…and we’re back!
Here we go:
If you’ve never seen the 2001 film version of Josie and the Pussycats, it’s worth a rental. Surprisingly clever, funny — simultaneously mocking teen trends without “ironically” mocking the original source material — with a great cast (including some great villain work from Alan Cumming and Parker Posey) — and the music is surprisingly good as well. My favorite earworm from the soundtrack: Josie and the Pussycats – “Pretend To Be Nice.”
Julian Lennon turned 45 this week. Valotte was one of my favorite albums of the 1980s. He’s apparently working on his first new album in over a decade, and has posted early mix versions on his MySpace page. This, in my opinion, is the best of the lot. I’ll be interested in hearing more. Julian Lennon – “Everything Changes (Rough Mix).”
Speaking of the 80s, here’s a new song by a group whose members were *born* in that decade — but who have managed to come up with a sound that feels like a 21st-century version of a John Hughes movie soundtrack. M83 – “Kim & Jessie.”
I first heard this song performed at the Brit awards in February, and it’s now the worldwide #1 single (if you aggregate sales charts from every country that keeps them). It’s a nicely produced bit of R&B pop, she’s got a great voice — and I wonder what it says about the mood of the world when the number one song has the following refrain: “You cut me open and I keep bleeding love.” Leona Lewis – “Bleeding Love.”
Men Without Pants — no longer just a yearly theme party at the SCA’s Pennsic War! The name has been taken by a side project of Dan the Automator and drummer Russell Simmins (from the John Spencer Blues Explosion). The project features a number of guest stars — for example, this track, which has Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs as a backing vocalist: Men Without Pants – “And The Girls Go.”
…and lastly, some move-yer-ass electronica from the waning years of the 20th Century: The Chemical Brothers – “Out of Control.”
Enjoy.
