Song o' the Day

Brothers - New London Fire

2011-11-11T11:11:00.001-07:00

Today is Veterans Day, a day set aside to remember and pay respects to our military veterans. Also known around the world as Remembrance Day and Armistice Day, it marks the signing of the Armistice which ended World War I (the War to End All Wars?) as major hostilities formally ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.

Brothers by New London Fire from the album "The Dirt The Blood The Faith" to be released November 22, 2011

New London Fire website

New London Fire on Facebook

New London Fire on Twitter

New London Fire on Myspace

Six Inch Killaz - The King Cheetah

2011-10-26T14:33:00.001-06:00

OK. I'm sucking these days at posting regularly. My apologies. But for those who enjoy edgy punk-laced slam rock goodness, I think this one should make the wait worth it. Thanks to my friend Gavin Carroll for this turn on.

Originating in London, UK in the mid-90s, but currently based out of Los Angeles, California, The King Cheetah is a breath stealing power rock trio consisting of founders Robert Paul Mune on guitar and vocals and Simon Hancock on drums and newest member Ray Pillar on bass.

Indie-Music.com describes them as “a gritty, dirty Brit sound; imagine standing on stage in a pile of broken beer bottles two feet thick, trying to sing as a leather sofa burns in front of the stage. That is the sound of The King Cheetah.” I agree.

Six Inch Killaz by The King Cheetah from the 2005 EP "Six Inch Killaz"

The King Cheetah website

The King Cheetah MySpace page

Home (Is Where I'm Leaving) - J.P. Whipple & The Filthy Whipple Medicine Show

2011-09-02T13:40:00.000-06:00

OK. I'm getting excited about this. Our next Underground Gypsy Cabaret is coming up in just a few weeks. That by itself is very exciting as it is always an incredibly fun time, but this go around with it we have the pleasure of J.P. Whipple gracing our stage with his unique vagabond blues. I have been a fan of his for quite some time and am thrilled beyond words to have the opportunity to share a stage with him for a night. If fact, I think the term "giddy" is more than fitting.

Home (Is Where I'm Leaving) by J.P. Whipple from the EP "Rusted Soul"

J.P. Whipple website

J.P. Whipple on Facebook

J.P. Whipple on Twitter

Time Jesum Transeuntum Et Non Riverentum - Nick Cave and the Dirty Three

2011-08-24T10:30:00.000-06:00

Mesmerizing. Hypnotizing. Haunting. And oh, so beautiful! This is a hidden track on a compilation album of songs inspired by the much loved Fox series, "The X Files". The Latin title translates to the phrase, "Dread the Passage of Jesus, For He Will Not Return." The music for this song is actually a revisitation (yes,I made that word up) of "Better Go Home Now" by The Dirty Three with an entrancingly seductive spoken word by Nick Cave.

Time Jesum Transeuntum Et Non Riverentum by Nick Cave and the Dirty Three from the 1996 album "Songs in the Key of X: Music from and Inspired by "The X-Files""

Nick Cave website

The Dirty Three website

Saint Judas - Mark Growden

2011-08-23T20:15:00.000-06:00

So, there I stood, up to my elbows (quite literally) in sudsy dishwater cleaning the dinner dishes and listening to Pandora on my cell phone when suddenly I hear "Saint Judas!" singing out across the kitchen. I dropped the sponge and the steak knife I was washing, dried my hands on the towel tossed over my shoulder, and danced across the kitchen to find out what this wonderful song was and who was singing it. Instant love.

Saint Judas by Mark Growden from the 2010 album "Saint Judas"

Mark Growden website

Mark Growden on facebook

Mark Growden on Twitter

Soldier - Amatorski

2011-06-24T11:35:00.000-06:00

This is an alternative band out of Belgium. I can't really find out much about them, but I'm liking this song a lot.

Soldier by Amatorski from the 2011 album "TBC"

Amatorski website

Amatorski on Facebook

Amatorski on Twitter

Bronx Lullaby/Smuggler's Waltz - Tom Waits

2011-06-20T09:09:00.000-06:00

Tom Waits. Enough said.

Bronx Lullaby/Smuggler's Waltz by Tom Waits from the 1982 documentary "Poetry in Motion"

Tom Waits website

Tom Waits on facebook

Tom Waits on Twitter

You'll Be Mine - The Pierces

2011-06-09T09:34:00.000-06:00

Catherine and Allison Pierce were born in Birmingham, Alabama 2 years apart to self-described "hippie" parents (their father was a guitar player, their mother a painter). The girls were home-schooled and grew up traveling extensively, encouraged by their parents to explore their artistic sides. Besides having beautiful musical gifts, both girls are accomplished ballerinas. Their debut album, "The Pierces", was released in 2000 but "got lost in the shuffle" due to a lack of label support. In 2007, they appeared on the television show "Gossip Girl" playing their songs "Secret" and "Three Wishes", bringing their music to the mainstream audience where they have been very well received. Their fourth studio album, "You & I", was just released on May 23, 2011 on Polydor Records.

You'll Be Mine by The Pierces from the 2011 album "You & I"

The Pierces website

The Pierces on MySpace

The Pierces on Facebook

Kiss Kiss (Şımarık) - Tarkan

2011-05-26T12:43:00.000-06:00

Several months ago, we (my band, Juana Ghani) met a wonderful Turkish photographer by the name of Muzo Gul. Such a nice man! We've had the pleasure of meeting him several times since then. He's been encouraging us to learn some Turkish music, even sending me links to some to listen to ... and dance to because, honestly, I just can't sit still when these rhythms start. It's wonderful stuff! This is one of the songs he's shared with me, and now I will share it with you. Get ready to dance!

Born Hüsamettin Tarkan Tevetoğlu in Alzey, West Germany, Tarkan's family moved to - rather, returned to - Turkey in 1986 when he was just 13 years old.
This song, Şımarık, was Tarkan's first hit. The lyrics were written by Sezen Aksu and, at the time, the music was credited to Tarkan, Aksu and Ozan Çolakoğlu. Tarkan later admitted that this was done without consent from Aksu. Because of the infectiousness of the song, it has been covered by many artists in many languages, including English covers by Stella Soleilin 2001 and Holly Valance in 2002.

Kiss Kiss (Şımarık) by Tarkan from the 1998/1999 album "Tarkan"

Tarkan website

Shake That Bone - Black Cat Zoot feat. Dr. Ring Ding

2011-03-29T10:32:00.000-06:00

Today is a toe-tapping day and if this little ditty doesn't get your toes tapping, well, you need new toes. This 7-peice ska and swing revival band fronted by the amazing vocals of Lisa Müller comes out of Germany, as does featured artist Dr. Ring Ding (real name: Richard Alexander Jung).

Shake That Bone by Black Cat Zoot (feat. Dr. Ring Ding) from the 2008 album "Main Attraction"

Black Cat Zoot website

Black Cat Zoot on MySpace

Dr. Ring Ding website

Dr. Ring Ding on MySpace

I'll Dream of You Tonight - Ledfoot

2011-03-18T15:34:00.000-06:00

This is nice for a gloomy, windy day. Gothic 12-string blues. Mmmmmmmm.

Ledfoot is Tim Scott McConnell. Just him, his 12-string guitar, his stomping foot, and his beautifully melodious voice. It really doesn't get much better.

I'll Dream of You Tonight by Ledfoot on the 2007 album "The Devil's Songbook"

Ledfoot website

Ledfoot on Facebook

Ledfoot on MySpace

Nellie the Elephant - The Toy Dolls

2011-03-16T10:56:00.001-06:00

OK, yeah, so I'm feeling a little silly today. This is an old one and undeniably goofy, but I guarantee it will be marching around inside your head for hours, if not days, now.

The Toy Dolls are a punk band out of Sunderland, England, originally formed in 1979 and are, surprisingly, still at it (after a gazillion personnel changes - 14 different drummers and 12 different bassists). Nellie the Elephant, by far their most well-known song, was written in 1956 by Ralph Butler and Peter Hart.

Nellie the Elephant by The Toy Dolls (released as a single in 1982) from the 1983 album "Dig That Groove Baby"

The Toy Dolls website

Musica - Canteca de Macao

2011-03-14T10:23:00.000-06:00

This is an amazingly fun band I found the other day, thanks to Strictly Global. Canteca de Macao is a flamenco/ska/reggae band from Madrid, Spain. My Spanish is limited at best, but from what I can make out, this band has been playing together for about 6 years now and have released 3 studio albums (1 of which is a double CD) as well as their demo "Maqueta".

Musica by Canteca de Macao from the 2009 album "Agua pa la Tierra

Canteca de Macao website

Canteca de Macao on Facebook

Canteca de Macao on MySpace

Rain On My Footsteps - Rattlin Bone

2011-03-02T09:31:00.002-07:00

Part of the underground zombie burlesque and voodoo circus scene with a hellishly good brass section, smooth and seductive backing vocals and a lead voice that reeks of bourbon and candlelight, Rattlin Bone is an incredibly tight 14 piece band out of London, England. And I do have to say, their leader - Mr. Wily Bo Walker - is one of my favorite people. He is not only an amazing talent, but damned nice guy, too. (And yes, you can tell him I said so.)

Rain On My Footsteps by Rattlin Bone from the 2011 album "The Life and Death of Rattlin Bone"

Rattlin Bone on MySpace

Rattlin Bone on Facebook

Rattlin Bone on ReverbNation

Rattlin Bone on Twitter

Breathing - Juana Ghani

2011-02-28T09:57:00.001-07:00

For those who've missed it, here's our latest song. It tells the true story of the loss of a dear friend. This is the most intimately personal of our songs, yet.

Breathing by Juana Ghani

Juana Ghani website

Juana Ghani bandcamp

Juana Ghani reverbnation

Juana Ghani facebook

Juana Ghani facebook fanpage

Juana Ghani twitter

Merry Profits - The Great Malarkey

2011-02-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

I spoke too soon last month. The laptop was only temporarily resuscitated. It has, unfortunately, officially died. A moment of silence, please.
.
.
.
.
.
Thank you.

However, thanks to the brilliance of the man I married, the PC is once again creating sound so I am able to visit music once again. Of course, I have to arm wrestle the children for a turn, but it's worth the battle.

So today, I am please to share with you the debut video from the brilliant London based band, The Great Malarkey!

Merry Profits by The Great Malarkey

The Great Malarkey website

The Great Malarkey Facebook

The Great Malarkey MySpace

Carolina Drama - The Raconteurs

2011-01-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

This is such a creepy-good fabulous song and a perfect example of why I love Jack White so! There are so few artists these days who can not only capture, but SHARE such perfect emotion and drama so that you feel as if you are actually living in the song.

Carolina Drama by The Raconteurs from the 2008 album "Consolers of the Lonely"

The Raconteurs website

The Raconteurs on Facebook

The Raconteurs MySpace page

The Raconteurs on Twitter

Criza la Romani (Crisis the Romanian Way) - Taraf din Clejani

2011-01-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hooray! My laptop is back amongst the living and I once again have a machine with a sound card and can get back to listening to music and sharing what gets stuck in my head. For weeks now, this song that I came across quite a while ago has been tickling my brain. It's a fun Romanian song by another band that I came across in my ongoing fascination with gypsy music. According to the info provided with this video, the band is Taraf din Clejani (Fiddlers of Clejani village), but I can't find any other information. Although there is a lot of stuff out there by Taraf de Haïdouks (Taraful din Clejani), this doesn't appear to be the same group. At any rate, follow the subtitles and smile!

Goodbye to Another Year - The Urban Voodoo Machine

2010-12-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

They actually released this song and video a couple weeks ago but I wanted to save my sharing of it for New Year's Eve. And guess what! It's New Year's Eve! (Confession: I actually hate New Year's Eve/Day.) This is, like everything else The Urban Voodoo Machine does, a party in a song. And the topper is Lady Ane playing the sousaphone. How can you not love a sexy lady blowing a giant horn like that?

Goodbye to Another Year by The Urban Voodoo Machine from the 2011 (I think the release date is in March) album "In Black & Red"

The Urban Voodoo Machine website (Come play on the forums! It's a great way to stay up on what's going down and to meet other fans ... and even members of the band.)

The Urban Voodoo Machine MySpage page

The Urban Voodoo Machine Facebook page

My Favorite Time of Year - The Florin Street Band

2010-12-23T12:11:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile again. Sorry for that. The holidays are keeping me pretty busy this year.

Speaking of holidays ... I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I do. The whole season of Christmas from Thanksgiving through the Solstice and right on up to the Big Day of Christmas itself. It really is my favorite time of year. And I love a good cheesy song. It's sort of my guilty pleasure. So I was quite happy this morning when I came across this song. It just makes me ... happy. Plain & simple. (And did you notice the tuba? How can you not love a tuba?)

You should really check out the website for the story behind this song. I'd try to nutshell it here, but really wouldn't do it justice. Just click the link below and read it for yourself.

My Favorite Time of Year by The Florin Street Band

The Florin Street Band website

So So Fresh - Nico Vega

2010-12-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

Oh, sadness! Nico Vega is coming to my town again this weekend ... and I can't go ... again. *cry* Between my own rehearsals and family obligations it's just not happening. The one time I did have the opportunity, Aja ended up with vocal injury and had to cancel the part of the tour that included my city. Luckily for the world her voice is all back to mesmerizing, thank The Powers That Be.

While I pout, here's another fabulous acoustic performance:

So So Fresh by Nico Vega from the 2009 self-titled album "Nico Vega"

Nico Vega on MySpace

Nico Vega on Twitter

God's Away on Business - Tom Waits

2010-11-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

I've been becoming more and more frustrated with the state of affairs lately. It's been bad for a long time - the lies, the deceit, the betrayals - but the last couple years it seems to me to be getting worse. Our power-hungry leaders are taking away more of our freedoms, driving us further into debt, creating deeper divisions between us, while the voting populace stands by, shaking their heads with a sense of defeated apathy. And it's not just here in my own American backyard. I've been watching the whole world jumping into that nasty little hand-basket to hell. Perhaps Mr. Waits is right. Perhaps God really is away on business. Leave a message at the beep. Beep.

God's Away on Business by Tom Waits from 2002 album "Blood Money"

Tom Waits website

More Human Than Human - White Zombie

2010-11-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

This song brings back some happy memories. I'm not going to share them with you, 'though. But they are VERY happy memories. I think my husband would agree. 'Nuff said.

Based in New York City, White Zombie was founded in 1985 by Rob Cummings, better known as Rob Zombie. The band turned out 4 studio albums, 5 EPs, 1 live album and an album of remixes and won 4 Grammy awards before disbanding in 1998.

More Human Than Human by White Zombie from the 1995 album "Astro-Creep: 2000 - Songs of Love, Destruction and Other Synthetic Delusions of the Electric Head"

Rob Zombie website

Rob Zombie on Twitter

Amari Szi Amari - Juana Ghani

2010-11-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

Our mandolin player got married last week to his long time love. This is for them.

Amari Szi Amari by Juana Ghani

Juana Ghani on Bandcamp

Juana Ghani on ReverbNation

Juana Ghani on Facebook (and the Fan Page)

Juana Ghani on MySpace

Juana Ghani on AmazingTunes

Juana Ghani on Twitter

Le Pistolet - Mama Rosin

2010-11-11T15:24:00.001-07:00

Bottom line: This is just plain hot. It's one of those songs that dances its way into your consciousness and makes itself at home. And with such an infectious group as this zydeco trio from Switzerland, that's not a bad thing at all.

Le Pistolet by Mama Rosin from the 2009 album "Brule Lentement"

Mama Rosin on MySpace

Mama Rosin on Facebook

Mama Rosin on Last.fm

Iyansa - Faun

2010-11-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

We've had wind, rain and snow today ... and it's not even time for lunch, yet. Perfect day, if you ask me, for a song invoking the Afro-Brazilian goddess of wind.

Formed in 2002, German pagan folk band Faun is known for playing old instruments and singing in German, Latin and Scandinavian languages.

Iyansa by Faun from the 2005 album "Renaissance"

Faun website

Faun on MySpace

Faun on Facebook

This Is My Life - Firewater

2010-11-02T16:55:00.000-06:00

Just try to listen to this and not dance! The infectious rhythms of this song (the whole album, for that matter) drive right out of your seat and set your whole body moving. Tod A is brilliant! Lyrically, musically, rhythmically, energetically brilliant.

This Is My Life by Firewater from the 2008 album "The Golden Hour" (one of my all-time favs!)

Firewater on MySpace

Firewater artist page on Bloodshot Records

Леприконсы - Девчонки Полюбили не Меня

2010-11-01T18:21:00.000-06:00

OK, so I don't know what they're saying, but I don't really care, either. This is a fun song! It definitely got my blood pumping this morning. I love finding music from countries I've never visited sung in languages I don't understand that still moves some part of me. To me, it's just more proof that music IS the universal language. If it strikes a chord in you or elicits an emotion, pleasant or un-, or just plain ol' makes you want to get up and dance, it has done its job.

I did a little online translating and found the name of this band is Leprikonsy. I even managed to find their website (which I also used the online translator to read) and found out these guys are from Belarus and have been playing together for about 14 years.

Девчонки Полюбили не Меня (Girls do not love me) by Леприконсы (Leprikonsy) from the 2010 album "ДЕСЯТИЛЕТКА"("Ten Year")

Leprikonsy website (unless you read Russian, you'll need a translator for this)

Stick of Wax - Aja Volkman

2010-10-28T14:11:00.001-06:00

This is a solo thing from Aja, the singer for the L.A. band Nico Vega. I absolutely love her voice. It gives me such happy goosebumps. It seems that she has another side project going on now, too, with Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragon called Egyptian. Check 'em out - it's quite the departure from Nico Vega, but her voice is still beyond amazing.

Stick of Wax by Aja Volkman

Nico Vega on MySpace

Egyptian on MySpace

Keelhauled - Alestorm

2010-10-26T16:56:00.000-06:00

Before I go any further, I need to make it perfectly clear that I detest the keytar. I think it's a goofy instrument and the only thing I find goofier would be people who play the keytar. That said, this song makes me incredibly happy for some very strange reason. Perhaps I really have lost my mind, but ... PIRATE METAL! Harrrrrrrrr! (I need some rum now.)

I would track down some info on the band to share, but my kids are home and very distracting. (Did I mention the need for some rum now?)

Keelhauled by Alestorm from the 2009 album "Black Sails at Midnight"

Alestorm website

Alestorm on MySpace

Alestorm on Facebook

Stick With Me - J.P. Whipple

2010-10-25T13:59:00.000-06:00

J.P. Whipple is a local boy - well, local-ish to me - and while I've never met him nor have I seen him play (YET), he fits into my 6 degrees of separation. The man playing drums on this album, Jason Giron, is a friend and played drums for a production of The Rocky Horror Show I was involved with a few years ago. And just last week, the mandolin player in my current project, Tony Semerad, played with Filthy McWhiskey who plays a slew of strange and wonderful instruments on this album (and is seen playing banjo in this vid). Did you follow all that? Anyway, it's very cool music. I like it bunches!

Stick With Me by J.P. Whipple from the 2009 album "Bible Milk"

J.P. Whipple website

J.P. Whipple on MySpace

J.P. Whipple on Facebook

Tam Lin - Mediaeval Baebes

2010-10-22T17:09:00.000-06:00

Now here's a beautiful, spooky tale. The ethereal voices of the Mediaeval Baebes and the simple,understated arrangement of the orchestration lead the imagination into the world of the fae. I love listening to this on dark and gloomy nights when the lights are low.

Tam Lin by Mediaeval Baebes from the 2005 album "Mirabilis"

Mediaeval Baebes website

Mediaeval Baebes on MySpace

Mediaeval Baebes on Facebook

Mediaeval Baebes on Twitter

Masochism Tango - Tom Lehrer

2010-10-21T15:39:00.000-06:00

Musician, comedian ... mathematician. Yes, indeedy.

I'm not sure why this song decided to bop around in my head today, but I'm enjoying it nonetheless. Cracks me up every time. The first time I remember hearing this song was actually at an audition for a musical play when I was a junior in high school. I thought it was brilliant then, I think it's fabulous now!

Masochism Tango by Tom Lehrer from the 1959 album "More of Tom Lehrer"

Tom Lehrer YouTube channel (Go kill some time there. It's worth it.)

Kings of Vibration - Diego's Umbrella

2010-10-20T19:56:00.000-06:00

A new band! Well, to me, anyway. They've actually been around a few years. Giving credit where credit is due, Steve, the bass player for The Penny Black Remedy, turned me on to this band. So much fun, this one!

Based in San Francisco, California, and named for their friend's arm tattoo, Diego's Umbrella first came to be in 2000. Founded by Vaughn Lindstrom and Tyson Maulhardt, they debuted their first album in 2001. With the addition of Benjamin Leon, Kevin Blair, Jason Kleinberg and Jake Wood, Diego's Umbrella is now a 6-piece monster of flamenco infused gyspy rock.

Kings of Vibration by Diego's Umbrella from the 2009 album "Double Panther"

Diego's Umbrella website

Diego's Umbrella on MySpace

Diego's Umbrella on Facebook

Diego's Umbrella on Twitter

Meine Kleine Russin - Reverend Beat-Man

2010-10-19T13:05:00.001-06:00

Continuing the spooky theme from yesterday, THIS is spooky. I love this guy's scary rough voice and the images he creates with it, even though I don't know a word he's singing in this song.

Reverend Beat-Man is a Swiss one man band. Performing with just a guitar, kick drum, a single hi-hat and a microphone, he spins tales of death, life, killing, lost love, and finding the light.

Meine Kleine Russin by Reverend Beat-Man from the 2008 DVD "Surreal Folk Blues Gospel Trash, vol. 3"

Reverend Beat-Man Voodoo Rhythm page

Reverend Beat-Man on MySpace

Reverend Beat-Man on Facebook

The Ghost Who Walks - Karen Elson

2010-10-18T11:10:00.000-06:00

Must be getting close to Hallowe'en. I'm in the mood something spooky today. This is spooky. Boo! (Love the dark country-ness of this!)

Model, singer and wife to White Stripes' Jack White, Karen Elson has just released her debut album, "The Ghost Who Walks" on Third Man Records label.

The Ghost Who Walks by Karen Elson from the 2010 album "The Ghost Who Walks"

Karen Elson website

Karen Elson MySpace

Immigraniada (We Comin' Rougher) - Gogol Bordello

2010-10-11T11:30:00.000-06:00

It's no secret how much I love Gogol Bordello. The first time I heard them I was floored. They still floor me.

I'm including a few different versions of this song here: a live version (they are beyond amazing live), a stripped down acoustic version, and the official video. Enjoy! Mishto!

Immigraniada (We Comin' Rougher) by Gogol Bordello from the 2010 album "Trans-Continental Hustle"

Live in Later with Jools Holland

Stripped down & acoustic

The official (and fabulous!) video

Gogol Bordello website

Gogol Bordello on MySpace

Gogol Bordello on Twitter

Gogol Bordello on Facebook

Play Your Ax (Hey, Julz-A) - Squeeze Rock

2010-09-30T14:05:00.000-06:00

New York's Squeeze Rock is Julian “Julz-A” Hintz. He is "An Accordion Alternative." And I am happy I found him.

Play Your Ax (Hey, Julz-A) by Squeeze Rock from the EP "Squeeze Right"

Squeeze Rock website

Squeeze Rock on MySpace

Squeeze Rock (Julian Hintz) on Facebook

Squeeze Rock on Twitter

Mabon - Omnia (revisited)

2010-09-22T16:57:00.000-06:00

Sorry to resort to going back to last year. I've been cooking all day long getting ready for our traditional family feast so I haven't had a real opportunity today to go find something new. But I do love this song and it is so perfect for today. So ... click HERE and enjoy!

September Song - Willie Nelson

2010-09-16T11:20:00.000-06:00

We're halfway through the month and closing in on the end of summer and the autumnal equinox. I love this time of year as the leaves start hinting at changing color, the nights are cooler, and the gardens that were planted in spring are ready for harvest.

September Song, composed by Kurt Weill with lyrics by Maxwell Anderson, made its first appearance in the 1938 Broadway musical "Knickerbocker Holiday." The show closed after only 6 months, but the song has gone on to become a jazz/pop standard and has been performed and recorded by many artists including Django Reinhart, Sarah Vaughan, and Lou Reed.

September Song by Willie Nelson from the 1978 album "Stardust"

Willie Nelson website

Willie Nelson on Facebook

Willie Nelson on MySpace

Willie Nelson on Twitter

Great talent for a great cause

2010-09-15T15:52:00.000-06:00

This weekend, an amazing line-up of incredibly talented musicians will be streaming LIVE to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Details here:

http://cafenoodle.ning.com

I do hope you'll check it out and give from your heart as well as your wallet.

Here's a yummy little taste of one of the featured performers.

Eleven by Matt Stevens from his 2010 album "Ghost"

Matt Stevens website

Matt Stevens on Twitter

Matt Stevens on BandCamp

I Won't Argue When I'm Dead - The Penny Black Remedy

2010-09-14T10:11:00.000-06:00

Best. Earworm. Ever! Seriously. This is the funniest - and funnest - thing I've heard in quite awhile. And it is so very much the way I tend ramble on while thinking aloud about conventionally morbid topics.

Part of London's "gypsy punk" scene, The Penny Black Remedy is an irreverent foursome consisting of Scottish singer/songwriter/guitarist Keith M Thomson, Croatian classically trained vocalist Marijana Hajdarhodzic, Dutch percussionist Wilco van Eijk and English bassist Steve Nelson. A dark humor pervades their songs along with catchy melodies that get in your head and prompt you to sing along loudly and with abandon. You just can't help it.

I Won't Argue When I'm Dead by The Penny Black Remedy from their 2009 debut album "No One's Fault But Your Own"

<a href="http://thepennyblackremedy.bandcamp.com/track/i-wont-argue-when-im-dead">I Won't Argue When I'm Dead by The Penny Black Remedy</a>

The Penny Black Remedy website

The Penny Black Remedy on facebook

The Penny Black Remedy on MySpace

Alice - HUMANWINE

2010-09-08T11:39:00.000-06:00

It's no secret how much I adore Tom Waits. Yesterday, whilst mindlessly traipsing through new-to-me music, I came across this cover of "Alice" by HUMANWINE and it's been teasing my brain every since.

HUMANWINE (an acronym for "Humans Underground Making Anagrams Nightly While Imperial Not-Mes Enslave") is a dark cabaret band cofounded by husband and wife, Mat (M@) McNiss and Holly Brewer, in 2002.

Alice by HUMANWINE - Sadly, this doesn't seem to appear on any of their albums.

HUMANWINE website

HUMANWINE on MySpace

HUMANWINE on Twitter

Drunkard's Dream - Circus Contraption

2010-09-07T12:24:00.000-06:00

How is that I have never heard of these people until now?!? The shame! This is a delightfully raucous group of performers, a little reminiscent of The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo. Founded in 1998 and based in Seattle, Washington, Circus Contraption combines dark cabaret, old world circus and vaudeville for a thoroughly entertaining experience. It's too bad they disbanded last year.

Drunkard's Dream by Circus Contraption from the 2002 album "Grand American Traveling Dime Museum"

Circus Contraption website

Circus Contraption on MySpace

Niiv - Omnia

2010-09-03T16:30:00.000-06:00

I've been listening to this song for last two days almost non-stop. This is one of those songs that I just can't get enough of. There is an emotional build to this song that is so subtle, yet so powerful that it almost makes my chest burst. Once again, the Dutch band Omnia blows me away.

Niiv by Omnia from the 2009 album "World of Omnia"

Omnia website

Omnia on MySpace

Omnia on Facebook

Omnia on Twitter

Knees Up, Mother Brown - Raffi

2010-09-01T10:27:00.001-06:00

Yeah. It's silly. But it's stuck in there, just the same. I blame my mother. She's having another knee replacement surgery today and the anesthesia tends to knock her wonky. So, yeah ... this is for her.

Raffi was born in Cairo, Egypt in 1948 to Armenian parents. He moved with his family to Canada when he was 10 years old. He was initially uncomfortable with the idea of performing for children, but has since become one of the world's best know children's entertainers.

Knees Up, Mother Brown by Raffi from the 1996 album release "Raffi in Concert with the Rise & Shine Band"

Raffi website

Raffi on MySpace

Scarborough Fair - The Imagined Village

2010-08-31T10:35:00.001-06:00

Are you ready for some goosebumps? This one'll do it to ya. We all know this traditional ballad - and many different arrangements of it. This is such a beautiful arrangement and Chris Wood's vocalization of this classic is heart-wrenching.

Scarborough Fair by The Imagined Village from the 2010 album "Empire & Love"

The Imagined Village official website

The Imagined Village on MySpace

The Imagined Village on Facebook

Ponders End - The Great Malarkey

2010-07-29T10:23:00.000-06:00

Another great project out of the U.K.! Alex (guitar/vox) and G.C. (bass) have their hands dirty from playing with The Urban Voodoo Machine (whom I adore so much), and that energy and sense of malicious fun carry through here with The Great Malarkey. Besides, how can you possibly go wrong with a kickass band that includes accordion, fiddle and a banjo? A banjo! Man, I love this band!

Ponders End by The Great Malarkey from their 2010 demo debut

The Great Malarkey website

The Great Malarkey on Facebook

The Great Malarkey on MySpace

Kasojeni Bay - Juana Ghani

2010-07-25T15:27:00.000-06:00

Our newest song, Kasojeni Bay! This was a lot of fun to do. My friend, Jeremy Young, helped out with the Slovene translation and pronunciation as well as lending his voice to the music. So much fun! It will be available for FREE download at http://juanaghani.bandcamp.com/track/kasojeni-bay for a limited time.

Kasojeni Bay by Juana Ghani, to be included on our debut album due out later this fall. Yay!

<a href="http://juanaghani.bandcamp.com/track/kasojeni-bay">Kasojeni Bay by Juana Ghani</a>

Juana Ghani MySpace page

Juana Ghani Facebook page

Juana Ghani Facebook fanpage

Juana Ghani on ReverbNation

Juana Ghani on Bandcamp

Juana Ghani on AmazingTunes

Fogsnarl Guardian - No Blood to Spare

2010-07-16T09:26:00.000-06:00

Lucky me! I was invited to sing with No Blood to Spare at the Utah Arts Festival again. This was my third year with them and it was a blast! This year, the beautiful and sweet Naia joined me on vocals.

Fogsnarl Guardian by No Blood to Spare, performed live at the 2010 Utah Arts Festival

No Blood to Spare on Facebook

No Blood to Spare on MySpace

Other videos from this NBTS performance:
Luminous Starbursts
Graceful Vagabond
The Boozing Monk
French Corniche
Shalamar the Cat
Shiva's Dancing

Tom Traubert's Blues - Tom Waits

2010-07-07T16:41:00.000-06:00

It's been awhile since I included any Tom Waits here. I'm surprised at myself, really. This song brings me tears every single time. Absolutely beautiful. See? I'm crying already.

Tom Traubert's Blues by Tom Waits from the 1976 album "Small Change"

Tom Waits website

Tom Waits MySpace page

Tom Waits Facebook page

Painted Queens - Lindsay Heath

2010-06-03T13:32:00.000-06:00

Once again Lindsay Heath has taken my breath away. A multi-instrumentalist (and I do mean MULTI), she is an amazingly poetic songwriter with a beautiful and haunting voice. Her CD "Orchestra" is fast becoming a favorite of mine with the songs making frequent appearances on my ipod. (Did I mention she's one of the nicest people I've ever met, too?)

Painted Queens by Lindsay Heath from the 2010 album "Orchestra"

Lindsay Heath on MySpace

Lindsay Heath on Facebook

Sun Is on My Side - Gogol Bordello

2010-06-01T16:38:00.000-06:00

From the moment I first heard this song, it has stuck in my head. Every note, every word, every breath of it.

My husband gave me tickets to see Gogol Bordello in August with Primus. I am SO excited!

Sun Is on My Side by Gogol Bordello from the 2010 album "Trans-Continental Hustle"

Gogol Bordello website

I'll Be Seeing You - Mario Lanza

2010-05-13T11:10:00.000-06:00

My grandmother is dying. She is 92. I got the call last night that her body is winding down and it won't be long now until she passes.

I grew up in a military family. So many times my dad would be stationed aboard a ship somewhere and we'd stay with my grandparents for months at a time until he once again had shore duty and we could be together. Grandma's house was home. We'd drink hot Red Zinger tea on cold afternoons, play in the vegetable garden on hot summer days, swing on the giant swing-set my grandpa made for us from lodge pole pines (they looked like telephone poles), and bake cookies and pastries wearing Grandma's frilly aprons. She taught me to schottish and fox trot in her living room. And she let me listen to all her old records in the basement. That's how I found Mario Lanza. Such a voice!

Grandma, I going to miss you when you move on. I love you.

I'll Be Seeing You by Mario Lanza from

Mario Lanza Institute page

Time - Kroke

2010-04-27T10:12:00.000-06:00

Time has a very slow warped feeling for me today. Like swimming through thick molasses. My brain isn't entirely engaged in reality. This pain, too, shall pass.

Kroke is a Polish klezmer band formed in 1992 in Kraków by Jerzy Bawoł, Tomasz Lato and Tomasz Kukurba. Since their formation, they have released 8 albums.

Time by Kroke from the 1999 album "The Sounds Of The Vanishing World"

Kroke website

Kroke MySpace page

The Incredible Sadness of Sonia - Juana Ghani

2010-04-16T12:09:00.000-06:00

The latest from Juana Ghani! Beautiful & sad.

The Incredible Sadness of Sonia by Juana Ghani

<a href="http://juanaghani.bandcamp.com/track/the-incredible-sadness-of-sonia">The Incredible Sadness of Sonia by Juana Ghani</a>

Juana Ghani on MySpace

Juana Ghani on Facebook

Juana Ghani fanpage on Facebook

Juana Ghani on Bandcamp

Juana Ghani on ReverbNation

Juana Ghani on Last.fm

Living Hell - The Tiger Lillies

2010-03-31T12:22:00.000-06:00

Formed in 1989, the three-piece band The Tiger Lillies is a darkly wonderful "death oompah" cabaret band based in London.

Living Hell by The Tiger Lillies from their upcoming album "Rime of the Ancient Mariner"

The Tiger Lillies- Living Hell from Mark Holthusen on Vimeo.

The Tiger Lillies website

The Tiger Lillies MySpace page

Bedlam Sticks - Diablo Swing Orchestra

2010-03-24T11:52:00.000-06:00

Here's another from one of my favorite bands ever! Sweden's Diablo Swing Orchestra combines elements of death metal, swing jazz, opera, and uber-yumminess laden creativity. Their newest album, "Sing-Along Songs for the Damned and Delirious" is one of my all-time favorites and one of those rare albums on which every song is a winner. And this song, in particular, rocks my socks.

Bedlam Sticks by Diablo Swing Orchestra from the 2009 album "Sing-Along Songs for the Damned and Delirious"

Diablo Swing Orchestra official website

Diablo Swing Orchestra MySpace page

Diablo Swing Orchestra Facebook page

Diablo Swing Orchestra Twitter

Bublitschki - Gogol Bordello

2010-03-17T13:04:00.000-06:00

I woke up early this morning with this song in my head. My husband and I bought this DVD a few months ago (BEAUTIFUL movie - everybody should see it - really) and have absolutely fallen in love, not only with the movie, but with the soundtrack as well (as is evidenced by its permanent rotation position on my ipod).

Bublitschki by Gogol Bordello from the soundtrack of the 2005 movie Everything is Illuminated

Gogol Bordello web page

Gogol Bordello MySpace page

Hello Bluebird - Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys

2010-03-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

I'm still stuck on the sofa recuperating from last month's surgery, but that's not stopping the feeling of Spring in the air from enveloping me today. You just can't escape that kind of giddy.

Hello Bluebird by Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys from the 2006 album "Oh!"

Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys website

Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys MySpace page

Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys Facebook page

Very Good Advice - Robert Smith

2010-03-01T12:27:00.004-07:00

In full disclosure, I am a HUGE fan of Johnny Depp, Tim Burton, The Cure and Alice in Wonderland (and Alice Through the Looking Glass), so it should come as no surprise to anyone how absolutely giddy I am about this movie (opening in just a few days on March 5). In fact, adding in Helena Bonham Carter as The Red Queen (I used to pretend to be the Red Queen when I was little girl, running around commanding, "Off with their heads" to anybody who crossed my path) makes me even more than giddy. One might use the word, "delirious." Yay!

You can listen to the clips from the soundtrack HERE.

Very Good Advice by Robert Smith from the soundtrack of the 2010 Disney movie "Alice in Wonderland"

Official website for Alice in Wonderland

Watch It All Burn - Juana Ghani

2010-02-22T13:18:00.003-07:00

Here it is! Our newest song, with Camron Cressall joining us on guitar and mandolin. This one was a lot of fun ... and it's a polka! There's just something about a polka that makes ya smile and sets your toes to tapping.

Watch It All Burn - Juana Ghani

<a href="http://juanaghani.bandcamp.com/track/watch-it-all-burn">Watch it All Burn by Juana Ghani</a>

Juana Ghani bandcamp page

Juana Ghani MySpage page

Juana Ghani Facebook fanpage

Juana Ghani on Last.fm

Juana Ghani on ReverbNation

Orphan's Lament - The Urban Voodoo Machine

2010-02-09T09:58:00.006-07:00

I've shared stuff from this band here before. I love them! Love them love them love them! Absolutely one of my favorite bands right now. Musically and artistically fresh (and downright naughty), the guys I've had the pleasure of chatting with online are very friendly and downright fun. I look forward to the day I get to meet them face-to-face.

(at the end of this video is a teaser for their next release coming out next week - i've seen it and it's deliciously naughty)

Orphan's Lament by The Urban Voodoo Machine from the 2009 album "Bourban Soaked Gyspy Blues Bop 'n' Stroll"

The Urban Voodoo Machine website (Come play on the forums! It's a great way to stay up on what's going down and to meet other fans ... and even members of the band.)

The Urban Voodoo Machine MySpage page

The Urban Voodoo Machine Facebook page

Danny Sorrow - Emily Hope Price

2010-02-02T08:51:00.003-07:00

Emily Hope Price is a friend of a friend of mine. I've never met her. In fact, I'd never heard of her until recently. Shame on me! She is Amazing (with a capital "A"). Based in New York City, she plays with the band Pearl and the Beard and also tours as a solo performer.

Danny Sorrow by Emily Hope Price

Emily Hope Price MySpace page

Emily Hope Price Facebook page

Emily Hope Price on Twitter

Days with You - Jason Webley and Sxip Shirey

2010-01-01T17:46:00.004-07:00

I'm on day 2 of a nasty migraine so I'm not blogging a lot about this song, BUT since is New Years (blech) I wanted to make sure and share it before the pain killers kick in. I love it. It makes me smile.

Days with You by Jason Webley and Sxip Shirey

Jason Webley website

Jason Webley MySpace page

Jason Webley Facebook page

Jason Webley on Twitter

Sxip Shirey website

Sxip Shirey MySpace page

Sxip Shirey Facebook page

Sxip Shirey on Twitter

Raise Your Glass - Juana Ghani

2009-12-25T20:24:00.003-07:00

It's been a busy whole bunch of days, but we managed to upload another new song just in time for holidays. I hope you enjoy it!

Raise Your Glass by Juana Ghani

<a href="http://juanaghani.bandcamp.com/track/raise-your-glass">Raise Your Glass by Juana Ghani</a>

Juana Ghani bandcamp page

Juana Ghani MySpage page

Juana Ghani Facebook fanpage

Juana Ghani on Last.fm

Not A Crime - Gogol Bordello

2009-12-11T11:16:00.003-07:00

Eugene Hutz, Yuri Lemeshev and Sergey Ryabtsev of Gogol Bordello. LOVE them! The way Eugene percussively slaps his guitar in this acoustic performance, the way Sergey tears up the violin, the way Yuri rocks the accordion ... it all gives me goosebumps and has me dancing wherever I happen to be and singing loudly right along with them.

Not A Crime by Gogol Bordello from the 2005 album "Gypsy Punks Underdog World Strike"

Gogol Bordello web page

Gogol Bordello MySpace page

Ленинград-Геленджик - Leningrad

2009-11-30T09:55:00.004-07:00

A few weeks ago, we finally got around to watching the 2005 movie, "Everything is Illuminated" with Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello. Amazingly wonderful movie! See it! We loved it and the music so much that we bought the soundtrack as well as the DVD. It's that good. There are 3 songs from this band, Leningrad, on the soundtrack. Of course, this sent us off trying to find more from the band. So far, no luck (know anybody in Russia who can get some for me?), but we - rather, my husband - did find some on youtube. Thank god for youtube. So, here you go! Meet Leningrad.

Do not ask me the name of this song or what they're singing in it. I have no idea. But it's FUN! And the video cracks me up.

Leningrad website (it's in Russian)

Innocent When You Dream - Tom Waits

2009-11-19T09:39:00.007-07:00

The sound isn't synced so great with the video on this one, so just ignore that and just listen to the song. It is absolutely one of the most heart wrenchingly beautiful songs I've ever heard.

Innocent When You Dream by Tom Waits from the 1987 album "Frank's Wild Years"

Tom Waits website

Tom Waits MySpace page

Tom Waits Facebook page

What Did I Know - Juana Ghani

2009-11-10T16:35:00.004-07:00

We had a burst of creativity not too long ago. I'm sure there will be more to come. Here's our latest.

What Did I Know by Juana Ghani

<a href="http://juanaghani.bandcamp.com/track/what-did-i-know">What Did I Know by Juana Ghani</a>

Juana Ghani Bandcamp page

Juana Ghani MySpace page

Juana Ghani Facebook page

So This Is the Night - Vic Ruggiero

2009-11-09T09:41:00.002-07:00

Vic Ruggiero is a musician, songwriter and producer from the Bronx in New York. While he is a prolific artist, having played with several ska bands including The Slackers, The SKAdalous Allstars, The Silencers, the punk band Rancid and a happily successful solo project, I can't find out much about him (yet). He is primarily an organist but also plays piano, guitar, bass, banjo, harmonica and percussion and has his own record label, Special Potatoe Records, based in New York. His production style is very raw, choosing to leave in sounds/noises that other producers generally choose to omit - shutting doors, musicians cuing each other, etc. - giving the songs a raw, driving, live atmospheric energy.

So This Is the Night by Vic Ruggiero, the winning performance at the 2009 Saddest Music in the World contest held in London, England.

Vic Ruggiero website

Vic Ruggiero MySpace page

Vic Ruggiero Facebook page

November - Tom Waits

2009-11-02T12:35:00.002-07:00

Yes, another Tom Waits song. You'd think I like him a lot or something. *grins* This one is from his "Black Rider" CD which is actually a collection of songs from a musical play, "The Black Rider: The Casting of the Magic Bullets," that he wrote (music & lyrics) with William S. Burroughs (book). This musical fable is based on the German folktale, "Der Freischütz." It premiered in 1990 in Hamburg, Germany at the Thalia Theatre with the English debut in 1998 at Canada's Edmonton International Fringe Festival.

November by Tom Waits from the 1993 album "The Black Rider"

Tom Waits website

Tom Waits MySpace page

Tom Waits Facebook page

Pas o Panori - Věra Bílá & Kale

2009-10-27T15:58:00.008-06:00

The first snow of the winter fell today. So soft and beautiful and full of childhood dreams. I really love the first snow. I don't know why, but this song came with the snow. This medley is a lot of fun, but really it's just the one song - Pas o Panori - that I just can't get enough of today. Go here --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6C-1YWGrJM <-- for that video.

The daughter of Romani musician Karol Giňa, Věra Bílá was born in 1954 in the village of Rokycany, Czechoslovakia where she still lives with her husband, Frantisek, and their son.

Pas o Panori (and some other songs) by Věra Bílá & Kale as performed at the 2009 International Gypsy Fest

Věra Bílá bio

Věra Bílá MySpace page

Quiet and Cold - Juana Ghani

2009-10-23T09:09:00.004-06:00

Yeah, no video for this one. I just wanted to share a little of what we do. Hope you enjoy it.

Quiet and Cold by Juana Ghani, released October 21, 2009

<a href="http://juanaghani.bandcamp.com/track/quiet-and-cold">Quiet and Cold by Juana Ghani</a>

Juana Ghani Bandcamp page

Juana Ghani MySpace page

Juana Ghani Facebook page

If I Should Fall from Grace with God - The Pogues

2009-10-20T09:06:00.003-06:00

Now this is a great way to start a gloomy, rainy autumn morning, indeed! It's got my blood pumpin' and my heart jumpin' for sure.

Shane MacGowan and Spider Stacey met in 1977 in a bathroom at a Ramones concert at The Roundhouse in London, England. Both were in other bands at the time. They started jamming together and other musicians joined them over the years. In 1982, they played their first gig in Kings Cross, London, England as Pogue Mahone, an anglicization of the Irish "póg mo thóin" ("kiss my arse"). They shortened their name to The Pogues in 1984 after some censoring by the BBC due to complaints received from Gaelic speakers in Scotland. MacGowan left the band in 1991 (actually, he was fired because of his instability, unreliability and erratic behavior). Vocal duties were taken over by Joe Strummer, then Spider Stacey. After the dismal failure of the album "Pogue Mahone", the band broke up in 1996. The band reformed for a Christmas concert in 2001 and have been touring off and on since then.

If I Should Fall from Grace with God by The Pogues from the 1987 album "If I Should Fall from Grace with God"

The Pogues website

The Pogues MySpace page

The One on the Right is on the Left - Johnny Cash

2009-10-16T10:55:00.004-06:00

J.R. Cash was born February 26, 1932 in Kingsland, Arkansas, USA to Ray and Carrie Cash. He was given the name J.R. because his parents couldn't agree on a name, just initials. It wasn't until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force (who wouldn't accept just initials) that he legally took the name John R. Cash.

Johnny Cash began his music career in 1954 when he walked in to Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee hoping to sign a record deal. His first songs, "Hey Porter" and "Cry Cry Cry" were released in 1955.

Johnny Cash died in 2003, just 4 months after his beloved wife, June Carter Cash, passed away.

The One on the Right is on the Left by Johnny Cash from the 1966 album "Everybody Loves a Nut" (one of my favorite albums)

The Official Johnny Cash Website

Pine Box - Slim Cessna's Auto Club

2009-10-12T09:19:00.002-06:00

Wow. It's been awhile since I've posted anything. Sorry. Kids, colds, and life interfering again. Strange music is still spinning 'round my head, 'though, so it's all good.

Playing a style of music that is sometimes labeled "country gothic", Slim Cessna's Auto Club was formed in Denver, Colorado in 1993. They have a released a total of 6 albums so far, signed with Jello Biafra's independent label, Alternative Tentacles.

Thanks, S'bella, for introducing me to this band. Me likey!

Pine Box by Slim Cessna's Auto Club from the 2000 album "Always Say Please and Thank You"

Slim Cessna's Auto Club website

Slim Cessna's Auto Club MySpace page

In the Room Where You Sleep - Dead Man's Bones

2009-09-29T13:07:00.003-06:00

Actors Ryan Gosling and Zach Shields first met in 2005 when Ryan was dating his "The Notebook" co-star Rachel McAdams and Zach was dating her sister Kayleen. They bonded over creepy things and, together with a bunch of kids (yes, kids), they put together Dead Man's Bones.

The self-titled debut album will be released October 6, 2009. You can pre-order it now.

Please, take a moment to read the band's wonderful first interview with Pitchfork. (My favorite quote from the interview: "You know when you're a kid and you get crayons and papers and just draw whatever you want and it's just a bunch of messy lines, but to you it makes sense, and then they put it on the fridge? From that point on, you're always trying to get back on the fridge, you start drawing things that look like something, like, the more it looks like a horse, the more chance you have of getting it on the fridge. We wanted to get back to that place before we were trying to make the fridge. We wanted to work with people who hadn't been affected in that way yet." - Ryan Gosling)

In the Room Where You Sleep by Dead Man's Bones from the 2009 album "Dead Man's Bones"

Dead Man's Bones website

Dead Man's Bones MySpace page

Monday Morning - Pulp

2009-09-28T10:07:00.003-06:00

Formed in Sheffield, England in 1978 as teenagers, Pulp struggled their entire career to find a definitive style. Challenged by personnel changes, label changes, and drug addiction, the band broke up in 2002.

Monday Morning by Pulp from the 1995 album "Different Class"

Pulp fansite

Red Rain - Peter Gabriel

2009-09-24T12:51:00.004-06:00

Maybe it's "bill paying day." Maybe it's the reading I've been doing lately. Maybe it's events in the news these days. Whatever it is, the lyrics from the chorus of this song started dancing around my head today. I haven't even thought about this song in ages, yet here it is, spinning and swirling and looping through my brain. "Red rain is pouring down, Pouring down all over me."

Born February 13, 1950 in Chobham, Surrey, England, Peter Gabriel has had a long and successful career as both a musician and a humanitarian. He was a founding member, singer and flautist for the band Genesis from 1967-1975. He released his first album as a solo artist in 1977.

Red Rain by Peter Gabriel from the 1986 album "So"

Peter Gabriel website

Mabon - Omnia

2009-09-22T10:02:00.003-06:00

Mabon. The autumnal equinox. The second harvest. The time of balance between light and dark. The witch's thanksgiving.

I absolutely love this song. In it I can hear the crisp air sing as leaves begin to change colors, showing off their vibrant reds and yellows and oranges before they fall. The energy of the harvest time vibrates with joy and celebration and accomplishment.

Dutch pagan-folk band Omnia is one of my favorites. They sing in English, German, Dutch, Gaelic, Finnish, Hindi and play hurdy-gurdy, harp, bodhrán, guitar, bouzouki, didgeridoo, flutes, bagpipes, and all sorts of drums and percussion instruments.

Mabon by Omnia from the 2004 album "The Crone of War" (also on "Live Religion" released in 2005)

Omnia's official webpage

Omnia's MySpace page

Ah, Sunflower - Unto Ashes

2009-09-21T12:55:00.003-06:00

I like that this video has no ... ummm ... video. It gives you a chance to just listen to the music and the beautiful words of William Blake.

Ah! sunflower, weary of time,
Who countest the steps of the sun,
Seeking after that sweet golden clime
Where the travellers journey is done;

Where the youth pined away with desire,
And the pale virgin shrouded in snow,
Arise from their graves and aspire;
Where my sunflower wishes to go.

William Blake (1757-1827)

Formed in 1997, Unto Ashes is a Dark Wave band based in New York City that combines elements of New Age, folk and madrigal music and performs with instruments as varied as dulcimer, cello, piano, guitar, violin and hurdy-gurdy. Current members of the band are Michael Laird, Natalia Lincoln and Mariko.

Ah, Sunflower by Unto Ashes from the 2007 album "Empty into White"

Unto Ashes website

Unto Ashes MySpace page

So Quiet - Heartless Bastards

2009-09-11T17:40:00.005-06:00

"Have you heard Heartless Bastards? Pure awesome stuff." This was a tweet (yes, on Twitter) I received bright and early this morning. "Not, yet," I responded, then ran (or whatever you'd call the online equivalent) off to see what I could find. Oh, my! What a great turn on this turned out to be! (If you're on Twitter, I highly recommend you follow @darthbender - he has excellent taste in music.)

The Heartless Bastards, an indie garage band from Cincinnati, Ohio fronted by vocalist Erika Wennerstrom, formed in 2003. Their third album, "The Mountain", was released in February 2009 on Fat Possum Records.

So Quiet by the Heartless Bastards from the 2009 album "The Mountain"

Heartless Bastards website

Heartless Bastards MySpace page

Wooden Pints - Korpiklaani

2009-09-03T10:27:00.003-06:00

This song makes me laugh (as do most of the songs I've heard from this band). Lyrics aside, I love a metal band with fiddle and accordion. (Take that, Dad! If you play the accordian, you can so be in a rock-n-roll band no matter what that song in Ishtar says.)

Formerly known as Shaman, Korpiklaani is a folk metal band from Finland whose name means "Wilderness Clan" in Finnish. It began as a Sami folk music restaurant house band in 1993. Over the years, with changes in personnel, they added the heavy metal element to their already established folk sensibilities and frat boy drunken senses of humor (most of their songs are about drinking and partying). The result is a good, loud, raucous time.

Wooden Pints by Korpiklaani from the 2003 album "Spirit of the Forest"

Korpiklaani website

Korpiklaani MySpace page

One Tin Soldier - The Original Caste

2009-08-25T09:27:00.003-06:00

This song (actually, it was more likely the 1971 - re-recorded in 1973 - Coven cover of this song) can probably be at least partly to blame for my pacifistic attitudes. I don't remember the first time I heard it - I was, after all, very young when it came out - but I do remember singing it at the top of my lungs and sometimes even crying at its message. Sometimes I still do.

One Tin Soldier by The Original Caste from the self-titled 1969 album "The Original Caste"

The Original Caste website

Coven MySpace page

Bottle of Lie - Akphaezya

2009-08-21T16:44:00.005-06:00

This one is strangely intriguing. The way this French band combines jazz with heavy metal (think Sergio Mendez Goes to Hell) is ... well ... interesting. I'm still not quite sure what I think about it, but I absolutely recommend checking out vocalist Nehl Aëlin's solo work. I'll be looking into more of her stuff, that's for sure.

Bottle of Lie by Akphaezya from the 2008 album "Anthology II: Links from the Dead Trinity"

Akphaezya website

Akphaezya MySpace page

Nehl Aëlin MySpace page

Nehl Aëlin website

Kalifenzorn - Schelmish

2009-08-19T15:00:00.002-06:00

My, what a big drum you have!

Yes, this is the mood I am in today. I absolutely love this. Nothing polite about these bagpipes. No, sirree. Makes me want to spit a wild boar over a bonfire and leave it to cook while I'm off pillaging a neighboring village.

Schelmish is from Bonn, Germany and was originally formed to perform mediaeval music for founding member DesDemonia's mother's birthday celebration in 1999. While the band still embraces it's roots in Celtic music, it leans more towards Mittelalter (Mediaeval Metal) Rock in style these days, blending mediaeval folk music with hard rock or heavy metal.

Kalifenzorn by Schelmish

Schelmish website

Schelmish MySpace page

Schelmish Facebook page

If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out - Amanda Palmer

2009-08-10T13:15:00.005-06:00

If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out was written and recorded by Cat Stevens for the 1971 movie, "Harold and Maude" but was never released as a single nor included on any album at the time. It wasn't until 1984 that it was released on his album, "Footsteps in the Dark: Greatest Hits, Vol. 2."

Last month Amanda Palmer learned this song and performed it as a sort of gift for her fans at a "flash gig" on an LA beach. You can read about how that all came to be by clicking HERE. (It's a great story!)

If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out performed live by Amanda Palmer on beach just a few weeks ago.

Amanda Palmer on Twitter

Amanda Palmer website

Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam) website

P.S. I am coming to the conclusion that in an alternate reality - one in which different choices were made and different results realized - that Amanda Palmer is my "alternate me." I'm just sayin'.

Big Fish - Jesca Hoop

2009-08-06T10:36:00.004-06:00

From growing up in Northern California in a strict Mormon family to homesteading in the Wyoming wilderness to working with a rehab center for kids in the Arizona mountains to being nanny for Tom Waits' and Kathleen Brennan's three children, American singer-songwriter Jesca Hoop is nothing short of eclectic. And it shows in her music which wraps itself around headiness of jazz, Celtic, gypsy, cabaret and sweetens things with just a taste of pop.

Her new album, "Hunting My Dress", is due out this fall.

Big Fish by Jesca Hoop from the 2004 EP "Silverscreen Demos" (no longer in print, but available for mp3 download on Amazon)

Jesca Hoop website

Jesca Hoop MySpace page

Danny Says - Joey Ramone and Tom Waits (but not together)

2009-08-04T12:54:00.005-06:00

Joey Ramone wrote Danny Says (Danny being the band's manager at the time) while staying at the Tropicana Hotel in Los Angeles, California where The Ramones were staying while they recorded their 5th studio album, "End of the Century." It is believed that Joey wrote this song for his then girlfriend, Linda Danielle, who later married his bandmate, Johnny Ramone. Although Joey and Johnny both remained in the band until 1996, they didn't exactly speak to each other much after that.

Danny Says by The Ramones from the 1980 album "End of the Century"

And, well, Tom Waits' cover just makes me cry. Such a beautiful interpretation!

Danny Says by Tom Waits from the 2006 triple album "Orphans"

The Ramones website

Tom Waits website

Gone with the Sin - HIM

2009-07-27T17:45:00.004-06:00

I know this song is a decade old, but I just cannot get enough of it lately. I absolutely love Ville Valo's vocal tone (it makes my toes curl in a very good way).

Finnish band HIM was formed in 1991 by Ville Valo (vocals), Mikko Paananen (bass) and Mikko Lindström (guitar). When asked in an interview about the name, vocalist and frontman Ville Valo said, "In almost every interview someone asks what does HIM stand for. I can't even remember our latest lie about that. When Hanson was hot, we said it means Hanson Is Murder. The name doesn't have a particular history. His Infernal Majesty was a totally different band. I think HIM derives from some death metal joke. And it was our protest to Haile Selassie's rastafarian religion, he used to be called His Imperial Majesty. But nowadays because of Linde's hair, we actually might be supporting him."

"Razorblade Romance" was released in Europe in 1999 and re-released in 2002 in the USA where the band had to change their name to HER because an American dub band, HiM, already held rights to the name. They were eventually able to buy the rights to the name and all subsequent pressings have been released under the desired name.

HIM announced last month that they will be going into the studio to record a new album in August. The working title is "Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice" and is scheduled to be released Valentine's Day 2010.

Gone with the Sin by HIM from the 1999 (2002 USA) album "Razorblade Romance"

HIM website

HIM MySpace page

Treat Me Like Your Mother - The Dead Weather

2009-07-21T15:42:00.002-06:00

Jack White's latest project. I adore Jack White. ADORE. Have since I first discovered The White Stripes a gazillion years ago on mp3.com. This newest project of his rocks so hard I can easily forgive him for the James Bond song he did with Alicia Keys(I expected so much more from that). Listening to The Dead Weather ... well ... I want to be Alison Mossheart (also of The Kills).

Treat Me Like Your Mother by The Dead Weather from the 2009 album "Horehound"

The Dead Weather website

Third Man Records website

Always Out - The Urban Voodoo Machine

2009-07-20T08:49:00.003-06:00

I am so excited to get this CD. I ordered it as an anniversary gift for my husband (sssshhhh) but it's, obviously, a bit late. That's ok. It wasn't released until a week after our anniversary. And it is being shipped from halfway around the world (it's a UK release). I can be patient. Sort of. I expect to find it in the mailbox any day now. Maybe today. Cross your fingers for me.

The Urban Voodoo Machine began in 2003 when singer/frontman Paul-Ronney Angel was asked by a promoter to fill a spot in a triple bill gig. He made some calls, pulled in some favors, and 48 hours later he had a band pulled together.

Always Out by The Urban Voodoo Machine from the 2009 debut album "Bourbon Soaked Gypsy Blues Bop'N'Stroll"

The Urban Voodoo Machine website

The Urban Voodoo Machine MySpage page

The Urban Voodoo Machine Facebook page

No Blood to Spare at Utah Arts Festival 2009

2009-07-07T10:10:00.002-06:00

I was lucky enough to sing with No Blood to Spare again at this year's Utah Arts Festival. They are an amazing band and I always have such a great time with them.

Savage Celebration by No Blood to Spare, danced by Sekmani

Graceful Vagabond by No Blood to Spare, danced by Las Gitanas

Switchcraft by No Blood to Spare, danced by Dragenthe

No Blood to Spare website

No Blood to Spare MySpace page

Summer Wine - Ville Valo & Natalia Avelon

2009-07-06T09:08:00.003-06:00

I've been on a bit of a H.I.M. thing lately. I love Ville Valo's voice. It's very rich - like dark, melted chocolate.

Summer Wine was written by Lee Hazelwood and originally recorded in 1966 by him and Suzi Jane Hokom. The song became famous a year later when he rerecorded it with Nancy Sinatra and released it as the B-side for the single "Sugar Town."

Summer Wine by Ville Valo and Natalia Avelon from the soundtrack of the 2007 German movie "Das Wilde Leben" (released in USA as "Eight Miles High") based on the life of German groupie/model/actress, Uschi Obermaier.

WARNING: There is nudity in this video. Do not watch if you are offended by nudity.

H.I.M. website

Natalia Avelon iMDB page

Plainsong - The Cure

2009-07-01T14:43:00.003-06:00

Plainsong is the opening song on The Cure's 8th studio released album, "Disintegration", released in 1989 and sets the mood for the band's return to the darker, moodier hallucinogenic goth rock that set them apart in the early 1980s. The record label, Fiction Records, feared it would be commercial suicide but this album remains the band's best selling record to date. But more importantly ...

Fifteen years ago today this song was played at my wedding - as my wedding march - to the most wonderful man ever to walk this earth. Even after all this time he still manages to surprise me and find little ways each day to make me fall in love with him all over again. He truly is my life, my love, my heart and my soul.

Plainsong by The Cure from the 1989 album "Disintegration"

The Cure official website

The Cure MySpace page

The Cure Facebook page

Tiger Rag - Chet Atkins

2009-06-24T09:10:00.002-06:00

Born in Luttrell, Tennessee in 1924, Chet Atkins was the baby of his family. He suffered from severe asthma and had to sleep sitting up in a hardback chair in order to breathe. His first instrument was a ukulele, followed by fiddle, and finally, at the age of 9, he worked a trade with his older brother Lowell - an old pistol and some chores - for a guitar.
Chet Atkins, himself inspired by guitar greats Django Reinhardt (whom he named the most influential guitarist of the 20th century), Merle Travis, and Les Paul, developed a style of playing that used his first three fingers for picking and his thumb for bass, creating a very defined and unique sound all his own.
Chet Atkins began producing for RCA in the mid-1950s, being put in charge of RCA's Nashville division. Here he was instrumental in creating RCA Studio B, the first studio built exclusively for recording on what became the now famous "Music Row." He became vice-president of RCA's country division and brought several artists to the label, including Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Jerry Reed. He retired from producing in the 1970s after being diagnosed with colon cancer.
Besides being an amazing musician and producer, Chet Atkins also worked as a design consultant with guitar manufacturer Gretsch who created a line of electric guitars that bore his name from 1955-1980, when he began designing guitars with Gibson.
Chet Atkins inspired many guitarists including Mark Knopfler, Jerry Reed, Tommy Emmanuel and Eric Johnson. He won 14 Grammys, 9 CMA awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and Billboard's Century Award. He died at his home in Nashville, Tennessee in 2001.

Tiger Rag by Chet Atkins

Chet Atkins website

A Case of You - Diana Krall

2009-06-18T15:49:00.006-06:00

We saw this concert when Diana Krall came through Salt Lake City in 2001. She was amazing. Hands down, one of the best concerts I've ever had the pleasure to attend. And this song ... Oh, this song was breathtaking. She held the audience spellbound with her soft confessional delivery. It was as if everybody was holding their breath so as not to be detected accidentally eavesdropping on a lover's whisper.

A Case of You was written and originally recorded by Joni Mitchell in 1971 and included on her album "Blue" released that same year. Some say the song is about her love affair with Leonard Cohen while others believe it is a goodbye song to her partner, Graham Nash.

A Case of You by Diana Krall from her Grammy winning 2002 live CD and concert DVD "Diana Krall - Live in Paris"

Diana Krall website

Diana Krall Myspace page

Diana Krall Facebook page

Dizzy - Tommy Roe

2009-06-16T10:03:00.003-06:00

It seems that my vertigo is making a comeback. Oh, boy! Remember way back when you were little and you'd put your head down and spin and spin and spin until you were so dizzy you couldn't walk straight? It's like that. And of course, this song starts playing in my head. "I'm so dizzy, my head is spinning!"

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA in 1942, Tommy Roe started singing and writing songs at 14 years of age. His song Dizzy, co-written by Freddie Weller, reached #1 on the Billboard charts in 1969 (1 week in the UK, 1 week in Canada, and 4 weeks in the USA).

Dizzy by Tommy Roe, released in 1969 as a 7" single

Tommy Roe website

Last Dream I Remember - Wayside Drive

2009-06-12T19:49:00.003-06:00

Here's a new song from one of my favorite new bands. I asked Jeremy Osborn, lead singer and guitarist for the band, if he'd like to share a bit about the creation of the song and video. He did! Here it is, in his own words:

"The 2 spoken word parts of the song are from an actual dream I had quite a few years ago. I don't usually write down my dreams but I did with this one. I was never a believer in "out of body" experiences before, but in the dream I was flying around having a grand time, checking out the sites, then in my dream I had the very distinctive thought "I need to get back into my body". Just like that. So I flew to my house, then into my bedroom, and saw my body lying there in the bed. So I laid down onto "myself" and I felt this upward-pulling sensation. Then I woke up! The spoken word parts are pretty much my exact dream.

"The first sung part of the song is a conversation with God about him being God and being much better at that job and me. I'm kind of a cart-before-the-horse kind of guy so sometimes I need to remind myself that I'm very limited in my view (and abilities).

"The second sung part is about inward reflection. Taking an honest look at myself and my limitations and coming to terms with it, and trying to do better, be better.

"The song itself is actually a few years old. I was messing around with some online collaborations with my good friend John Amelang and this was one of the songs we came up with. At the time it didn't have any singing, just the dream part. I sent John the drones with this crazy drum loop I came up with and the vocals and he recorded the bass and fuzz guitar parts.

"When we decided to do our 'reinvention' of Wayside I thought this song would be the best example or statement of intention regarding our new direction. It's probably the strangest of our new material, so that's exactly why we're sort of leading everything off with it. I cut the drum loops and Kevin recorded his drums parts, Natalie recorded the cello, and my friend Spinmeister from Canada recorded the synths.

"For the video I was thinking it would be good to do a very dream-like atmospheric type thing. Bits and pieces of "memories" that are more like dreams themselves instead of some silly dream sequence out of a movie. My dreams are typically random, and vivid, and amalgamated. So I found some family footage on the web from the 60's that was just perfect for the imagery that I was looking for. I messed around with different ways to layer different scenes on top of each other so that you can see multiple things going on at the same time. For the chorus parts I used a bunch of old Thomas Edison footage that really fit with the more silly/random aspect dreams can have.

"Ultimately for the video I wanted to have something that was a visual art piece that you could freeze just about any frame of it and it would look cool in and of itself."

Last Dream I Remember by Wayside Drive

Last Dream I Remember from Jeremy Osborn on Vimeo.

Wayside Drive website

Wayside Drive MySpace page

Wayside Drive Facebook page

Wayside Drive on Twitter