speed of dark

art from slap upside the head

In the spirit of the holiday, I want to give thanks and appreciation to those who support us and those who we depend on, for the wonderful opportunities we have been afforded this year, and for all of the wonderful people in my life.

I am thankful for my mother, Alt-Gramma, who has kept this blog going while I have been having a very stressful and busy few months. She is the most supportive person in my life and always willing to help me when I need it, listen when I need to talk, and give advice when I ask for it. Thank you, Mom...

colin meloy: my mother was a chinese trapeze artist [live]

I am thankful for my husband, known here as Spouse, who has supported me through some tough times, mostly by making me laugh and reminding me that life shouldn't ben taken so seriously all of the time. I am also thankful for my son, He Might Be Giant, for surprising me every day, and being such a great kid, always ready with a big smile when I need one.

landon pigg: falling in love in a coffee shop [buy]

I am thankful that we will be moving into our first house by Christmas, that we are able to buy a such a lovely house in these uncertain financial times, in a nice neighborhood, and that I adore this house so much.

starflyer 59: i'll be home for christmas [buy]

I am thankful for the family that I have married into, who have helped us and provided such a firm foundation of love and support from all sides. It's such a large group of people, always there to lend a hand when you need them.

And I'm thankful that we've had such a great run with Blogger, providing a free blog for us to bring our music to you and learn about great new bands from you. But after the Thanksgiving weekend, we're going to be thankful to bring to you our new blog, hosted on our own site where we don't have to worry about "the man" deleting our work for no reason with no warning.

paul simon: she moves on [buy]

I'm thankful for this and so much more - Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Continuing with a kind of mellow Thanksgiving theme, today we have some gorgeous and introspective instrumentals. Take some time to consider all the good things, the friends and family, in your life.

Robyn Hitchcock: Heart Full of Leaves from I Often Dream of Trains (1984)
Website | Store
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

RL/VL: Kweens from Chagrin (2008)
MySpace | Label: Hidden Shoal Recordings
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

Pacific UV: If So from LongPlay 2 (2008)
MySpace | Website | Label: Warm Electronic Recordings
Buy at Pacific UV Store, iTunes, and eMusic

Gregor Samsa: Young and Old from 55:12 (2006)
MySpace | Website | Label: The Kora Records
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

Photo by alt-gramma: leaves and sky

I am actually out of state this week, but I left a couple of mixes today and tomorrow to keep you occupied. These electronic-based lovelies are extraordinary jewels that came to me by e-mail.

High Places: From Stardust to Sentience from Electronic Surgical Words (2008)
Used by permission of The Line of Best Fit
MySpace | Website | Label: Thrill Jockey
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

Woven: She Blows My Amplifier Designer Codes (2008)
MySpace | Website | Label: Cat Toy Factory Records
Buy at Woven Store, Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

Jenny Omnichord: Buildings from Cities of Gifts and Ghosts and weework is 6 label compilation release
MySpace | Label: Weework Records
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

City of Satellites: Moon In the Sea from The Spook EP (2008)
Used by permission of Hidden Shoal
MySpace | Website | Label: Hidden Shoal Recordings
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

Photo by alt-gramma: rocks and ripples, Santa Marguerita River

There is barely a month to go before Christmas. Are you already sick to death of that holiday-themed drivel all the stores started playing right after Halloween? Personally, I love the holiday season and the joy of giving presents, but Bing Crosby sends me screaming. That's why I am tickled to bits to find great alternatives to the stodgy standards.

Caleb at Hard To Find a Friend blog is once again sponsoring a holiday fund-raiser that rewards your donation with an exclusive digital-only compilation of brand-new and completely exclusive material from 22 (!) wonderful artists. It is composed of originals, original covers, and a few non-holiday unreleased songs, all provided by the artists specifically for this compilation. 100 percent of the profits raised from this album will go directly to a wonderful organization called the Children of Uganda which assists in AIDS relief in Uganda and neighboring countries.

Here is a teaser from this year's comp:
Jason Collett: A Beguiled Christmas Sales
MySpace

And one of my favorites from last year's charity album that benefits Toys For Tots:
Johnny Bertram: Merry Christmas (You Won't Get What You Want)
Website
If you missed out on last year's comp, you can still get the original Peace On Earth (Christmas 2007). I highly recommend it.

The Tracklist from Vol II includes some names that I know and appreciate, like the A-Sides and Laura Gibson, who we saw live during 2008. Others are not familiar, but that's great--I discovered new bands to love on last year's mix, like Johnny Bertram, whose band Synthar is featured this year. So get out your debit card or log into PayPal and do some Christmas shopping--This compilation makes a great gift. I bought a bunch!

1. American Analog Set - Winter Birds (Original)
2. Telekinesis! - Father Christmas (The Kinks)
3. Jennifer O'Connor - Deck The Halls
4. Nathan Phillips - Cross-country Ski's (Original)
5. The A-Sides & Sun Airway - Santa, Please (Original)
6. Jason Collett - A Beguiled Christmas in Sales (Original)
7. Laarks - Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
8. Oxford Collapse - Hester Xmas (Original)
9. The Jealous Girlfriends - Haircut (Original)
10. Via Audio - Home Before Dark (Original)
11. Karl Blau - Christmas Is Different This Year Now That the Aliens Are Here (Original)
12. Synthar - Pawn Shop Christmas (Original)
13. Pattern is Movement - O, Holy Night
14. Marla Hansen - Waltz (Original)
15. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Don't Wrap the Puppy (Original)
16. Elizabeth & The Catapult - Christmas With The Jews (Original)
17. Laura Gibson - It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
18. The Prayers & Tears of Arthur Digby Sellers - Christmas Card to a Hooker in Minneapolis (Original)
19. Chris Garneau - It's Almost Christmas
20. Vincent Koops - Silent Night
21. Anathallo - Red Plastic Globe (Original)
22. Bodies of Water - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Notice that Track #18 is an original and not a cover of the Tom Waits' song, "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis."

Support Children of Uganda! Buy: Peace On Earth Vol. II (Christmas 2008)

Support Toys for Tots! Buy: Peace On Earth Vol. I (Christmas 2007)

Bethancourt in a rare, low-tech moment

It's clear that Alaska In Winter's Brandon Bethancourt's new life in Berlin is agreeing with him. The one-man electronic band relocated there earlier this after securing a recording contract for his debut album A Dance Party In the Balkans, and he's been touring and performing all over Europe. He tells the tale that he woke up one morning and found he had recorded his entire second album, Holiday, released just last Tuesday, in his sleep. Uh-huh, yeah.

No matter, this one, like the first is a reflection of Bethancourt in its spritely dance beats, gliding melodies, and quiet joyfulness. But the influence of European dance party music on thenew album stands out starkly when the songs are juxtaposed with the more stately and orchestral numbers from the first album.

Incorporating previous cohorts like Zach Condon, Heather Trost, and Brandon's sister Hillary, Holidaya solid follow-up to Dance Party. I am especially fond of "Highlander," parts 1 and 2, and "Streetgang," part 2.

Alaska In Winter:
Berlin from Holiday (2008)
Staring At the Sun ft. Zach Condon on trumpet, from Dance Party In the Balkans (2007)

MySpace | Label: Regular Beat
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes

Related posts on Speed of Dark:
Electronic Anthems from Alaska In Winter
Interview With Alaska In Winter
Alaska In Winter in Concert
Catching Up With...Alaska In Winter

We are one week away from what is known in retail parlance as "Black Friday," traditionally the heaviest shopping day of the year. Since Mr. Folkie and I saw Zach and Miri Make a Porno,, I can't help remembering the scene where Delaney, who is black, is told by the boss that he has to work on Black Friday. The tirade that follows is both bizarre and hilarious--typical Kevin Smith.

Can You See the Sunset brings us some tunes from the stack of CDs from his overflowing mailbox--a hazard of music blogging. I have stacks too, and it's really hard to keep up.

Lost in Your Inbox also posts some new music today, one with Calvin Harris vocals. Scroll down, and you'll find us discussing Craig Ferguson and Scottish accents.

Thanks, Captain Obvious has brand new music from Anathallo's new album, Canopy Glow.

Count Me Out has featured Horsefeathers, Deerhunter, and new Andrew Bird this week on video.

And Contrast Podcast #138 covers affairs of The Heart. My contribution will probably show up again on my Favorites of 2008, so check it out.

This one is for Indie Mom:
Chris Walla: Everyone Needs a Home from Field Manual (2008)
MySpace | Website | Label: Barsuk
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes

Buildings and Trees: November, unknown album (2005)
Download: CNET

Trembling Blue Stars: November Starlings from The Last Holy Writer (2007)
MySpace | Label: ElefantRecords
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

The National: Mr. November from Alligator (2005)
MySpace | Website | Label: Beggars Banquet
Buy at The National Shop, iTunes, and eMusic

Photo by alt-gramma: native California wild grapes

The Rockwells: Tommy, Fred, Trace, and Jonathan

The Rockwells from Knoxville, Tennessee, are two sets of of brothers: Fred (lead vocals, bass)and Jonathan (lead vocals, guitar) Kelly, and Tommy (lead guitar, organ) and Trace (drums) Bateman. Their album, Place and Time, recorded in Knoxville and Memphis, will be released on December 2. Numerous recording locations were used, including various houses, a cabin, and local rock club The Pilot Light.

The brothers produce highly melodic compositions that feel loose and mild, but are actually disciplined and direct. Jonathan's and Fred's vocals blend together gorgeously over the guitars and keys in "Microkorg." And next week when you're watching football, remember story of "The Quarterback," the one who never went back to the game, and others whose dreams are broken.

The Rockwells from Place and Time:
Microkorg
The Quarterback

MySpace | Website | Label: Migrate Records
Buy at Migrant Records

Time Travel Tuesday! Better late than never, in more ways than one.

A couple of Fridays ago on Halloween I wanted to post a couple of songs, but at that time I had not received permission to use them. I have received the OKs since then, however. I need to learn how to plan ahead better.

On the list of my favorite albums ever is the 1995 soundtrack from the movie The Crow, which starred the ill-fated Brandon Lee. This fierce, gut-ripper of a song by My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult is one of several great tracks on this perfect-for-Halloween collection: The Cure's "Burn," Machines of Loving Grace's "Golgotha Tenement Blues," Nine Inch Nails' "Dead Souls," and Jesus and Mary Chain's "Snakedriver."

The Thrill Kill Kult is still going strong! In fact, "America's Most Dangerous Kult" are on their 20th anniversary tour this fall and have posted dates and venues on their website. Thanks to Tina Cassanova at TKK for permission to post.

My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult: After the Flesh from The Crow Soundtrack (1995)
MySpace | Website
Buy: Amazon, iTunes, eMusic,

I also think a dark bathroom is a scary place, so I wanted the brooding "Dark Bathrooms" by Los Angeles' Death To Anders, and I got a nice e-mail from Pete, Nick, Rob, and John giving permission--thanks, guys! I'm also including the mp3 provided for download at RCRDLBL. Both are from the band's recent second full-length album, Fictitious Business.

Death To Anders from Fictitious Business (2008):
Dark Bathrooms
Ghost Rock
MySpace | Website | Label: Independent
Buy: Direct from D2A using PayPal, Amazon.com, iTunes, eMusic

I am always amazed at how far-reaching and influential Neutral Milk Hotel's 1998 album In the Aeroplane Over the Sea has been to so many artists.

On their debut recording, Wisconsin band The Chairs, with Alex Schaaf doing the vocal honors and searing guitar licks, pay homage to that source of inspiration. This cover is featured on a five-song EP that the band is self-releasing tomorrow on their website.

But the Chairs aren't just a cover band; their original songs are well-written and arranged with just the right balance of assertiveness and restraint. "I Gotta Go" has great dynamics, laying low at first and then coming out with a blast of sound. "Polly" is my personal favorite. Listen to them all on the little player on their website. Their November EP is a fine debut.

The Chairs from November EP:
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (Neutral Milk Hotel cover)
Polly

Tracks in this post were provided by Alex Schaaf of the Chairs for the purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.
Website
Buy at the Chairs' website starting November 18.

Photo by alt-gramma: telegraph weed

Like many of us in southern California, Saint John of Saint John and the Revelations came originally from somewhere else. Born in British Columbia, he was a street performer in several European countries before arriving in Los Angeles and having the luck to have his first EP, Halo financed as the soundtrack of a film.

Mercy is his second, with nine songs. The first, "Hear Me Now," sets the scene and tone for the rest: "I look up in this dark room/and it's feeling like some ancient tomb..." This is a personal introspective of the past, present, and future from the perspective of someone who has endured pain, fear, and loss in love and in war. Saint John's lyrics are crafted from deeply-felt memories that have not been dulled by time, and they have the power to strike a vibration in the corresponding memories and emotions of the listener.

The accompanying instruments are mostly simple guitar and violin that underscore the personal tone and uphold, never overpower.

"Shall we try this again?" begins "Victory Tree." I read that one of the biggest problems many Iraq war veterans have is maintaining their marriages and relationships over the repeated and lengthy returns to war. This song makes me think of that scenario, especially with the repeated stress on, "You are free."

The next song, "Gods Among Men," backs it up ("I miss you before you're gone,") and reveals the helplessness to repair what is broken. "We were gods among men, fallen again, now it's time to go," is a reminder of how the U.S. came into this war, thinking we'd be heroes; and how disappointing it has been not to be able to make the changes we hoped for.

"How" feels like the bafflement of a soldier waking up in a hospital, wondering about his wounds: "These is not my pain/this is not my bed/this is not my life/How did I end up here?/And this is not my rage/this is not my hate/this is not my hurt/How did I end up here?" From out of this confusion arises the strength and clarity to go forward. Very beautiful and uplifting, and next to "Mercy" perhaps the most poignant and powerful on the CD.

"Sky Lights Up" could be a description of a normal morning in a Muslim city in the words "Sky lights up, and the city prays," but more likely it refers to the violence of war: "What happened to your esprit de corps? This is the war to start a hundred more." That light in the sky could be bombing instead of a sunrise, and I would sure be praying if bombs were falling on my city.

"Part of Me" bares the soul of the shell-shocked man who has returned from war and is trying to act normal among those who can't fathom his experiences: "Thank you for not sitting too near/How can something so dark make it all so clear?...Part of me knows it's wrong/Maybe it's just wrong for part of me".

"Mercy" is the first song I heard from this CD, and although I'm impressed with all of it, I still like this one just a teeny bit best. When Saint John sings "have mercy on me", you hear from the depths of his being that this is real, but underneath the desperation the melody carries a tone of hope. "Break all the mirrors/Mercy/Don't come any nearer/Mercy/There have been so many names/Give up on trying to blame/Take the pictures from the frames/Mercy."

The last song is short but, by using battle language, tells of more to come: "This wasn't peace, just cease-fire". It's called "I Don't Know How to Let You Go," so it fades gently away on a repeating note.

Saint John is just beginning to record his next full-length release, a full-length album, but Mercy is a little gem that deserves notice for the delicacy and tenderness with which its subjects are treated as well as for the beauty of the music. Saint John is completely independent, so buying directly from his store supports him, not layers of bureaucracy.

Saint John and the Revelations: Mercy



This track was provided by Saint John for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Website | Facebook: XXXX Records
Buy Direct from Saint John
Amazon.com, iTunes

We took a drive last weekend and came across a field with acres of gourds drying in the sun. You would not believe how big these things are.

What's happening on the blogroll:

Count Me Out notes that both Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and the Handsome Furs will have new releases early in the new year.

Lost In Your Inbox celebrates a clean bill of health!

QCLA has started a record label called Chocolate Lab Records and has signed up Andy Yorke, who happens to have a brother who sings as well.

Music Is Art has a contest to give away an art poster designed by the vocalist of TV On the Radio.

Quarterlife Party correctly judged the video of Australian band Tame Impala's "Half Glass of Wine" as a must-see: dazzling and surreal. The song is good too! Note to self: must find.

Contrast Podcast #137 is Songs With Whistling in Them. I couldn't think of anything except Andrew Bird or Lovin' Spoonful's "Daydream," but other contributors were much more inspired.

Since Blogger's random poofing of posts includes those with label-approved files, there is not much incentive to stay perfectly "clean." So today I'm saying, Screw It! I'll post what I want. I have backups of everything.

A couple of days after Barack Obama's historic win, the Decemberists and a large audience celebrated with a 2-hour concert at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia. Having seen the Decemberists twice (at the Wiltern, 2006 and at the Hollywood Bowl, 2007) and Colin Meloy on his own (at the Music Box, 2008) as well, we know that no matter how many times you've heard the songs, Meloy will manage to make them different and fresh. And he must enjoy bossing people around. This concert was no exception.

Here Meloy makes the audience run in place! Gee, I'm glad he only made us sing scales! Then, "double-time!!!" Then he makes them all sit on the floor. "Aw, it's not that dirty," he says to those who hesitate, "They just mopped it. I watched them."
The Perfect Crime Pt 2 (live)

One of the new singles:
A Record Year For Rainfall (live)

After the blood-chilling "Culling of the Fold," Meloy leads into "Chimbley Sweep" with a monologue about Obama. In the middle he talks about his campaign to get everyone to call our VP-elect Joe Biden "Fightin' Joe."
Chimbley Sweep (live)

Without a pause they launch into a great rendition of "16 Military Wives" that of course includes audience sing-alongs and ends the show until they return for the encore.
16 Military Wives (live)

Listen to the whole thing here. It includes several songs from the new album and from singles that have recently been released.

MySpace | Official Website | Label: Capitol Records
Buy at the Decemberists' Store, Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

Photo by alt-gramma: gourds in the sun

Electronica Wednesday? Well, maybe this week anyway. And I see another post has been gobbled without notice and for no reason whatsoever--last Monday's "True Colors" cover by Ane Brun, which was provided to me legally for posting.

Solid Gold

Minneapolis "ghettotech" band Solid Gold have released their full-length follow-up Bodies of Water to their earlier EP Who You Gonna Run To?. Both feature smooth, shimmery electronic goodness, good for either dancing or trancing.

That is such a hilarious photo! From their MySpace.

Solid Gold: Get Over It from Bodies of Water
Solid Gold: Who You Gonna Run To?
These tracks were provided by authorized agent of the artist for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Independent
Buy at Amazon, iTunes, and eMusic

Boy Eats Drum Machine

Photo by Adam Bagerski
Get a load of this really different sound by Jon Ragel of Portland, AKA Boy Eats Drum Machine. Ragel juxtaposes turntable scratching and break beats with oriental samisen, saxophone, and who knows what else. The result is beyond catchy; it will make you remember why you love finding new music. This is Ragel's second full length as the redoubtable Boy, and reportedly his best so far.

Boy Eats Drum Machine: Booomboxxx from Booomboxxx
This track was provided by an authorized agent of the artist and/or label for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Website | Label: Tender Loving Empire
Buy at Tender Loving Empire, iTunes, and eMusic

I know people liked that cover of Radiohead's "Idioteque" from last Finally Friday. Now listen to a couple of this new Sand Diego outfit's own tunes from their new album Mirror, out now.

Calico Horse is the new album and project of the collaboration between Emily Neveu (frontwoman of A Clockwork Army) and producer Pall Jenkins of The Black Heart Procession and features members of Neveu's former band, A Clockwork Army. The songs grew from the album that Neveu was working on for ACA and nearly abandoned when the other members left to pursue other opportunities. Mirror takes a fanciful journey through images of sea and sky, and hopefully it is the first of many we'll hear from this promising lady.

From Mirror:
Happy Placebo Syringe Day
Father Feed Me

Tracks in this post were provided by an authorized agent of the artists and/or their labels for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Website | Label: Banter Records
Buy at Banter Records Store, iTunes, and eMusic

Photo by Cicilia Sutjiono

Cincinnati's Heartless Bastards played at Spaceland last Friday night, and I am really bummed that we did not go. Unfortunately, both of us are really busy right now. However, Uncle T, a big fan who is responsible for introducing me to them in the first place, did see them at Austin City Limits in September. I am going to take a chance and post his review. Cross your fingers that the blog-gobbling monster lets it stay.

~alt-gramma~

The Heartless Bastards

Erika Wennerstrom

This was a wonderful set. Again, I was right near the stage in the middle. Erika did her own sound check before the set, and during the set made sure the sound was right for the additional musicians sitting in. They had a new bass player, who also played banjo on two songs. The original Heartless Bastards’ drummer Dave Colvin was back, replacing Kevin Vaughn. A lap pedal guitarist and a violinist joined in for several new songs as well.

They did six or seven new songs from their upcoming CD, which all sounded very good. The crowd loved them. A gentleman on my left came all the way from Oklahoma to see them.

Band members:
• Erika Wennerstrom: lead vocals, guitar
• Jesse Ebaugh: bass and banjo
• Dave Colvin: drums
• lap pedal steel guitar (2-4 songs)
• violin (3 songs)



Set list included:
• New Resolution (live at Lollapalooza 07): They started the set with this nice rocker from their first CD.
• Done Got Old (live at ACL 07): I always love hearing Erika belt out this Junior Kimbrough blues song.
• Blue Day: Next they did this song from the second CD. Very nice. Once they’d gotten the familiar preliminaries out of the way, Erika introduced a number of new songs and the additional musicians helping out on them
• The Mountain: I heard this excellent new song on their MySpace. They had a lap pedal guitarist join them onstage to play on this one. Very nice.
• 5 or 6 new songs (with violinist; 2 with banjo): They did a number of songs, rockers and slower songs. Everything sounded good, and they were well received by the crowd.
• Swamp Song (live at ACL 07): They ended the set with this tempo shifting rocker from their first CD.

The new album, The Mountain, a powerful howl, is due February 2009. You can hear an unmastered, rough version of the title song on their MySpace page, and it sounds strong.

MySpace | Website | Label: Fat Possum Records
Buy at Heartless Bastards Merch, Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

Change is good.

Marcy at Lost In Your Inbox threw herself into the Obama campaign, so it's no wonder that now the job is done she's experiencing withdrawals with a beautiful song by Nina Nastasia and Jim White.

Music Is Art features a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness and prevention called Keep A Breast Foundation.

To Die By Your Side features an impromptu composition by Ryan Adams that helps explain how Adams is such a prolific songwriter. It's the same impression I got when I was reading Adams' blog.

Berkeley Place sets up at a new web address with a Clash concert bootleg.

Contrast Podcast #136 celebrates Change--hooray!

OK, I'm into pretty stuff today to go with the cool, mellow weather. It rained here on election day, which was certainly a sign of change.

Emily Neveu of San Diego's Calico Horse does a slow, acoustic turn on Radiohead's rapid-burst percussion-fest "Idioteque." Very different, very nice.
Calico Horse: Idioteque (Radiohead cover)
This track was provided by an authorized agent of the artist and/or label for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Website | Label: Banter Records
Buy at Banter Records, iTunes, and eMusic

Don't let the title fool you; Canadian Rae Spoon is more into country/folk than disco. Don't be fooled by the name and voice either; Rae is MR. Spoon. I have this thing for ambiguous vocals, so I think the rest of the album is excellent too. I got it all.
Rae Spoon: Come On Forest Fire Burn the Disco Down from Superioryouareinferior (2008)
This track was provided by an authorized agent of the artist and/or label for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Website | Label: Washboard Records
Buy at Rae Spoon Store Older: Amazon.com, and eMusic

The debut EP of Boston's Clatter Clatter will be released in January. Meanwhile, here is a taste to whet your appetite for rippling melody and clear, sweet vocals. Vocalist Keith Nelson also writes a music blog at Under the Rotunda!
Clatter Clatter: Just To Say
This track permitted by Keith Nelson for distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Website | Label: Unsigned

Choir-like vocal layers make this song by Carlon dreamy and peaceful. The band just finished up at CMJ last month, hot on the heels of releasing their album at the end of September.
Carlon: Canteloupe from Johari Window (2008)
This track was provided by an authorized agent of the artist and/or their label for distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Website | Label: Ropeadope Digital
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

Photo by alt-gramma at the Huntington Gardens

I am really into the ladies recently.

Swedish songstress Frida Hyvönen, who has toured with Jose González and Jens Lekman, releases her second album, Silence Is Wild, this week. This song has grown on me ever since I found it while looking for songs for a mixed album for a friend. Beautiful voice, beautiful lyrics.

"Give us what we deserve
As fearful creatures..."

Frida Hyvönen: Enemy Within from Silence Is Wild (2008)
This track is available for free download at the artist's label website.
MySpace | Website | Label: Secretly Canadian Records
Buy at Secretly Canadian, iTunes, and eMusic




I last mentioned Juliette Commagére when I featured her band Hello Stranger on this Hot Summer Nights Mix in June. After Hello Stranger wound up their tour with the Foo Fighters, Commagére still had the time and energy to complete a solo album with help from bandmates Martin Pradler and Joachim Cooder and his dad Ry, among others. Queens Die Proudly is available now.

Juliette Commagére: Overcome from Queens Die Proudly (2008)
This track was provided by an authorized agent of the artists and/or label for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Hello Stranger MySpace | Label: Aeronaut Records
Buy at CCNow, iTunes, and eMusic

"President Obama!" What an amazing day this is. Somewhere I picture John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert, Martin Luther King, and another ground-breaking President from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, cheering because the ideals that they lived and died for have brought us to this incredible day.

"America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do."

This is just the start. It will take a lot of work and faith and dedication to heal this broken nation and make it a place we can all look up to again. It will take all of us together to unite our divided factions and make us whole.

Mr. Obama made it clear in his acceptance speech last night: It won't be easy, and we will not always like what we have to do. But one thing I feel certain of is that he will not lie to us as we have been lied to for the past eight years.

AM Syndicate: Hang Your Fears at the Door and Join Your Future from Liberation (2007)
album review
This track was provided by the artist or an authorized agent of the artist and/or their label for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Website | Label: NovaStar Records
Buy at NovaStar Store, iTunes, and Amazon.com

I want to make clear that the "enemy" I'm thinking of in the next song is not Senator McCain. I respect Mr. McCain and his struggle to run an ethical campaign in spite of the constituency of blood, greed, fear, and intolerance he inherited from Bush. No, the dead enemy here is negative politics--lies, mud-slinging, and appeals to the most ignorant levels of our society. But like Halloween vampires and zombies, these undead will be back. It's just nice to have beat them down for a while and shown them they don't scare us anymore.
Future of the Left: A Dead Enemy Always Smells Good from Curses (2007)
This track permitted by Beggar's Group for the purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Website | Label: 4AD/Beggar's Group
Buy at Future of the Left Store, iTunes, and eMusic

I have to get more stuff by These United States, a band from Lexington, Kentucky, and Washington DC. I know they won't mind my using this song because they have a big ol' poster of Obama on their MySpace page. I really like their musical style, and I like the title of their other album, A Picture of the Three of Us at the Gates to the Garden of Eden, which is where I feel like I am right now.

This election was over when it became clear that the west coast would give Obama a clear margin of electoral votes.
These United States: West Won from Crimes (2008)
This track is available for free download at the artist's website.
MySpace | Website | Label: United Interests | Tumblr
Buy at What Are Records? Online Store, iTunes, and eMusic

Tracy Shedd comes on like a mix of Suzanne Vega, Liz Phair, and Laura Viers on her brand new second album Cigarettes & Smoke Machines, released in September. Like those other ladies, her songs have a tough spine underneath a glowing softness. These should make you want to look up the rest. This is her fourth album since 2001, and she has an EP with the One AM Radio as well.

Today, as we wait for the election results, and I have to take my car to the shop to get fixed, I'm thinking a lot of these song titles and holding onto hope. Do not pass up your chance to make a difference: VOTE.

Tracy Shedd from Cigarettes & Smoke Machines:
Whatever It Takes
Not Giving Up
Tracks in this post were provided by authorized agents of the artists and/or their labels for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.

MySpace | Website | Label: Tean Beat Records
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

This beautiful Cyndi Lauper cover by Stockholm's Ane Brun is exquisitely tender and touching, but there are other wonderful tracks on her new album Changing Of the Seasons as well. Her delicate voice, accompanied by either simple guitar or piano on tunes like "The Puzzle" and "Linger With Pleasure" will haunt you. And you must have "To Let Myself Go" from A Temporary Dive (2004). You just must.

Ane Brun: True Colors (Cyndi Lauper cover) from Changing Of the Seasons (2008)
This track was LEGALLY provided by Joe Ross of Cheap Lullaby for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.

MySpace | Website | Label: DeTerMine Records
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic
Photo by imadethis

The best man isn't going to win without your vote, and I'm not hiding who I think the best man is. And Californians: please vote NO on Prop 8. The purpose of the state constitution is not to tell people what they can't do with their personal lives.

I know Frank Hoier is an Obama supporter too. He thanked me personally for putting "Jesus Don't Give Tax Breaks to the Rich" in my Time For Change post a couple of weeks ago. I have become a big fan of his other songs on both Lovers and Dollars with the Weber Brothers and his solo EP Love Is War. Check them out, and you will be won over too. Hoier rivals John Fogerty for his facility to work his political views into catchy country-rock tunes.
Frank Hoier: I've Made Up My Mind from Lovers and Dollars (2008)
This track was provided by an authorized agent of the artist for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Label: Platypus Records
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

I was already thinking of posting an Obama mix when I got this song from wonderful Baltimore band Lake Trout. They are more diplomatic that I am, but from their wording I don't think they mind being included in my message. Here is what they want everyone to know:

"This is your chance..... our chance, to make history. There's so much at stake....Roe v. Wade, Iraq, economic regulation, energy independence, education, ethics, health care..........and so much more.

The election isn't over 'til the 5th and everyone actually votes.
And just so you never say we never gave you anything..."
Lake Trout: What You Need
This track was provided by the artist for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Website | Label: Rx Records/Palm Pictures Records
Buy other songs at Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic

New Yorkers Gladshot were not likely to have been thinking of Obama when they wrote this song that appears on their new album Burn Up and Shine. Debbie Andrews and Mike Blaxill trade and combine vocals, and the band has a nice range of different styles, including this nice little rocker that is great for a road trip too.
Gladshot: All I Want Is You from Burn Up and Shine
This track was provided the artist for the expressed purpose of distribution on Speed of Dark.
MySpace | Label: Website | Self-released
Buy at Direct from Gladshot (scroll down), iTunes, and eMusic (older albums)

Obama poster by Los Angeles artist Shepard Fairey, who also created the Andre the Giant posters for Obey.