Even though Damon and I agree on a lot of our shared music tastes, this doesn’t mean I always listen to the music associated with his posts. Which has bitten me in the ass, sort of. A few months ago he did a post on an SLC show he attended, in which the Cold War Kids performed. He even attached the mp3 I like to it, and I didn’t listen.

But I firmly believe that I love this song NOW, and if I had heard it a few months ago, maybe I wouldn’t have fallen in love with it so hard? Perhaps. Anyways, here it is. Thanks to Sirius AltNation station, I’m in another love affair.

Cold War Kids // MySpace // Buy Robbers & Cowards

 Cold War Kids - Hang Me Up To Dry [3:39m]: Play in Popup | Download

The other night I was watching Leno (again, an inspiration for a post) when Minnie Driver was in the hotseat chatting with our favorite skunky late night host. The show went to commercial, and then, to my surprise, came back with Minnie Driver on stage about to perform. Musically. What the fuck? I didn't see that one coming. 

And guess what. Unlike most actor-turned-musicians, this chica is good. Like, really good. I love her voice, and I fell head over heels in love with the song she and her band performed. It's called "Beloved". I've been singing it ever since. I chalk it up a bit to her being British (ahem, go England). I've always loved Minnie Driver anyways, if not for her acting, but for her incredible laugh. It makes me giggle ridiculously. 

And, this is her second album! Sheesh.  

It must be crappy to be compared to your former career in reviews, Minnie, but thats what happens. Your fellow actors have tried to the music thing and sucked at it, so we have to be cautious when you do it. But don't worry, love, you've done well.

Anyways, 

the song was sung well, lyrically very good, and not overdone. Simple in it's simpleness and beautiful at the same time, if you get what that means.

Right, so anyways, I've now got the album, yay, and I'm very much enjoying it. I'd love for you to love it too, so check out these MP3s, or better yet, go out and get the bloody album.   

To summarize:

I liked her before, when I just knew her as an actress.

She turns out to be a kickass musician.

And she lives in a trailer park.

And the boyfriend thinks her music is good.

So basically, all systems go. You'll like. 

Minnie Driver Official Website // MySpace // Buy Seastories 

Beloved MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/03-minnie_driver-beloved.mp3]

Cold Dark River MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/04-minnie_driver-cold_dark_river.mp3]

Sorry Baby MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/02-minnie_driver-sorry_baby.mp3]

I was up way too late Saturday watching TV.  What caught me, and somehow convinced me that something worth watching would continue to be shown, was a rebroadcast of the Pixies on Austin City Limits .  This re-formed Pixies, after Frank Black gained a lot of weight and everyone but Kim Deal shaved their heads.  I guess I only caught the last half 'cuz there was an acoustic guitar that never got used.  I assume it was for "Where is My Mind" and/or "Here Comes Your Man."  I was so excited I had to commemorate it somehow, and then I realized that most people only know "Where is My Mind," and as good as that song is, it's really not fair to a band with as much import and influence as the Pixies.  So here I present a handful of essential-type [that means 'my favourite'] Pixies tracks.  You really should know this by now, I'm just helping out.

The Pixies Official // MySpace // Buy This CD 

The Pixies - Dig For Fire MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/The%20Pixies%20-%20Dig%20For%20Fire.mp3]

The Pixies - Here Comes Your Man MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/The%20Pixies%20-%20Here%20Comes%20Your%20Man.mp3] 

The Pixies - U-Mass MP3

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/The%20Pixies%20-%20U-Mass.mp3] 

There is a lot of music out there that I know I should be listening to, and just haven't yet.  Two ways that I generally do this are through live albums and tribute albums, which is how I really got into the Clash at first.  One of the really standout tracks on both From Here to Eternity: Live and Burning London: A Tribute to the Clash was "Straight to Hell", which closes out both albums.  I present here Moby's smooth organ chords and Heather Nova's floaty vocals.  The song is beautiful, and one of my favourite ways to end things.  Dig it!

Straight to Hell - Moby and Heather Nova

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/Moby%20&%20Heather%20Nova%20-%20Straight%20to%20Hell.mp3]

Buy This CD 

Kings of Leon. Came in threes, I swear. Played on Conan, Leno, and then I heard them the other day while shopping.

They're also playing at Bonnaroo, which could be considered a fourth sign, but as I have artistic license, I'm going to say thats not a fourth sign.

I really, really dig this song. I haven't quite figured out why. It could be considered annoyingly repetitive, but I like the voice of the lead singer, Caleb Followill. 

Check it out. Purtiness shall follow. And consider the album, Because of the Times.

Kings of Leon - On Call

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/KingsOfLeon_On_Call.mp3]

Kings of Leon Official Website // MySpace // Buy CD 

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