Um, so feel free to tell me if I’m wrong, but…

What is the point of Colin Meloy singing live? Really. Cos he’s just singing The Decemberists material, of which he is the lead singer, so….you get a mix album of The Decemberists shit without the bass, drums, and keyboard, as well as the occasional tambourine and female vocals. And whatever else. So, again, I ask, what is the point? I think it’s a bit redundant.

And by the way, I haven’t heard the album save a few tracks and I do really like The Decemberists. Just so you know, before you think I’m starting a Meloy bashfest. I’m not a basher.

Maybe I’ll write you guys back when I’ve given the whole album a listen. I had to get these thoughts out to you, though. Damon, being a consummate Decemberists lover, is going to virtually kick my ass.

Colin Meloy | Myspazz | Buy It

 Colin Meloy - Here I Dreamt I Was An Architect/Dreams [4:56m]: Play in Popup | Download (173)

A couple of years ago while I was visiting my best friend, she gave me a CD she purchased, telling me she thought I'd like it. She enjoyed it, too, but thought the boyfriend and I would like it a bit more, and she was spreading the music love, something I totally agree with. 

She was spot on. Turns out she bought the CD because it was related to Jack Johnson, and back in the day she collected almost everything he produced. This happened to be a soundtrack that was done for one of his many surf movies (Thicker Than Water, The September Sessions). I quickly fell in love with it, and have listened to it on and off since. Since this month is one of those 'on' times, I thought I'd share the prettiness with you.

Sprout Soundtrack @ JackJohnsonMusic.com

Buy Sprout Soundtrack // Film 

Banderilla - Calexico MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/10%20Banderilla.mp3]

Spanish Flowers - Sprout House Band MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/12%20Spanish%20Flowers.mp3]

Practice Twice - Sam Prekop MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/01%20Practice%20Twice.mp3]

Mediocre Bad Guys is one of my all-time favorite tracks by Jackie J. No explanations today, just good music. 

Mediocre Bad Guys - Jack Johnson (MP3)

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/jack%20johnson%20-%20mediocre%20bad%20guys.mp3]

Jack Johnson Official // MySpace // Buy On and On

One of my favorite Jewel songs, from the Spirit album. 

Barcelona - Jewel

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/Jewel%20-%2010%20-%20Barcelona.mp3]

Jewel // Buy Spirit 

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 

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