Friday Freebies

Not to play pimp for music pushers or anything (i do not sell drugs to the community), but i'm recommending you sign up for the email lists at Insound and Amie Street. Every Friday, those fine folks deign to treat subscribers to a free mp3. Sure, sometimes you get throw-away tracks, but there are some seldom heard gems in there, too. As luck would have it, this week has provided a couple of winners.

Now, you might not think an experimental Swedish rock duo is up your alley, but i think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the upcoming EP from Wildbirds & Peacedrums. Now, i was fortunate enough to see them open up for Lykke Li a while back and was pretty taken with their somewhat odd sound then, going so far as to pick up their Heartcore CD. On that one, the sound was a bit out there with the band clearly pushing the boundaries of indie pop/rock. Their sound relies almost exclusively on a range of percussion instruments and the haunting vocals of Mariam Wellentin. Based on this first track from the My Heart EP, though, they've clearly reined things in a bit. Which is great, as i'd like to see this band get a bit more love in 2010. The singer has a beautiful voice, and they've expanded their beat-and-bang-on stable to include some steel drums, making this track a slice of pop goodness with just a hint of reggae flavoring.

Next up is the latest from Gigi, "Strolling Past the Graveyard." Unless this band has something to do with a girl i went to high school with of the same name (it doesn't), i can't tell you much about these cats beyond what you can read for yourself on their MySpace page. What i can tell you, though, is that they craft a catchy tune that resonates with '60s vibes. Insound thinks they've got a Wall of Sound thing going, and i can't disagree. The harmonizing here is strong, and i'm going to re-iterate my "i hope these kids make a splash in '10" sentiments. If the rest of their stuff is as strong as this, i think they just might.

And finally, because i'll pretty much write about anything if asked politely, a couple of tracks from the Unknown Nigerian Wonder, Cyclo-flo. i'll leave it to you to make your own decisions on this cat. i will say this--on "Shuo," Cyclbo-flo spits rapid fire, and with his strong accent, sounds an awful lot like a cross between Busta Rhymes and Shabba Ranks. And on "Hip Hop Ancesion" (stet), he says fuck more times than Eddie Murphy in a leather jumpsuit, so he's got that going for him, too, which is nice.

mp3: My Heart (radio version) (Wildbirds & Peacedrums from My Heart EP)

mp3: Strolling Past the Old Graveyard (Gigi from Maintenant)

mp3: Shuo (Cyclo-flo from ?)

mp3: Hip Hop Ancesion (Cyclo-flo from ?)

Singles Club: Gazzillion Ear

i don't know what it is, but i have been downright addicted to some space age sounding shit lately. i've been listening to a bunch of DJs to an almost unnatural degree, assuming such a thing is possible. Of particular interest of late have been Flying Lotus, The Gaslamp Killer, Madlib and the incomparable J Dilla. As luck would have it, a couple of those cats are on the latest DOOM joint, the Gazzillion Ear EP.

Unfortunately, it hasn't actually dropped yet and i still need to get my hands on the full thing, but thanks to the wonderful Interwebs, i've been able to track down a couple of the tracks, for free, no less. And what kind of mp3 blogger would i be if i didn't share the spoils with you lazy bastards? Seriously, you can start giving back at any time now. If anyone wants to start giving me free Pro Tools lessons, i'm more than willing to call us even.

Back to the remixes, though. Of course, there's the original, complete with beats provided by the late, great J. Dilla. Originally, there was only that and the Thom Yorke's spooky version that's been floating around for months. Now, though, for the price of your email address, you can get a version that isn't even on the EP, by none other than Madlib himself with an intro by Kayne West.

There are a couple more versions on the actual EP, plus a bonus beat, but, as previously mentioned, i'm afraid i can't tell you anything about those. i have little doubt, however, that they are quite villainous, and what more do we need than that?

mp3: Gazzillion Ear (DOOM original with beat by J. Dilla from Born Like This)

mp3: Gazzillion Ear (Thom Yorke Remix) (DOOM from Gazzillion Ear Remixes EP)

mp3: Gazzillion Ear (MADVILLAINZ remix ft. Kanye West as KHAN) (DOOM from the Interwebs)

Happy Birthday, Syd

Today we honor the memory of one of rock’n’roll’s dearly departed, greatest of wacky gentlemen, Mr. Syd Barrett. These days he exists in the legend category of musicians, a status attained by many by virtue of not only their reputation for mentally residing on another planet but also their incredible talents.

Personal imbalance aside, Syd was a talent, both in the early days of Pink Floyd and in his own right. The Madcap Laughs is a great encapsulation of what great music instability can create, and can be found the world over in the record collections of the hipper-than-thou. As with many bands of his generation, Syd and early Floyd paved the way for dozens of bands, inspiring creativity and far-outness.

In honor of the life of Syd Barrett, here’s some music by, and inspired by, the man himself.

mp3: Late Night (Syd Barrett from the album The Madcap Laughs)

mp3: My Man Syd (The Brian Jonestown Massacre from the album Take It From the Man!)

mp3: I Know Where Syd Barrett Lives (Television Personalities from the album And Don’t the Kids Just Love It)

It's Covered: The Nurse Who Loved Me

i just realized it been days since i updated the masses via music on the current status of my health. As i have no doubt that this has caused many of you to lapse into complete disarray worrying about me, let me rectify the situation.

To recap, i'm on a bunch of blood thinners for the next few months. Additionally and in no way related, i slipped a disc and have a pinched nerve. Due to the blood thinners, however, i'm S.O.L. on the back pain. They want to give me cortisone shots, but are afraid of blood seepage into the injection point or some such thing. Since it's a pinched nerve, PT won't help. Therefore, they've got me on pain meds. As none of my doctors ever confer with one another (though they lie to my face and tell me they do), i got a call from the back doctor's nurse yesterday that went a little something like this.

"Sir, I see that you've requested a refill on some pain meds. Didn't the cortisone shot work?"

"Yeah, I explained to the doctor that I'm going to be on blood thinners for the next one to four months, so no shot before that."

"Have you tried physical therapy yet?"

"Well, the doctor told me that PT wouldn't help."

"It won't help with the pain, but it might increase your core strength. I've already prescribed two more pain med refills, but we'd like you to try out the PT."

"So it's not going to help the only reason I need the meds?"

"Correct."

Makes sense to me.

Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a big round of applause to our medical professionals.

Just remember, kids, drugs make us strong and cool. Better living through chemistry, i always say.

mp3: The Nurse Who Loved Me (Failure from Fantastic Planet)

mp3: The Nurse Who Loved Me (A Perfect Circle from Thirteenth Step)

Singles Club: Horchata by Vampire Weekend

To be perfectly honest, i missed the whole Vampire Weekend bandwagon its first time around with their eponymous debut CD. i have this music snobbery problem where it's very hard for me to listen to the latest "hot" band. The problem was far greater when i was younger, in those pre-Interweb days of yore, when such bands seemingly were all one could listen to on the radio. I had the exact same problem with Nirvana back then. It wasn't until well after Kurt decided to figure out what bullets tasted like that i got into those cats, but they now rank as one of my favorite groups.

Anyway, as of yesterday, fans of VW can stream the band's entire sophomore release, Contra, at a variety of places, from their MySpace page for the technologically non-hip to NPR's website for the liberal coffee drinking intelligentsia. In keeping with my desire for more and more blog-on-blog love, those cats at Hear Ya, another incredible blog, just posted VW's latest free mp3 love, Horchata. Now, for those of you not in the know, horchata is a wonderful and creamy rice-based drink largely consumed by our neighbors south of the US border. My college roomie, Yim, worked at a Mexican restaurant in Evanston, and that fine establishment made a damn fine horchata, if i do say so my damn self. With such fond memories stirred up by the beverage PLUS the endorsement of one of my favorite blogs, of course, i had to check it out for myself.

And you know what? Much like my one-time favorite summer drink, VW's single is a frothy, delightful affair. As a matter of fact, i can't remember the last time i heard something this infectiously catchy and bouncy. This, boys and girls, is the kind of music you listen to when you want to smile. And with all the shit i've had on my plate lately, a smile is what i needed today. While the lyrics are borderline nonsensical, goddamn it, this is what indie pop music is meant to be--lighthearted, engaging and downright fun. So consider me fully on that bandwagon, kids, and the next rice milk drink is on me.

(Ed. note 1: Hear Ya tends to focus on indie rock. We both share similar perfectly acceptable stalker man love for the likes of Dan Auerbach, The Devil Makes Three and bands of that ilk. So if that kind of stuff blows wind up your skirt, check those cats out regularly, if not more often.)

(Ed. note 2: Geoghegan, if you somehow stumble across this post, you daffy bastard, drop me a line. i probably won't even make you pay me back that $250 you've owed me since college.)

mp3: Horchata (Vampire Weekend from Contra)

Album Review: These United States - Everything Touches Everything

It’s no secret that Chris and I each have a few bands apiece that we’ve loved fiercely and ferociously for years. To put it bluntly, they’re our pets and we love them. On certain occasions, we’ve been lucky enough to be around these certain bands from virtually the beginning. And when it comes to These United States, well, we go back a ways. I think, and have thought for some time, that they’re one of the best bands around, and not just in the locality sense. There are few bands in the country, let alone in DC and Richmond, who can keep up with them on an artistic level. Not many bands can impress me on a regular basis as much as these boys can. And friends, this third album very well could be that last, biggest push into world domination (and coincidentally, it’s one of the best damn records of 2009). I’d say it’s their finest work so far, but since everything they’ve released is so amazing I really can’t go there.

To refresh your memory, These United States has released three records in their history thus far. Album number one was the ethereal, floating introductory record. Album two was the brilliantly thematic country-fried space folkish one, garnered them quite a lot of attention to boot. But album three, well, it’s probably going to be the one that makes them famous.

The band has expanded from a three-piece to a five-piece, and the added heft of the new and improved lineup favorably adds to the fullness and breadth of the album. Everything Touches Everything is definitely the most accessible These United States record, and darned if it doesn’t sound downright poppy at times. For example, opening (and my favorite) track “I Want You to Keep Everything” is a slick, spotless, nearly perfect pop song, though of course it contains none of the meaningless pop treacle prevalent in bad pop. Jesse Elliott probably couldn’t write a bad song if he tried, bless his heart. Further into the record, the most excellent “Conquest & Consequence” has a robust guitar sound and an almost 60s feel, as though it might have been plucked from right around the dawning of the psychedelic era, and naturally there’s a deeply political slant to the lyrics. Another gem, “Good Bones,” is just warmth and glory blended together. It feels hopeful and triumphant, choc full of vim and vigor. The album closes with the opus “Good Night Wish,” a dreamy track that ebbs and flows along the rhythms of nighttime in the city, bringing things to an end in a most magnificent manner and punctuated by a bang on a guitar at the bittersweet finale.

I don’t believe that all that many people are really, truly gifted at what they do. But that Jesse Elliott, dears, is gifted. I could smell it years ago and he just keeps proving me right, along with the help of some rather special co-stars. His songs can confound and astound and leave you just about breathless and teary/starry/wide-eyed. The band is constantly growing and changing, at once and never quite the same. And most importantly, this band and the music they make has soul. Yet again, here’s another fantastic record, and it doesn’t sound like anything else that anyone else is doing. Each track has its own distinct, unique personality, though they all fit together beautifully and completely, creating a full, cohesive sound that could only be made by These United States. And what a glorious sound it is.

mp3: I Want You To Keep Everything (These United States from Everything Touches Everything)

mp3: Good Bones (These United States from Everything Touches Everything)

Mixtape Love: The RE:Union by Reflection Eternal

By this point in the game, i think we pretty much all expect that come Christmas time, our favorite bands and artists are going to deluge the Interwebs with all sorts of holiday-time free mp3 love. But New Year's love? Not so much. So let's grant a marketing coup to those geniuses in Reflection Eternal, Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek, for giving us the first goodies of this still very new year.

In anticipation of their forthcoming sophomore release due in March 2010, Revolutions Per Minute, the duo dropped The RE:Union mixtape scant days ago for all the good little indie boys and girls and hip-hop heads to enjoy. Compiled by Statik Selektah, the mixtape features some new goodies from the upcoming CD, old faves from debut Train of Thought, and a number of guest spots. Playing along we have Mos Def, Erykah Badu, Common, (vastly overrated) Jay Z, and Kool G. Rap, amongst others. (slight aside: whatever happened to DJ Polo? It does not pay to be an old skool DJ, i tell you what.) What i particularly like is their use of some classic beats for new rhymes (Is that a little of Run-DMC's "Sucka MCs" laid down on "Wishing on a Black Star?" Yes. Yes, it is.)

So while you're nursing the end of that NYE hangover and wondering what have we done for you lately, now you have an answer. We've been busy finding the finest free mp3s for our ever loving jackals.

So what, you ask? Sew buttons, i reply.

mp3: RE:Definition (Eternal Reflection ft. Mos Def from The RE:Union)

mp3: The Blast RMX (Eternal Reflection ft. Erykah Badu from The RE: Union)

Happy Birthday, Michael

Sometimes it feels like only yesterday that I was an impressionable youth, tearfully watching Brenda and Dylan breakup to the sounds of "Losing My Religion" on the original version of "Beverly Hills, 90210". So too does it feel like only yesterday that R.E.M. was breaking into mainstream music, and subsequent hugeness, so many moons ago. There was a time they seemed to rule the world, and while those days have passed their shadow still looms very, very large over much of music since.

Today we celebrate the birth of one of Athens' finest, Mr. Michael Stipe. His, and R.E.M.'s, longevity is an achievement indeed. Long hath their sound permeated our lives, and long may they continue to do so.

"E-bow the Letter" is still probably my favorite of their canon, but I enjoy this little ditty almost as much.

Here's to you, Mr. Stipe. Many happy returns!

mp3: Radio Free Europe (R.E.M. from the album Murmur)

Quote of the Day: #3

ou probably know by now that Oasis has split...yet again. Once again it was some serious in-fighting betwixt the brothers Gallagher that did the band in, though I'm in the camp that couldn't actually believe they were still together. Mind you, Noel Gallagher did know his way around a good pop song, and I'd still vote "Wonderwall" as one of the finest songs of the 90s, if not of, well, ever. Yes, I said it, and I stand by it.

In any event, the NME website has collected 50 Noel Gallagher quotes, along with some great photos, and made a wee feature out of it. The quotes themselves are, as always, priceless, though I certainly did get a kick out of seeing that 1996 photo of Noel hanging out with a peroxided Robbie Williams.

This quote selection, given the circumstances between the recent, and evidently final, Oasis split, seems rather apros pos, as it's Noel discussing the downside of his dear brother Liam:

"He's rude, arrogant, intimidating and lazy. He's the angriest man you'll ever meet. He's like a man with a fork in a world of soup."

And in honor of the split, here's some "Wonderwall" for your enjoyment.

mp3: Wonderwall (buy)

Best of 2009: Where Art Thou?

By now, dear friends, you might have noticed that something is missing from our little site. Well, you're right. Last year we huffed and puffed and got our Best of 2008 posts done in December. This seemed well and good at the time, but then we had a wee think about it over this past year and decided that we were going to be rebels, if you will.

To recap the winners and losers of the year 2009, we would not start until January of 2010, so as to let all of 2009 shake out (and give us more time to listen to the year's offerings and work on other amusing and fabulous year-end categories). We wanted to give the year a chance to get its last gasps in, and so rest assured we are getting down to the nitty-gritty as you read this very post.

So don't fret. Our lists are coming, we promise.

Merry New Year and Many Happy Returns of the Day to Us!

Seeing as how we all should be on winter break right now, i'm going to keep this one short and sweet. Whereas i'm sure many of you are suffering through hellacious hangovers right now, The Missus and i kept it low key last night and made numerous plans for today. As i type, the NHL Winter Classic is on. i'm kind of disappointed i'm not in Boston at the game in person, particularly in light of the fact i was at last year's at Wrigley Field, but what can you do? Oh, and we've got tickets for the midnight showing this evening to see what i'm sure is going to be on the short list for Best Movie of the Year at the Oscars, Black Dynamite (though i'm pretty sure Kick-Ass is going to take the honors next year).

Before i dash, here's hoping you and yours already are on your way to a very healthy and prosperous New Year. While i'm pointing out what a special day today is, Happy Birthday to us! That's right, your favorite Interweb location for obscure cover songs, old rappers and all things DC/Richmond (though not for much longer)-music-scene-related turns two years old today. We'd like to thank all you freaks who seem to think our odd takes on music-type stuff is worth reading. Or, barring that, you're welcome for the free downloads, you vultures. Either way, merci beaucoup. We promise to stick around as long as you weirdos will have us.

mp3: The New Year (Death Cab for Cutie from Transatlanticism)
mp3: My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year) (Regina Spektor from the free eponymous single from her website last year)
mp3: Happy Birthday (Cracker from Cracker)

Happy New Year from LET!

I don't know about you, darlings, but 2009 has been both kind and oh-so cruel. The highs of 2009 were astronomical, SXSW and the NIN/JA tour immediately spring to mind. But the tail of the year has been a real pisser (most recent setback: premature iPod demise. Anyone have any hookups to Apple?!). I've been busily deciding on some resolutions, the first of which was resolving to have resolutions again. I didn't make any last NYE, and figured what the hell.

2010, you are welcomed with open arms. Please don't suck.

Another of my resolutions involves writing more. While lately this has proven challenging (another lemon 2009 has thrown my way is computer problems), now that I only have 5 more work days until the void known as gainful unemployment, I'll have plenty of time to let Chris take a breather every now and then. But I must say, as far as partners in crime go, Mr. Terrible is as good as it gets.

In the spirit of the New Year, may I present to you two wonderful NYE-appropriate tunes. The first, being from those darlings of The Walkmen, is a driving force in the face of the harsh winter. The second is a new take on an old classic, Vandaveer's cover of "Auld Lang Syne". If you don't yet know about Vandaveer, don't worry, you soon will.

And with that, on behalf of Chris and myself I'd like to wish you all a spectacularly Happy New Year! May 2010 be limitlessly joyful, and bring you much happiness and good health. Cheers!

mp3: In The New Year (buy)

mp3: Auld Lang Syne (free Xmas EP)

Old Skool Review: Eric B. and Rakim

It just dawned on me that while there's been a fair amount of the hipping and the hopping here at LET of late, it's all been of a decidedly current bent. Seeing as this could well be the last post of the year and how much you damn kids love to hear about how things were back in my day ("Our mixtapes actually were mixtapes, so stay the hell off my lawn before you mess up the potholes, punk!"), i figured now was a damn fine time to break out another Old Skool Review if i damn well say so my damn self.

Today we're going to deal with one of the strongest MC/DJ combos of all times, Eric B. & Rakim. Back in the day, the Long Island duo essentially were IT. Credited rightly or wrongly with everything from the introduction of DJs sampling James Brown to creating gangsta rap (remember that Follow the Leader video?), it's hard to think of a stronger matching pair than these guys during their all-too-short six year run. In a time when a lot of players were trying desperately to define the genre, Eric B. and Rakim did so with such effortless style it's a wonder they don't get royalties from every single rap record made since then.

The two eventually disbanded, allegedly over label issues. They've both had a solo album or two, with Rakim receiving the lion's share of accolades since their dissolution. Isn't that always the way? Note to self: while DJ Terrible is making itself a household name, work on that lyrical fury if you want to have a better shelf life.

Eric had a smooth but spooky style, using numerous JB beats as previously mentioned. Rakim has a staccato style, slow, but forceful at the same time. Combined, the two formed some otherworldly Mecha-Beast of superior, yet sinister sounds.

And that, my friends, ain't no joke.

mp3: Paid in Full (Eric B. & Rakim from Paid in Full)

mp3: Microphone Fiend (Eric B. & Rakim from Follow the Leader)

mp3: Mahogany (Eric B & Rakim from Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em)

mp3: Rakim: Past, Present and Feature (DJ Parler's 40 minute sampler of Rakim, including tastes of his upcoming album)

Oh, in case you did NOT remember that video:

More Free Mixtape Love

i hope to get another post up later today, but i'm totally blown away by what i'd call some rather glaring omissions from some of the "Top 10 Mixtapes" lists i've been seeing. i'm pretty sure it's my self-appointed duty to do what i can to enlighten the masses, no? As always, props to those that helped me find this stuff in the first place.

Heads noddin' and bobbin' shout out to the incomparable Berkeley Place for heppin' LET to "LE DA SOUL: 20 Years of De La Soul" from GetRightMusic.com. i've professed my love for those D.A.I.S.Y. lovers here before, so imagine my delight finding a mixtape of some up and comers rapping over De La beats. Very, very nice.

And, of course, yet another tip of the kangol to Passion of the Weiss for introducing LET to both Danny! and Flying Lotus. i've already waxed rhapsodic on Danny!, so let me take a moment or two to do the same for Flying Lotus. The fool is a space-age DJ that sounds years ahead of the game. When he gave away those Lil' Wayne remixes earlier this year, i figured he'd done enough to keep the masses happy, but then he goes and releases a 10-year retrospective mixed by the Gaslamp Killer. Sweet Bippy, this is some incredible stuff.

(Ed. note: i hope LET readers are checking out those aforementioned blogs with undying loyalty, so my apologies to those that are and see some repetition of topics. However, it's always good tuneage, so don't be so damn pushy.)

mp3: Pease Porridge (Mick Boogie & Terry Urban ft. Phife Dawg from LE DA SOUL: 20 Years of De La Soul)

mp3: Fa Fa Fa (Danny! from Where is Danny?)

mp3: Robo Tussin (Flying Lotus ft. Lil' Wayne)

mp3: A Decade of Flying Lotus (Flying Lotus remixed by Gaslamp Killer)

Singles Club: Sound the Horns

Sorry, folks, park's closed. The moose out front should have told you.

Hey, you're lucking to be getting anything from the blogosphere during the holidays, you ingrates. It's a good thing for you that i love you the way i do, or that would be the end of that.

Can you tell i'm a bit tired? Well, after a rollicking Christmas with the fam, the Missus and i went on the home inspection for the new house this morning. Then i had another doc's appointment, and now i'm the only one in the office because everyone else is out on vacation. While i arguably could have used this time to wax rhapsodic upon whatever, i kind of feel like something from Inspectah Deck is appropriate, what with the home inspection (including large deck) and all, so that's what you're getting. So there. Sew buttons, as a matter of fact.

mp3: Sound the Horns (Wu-Tang Clan ft. Inspectah Deck, Sadat X & U-God from Chamber Music)

On The Soap Box

(Ed. Note: We normally steer clear of anything political 'round these parts. Personally, i think they're all in cahoots, towards whichever side of the pendulum they claim to swing. i received a message earlier today from the 9:30 Club, though, that most likely impacts nearly all LET readers--the proposed merger between Ticket Master and Live Nation. Since they've gone to all the trouble of taking legitimate steps towards making sure this doesn't happen, i'll leave it to those hep cats to explain. Final word--i wrote and sent the proposed email suggested below. If you're tired of getting charged exorbitant fees to hear live music, you should do the same.)

Concert Fans Beware!

There’s a train wreck about to happen and consumer groups say YOU will be the victim if the two most powerful corporate interests in the live concert business get their way. But you can help stop the merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation. The government needs to hear from music fans now. Tell the Department of Justice that you’re against these monopolies amassing illegal power over consumers, before it’s too late.

antitrust.complaints@usdoj.gov

As a concertgoer you have already felt the pain, and if Ticketmaster and Live Nation get their way, it’ll get worse. In the last 12 years, since Live Nation and its predecessor started its widespread takeover of the concert industry, concert ticket prices have shot up 82% while the consumer price index has gone up just 17%*. We are concerned that if the two concert industry behemoths, Live Nation and Ticketmaster, are permitted to merge, the variety and quality of artists coming to local venues will be affected, and your costs could rise further and faster.

Five of the nation’s most prominent public interest groups called on the Department of Justice to block the proposed merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation:

“Consumers deserve a fair deal in the entertainment marketplace, not the fewer choices and higher prices that would result from this merger,” said Susan Grant, Director of Consumer Protection at Consumer Federation of America

“This merger is an insult to both musicians and consumers,” said James Love, Director of Knowledge Ecology International

“We cannot envision a remedy that would ease this chilling impediment to competition… In the absence of other effective, expeditious remedies, the proposed transaction should be prohibited.” American Antitrust Institute White Paper

As described by Senator Herb Kohl (WI) in the House Antitrust hearing, “This merger will not only expand Ticketmaster’s control of the ticketing market by eliminating a competitor, but it is also creating an entity that will control the entire chain of the concert business – from artist management to concert promotion and production to ticketing and ticket resale.”

“This merger would be a disaster for consumers. Nothing short of blocking this takeover of the ticket market by two industry behemoths will be acceptable,” said National Consumers League Executive Director Sally Greenberg.

“As president, I will direct my administration to reinvigorate antitrust enforcement. I will step up review of merger activity and take effective action to stop or restructure those mergers that are likely to harm consumer welfare…,” said Senator Barack Obama when he was campaigning for the presidency.

If you agree with the consumer groups and lawmakers, make a difference and LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD NOW.

Send a message to the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice telling them you support President Obama’s campaign promise to protect the American public from abusive monopolies.

antitrust.complaints@usdoj.gov

To learn more, check out:

ticketdisaster.org

Signed,

The 9:30 Club, I.M.P., Merriweather Post Pavilion, Jam Productions, Metropolitan Talent, Another Planet Entertainment, Frank Productions, Stone City Attractions, Rams Head Live, The Black Cat ... and independent concert promoters and venue operators nationwide.

*Study by Princeton University economist Alan Krueger

mp3: Ticket Man (The Kills from No Wow)

mp3: Political Song (Brock, live at IOTA, 2-9-04)

The Greatest Getting Ready To Buy A House Mix You Will Ever Hear

(Ed. note: i actually wrote this entire thing yesterday afternoon, but thought i'd have time to post it last night since i hadn't finished the links. Guess i was wrong on that one. Oops.)

OK, kids, i'm going to put together a bid to purchase a house in a couple of hours, so that's obviously going to reflect in this here post o' mine. C'mon, you know how things work 'round these parts by now, don't you? If not, you may really want to rethink majoring in Terrible Chrisology. Sure, the lab work seemed light at first glance, but you knew the readings were going to be killer. Plus, who could have guessed that all that nude modeling was required? What's really disappointing, though, is that your parents honestly believed this was going to be the semester you finally graduated. And now you've let them down again. i hope you are satisfied. Ass hat.

Changing topics completely, anyone out there a Gabriel Garcia Marquez fan? Specifically, have you read The Trail of Your Blood in the Snow? i cut my cuticle nearly seven hours ago, and the damn thing is still bleeding. That can't be good, can it?

Now back to the Greatest Getting Ready To Buy A House Mix You Will Ever Hear...

The Missus probably will disagree, but one of the things i'm most looking forward to regarding buying a new house is the opportunity it will allow me to have a room dedicated entirely to ninjas. While i may or may not be kidding, was your immediate reaction that such a room was incredibly cool or patently lame? Factor your geekdom quotient accordingly. One million bonus points if you're female and went with the former.

mp3: House of Flying Daggers (Raekwon ft. Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah, Method Man from Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II)

Who doesn't want their home to be a metaphor for illicit sex? Nobody. Not even your grandfather. While that's probably not the actual metaphor that Zero 7 was shooting for on this track, i stand by my initial statement.

mp3: Home (Zero 7 from When It Falls)

Good advice is good advice.

mp3: A House is Not a Home (Field Music from Tones of Town)

This is going to be the third house we've tried to purchase (first one, the preggers wife of the selling couple went hormonal and decided she didn't want to sell after all; second one, guy didn't like our bid, which was his problem, as he was approximately $100K overpriced; and now this one). Of course, we've already sold the place we live in and have to move out in a few weeks, meaning it's either moving into the Ps' basement or out on the streets if this bid doesn't happen.

mp3: Homeless (Burial from Untrue)

As long as it doesn't go as bad as this, though, i'm sure we'll be fine.

Singles Club: The Swinging Singles Edition

i figured i was just going to put together some snow mix today, seeing as how the DC area got hit with around two feet worth of the powdery stuff over the weekend, but i suppose i'll reserve that for another day. When i turned on my computer this morning, i found a virtual cornucopia of free mp3 love just waiting for me to share with you. For both our protection and enjoyment, rest assured that i'm wearing a full latex bodysuit while i type this. Actually, i'm wearing nothing but hip waders right this moment, but we're clearly getting off topic here. Yipes.

If you already are on the Zero 7 email list, you'd know that the band is offering a kick-ass live session version of "Mr. McGee," the regular version of which can be found their latest, Yeah Ghost. You might think that the band is only capable of creating its sound in a studio environment, but that would simply make you wrong. Having seen these cats live a couple of times now, i can assure you that they put on a stellar show. i imagine you'll agree with me that this track goes a long way in furthering my point. In return for said sign, they'd be ever so thankful if you'd join that aforementioned email list.

mp3: Mr. McGee (Zero 7, live session)

Next up is the latest from Jason Collett from his upcoming Rat a Tat Tat CD. Due out March 9, 2010, Mr. C once again teams up with Carlin Nicholson and Michael O’Brien. If this track, Love is a Dirty Word, is any indication, we're in for another round of indie pop rock goodness. You know, for my money, those Arts & Crafts cats just can't seem to put out a bad album.

mp3: Love is a Dirty Word (Jason Collett from Rat a Tat Tat)

Still not sure whose mailing list sent me our next yum yum treat, but if you've always thought another collaboration between Danger Mouse and James Mercer would be tits, well, consider yourself amply breasted, kid. They did a fine job teaming up on "Insane Lullaby" on Dark Night of the Soul, and might just sound even better here. If nothing else, this latest track is a lot less spastic. Their new project is called Broken Bells, and ditto on that signing up for ye olde email list. Oh, and ditto on the March 9 release date, too, though an on-line version will be available tomorrow (Dec. 22).

mp3: The High Road (Broken Bells from Broken Bells)

And for a final piece of goodness, Kayne West has the latest from Mos Def up on his blog. Ski Beatz produced the track, but i have no idea what album this is from or what Kanye's role in the track might be. Oh well, it's kick ass regardless, so who's complaining? It's not like the guy hasn't provided the world with buckets of entertainment in the past.

mp3: 24 Hour Karate School (Mos Def from Kayne's website)

Regarding calling today's Single's Club the Swinging Singles edition, i really just wanted an excuse to post this.

Chrissy Snow as a boozing whore and J.J. Evans trying to avoid marriage. Now That's DYNOMITE!

It's Covered: Joy to the World

You've probably noticed i've shied away from "traditional" Xmas tunes here at LET. Quite frankly, we've heard those songs a billion times before by a billion different artists, but hardly anybody ever does anything different or exciting with them.

Fortunately, we've got two artists today that have gone out of their way to prove me wrong. While you might not think of Joy to the World as an indie classic, here are a couple of cats who are trying to change your opinion on the matter. First published in 1719, the song has nothing to do with the birth of Baby Jesus. Instead, it's about his return following his death (or at least a very heavy three day nap). So while all of us think we're singing a birthday hymn of some sort, we're actually apparently trying to usher in Christian Ragnarok. Which is nice.

Indie fave Banjo or Freakout has just put out a FREE Xmas EP of classics that sound absolutely nothing like the originals. Clearly, if the band name is posing a question, the answer is definitely Freakout, as i have yet to hear any Banjo on this thing. Any way, here's his take on the track. It's a spacey, hazy affair that starts with what sounds like an old children's album sample stating the parts of the body. What that has to do with the price of potatoes is beyond me, but even if it weren't free, this thing is worth the price of admission.

Secondly, we have Eef Barzelay's plaintive version. The Clem Snide front man gives this a sparse arrangement, just vocals and soft vocals. And yet, it sounds all the more powerful for its lack of bombast. Personally, i dig it. And while its not blog-on-blog love, Rory, if you're reading this, thanks for turning me onto Eef in the first place.

Of course, the version that seems to stick the most in my mind comes from the Claymation Christmas Celebration. While this is the only song segment that didn't' feature dried out grapes or borderline sacrilegious camels, this clip does still contain the two very gay dinosaur hosts. So it's got that going for it. Man alive, cartoons back in the day were pretty fucked up.

mp3: Joy to the World (Banjo or Freakout from XA2009)

mp3: Joy to the World (Eef Barzelay from Bitter Honey)

It's Covered: When the River Meets the Sea

Every year, the networks trudge out the same old holiday specials. You've got your tried and true Chuck Brown and his pathetic tree and the Grinch fucking with the Whos, as well as some newer numbers, like Shrek, making a bid for "classic" status. Back when i was knee high to a grasshopper, there was a show that helped "make it" Christmas for me every year which, sadly, no longer sees the light of syndicated day. As any Gen Xer worth his salt would know, i'm obviously talking about Emmett Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. This is old school Muppetry at its finest--Jim was still live and kickin' and Walt Inc. hadn't gotten their nasty little fingers into that marionette puppet pie. HBO ran the show for a number of Christmases past, but hasn't in forever. i'm guessing it has something to do with the aforementioned Disney buy-out, but who knows?

Regardless, the show had a number of winner tracks. One might even be on the verge of that "classic" status. For those of you in the know, i'm obviously talking about "When the River Meets the Sea," though i wouldn't have faulted you if you thought i meant "Riverbottom Nightmare Band." While the track was written by Paul Williams for the Emmett Otter special and later covered by John Denver and the Muppets for that kick ass Christmas album, it actually isn't about Christmas or even the holidays at all. It's about dying and leaving this mortal coil, so you know the kids loved it immediately.

For your listening pleasure, we have two versions from Ma Otter herself, plus JD and the Muppets, AND a take by none other than Rose Polenzani (that's OK, i didn't know who she was, either). Whilst enjoying, i strongly recommend chowing down on some of Momma's barbecue, but that may just be me.

mp3: When the River Meets the Sea (Ma Otter from Emmett Otter's Jug-Band Christmas)

mp3: When the River Meets the Sea (Ma Otter and Emmett Otter's Jug-Band from Emmett Otter's Jug-Band Christmas)

mp3: When the River Meets the Sea (John Denver and the Muppets from A Christmas Together)

mp3: When the River Meets the Sea (Rose Polenzani, live on WERS, 3/13/07)

(Ed. note: continuing our blog-on-blog lovefest of late, a special shout out to another of our faves, She'll Grow Back, for assistance procuring the EOJB soundtrack. Longtime loiterers will recall that these are the cats that inspired It's Covered in the first place, so you can blame/thank Mark over there accordingly by checking out his blog. His Stagger Lee Saturdays alone are worth the price of admission.)