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Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - Shake The Sheets

Updated Jul 6, 2008

Description

I think this is probably the catchiest Ted Leo & The Pharmacists album, if that's possible. These guys write some horribly catchy pop music, but this is definitely some of the best. "Me & Mia" starts off the batch and the energy just doesn't let up for the rest of the 11 song set. Just about every song on this album is incredibly hooky and infectious.

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Pharmacists & Ted Leo - Sharkbite Sessions

Updated Jul 6, 2008

Description

A nice 3 song EP from Ted Leo and co, with one original, "Loyal to My Sorrowful Country", and two covers, "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" by Split Enz (both of which are available on the EP Tell Balgeary, Balgury is Dead) and "Suspect Device" by Stiff Little Fingers. It's a very politically minded EP, all the songs definitely have an agenda to them, but this has never been a band to shy away from having a position to stand behind.

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Pharmacists & Ted Leo - The Tyranny of Distance

Updated Jul 6, 2008

Description

Ever had a band you liked alright, but then you see them live and feel the sudden need to get every album they ever made because they are ten kinds of awesome? That's my current feeling about Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. So if you like this album, and you should, because it's got some super-great songs on it, like "Under the Hedge", and "Timorous Me" (two of my all-time fav of their songs), you need to go see them live so you can fully appreciate how amazing they really are. But if that's not an option, than sit down and revel in this album, and Shake the Sheets, and be happy that you have such great taste in music.

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Apologies to the Queen Mary by Wolf Parade

Updated May 23, 2008

Description

I love my co-worker's taste in music. They never cease to play really great music that I haven't stumbled upon, like Wolf Parade. I don't know how I missed this one, with great funky songs, and a vocal delivery that reminds me of Bowie. Fuzzy guitars, and catchy songs. Terrific debut album, now I must go and find their latest.

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Under the Blacklight

Updated May 23, 2008

Description

There are some albums that show up everywhere, and yet, for some reason, you don't get around to hearing what all the fuss is about for a while. That's what happened to me and Rilo Kiley for some reason. This album's been out for ages, but I just grabbed it two days ago. I really wished I hadn't waited though. It was popier than I expected, but in a good way, and Jenny Lewis's voice is amazing. Sometimes she has an almost country-tinged delivery. A very bright album, full of catchy little songs.

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Trainspotting #2

Updated May 19, 2008

Description

Not an extended soundtrack per se, but after the success of the original, the film maker decided to put out a compilation of songs that inspired the film or were inspired by it. Features more tunes by Iggy Pop, Underworld and Primal Scream, along with a Bowie track and a strange version of "Atmosphere" by Joy Division. But it's a good compilation, and the songs are in the same vein, so if you liked the movie, or the soundtrack, be sure to pick this up.

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Trainspotting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Updated May 19, 2008

Description

This is a great collection of songs from an amazing movie. It starts out of "Lust for Life" by Iggy Pop, the jumps to Eno, Primal Scream (a great Glaswegian band), New Order, Blur, Lou Reed, Pulp, Underworld and Damon Albarn (late of Blur, soon to be of Gorillaz and The Good The Bad and The Queen). Terrific compilation of great music.

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3 people recommended this item

Garden State Soundtrack

Updated May 19, 2008

Description

A terrific soundtrack to a great indie movie. This was the first time I ever heard the Shins, and Iron & Wine and it was a it of an awakening. There's also great songs from Nick Drake, Theivery Corporation, Simon and Garfunkel, on there as well. Terrifically compiled, full of little gems of songs.

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Big Change: Songs for FINCA

Updated May 19, 2008

Description

A great compilation of indie's hottest hitmakers, compiled by Natalie Portman. The proceeds from this album go to FINCA, a NGO dedicated to reliving poverty and starvation, and an organization for whom Natalie Portman is an ambassador of hope. A great selection of songs either way though, with tracks by Tokyo Police Club, Beirut, Tom Brosseau, Curumin, The Shins, Brett Dennen (who has an amazing folk song that's instantly catchy), Sean Hayes, Thee More Shallows, Angus & Julia Stone, Antony & The Johnsons, Vetiver, Norah Jones, Devendra Banhart, M. Ward, Wooden Wand, and Rogue Wave.

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Jeff Buckley - Grace - Hallelujah

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

The definitive version of an amazing Leonard Cohen song, sung by an original singer-songwriter voice that was snatched away all too quickly. It's a shame that Jeff Buckley is remembered most for a cover, since his own work was so strong, but if it is t be a cover, than fitting that it be one of Mr Cohen's songs. He too is overlooked by the mainstream, and it's a shame as well.

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The Explosion - Here I Am

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

Really catchy pop-punk single from a local, Boston band. With a really great hook, and tons of power, this song will stick in your head for days to come.

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Flutterby: Butterfly Boucher

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

Great debut from someone who promises to be an interesting singer/songwriter in her time. Her tunes are poppy and incredibly catchy. Key songs: "Another White Dash" and "Life is Short". Hailed by another great female voice, Tori Amos, whose tour she opened for. It's a tight, well crafted pop album, with hopefully more to come

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Another Green World: Eno

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

My favorite of Eno's solo albums, especially the incredibly catchy "I'll Come Running". He just makes these beautiful, mellow, atmospheric pop songs that will hook you and not let go. He's known best for his production, but his pop songs are sorely under appreciated.

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My Life in the Bush of Ghosts: Brian Eno, David Byrne

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

Both Eno and Byrne have an interest in African music and textured songs. Their collaboration must have been tricky at times, as they are both strong-willed musicians with big ideas. But what they came out of the sessions with is nothing short of brilliant. Byrne's funky tendencies, and Eno's atmospheric ones meld to make one amazing, groundbreaking album or strange pop music.

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Civilian: Boy Kill Boy

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

Great debut record from an up and coming British indie band. I recall an interview with U2 where one of the band members, Larry I believe, mentioned that he was really interested in them. I'm so glad I checked them out. Their songs are hooky with a great edgy energy.

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Ten Silver Drops by Secret Machines

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

I picked up this album after hearing David Bowie sing their praises, and was happy that I did. Yes, some of the songs are on the overly long side, with epic guitar solos, but overall the songs are catchy and wend their way into your heads. Great indie record for a band with a lot of promise.

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6 people recommended this item

Vampire Weekend

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

Well educated indie rock kids from New York, with a penchant for African music. It's not a new idea, as David Byrne can attest, but these songs are really good. The beats are really good, and it just about matches up to the hype.

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4 people recommended this item

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

This album defines alt.county for me. With Americana roots and country sensibility, but taken in a fuzzy guitar, rock and roll direction. Great album filled with amazing songs.

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Kicking Television: Live in Chicago: Wilco

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

Such a great band, one of the greatest alt.country bands around, and a great unique voice. This live album is terrific, full of great songs and terrific energy. I can only hope to see them live and see for myself if they're as great in person as they are committed to tape in their home town.

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The Shepherd's Dog: Iron & Wine

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

Yes, the production is richer, and some people prefere the more stripped down sound, I happen to like the production, and think the songwriting is some of his strongest yet. Very good set of mellow tunes that still work their way into your heart.

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The Badlees - River Songs

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

A really good, catchy album from a band that never did get its due. They're mostly an acoustic affair, tending to the indie pop side of things, and the lyrics are witty. Key tracks "Fear of Falling", and "Gwendolin".

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The Velvet Underground & Nico

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

The great debut from a terrific band. More accessible than many of their later albums, the self-titled debut with Nico, put together by Andy Warhol who also designed the cover, is a great rock album. Yes, there's still some of their signature aggression and art rock, but overall, the lyrics are great and the music not so far off the charts that it's hard to listen to. Terrific debut from an important band.

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4 people recommended this item

The Velvet Underground: White Light/White Heat

Updated May 18, 2008

Description

The Velvet Underground were never afraid to shock their audience and make whatever kind of album they were going to make. White Light/White Heat drastically changes the sonic landscape from their debut. All distorted guitars and raucous noise, this album is a sonic assault that won't give up.

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Stereogum presents...OK X: A Tribute to OK Computer

Updated May 18, 2008