The Giant Panther

It's casual Friday at work today, but I think I dressed a little too casual, as my shirt was on inside-out. Still better than my fly down, but not by much. I thought that girl at Dunkin' Donuts was just admiring my ruggish good looks. Here's some Friday music to start your long weekend.

MP3: Midlake - Head Home
Midlake's Website
Buy "Trials Of Van Occupanther" (Presale - Out On July 25)

In all of my years of posting (3/365ths), have I ever implored you to buy an album? Well I'm imploring now. So far, this is my favorite album of 2006, and I'm guessing on Jan 1st of 2007 it still will be. Original songwriting, Crosby-esque harmony, rich instrumentation. I'm trying to avoid slapping a decade label on every song I post, but this definitely brings back a 1970s feel (think Seals and Crofts but less facial hair.) "Bring me a day full of honest work, and a roof that never leaks, I'll be satisfied." Buy this album.

MP3: Beirut - Scenic World
Beirut's Website
Buy "Gulag Orkestar"

I missed Beirut at the Lily Pad last weekend, but Ryspace.com has a set from June 17 at Soundfix. Beirut's website says they are playing again in Boston on August 26th, but no word on where yet. Brooklyn Vegan has a great interview with Zach. This album has it all: 20 year old Zach Condon's vibrato, uke, trumpet, accordian, an old casio keyboard playing its heart out.

MP3: The Long Winters - Pushover
The Long Winters Website
Buy "Putting the Days to Bed" - July 25

Ok, so I've posted on two albums you can't have until July 25th. I've only heard a few songs from "Putting the Days to Bed", but I'm looking forward to this album. I had to put something upbeat in here. More tunes to download here.

Have a good fourth, and if you're partaking in any pyrotechnics, make sure you're in a nice, open space, with plenty of room to get the hell out of the way if something goes wrong (the 18th hole for example).

I've spent two days trying to think of what to post first, and I've got nothing. Here's what I've been listening to this morning, there's a little bit of 80s in all of us..

MP3: Hot Chip - No Fit State

Hot Chip's Website
Buy "The Warning"

Hot Chip immediately reminds me of the Beta Band, which should be considered high praise. And no, not just because they are English and use electronic instruments. A good number of these songs have that same familiar drone progression that brings me back to my favorite Beta Band tunes. Why did they break up? I even hear a little Duran Duran in here somewhere. That's not to say this album doesn't have it's own sound. There is lot going on, and "The Warning" offers a good variety of tracks, some that belong in a club, and some on your headphones when you can really pay attention. Bobblehead, this definitely belongs on your invisible IPod!

MP3: Office - Q&A

Office Website
Buy "Q&A" From Itunes

If you saw my playcount on this tune, you would puke on your keyboard. Solid, upbeat album, front to back. Is there a Magical Mystery breakdown in the middle? How do I explain this track? I don't, you have to listen to it, over and over.

MP3: Zero 7 - Futures (w/ Jose Gonzalez)

Zero 7 Website
Buy "The Garden"

I have to admit, I'm a sucker for anything Jose Gonzalez. But that's another post for another day. The appearance of Jose on several tracks on "The Garden" is what initially attracted me to this album. After a further listen, it's a good album to put on during dinner, but tends to lose my attention. A little Euro-popish, but enjoyable. P.S. that's not your music player skipping 2 and a half minutes in, it's just being "artsy".

MP3: The Knife - Heartbeats

The Knife Website
Buy "Deep Cuts" from Itunes

Ok, a Jose Gonzalez post inevitably leads me to mention one of my favorite songs recently, "Heartbeats". I initially heard Jose's version, which lead me to the original, by Swedish electronic indie band, The Knife, which lead me to their excellent album "Deep Cuts". I love the simplicity in the lyrics of "Heartbeats", and Karin Dreijer Andersson is as ballsy a vocalist as Cyndi Lauper (I told you there's a little bit of 80s in all of us.)

Bonus: Hot Chip's "And I Was A Boy From School Video