Sweet Oblivion

2009-06-05T23:40:00.001-05:00

2009-05-17T20:52:00.001-05:00

2009-05-17T20:51:00.000-05:00

Back When I Can...

2008-04-01T11:11:00.001-05:00

Haven't had the time to update regularly, so I'll probably only be posting sporadically at best in the future. In the meantime, check out the archived posts or visit the blogs mentioned on the right side of the page.

B-Side Of The Week: Screaming Trees

2008-03-05T11:11:00.002-05:00

It's been a little while since I posted something from Sweet Oblivion faves Screaming Trees. This tune was from the sessions for their final studio album, 1996's Dust.

Screaming Trees - "Wasted Time"

Buy Screaming Trees music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below and the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Cover Of The Week: Matt Nathanson does James

2008-02-29T11:11:00.002-05:00

Matt Nathanson has commented during performances on the interesting twist of fate that resulted in his cover of this James classic becoming his best-known "original". Obviously, fans of Nathanson's love his actual originals, but this tune does seem to generate a lot of crowd enthusiasm at live shows. Some covers seem to suit an artist better than others, and this one fits easily in Nathanson's oeuvre.

Matt Nathanson - "Laid"

Buy Matt Nathanson's music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below and the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side Of The Week: Ryan Adams

2008-02-27T11:11:00.003-05:00

This Ryan Adams track was released in mp3 format as part of the Elizabethtown - Songs For The Ride Home (iTunes Exclusive) digital EP and on CD as part of the Elizabethtown Soundtrack Vol 2. It's a short, contemplative acoustic track - definitely good stuff, especially if you're an Adams fan.

Ryan Adams - "Words"

Buy Ryan Adams music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below and the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Cover Of The Week: Magnet & Gemma Hayes do Dylan

2008-02-22T11:11:00.003-05:00

Any recording that features Gemma Hayes will eventually find its way into my CD collection, and this cover of Bob Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay" is no exception. The tune was featured in the remake of the film Mr. and Mrs. Smith starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Magnet's arrangement and vocals are fine and all, but at 1:17 when Ms. Hayes' delicious voice kicks in the song really takes off.

Magnet & Gemma Hayes - "Lay Lady Lay"

Buy the single here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below and the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side Of The Week: Ash

2008-02-20T11:11:00.007-05:00

"Burn Baby Burn" was one of Ash's big hits off of 2001's Free All Angels. This acoustic rendition of the song appeared on a bonus disc included with the European Tour Edition of the record. It's loaded with sugary-sweet pop rockin' goodness. Guitarist Charlotte Hatherley, who's since left the band to pursue solo ambitions, has a great little tremolo-picked guitar solo on the track too.

Ash - "Burn Baby Burn (acoustic)"

Buy Ash's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below and the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Cover Of The Week: Travis does The Band

2008-02-15T11:11:00.000-05:00

This cover of The Band's classic tune "The Weight" was released on Travis' single for "Coming Around" back in 2000.

Travis - "The Weight"

Buy Travis' music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below and the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side Of The Week: Feist

2008-02-13T11:11:00.002-05:00

This non-album track from the soundtrack of the movie Paris, je t'aime was composed by Elizabeth Anaïs and Christophe Montieux and performed by Leslie Feist. It immediately grabbed my attention when it played toward the end of the film, and I don't believe it appears on any other CD as of yet.

Feist - "We're All In The Dance"

Buy Feist's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below and the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Cover Of The Week: Dar Williams does Pink Floyd

2008-02-08T11:11:00.000-05:00

A friend had this cover by Dar Williams on some random mix that she played for me, and I thought it was the perfect kind of track for this weekly post. Floyd fans out there may cry foul at anyone covering one of their favorite band's tunes, but I don't hold the band in quite such a reverent place.

Dar Williams - "Comfortably Numb"

Buy Dar Williams' music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below and the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side Of The Week: U2

2008-02-06T11:11:00.000-05:00

If you're a fan of U2 and haven't yet picked up the 2007 remastered re-release of The Joshua Tree you may need to seek professional help. This track is on the bonus disc of b-sides (btw - also included in the deluxe edition is a phenomenal DVD concert from 1987) and provides the listener with a deeper glimpse into the creative process of the band as they made this masterpiece.

U2 - "Luminous Times (Hold On To Love)"

Buy U2's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below and the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Cover of the Week: Paramore does Foo Fighters

2008-02-01T11:11:00.000-05:00

Rising pop stars/rockers Paramore did this tasty acoustic cover of the Foo Fighters hit "My Hero" for the Sound of Superman compilation.

Paramore - "My Hero"

Buy Paramore's music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below and the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side of the Week: The Black Crowes

2008-01-30T11:11:00.000-05:00

This week's b-side comes from the sessions for The Black Crowes 2001 release, Lions. "Last Time Again", like most Crowes b-sides, could easily have been included on the LP.

The Black Crowes - "Last Time Again"

Buy The Black Crowes' music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below and the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Cover of the Week: Stereophonics does The Stones

2008-01-04T11:11:00.000-05:00

Last week's post of Oasis covering the Rolling Stones was a hit, so I decided to dip back into the Stones' coverage. This one comes from Stereophonics' new single. It's a rockin' good rendition of another Rolling Stones' classic.

Stereophonics - "Gimme Shelter"

Buy Stereophonics music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below and the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side of the Week: Josh Ritter

2008-01-02T11:11:00.000-05:00

Found this non-album track from Josh Ritter's latest, The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, on a random compilation disc included with another order. Turns out it's also included on a bonus EP with copies of his new disc.

Josh Ritter - Wildfires

Buy Josh Ritter's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below and the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Cover of the Week: Oasis does The Rolling Stones

2007-12-28T23:11:00.000-05:00

Here's a nice version of a Stones classic performed by the boys in Oasis. Enjoy.

Oasis - "Street Fighting Man"

Buy Oasis music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below and the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side Of The Week: Juliana Hatfield

2007-12-26T11:11:00.001-05:00

This song was featured in the (now) old TV show My So-Called Life when Juliana Hatfield made a guest appearance as a homeless girl. The episode was a "Christmas" episode, and this melancholy but uplifting tune just seems appropriate for this time of year. The acoustic guitar solo at the end lifts this song to a high level, but it's Hatfield's haunting vocals that make the song extra special.

Juliana Hatfield - "Make It Home"

Buy the soundtrack here and Hatfield's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below and the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Best of 2007

2007-12-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

What a fantastic year for music! There were so many great releases from a slew of old and new friends, but without a doubt, the album of the year was the soundtrack to the movie Once.

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the "guy" and "girl" from the film, created one of the more moving, engaging collections of songs I've heard in a while. And it's hard for me to separate the way I feel about the music from the way I feel about the film itself because the two exist in beautiful symbiosis. The emotional ride I got from the movie will forever influence the way I hear the songs, and each time I see the film I enjoy the songs in a slightly different way. Who can hear "Falling Slowly" without reliving the goosebump-inducing scene at the piano in the music store? When "If You Want Me" starts, it's impossible not to see Marketa strolling the streets of Dublin at night in her slippers. And the build up in "When Your Mind's Made Up" is like a tidal wave crashing to the shore - such sweet release, with visions of Glen and the band making their record over the course of one triumphant weekend in the studio.

I could go on and on, track by track, scene by scene. The film and its soundtrack somehow managed to capture the passion, heartache, indecision, frustration and joy that goes into making music, while telling an honest, genuinely touching love story along the way. I can't recommend Once more highly to anyone who loves music.

Now that you've heard about the best of the best, here's the rest of the best, in the form of the requisite "best of" list that's every blogger's pseudo-obligation. Like last year, I've included the annual mix that I make for friends and family at the end of the post. If you like some of the music I've posted on this blog then chances are you'll find something you like on the mix. And away we go...

Sweet Oblivion's Essential Albums From 2007
(Alphabetical by artist)

Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger

The prolific Adams made a concise musical statement for once, and this may be his strongest album yet. All the good stuff we love in his songs without any wasted space. (Oh, and by the way, he released an EP too. It was outstanding as well.) Buy it here.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Baby 81

BRMC put together a tour de force in Baby 81, managing to combine the sounds of their first three records into something awesome and new. A cohesive musical statement with a plethora of single-worthy tunes to boot. Buy it here.

Brandi Carlile - The Story

Last year's "little singer that could" is now a full blown star, and her sophomore effort is simply stunning. I can't get enough of her voice, and if this record is any indication of the depth of talent this young woman has, then she's in for a long, impressive career. Buy it here.

The Frames - The Cost

Irish rockers The Frames produced a fantastic album in The Cost, successfully riding the wave of singer Glen Hansard's current creative epoch. If you were taken by Once's music, this album will treat you right. Buy it here.

Matthew Good - Hospital Music

It's a challenging listen, but it's emotional darkness and brutal honesty are right up this listener's alley. Matthew Good continues to make compelling music year after year, and it still amazes me that he's not as famous on this side of the US-Candian border as he is in his home country. Buy it here.

Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova - Once (OST)

I've said it all above, but in case you missed the memo - go buy this album and see this film!!!

Idlewild - Make Another World

These Scottish rockers continue to do what they do, and each time they do it it gets better and better. Some of the most interesting music of the band's career. Buy it here.

Jason Isbell - Sirens Of The Ditch

Isbell was always my favorite songwriter in The Drive-By Truckers, and now he's made the DBT album I've always wanted to hear. Heartfelt, soulful southern rock. Buy it here.

Matt Nathanson - Some Mad Hope

I've been a longtime fan of Matt Nathanson's concerts, but his studio work has never been consistent enough for me to supersede his live show. With Some Mad Hope he's made a great pop rock record that begs for repeated listens. Finally! Buy it here.

Soulsavers - It's Not How Far You Fall...It's The Way You Land

Absurdly long title aside, this is an awesome album. It may be unusual, dark and moody, but Mark Lanegan sings the songs. Need I say more? It's a more fully realized "Lanegan album" than 2004's Bubblegum. Buy it here.

Stereophonics - Pull The Pin

I couldn't put together a best-of list without including at least one import-only release. I'd all but written off the Stereophonics, thinking they'd lost the plot after their third LP, 2001's stellar JEEP. With Pull The Pin it feels like they've regained the form they had back in the good ol' days. It's worth the extra coin to order this one from overseas. Buy it here.
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Noticeably absent (at least to me) from this list is Radiohead's In Rainbows. I've made an executive decision to claim that one for 2008, when it's been released to the masses on CD. However, I will say that the limited edition box set that I finally have in my grimy little hands is one of the sweetest packages a collector could hope for. Grab one now before they're sold out.

In terms of the other artists on the mix below, Turin Brakes are finally back on track with Dark On Fire, although the companion EP, Something Out Of Nothing, is a more concise and impressive piece of work. A few other old standbys like Steve Earle, Wilco, Centro-Matic, Foo Fighters and Son Volt all made good albums. Though Chris Cornell's second solo effort just doesn't sit that well with me as a whole, his live shows this year were simply unbelievable. Buffalo Tom came out of retirement to make a solid record with a few outstanding songs on it. Feist's second record is good stuff too. Eddie Vedder's music for the film Into The Wild is really compelling - his voice seems the perfect complement to the visuals in the movie. Charmparticles and Dala are my "little secret discoveries", the former from a couple years ago and the latter from this year. And I've finally come around to the Manic Street Preachers. Their new one is a solid, rocking set of tunes.
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Sweet Oblivion's Best of 2007 Mix
(in multiple parts due to Savefile's size restrictions)

Tracklist:

Volume I
Jason Isbell - "Brand New Kind Of Actress"
The Frames - "When Your Mind's Made Up"
Brandi Carlile - "The Story"
Buffalo Tom - "Bottom Of The Rain"
Ryan Adams - "Two"
Chris Cornell - "No Such Thing"
Son Volt - "Action"
Idlewild - "Finished It Remains"
Matthew Good - "The Boy Come Home"
Soulsavers - "Paper Money"
Eddie Vedder - "Hard Sun"
Matt Nathanson - "Bulletproof Weeks"
BRMC - "All You Do Is Talk"

Volume II
Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova - "Falling Slowly"
Manic Street Preachers - "Your Love Alone Is Not Enough"
Stereophonics - "It Means Nothing"
Turin Brakes - "Brave New World"
Feist - "1 2 3 4"
Charmparticles - "Rarest Numbers"
Ryan Adams - "My Love For You Is Real"
Dala - "Marilyn Monroe"
Wilco - "What Light"
Centro-Matic - "Operation Motorcide"
Foo Fighers - "But, Honestly"
Steve Earle - "Come Home To Me"

Bonus Tracks:
"Missed in '06"
8 songs that I didn't get into until 2006 had passed us by.

Download the mix here.

Cover of the Week: Soul Asylum does Victoria Williams

2007-12-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

The Sweet Relief benefit album released in 1993 to help singer/songwriter Victoria Williams after she was diagnosed with MS is full of fantastic cover versions. Soul Asylum's tune is the lead-off track, and has a title that seems like a perfect pick-me-up on this gray, rainy winter day in Philly.

Soul Asylum - "Summer of Drugs"

Buy the tribute album here.

BRMC: Spain 07-22-2007

2007-12-20T23:11:00.000-05:00

Here's a little live Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to darken up your Thursday evening. The show was recorded off the radio in Spain over the summer, and though there's some annoying DJ talk over a bunch of the song intros, it's a decent capture of their 2007 tour supporting Baby 81. Plus, they played the b-side "The Show Is About To Begin".

BRMC
Benicassim, Spain
07-22-2007

Berlin
Stop
Spread Your Love
The Show Is About To Begin
Six Barrel Shotgun
Ain't No Easy Way
Weapon Of Choice
Whatever Happened...
Need Some Air
American X
All You Do Is Talk

Download the show here.

Buy BRMC's music here.

B-Side of the Week: Chris Cornell

2007-12-19T11:11:00.000-05:00

The soundtrack to the Cameron Crowe movie Singles was basically the soundtrack to my freshmen year in college. Hearing the songs on the disc brings back a flood of memories, both good and bad, in the way only music can do. This Chris Cornell song, recorded by himself in his house, wasn't really supposed to see the light of day until Cameron Crowe asked Cornell to contribute some music to the film he was making in Seattle. It's since become a song Cornell fans yearn to hear live - he never performed it with Soundgarden, though it would be a few years after "Seasons" was recorded before Soundgarden called it quits.

I remember seeing Cornell on his first solo tour seven or eight years ago, and the incredible thrill it was to hear the opening strums of "Seasons" fill the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. The crowd of Cornell disciples went crazy, and I could hardly contain my geeky excitement as the band actually played this song I figured would always be a "studio only" favorite of mine. (The crowd also went nuts for the set-opener, "Sunshower", another rarity at the time.) On his most recent solo tours, "Seasons" is a regular in the setlist, but there's still nothing like hearing the original for me. Most Cornell fans probably have this song already, but just in case there are a few of you out there that don't, enjoy.

Chris Cornell - "Seasons"

Buy the soundtrack here and Cornell's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below and the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Cover of the Week: The Watson Twins do Neil Young

2007-12-14T11:11:00.000-05:00

The good folks at American Laundromat Records just released a CD of female artists covering Neil Young tunes for charity called Cinnamon Girl. This week's cover, a chilled out, beautiful version of "Powderfinger" as performed by The Watson Twins, comes from this fantastic release.

The Watson Twins - "Powderfinger"

Buy the record here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below and the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

Twilight Singers: Acoustic Tunes

2007-12-13T23:11:00.000-05:00

These live acoustic gems are up on The Twilight Singers MySpace page. They come from gigs in Seattle back in October.

Twilight Singers
Live Acoustic 10/2007

Candy Cane Crawl
Down The Line

Download the tunes here.

Buy Twilight Singers music here.

B-Side of the Week: Coldplay

2007-12-12T11:11:00.000-05:00

This week's feature is a song Coldplay's Chris Martin wrote and loved but could only convince his label to "like". So it was relegated to b-side status. British rockers Embrace heard the song and were quite taken by it, so Martin let them have it. It became a hit for Embrace. Doh!

Coldplay's version is less rocking and radio friendly, but it's got a beautiful atmospheric quality to it. Listen at night with a good set of headphones.

Coldplay - Gravity

Buy Coldplay's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below and the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Foo Fighters - Nissan Live Set

2007-12-11T23:11:00.000-05:00

This Foo Fighters set is airing regularly on the MHD channel on TV, so I finally grabbed the audio. As is usually the case with shows that air on TV, the complete show didn't make the broadcast. So I had to capture a stream off the net to fill in the remaining tracks from the set. The audio quality isn't on par with the digital TV grab, but having the whole set makes it worthwhile. The set-closing rendition of "Home" off Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace is stellar.

Foo Fighters
Nissan Live Set

The Pretender
Long Road To Ruin
My Hero
Cheer Up Boys...
Skin And Bones
All My Life
Everlong
Home

Download the set here.

Buy Foo Fighters music here.

Ryan Adams - Letterman 2007

2007-12-10T23:11:00.000-05:00

Went through my DVR and burned a few random TV performances. Here's Ryan Adams and the Cardinals playing a smoking version of "Everybody Knows" on Letterman this year.

Ryan Adams - Everybody Knows (Letterman)

Buy Ryan Adams music here.

Cover of the Week: The Swell Season does Dylan

2007-12-07T11:11:00.000-05:00

From the soundtrack for the film I'm Not There here's Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova's (a.k.a The Swell Season) studio version of the Dylan song that they play regularly in their live show.

The Swell Season - "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere"

Buy The Swell Season's music here. Get the soundtrack here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below and the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

Soulsavers: 07-11-2007 Paris

2007-12-05T23:11:00.000-05:00

Had a dream come true when I caught Soulsavers play the tiny little North Star Bar in Philly last week. Mark Lanegan was touring with the band to support their stellar new release, It's Not How Far You Fall, It's The Way You Land, on which he sings most of the songs. While I was making a call on the street outside the venue before the gig, a white van pulled up and out popped the band. Lanegan stood right next to me while he waited for his bandmates to unload, while I stood starstruck and dumbfounded, stuttering to my friend on the phone that MARK LANEGAN was hanging out right next to me. I couldn't come up with any pithy comments to say to him, so I just stood there trying not to stare. Pathetic, I know, but it will still be filed away as one of my favorite "brushes with fame".

The show itself was awesome, although the band's set was too short for my liking. Lanegan's vocals were absurdly deep, gravelly and resonant in the small club, and the band totally rocked tunes from their new album. They even threw in a few choice covers, like CCR's "Effigy" and "Feel So Good" by The Brian Jonestown Massacre (I think...). A little video clip courtesy of YouTube:

Here's the only Soulsavers gig I could find online, and it's an audience recording to boot. If anyone out there knows where I can find a higher quality show from these guys I'd love to hear about it.

Soulsavers (w/ Mark Lanegan)
2007-07-11
Paris, France

Ask the Dust
Ghosts of You and Me
All Night Long
Paper Money
Kingdoms of Pain
Spiritual
I Belong
Effigy
Jesus of Nothing
Cabin Fever
Revival
Devils on the Run
Midnight Special

Download the show here.

While you're waiting for the download to finish, go pick up Soulsavers new record here.

B-Side of the Week: Idlewild

2007-12-05T11:11:00.000-05:00

This b-side is from the sessions for Idlewild's latest, Make Another World. The album is top notch, and it should come as no surprise that a track from the record will likely appear on my end-of-year 'essentials' mix. This is my favorite b-side from this record's sessions, and it could've almost fit on the album.

Idlewild - "Hidden Ways"

Buy Idlewild's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below and the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Chris Cornell: 05-20-07 Berlin

2007-12-04T23:11:00.000-05:00

I saw Chris Cornell play in Allentown in early November, and he totally blew the roof off the little venue. Though his new album isn't sitting that well with me, his live performances during this tour are fantastic. The set drew from his entire career, so I heard Soundgarden, Audioslave, solo material and a few covers. The highlight for me was the band's set closing, thunderous rendition of "Slaves And Bulldozers" which segued nicely into "4th Of July" and Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love". Good times. Here's a show from Berlin back in May that aired on the radio.

Chris Cornell
05-20-2007 Berlin

Spoonman (Soundgarden)
Outshined (Soundgarden)
Show Me How To Live (Audioslave)
You Know My Name
Arms Around Your Love
Hunger Strike (Temple Of The Dog)
What You Are (Audioslave)
Rusty Cage (Soundgarden)
Be Yourself (Audioslave)
Seasons
I Am The Highway (Audioslave)
Scar On The Sky
Can’t Change Me
Wide Awake (Audioslave)
Doesn't Remind Me (Audioslave)
Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)
Zero Chance (Soundgarden)
My Wave (Soundgarden)
Jesus Christ Pose (Soundgarden)
Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden)
Say Hello To Heaven (Temple Of The Dog)

Download the show here.

Buy Chris Cornell's music here.

The Swell Season: 07-26-07 9:30 Club

2007-12-03T23:11:00.000-05:00

I've seen a number of fantastic live shows during the past couple of months. One of my favorites was The Swell Season at the Beacon Theater in NYC on November 19th. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, joined by a cellist, violinist (from The Frames) and a bassist, had the sold out Beacon in the palm of their collective hands. Hansard started the gig by singing "Say It To Me Now", the song he sung in the film when the two main characters first met, solo and unamplified from the front of the stage. The duo and their solid backing musicians proceeded to bring the house down with more tunes from Once and their 2006 collaboration, along with some Frames tunes and a few covers. It was a stellar show that left me with goosebumps too many times to count. I've already sung the praises of the film Once here in cyberspace, but to hear the stars perform the songs live in a beautiful old theater was something else.

I haven't yet found a recording of the gig I saw at the Beacon, but NPR aired a Swell Season show earlier this year that was recorded at the 9:30 Club in DC. Enjoy.

The Swell Season
9:30 Club
07-26-07

When Your Mind's Made Up
Lies
All the Way Down
Drown Out
This Low
If You Want Me
Fantasy Man
Falling Slowly
Leave
Say It To Me Now
Golden
Cactus (Pixies cover)
Pavement Tune (I Want My Life to Make More Sense to Me)
Once
Broken Hearted Hoover Fixer Sucker Guy
Into the Mystic (Van Morrison cover)
Star Star
You Ain't Goin' Nowhere (Bob Dylan cover)

Download the show here.

Buy The Swell Season's music here.

Cover of the Week: MMJ does The Band

2007-11-30T11:11:00.000-05:00

This week's cover comes at you from Endless Highway: The Music Of The Band, and features Sweet Oblivion regulars My Morning Jacket tearing up "It Makes No Difference". One of the highlights of Pearl Jam's last tour was hearing MMJ finish their opening set with this song, joined by Eddie Vedder on vox.

My Morning Jacket - "It Makes No Difference"

Buy MMJ's music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below and the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side of the Week: Tanya Donelly

2007-11-28T11:11:00.000-05:00

I've posted before about my love for Tanya Donelly's solo album, Lovesongs For Underdogs, and this week's b-side comes from the sessions for that album.

Tanya Donelly - "These Days"

Buy Tanya Donelly's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below and the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Cover Of The Week: Tool does Led Zeppelin

2007-10-19T11:11:00.000-05:00

Tool is one of my favorite bands, and it finally dawned on me that their stellar cover of Led Zeppelin's "No Quarter" is perfect for this weekly feature. Tool's version comes in at 11:00 long, and is every bit as amazing as one would expect from a band that holds itself to an extremely high standard of quality in the studio.

Tool - "No Quarter"

Buy Tool's music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below and the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side Of The Week: Stereophonics

2007-10-17T11:11:00.000-05:00

Stereophonics recorded a bunch of b-sides during the sessions for their first three records. This week's track comes from the sessions for JEEP, their third studio effort. "Surprise" is a top-notch Phonics tune that could've easily been included on the album.

Stereophonics - "Surprise"

Buy Stereophonics music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below and the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Monday MiniMix: Steve Albini Recordings

2007-10-15T11:11:00.000-05:00

MiniMix (noun)
Def: a ten to fifteen minute mp3 containing a mix of songs which often share a loosely common theme

I'm a big fan of many of Steve Albini's recordings, so I thought I'd feature a few for this week's minimix.

Monday MiniMix 10-15-07

Check out previous MiniMixes by clicking the label "Monday Morning MiniMix" below.

Cover Of The Week: Soundgarden does The Stones

2007-10-12T11:11:00.000-05:00

Soundgarden released a ton of covers as b-sides early in their career. This cover of the Rolling Stones' "Stray Cat Blues" is on the "Jesus Christ Pose" singles as well as on their SOMMS EP.

Soundgarden - "Stray Cat Blues"

Buy Soundgarden's music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below or the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

Brandi Carlile Is Amazing

2007-10-11T23:11:00.000-05:00

Brandi Carlile totally rocked my world a couple of Monday's ago when she played the Electric Factory in Philly. The setlist was a dream, as she blistered through a ton of old favorites, as well as a bunch of new tunes and a couple of covers. At one point she did a new song called "How These Days Grow Long" completely unplugged - though it was hard to hear it from where I was sitting it was an awesome concert moment. Gibb Droll's guitar soloing during "Folsom Prison Blues" was phenomenal, and Brandi's set-ending rendition of "Hallelujah" was so good that it made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Though I don't have a recording of the Philly gig (yet), a bunch of the songs are up on YouTube and I came across a great version of a new tune called "Love Songs". Also, I did happen to find this set from May when she played the Avalon in Boston streaming on Live Nation's website.

Brandi Carlile
Boston
May 2007

The Times They Are A-Changing
Late Morning Lullaby
Follow
Until I Die
Closer To You
Have You Ever
Losing Heart
Josephine
Turpentine
My Song
Downpour
The Story
What Can I Say
Hallelujah

Download the show here.

Don't forget to pick up Carlile's new live CD, Live At Easy Street Records along with her other CDs here.

Matthew Good: Radio Performances

2007-10-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

I mentioned briefly on Monday that I'd seen Matthew Good perform twice last weekend, and he was fantastic. I got to hear almost all of his latest record, Hospital Music, and a slew of older tunes that I never thought I'd hear him do acoustic. That's right, he played by himself with a minimal (but cool) lighting setup and only an acoustic guitar.

I'd be surprised if a lot of visitors to this blog have heard of Matthew Good, but if you like the music that I post here regularly chances are you might dig what he does.

Good's been making music in Canada for over a decade, first with the Matthew Good Band and more recently as a solo artist. His 2003 solo album, Avalanche, ranks in my top five or ten albums of all time. Here are a few live performances Good did while out on the radio circuit promoting Hospital Music. I also included an acoustic version of the Matthew Good Band tune "Suburbia", one of my favorites off 1999's Beautiful Midnight.

Matthew Good
2007 Radio Performances

Metal Airplanes (live acoustic)
Born Losers (live acoustic)
Black Helicopter (live acoustic)
I'm A Window (live acoustic)
99% Of Us Is Failure (live acoustic)
Suburbia (live acoustic)

Download the set here.

Buy Matthew Good's music here.

B-Side Of The Week: Radiohead

2007-10-10T11:11:00.000-05:00

In honor of the digital release of Radiohead's 7th studio record this week, I'm featuring a Radiohead b-side from their post-OK Computer catalog. Many of the b-sides they released during this phase were not the accessible, "this one could've been on the album" kinds of songs that were common early in the band's career. "Cuttooth" on the other hand, from one of the "Knives Out" singles, is one of the good ones.

Radiohead - "Cuttooth"

Buy Radiohead's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below or the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Monday MiniMix: Canadian Tunesmiths

2007-10-08T11:11:00.000-05:00

MiniMix (noun)
Def: a ten to fifteen minute mp3 containing a mix of songs which often share a loosely common theme

I just got back from a fantastic weekend in Canada where I got to see my main man Matthew Good perform two solo acoustic shows. He was awesome as always, and I was totally digging the opening act at the second show, a female folk-rock duo called Dala. So in honor of my trip across the northern border, this Monday I thought I'd feature some quality tunes of Canadian origin.

Monday MiniMix 10-08-07

Check out previous MiniMixes by clicking the label "Monday Morning MiniMix" below.

Cover Of The Week: Steve Earle does Tom Waits

2007-10-05T11:11:00.000-05:00

Fans of HBO's The Wire will recognize this cover as the theme song for season 5 of the show. It's on Steve Earle's latest, Washington Square Serenade.

Steve Earle - "Way Down In The Hole"

Buy Steve Earle's music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below or the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side Of The Week: QOTSA

2007-10-03T23:11:00.000-05:00

This week's b-side comes from the Japanese version of Queens of the Stone Age's latest, Era Vulgaris. "Running Joke" is a mellower tune from QOTSA, and it almost sounds like Josh Homme is trying to sing like sometime-member Mark Lanegan on this Japanese bonus track.

QOTSA - "Running Joke"

Buy QOTSA's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below or the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Monday MiniMix: Britpop

2007-10-01T11:11:00.000-05:00

MiniMix (noun)
Def: a ten to fifteen minute mp3 containing a mix of songs which often share a loosely common theme

A little britpop always makes for a better Monday morning in my world. Enjoy.

Monday MiniMix 10-01-07

Check out previous MiniMixes by clicking the label "Monday Morning MiniMix" below.

New Radiohead Album Preorder

2007-09-30T23:11:00.000-05:00

FINALLY there's something beyond speculation to report about Radiohead's forthcoming 7th album. They're without a label, but you can click the picture above to visit a website where you can preorder In Rainbows. The digital download of the record will be available as of October 10th, and they're making limited numbers of CD and vinyl packages as people order them. Yes!!!

Cover Of The Week: Pearl Jam does The Who

2007-09-28T23:11:00.000-05:00

I've been on a Pearl Jam kick this week since seeing Immagine In Cornice on Tuesday night. This cover of The Who's "Love Reign O'er Me" was released on Pearl Jam's vinyl fan club single last year.

Pearl Jam - "Love Reign O'er Me"

Buy Pearl Jam's music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below or the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side Of The Week: Pearl Jam

2007-09-26T23:11:00.000-05:00

I got to see Pearl Jam's new docu-film Immagine In Cornice last night on the big screen at a theater in Wayne. It was absolutely awesome watching and listening to the band crank through some great music in a movie theater like that. The film is a must-have for any Pearl Jam fan, and luckily for me it was waiting for me in the mail today when I got home from work.

It's hard to find Pearl Jam b-sides that they didn't officially release on their rarities 2CD set, Lost Dogs, but I found one. "Leatherman" was on the "Given To Fly" single back in 1997, and fans might fondly recall certain live shows where the band played the "man trilogy" - "Betterman", "Leatherman" and "Nothingman" - all in a row.

Pearl Jam - "Leatherman"

Buy Pearl Jam's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below or the link on the right side of the page under 'Return To Oblivion'.

Matt Nathanson: iTunes Single of the Week

2007-09-25T23:11:00.000-05:00

Matt Nathanson's pop-rockin' tune "Car Crash" is the iTunes single of the week for this week. Head on over and grab some free Matt N goodness.

Monday MiniMix: 90's Boston Rock

2007-09-24T11:11:00.000-05:00

MiniMix (noun)
Def: a ten to fifteen minute mp3 containing a mix of songs which often share a loosely common theme

The 90's gave music fans a ton of stuff about which to be psyched, and the town of Boston was a hotbed of good tunes. This week we celebrate some of my favorite artists and tunes that came out of Boston in the 90's. These artists weaseled their way into the mainstream in a number of ways, such as having their music featured in TV shows like My So-Called Life, Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Melrose Place, along with films like Ten Things I Hate About You and Josie And The Pussycats. Chances are you've heard these folks before and liked them, so take a stroll down memory lane with me.

MiniMix 09-24-07

Check out previous MiniMixes by clicking the label "Monday Morning MiniMix" below.

Radiohead Live Project: B-Sides

2007-09-23T11:11:00.000-05:00

The Radiohead Live Project posts from February are still being downloaded regularly, so I thought I'd update the cue with some live versions of Radiohead b-sides.

Radiohead used to record tons of b-sides in their early days. The b-sides that have surfaced in the latter half of their career aren't the kind of songs that the band tends to play live, so these are mostly old songs. Also, they've released so many b-sides that I won't even attempt to call this collection complete. It's merely a smattering of live b-sides and a couple of rarities that I pulled together from my bootleg collection.

Radiohead Live Project
B-Sides

Banana Co. (live)
Bishop's Robes (live)
Faithless The Wonderboy (live)
Fog (live)
Follow Me Around (live)
How Can You Be Sure? (live)
Inside My Head (live)
Killer Cars (live)
Lift (live)
Lozenge Of Love (live)
Maquiladora (live)
Pearly* (live)
Permanent Daylight (live)
Polyethylene (live)
Pop Is Dead (live)
Punchdrunk Lovesick Singalong (live)
Talk Show Host (live)
The Trickster (live)
Yes I Am (live)

Download the set here.

Buy Radiohead's music here.
--------------------------

Radiohead Live Project:

Pablo Honey
The Bends
OK Computer
Kid A
Amnesiac
Hail To The Thief

Cover Of The Week: Matthew Good does the Dead Kennedys

2007-09-21T11:11:00.000-05:00

I'm a huge fan of Canadian singer/songwriter Matthew Good, and I'm totally loving his latest release, 2007's Hospital Music. On the record he covers the Dead Kennedys' 2001 tune, "Moon Over Marin", slowing it down into a folky version of its former punk rockin' self. The melancholy in the lyrics takes the forefront in Good's mellow arrangement, which I think allows the song to make an even greater emotional impact on the listener.

Matthew Good - "Moon Over Marin"

Buy Matthew Good's music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below or the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side Of The Week: Mark Lanegan

2007-09-19T11:11:00.000-05:00

Anyone who reads this blog knows what a fan I am of Mark Lanegan. So this week I thought I'd share a b-side from the sessions for his 2004 solo album, Bubblegum. "Mirrored" is a lot like his previous solo material - mellow, dark, acoustic music that features Lanegan's gravelly, unearthly voice.

Mark Lanegan - "Mirrored"

Buy Mark Lanegan's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below. Previous b-sides were from artists such as Radiohead, The Black Crowes, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Ryan Adams, Jeff Buckley, Oasis, Catherine Wheel, Juliana Hatfield, and many more.

MySpace Updates

2007-09-18T23:11:00.000-05:00

Every once and a while I troll the MySpace pages of my favorite artists to see if they've posted any exclusive content. Here are three gems I just came across.

From their 2007 release, Sky Blue Sky, here's Wilco performing the bonus track called "The Thanks I Get".

Wilco - "The Thanks I Get"

Matt Nathanson's 2007 record, Some Mad Hope, is getting lots of spins on my CD player. This is an acoustic version of one of the tracks called "Still".

Matt Nathanson - "Still (acoustic)"

The Like are working on a follow up to their debut album, Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking?", and played this new song on the radio out in California.

The Like - "Release Me (live acoustic)"

Monday MiniMix

2007-09-17T11:11:00.000-05:00

MiniMix (noun)
Def: a ten to fifteen minute mp3 containing a mix of songs which often share a loosely common theme

This week I thought I'd revisit Guns 'n' Roses, or at least the band's guitarists. After putting out Use Your Illusion I & II in 1991, the band toured the world extensively and began its implosion. Over the next couple of years following the band's breakup, the three guitarists, Slash, Izzy Stradlin and Gilby Clarke, made 'solo' records. Izzy and Gilby took on singing duties on their albums, and (thankfully!) Slash hired someone else to sing in his band. In a typically incestuous fashion, Slash played on Gilby's record, Gilby played on Slash's record, and Gilby invited G'n'R singer Axl Rose to sing a song with him. Izzy, who left the band before it ended, didn't involve his former bandmates in the making of his album.

The three records are pretty good rock records - lots of dirty, bluesy guitar riffs, a plethora of solos, and generally cheesy lyrics (but in a good way). I don't find myself listening to them much anymore, but I went back for a listen before making this MiniMix and I have to say, though the records sound a little dated, they're still good listens.

MiniMix 09-17-07

Check out the three records here:

Slash's Snakepit - It's Five O'Clock Somewhere
Gilby Clarke - Pawnshop Guitars
Izzy Stradlin - Izzy Stradlin and the Ju Ju Hounds

Check out previous MiniMixes by clicking the label "Monday Morning MiniMix" below.

Radiohead: Early Demos

2007-09-16T11:11:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about Radiohead, as I often do, probably because I recently finished reading a book about their masterpiece, 1997's OK Computer, called Welcome To The Machine. Over the summer I collected these demos, some of which I'd heard before (Manic Hedgehog) and some that were new to my ears. At any rate, they're a must-have for any collector of Radiohead material.

On A Friday Demos (1988)

Happy Song
To Be A Brilliant Light
Sinking Ship

Download the set here.

1990 Demos

Climbing Up A Bloody Great Hill
Somebody
Mr B
What's That You See?
Everyone Needs Someone To Hate
Upside Down
The Greatest Shindig Of The World
Give It Up
How Can You Be Sure?
Life With The Big F
Keep Strong
Rattlesnake
Burning Bush
Tell Me Bitch
New Generation

Download the set here.

Manic Hedgehog Demos (1991)

I Can't
Nothing Touches Me
Thinking About You
Phillipa Chicken
You

Download the set here.

Buy Radiohead's music here.

The Frames: 11-21-2006 Melkweg

2007-09-15T11:11:00.000-05:00

Here's the final installment in my Frames deluge. This show is from the band's most recent tour supporting their latest, The Cost. It's got great song selection and an all-around fantastic performance.

The Frames
11-21-2006
Melkweg

Intro
Turbit
Keepsake
Rise
Finally
God Bless Mom
Falling Slowly
Seven Day Mile
Song For Someone
Revelate
Fake --> No Woman No Cry --> Fake
Sad Songs
True
People Get Ready
---encore break---
Leave (Glen solo)
The Cost
Santa Maria
Star Star
Fitzcarraldo

Download the show here.

Buy The Frames' music here.

The Frames: 09-11-2002 Paradiso

2007-09-14T23:11:00.000-05:00

Here's another show from The Frames. This short set was part of a large bill of bands from London at the Paradiso in Amsterdam in 2002. Glen makes a point of telling the audience that The Frames are from Ireland, not London. Though the band only plays five songs, each one is totally rocking, most featuring extended endings.

The Frames
09-11-2002
Paradiso

Intro
Plateau --> Jane Says tease
Lay Me Down
God Bless Mom
What Happens When The Heart Just Stops
Glen talking
Santa Maria

Download the show here.

Buy The Frames' music here.

Cover Of The Week: The Frames do Mic Christopher

2007-09-14T11:11:00.000-05:00

Mic Christopher was an Irish singer/songwriter that Frames singer Glen Hansard befriended back in his busking days. He died suddenly at the age of 32 in a weird accident where he slipped and hit his head, causing him to fall into a coma from which he never woke up. The Frames and Damien Rice have dedicated their albums to Christopher. Here's a cover version of Christopher's "Listen Girl" from The Frames' "Headlong" single in 2002.

The Frames - "Listen Girl"

Buy The Frames' music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below or the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

The Frames: 09-30-2003 Minneapolis

2007-09-13T11:11:00.000-05:00

I was out watching the fantastic Leslie Feist perform at the Tower Theater last night, so I didn't get to post anything in the evening. But I'm back on my Frames kick. Here's a brief set from 2003 in Minneapolis. The set contains an early version of "People Get Ready", which is a standout track on their new record, The Cost. Also, the Johnny Cash tease is good stuff.

The Frames
09-30-2003
Minneapolis, MN

People Get Ready
Lay Me Down
What Happens When The Heart Just Stops
God Bless Mom
Your Face
Fake --> Ring Of Fire (Johnny Cash) tease
Star Star

Download the set here.

Buy The Frames' music here.

B-Side Of The Week: The Frames

2007-09-12T11:11:00.000-05:00

I promised a lot more Frames stuff and I mean to deliver. This b-side is from the sessions for The Frames' latest, The Cost. The band recorded the album live in the studio to try and capture the legendary-amongst-their-fans energy of their live show. This track could've been right at home on the album, but was relegated to b-side status nonetheless.

The Frames - "No More I Love Yous"

Buy The Frames' music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below. Previous b-sides were from artists such as Radiohead, The Black Crowes, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Ryan Adams, Jeff Buckley, Oasis, Catherine Wheel, Juliana Hatfield, and many more.

The Frames Rock Webster Hall in NY

2007-09-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

I've never managed to see The Frames when they toured through the Philly area, but I love their new record The Cost and singer Glen Hansard's music from the film Once so much that I was determined not to miss them this time around. There was no Philly date on their brief tour of the US in Aug/Sept, so I made the trek up to New York last night to see them play Webster Hall in the East Village.

Needless to say, the trip was sooooo worth it, in spite of the way I'm dragging myself through the work day today. All the stories I'd heard about how fantastic The Frames are live were understatements. They blew me away from the first swinging acoustic chords of set-opener "Rise". I heard just about every song I'd hoped to hear them play, and the encores were a dream. Hansard's co-star in Once, Marketa Irglova, who hadn't been on tour with The Frames this time, was in town for this final show (and for a Letterman taping earlier in the day). She joined Hansard for a chill-inducing run through "Falling Slowly" and "When Your Mind's Made Up". Later on during "Red Chord", the last song of the second encore and perhaps my favorite track from the band's back catalog, she again joined Hansard, sharing the mic with him as they belted out the rousing crescendo of the tune's final chorus. I'm getting chills again just remembering it. Here's the setlist:

Rise
Sad Songs
Lay Me Down
God Bless Mom
Stars Are Underground
A Caution To The Birds
Rent Day Blues --> I Have the Moon (Magnetic Fields cover)
What Happens When the Heart Just Stops
Pavement Tune
Fake
Your Face --> Lilac Wine tease
Revelate
Star Star --> Hotellounge (Be The Death of Me) tease (Deus cover)
----------
Blue Shoes - Colm: "Because it's Sep 10th, I'd like to dedicate it to the people
who are gonna be lonesome tomorrow." (violin solo)
Falling Slowly (w/ Marketa Irglova on keys and vox)
When Your Mind's Made Up (w/ Mar on keys & vox)
People Get Ready
----------
Out on the Weekend (Neil Young cover)
Red Chord (w/ Mar on vox)

I'm too exhausted to post a full Frames gig right now, but the rest of this week's posts are going to be heavy on the Irish rockers' music. Here's Glan Hansard and Marketa Irglova's performance of "Falling Slowly" that I recorded last night off TV while in NYC.

Glan Hansard & Marketa Irglova - "Falling Slowly (live on Letterman)"

Buy The Frames' music here.

Updated Cover Tune

2007-09-10T11:11:00.001-05:00

I finally found my original single for Elbow's "Not A Job". So I updated the bitrate quality to the usual 320kbps for last week's cover. I only had a measly 160kbps version up earlier.

Monday MiniMix

2007-09-10T11:11:00.000-05:00

MiniMix (noun)
Def: a ten to fifteen minute mp3 containing a mix of songs which often share a loosely common theme

This week's mix is a throwback to the 90's. That is, the bands on it proudly wear the sound of the 90's (early Radiohead, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins) on their sleeves.

MiniMix 09-10-07

Check out previous MiniMixes by clicking the label "Monday Morning MiniMix" below.

Cover Of The Week: Elbow does Massive Attack

2007-09-07T11:11:00.000-05:00

Elbow is one of those bands that I almost love, but instead I end up just liking. Not "like them like them", but merely "like them" (sorry for the obscure TV reference...).

Anyway, here they are doing a spot-on cover of Massive Attack's magnificent single, "Teardrop". The cover appeared on promo versions of the single for "Not A Job" off of the Cast Of Thousands LP.

Elbow - "Teardrop"

Buy Elbow's music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Cover Of The Week" label below or the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side Of The Week: Foo Fighters

2007-09-05T23:11:00.000-05:00

This week's b-side takes us back to the mid-90's, when Dave Grohl released his first Foo Fighters record. He played all the instruments on the album, and though he wrote many of the tunes long before Kurt Cobain's suicide, there was much speculation in the press as to whether songs like "I'll Stick Around", with it's chorus of "I don't owe you anything!" repeated over and over, was meant for the singer of Grohl's former band. In any event, there were a couple of solid b-sides from the sessions for Foo Fighters, and I find this one to be the most interesting. It starts out quiet and slow, so you might be tempted to turn up the volume when listening. But watch out, because at about 2:45 the rock kicks in big time.

Foo Fighters - "How I Miss You"

Buy Foo Fighters music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the label "B-Side Of The Week" below. Previous b-sides were from artists such as Radiohead, The Black Crowes, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Ryan Adams, Jeff Buckley, Oasis, Catherine Wheel, Juliana Hatfield, and many more.

Monday Morning MiniMix

2007-09-03T11:11:00.000-05:00

MiniMix (noun)
Def: a ten to fifteen minute mp3 containing a mix of songs which often share a loosely common theme

Someone wisely suggested that I keep the track list of these Monday MiniMixes secret until they're downloaded. I'll instead try to give some sort of clue as to what the songs are like. This week's minimix is all about pop-rockin' goodness. Enjoy.

MiniMix 09-03-07

Check out previous MiniMixes by clicking the label "Monday Morning MiniMix" below.

Mad Season: 04-29-1995

2007-09-02T11:11:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling nostalgic this morning for the good ol' days of the early/mid 90's. You know, when a "super group" was something worth getting excited about.

Mad Season is one of the most famous super groups to come from the late 80's/early '90s Seattle music scene, featuring Layne Staley from Alice In Chains on vocals, Mike McCready from Pearl Jam on guitar, Barrett Martin from Screaming Trees on drums, and John Baker Saunders from The Walkabouts on bass. Mark Lanegan guested on vocals for two tracks on their only album, 1995's Above. If you don't own that album and you're a fan of the music that came out of the Seattle area in the early 90's you need to go to the record store today.

This show was Mad Season' final live performance. I used a couple of sources to put together a high quality reconstruction of the show. Some of these songs were released on the video Live At The Moore Theater in 1995. As far as I know, there is no recording of the missing third track, "Artificial Red", out there for consumption.

Mad Season
Moore Theater
Seattle, WA
04-29-1995

Wake Up
Lifeless Dead
[Artificial Red] (missing)
River Of Deceit
I Don't Wanna Be A Soldier
Long Gone Day (w/ Mark Lanegan)
I'm Above (w/ Mark Lanegan)
I Don't Know Anything
X-Ray Mind
All Alone --> November Hotel

Download the show here.

Buy Mad Season's record here.

The Swell Season: KCRW 2007

2007-09-01T23:11:00.000-05:00

If you haven't seen the film Once and you claim to like music then there's something very, very wrong with you. But don't worry, all the remedy you need is contained in the beautiful, moving film. Go see Once now...Go see Once now...Go see Once now...

Now that the plug is done I can get to the music. Glen Hansard (of The Frames) and Marketa Irglova made a gorgeous record, called The Swell Season, together in 2006 prior to the film becoming such a critical and popular darling. Here are the two of them performing songs from the album, most of which appear in the film and on its soundtrack, on KCRW earlier this year.

Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
KCRW 2007

- Intro -
Lies
When Your Minds Made Up
This Low
If You Want Me
- Interview -
Falling Slowly
Leave
Once
- Outro -

Download the set here.

Buy The Swell Season here and the soundtrack to Once here.

Jason Isbell: Solo Acoustic Tunes

2007-09-01T11:11:00.000-05:00

As part of his promo for his awesome new solo album, Sirens Of The Ditch, Jason Isbell played some acoustic sets in Nashville. Here's a sampling which will hopefully whet your appetite enough to go grab the new record.

Jason Isbell
Solo Acoustic 08-24-07

The Magician
Dress Blues
In A Razor Town
Siren Song

Download the songs here.

Bonus Track: Isbell playing the Drive-By Truckers tune "Easy On Yourself" acoustic for Minnesota Public Radio back in '06.

Buy Jason Isbell's music here.

Repost: Pearl Jam Post Letterman Gig

2007-08-31T23:11:00.000-05:00

By request, I've re-upped the set Pearl Jam played after their performance on David Letterman's show in May '06. Check it out here.

Cover Of The Week: Oasis does The Beatles

2007-08-31T11:11:00.000-05:00

Oasis covering The Beatles... Big surprise, eh? Featured on the "Who Feels Love?" single from 2000's Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants, this cover features Noel Gallagher on vocals and a bunch of rocking guitar soloing.

Oasis - "Helter Skelter"

Buy Oasis music here.

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Check out previous Cover Of The Week posts by clicking the "Label" below or the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion".

B-Side Of The Week: BRMC

2007-08-29T11:11:00.000-05:00

I'm enjoying Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's Baby 81 so much that I thought I'd post a b-side from its sessions. "Vision" starts out all slow and atmospheric before totally rocking out by the end. High quality BRMC goodness.

BRMC - "Vision"

Buy BRMC's music here.

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Check out the archived B-Side Of The Week posts by clicking the "Label" below or the link on the right side of the page under "Return To Oblivion". Previous b-sides were from artists such as Radiohead, The Black Crowes, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Ryan Adams, Jeff Buckley, Oasis, Catherine Wheel, Juliana Hatfield, and many more.

Monday Morning MiniMix

2007-08-27T11:11:00.000-05:00

The "Monday Morning Live" feature that I ran for a good number of months just didn't seem to catch people's interest, so I've moved on to a new idea - a mini mix of a few tunes strung together as an mp3. I just got back from vacation, the location of which is the inspiration behind this first set of song selections.

MiniMix 08-27-07

U2 - "In God's Country"
Gemma Hayes - "Ran For Miles"
The Frames - "Red Chord"

Download the minimix here.

Back To Work

2007-08-26T23:11:00.000-05:00

After taking a nice little break from blogging I'm re-energized and ready to get back in business. Hope some folks are still visiting...

Matthew Good: iTunes Single of the Week

2007-07-31T11:11:00.000-05:00

Had to post this from afar - Sweet Oblivion favorite Matthew Good's new song "Born Losers" is the FREE iTunes single of the week. Please go support this amazing artist by downloading the tune for free here.

Back in a couple of weeks for regular posts.

Time Off

2007-07-18T11:11:00.000-05:00

I'm taking a few weeks off, so for now you can satiate your need for MP3 goodness by trolling through the old posts here or by checking out the blog roll on the right side of the page. I ought to be back on August 13th or so.

Repost: Richard Ashcroft 03-07-06

2007-07-17T23:11:00.000-05:00

By request, I've re-upped this show that went down when EzArchive went over to the dark side.

Matt Nathanson: WXPN Free At Noon 07-13-07

2007-07-15T11:11:00.000-05:00

Sweet Oblivion fave Matt Nathanson played WXPN's free show on Friday. He rocked the crowd with a set comprised of new songs from his forthcoming release, Some Mad Hope. He had to temper his usually blue stage banter for the sake of being on the radio, but he was still his hilarious self in between tunes. After the main set, he came back out off-air to play an encore. He told us that his drummer had only two days of rehearsals, so he needed to do the encore by himself. He played "Suspended" without his guitar plugged in and without a mic from the edge of the stage, encouraging the crowd sing along with him. He harmonized off the audience, who knew every word to the song, as artist and fans brought the song to a close together. It was a very cool moment.

The new songs sounded fantastic, and I hope this record really helps his career take off to the next level. So go preorder Some Mad Hope now while you wait for the show to download.

Matt Nathanson
WXPN Free At Noon
07-13-07

Intro
Car Crash
Gone
Come On Get Higher
To The Beat of Our Noisy Hearts
Interview
Wedding Dress
Detroit Waves
Bulletproof Weeks
All We Are
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Suspended (unplugged) - not broadcast, so it isn't included here

Download the show here.

Buy Matt Nathanson's music here.

Jim James Repost

2007-07-14T23:11:00.000-05:00

By request, here's a repost of Jim James' performance at WXPN's All About The Music Festival from last year. This year's festival kicks off next week, so go check it out here.

Cover Of The Week: Velvet Revolver does Nirvana

2007-07-13T11:11:00.000-05:00

Man, I seem to have a lot of recordings of people covering Nirvana tunes... Anyway, since Velvet Revolver's new record just arrived in the mail, I thought I'd post their version of Nirvana's "Negative Creep". Happy Friday.

Velvet Revolver - "Negative Creep"

Buy Velvet Revolver's music here.

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Previous Covers Of the Week:

M.A.C.C. - "Hey Baby (Land Of The New Rising Sun)"
Gov't Mule - "30 Days In The Hole"
Veruca Salt - "My Sharona"
Soundgarden - "Come Together"
Pearl Jam - "I've Got A Feeling"
Gomez - "Getting Better"
Muse - "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You"
Cast - "The Seeker"
Manic Street Preachers - "Been A Son"
Steve Earle - "Breed"
Sheryl Crow - "Keep On Growing"
Nine Inch Nails - "Dead Souls"
Kathleen Edwards - "A Face In The Crowd"
Catherine Wheel - "Spirit Of Radio"
Stanley Jordan - "Stairway To Heaven (live)"
Stereophonics - "Something In The Way"
Mark Kozelek - "If You Want Blood"
Blake Babies - "I Wanna Be Sedated"
Kristen Barry - "Don't Cry"
Buffalo Tom - "All Tomorrow's Parties"
RATM - "The Ghost Of Tom Joad"
Turin Brakes - "Breaking The Girl"
Brandi Carlile - "Hallelujah"
Screaming Trees - "Tomorrow's Dream"
The Black Crowes - "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35"
Uncle Tupelo - "Effigy"

B-Side Of The Week: The Seahorses

2007-07-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

Out of the ashes of The Stone Roses came guitarist John Squire's short-lived band, The Seahorses. Lots of fans of the former really didn't like the latter, but I really liked this b-side from their first and only album. It's an acoustic track that they used to include in live sets.

The Seahorses - "Moving On"

Buy The Seahorses' music here.

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Previous B-Sides Of the Week:

Centro-Matic - "Not Like Anyone Would Mind"
Nirvana - "Even In His Youth"
Radiohead - "Bishop's Robes"
Catherine Wheel - "Capacity To Change"
The Black Crowes - "Waitin' Guilty"
Jeff Buckley - "Thousand Fold"
Idlewild - "Good Times Wasted"
Foo Fighters - "Baker Street"
Muse - "Fury"
Screaming Trees - "Silver Tongue"
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Loaded Gun"
Stereophonics - "Carrot Cake And Wine"
Oasis - "Let's All Make Believe"
Guns N' Roses - "Shadow Of Your Love"
Ryan Adams - "What Sin Replaces Love"
Chris Cornell - "Sunshower"
Feeder - "Bruised"
Snow Patrol - "Post Punk Progression"
Jeff Buckley - "Strawberry Street"
Rainer Maria - "Automatic"
Radiohead - "Coke Babies"
Gomez - "Shot Shot (Folk Shot)"
Foo Fighters - "A320"
Turin Brakes - "Balham To Brooklyn"
Pearl Jam - "Long Road"
The Black Crowes - "Darling Of The Underground Press"
Juliana Hatfield - "Girl In Old Blue Volvo Disowns Self"
Gemma Hayes - "Perfect Day"
Veruca Salt - "Sleeper Car"
Audioslave - "We Got The Whip"
Oasis - "Step Out"
Ryan Adams - "One By One"
My Morning Jacket - "How Could I Know"

Monday Morning Live: Gomez

2007-07-09T18:48:00.000-05:00

Your weekly dose of high quality live recordings (no audience boots here!).

It just feels like a Gomez kinda day today. Must be the craptastic summer heat that has descended on the Philly area. My kingdom for Seattle's summer weather here on this coast... Anyway, this is a rollicking live version of Gomez's "Ping One Down", the studio version of which is on the sweet, sweet LP In Our Gun.

Gomez - "Ping One Down (live)"

Buy Gomez's music here.

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Previous Monday Morning Live Tracks:

Alice In Chains - "Love, Hate, Love"
K's Choice - "Believe"
Soundgarden - "Beyond The Wheel"
Lucinda Williams - "Which Will"
Doves - "WWCF --> Pounding"
U2 - "Staring At The Sun"
Damien Rice - "9 Crimes"
A Perfect Circle - "Brena (acoustic)"
Juliana Hatfield - "Nirvana"
Ryan Adams - "New York, New York"
Tool - "Intolerance"
Idlewild - "Love Steals Us From Loneliness"
Josh Ritter - "Thin Blue Flame"
Radiohead - "Creep" + bonus tracks
QOTSA - "A Song For The Dead"
Son Volt - "Bandages And Scars"
Coldplay - "Everything's Not Lost"
Sheryl Crow - "No One Said It Would Be Easy"
Muse - "Stockholm Syndrome"
Steve Earle - "Hard Core Troubadour"
Neko Case - "Hold On, Hold On"
Avril Lavigne - "Girlfriend"
Foo Fighters - "Stacked Actors"
Screaming Trees - "Caught Between/Secret Kind"

Cover Of The Week: Uncle Tupelo does Creedence

2007-07-06T11:11:00.000-05:00

This week's cover is a spot-on version of the Creedence Clearwater Revival track "Effigy", as performed by Uncle Tupelo. The version that I have was released on the fantastic No Alternative compilation in 1993. Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrar sound great (as usual) singing the plethora of harmonies throughout the song, and, man, do they rock out on guitar at the end.

Uncle Tupelo - "Effigy"

Buy Uncle Tupelo's music here.

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Previous Covers Of the Week:

M.A.C.C. - "Hey Baby (Land Of The New Rising Sun)"
Gov't Mule - "30 Days In The Hole"
Veruca Salt - "My Sharona"
Soundgarden - "Come Together"
Pearl Jam - "I've Got A Feeling"
Gomez - "Getting Better"
Muse - "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You"
Cast - "The Seeker"
Manic Street Preachers - "Been A Son"
Steve Earle - "Breed"
Sheryl Crow - "Keep On Growing"
Nine Inch Nails - "Dead Souls"
Kathleen Edwards - "A Face In The Crowd"
Catherine Wheel - "Spirit Of Radio"
Stanley Jordan - "Stairway To Heaven (live)"
Stereophonics - "Something In The Way"
Mark Kozelek - "If You Want Blood"
Blake Babies - "I Wanna Be Sedated"
Kristen Barry - "Don't Cry"
Buffalo Tom - "All Tomorrow's Parties"
RATM - "The Ghost Of Tom Joad"
Turin Brakes - "Breaking The Girl"
Brandi Carlile - "Hallelujah"
Screaming Trees - "Tomorrow's Dream"
The Black Crowes - "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35"

B-Side Of The Week: My Morning Jacket

2007-07-04T23:11:00.000-05:00

A friend recently reminded me that I had some b-sides from My Morning Jacket's latest studio LP, Z, and it occurred to me that I should share one of them. This tune was on the "Off The Record" single, and it sounds much more like old-school MMJ than Z does in general.

My Morning Jacket - "How Could I Know"

Buy MMJ's music here.

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Previous B-Sides Of the Week:

Centro-Matic - "Not Like Anyone Would Mind"
Nirvana - "Even In His Youth"
Radiohead - "Bishop's Robes"
Catherine Wheel - "Capacity To Change"
The Black Crowes - "Waitin' Guilty"
Jeff Buckley - "Thousand Fold"
Idlewild - "Good Times Wasted"
Foo Fighters - "Baker Street"
Muse - "Fury"
Screaming Trees - "Silver Tongue"
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Loaded Gun"
Stereophonics - "Carrot Cake And Wine"
Oasis - "Let's All Make Believe"
Guns N' Roses - "Shadow Of Your Love"
Ryan Adams - "What Sin Replaces Love"
Chris Cornell - "Sunshower"
Feeder - "Bruised"
Snow Patrol - "Post Punk Progression"
Jeff Buckley - "Strawberry Street"
Rainer Maria - "Automatic"
Radiohead - "Coke Babies"
Gomez - "Shot Shot (Folk Shot)"
Foo Fighters - "A320"
Turin Brakes - "Balham To Brooklyn"
Pearl Jam - "Long Road"
The Black Crowes - "Darling Of The Underground Press"
Juliana Hatfield - "Girl In Old Blue Volvo Disowns Self"
Gemma Hayes - "Perfect Day"
Veruca Salt - "Sleeper Car"
Audioslave - "We Got The Whip"
Oasis - "Step Out"
Ryan Adams - "One By One"

Independence Day

2007-07-04T11:11:00.000-05:00

From Matthew Good's blog:

The Ressurection Of Independence Day

Today is a day on which many Americans celebrate not the contents of the document that made the 4th of July an important date in US history, but rather an altogether different, and highly corrupted, view of their nation and their identity. It is one that has been inbred in them since childhood, one that is highly insular, and one that has warped the definition of what it means to be truly patriotic.

If anything, the events of the last few days should demonstrate to Americans just how little the Bush administration cares how it is viewed by most. In fact, it has been operating under that guiding principle for some time now, with little to no opposition. Looking at what it took for Richard Nixon to resign the Presidency, one only has to look at Mr. Bush’s disastrous two terms in office to see why he has little regard for public opinion. Given the lies of his administration, the scandals, and the unwillingness to heed popular opinion, were he a man of integrity that held the nation’s best interests above that of a cabal within the Republican Party, he would have resigned his office after the falsehoods that led the nation to war were revealed. Unfortunately, at the time, a largely complacent fourth estate gave Mr. Bush a free pass, and he remained.

Were I sitting in France, Germany, Italy, or the Netherlands, the transgressions of this government would be cause for massive public rallies. The streets of various cities would be filled with crowds demanding the resignation of the government, and they would most likely continue to do so until such change occurred. But that is not something that happens in North America, be it here in the US or at home in Canada. We have, for the most part, abandoned our sacred responsibilities with regards to keeping government in check, and because of it they have grown to bank on our apathy and complacency.

Prior to the invasion of Iraq we marched through the streets of Vancouver – mothers, fathers, children, people from all walks of life participating in the largest global protest of a conflict (that hadn’t even begun) in human history. Faced with such overwhelming public condemnation, the President of the United States chose to ignore the world and proceeded to illegally invade a sovereign nation, an invasion that has since taken the lives of over 3,000 Americans and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis. A year later we marched again through the streets of Vancouver, Professor Chomsky addressed those in attendance at the conclusion of the march, and it seemed that many had not lost focus on what they felt must be stopped. But as the years have passed the marches have grown smaller, interest in them amongst those whose participation is paramount, the middle classes, has dropped off to almost nothing, and many have resigned themselves to the fact that nothing can be done to alter what the Bush administration set in motion in March of 2003. It has become, in many ways, a thing of fantasy to many, something that inhabits our television screens, reaching out only to steal the futures of those directly involved, their families, their neighbours and friends. The same can be said about Afghanistan, and we, as Canadians, should also be focusing more on the realities of our participation in that war than we do.

The war in Iraq is the high water mark of the Bush administration’s folly. It is a war that is in such disarray, that was planned with such carelessness and with such little forethought as to stupefy even the simplest among us. And yet it is allowed to continue. When the President makes speeches regarding it now he employs references to ‘al-Qaeda’ and ‘9/11’ as if they were still representations of the ‘political capital’ that he claimed he had gained in spades following his re-election. They are words meant to detract from the realities of the disaster that now exists in that country, words that still rely on falsehoods championed by his political allies as if they hadn’t been caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

Iraq is also a war about money, about the massive expansion of the private sector, and those who profit off of the misery of innocents. According to today’s Baltimore Sun, privately paid contractors in Iraq actually outnumber US forces there. There are, according to the article, more than 180,000 civilian contractors working under US contracts, be they Americans, Iraqis, or other foreign nationals. A single load of laundry costs the US government, via KBR, just shy of $100 dollars – what, in any house hold, would cost little more than a few dollars.

When war is that lucrative for your friends – what does the opinion of the American public matter?

The defense budget of the United States for the next fiscal year is in excess of $600 billion dollars, dwarfing that of the next closest country, China, which spends roughly $60 to $70 billion. The US defense budget is greater than all of the budgets of the nations that comprise NATO plus China and Russia combined, and it remains the most prolific arms manufacturer in the world. Ironically, it is also a debtor nation to Mexico, and owes the Chinese some $1 trillion dollars. In fact, one third of the US foreign debt is equal to that of the entire third world. And yet it continues to spend money as fast as it can print it on maintaining the world’s foremost military.

Look into the cost of a single B2 Stealth bomber and then equate what that money could do with regards to healthcare or education. Doing so will enlighten you to the massively imbalanced sense of priorities prevalent in America’s halls of power.

There was a dream that was a nation, a dream forged into reality on this day 231 years ago. Its intention was noble at its inception, a basis penned that would lead to the creation of a Constitution meant to protect the rights of Americans, most importantly their right to dissent against the inappropriate actions of their own government. It would be foolish to believe that the likes of Thomas Jefferson ever believed that the power of the federal government should, in any way, detract from the people’s ability to demand that those principles that they cherish not be honourably upheld by their elected representatives, and that if and when the powers entrusted the Office of the President were ever taken for granted, or abused, that they could rightly demand that the integrity of the ideals found in the Declaration Of Independence and the Constitution be vehemently protected to the last.

It is Independence Day here in the United States, and that being the case, cause not for mindless celebration, but rather a day on which to remember that independence from all forms of tyrannical behaviour, be it foreign or domestic, is the hallmark of the American dream. Not capital, nor social status, but the belief that this nation once exemplified something of promise that, over the centuries, has been lost.

It is time for the American people to take back what is rightfully theirs. And they should allow no man, nor his henchmen, nor the military infrastructure that has become so engrained in the modern American experience, to stop them. For if young men and women can be sent off to a foreign country to die in a senseless conflict, surely it is nothing to step outside of your front door and protest this administration’s abuse of the American ideal by flying the flag upside down. For in military terms, the presentation of the flag in such a manner signifies ‘distress’, and I can think of no better term to exemplify the state in which the United States now finds itself.

Monday Morning Live: Screaming Trees

2007-07-02T11:11:00.000-05:00

Your weekly dose of high quality live recordings (no audience boots here!).

This week's feature is a special treat from the Screaming Trees. They recorded this gem, a version of "Caught Between" that flows into "Secret Kind", for a Live At The Wireless performance back in 1995. Enjoy.

Screaming Trees - "Caught Between/Secret Kind (live)"

Buy Screaming Trees music here.

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Previous Monday Morning Live Tracks:

Alice In Chains - "Love, Hate, Love"
K's Choice - "Believe"
Soundgarden - "Beyond The Wheel"
Lucinda Williams - "Which Will"
Doves - "WWCF --> Pounding"
U2 - "Staring At The Sun"
Damien Rice - "9 Crimes"
A Perfect Circle - "Brena (acoustic)"
Juliana Hatfield - "Nirvana"
Ryan Adams - "New York, New York"
Tool - "Intolerance"
Idlewild - "Love Steals Us From Loneliness"
Josh Ritter - "Thin Blue Flame"
Radiohead - "Creep" + bonus tracks
QOTSA - "A Song For The Dead"
Son Volt - "Bandages And Scars"
Coldplay - "Everything's Not Lost"
Sheryl Crow - "No One Said It Would Be Easy"
Muse - "Stockholm Syndrome"
Steve Earle - "Hard Core Troubadour"
Neko Case - "Hold On, Hold On"
Avril Lavigne - "Girlfriend"
Foo Fighters - "Stacked Actors"

Ryan Adams: Easy Tiger Live

2007-06-29T23:11:00.000-05:00

Ryan Adams' show at the TLA last night was good, of course. But there was a weird kinda energy in the venue that detracted from the experience for me. Maybe it had something to do with the loud, chatty crowd that seems to show up at all of Adams' Philly gigs, or maybe it was the crappy sound (vocals muddy and not enough guitar in the mix), but I was slightly disappointed by the experience.

In other ways, it was awesome. This was the first gig since his skateboarding accident that Adams played guitar, so the band was in a rockin' kinda mood. They played "What Sin Replaces Love", a killer version of "Magnolia Mountain" and the most ridiculously cool version of "I See Monsters" that I could've hoped for. Overall it was a good time, and I'm not exactly sure why I left the venue feeling a little let down, because now that I look over the setlist and think about the show, it was really good. Oh my God. Whatever. Etc. Enough rambling. Here is what they played:

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
06-28-07
Philadelphia, PA

A Kiss Before I Go
What Sin
Off Broadway
Cold Roses
Please Do Not Let Me Go
Dear Chicago
Bartering Lines
Peaceful Valley
Beautiful Sorta
Oh My God, Whatever, Etc.
Magnolia Mountain
Two
Easy Plateau
Blue Hotel
I See Monsters

Adams released a bunch of live performance videos through different outlets (free DVDs included with LPs, promos for different internet music stores, etc..), one for each song on his new record, Easy Tiger. Some of the videos appear to have made their way to the ubiquitous YouTube, but I haven't been able to find all the official ones yet.

Lost Highway, Adams' record label, is running a contest for folks who can locate the videos. If you can find 10 or more, you can enter for a chance to be flown to see Adams play live somewhere. Hotel and transportation seem to be included in the deal. Check out the contest here.
(If you need a little help send me an email...)

There's a great interview with Ryan Adams at The Onion's A.V. Club.

I usually like to post audio when I review a show, so here are live versions of all thirteen tracks on Easy Tiger.

Ryan Adams
Easy Tiger Live

Download the songs here.

Buy Ryan Adams' music here.

Cover Of The Week: The Black Crowes do Dylan

2007-06-29T11:11:00.000-05:00

The Black Crowes proudly wear their influences on their sleeves while managing to make music uniquely their own. Bob Dylan is obviously a huge influence on the Crowes' music, and back in the day they recorded this Dylan tune as a b-side for the "Hotel Illness" single off of their classic album, The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion.

The Black Crowes - "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35"

Buy The Black Crowes' music here.

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Previous Covers Of the Week:

M.A.C.C. - "Hey Baby (Land Of The New Rising Sun)"
Gov't Mule - "30 Days In The Hole"
Veruca Salt - "My Sharona"
Soundgarden - "Come Together"
Pearl Jam - "I've Got A Feeling"
Gomez - "Getting Better"
Muse - "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You"
Cast - "The Seeker"
Manic Street Preachers - "Been A Son"
Steve Earle - "Breed"
Sheryl Crow - "Keep On Growing"
Nine Inch Nails - "Dead Souls"
Kathleen Edwards - "A Face In The Crowd"
Catherine Wheel - "Spirit Of Radio"
Stanley Jordan - "Stairway To Heaven (live)"
Stereophonics - "Something In The Way"
Mark Kozelek - "If You Want Blood"
Blake Babies - "I Wanna Be Sedated"
Kristen Barry - "Don't Cry"
Buffalo Tom - "All Tomorrow's Parties"
RATM - "The Ghost Of Tom Joad"
Turin Brakes - "Breaking The Girl"
Brandi Carlile - "Hallelujah"
Screaming Trees - "Tomorrow's Dream"

B-Side Of The Week: Ryan Adams

2007-06-27T11:11:00.000-05:00

Because I'm so psyched about seeing Ryan Adams play tomorrow night at the TLA (I can't bring myself to call it 'The Fillmore'...) and because his new record, Easy Tiger, dropped yesterday, I thought I'd post this little gem. "One By One" is only available on the 7" vinyl single for "Wonderwall" from his fantastic LP, Love Is Hell. Enjoy.

Ryan Adams - "One By One"

Buy Ryan Adams' music here.

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Previous B-Sides Of the Week:

Centro-Matic - "Not Like Anyone Would Mind"
Nirvana - "Even In His Youth"
Radiohead - "Bishop's Robes"
Catherine Wheel - "Capacity To Change"
The Black Crowes - "Waitin' Guilty"
Jeff Buckley - "Thousand Fold"
Idlewild - "Good Times Wasted"
Foo Fighters - "Baker Street"
Muse - "Fury"
Screaming Trees - "Silver Tongue"
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Loaded Gun"
Stereophonics - "Carrot Cake And Wine"
Oasis - "Let's All Make Believe"
Guns N' Roses - "Shadow Of Your Love"
Ryan Adams - "What Sin Replaces Love"
Chris Cornell - "Sunshower"
Feeder - "Bruised"
Snow Patrol - "Post Punk Progression"
Jeff Buckley - "Strawberry Street"
Rainer Maria - "Automatic"
Radiohead - "Coke Babies"
Gomez - "Shot Shot (Folk Shot)"
Foo Fighters - "A320"
Turin Brakes - "Balham To Brooklyn"
Pearl Jam - "Long Road"
The Black Crowes - "Darling Of The Underground Press"
Juliana Hatfield - "Girl In Old Blue Volvo Disowns Self"
Gemma Hayes - "Perfect Day"
Veruca Salt - "Sleeper Car"
Audioslave - "We Got The Whip"
Oasis - "Step Out"

Feist: Yahoo Live

2007-06-26T23:11:00.000-05:00

Do yourself a favor and go pick up Feist's excellent new CD, The Reminder. And while you wait for amazon.com to load, here's a little live Feist for ya.

Feist - "I Feel It All (Yahoo live)"

Buy Feist's music here.

Matt Nathanson: New Album Teaser, Part Deux

2007-06-25T23:11:00.000-05:00

I'm listening to the studio version of Matt Nathanson's unbelievably awesome new tune, "Car Crash" as I write this post. I've seen him perform it live with and without a band, and the studio version lives up to my expectations in spades. You can buy an mp3 of it here (the record, Some Mad Hope, doesn't drop until August).

As part of his promo effort for Some Mad Hope, he's been leaking weekly treats to fans on his mailing list. Here's this week's treat, a live performance of "Car Crash" from a special promo gig he did in NYC recently for some industry folks and whatnot.

Matt Nathanson - "Car Crash (live)"

Watch a video of the performance here.

Buy Matt Nathanson's music here. Now.

Monday Morning Live: Foo Fighters

2007-06-25T11:11:00.000-05:00

Your weekly dose of high quality live recordings (no audience boots here!).

This week we've got some Foo Fighters for you. This track was the opening song on their third LP, There Is Nothing Left To Lose, and they really stretch it out live into a 10+ minute epic with a rocking jam in the middle.

Foo Fighters - "Stacked Actors (live)"

Buy Foo Fighters music here.

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Previous Monday Morning Live Tracks:

Alice In Chains - "Love, Hate, Love"
K's Choice - "Believe"
Soundgarden - "Beyond The Wheel"
Lucinda Williams - "Which Will"
Doves - "WWCF --> Pounding"
U2 - "Staring At The Sun"
Damien Rice - "9 Crimes"
A Perfect Circle - "Brena (acoustic)"
Juliana Hatfield - "Nirvana"
Ryan Adams - "New York, New York"
Tool - "Intolerance"
Idlewild - "Love Steals Us From Loneliness"
Josh Ritter - "Thin Blue Flame"
Radiohead - "Creep" + bonus tracks
QOTSA - "A Song For The Dead"
Son Volt - "Bandages And Scars"
Coldplay - "Everything's Not Lost"
Sheryl Crow - "No One Said It Would Be Easy"
Muse - "Stockholm Syndrome"
Steve Earle - "Hard Core Troubadour"
Neko Case - "Hold On, Hold On"
Avril Lavigne - "Girlfriend"

Cover Of The Week: Screaming Trees do Black Sabbath

2007-06-22T11:11:00.000-05:00

We love the Screaming Trees here at Sweet Oblivion (duh!), and I've been negligent by not posting one of their numerous covers. From the "Dollar Bill" single back in 1992, here's the Trees' thundering version of Black Sabbath's "Tomorrow's Dream".

Screaming Trees - "Tomorrow's Dream"

Buy Screaming Trees music here.

-------------------------------------------

Previous Covers Of the Week:

M.A.C.C. - "Hey Baby (Land Of The New Rising Sun)"
Gov't Mule - "30 Days In The Hole"
Veruca Salt - "My Sharona"
Soundgarden - "Come Together"
Pearl Jam - "I've Got A Feeling"
Gomez - "Getting Better"
Muse - "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You"
Cast - "The Seeker"
Manic Street Preachers - "Been A Son"
Steve Earle - "Breed"
Sheryl Crow - "Keep On Growing"
Nine Inch Nails - "Dead Souls"
Kathleen Edwards - "A Face In The Crowd"
Catherine Wheel - "Spirit Of Radio"
Stanley Jordan - "Stairway To Heaven (live)"
Stereophonics - "Something In The Way"
Mark Kozelek - "If You Want Blood"
Blake Babies - "I Wanna Be Sedated"
Kristen Barry - "Don't Cry"
Buffalo Tom - "All Tomorrow's Parties"
RATM - "The Ghost Of Tom Joad"
Turin Brakes - "Breaking The Girl"
Brandi Carlile - "Hallelujah"

B-Side Of The Week: Oasis

2007-06-20T11:11:00.000-05:00

I'm in an Oasis kinda mood today, so here's one of my favorite Oasis b-sides. A little backstory on "Step Out" from Wikipedia:

Originally, it was intended that "Step Out" would be included as a track on Oasis' second album (What's the Story) Morning Glory?; however, due to the similarity of the song (and in particular the chorus) to Stevie Wonder's 1965 hit "Uptight (Everything's Alright)", Wonder's publishing company demanded a substantial amount of royalties, else they would proceed with legal action (this was by no means the first, or last time Oasis would be in this position).

Oasis refused, and as such removed the track from the album completely. The last minute nature of this change was evidenced by the fact that some promotional copies of the album were released with "Step Out" included on them (as track 8, between "Some Might Say" and "Cast No Shadow"). These albums, especially the vinyl editions, are very rare and are highly sought after amongst Oasis fans.

Once the issue was (partially) resolved, "Step Out" appeared as a B-side on the fourth and final single released from the album ["Don't Look Back In Anger"]. Tellingly, the songwriting credit for the song appeared as Gallagher/Wonder/Cosby/Moy.

Enjoy this top-notch b-side.

Oasis - "Step Out"

Buy Oasis music aqui.

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Previous B-Sides Of the Week:

Centro-Matic - "Not Like Anyone Would Mind"
Nirvana - "Even In His Youth"
Radiohead - "Bishop's Robes"
Catherine Wheel - "Capacity To Change"
The Black Crowes - "Waitin' Guilty"
Jeff Buckley - "Thousand Fold"
Idlewild - "Good Times Wasted"
Foo Fighters - "Baker Street"
Muse - "Fury"
Screaming Trees - "Silver Tongue"
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Loaded Gun"
Stereophonics - "Carrot Cake And Wine"
Oasis - "Let's All Make Believe"
Guns N' Roses - "Shadow Of Your Love"
Ryan Adams - "What Sin Replaces Love"
Chris Cornell - "Sunshower"
Feeder - "Bruised"
Snow Patrol - "Post Punk Progression"
Jeff Buckley - "Strawberry Street"
Rainer Maria - "Automatic"
Radiohead - "Coke Babies"
Gomez - "Shot Shot (Folk Shot)"
Foo Fighters - "A320"
Turin Brakes - "Balham To Brooklyn"
Pearl Jam - "Long Road"
The Black Crowes - "Darling Of The Underground Press"
Juliana Hatfield - "Girl In Old Blue Volvo Disowns Self"
Gemma Hayes - "Perfect Day"
Veruca Salt - "Sleeper Car"
Audioslave - "We Got The Whip"

Matt Nathanson: New Album Teaser

2007-06-18T23:11:00.000-05:00

Matt Nathanson just posted a video of himself performing one of the tracks from his forthcoming August release, Some Mad Hope, on his MySpace page. You can also stream one of studio tracks from the record there too. If you want to pre-order the album from the Awarestore, you'll get an autographed copy of the CD along with a bonus disc containing three live-in-the-studio versions of songs from the new album. If you're a fan it's time to get your butt in gear and pre-order! Here's an audio rip of the live video.

Matt Nathanson - "All We Are (live)"

Buy Matt Nathanson's music here.

Chris Cornell: AT&T Blue Room

2007-06-18T11:11:00.002-05:00

Chris Cornell also stopped by the Blue Room with his band recently, and they performed a sweet set of tunes spanning Cornell's entire career.

Chris Cornell
AT&T Blue Room

No Such Thing
Seasons
Hunger Strike
Like A Stone
Black Hole Sun

Download the set here.

Buy Chris Cornell's music here.

Brandi Carlile: AT&T Blue Room

2007-06-18T11:11:00.001-05:00

Brandi Carlile and the Hanseroth twins stopped by AT&T's Blue Room for a live performance recently. Enjoy.

Brandi Carlile
AT&T Blue Room

The Story
Late Morning Lullaby
Fall Apart Again

Download the set here.

Buy Brandi Carlile's music here.

Monday Morning Live: Avril Lavigne

2007-06-18T11:11:00.000-05:00

Your weekly dose of high quality live recordings (no audience boots here!).

Ah, summer...the time when many of us indulge in guilty pleasures...

Which brings me to this morning's live track. I'm not going to defend it - I like some of Avril Lavigne's songs, in spite of such lyrical 'gems' as

"She's, like, so whatever/
You could do so much better/
I think we should get together now."

Hopefully some of you might find a little joy in a hooky tune with no other redeeming qualities.

Avril Lavigne - "Girlfriend (live)"

Buy Avril Lavigne's music here.

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Previous Monday Morning Live Tracks:

Alice In Chains - "Love, Hate, Love"
K's Choice - "Believe"
Soundgarden - "Beyond The Wheel"
Lucinda Williams - "Which Will"
Doves - "WWCF --> Pounding"
U2 - "Staring At The Sun"
Damien Rice - "9 Crimes"
A Perfect Circle - "Brena (acoustic)"
Juliana Hatfield - "Nirvana"
Ryan Adams - "New York, New York"
Tool - "Intolerance"
Idlewild - "Love Steals Us From Loneliness"
Josh Ritter - "Thin Blue Flame"
Radiohead - "Creep" + bonus tracks
QOTSA - "A Song For The Dead"
Son Volt - "Bandages And Scars"
Coldplay - "Everything's Not Lost"
Sheryl Crow - "No One Said It Would Be Easy"
Muse - "Stockholm Syndrome"
Steve Earle - "Hard Core Troubadour"
Neko Case - "Hold On, Hold On"