Friday Music

Back to a good-sized selection this week. A nice combination of new and old.

First up, for , the song that is featured in the Geico Caveman (the one with him on the moving sidewalk at the airport). She always hums along to it, so here’s the full song (courtesy of an informative post earlier this week by ): Royksopp – “Remind Me.”

Some late-1950s slow-drawl rockabilly from the incomperable Kip Tyler. It is Teh Sexxay, in my opinion: Kip Tyler – “She’s My Witch.”

UNKLE has a new album coming out next month, called War Stories. Singles have started to leak out to the net, and they’re brilliant. I’m liking what I’m hearing very much. Really excellent stuff. Here are two tracks:

UNKLE – “Morning Rage.”

and

UNKLE- “Persons and Machinery.”

I heard this track while listening to Flashback Alternatives this week. One of those moments where you suddenly remember a favorite song that you literally haven’t thought of in 20 years. I had already been a big fan of the group’s first album when this, the title track off their second album, was released in 1985….and even if I wasn’t already a fan, the organ chords that start the song would have gotten me. The Alarm – “Strength.”

Here’s a new electronic pop group out of Brooklyn which I first heard this week. They kinda remind me of what you’d get if you mixed The Cocteau Twins with The Books. LEYODE – “Isabelle.”

Another 80s track, from another Prince project — this time from his drummer, Sheila E, whose first album was filled with songs written by Prince, and featured His Royal Purple BadAssNess on backing vocals and random instruments. I always liked this track much more than the bigger hit, “The Glamorous Life.” Sheila E. – “Love Bizarre.”

Lastly, one of the Beastie Boy’s instrumental tracks. This one initially appeared on Check Your Head, before being featured on the all-instrumental collection The In Sounds From Way Out. I’ve always been a fan of the Beastie’s instrumental work, and I hear that they’ve got a new instrumental album coming out soon, which I hope to check out. In the meantime, though, here’s the best track ever from an imaginary soundtrack to a non-existent grindhouse film: The Beastie Boys – “In 3s”

There you have it. Enjoy.

Friday Music

Kind of a short one this week. Busy.

First up, Peter Hook from New Order announced via his myspace blog on Wednesday that the group is officially done. In honor of the end of New Order, here is their first single, from 1980: New Order – “Ceremony.”

While I’m in an 80s mood, here’s a song that I forever associate with driving around Atlanta in my first car in 1988. This casette was a constant companion. Echo & The Bunnymen – “Lips Like Sugar.”

Fast-forward a few years to the “grunge explosion” of the early 90s. One of my favorite tracks from that era, from a great Seattle band that dissolved due to the death of the lead singer from heroin overdose days before the release of their debut. With the collapse of the band, Guitarist Stone Gossard and Bassist Jeff Ament went on to form Pearl Jam, and this song eventually appeared on the “Singles” soundtrack. Mother Love Bone – “Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns.”

A track from Kelis, who, in case you didn’t know, has a milkshake which brings all the boys to the yard. Apparently, it’s better than yours. Another solid ass-mover, although I love it primarily for the title and refrain: Kelis – “Fuck Them Bitches.”

Lastly, two songs which are forming the “design soundtrack” of my Far West project.

Pantera – “Cowboys From Hell.”

Muse – “Knights of Cydonia.”

Enjoy.