Pipettes' video for "Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me"

The Pipettes' Website, MySpace

"If I could be anything, I`d be you"

The Eames Era is a Louisiana based band who have been performing together since 2003. My good friend QE turned me onto them, and they remind me a bit of early Rilo Kiley (especially lead singer Ashlin Phillips` vocals). The Eames Era put out their second full-length album, Heroes and Sheroes, in April of 2007 and I highly suggest checking them out.

For your ears -
The Eames Era: When You Were A Millionaire
The Eames Era: Could Be Anything
The Eames Era latest cd is Heroes and Sheroes (Buy It)

For your eyes -
The Eames Era's video for "Promises"

The Eames Era`s MySpace

Growing Pains

I've been half asleep this past month when it has come to new music, and totally missed that Mary J. Blige released a new album, Growing Pains, on December 18th. I would have had no clue if "Just Fine" had not been the last song spun by the DJ at work Saturday night. Mary seems to be having a easier time in life, and it reflects in these songs. Take a listen.

For your ears -
Mary J. Blige: Just Fine
Mary J. Blige: Work That (Feat. Busta Rhymes)
from the album Growing Pains (Buy It)

For your eyes -
Mary J. Blige's video for "Just Fine"

Mary J. Blige's Website

2008 rhymes with masturbate. Just sayin...

I decided to dust off my little bit of the web here with an update. I would love to pan most of my absence off on laptop problems and the hell that is Windows Vista, but a good deal of it was also just sheer laziness after coming back from vacation in the states. I'll try to be a good boy in the future (maybe). My schedule has gotten a bit hectic, which decreases time I can spend here.

So, we are well into 2008 and as everyone and their mother has done a "Top (insert number here) Albums of 2007", I thought I'd do one too as I've disagreed with a lot of the lists I've seen.

10. Is Is - Yeah Yeah Yeahs










Now, I know technically this was was not a full-length album, but the Is Is EP was absolutely powerful and the YYY's at their best.
Standout Tracks: "Down Boy", "Kiss Kiss"


9. Made of Bricks - Kate Nash












While most of the world raved about fellow Brits Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse, the real shining star from England was Kate Nash. While not technically out in the states until January 8th, Made of Bricks has been out for 6 months in the UK and Canada and is a stunning gem of a debut album.
Standout Tracks: "Foundations", "Mouthwash" "Pumpkin Soup"

8. Humanimals - Grand Ole Party











Grand Ole Party busted out of the San Diego scene this year to open for Rilo Kiley and promote their debut album Humanimals (produced by Rilo Kiley's Blake Sennett). The 3 piece band is reminiscent of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and is a rocking, polished good time.
Standout Tracks: "Bad, Bad Man", "Nasty Habits"

7. Shock Value - Timbaland

There is no denying that Timbaland is one of the best producers and career revitalize-rs out there. Shock Value is chock full of unexpected guest appearances (Elton John, anyone?) and original beats. Guaranteed to make you shake your ass from start to finish.
Standout Tracks: "Give It To Me", "Way I Are", "Throw It On Me"

6. Kala - M.I.A.









Speaking of Timbaland, he was slated to work on M.I.A.'s sophomore album Kala, but due to visa problems, the Sri Lankin rapper was left to work on the album on her own. What could have been a disaster turned into a godsend. Kala is innovative and throbbing with electricity on every beat that only frustration could have pumped out.
Standout Tracks: "Paper Planes", "$20", "XR2"
5. The Reminder - Feist









You would be hard pressed to find anyone here in Toronto that doesn't think that Leslie Feist can do no wrong. With The Reminder, I've joined that camp. Solid songwriting and Feist's throaty vocals make this a gorgeous album. I will also give this album my MVP award for having the most songs on it that will make me smile regardless of what kind of mood I am in.
Standout Tracks: "1234", "I Feel It All", "Limit to Your Love"

4. American Doll Posse - Tori Amos


The best Tori album to come out in many, many years. On American Doll Posse, Tori's regained the fire that dominated her classic early albums. A great listen from the first note to the last. Standout Tracks: "Teenage Hustling", "Roosterspur Bridge", "Digital Ghost"
3. In Rainbows - Radiohead










In Rainbows is the album I've been waiting for since OK Computer was released. I listened to this album for almost 8 hours straight the night I received it. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Thom.
Standout Tracks: "Jigsaw Falling Into Place", "Reckoner", "15 Step"
I2. The Con - Tegan & Sara










I think this album got slept on pretty hard, which is a shame. The Con is the most solid indie rock album I've heard in years. Lyrically brilliant and musically superb, this is by far their best album to date. There is not one song I would skip over on this album
Standout Tracks: "The Con", "Dark Come Soon", "Back In Your Head", "Like O, Like H"
1. Graduation - Kanye West


He's got an ego the size of his hometown Chicago, but it is okay because he's earned the right. Graduation is a non-stop party, and Kanye's clever lyrics and unique beats should send every one in the rap game packing for home (yes, even you Jay-Z). Kanye's hip hop's undisputed champion.
Standout Tracks: "Stronger", "Can't Tell Me Nothing", "Homecoming"

So, what does your list look like?

Also, probably my favorite video for the entire year, Feist's "1234"