The road to success is paved with a good cover. It's also paved in gold. If you can prove to the world that you can take someone's music and make it somewhat original, then you can do anything. I'm not talking about Madonna covering "American Pie" or Limp Bizkit destroying "Behind Blue Eyes." Almost all good bands have done interesting covers and below are some of my favorites:
"Hurt"- Johnny Cash
Cash covered Nine Inch Nails and redefined the ownership of the song with a haunting cover of his own.
"Hotel California" - Gipsy Kings
Yes, "The Big Lebowski" helped, but I genuinely enjoy this cover of The Eagles.
"Sweet Dreams" - Marilyn Manson
Eurythmics created an awesome dance mix and Marilyn Manson took that song and created a daring melancholy ode.
"All Along the Watchtower" - Jimi Hendrix
Originally written by Bob Dylan, Hendrix took over 6 months after the original release with an awesome guitar-centric rendition of his own.
"House of the Rising Sun" - The Animals
I don't believe the origins of this song are known, but it is deeply entrenched in folk lore. And it's one of my all-time favorites. There have been many bands that have covered this song, but I still think The Animals did the best version.
"Maggie's Farm" - Rage Against the Machine
The original artist...Bob Dylan. Listen to these songs back to back and you can feel how Rage Against the Machine transformed the song.
"Tuesday's Gone" - Metallica
The original song was written by Lynyrd Skynyrd and was covered by Metallica on their album "Garage, Inc."Â The song features Les Claypool, Jerry Cantrell, and John Popper among others and is an interesting acoustic rendition of the song.
"Death Letter" - White Stripes
This song emanates the blues. The original song was by Son House, performed in the 1960's.
-Soren Nieminen
Your thoughts? What are some of your favorite cover songs?
Since the dawn of music, there have been sorrowful songs.  Or maybe, since the dawn of sorrow, there has been music? There's always a song, whether through the clarity of its instruments or the nature of its lyrics that can make any room awfully dusty...you may even shed a tear. So, here goes: The Most Heartbreaking Songs...ever!10) "Yesterday" - The Beatles (1965)
"Yesterday,
Love was such an easy game to play,
Now I need a place to hide away,
Oh, I believe in yesterday."9)Â "Hurt" - Johnny Cash (2002)
This was originally written by Trent Reznor (of Nine Inch Nails) in 1994 off his album "The Downward Spiral." At first, Reznor felt a little hesitant about having Johnny Cash covering his song. But...
"I pop the video in, and wow⦠Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps⦠Wow. [I felt like] I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn't mine anymore⦠It really made me think about how powerful music is as a medium and art form. I wrote some words and music in my bedroom as a way of staying sane, about a bleak and desperate place I was in, totally isolated and alone. [Somehow] that winds up reinterpreted by a music legend from a radically different era/genre and still retains sincerity and meaning â different, but every bit as pure."
-Reznor, on Johny Cash covering "Hurt"
8)Â "Clair De Lune" - DeBussy (1905)
You've probably heard this song in a variety of different movies (probably most notably in the ending scene of "Ocean's 11"). It's the third movement of Suite bergamasque by Claude Debussy, first published in 1905.   The title comes from a poem of Paul Verlaine's of the same name.
7)Â "Unchained Melody" - Righteous Brothers (1955)
This song probably conjures up images of a sweaty Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in the movie "Ghost." It was written by Alex North and has lyrics by Hy Zaret. It's been covered more than 500 times by all types of different bands and in many different languages. I like to think it eloquently puts a universal theme of love and longing:
"Oh my love, my darling
I've hungered,
Hungered for your touch
A long lonely time,
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much,
Are you still mine?"6)Â "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" - Hank Williams (1949)
This song was written by Hank Williams and believed to be inspired by his troubled relationship with wife Audrey Sheppard. Here are some of the lyrics:
"The silence of a falling star
Lights up a purple sky.
And as I wonder where you are
I'm so lonesome I could cry."5) "Mad World" - Gary Jules (2001)
This original song is by Tears For Fears and it was covered by Gary Jules and Michael Andrews for the soundtrack to the movie "Donnie Darko."
"Went to school and I was very nervous
No one knew me
No one new me
Hello teacher tell me whatâs my lesson
Look right through me
Look right through me"4) "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" - Gordon Lightfoot
This is a heartbreaking long song by Gordon Lightfoot commemorating the SS Edmund Superior that sunk on Lake Superior in 1975.
"The church bell chimed till it rang twenty-nine times
For each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
Of the big lake they call 'Gitche Gumee'.
Superior, they said, never gives up her dead
When the gales of November come early"3)Â "Tears in Heaven" - Eric Clapton (1992)
This sad tale about Clapton's four-year-old son Conor who fell from a window on the 53rd floor of a New York apartment is one of the most eloquent and tear jerking songs of all time.
"Would you know my name if I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same if I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong and carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong here in heaven."2) "Last Kiss" - Pearl Jam (1998)
The original song was written by Wayne Cochran in 1961, but was later covered by Pearl Jam. It is one of the most devastating songs to ever listen to. I know my roommate in college never wanted to hear it, because he would always break down and cry if he did.  It's based on a story about a 16-year-old couple who was on a date around Christmas time when they collided with another car on the road.
"I held her close, I kissed her our last kiss
I found the love that I knew I would miss
But now she's gone, even though I hold her tight
I lost my love, my life that night."1)Â Â "Hallelujah" - Jeff Buckley
This song was originally written by Leonard Cohen in 1984 and has seen numerous covers by all kinds of bands. But, I think the one by Jeff Buckley featuring a soft guitar is the most haunting and melancholy, yet strangely beautiful.
"Maybe thereâs a God above
But all Iâve ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you
Itâs not a cry you can hear at night
Itâs not somebody who has seen the light
Itâs a cold and itâs a broken Hallelujah"Any Honorable Mentions?
Let us know if you have any songs that are especially sad to you.
-Soren Nieminen
A supergroup is made up of some well-known musicians or solo artists. Â Here is our list (stolen from Paste Magazine) of the top 5 Supergroups of the 21st Century:
1) Â Middle Brother
Group Members: Â Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), Matt Vasquez (Delta Spirit), John McCauley (Deer Trick).
Middle Brother was formed in 2011 and just released their self-titled debut album. Â they are coming to Madison on Sunday March 13th at the Majestic.
2) Â The Dead Weather
Group Members: Â Jack White (The White Stripes), Alison Mosshart (The Kills), Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stoneage), Jack Lawrence (The Greenhornes).
They were formed in 2009 and have released two albums in Horehound in 2009 and Sea of Cowards in 2010.
3) Â Them Crooked Vultures
Group Members: Â Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stoneage), John Paul jones (Led Zeppelin)
They were formed in 2009 and released their self-titled debut album in that year and are currently working on their second album.
4) Â Broken Bells
Group Members: Â James Mercer (The Shins) and Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley)
They were formed in 2009 and released their self-titled debut album in 2010 and are releasing an EP entitled Meyrin Field on March 29th.
5) Â How To Destroy Angels
Group Members: Â Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), Atticus Ross (Producer) and Mariqueen Maandig Reznor
Ok, they may not seem like a supergroup, but this Oscar-winning team of Trent Reznor and Ross behind "The Social Network" have released one self-titled EP so far and have plans for more on the way.
Other notable mentions:
The Baseball Project, OFF!, Gnarls Barkley, Atoms for Peace, Monsters of Folk
Do you have any favorite songs by any of these bands?
So, now that the news has broken that Bob Dylan is teaming up with Mumford & Sons for a performance at the Grammys, it got me thinking about other cool duos who I would like to see together. Here goes, my fantasy picks of pairings for the Grammys:
1)Â Arcade Fire and David Bowie
They have teamed up before and performed "Wake Up," and it would be awesome to see these two play some songs off "The Suburbs" album. Bowie was a big influence for the band and the synergy between them is incredible.
2)Â Cee-Lo Green and The Black Keys performing "F### You"
I would love to see this combination. With the powerful vocals of Green and the catchy guitar of the Keys, you would have a fascinating sound in any song they played.
3)Â Florence and the Machine and Elton John
Florence and the Machine is one of the biggest break out groups of the year. With their hit "Dog Days Are Over," I think that their indie pop sound and the strong personality of lead singer Florence Welch and would mesh well with a piano and Elton John.
4)Â Ozzy Osbourne and Justin Bieber.
"What's a Bieber?"
5)Â Ray LaMontagne and Flight of the Conchords
LaMontagne did a pretty cool cover of "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley. I want to see him and and Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie perform several folk songs. They seem like a match made in heaven. I love the voice of LaMontagne and the lyrics of Flight of the Conchords.
What are your thoughts? Who would you like to see team up at this year's Grammys?-Soren Nieminen
Can you believe that 2010 is over? It seems like only yesterday everyone was preparing for Y2K and stocking up on water like there's no tomorrow. 2010 was a pretty great year for music...but what does the future hold?  Only time can tell us how these upcoming 2011 albums will sculpt the national landscape. So without waiting for much more, here they are: some of the most anticipated Albums of 2011:
"Title TBA" - Red Hot Chili Peppers
This will be their 10th studio album and promises to include a lot of experimentation and new sounds. Their last album was released in 2006.
Release Date:Â Unconfirmed, 2011
"Collapse Into Now" - R.E.M.
This will be R.E.M.'s 15th album. It was recorded in Berlin, New Orleans and Nashville and will have guests including Eddie Vedder, Patti Smith, and The Peaches.
Release Date:Â March 8th, 2011
"Rome" - Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi
This could be the most interesting project of the year. Danger Mouse is getting together with Jack White, Norah Jones and 1960's Italian soundtracks to create a pretty interested album.
Release Date:Â March 15th, 2011
"Title TBA" - The Strokes
It's been 5 years. I think we're ready.
Release Date:Â March 22, 2011
"Codes and Keys" - Death Cab for Cutie
Their last album "Narrow Stairs" was out in 2008 and this will be the group's 7th album.
Release Date:Â Spring, 2011
"Title TBA" - Coldplay
This will be their 5th studio album and is reported to be more acoustic. Hopefully it will come out this year sometime.
Release date:Â Unconfirmed, 2011
"Helplessness Blues" - Fleet Foxes
This will be their second album after the great success of their self-titled debut album.
Release Date:Â May 3rd, 2011
"Songs of Ascent (working title)" - U2
This will be U2's 13th studio album and it is being produced by Danger Mouse.
Release Date:Â May 2011 (unconfirmed)
"Unknown" - The Shins
Rumors are that James Mercer is interested in another album with The Shins in 2011. We'll see. Mercer seems pretty busy with his Broken Bells project with Danger Mouse.
Release Date:Â Unconfirmed, 2011
"Move Like This (working title)" - The Cars
The Cars have been around for a long time and reunited in 2010 and are putting out an album in the near future and it will most likely lead to another tour for the legendary group.
Release Date:Â May 10th (unconfirmed)
There's no use being objective when making lists like this. Here goes, the Top 10 Underrated Bands/Artists:
#10 ) Doves
This English band was started up in the late 90's and has released 4 studio albums and a lot of good music. The problem is they've been kind of lost in obscurity, but you should check out their last album Kingdom of Rust because it's very good.
#9) The Pixies
These guys were active in the late 80's and disbanded in 1993. they later reunited in 2004. They paved the way with their melodic and harsh sound for bands like Nirvana to come along. They were much more successful abroad than in the US and definitely a group to seek out.
#8) The Animals
Eric Burdon took this band to new hits and they were inducted into the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, but a lot of their music doesn't get any respect besides "House of the Rising Sun."Â They've put out 20 studio albums and there's a lot more to discover within this discography.
#7) Ted Nugent
I think a lot of people put off Ted Nugent because of his notoriety of being very conservative, but he is an incredible gifted guitarists who has released more than 34 albums. I think a lot of his talent gets wasted on what comes out of his mouth.
#6) Nick Drake
Nick Drake died in 1974 when he was 26, but he is considered today to be one of the most influential English singer-songwriters of the last 50 years. He has a large cult following today, and you should definitely give a listen to one of Drake's albums in the near future.
#5) The Kinks
The Kinks did churn out a bunch of hits, but a lot of their earlier albums like The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society (1968) are incredible and filled with awesome music. Ray Davies, the lead singer, has been prolific writing hundreds of songs and has released five solo albums. I think the perception is The Kinks were kind of a 'one-hit wonder', but they're definitely not. They should be in the same conversation as The Beatles, The Who and Rolling Stones.
#4) Warren Zevon
Warren Zevon was one of the greatest musicians of our time. He died in 2003 of cancer at 56-years-old. You probably know his hit "Werewolves of London" but everything on his 1978 album Excitable Boy is incredible. Definitely check him out.
#3) Frank Zappa
I think Zappa is just unappreciated. He was a phenomenal guitarist with a wicked sardonic wit who played a range of music that was challenging and unconventional. I think he gets overlooked today, despite the fact that he is a great virtuoso musician. He died in 1993 at age 52.
#2) Talking Heads
Talking Heads is probably best known for their work in the 80's and they were extremely popular for their pop hits, but they have a lot of music that isn't talked about. Singer David Byrne had some excellent esoteric lyrics that meshed well with the new age sound of the band. They have released 8 studio albums that are worth taking a gander at.
#1) Velvet Underground
I don't think Lou Reed has ever gotten the respect he deserves for this band that was one of the most influential groups of the 1960's. Along with John Cale, Nico and manager Andy Warhol, their debut album The Velvet Underground & Nico is one of my all-time favorites. "Heroin" is one of the most raw visceral songs that I have ever heard and a lot of their music is interesting and poetic.
Honorable Mentions:
What are some bands/artists who you think are underrated?
So this list is not all-inclusive, but it's just a compilation of some of the strangest and ridiculous things that Bands/Artists have demanded. Most of this list was stolen from PopCrunch.com and you can read their full list there. But here goes, the Top 10 Most Outrageous Band Requests:
#10 ) Snoop Dogg
The ubiquitous canine man requires ice cream, sherbet, cake & pie, and an assortment of fried foods. I wonder why?
#9) 50 Cent
The money machine rapper who has sold over 15 million albums worldwide allegedly demands a box of CUBAN cigars. I wonder if anyone honors that request?
#8) DMX
This east coast hip-hop artists demands 3 boxes of condoms and ONE GALLON of Hennessy Cognac.
#7) David Hasselhoff
I don't really consider him a great singer, but maybe some people do? David is obviously an admirer of himself because he likes a life-size cardboard cutout of himself with him backstage.
#6) Marilyn Manson
Marilyn demands lots of air conditioning, Haribo gummi bears, lots of absinthe, with popcorn & Doritos. If that doesn't spell a good night, I don't know what does. Also a bald prostitute with no teeth. (Allegedly).
#5) Madonna
Madonna has been touring all over the world, and at every venue she demands that a new toilet be installed for her. Brand new.
#4) Moby
Moby is adamantly against playing in smoking venues. He also likes lots of extra underwear to be made available to him backstage.
#3) Van Halen
They ask for a bowl of M&Ms with the BROWN M&Ms REMOVED. Supposedly it's a request to make sure that whichever venue they're playing at is reading the entire contract and adhering to safety issues, but it's a crazy request. Would you want to be the intern removing the brown m&ms?
#2) Prince
Prince likes to have a physician available at all times...to inject him with vitamin B12. Also he likes all food items to be covered in a "clear plastic wrap" until he gets to remove it.
#1) Britney Spears
Ms. Spears likes odor free carpet, cable tv, Froot Loops cereal and Pop Tarts. That doesn't sound too bad, right? She also demands a private phone line in her dressing room and will fine the promoter $5000 for any unauthorized incoming calls. Seems a bit harsh, but I guess when you churn out good music like her, you can do anything you want.
Following up
Are there any ridiculous requests you have heard about?
Even if you're not part of McRib Nation, you might find this interesting. There's a Madison connection to the new McDonalds commercial for the McRib! The song they use is "Love" by Matt White, a New Yorker who graduated from UW-Madison in 2006.
The song was included on an album called "Best Days" and actually came out a few years ago. It just makes me think happy thoughts!
Enjoy the video - and sorry if it makes you hungry for a certain sandwich from a certain fast food restaurant.
I gotta fever, and the only prescription is....
Swedish music is amazing. Awesome. And Fever Ray is leading the charge with some of the most haunting and beautiful sounds of the past couple years. And her videos are incredible. Just watch this and you'll see what I'm talking about.
The production values are incredible. The vibrant colors and synthesized sound echo across the tundra of this deeply troubled music video. It's exhilarating. The song is "Stranger Than Kindness" and is a cover of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.
Check it out:
I'm all about peace, but I love Good Old War
I am a sucker for a bunch of guys that know how to harmonize. Indie rock trio Good Old War knows how to do it the right way. They are just the type of music that I love. Folksy, sometimes bluesy with some amazing guitar and meaningful lyrics.
The song I've been listening to is That's Some Dream which is off their self titled sophomore album. The thing I like the most about this song is its just what Good Old War does best. They use simple elements but each element is intricate. It has a bouncy foot tapping guitar part with a hint of melancholy in its optimism. It's fun, it's catchy and it will be stuck in your head for days.
Check out a very cool performance of the song below.
So this list is not all-inclusive, but it's just a compilation of some of the weirdest bands I've come across. I'm not saying that these bands are bad, because a lot of them put out some pretty decent music, with a few exceptions. But here goes, the Top 10 weirdest bands I could think of:
#10 ) Bad Religion
This band isn't so much weird, as that they defy the conventions of punk music. Lead singer has received his Ph.D. at Cornell University and teaches courses in paleontology and life sciences at UCLA. He does this punk band on the side and the lyrics stretch the horizons for the power of politics through song.
#9) The Clever Hamsters Jazz Band
I think the name alone is interesting, but the band members may be even more so being entirely composed of Hamsters. This band has been has been traveling through the wheels of the world, exciting audiences everywhere.
#8) Buckethead
This guy is a virtuoso guitarist who released 29 studio albums and is one of the best guitarists in the world. He usually is in concert with a white bucket on his head and an expressionless white mask.
#7) The Muppets
Could you imagine if someone from outer space came to our planet and saw The Muppets? Granted, they are some of the greatest vocalists of the 20th and 21st century, but they are by all means...very strange.
#6) Mr. Bungle
Mr. Bungle was an experimental band from the sunny state of California that was active from the Mid 80's to 2004. They were well known for their crazy song structure and would often run through several genres in one single song. The band would often dress up in costumes and masks on stage and they had a heavy cult following.
#5) GWAR
This is a rock band founded in the 1980's that would dress up in elaborate sci-fi/horror movie costumes and were well-known for their really obscene lyrics combined with raunchy stage performances that would re-enact morally taboo subjects. Their current lead singer goes under the name "Oderus Urungus."
#4) All Girls Topless Band
This was an all-girls band that came from New Jersey in the 1960's. The main reason their shows were so popular was because they were...you guessed it...topless. Rumor has it they were hounded by the Bra police and moved their band to Las Vegas, where the law was more relaxed.
#3) Marilyn Manson
Brian Hugh Warner put together his stage name by combining the names of Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson. He has been attacked from all fronts by children activists for the violent lyrics of his music and is one of the most fascinating musical artists out there. He was born in Ohio and is rumored to wear his leather boots 24/7.
#2) Amon Amarth
This is a Swedish metal band that is heavily influenced by J.R.R Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. They base most of their songs on Norse mythology and love everything Viking. I guess that's good if you like death metal and Viking songs...but I don't.
#1) The Zimmers
The Zimmers have been active since 2007 and are the oldest band in the world. Their oldest member Buster Martin claims to be 103 years old. They released their first album Lust for Life in 2008.
You remember the old Seinfeld episode âThe Libraryâ that had George Costanza recollecting about his old high school days and how his gym teacher Mr. Heyman would intentionally mispronounce his name to âCanât-stand-ya!â Well, what that gym teacher saw in George is what I see in the following bands. Here it is: 10 bands I just canât stand.
#10 ) Genesis
Genesis has earned a nod because they round out the bottom of the barrel. It's not that I hate Phil Collins, it's just that some of their songs are so awful that I cringe to think about listening to them.
#9) Korn
Some people like to listen to Korn because of this "totally awesome beat." But, they're just not a very good band. They recently did a cover of "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd and murdered it. They took the song out into a cornfield, made it dig a hole, and then shot it several times.
#8) Michael Bolton
I think the movie "Office Space" sums up Bolton the best as a "no-talent ass clown."
#7) New Weezer
Weezer has just been destroying everything I have loved about them. Granted, they've put out a few good songs recently, but their last albums have had some real stinkers.
#6) Dave Matthews Band
The only thing worse than this band are its fans. They're awful. "Dude, you have to check them out because they're like the greatest band ever." No, they're not. Seeing them is like going out to dinner for what you think is a real fancy meal, only to get moldy bread and stale water and being forced to pay $50 for it.
#5) Train
Hey Soul Sister, get off the radio!
#4) Jimmy Buffett
Oh man, this one might give me some flak, but I don't care. I hated Jimmy Buffet the minute I heard anything he wrote. The cheeky clang of his guitar combined with his awful voice that sings solely about beaches and margaritas is just so awful.
I think media scholar Cartman from South Park sums it up eloquently, "Nobody likes Jimmy Buffet except for frat boys and alcoholic chicks from the south! F$@% you Jimmy Buffet, you f$*@ing suck!
#3) Def Leppard
Why don't you go pour some sugar in your mouth and be quiet? I mean the 80's were a terrible decade for music. They had some good stuff, but Def Leppard is not on that list.
#2) Insane Clown Posse
How can I even begin to describe my loathing for this band? I think I can sum it up in one of their hilarious lyrics off the song "Miracles:"
"I've seen miracles all around me, stop and look around it's all astounding, water, fire air and dirt, f@cking magnets, how do they work? I don't want to talk to a scientist, ya'll MF lying and getting me pissed."
Talk about poetry! Wow. Coming out of the deep intellectual void of Detroit (I apologize if you're from Michigan), the two members of the group are called "Violent J" and "Shaggy 2 Dope." Don't listen to them.
#1) Nickelback
Listening to them makes me angry. Not in a sense of I want to be violent, but just mad that they exist. But they have to, right? I mean, our definition of what's good has to be in relative proportion to what's bad, right? And these guys are really really really bad, so it makes me appreciate a lot more music.
All their songs sound the same and are so generic and bland. And I bought one of their albums when I was young and naive. I'm not a perfect human being, and paying for Nickelback has given me a lot of buyer remorse.
Following up
What are some of your least favorite bands/singers? I'm sure that we can come up with a growing list of people we just can't stand!
One album I can NOT stop listening to is Fitz and the Tantrums â Pickinâ Up the Piecesâ, a soul-influenced group from LA. Apparently Iâm not the only one, because in just one year, this multi-ethnic high energy band went from playing living rooms to the main stage.
The instrumentation is perfection and the songs bring us back to the memories of the golden age of soul music.
However, Fitz and the Tantrums are not a âthrowbackâ to the 60âs. They lovingly take the genre to a contemporary place, looking very dapper while doing so. So until they come to Madison, we will have to make do with some video.
April Smith and The Great Picture Show
This is a great Halloween hangover pick...a creepy song from a singer-songwriter named April Smith, who hails from Toms River New Jersey. She says she was influenced by everyone from Tom Waits to Kinky Friedman, and grew up giving impromptu shows to anyone who would pay attention. Her band is called April Smith And The Great Picture Show, and her album thatâs been out since the spring is called Songs for a Sinking Ship. April says the albumâs sound was influenced by âthe â30s and â40s, juke joints and cabaret, the Andrews Sisters and, of course, Tom Waits.â
I canât get enough of this song âTerrible Things.â Caution...the video might be too morbid for the meek.
Ping Pong Orchestra
A song used during a poignant scene during a movie or television show can make or break the scene. I'll always remember how The Dire Straits song "Brothers In Arms" was used during the final scene of season two of The West Wing. It was perfect.
Lately, I've been watching the HBO show Eastbound and Down. This show is no The West Wing. In fact, it's pretty much the complete opposite. It's filled with vulgarities and sophomoric humor, but it can still have some reflective moments. In the final scene of the first season, the main character ends up leaving is girlfriend, literally. They have plans to move to Florida, but he ditches her at a gas station.
The song playing during that final scene is by Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra.  Lee has made lots of music for movies and television shows. This one is called "Kiss the Sky". Enjoy.
Spaghetti Western music? Heck yes.
I love movie soundtracks. And I love western movie soundtracks. For those of you who are unfamiliar, Spaghetti Westerns are a genre of films that came out of Italy (hence 'spaghetti') that were about the wild west. Particularly, the most famous director of that movement is Sergio Leone and his Dollars trilogy including "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly." Great great film.
Anyways, I've also been watching a lot of NFL lately and they took a track by Ennio Morricone that was called "Ecstasy of Gold" and they remixed it and have been playing it in some previews/commercials for games. I love it. Here it is below:
Duffy, "Well, Well, Well"
I fell I love with Duffy back in 2008 when she released her debut album Rockferry. She has one of the most unique, interesting and instantly recognizable voices Iâve ever heard. Not only that, but the girl can give it some power. The rest of the world seemed to take notice to, earning her three Grammy Nominations and a win for best pop vocal album.
Duffy is soon to be releasing her sophomore album, Endlessly, and has pre-released the first single. The song âWell, Well, Wellâ is just what Duffy does best. It has a little soul, a little jazz, and the Welsh songstress belting out the lyrics in a commanding way.   Itâs upbeat, and contagious with a big band production, a sultry rhythm and a catchy chorus. Is that another Grammy nod in Duffyâs future?  I would bet yes.
Duffy has already released a video with her new single. check it out below!
First the Rules:1)Â The album had to be a debut.2)Â This is about the cohesive structure of the album.3)Â These are my opinions...therefore 100% correct.
#1 ) "Up From Below" -- Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes
Edward Sharpe climbed to the top of this list to the top of list by having excellent tracks and an amazing 10 person band that play everything from trumpets to accordions to the ukulele. The album was released in July of 2009. Here's their hit "Home" below.
#2) "Sigh No More" --Mumford and Sons
This album is a force. Released in October of 2009, it has steadily climbed onto the radio and has the band virtually sold out on its tour. Here's the song "Little Lion Man" below.
#3) Broken Bells
Broken Bells features the awesome power of James Mercer, the lead guitarist/vocalist of The Shins and Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse).  The album was released in March of 2010. Here's the song "Trap Doors" below.
#4) "Astro Coast" -- Surfer Blood
The name makes you think of metal, but don't be fooled because Surfer Blood is more akin to early Weezer and has put out a fabulous album in January of 2010. Here's their song "Swim" below:
#5) "Tourist History" -- Two Door Cinema Club
This band takes a little bit to get used to and it has been criticized for its lack of depth, but it really is a great album overall. It was released in February of 2010. It has quick sharp notes and very catchy beats. Check out the song "Tourist History" below:
#6) One eskimO
One eskimO is a band that caught my attention last year when they debuted their self-titled album in September of 2009. Here's a link for a free download of their awesome some "Kandi." http://wmmm.radiotown.com/kandi.zip Here's the song "Astronauts" below:
#7)Â The Drums
This is an indie band from Brooklyn. They put out their self-titled debut in June of 2010 and what a killer one it was. Here is their song "Let's Go Surfing."
#8) Fever Ray
I really can't get enough of the Swedish music front. Karin Dreijer Andersson is a wild performer, incorporating masks and costumes into her performances. Her album is magical and haunting and was released in March of 2009. Here's her song "When I grow up" below:
#9) "Treats" -- Sleigh Bells
If you're not a fan of the noise pop genre, then stay far away because it's about to get crazy. It was released in May of 2010. It's a visceral smack in the face album that take's no prisoners. It was released in May of 2010. Here's the song "Rill Rill" below:
#10) "Lungs" --Florence and the Machine
This album is product of British pop singer Florence Welch and her work with a variety of different artists. Rolling Stone writer Jon Dolan wrote about the album that "the best bits feel like being chased through a moonless night by a sexy moor witch." How about that? The album was released in July of 2009. Here's the song "Kiss with a Fist" below:
Honorable Mentions
Here are some bands that are good that didn't make the list. Let us know if you can think of others to check out!
Fools Gold, Bombay Bicycle Club, White Lies, Band of Skulls, The Soft Pack, Everything Everything, The Very Best, Music Go Music, Exit Calm, xx, Japandroids, Tired Pony...
Let us know what your favorite debut albums of 2009-2010 were!
This week I received a CD that excited me for 2 reasons. One, itâs the first album in 9 years released by Huey Lewis and the News, one of rocks great party bands, and second, itâs a tribute to Memphis Soul!
Recorded at historic Ardent Studioâs in Memphis, â Soulsvilleâ has 14 songs from the vaults of Stax Records including âRespect Yourselfâ and âGot to get You Off My Mindâ.
I canât stop listening to it, and you can too when itâs released November 2.
You Are Not Alone by Mavis Staples
When I heard that soul and gospel legend Mavis Staples was teaming up with Jeff Tweedy, I wasn't sure what to expect. It seemed an odd pairing..the guy from Wilco producing an album by the same woman who belted out "I'll Take You There" with the Staple Singers.
What we ended up getting with âYou Are Not Aloneâ is a soulful album, filled with great song choices. Staples says the songs Tweedy chose showed that he really knew what she was all about, and you can tell sheâs really into what sheâs singing.
Check out this acoustic version of the title song, featuring Mavis and Tweedy.
Ezra Furman and the Harpoons + Free Download
A few weeks ago The Nod came in to play for us during the morning show. These guys are great, but today's post isn't about them. It's about a band they've turned me on to called Ezra Furman and the Harpoons.
Brett from The Nod says the lead singer really does a lot for his fans including writing personalized songs for fans that send him their interests/feelings. The group seems to have a good sense of humor too.
Here's the bio on the bass players: "Bassist Job Mukkada is a singer-songwriter in his own right, but staunchly avoids the limelight because of his citrus allergy."
Check out the video for their single: "Take Off Your Sunglasses".
Plus you can download "Take Off Your Sunglasses" for free!
String Quartets and such
I've been hooked on instrumental covers of music for a long time. And highest on the list of musicians in that field is the Vitamin String Quartet who have carved a successful career out of hard rock and all kinds of different music, ranging from Lady Gaga to Coldplay to Rise Against.
You can catch a lot of their music on Youtube and I believe it's available on iTunes as well. Check out this song below where they have covered "Snow (Hey Oh)" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Awesome stuff.
Florence & the Machine Covers Bruce Springsteen
I am a HUGE fan of Florence & the Machine and I also love Bruce Springsteen and Kid Harpoon. So there is really one way to describe a Springsteen cover by Florence and Kid Harpoon: Magic.
The pair did a cover of the song I'm Going Down. If you're worried these artists have ruined Bruce, don't be. They respect the original while still putting themselves into it. Both of these artists have amazing voices and the power of their harmonies mixed with the simple acoustic guitar is perfection.
Check out a fan made video below or click here for the .mp3!
Silversun Pickups "Lazy Eye"
It seems I am developing somewhat of a theme each week - I keep discovering bands that are already "old news" to some - but like television re-runs, if you haven't seen it, it's "new to you!" I've been hearing a lot of buzz about Silversun Pickups for the last year or two, and upon finally hearing the music myself I can see what the buzz is about.
Silversun Pickups is a four piece, Grammy Award-nominated indie alternative rock band from LA. It's got a minimalist sound, with repeated chords. It's dense and layered, making heavy use of guitars for rhythms. It's all very trance-like without being electronica. It has emotive highs and lows, but it's not angry. There's distortion, but it's not dissonant. The whole song sounds like it's rolling, if that makes sense.
The band released their debut EP, Pikul, in July 2005, and their debut full-length album, Carnavas, on July 26, 2006. Their second full length album, Swoon, was released on April 14, 2009.
Check out this acoustic performance of "Lazy Eye" at KNDD in Seattle
I just canât get my mind off Lukas Nelson and the Promise of Real, a band that I saw at Farm Aid 25 a couple of weeks ago in Milwaukee.
Lukas is Willie Nelsonâs son..but he seems more like the descendant of Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan. Even if you have seen someone play with their teeth before, I think youâll be impressed! Heâs also got an old blues guy kind of voice which is strange coming out of someone so young.
He hasnât released an album yet, but you can find a bunch of live performances on youtube.
Radiohead "Creep" cover
I've always been pretty interested in movie soundtracks. The new movie, The Social Network (which is about the invention of Facebook) features music from Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) Atticus Ross. They did a great job with the music.
However, the song I'm hooked on is not used in the movie, but it was used in the trailer of the movie. It's a cover of Radiohead's Creep. It's performed by the Scala & Kolacny Brothers which is actually a Belgian girls choir. They've taken a lot of rock and roll songs and put their own spin on it.
Creep is already a creepy song, but it's brought to a new level with this version. (Careful, they do use the 'F' word a couple of times in the song).
Jonathan stole my thunder!
Ok, I saw "The Social Network" last week and I have to say it's one of the better movies I've seen in a while. One of the incredible parts of the movie is the soundtrack done by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (who has been known for his combination on Hughes Brothers films).
The cool part of the soundtrack is this minimalist driving Philip Glass-like electronic rhythm mixed with the soft playing of a piano. You also have the frenetic voracity of Nine Inch Nails and some of the songs are very intense. I mean, covering "In the Hall of Mountain King" by Edward Grieg? Director David Fincher is a modern day Kubrick. Genius. Here's one of the best tracks "Intriguing Possibilities."
Generationals "Trust"
The Generationals released their debut album, Con Law, back in July of 2009 on Park the Van Records. However the song that caught my attention is off their upcoming EP Trust.
I heard the title track this past weekend and ever since it has been on repeat in my head and on my i-pod. It's a great indie pop track with heavy drums and a simple guitar melody. Its a light and catchy jangly tune and one that will have your head nodding.
You can stream the full track along with others by visiting Generational's Myspace!
Check out a video of Generationals performing These Habits and Trust
The Fruit Bats "When U Love Somebody"
My pick this week is what could be considered "an oldie but a goodie." The Fruit Bats' last release was in 2009 but I am just getting around to listening to the band now. The Fruit Bats have toured with the likes of Modest Mouse and The Shins but have never gained as much notoriety as many of their folk-rock counterparts.
The music is pretty easy listening, not too in-your-face and keeps the emotion positive. The song that I am listening to on repeat these days is the light + refreshing love song of sorts entitled "When U Love Somebody" from their 2003 release Mouthfuls. The band managed to take 4 simple lines and turn it into an incredible song.
I came across this fan music video - it's really well done!
The Broadway musical Wicked has flown back into town, thrilling fans at the Overture Center now through June 9th.
I got a chance to see the production for the 2nd time last night, and once again was blown away. Even though I saw Wicked in 2010, I had...
Today we traveled back to 1975 for a Rendezvous with The Hudson Brothers. This song didn't make it to high on the charts, but Kitty enjoyed it. Her favorite brother was Brett. She also loved their television show. We've included a skit from...
I'm not sure why Pete Yorn decided to name his new music project after a European cave dwelling aquatic salamander, but if he stops by to play us some songs in Studio M, we'll have to ask him.
The Olms is a collaboration between Pete Yorn and...
Today's song was written by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary. It was inspired by the 1957 novel Doctor Zhivago. No one was inspired by the song this morning. It was rejected by almost all the listeners.
Today is World Goth Day, a day to celebrate the post-punk, anti-establishment, dark clothes-wearing subculture.
I'm pretty sure I was a Goth for at least for little while, for two reasons.
1) I almost hardly ever wear pastels.
2) I used to...
Hello to all from Nfusion. Another round of challenges has moved beyond us all. Congrats to those of us lucky enough to have survived to this point. Sad to see the others eliminated as they were all very creative and talented. Good Bye to our new friends...
This morning it seemed like just about everyone was in the mood for some Funky Cold Medina...except Kitty. This ridiculous song made it all the way to number 3 in 1989. Jonathan says any song that references advertising dogs from the 80's has got...
Madison's summer music festival season kicks off this weekend with Brat Fest at Willow Island, where there are more bands than you can shake a bratwurst at! Check out the Brat Fest website to plan your itinerary.
Next up is the Marquette...
The Broadway musical Wicked has flown back into town, thrilling fans at the Overture Center now through June 9th.
I got a chance to see the production for the 2nd time last night, and once again was blown away. Even though I saw Wicked in 2010, I had...
Today we traveled back to 1975 for a Rendezvous with The Hudson Brothers. This song didn't make it to high on the charts, but Kitty enjoyed it. Her favorite brother was Brett. She also loved their television show. We've included a skit from...
I'm not sure why Pete Yorn decided to name his new music project after a European cave dwelling aquatic salamander, but if he stops by to play us some songs in Studio M, we'll have to ask him.
The Olms is a collaboration between Pete Yorn and...
Today's song was written by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary. It was inspired by the 1957 novel Doctor Zhivago. No one was inspired by the song this morning. It was rejected by almost all the listeners.
Today is World Goth Day, a day to celebrate the post-punk, anti-establishment, dark clothes-wearing subculture.
I'm pretty sure I was a Goth for at least for little while, for two reasons.
1) I almost hardly ever wear pastels.
2) I used to...
Hello to all from Nfusion. Another round of challenges has moved beyond us all. Congrats to those of us lucky enough to have survived to this point. Sad to see the others eliminated as they were all very creative and talented. Good Bye to our new friends...
This morning it seemed like just about everyone was in the mood for some Funky Cold Medina...except Kitty. This ridiculous song made it all the way to number 3 in 1989. Jonathan says any song that references advertising dogs from the 80's has got...
Madison's summer music festival season kicks off this weekend with Brat Fest at Willow Island, where there are more bands than you can shake a bratwurst at! Check out the Brat Fest website to plan your itinerary.
Next up is the Marquette...
