James Taylor - ST

This is James Taylor's first album, and i like it the best of his whole career. This album was also under the Apple label, James was the first outside artist signed to the Apple label, in this album a few tracks the bass is played by Sir Paul McCartney. Great songs are Knockin' Round Zoo, Sunshine Sunshine, Something In The Way She Moves, and Carolina In My Mind. Most of these songs I believe were written when Taylor was in the looney bin. Get It Here

Andrew Bird - Soldier On [EP]

This is Andrew Birds new European tour EP, it contains some real gems, and also a cover of Bob Dylan's "Oh Sister". Here

Juno - Soundtrack

I have yet to see this movie, but from about everyone they say it is very funny and a good film. Hopefully one day I'll be motivated enough to go, or maybe wait till its out on dvd. Anyway here is the soundtrack, has a lot of Moldy Peaches songs which is always good (Adam Green is a genius). Here

Broken Social Scene - Bee Hives [EP]

I recently got into this band from the Half Nelson soundtrack. I love this EP especially the song "Lover's Spit", which is sung by Broken Social Scener Feist. Here

Also if you havent seen the film Half Nelson, then you need to. It is easily in my top films of all time.

Andrew Bird - Weather Systems

Another record from the musician with the best vocabulary I have ever heard, and quiet possibly the best whistler alive. This album was the start of the Andrew Bird we know today. A great record for about any occasion, and worth checking out. Below is the 8 minute video that came with the album. Enjoy

Amiina - Kurr

A friend and I saw this band of women from Iceland, at the music fest show in cincinnati that is thrown annually by the guitarist of the National. They are frequent companions and helpers of Sigur Ros, but also can stand on their own two feet as talented and experimental musicians. Check it out here

The Arcade Fire - Funeral

I am pretty sure that most everyone owns this record, and rightfully so. It deserves to be owned by everyone. This is a genius album and all the songs are so fucking good. Get it here

Seu Jorge - The Life Aquatic Studio Sessions

Beautiful covers of David Bowie songs. This is the album version of the songs, much better sound quality and more songs than in the movie soundtrack. Here

Once

So i just finished watching a movie that many people have been raving about. Dear friends that I like and care for have told me what a great movie Once is. So I am in the minority, as I didn't like it. The songs didn't strike me, the conversation just seemed pretty normal. I get that this is a pretty realistic view of how real life is, other movies that have this angle I usually enjoy, i.e. Before Sunrise I loved. This movie i found myself finding other things to do while it was on. My reason for not liking wasn't to fit in or simply try to differ myself from people who did, as previously stated many people I admire and respect loved this. I'm sure its the same when I hear someone say they don't like Wilco or any other band i love by saying "i don't get it". I don't think my opinion means much, but i do enjoy that even "great" movies or art is still debatable.

It may be possible that after viewing the movie poster over and over before seeing the film may have sealed the deal, as they are walking on a guitar neck, that seemed kind of lame to me. Oh well.

The Wrens - The Meadowlands

A good friend of mine, told me about this album several times. After many reminders he finally burned me a copy that was about a year ago, and i still havent gotten over this album. The Wrens offer some of the best lyrics i have ever heard or read, as you will to want to read the lyrics while listening, many involve the struggle of playing music while not having a record deal or a company willing to keep you long. This is not whiny music, they take these issues and translate them into the bigger questions we all ask, am i good enough? is this worth it? will i ever be satisfied? I hope to get their other albums from the record store in Northside (shake it records, if your not familiar). Check this album out, it'll take a few listens before it clicks, but once it does you'll wonder why they dont get the credit or acknowledgment they deserve. Here