I spend 8-9 hours a day wearing
headphones these days. Tech writing is a grind but with the proper
tunes the works flows quickly. My new job has also loosened my purse
strings enough to allow for some indulgences. Below are the discs that
I am currently wearing out. Find out more below and tell your
friends...Doves - The Last Broadcast
The manager of the Virgin store in Sacramento recommended this cd after she saw Coldplay and Zero 7 cds in my hand. It turned out to be my favorite of the current stack. Thick rich jangly Brit pop-rock. Much louder and harder than Travis but still very melodic. The last track is a masterpiece. Buy the limited version for a bonus cd of material, it's the same price as the regular version.
The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
File this under "Who Knew?" I had heard of the band but never listened until Snowy's sister raved about their recent appearance in SF. They opened for Beck and apparently stole the show. I love this cd! It tells a story and it is one of the few cds that you can actually listen to from beginning to end, and that's how it should be. Imagine Pink Floyd meets Steely Dan with a small dash of techno.
The Streets - Original Pirate Material
The first of two "rap" disks to make the Leftcoastlove charts. Wait. Trust me on this one. Brit wrap laid over interesting and groovy beats. Everyone I play this for goes nuts. Andy and I both agree that this is a must have for the late winter early spring. This is so unique that I can't relate it to anything else going on.
Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head
I bought this cd based on the strength of their live show. Andy I were treated to an intimate show at Bimbo's over the Christmas season. Comparisons to Radiohead are common but I find Coldplay's material lyrically superior. Unusual vocals and arrangements wrapped around thoughtful and heartfelt lyrics make this band the best kept secret in rock.
David Harness - Loveslapped Vol. 2
Andy slipped this one (and Miguel Migs latest, more on that on further down) into my Christmas stocking. Luscious house love from SF's best record label, Naked Music. David appears live most weekends at The DNA Lounge which is why this cd is one of my favorites. In the clubs the music sounds one way and at home on cd it feels different. Both experiences are hot. Wet mushy grooves and thick beats, draw your own picture :)
Zero Seven - Simple Things Remixes
Simple Things was the cd of the summer and now the remixes are out. Happy Happy Joy Joy! Tastes even sweeter the second time. If you put this cd in you computer you also get the Destiny video. Another treat, it's under $10.
Van Halen - Best of Volume 1
Classic. This collection actually combines the Diamond Dave years with the Sammy years on one disk. Plus it was only $10. Funny how Eddie's bone crunching riffs still stand up after all these years. This cd woke up my car stereo staring with tracks one and two, "Eruption" into "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love". I dare you not to turn it up to 11! Support our aging rockers or else we may get tortured with more of them showing up on reality TV.
Miguel Migs - Colorful You
My second Naked Music pick courtesy of Andy. More house music but the beats are lighter and the feel is somewhat Latin influenced. I listen to this cd in the morning to get me a good mood. Mixes well on a Sunday morning tryin' to ease into the day after a night that went way too late.
The Roots - Phrenology
The second "rap" selection. I believe that there are talented gifted artists in all genres. For the most part I stay away from rap unless the artist offers more than "bling bling with my nizzle..." The roots make music and art, not noise.
Various - Ultra Chilled 03
Forget those "Now Hear This" collections. They give you old music after it's past the expiration date. The Ultra Chilled label collects the newest remixes and freshest future hot tracks and releases them as double cds every few months. I am turned on to new artists each time I buy the latest offering. This collections features Doves, Sasha, Jazzanova, and Beth Orton.