Another very well-conceived but poorly-named concept from LovetheMusic: Mashup Madness.  I like mashups in a very similar way to how I like cover tunes [I have more tribute albums than is healthy], so I thought I'd share one of my all time favourites. Danger Mouse's Grey Album sparked about a billion similar projects, none of them nearly so inspired.  The big gem that I pulled from the heap was this bonus track from the Black & Blue Album, it hasn't gotten nearly as much exposure as it deserves.  Give it all your lovin'.  Also, if you got time, dig "Surf Wax Off Your Shoulder", it's the best non-bonus number.

Jay-Zeezer Official Website 

Yeah In the Sun - Usher et al. vs. Weezer

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/15_Yeah_In_The_Sun.mp3] 

Hello fellow Bonnaroo-goers,

The schedule has been released. Awesomeness is here.

Bonnaroo also lets you personalize what you're going to do, that's here.

Check it out! 

Lately I've been doing some investigating for Bonnaroo. While there are tons of bands that I know that are playing, there are equally as many that I don't know or am familiar with, and Gillian Welch is one of them. 

It doesn't look like its available on any of her albums, though, so I've linked to her latest release.

Black Star is available for listen on her MySpace page, but even better, its available for download right here. Its a cover of Radiohead, but you should already know that. I hope. One of my favorite Radiohead tracks being done my a soulful indie singer is pretty cool, and I hope you think so, too. Check it out. 

By the way, if anyone is familiar with Welch's stuff, drop me a line and guide me through her stuff. I want more. Her MySpace page lists her as Acoustic/Indie/Folk, but I disagree. I definitely think country. But I could be wrong. Anyways, keep jammin'.

Black Star - Gillian Welch

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/BlackStar%20-%20Gillian%20Welch.mp3]

Gillian Welch // MySpace // Buy Soul Journey 

When I praise NYD's live stylings, I mean every word.  They are engaging and energetic and pleasing to the eye; all of 'em, not just Ashley.  However this is one of those sad situations where the live lustre we loved when the opened for a band we adore doesn't quite come through on the album [I'm referring to when I saw Moneen open for Saves the Day last year, but I've come to really enjoy the Red Tree].

The first thing I'd like to mention is that Ashley Costello doesn't sing her own backing vocals.  It's extra cool when a female-fronted band has the fellers singing the backgrounds; not just because it sounds cool, but because it shows a type of band equality.  You know, so things don't end up like the "Don't Speak" video.  I always figure that's how band's like this will end, especially when the Eric Stefani element [in this case former Home Grown bassist Adam Lohrbach] leaves and the band becomes a solo project.  But I digress.  There's not a whole lot of new ground covered on this album, but that's not always the point, is it?  The point here seems to be to make some good musics and have some good times.  Mission accomplished.
Final Verdict: My Dear is pretty much what you'd expect, really.  Catchy songs about bein' done wrong and lovin' SoCal.  I'm going to keep listening because I see no reason not to.

Part Time Lover - New Years Day

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/04%20Part%20Time%20Lover.mp3]

New Years Day Official MySpace // Buy My Dear 

I've been inspired to start a series of posts, lamely named Under the Covers. While I pride myself on being quite good at snagging and digging the internet for cover songs, Damon exceeds at this much more so than I, so we should be able to rock your socks. And we're all about rocking socks. 

And if you come up with a better name for this series, let me know.

First up we have a classic high school jam (for me, anyway) by an Austin cover band called Pictures. I found this track on one of my favorite albums, Like a Version, which was released by Australia's hot radio Triple J. Why do I like it? Because it's fucking funny. And acoustic. And just cool. And hearing a bloke sing about his Milkshake is pretty good, too. It was originally done by Kelis, on her hit 2003 album Tasty.

Consider buying the album. It's awesome, and has an excellent cover of "Message In A Bottle" by one of my favorite artists, John Butler, which I will have up here soon.

Pictures - Milkshake

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/pictures%20-%20milkshake.mp3] 

Buy Like A Version