Listened On.

Are you the type who just go to music blog after music blog, only to click on the great song link, and ignore everything else like the words of the post? I'm kinda guilty of that, sometimes. Unless the band's really great. I feel bad. They deserved to be read and loved.

So this is for those people. Barely any words. Just songs. For you. (Don't you feel loved?)

Psapp - Leaving In Coffins

This is my bus song. My spacing out song. My wake up song. It just makes me smile. Or maybe cus twinkling noises are my weakness. Psapp's kinda cute, making their music with toy instruments. It's toytronica. *guffaws* I mean, seriously. They said so.

Cake Bake Betty - Dear Mother

This song is an old one, and I hadn't been listening to it for a long time. Pretty voice. Spooky lyrics. Piano-driven. From Cake Bake Betty's last CD, Songs About Teeth. Me want.

The Lovermakers - Is It Alight

The Lovemakers make the catchiest things. I don't do sing-alongs. But damn. It's been my bathroom sing-along song for a month after the first few listens. *blush* It's good. If you like Is It Alright, you would like Set Me Free too, and if you like that too, hell just go buy the damn CD will you?

Lydia - December

And how can I miss the sad song of the week? It's angsty. The vocals are raspy with a bit of female vocals if you listened real close. It's just a typical song to brood to (or whatever sad kids do nowadays). And the length is just long enough for a brooding session.

And this is totally random, totally not indie.

The Muppets - Mahna Mahna

Uhh.. it's cute? You know you want to sing it. It's. Just. One. Freaking. Word. I got the song because they said Menomena got their name from this muppet song. If only Menomena makes songs this catchy. =) You can drive you friends crazy with it.

Mahna mahna doo doo doo doo doo mahna mahna doo doo doo doo...

Mellowz

Hell-oh itz be mee! Hokay I tried to find a pretty picture to rival those of the others. Ta-dah!



This week holds all the hardcore mugging type subject exam papers, ie my two remaining science papers and my case study business paper! This is, however, not the worst part. This week will also be the last week of IGCSE examinations for pretty much all my friends. :( They're like going to MUI NE. Which is a sandy beach funinthesun type place if you didn't know. And my everything-except-physical-and-racial twin keeps going, "Hey, you wanna go to mui ne? Oh wait no. You have pe next week! :D" :(((
Yes so. You can imagine I'm not exactly feeling cheerful and excited at the prospect of revising for my pe theory paper while my mates frolick and swim amongst the undeniably treacherous yet attractive sparkling waves of the open sea. And get bikini tans.

So, without further ado, I present to you (esteemed ladies and gentlemen dwelling in my mind) songs that reflect my mood! (mellow) :)

For starters there's Take A Walk On The Wild Side by the Velvet Underground. VU is/was, I must say, quite a mellow band. Or maybe by some strange chance I just have all their mellow stuff ><
On the mrt/subway/train home alone at night after some high-energy event? The Velvet Underground will ease you down gently.
They were also quite an influential band, tempering the sounds of the likes of Nirvana, the Dandy Warhols and Joy Division to name a few.

Next there's Back In The Wild by the Greenskeepers. You know that song playing on grey's anatomy when meredith has her hand stuck in a patient holding a bomb and they're trying to bring them to an OR that isn't near a gas line so the whole hospital won't explode? Slowly? This is that song, folks.

And then! There's We Drink On The Job by Earlimart! This song's abit faster (okay alot faster) than the others, but trust me, it's mellow all right. The basic riff is TWO NOTES. And yet the song still manages to be spiffingly gorgeous! Now THAT'S talent.

Following which is The District Sleeps Alone Tonight and This Place Is A Prison, both by the Postal Service. TPS music sounds quite conflicted to me. You have the usually-upbeat electronicky music laced with relaxed-sounding vocals. And somehow, it works. o_O Both songs are also from their album Give Up.
(btw listen to the whole of this place is a prison since the start is quite alot more depressing than the rest)

Okay I think I should get back to my revising. Byebye.

Teh.

Because i'm the author in feetstickers with lots of leisure time, I shall update. The other three authors are having major exams today and I hope they do well. Hopefully, they would post some upbeat happy band once they start blogging.

(But don't expect that of Sharon (aka Miss. Frown) who likes sad songs.)

I'm just going to post songs with little comments today, nothing about the band.

I just woke up and i'm having breakfast. It's Monday morning and i'm being fuelled by warm tea and buttered toast. And... since it's morning, these are two rather appropriate songs.

The Eels - Saturday Morning
The Ditty Bops - Wake Up (Live at KCRW)

These are sweet songs to wake up to. Trust me.

Next Up, We have...

Iron & Wine - Naked As We Came

I'm very slow with Iron & Wine, I should have listened to their stuff earlier. Awesome band. Think 'meticulously plucked acoustic guitar and a lovely lilting voice'.

Now, for more upbeat happy tunes, I present you..

Kissinger - Gold Rush

&

The Dandelions - On The 54

Kissinger sounds like something that would be playing in your car stereo as you take a road trip. They have three more free tracks on their official website available for download.

The Dandelions are so catchy, you might find yourself clapping to it, bopping your head up and down, tapping your feet or maybe even dancing. It's contagious!

Shake it up now, c'mon shake it up yeah!

cheers.

Azure Ray.

Azure Ray.

Hello! I'm new. =) Apparently.

Well about me; I'm sharon. I don't listen to any specific genres, as long as it's all good music. I like Regina Spektor, YYYs, Rilo Kiley, The Blow, Prototypes, Azure Ray... or what nick says, girly indie. And the occasional of everything else.

And now, I'm gonna start my first post with...

Azure Ray!

American dream-pop duo Azure Ray consists of Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink. They makes those perfect little sad songs, where you just sit by the window and watch the rain. Ok, lousy description. They make the perfect girly emo songs. They are often compared to Veruca Salt, and appeared on some Bright Eyes records. Both songs November and Sleep were both released in 2002. If you bought The Devil Wears Prada soundtrack, Sleep is one of the songs included.

November
Sleep

Both girls had solo projects of their own, though my favourite has to be Maria Taylor. There are happy catchier songs! So I guess she's the happier version of Azure Ray. She's just released her second solo album this march, Lynn Teeter Flower.

A Good Start
Irish Goodbye
Song Beneath The Song

I recommend both Azure Ray songs and Maria Taylor's Song Beneath The Song. And if you like those, Irish Goodbye might be slightly more different (a jolt from all the sad!), so don't touch it unless you want to stop feeling emo. Do check them out if you like them, and show your love by buying their stuff!

I like sad songs.

But be happy now! Bye.

Laid Back Part 2

Last week was a picture of Emily Haines and this week is...

Connor O'berst of Bright Eyes! Yeah, his songs are pretty laid back but to me he's known as the 'Super Emo Boy'.

I've decided that since last week was all about girls, it'll be all about blokes for this post.

6) Bright Eyes - Lua

Bright Eyes is really just Connor O'berst. Sorry to say that the rest of the band members are insignificant. Lua is a song from the album I'm Wide Awake It's Morning. It's a terrific album about loneliness and I think it's what all the Bright Eyes fans have been hoping for. It's very honest and filled with relatable poetry.

"When everything is lonely I can be my own best friend
I get a coffee and the paper; have my own conversations"

Told you he was eeeeeeemo.

7) Sufjan Stevens - Opie's Funeral Song

Yes, I know. "Funeral?" Look, I feel relaxed when I listen to this song and it fits the laid back profile. Sufjan Stevens is an American songwriter/singer that is known for writing folk songs about faith and his family (Does it sound boring already?). He has been compared to Elliot Smith as they have similar vocals and they both have this beautiful vulnerability in their songs. Stevens definitely has a gift for writing simple intense songs. Opie's Funeral Song is from the album Mews Too: An Asthmatic Kitty Compilation and I will describe this song as "soothing".

8) John Mayer - Your Body Is A Wonderland

I started getting into his music when my brother mentioned him and though the title of this song may sound misleading, the lyrics are very romantic and beautiful. "I'll never let your head hit the bed without my hand behind it." How's that? John Mayer has a great talent for writing songs and I have found respect for him after I listened to this song which is from the album Room For Squares.

9) Carey Ott - Am I Just One

Carey Ott is one of those artists who creates music that goes perfectly well with a hot cup of coffee. You would be able to picture yourself having one of those mornings where everthing is relaxed or, having a drink at a bar at night. The name of the album is Lucid Dream and the title sums up the album very well. If you ask me, I think Carey Ott was going for the lovers vibe with his music in Lucid Dream and if you like Damien Rice, you will like Carey Ott.

10) The Clientele - E.M.P.T.Y.

Oh wow, this dreamy song is so good. It's off their album Strange Geometry which was released in 2005. I can imagine myself being very happy, (like i'm high on drugs) bouncing on a bed. The Clientele are a London based band and they have been active since 1991. They create low-key melodic pop tunes that will lull you into a state of bliss.

Yes, I am done with this playlist. I hope you guys like it.

Love.

The Laid Back pt 1

Emily Haines of Metric.

I've been sitting around doing nothing for today and that will continue for the next three days as I have four days off school. Why is that? Well, it doesnt really matter. What matters is..

I have a playlist for the lazy day and you lucky people will be able to get Nick's lazy/slightly emo playlist which will not fail to impress. Oh, and this one is for the girls. So expect girly tunes.

This is Part 1.

1) The Weepies - Gotta Have You

The Weepies are an indie pop-folk band from the States and this track is off their 2nd album Say I Am You. Their songwriting skills won't fail to impress as it's consistently introspective and poetic. So just download the song and be enchanted by the vocalist's warm harmonies accompanied by sweet acoustic guitar.

2) Tegan & Sara - And Darling

You would have heard of this sisterly twins duo if you've been watching TV shows like Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill or Veronica Mars. They come from sweet Canada and have toured with the likes of The Killers and Hot Hot Heat. Because I should always state which album this song is from, it's from So Jealous which was released in 2004. I would say that their album has quite a number of highly contagious pop tunes that are instantly likeable. So, although you may be quite late on them (if you haven't heard of them), it's not too late to go out and purchase their album.

3) Rilo Kiley - The Execution Of All Things.

Okay, you guys might not find this one laid back at all, but I couldnt resist not posting about Rilo Kiley. Frontwoman Jenny Lewis is delicious. They infuse pop rock with country. And though, to some, country sounds totally unappealing (it did to me), its really not and you should check out this band. Wait for the 56 second mark. You might find yourself smiling. :)

4) Metric - Grow Up And Blow Away

Another gem from Canada, they formed in 1998 creating new wave indie rock and they're fronted by a skinny blonde chick by the name of Emily Haines. She has a solo project going on. View her myspace. They have really smart lyrics that is sung along with pop rock tunes. Think Yeah Yeah Yeahs going poppier. Grow Up And Blow Away was from their first recorded album that never got released as the band felt that the album wasn't what people expected to hear. But this is good stuff nonetheless.

5) Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Hyperballad (Bjork cover)

Hah. What can I say about this band? Pure genius. Singer Karen O shows off her softer side in this song. No screaming/shouting or growling (Remember Art Star?). Just acoustic guitar played by Nick Zinner and her melodious voice.

That's all for part 1. I will post part 2 in maybe 2 days time?

Cheers.

English.

Babyshambles

Unlike Chialynn, I am not that much of an avid fan of local music. Though I have seen a few acts live before and they were quite impressive. Astreal are a three piece fronted by Ginette Chittick. They play post rock and shoegaze but genres are stupid so let's just categorise them under Alternative. This is a really odd description but I felt like I was in space while watching them perform. Songs available are only a minute long and it's via download.com

Astreal - Wallflower

Astreal - Blush Response

If you wish to listen to more of their stuff, visit their myspace page.

Now, for the absolutely genius stuff that you can expect from Nick, I present to you...

BABYSHAMBLES!

Babyshambles are an English rock band fronted by the notorious headliner Pete Doherty, formerly of The Libertines. It was actually Pete's side project at first due to his boot from The Libertines but they have since been viewed as a band in their own right. The second song available for download is actually a cover. The original band who performed it were The Clash. Babyshambles collaborated with quite a number of British indie bands on that song Janie Jones, featuring contributions from bands like The Maccabees, The Rakes, Dirty Pretty Things (just Carl Barat actually) and The Holloways, just to name a few. In 2006, the song was released to raise funds for Joe Strummer's (also of The Clash) charity foundation Strummerville.

Devour these catchy tunes.

The Libertines - Can't Stand Me Now

Babyshambles - Janie Jones (Strummerville)

The Clash - London Calling

Bonus!

Babyshambles - Killamangiro

Babyshambles - I Wish

I would recommend every tune I have here for grabs, but don't download 'London Calling' unless you're looking for something different.

Okay, i'm off, enjoy the tunes and have a nice day! :)

noteworthy singapore bands

Hey y'all. Singapore bands aren't that bad! And I'm not just saying that because I'm from Singapore. Some of them truly are good.

Say, Electrico. Formerly known as Electric Company way back when. their vocalist's voice is smooooooth and mellow. Like spikes with rounded tips.
Listen to their hit single I Want You from their first album So Much More Inside! (It's not as emo as it sounds, I promise) And their other hit single Runaway, also from So Much More Inside! And their other other hit single We're Not Made In The USA from the album Hip City. And their other other other hit single Love In New Wave from Hip City. As you can see, they've had alooooooot of hit singles. Listen and truly know why!
You can get Hip City here for SG$16.50, since I'm pritt-ty sure itunes doesn't stock singaporean bands. :/

Then there's the Suns. I guess you could argue they're aussie, but once upon a time they were known as the Boredphucks and were singaporean. ...Then they got into a spot of trouble with our overbearing government and the rest is history. :) They don't have a wikipedia entry, and I had trouble getting hold of a copy of their songs due to the elusivity of legal music stores in ho chi minh city that stock them :( Sorry y'all. But! I DO have their myspace page, where they have an abundance (okay, four) of songs for your sampling pleasure. Be sure to listen to all of those; they are exceedingly catchy and pebbley! 'Specially Charlene.

And finally, there is West Grand Boulevard! They call themselves indie, but honestly, they sound more emo/pop to me. But then, what do I know of genres? And anyway, their genre does not affect the extreme coolness of this band!
I could only get my hands on one of the songs I wanted you to hear. Now We Will is lovely! And here's their myspace page where you must hear Flights of Fancy (if it's still there):.

the end!

No. 2

Hi everyone.

There's a type of Dog Biscuit called Booda Velvet. But obviously, that's not what i'm going to talk about. The Booda Velvets are a band from New York. Check out their singer, Dan Cromie's vocals. And Of course, it's supported by lush melodies and anthemic choruses that seduce you.

Salome's Wish (Favorite!)

Head Rush

Hydraulic

If you like what you hear. Please purchase their album.

nick.

chia lynn's current five favouritest songs evaaar list

Hello! I have the honour of first post maker! :)
Sooooo. My friends and I, we decided our music choices are muchos important. So important that they warrant a blog advertising songs/bands we like to the unenlightened masses. (nono I'm joking don't whack me):
Hokay, on with the show.

About the main musical contributors;
Nick enjoys music by the Libertines, Nine Inch Nails and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. He also has the hots for Pete Doherty of the Libertines. Heh heh. Though, contrary to popular belief, he is not gay. Too bad y'all! He hails from Singapore.

Carren loves Voxtrot muchly! And the Smashing Pumpkins, and the Rakes. And basically anything with meaningful lyrics and sentiment. You might argue rap lyrics are meaningful with LOTS of sentiment (Imma do your girl and push her off the golden gate bridge) but sadly she isn't into that! (cough thank merlin) She resides in Merlion Land (singapore, gundus!).

And Chia Lynn (the coolest/nicest person on earth) doesn't really listen to songs according to whatever band from whence they spawned. Though she finds most Arcade Fire, the Postal Service and Muse songs almost always pretty darn good listening. She's also tres artsy (HO, HO, HO ADVERTISING). She lives in Ho Chi Minh City currently, 'cos her all-paying daddy was posted there for work. She's a singaporean through-and-through, though. Albeit with mediocre singlish skeellz and abit of an indentity crisis; she cannot converse in her mother tongue :(

Yes and, if you haven't guessed already, this is chia lynn posting! Mhm and I guess for starters I'll put up my current five favouritest songs EVARRRR.

Number Five on the Chialynn'sfivefavouritestsongsevar list: Tragedy by Brandi Carlile! It's quite interesting, it goes up and down like mountains at the chorus, while hilly at verses. 'Twas featured on Grey's Anatomy once (solving the mystery of where I got it from. mm you deserve a scooby snack). Carlile's quite up-and-coming, though I haven't been able to find decent radio here in saigon and therefore am not sure if she's come up yet or not. :( Her official webpage, and the wiki entry on her.

Number Four. Time Is Running Out by Muse from their album Absolution. They're an English band, heavily influenced by alternative rock, indie rock, classical music, electronica, heavy metal, and progressive rock. It's their hit single from that very album, actually :) It's so catchy, I was singing it in my head during my ICT paper (I'M DOING IGCSES NOW OMGOMGOMG)!

My third right now is Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives by Voxtrot. The tune is wondrous. Negative, yet bright! Going downwards like on curved steps. I'm not crazy, I'm NOT. :( This one's from their EP Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives. Voxtrot's indie pop! From what everyone's heard from their EPs, they are the tasty shiznit man. Their wiki entry.

Number two, ladies and gentlemen is I Melt With You by Nouvelle Vague! It means the New Wave in French. And as I hope you've gathered, they ARE French! :) Hmm this song is on the mr and mrs smith OST. 'Tis a cover from the 80's pop band Modern English! It's light, like a xylophone. Them on Wiki.

And finally, number one. My most favourite song currently on the list. And the winner is, (drumroll) Blah Blah Blah by Say Hi To Your Mom! It's dark and wistful and unreal sounding, about a vampire lusting after a mortal. I even memorised the lyrics o_O Which is quite big for me. If you're only going to listen to one song from here, let it be this one. Say Hi To Your Mom is indie pop/lo-fi rock based in brooklyn. Blah Blah Blah hails from their album Inpeccable Blahs, which also contains other great songs like These Fangs and Angels And Darlas! Such value should not be underestimated. Wiki-ed.

Okay I gots ta go study for my paper tomorrow. It's business studies :( May the force be with you.