Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Thanks For Coming by Josh Woodward

Josh Woodward is at his best when he's telling stories, like a man meeting an old high school friend to catch up. Thanks for Coming.

http://www.joshwoodward.com/mp3/crawford/JoshWoodward-CrawfordStreet-11-ThanksForComing.mp3

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Astronaut by Shy Child

If Shy Child's Astronaut doesn't make you want to get up and frantically move around, you probably have a condition you should have checked out.

And if you like pretty colors you should get a look at the kaleidoscopic video.

http://krs5rc.com/krs/bands/shychild/audio/Astronaut.mp3
http://krs5rc.com/krs/bands/shychild/video/Astronaut.mov

Monday, December 29, 2008

Big Bang by The Rhombus

Big Bang is just a demo, with a lot of demo quirks. It's got a fuzzy lo-fi sound for the analog instruments while the digital effects are clear. But it all sounds intentional, and that is part of the charm of the song.

http://therhombus.org/Big_bang.mp3

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Fresh Dog by MC Frontalot

Frontalot wins every Song Fight he enters, and Fresh Dog is no exception. The song isn't as strong as his usual fare, but it's hard not to be charmed by the chorus "who's a good boy?".

It's only appropriate that a rapper who calls himself "nerdcore" hands out his songs in ogg vorbis format as well.

http://frontalot.com/media.php/61/mc_frontalot_-_fresh_dog.mp3
http://frontalot.com/media.php/103/mc_frontalot_-_fresh_dog.ogg

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Don't Think I Don't Miss You by The Sober Irishman

For Don't Think I Don't Miss You, The Sober Irishman brought some jazz to the Song Fight. It didn't help him in the polls, but I'd still take it over the winners anyway.

http://www.songfight.org/music/dont_think_i_dont_miss_you/soberirishman_dtidmy.mp3

Friday, December 26, 2008

Unspoken by AM Architect

It's hard to say anything about Unspoken. It's got a beat I can't help but bounce to, with an evolving arrangement that gets me relaxed and puts a smile on my face.

http://aurgasm.us/music/kyle/A.M.%20Architect%20-%20Unspoken.mp3

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Chiron Beta Prime by Jonathon Coulton

I hope everyone on Chiron Beta Prime has been good this year. Christmas will be much happier for them and their robot protectors if they have.

http://www.jonathancoulton.com/mp3/Chiron%20Beta%20Prime.mp3

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

There's Something Wrong by Brad Sucks

There's Something Wrong with Brad Sucks, always and forever. This is to be expected from "a one man band with no fans" who names his album Out of It.

http://media.bradsucks.net/albums/ooi-128/05_-_Brad_Sucks_-_Theres_Something_Wrong.mp3

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Seeing Everything From The Wrong Angle by Ochre

Seeing Everything from the Wrong Angle is the perfect title for this track. It's dark, skewed ambient electronic music with an intellectual bent to it.

http://ochremusic.com/mp3s/Ochre_-_Seeing_Everything_from_the_Wrong_Angle.mp3

Monday, December 22, 2008

Ha Ha by Mates Of State

I love almost any song I've heard with two different lines being sung at the same time. Ha Ha by Mates of State has that, plus lots of quick transitions and peppy energy.

http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/shared/uploads/media.php?download=1&folder=media&secure_filename=00030_mates_of_state-ha_ha_192.mp3

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Skagerrak by Ugress featuring Christine Litle

In celebration of the premier of Kometkameratene featuring his own music, Ugress released two new tracks. Skagerrak is hot downtempo electronic music featuring the sexy singing of frequent collaborator Christine Litle.

http://ugress.com/media/mp3/Ugress-Skagerrak(feat.ChristineLitle).mp3

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Kiss Aloud by Evils That Never Came

The news page for Evils That Never Came has this tantalizing little note dated a year and a half ago: "Making a new record." Will it ever happen? I don't know, but in the meantime I'll console myself listening to Kiss Aloud and the rest of the album it's a part of.

http://www.evilsthatnevercame.com/audio/mp3_256k/Evils%20That%20Never%20Came%20-%2003%20Kiss%20Aloud.mp3

Friday, December 19, 2008

Owen by Sleepy Town Manufacture

Owen wraps up Inspired by You stunningly. It's got a dynamic build and release, with aggressive beats followed by relaxing space.

ogg vorbis

http://ia331320.us.archive.org/3/items/sute016/11_Owen.MP3
http://www.archive.org/download/sute016/11_Owen.ogg

Thursday, December 18, 2008

The Natural Night by Nedelle

The Natural Night is a quiet girl and guitar song that swells with vocal harmonies for the chorus. Adorable.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/nedelle/audio/TheNaturalNight.mp3

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Innocent Bones by Iron And Wine

"Every tongue that gets bit always has another word to say" is the line that always sticks out from Innocent Bones. The rest of the lyrics run around Christian myths like so many other Iron and Wine tunes.

http://subpop.com/assets/audio/3638.mp3

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Golden Fish In Pool by Toy

Aurgasm calls Golden Fish in Pool "cocktail-party-in-outer-space". It does have that sort of whimsy, but Toy sounds even more playful and childish than that.

http://aurgasm.us/music/Toy%20-%20Golden%20Fish%20In%20Pool.mp3

Monday, December 15, 2008

Drug Of Choice by David Meme featuring Lisa Lindley Jones

The combination of David Meme's pulsing beats and Lisa Lindley Jones sexy singing will have you addicted. Drug of Choice is hot downtempo electronic pop.

http://www.locarecords.com/music/Meme-DrugofChoice.mp3

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Polaren Per Är Kärlekskrank by Cornelis Vreeswijk

Polaren Per Är Kärlekskrank is a cute folk song. It's quick, it's sung in Swedish [thank you Christopher for the correction], and it has a perfect off-the-cuff feel to it.

http://aurgasm.us/music/julija/Cornelis%20Vreeswijk%20-%20Polaren%20Per%20Ar%20Karlekskrank.mp3

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Excape From LA by Podington Bear

Excape from LA opens up with a harshly distorted crunching beat. The whole production moves in a funky direction. It's catchy, unique stuff.

http://podingtonbear.com/podcasts/JuneOriginal/ExcapeFromLA.mp3

Friday, December 12, 2008

Anchor Cast Anchor by Miranda Sound

Miranda Sound has a few nice alternative rock songs to take away from their website. Anchor Cast Anchor is darker and slower than the others that still offers a satisfying piece of pop music.

http://www.mirandasound.com/audio/Miranda_Sound_-_Anchor_Cast_Anchor.mp3

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Boundaries by ADD

Boundaries finds ADD playing to all of his strengths. It's a dark, quiet tune with a dramatic vocal delivery, excellent recording and production, and all around pop polish. And it makes a perfect closing track for The Weak Moment.

http://actdead.com/mp3s/weakmoment-8-boundaries.mp3

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Spontaneous Devotion by Random

8 bit collective is full of musicians using old videogame soundboards as musical insturments. My favorite tune from the site is Spontaneous Devotion by Random, which was composed on a Gameboy.

http://www.8bitcollective.com/items/music/random_-_spontaneous_devotion.mp3

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Back To The Airplanes by Brother Machine

Brother Machine's take on Back to the Airplanes shows off 15-16 Puzzle's fantastic songwriting with a clear, full, and relaxed sound it deserves.

http://www.songfight.net/covers/songs/brothermachine_1516puzzle_backtotheairplanes.mp3

Monday, December 8, 2008

Dog Without Warning by Redcar

Redcar shows up like a Dog Without Warning, takes a sweet folk country song by Jack Shite, and somehow seems to pick up the pace while still adding thirty seconds to the running time.

http://www.songfight.net/covers/songs/redcar_jackshite_dogwithoutwarning.mp3

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Indie Rock Bottom by Frankie Big Face

I think my favorite part of Frankie Big Face's take on Indie Rock Bottom is his singing. He stays low and quiet throughout the song. He slowed down Sparks' original, taking out what bounce that song had and heightening the impact of the lyrics.

http://www.songfight.net/covers/songs/fbf_sparks_indierockbottom.mp3

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Is It Cold by Brick Pig

I've never heard The John Benjamin Band's original version of Is It Cold, but listening to Brick Pig's acoustic rendition leaves a good impression of what it must sound like.

http://www.songfight.net/covers/songs/brickpig_jbb_isitcold.mp3

Friday, December 5, 2008

On My Block by Deshead

Deshead has a flair for the dramatic. He took Octothorpe's circus side show tune On My Block and made a dark piano tune.

http://www.songfight.net/covers/songs/deshead_octothorpe_onmyblock.mp3

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Troublemaker by Henrietta And The Hostage

Troublemaker is a simple guy and guitar song done by King Arthur. Henrietta and the Hostage didn't change much for their version; louder guitars and female vocals are about the only differences.

http://www.songfight.net/covers/songs/henriettahostage_kingarthur_troublemaker.mp3

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

So Kind Stacy/Onomatopoeia by Puce

Mid-fi rocker and songfighter Phil Redmon turned thirty, and a group of songfighters put together covers of his work as a birthday surprise. Puce delivered a medley of two Redmon songs, So Kind Stacy by Hell Yeahs and Onomatopoeia by Abominominous.

http://www.songfight.net/covers/songs/puce_hellyeahabom_sokindonomatopoeia.mp3

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Cinderella No Motokare by Honey

I don't know much about Japanese singer Honey, but CC Hits links to her webpage. It's not much help for a gaijin like me.

Cinderella No Motokare, however, is sweet, simple tune only the hardest of hearts could hate.

http://e11.video.blip.tv/1780006286782/Fishthemusic-Honey814.mp3

Monday, December 1, 2008

Fell Out Of The Sky by State Shirt

Fell Out of the Sky is an old Song Fight! winner that got remastered for State Shirt's new album, This Is Old.

Remixers are giving this song some excellent attention.

http://stateshirt.com/audio/thisisold/03%20Fell%20Out%20of%20the%20Sky.mp3

Sunday, November 30, 2008

East Side Bar by Josh Woodward

If you're in an old timey movie and you stroll into a bar, you might hear a band playing a song like East Side Bar. It also has a moral: fight over the pretty girl and your just helping her end up with someone else.

http://www.joshwoodward.com/mp3/OnlyWhispering/JoshWoodward-OnlyWhispering-08-EastSideBar.mp3

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Brigas Nunca Mais by Ana Martins

Brigas Nunca Mais is some beautiful Brazilian bossa nova with some especially awesome xylophone.

http://aurgasm.us/music/kyle/Ana%20Martins%20-%20Brigas%20Nunca%20Mais.mp3

Friday, November 28, 2008

Call It A Ritual by Wolf Parade

Call It A Ritual is sometimes accused of sounding like Spoon, and that's not too far off. But both Spoon and Wolf Parade know how to build a catchy song from a solid hook.

http://subpop.com/assets/audio/4274.mp3

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Midnight by The Book Of Knots

Midnight reminds me of something from my mid '90s youth I can't put my finger on. But The Book of Knots' elaborate arrangements and tales of working class tragedy are well beyond most of what I can remember from that age.

http://anti.com/media/download/560

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

FTW by Xiu Xiu

Xiu Xiu is a hard band to describe, but FTW summarizes them nicely: often accessible, sometimes intentionally abrasive, always histrionic.

There's also a series of images to go along with the song.

http://krs5rc.com/krs/bands/xiuxiu/audio/FTW.mp3
http://krs5rc.com/krs/bands/xiuxiu/video/FTW.mov

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

We Are Young by The Shaky Hands

We Are Young is a quick passing, energetic alt rock song. Enjoy it while it lasts.

http://tinyurl.com/shakyhands-krs

Monday, November 24, 2008

My Sister by Duboce Triangle and The John Benjamin Band

My Sister results from a very special team up between a song fight supergroup and another song fighter. The production is dirty and the drama is thick.

http://dt.songhole.org/collab/DTvsJBB-mysister.mp3

Sunday, November 23, 2008

El Pájaro Flecha by Guiye Frayo

Simple electronic organ sounds must reach directly into the pleasure centers of my brain. Even the spurious weird sound effects can't distract from the catchy keys in El Pájaro Flecha.

http://www.guiyefrayo.com/mp3/ElPajaroFlecha.mp3

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Road To Peace by Tom Waits

I think I could listen to Tom Waits sing Road to Peace forever. So it doesn't matter that the guitar and percussion keep up the same simple loop. They set up the mood for Waits' thoughts on the US, Israel, Palestine, and the peoples' stories all across the conflict.

http://anti.com/media/download/530

Friday, November 21, 2008

Livin' At The Corner Of Dude And Catastrophy by MC Frontalot and Brad Sucks

I don't read Achewood so I don't get any of the references in Livin' at the Corner of Dude and Catastrophe, but any combination of internet music forces as "popular" as Frontalot and Brad Sucks deserves a good listen, and probably hundreds of votes in a Song Fight!

http://frontalot.com/media.php/318/MC_Frontalot_SFTF_%2803%29_Livin_At_The_Corner_Of_Dude_And_Catastrophe.mp3

Thursday, November 20, 2008

The Troglodyte Wins by Busdriver

How could you not want to listen to a song called The Troglodyte Wins? The fact that Busdriver does it is a happy bonus.

http://anti.com/media/download/689

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Isolation by Ugress

Ugress is great at layer acoustic instrumentation over electronic sound effects, and he shows it off in Isolation. It captures the feeling of being alone in an unfamiliar space.

http://www.ugress.com/media/mp3/kosmonaut/Ugress-KosmonautEP-04-Isolation.mp3

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse by Of Montreal

Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer is a strange trip of an album. Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse is pretty representative: dancy upbeat music contrasting with lyrics about the narrotors many emotional crises.

http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/shared/uploads/media.php?download=1&folder=media&secure_filename=00067_of_Montreal-heimdalsgate_like_a_promethean_curse_192.mp3

Monday, November 17, 2008

Don't Worry Where Your Keys Are At by Monorail RT

One of my favorite Monorail RT tracks appears on the Outside the Inbox collection. Don't Worry Where Your Keys Are At is simple, compelling lo-fi blues.

http://media.bradsucks.net/albums/oti-128/08_monorailrt_-_don%27t_worry_where_your_keys_are_at.mp3

Sunday, November 16, 2008

In Waves by Ochre

The other night I was at a show, and one of the acts was basically a half hour drum solo. For entirely too long, the drumming was incredibly fast noise making, with hits every sixteenth or somesuch. When the the man threw in some rests, some syncopation, it was really interesting.

Ochre understands the importance of the space in a beat. It's what makes In Waves such an interesting listen. The beat obviously follows a pattern, but it's not an easy one to pin down, and it morphs nicely throughout the song.

If you listen to your music in some high quality headphones, you should go to Ochre's music page and download the FLAC versions of his playlists for their superior sound quality.

http://ochremusic.com/mp3s/Ochre_-_In_Waves.mp3

Saturday, November 15, 2008

T.I.B.W.F. by Budos Band

I have no idea what T.I.B.W.F. stands for, but it delivers funky hooks a-plenty.

http://aurgasm.us/music/Budos_Band_-_T.I.B.W.F.mp3

Friday, November 14, 2008

Wired by Sleepy Town Manufacture

If you like elaborate, stuttering rhythm, get Wired. The complicated rhythmic clicks are layered over a slow moving electronic melody that does a good job just being there and not distracting you from the rhythm.

http://www.archive.org/download/mtk126/mtk126-stm-cd1-for-you-03-wired.mp3

Thursday, November 13, 2008

War Against Terror? by Podington Bear

War Against Terror? is one of my favorite Pod Bear tracks. It's unusually aggressive, distorted, and dissonant. It is epic.

http://podingtonbear.com/podcasts/MarchOriginal/WarAgainstTerror.mp3

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Wintersun by Parov Stelar

Winersun is an earful of joy. It's jazzy piece of instrumental hip hop, perfect for chilling out and relaxing.

http://www.etagenoir.com/freebies/parov_stelar_-_wintersun.mp3

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Outside the water drop there's more rain drops. We jump from one to the other on our way to the pond by Cherly KaCherly

Every song title on Drop a 4 note Soundtrack is a paragraph. For example, Outside the water drop there's more rain drops. We jump from one to the other on our way to the pond. It seems perfect for their weird instrumental post rock.

http://www.archive.org/download/birdsong028/14_Cherly_KaCherly-Drop.mp3
http://www.archive.org/download/birdsong028/14_Cherly_KaCherly-Drop.ogg

Monday, November 10, 2008

I Know It's Here Somewhere by Lucky 7s

Lucky 7s have a four piece brass section and the principle song writers are trombone players. So it's not surprising that tunes like I Know It's Here Somewhere have some incredible trombone playing.

http://lucky7s.org/audio/i%20know%20its%20here%20somewhere.mp3

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Space Cadet by Brother Machine

Our hopes for salvation come from a Space Cadet. He might not have anything to bring us together, but Brother Machine's catchy tune brought him a Song Fight win.

http://www.songfight.org/music/spacecadet/brothermachine_spacecadet.mp3

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Secrets by ADD

Secrets is on of ADD's early Song Fight! entries. It didn't win, and later was re-recorded. Both recordings have their charms, so you should give them a listen and pick your favorite.

http://actdead.com/mp3s/sf_18_secrets.mp3
http://www.songfight.org/music/secrets/add-secrets.mp3

Friday, November 7, 2008

Caterpillar by Unwound

Caterpillar sounds like a near perfect recreation of early Nirvana.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/unwound/audio/Caterpillar.mp3

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Bloodclot by Rancid

Bloodclot is another classic punk song from Rancid. It's so full of catchy hooks it's hard not to stand up and jump around listening to it.

http://www.rancidrancid.com/music/bloodclot.mp3

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Frank's Dance by El Circulo de Willis

The really prominent bass makes Frank's Dance catch my ear right away. El Circulo de Willis's blend of rock and jazz is compelling.

http://www.archive.org/download/CDWMaketaMayo2003/1FranksDance_vbr.mp3

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

My Paperhouse On Fire by Phon°noir

I live in Chicago. I've been busy today, caught up in the celebration of our local hero, so I don't have much to say about My Paperhouse on Fire. It's crazy good. Listen to it and be happy.

It comes with a video, if you're visually inclined.

http://aurgasm.us/music/kyle/Phononoir%20-%20My%20Paperhouse%20On%20Fire.mp3

Monday, November 3, 2008

One Light Will Do by We Vs. Death

As a title, One Light Will Do sticks you with an image before you get to listen to the song. That image seems to fit the simple, repetitive, beautifully relaxing track.

http://www.beepbeep.nl/wp-content/music/we-vs-death/we-too-are-concerned/04%20One%20Light%20Will%20Do.mp3

Sunday, November 2, 2008

College Girls by Portable Folk Band

I feel like I can never have enough College Girls in my life. If they were all as fun and energetic as Portable Folk Band, I might not associate with anyone else.

Try your college girls in ogg vorbis.

http://www.archive.org/download/PortableFolkBandintroducestheRoyalPostalBazaar/portable_folk_band__introduces_the_royal_postal_bazaar__08__college_girls.mp3
http://www.archive.org/download/PortableFolkBandintroducestheRoyalPostalBazaar/portable_folk_band__introduces_the_royal_postal_bazaar__08__college_girls.ogg

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Do The Math by State Shirt

State Shirt has a new album coming out, so reserve your copy today. He's also put out his previous catalog for free download. One of my favorite newly available songs is Do the Math, from his first EP. The crazy beatboxing alone is worth the listen.

http://stateshirt.com/audio/newplanet/01%20Do%20the%20Math.mp3

Friday, October 31, 2008

A Scary Thing by B. Ellison

There's nothing terribly sophisticated about B. Ellison's entry in this week's Song Fight, A Scary Thing. It's a good straightforward song, charmingly unfussed with.

http://www.songfight.org/music/a_scary_thing/bellison_ast.mp3

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Five Minutes by Josh Woodward

Josh Woodward takes a page from Johnny Cash and tells a story as a prisoner about to be executed. Five Minutes has an angry growl that's especially satisfying when the narrator tells the chaplain to "Save your stories. Save your pleas."

http://www.joshwoodward.com/mp3/JoshWoodward-FiveMinutes.mp3

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Black Rumour by yes.no.yes

The first two things I notice about Black Rumour is the extremely prominent beat and the out of tune singing. Fortunately, yes.no.yes have a busy noisy style that makes the singing fit nicely. Especially when he gets to the distorted screaming. It also layers sounds and changes dynamics enough to keep things interesting for the song's duration.

http://www.yesnoyes.us/music/EP/yes.no.yes%20-%2004%20-%20black%20rumour.mp3

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

F C K by Teba

In case you don't know who sings F C K, the song helpfully informs you at the beginning and end that this is Teba. It's got an electronic hip-hop/reggae style that I don't come across much.

http://www.africandope.co.za/downloads/audio/cd010/teba-fck.mp3

Monday, October 27, 2008

Waiting For Long by Ken Flagg

Maybe you don't ever feel that itch for a tender pop tune, but every once in a while I do. And when I do, Ken Flagg sratches that itch with songs like Waiting for Long.

http://www.kenflagg.com/music/02-Waiting%20For%20Long.mp3

Sunday, October 26, 2008

The Modern Divide by Revolution Void

The Modern Divide doesn't feel like a Revolution Void song to me. It's a little more New Age-y and a little less acid jazzy than his usual fare. It's an interesting track that fits interestingly with the rest.

http://ia300126.us.archive.org/2/items/revoid_2004_04_04.flac16/revoid_2004_04_04_t05_vbr.mp3

Saturday, October 25, 2008

The Half Hour Song by Kazoo Funk Orchestra

The Kazoo Funk Orchestra is just ridiculous. So much so that it can be really hard to listen to. Fortunately, The Half Hour Song is not a half hour. It's pretty weird, but it's downright normal compared to some of their other stuff.

http://www.kazoofunkorchestra.com/downloadtrack.php?track=The%20Half%20Hour%20Song.mp3

Friday, October 24, 2008

Some People Are Maladjusted by Justin Bacon

Justin Bacon's contribution to Outside the Inbox, My Parents are Gone for the Weekend is sadly his only song still available for download on the internet that I know of. It's a low production rock tune, and it's a shame there aren't others available to share with you.

http://media.bradsucks.net/albums/oti-128/14-justin_bacon_-_my_parents_are_gone_for_the_weekend.mp3

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Lavender Splendor by Lonbobby feat. Maiko

Lonbobby teamed up with Maiko just once for Lavender Spleandor songfighting. It's unfortunate they haven't teamed up more, because her singing complements his music nicely.

http://www.songfight.org/music/lavender_splendor/lonbobby+maiko_ls.mp3

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Troublemaker by Puce

Early Puce songs have a certain unrefined charm to them. Troublemaker is faster, heavier, and more over the top than most of his later songs.

http://www.songfight.org/music/troublemaker/puce_tm.mp3

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Look And Feel Years Younger by Brad Sucks

I first heard about Brad Sucks when I came across a compilation he made called Outside the Inbox. It's a collection of songs about spam. It was this compilation that got me thinking I should seek out other musics on the internet, and directly lead me to Song Fight and indirectly lead me to writing this years later.

Brad's own contribution to the album, Look and Feel Years Younger, is neither his best work, nor my favorite track on the list. But it's still suitably rocking.

http://media.bradsucks.net/albums/oti-128/07-brad_sucks_-_look_and_feel_years_younger.mp3

Monday, October 20, 2008

New Soul by Yael Naim

Apple is already on top of this one. New Soul is featured in the MacBook Air commercials. It's also a rich pop production that sounds adorable on every level.

http://aurgasm.us/music/julija/Yael%20Naim%20-%20New%20Soul.mp3

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Braggadocio (Zhuangzi Remix) by MC Frontalot, remixed by DJ Snyder

DJ Snyder slows down MC Frontalot and backs him up with a downbeat, kung-fu movie beat for his mix of Braggadocio. The result gathered enough votes to win a Remix fight.

http://www.remixfight.org/archive/0046_frontalot/remixes/frontalot_snyder.mp3

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Six Dreams Divided by Create(!), remixed by Mickey Eats Plastic

Mickey Eats Plastic's remix of Six Dreams Divided is a beautiful, dynamic piece of work. It's a busy mix that builds and fades in interesting ways without ever being either too jarring or too predictable.

http://www.mickeyeatsplastic.com/music/reworks1/02-six_dreams_divided%5Bmep%20rmx%5D.mp3

Friday, October 17, 2008

Easy by if:then:goto, remixed by Bad Loop

Another Syntax Error is a five song EP with three remixes of those songs at the end. The Bad Loop's remix of Easy layer's if:then:goto's vocals over looping electronic beats.

http://one.dot9.ca/2/releases/026/one022_07-if_then_goto_-_easy_(bad_loop_remix).mp3

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Cuckoo (passive-aggressive mix) by Lisa DeBenedictis, remixed by His Boy Elroy

Magnatune had a remix contest for Lisa DeBenedictis's Cuckoo. Little Boy Elroy's passive-aggressive mix won him some award. His downbeat, vaguely exotic beats sound interesting without distracting from DeBenedictis's gorgeous singing.

http://ccmixter.org/contests/magnatune/hisboyelroy/magnatune_-_hisboyelroy_-_Cuckoo_(passive-aggressive_mix).mp3

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Failure by Hot Bitch Arsenal, remixed by Nebulae

Once again Nebulae finds a beat to match the Hot Bitch Arsenal's song. Nebulae's remix of Failure studders a bit in the beginning, but it ends up being a lovely song that surpasses the original.

http://www.hotbitcharsenal.com/audio/failure.mp3

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Latatoo (Calm Mix) by Sleepy Town Manufacture, remixed by Tao

The Latatoo EP has a slew of remixes of the title song. My pick of the lot is Tao's Calm Mix, which radically remakes the slow, chill original into something more uptempo.

http://www.archive.org/download/mtk094/mtk094-stm-latatoo-ep-02-latatoo-tao-calm-mix.mp3

Monday, October 13, 2008

Nude (Au Naturale) by Radiohead, remixed by Podington Bear

Radiohead is putting out source files for some of the songs on In Rainbows for people to remix their work. Podington Bear is a talented musician and a fan of Radiohead. While his remix of Nude doesn't completely change the song, it offers a nice rearrangement that subtly alters the mood and feel of the original song.

http://podingtonbear.com/podcasts/2008/Nude.mp3

Sunday, October 12, 2008

I Want More by Bangs

Unrefined, high energy punk makes me smile. I listen to Bangs and I Want More.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/bangs/audio/IWantMore.mp3

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Boarding Kennel For Crumbello by Ghetto Pony

Ghetto Pony has a new album in the works and I would expect Boarding Kennel For Crumbello to be on it. It's among their best. The fast breakbeats make me want to get up and move.

http://zebox.com/artists/audio/ghettopony_-_Boarding_Kennel_For_Crumbello.mp3

Friday, October 10, 2008

Viva La Urano by The Apartment

Done for the Comfort Stand Compilation Interplanetary Materials, The Apartment's Viva La Urano features samples in English and Spanish talking about wierd planets.

http://www.archive.org/download/csr020/csr020_1-04_the-apartment_-_viva-la-urano.mp3

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Idlewild by Julia Kent

Aurgasm introduced me to the cello playing of Julia Kent. Idlewild is a beautiful and moody piece.

http://aurgasm.us/music/julija/Julia%20Kent%20-%20Idlewild.mp3

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Coward by ADD

ADD's Coward is a simple guitar song with some other and instruments layered underneath. The lyrics are a bitter parting shot at the addressee.

http://actdead.com/mp3s/add-coward.mp3

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Battle 22 by Ugress

Battle 22 is straightforward electronic music. Probably a bit more formulaic than I'd expect from Ugress, but it's a very good execution of a formula.

http://www.ugress.com/media/mp3/Ugress-Battle22.mp3

Monday, October 6, 2008

The War Goes On by Camp

If you like 80's synth pop, you should listen to The War Goes On. It'll have you up and dancing in no time.

http://www.alpinechic.net/ac/mp3/acmp3016-01_camp-thewargoeson.mp3

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Winged/Wicked Things by Sunset Rubdown

Today Sunset Rubdown is set to begin recording their next album. After hearing quite a few new songs that will be on it, I'm pretty excited to get it. But their last album, Random Spirit Lover, has a lot to love on it, such as Winged/Wicked Things.

http://www.scjag.com/mp3/jag/wingedwickedthings.mp3

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Accelerator by Seth (Brother Machine)

Brother Machine entered the Accelerator fight twice. I prefer the song by Seth. Who doesn't feel better after a little senseless destruction?

http://www.songfight.org/music/accelerator/seth_accel.mp3

Friday, October 3, 2008

She Was A Leopard by Tiny Creatures

Homunculus is a strange album by Tiny Creatures. She Was a Leopard sounds like some lo-fi Tom Waits-y music.

http://ia341229.us.archive.org/0/items/birdsong024/05_she_was_a_leopard.mp3

Thursday, October 2, 2008

A Talk With George by Jonathon Coulton

If you are in need of a pep talk, you should listen to Jonathon's tale about his talk with George. George has many, many ideas about how you should live your life.

http://www.jonathancoulton.com/songdetails/A%20Talk%20with%20George

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

So Weird by State Shirt

"I'm too afraid to kill myself and too afraid to really live." That line about sums up the lyrical tone of So Weird. Thankfully, you don't have to relate to that sentiment to enjoy State Shirts moody guitars and layered production.

http://www.songfight.org/music/so_weird/stateshirt_sw.mp3

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Collection by Young People

Collection only wants about a minute and a half of your time, and it's minute and a half of constant buildup that ends with a sudden stop.

http://www.5rc.com/bands/youngpeople/audio/Collection.mp3

Monday, September 29, 2008

Alright Alright by The John Benjamin Band

John Benjamin doesn't just enter Songfights, he runs the website. Once, long ago he made a song about how badly he wants to sleep in for one of these contests, and Alright Alright won that fight.

http://www.songfight.org/music/alright_alright/jbb_alright.mp3

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Swimming To Cambodia by Josh Woodward

The original was done for the Spalding Gray Is Missing Songfight, but he rerecorded Swimming to Cambodia for the album Crawford Street with some new flourishes. It's somehow an even darker and more somber eulogy.

http://www.joshwoodward.com/mp3/crawford/JoshWoodward-CrawfordStreet-08-SwimmingToCambodia.mp3

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Musicamor by Daphné

The introduction for Musicamor is a little weird. When the song get's going it's a pretty tune with a sweet voice.

http://aurgasm.us/music/julija/Daphne%20-%20Musicamor.mp3

Friday, September 26, 2008

Cat Claws by Uncle Owen, Aunt Beru

Strange folk tunes are all over the place on Earth is the Right Place for Love. Cat Claws is a quiet folky song until it suddenly gets loud and shrill near the end.

Available in vorbis.

http://ia341031.us.archive.org/1/items/birdsong026/03_Cat_Claws.mp3
http://ia341031.us.archive.org/1/items/birdsong026/03_Cat_Claws.ogg

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Se...VeN7 by Abstract Avenue

It's got a title I can't help but hate, but Se...VeN7 is still a compelling song. Its spacey melodies over a rhythm of electronic snaps and pop make it an interesting and strangely relaxing tune.

Also sounds good in vorbis.

http://ia300115.us.archive.org/2/items/lego002/lego002_04-Se...VeN7_vbr.mp3
http://ia300115.us.archive.org/2/items/lego002/lego002_04-Se...VeN7.ogg

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Why So Serious by Atari In The Desert

Today listen to the one and only hit pop song by Songfighter Atari in the Desert, Why So Serious.

http://www.songfight.org/music/why_so_serious/atariinthedesert_wss.mp3

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Saving Throw by The Cow Exchange

The Cow Exchange does great pop songs with absurdly silly lyrics. Listen for yourself to the tale of a superhero towel named Saving Throw.

http://www.songfight.org/music/saving_throw/cowexchange_st.mp3

Monday, September 22, 2008

Tiger, My Friend by Psapp

Aurgasm has introduced me to so many acts making music I need to buy. One of the ones that stuck out the most is Psapp. Tiger, My Friend is a sound recommendation for the album that shares its name.

http://aurgasm.us/tracks/Psapp%20-%20Tiger%20My%20Friend.mp3

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Crude by Popular Electronics

The best thing I can say about Crude is that it has an awesome funky bassline. It has other virtues besides, but that one stands out the most.

http://www.songfight.org/music/crude/popularelectronics_c.mp3

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Dope by Grayskul

Rhymesayers is using Dope to sell Grayskul's album Bloody Radio. It seems to do its job, because I want to hear more.

http://www.rhymesayers.com/assets/audio/grayskul-dope.mp3

Friday, September 19, 2008

Wallflower by MC Frontalot

The MC Front has a new dance he calls the Margaret Thatcher. He made it for all you wallflowers who have a hard time with the dancing.

You can get your grove on with the vorbis version too.

http://frontalot.com/media.php/445/MC_Frontalot_-_Final_Boss_01_Wallflowers.mp3
http://frontalot.com/media.php/446/MC_Frontalot_-_Final_Boss_01_Wallflowers.ogg

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Ancient by Lonbobby

Ancient is another Lonbobby tune with autotuned vocals. It's a slow tune that came only one vote away from winning a song fight.

http://www.songfight.org/music/ancient/lonbobby_ancient.mp3

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Butterfly Radio by Avenpitch

I discovered Butterfly Radio through Oddio Overplay's Tunes in Overplay. If you like this one find more freebies by Avenpitch at their site.

http://www.avenpitch.com/mp3s/Avenpitch-ButterflyRadio.mp3

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Lyndale Avenue User's Manual by Atmosphere

Ant crafts a stellar beat for Lyndale Avenue User's Manual. Slug's raps fit to make some dark, determined hip hop.

http://www.rhymesayers.com/radio/audio/05_Lyndale_Avenue_Users_Manual.mp3

Monday, September 15, 2008

Stairway To The Moon by The Sober Irishman

Ruminating over lost opportunities is a popular drinking activity, but The Sober Irishman does this for his Song Fight audience with Stairway to the Moon.

http://www.songfight.org/music/stairway_to_the_moon/soberirishman-sttm.mp3

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Certain Death by Brad Sucks

Brad Sucks has a new album out. I haven't had a chance to give it a good listen, but the Nine Inch Nails like intro to Certain Death grabbed me instantly. Beyond the intro, the rest of the song is straight up Brad Sucks rock, but I can always use more of that.

http://media.bradsucks.net/albums/ooi-128/02_-_Brad_Sucks_-_Certain_Death.mp3

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Don't Think I Don't Miss You by X-Tokyo-River-God

x-tokyo-river-god has supplied Song Fight with some strange experimental music. The most accessible track I know of is Don't Think I Don't Miss You. It's sorta shrill, very melodramatic, and interesting throughout.

http://www.songfight.org/music/dont_think_i_dont_miss_you/xtokyorivergod_dtidmy.mp3

Friday, September 12, 2008

Graduation by Podington Bear

Graduation is one of my favorite Pod Bear songs I've come across. It's a fascinating orchestra of electronic instrumentation with a delightful melody.

http://podingtonbear.com/podcasts/2008/Graduation.mp3

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Science Genius Girl (remix) by Freezepop

You might know Science Genius Girl from one popular rhythm video game or other. Though this remix is ostensibly done for a radio show, it's close enough to the original song that I don't know the difference.

http://freezepop.net/listen/songs/Freezepop-SGGremix_on_wmbr.mp3

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

This Time It Will by Jeff Hanson

Yet another slow acoustic pop song, this time by Jeff Hanson. This Time It Will is simple and pretty.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/jeffhanson/audio/ThisTimeItWill.mp3

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Don't Die In Me by Mirah

Mirah has a few folky indie pop songs on her record label page. Some are sweet and happy, some are slow and sorrowful like Don't Die in Me.

http://www.krecs.com/media/audio/Mirah_DontDieinMe.mp3

Monday, September 8, 2008

Back To Life by ADD

Back To Life is a simple pop song in the style of pop that ADD does. Which means it's totally cute and easy to listen to.

http://actdead.com/mp3s/add-backtolife.mp3

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Self-Reflective Temper Management by The Walt

I love the energy The Walt puts into all their songs. Self-Reflective Temper Management has all the energy its crazy title demands and then some.

http://www.beepbeep.nl/wp-content/music/the-walt/ep%202007/01%20Self-reflective%20Temper%20Management.mp3

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Violet Wants It Her Way by Lunkhead

A man going by the name Lunkhead has been around Song Fight for a good long time now. My favorite is Violet Wants It Her Way. The subdued singing and music seems perfectly contrary to the melodramatic lyrics, but they carry the character's resignation so well.

http://www.songfight.org/music/violet_wants_it_her_way/lunkhead_violet.mp3

Friday, September 5, 2008

Diurnal Entropy by Ugress

Kosmonaut is just one of four free EPs Ugress is giving away on his site. Diurnal Entropy, like many of his other tracks, have dynamics and instrumentation that put most of the free electronic music on the net to shame.

http://www.ugress.com/media/mp3/kosmonaut/Ugress-KosmonautEP-03-DiurnalEntropy.mp3

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Step Up by Brother Machine

Step Up is Brother Machine's address to God, wrapped in a catchy pop tune.

http://www.songfight.org/music/stepup/brothermachine_stepup.mp3

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

El Microfono by Mexican Institute Of Sound

The Mexican Institute of Sound cuts up all sorts of Latin music and puts it together into some excellent hip hop. El Microfono shows off his skills at the turntable.

http://aurgasm.us/music/andrew/Mexican%20Institute%20of%20Sounds%20-%20El%20Microfono.mp3

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Car Crash by Cloud Cult

Car Crash is unusual as Cloud Cult songs go. It's heavier, crunchier sort of music I might hear in a corner bar.

http://www.cloudcult.com/Car-Crash---Advice-from-the-Happy-Hippo.mp3

Monday, September 1, 2008

Upcoming Downtime by State Shirt

Few of State Shirts songs are as heavy on the samples and other electronic elements as Upcoming Downtime. And the cover art for the fight seems well suited to this song.

http://www.songfight.org/music/upcoming_downtime/stateshirt_ud.mp3

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Komnata by Sleepy Town Manufacture

Komnata is a relaxing bit of Sleepy Town Manufacture to open up Inspired by You.

Also enjoyable in ogg vorbis.

http://www.archive.org/download/sute016/01_Komnata.MP3
http://www.archive.org/download/sute016/01_Komnata.ogg

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Etoile by Kleenex/LiLiPUT

Despite being in French, there's something compelling about Etoile. It builds gracefully. The singer sounds like she's trying to fake an interest in something she doesn't quite care about. Combined with the guitar spikes and the accordion, the results are otherworldly.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/liliput/audio/Etoile.mp3

Friday, August 29, 2008

Snow Globe by Frankie Big Face

There's something cute about the energetic pop of Snow Globe. It captures the thrill of infatuation.

http://www.frankiebigface.com/music/snow_globe.mp3

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Nothing In The Dark by Josh Woodward

Nothing In The Dark is a particularly good Josh Woodward rock song from his 2004 album Here Today.

http://www.joshwoodward.com/mp3/ht/JoshWoodward-07-NothingInTheDark.mp3

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Ford Vs. Chevy by Optimus Rhyme

Don't let the name throw you. Ford Vs. Chevy is at most only tangentially related to cars. What it is about is the Autobeat allies' battle against the Wackacons.

http://www.optimusrhyme.com/musicplayer/Optimus_Rhyme_Ford_vs_Chevy.mp3

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

So Far Lihiot (To Be) by Habanot Nechama

Bilingualism is sexy, and the Israeli trio Habanot Nechama show it off. So Far Lihiot (To Be) also shows off a beautiful acoustic arrangement and bursts of fast singing.

http://aurgasm.us/music/julija/Habanot%20Nechama%20-%20So%20Far%20Lihiot%20(To%20Be).mp3

Monday, August 25, 2008

Failed Breakfast, Chinese Tea by Mickey Eats Plastic

Mickey Eats Plastic has some of the most beautiful electronic music on the internet on their free album, People Eating Tasty People. Failed Breakfast, Chinese Tea is one particularly stunning track.

http://www.mickeyeatsplastic.com/music/tasty/failed%20breakfast,%20chinese%20tea.mp3

Sunday, August 24, 2008

The Blitz by The John Benjamin Band

Dancing and defiance are two things that belong together. The John Benjamin Band and his backing chorus will dance defiantly through the storm. They did survive The Blitz.

http://www.newzeromusic.com/ne3/jb_ne3_tb.mp3

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Bog People by Xiu Xiu

I've given La Forêt a few good listens and most of it hasn't grabbed me. But Bog People is a seriously good Xiu Xiu song. It's got all the Xiu Xiu hallmarks: an unusual arrangement, disturbing lyric, and melodramatic singing. But it also manages to be approachable and not too abrasive for all that.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/xiuxiu/audio/bogpeople.mp3

Friday, August 22, 2008

Comin' Up From Behind by Two Ton Boa

I like an underdog. Like some of their other songs, Two Ton Boa's Comin' Up From Behind at first made me sure I wouldn't like it. But it won me over and left me wanting to hear more.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/twotonboa/audio/CominUpFromBehind.mp3

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Policy On Rape by Southwest Statistic and Puce

Even though they fudged the rules a bit, Policy on Rape still managed to win the Policy of Rape Songfight. It's not hard to hear why. Southwest Statistic brings the rock for this one, with Puce's lyrics and singing fitting perfectly.

http://www.songfight.org/music/policy_of_rape/southweststatistic+puce_por.mp3

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

24 by Meme Vs. Xan

It's not hard to find a few great songs by David Meme if you know where to look. Many of those songs pair him with Xan's beautiful singing. 24 is a perfect demonstration of how compelling this combination can be.

http://www.locarecords.com/music/MEMEvsXAN-24.mp3

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Which MC Was That? by MC Frontalot

If a song you just heard on the internet leaves you wondering Which MC Was That, ask yourself this. Did he sound white and nerdy? Was it well produced with goofy flow that's nonetheless on time? Then it was probably front-a-something.

http://frontalot.com/media.php/79/mc_frontalot_-_which_mc_was_that.mp3

Monday, August 18, 2008

What We Had by Handsome Furs

Handsome Furs are a goofy duo with a small following, which makes their live performance wonderfully fun to witness. What We Had is a lovable piece of pop to tempt you into buying their record.

http://subpop.com/assets/audio/3237.mp3

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Double The Daily Dose by Revolution Void

If you don't have enough jazz in your collection, then follow Revolution Void and get Double the Daily Dose. The organ will have you feeling better in no time.

Also enjoyable in ogg vorbis format.

http://ia300126.us.archive.org/2/items/revoid_2004_04_04.flac16/revoid_2004_04_04_t06_vbr.mp3
http://www.archive.org/download/revoid_2004_04_04.flac16/revoid_2004_04_04_t06.ogg

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Dirty Laundry by Bitter:Sweet

There's a reason why bad boys get all the girls. It's just more fun to miss behave, doing his Dirty Laundry is no trouble worth avoiding.

http://aurgasm.us/tracks/01%20-%20Bitter%20Sweet%20-%20Dirty%20Laundry.mp3

Friday, August 15, 2008

Als Je Lacht by Het Gloren

Als Je Lacht is a simple Dutch acoustic guitar song you can get from Het Gloren's section of the Beep! Beep! Back up the truck label.

http://www.beepbeep.nl/wp-content/music/beepbeep/behold/4-het-gloren-als-je-lacht.mp3

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Time To Take Out The Trash by Brad Sucks

Brad Sucks has a new album coming out next month. Which makes this a good time to reflect on old hits, a good Time to Take Out the Trash.

http://media.bradsucks.net/albums/idkwid-128/11_-_Brad_Sucks_-_Time_To_Take_Out_The_Trash.mp3

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Juan Manuel Fangio by Danile Torelli

Juan Manuel Fangio tickles me. It's really cute, and it's not your typical Daniele Torelli song.

Enjoy it in ogg vorbis format.

http://esaurito.yue.it/torelli_songs/daniele_torelli-juan_manuel_fangio.mp3
http://esaurito.yue.it/torelli_songs/daniele_torelli-juan_manuel_fangio.ogg

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Thom Yorke (At Home) by Podington Bear

The album Homage Fromage is Podington Bear's tribute to those acts who have influenced him. Thom Yorke (At Home) is one that immediately grabs my attention.

http://podingtonbear.com/podcasts/MayOriginal/ThomYorkeAtHome.mp3

Monday, August 11, 2008

Icicles And Snowflakes by Inch-Time

Icicles and Snowflakes will sneak up on you. It's centerpiece sounds like a beautiful melodic percussion movement, decorated with samples of natural sounds over top an electronic beat.

http://aurgasm.us/music/Inch-Time%20-%20Icicles%20&%20Snowflakes.mp3

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Burn Don't Freeze by Sleater-Kinney

I certainly don't have anything against catchy, well made alternative rock songs. The chorus of Burn Don't Freeze is insidiously catchy, and I'm always a sucker for two different voices singing two different things at once.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/sleater-kinney/audio/BurnDontFreeze.mp3

Saturday, August 9, 2008

When It Stops by Evils That Never Came

Ok, so Evils That Never Came is at least a bit reminiscent of Spoon. That's ok. I like Spoon. And When It Stops sounds like classic, Girls Can Tell Spoon.

http://evilsthatnevercame.com/audio/mp3_256k/Evils%20That%20Never%20Came%20-%2004%20When%20It%20Stops.mp3

Friday, August 8, 2008

I Know My Rights by ADD

It's another catchy rocking song from ADD. I Know My Rights has a hoppin' tempo with nice touches sprinkled throughout.

http://actdead.com/mp3s/weakmoment-1-rights.mp3

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Listen Up! by The Gossip

Listen Up! The Gossip take a hot bassline and dress it up in a polished rock song, all for your listening pleasure.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/thegossip/audio/ListenUp.mp3

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

The Devil's Children by Ghetto Pony

The Devil's Children meanders along, building tension until it all breaks into the big freak out at the end.

http://zebox.com/ze/audio/ghettopony_-_the_devils_children.mp3

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

High Enough by Lonbobby

Song Fighters generally don't like instrumentals, and Lonbobby's High Enough is an example of why. It's not easy to see a connection between the song and the title of the competition. But this has nothing to do with the quality of the track. This peaceful, dreamy track is well worth the listen.

http://www.songfight.org/music/high_enough/lonbobby_he.mp3

Monday, August 4, 2008

The Secrecy Of Science by Kalahari Surfers

African Dope has some interesting music to download. Kalahari Surfers offer up some sample heavy trip hop revealing The Secrecy of Science.

http://www.africandope.co.za/downloads/audio/cd011/kalahari_surfers-the_secrecy_of_science.mp3

Sunday, August 3, 2008

I Saw The Bright Shinies by The Octopus Project

This year The Octopus Project played too early in the day for me to catch them at Lollapalooza. It's a real shame too, as songs like I Saw the Bright Shinies attest. Listen and maybe you'll see the bright shinies too.

http://www.theoctopusproject.com/mp3s/08_I_Saw_The_Bright_Shinies.mp3

Saturday, August 2, 2008

A Brand New Song by Brother Machine

There's a delightlful irony behind A Brand New Song. It was originally recorded for Going Nuts, Brother Machine's first demo. Years later, rather than moving on and writing another new song, he came back to this one and produced the recording currently available.

http://bromachine.msspro.com/music/going%20nuts%2001%20a%20brand%20new%20song%20(remake).mp3

Friday, August 1, 2008

Nearly Burned The House Down by State Shirt

State Shirt tore a song fight win away with Nearly Burned the House Down netting fully half the votes cast.

http://www.songfight.org/music/nearly_burned_the_house_down/stateshirt_nbthd.mp3

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Dreaming by Mawglee

This little bit of downtempo electronic music from the Aurgasm archives can leave you Dreaming on your lonely nights.

http://aurgasm.us/tracks/Mawglee%20-%20Dreaming.mp3

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

NBPD Theme by Ugress

Ugress seems to be shooting straight for the dance floor with NBPD Theme, a short track from the free EP Retroconnaissance.

http://www.ugress.com/media/mp3/retroconnaissance/Ugress-RetroEP-02-NBPDTheme.mp3

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Snow Cushioned The Fall by We Vs Death

I love a good title, and Snow Cushioned the Fall is a great title. It's also a nice, slow building piece of post-rock by the Dutch band We vs Death.

http://www.beepbeep.nl/wp-content/music/we-vs-death/we-too-are-concerned/03%20Snow%20Cushioned%20The%20Fall.mp3

Monday, July 28, 2008

Skyline Of The Sea by Josh Woodward

I've been promoting Josh Woodward here for a while now. Skyline of the Sea is a sparkling pop rock song.

http://www.joshwoodward.com/mp3/JoshWoodward-SkylineOfTheSea.mp3

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Morning Espresso by EnLounge

The Aquavelvas netlabel has a short EP by enLounge for your downloading pleasure. Morning Espresso gets things going with some downtempo trip hop.

http://folk.ntnu.no/thomasva/aquavelvas/AQV007-Tell_Your_Friend/02-morning_espresso.mp3

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Maleta by El Circulo De Willis

El Circulo De Willis have a nice four song demo in the internet archives. Maleta is a particularly striking piece from that collection.

http://ia300143.us.archive.org/3/items/CDWMaketaMayo2003/2Maleta_vbr.mp3

Friday, July 25, 2008

More Powah To You by Xploding Plastix

If Xploding Plastix electronic jazz sounds get you off your ass and dancing, that's More Powah to You.

http://aurgasm.us/music/Xploding%20Plastix%20-%20More%20Powah%20To%20You.mp3

Thursday, July 24, 2008

The Blitz by The Worldly Self Assurance

The international Songfighting team Worldly Self Assurance took this years Nur Ein competition. Their entry for the third round, The Blitz is a terribly earnest, epic piece of work.

http://www.newzeromusic.com/ne3/thewsa_ne3_tb.mp3

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Ties Of Blood And Water by Glenn And Rachel

Glenn Case and wife Rachel turned out a furiously fun rocking song for Nur Ein's fourth round. Ties of Blood and Water brings sudden, irresistible hook changes to meet the challenge for three significant tempo changes.

http://www.newzeromusic.com/ne3/glennandrachael_ne3_tobaw.mp3

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

It Seems by Sleepy Town Manufacture

It Seems to be a slowly building, chill electronic song from Sleepy Town Manufacture.

http://ia331320.us.archive.org/3/items/sute016/02_It_Seems.MP3

Monday, July 21, 2008

Rockopolousaninjananophone Eternal - The Vishnu Cycle by Mostly Harmless

Mostly Harmless did something amazing with the absurd Song Fight! title Rockopolousaninjananophone Eternal -
The Vishnu Cycle
. Puce and Plat make a rocking song about musicians cursed to incomprehensibility for playing rock at the tower of Babel.

http://www.songfight.org/music/vishnu_cycle/mostlyharmless_tvc.mp3

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Her Morning Elegance by Oren Lavie

Her Morning Elegance is a pretty pop song by Oren Lavie. It has been described as "Nick Drake infused with Qui-Gon Jinn" by one Danthecatholic.

http://aurgasm.us/music/Oren%20Lavie%20-%20Her%20Morning%20Elegance.mp3

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Quentin Tarentino by Doctor Worm

Quentin Tarentino managed to bury himself in Doctor Worm's head. The Doctor's fight winning tune wants to bury itself in yours.

http://www.songfight.org/music/quentin_tarantino/doctorworm_qt.mp3

Friday, July 18, 2008

Rappers We Crush by MC Frontalot and Kompressor

If you are a rapper, you might find Rappers We Crush horrifying. Being chased down for a crushing by Kompressor is a terrible fate to behold.

http://frontalot.com/media.php/23/kompressor_-_rappers_we_crush_%28f._mc_frontalot%29.mp3

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Bleep #1 by MOTOR

Today's video wants you to have a seizure, so be careful when watching Bleep #1. The song itself wants me to dig up an Atari 2600 and shed tears of nostalgia.

http://www.din9.com/video/bleep.mov

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Gone Daddy Gone by Gnarls Barkley

Chances are you've already heard Gone Daddy Gone, and have probably even heard Gnarls Barkley's take on it. Their video tells the tale of the doomed love a computer generated bug feels for a blue eyed girl. Also featured: many panty shots.

http://www.chrismilk.net/movies/gonedaddygone.mov

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Butterfingers by Bomb The Bass featuring Fujiya and Miyagi

A puppet mixing board plays out Butterfingers for it's music video. It's a cute visual counterpart for a sublime trip hop tune.

http://www.perishfactory.com/butterfingers.mov

Monday, July 14, 2008

The Perfect Me by Deerhoof

The Perfect Me: an energetic indie rock song from the album Friend Opportunity. The video paints the whole band adorable.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/deerhoof/video/theperfectme.mov

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Get Yourself High by The Chemical Brothers feat. K-os

Get Yourself High may be one of the greatest music videos ever conceived. If you don't agree by the time people start busting open their shirts to reveal boomboxes hanging from their chests, you an I may have irreconcilable differences of opinion.

http://www.k-osmusic.com/downloads/k-os_getYourselfHigh.mov

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Happiness by Goldfrapp

Goldrapp's video is an interesting look at Happiness. The song is a bouncy fun tune, with lyrics that shift between quick solutions to finding happiness and sober reminders of just how difficult it is to find. The video fits these themes pretty well, especially at the end. A joyous crowd celebrates while an elderly couple is ignored when they have trouble getting the man's wheelchair up on the curb.

http://extreme.colonelblimp.com/directors/dougalwilson/movies/DW_happiness.mov

Friday, July 11, 2008

D.A.N.C.E. by Justice

I'm starting off another week of videos with the wildly popular Justic video D.A.N.C.E.. The animated T-shirts make for a stylish and memorable video for a catchy song that rarely fails to get people nodding their heads and shaking their behinds.

http://movies.vicerecords.com/video/justice/justice-dance.mov

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Hearts Aflutter by Podington Bear

Podington Bear perfectly orchestrates electronic and acoustic insturemnts. The result is a beautiful sound calculated to set Hearts Aflutter.

http://podingtonbear.com/podcasts/October/HeartsAflutter.mp3

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Language City by Wolf Parade

Wolf Parade is a fun band to watch. Tho two singers both play their instruments like true rock stars, convulsing rhythmically the whole time. Language City is one of my favorite tracks from their new album, At Mount Zoomer.

http://subpop.com/assets/audio/4380.mp3

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

World Of Screens by Duboce Triangle and ADD

Song Fighting Super Team Duboce Triangle teamed up with ADD to create a Song Fighting Super Super Team. For all that superness, World of Screens didn't manage to win, but it still delivers a solid, somber pop tune.

http://dt.songhole.org/collab/DTvsADD-worldofscreens.mp3

Monday, July 7, 2008

The Robot Has Got The Blues by Worm Is Green

Listen and you'll hear that The Robot Has Got the Blues. Worm Is Green's downtempo electronic sounds will have you feeling the robot's unhandled exceptions and nodding your head to his clock pulse.

http://aurgasm.us/music/Worm%20Is%20Green%20-%20The%20Robot%20Has%20Got%20The%20Blues.mp3

Sunday, July 6, 2008

It's Just Not Right by Hostess Mostess

Jealousy is a tough thing to deal with, especially when you don't have any evidence of infidelity except a feeling that It's Just Not Right.

http://www.songfight.org/music/its_just_not_right/hostessmostess_ijnr.mp3

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Get Up On It by Ghetto Pony

Sometimes a band's name makes you wonder where they came up with something like that. Get Up On It really seems to answer that question for Ghetto Pony. It also has a really catchy bassline and does, in fact, make me want to get up on it.

http://zebox.com/ze/audio/ghettopony_-_get_up_on_it.mp3

Friday, July 4, 2008

Couch by Portable Folk Band

For Portable Folk Band, Couch serves an interlude between Hinged Door Etc. and Paperboy (both previously posted). But any song that starts off by asking "Is this true love or have we just had sex on the couch?" is worth engaging with in its own right.

Also enjoyable in vorbis.

http://www.archive.org/download/PortableFolkBandintroducestheRoyalPostalBazaar/portable_folk_band__introduces_the_royal_postal_bazaar__04__couch.mp3

http://www.archive.org/download/PortableFolkBandintroducestheRoyalPostalBazaar/portable_folk_band__introduces_the_royal_postal_bazaar__04__couch.ogg

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Camden Town Rain by Mary Lou Lord

Mary Lou Lord breathes overwhelming pathos into Camden Town Rain. From the false start, to the fake song title "Locomotive Breath" she quickly corrects, to four-track production quality, to the sad story she tells, Lord gives beautiful, bittersweet spontaneous performance.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/maryloulord/audio/CamdenTownRain.mp3

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Bullseye Girl by Brother Machine

Brother Machine's Bullseye Girl hits a few sweet spots for me. It's catchy pop rock with a strong beat. It's got laughing, which you can't really do in a song without sounding completely off your rocker. And it's dark, crude, and doesn't make too much sense.

http://www.songfight.org/music/bullseye_girl/brothermachine_bull.mp3

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Stuck Down A Mineshaft by State Shirt

Whiny adolescent songs get a bad rap, and rightfully so. But sometimes teen angst can be fun. State Shirt knows that being a young adult can make you feel like you're Stuck Down a Mineshaft.

http://songfight.org/music/mineshaft/stateshirt-mineshaft.mp3

Monday, June 30, 2008

Fugal by General Fuzz

Today, a nice ambient track by General Fuzz called Fugal. It's a long, ebbing and flowing piece with some spacy oohs and ahs for kicks.

http://generalfuzz.net/mp3/Cool%20Aberrations/fugal.mp3

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Sepia Rainbows by Ugress

Rainbows are all over the place this weekend for the gay pride celebrations, but Ugress's Sepia Rainbows are not nearly so festive. The title nicely captures the feel of this moody piece of ambient trip-hop.

http://www.ugress.com/media/mp3/chromosomecorrupt/Ugress-ChromosomeCorruptEP-04-SepiaRainbows.mp3

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Three Day Waitng Period by Josh Woodward

When Josh Woodward quit doing Song Fight!, he left behind a lengthly legacy with a lot of winners. Three Day Waiting Period is one of those winning songs.

http://www.songfight.org/music/three-day_waiting_period/joshwoodward_3day.mp3

Friday, June 27, 2008

Money by Bernadette Seacrest And Her Yes Men

Money is a smoky downtempo jazz tune the luscious singing of Bernadett Seacrest.

http://aurgasm.us/music/julija/Bernadette%20Seacrest%20And%20Her%20Yes%20Men%20-%20Money.mp3

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Feet by Deshead

If you've gone out to see to to send a cheating lover swimming with the fishes, you might find your Feet tripping over each other when you hit land again.

http://www.songfight.org/music/feet/deshead_feet.mp3

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

We Are All Made Of Strings by Matthan Minster

We Are All Made of Strings is a hummable pop song of the sort Matthan Minster can be expected to deliver.

http://www.songfight.org/music/we_are_all_made_of_strings/matthanminster_waamos.mp3

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Friendly Fire by Lemon Party

Lemon Party have some of the best songs in the Song Fight! archive. Friendly Fire is a folk song that explodes into a pop crescendo in the middle just for a moment before dropping off into a quiet acoustic song again.

http://www.songfight.org/music/friendly_fire/lemonparty_ff.mp3

Monday, June 23, 2008

She's Hysterical by Girls

The Girls are a band with a terrible terrible name. First, it's all guys. Second, it's futile to try getting information on them by internet searches. But listen to She's Hysterical, forget about these things, and enjoy three minutes of post-punk pop nostalgia.

http://www.dirtnaprecs.com/Girls.mp3

Sunday, June 22, 2008

A Woman On Paper by Eight Legged Oedipus

There's something of an old soul within A Woman on Paper. It's direct and sometimes awkward with a melody you'll swear you've heard before.

http://www.songfight.org/music/a_woman_on_paper/eightleggedoedipus_awop.mp3

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Safety In Numbers by Popular Electronics

Nerdy folks who find something to fear everywhere else might be able to join Popular Electronics in finding Safety in Numbers.

http://www.songfight.org/music/safety_in_numbers/popularelectronics_tisin.mp3

Friday, June 20, 2008

You Format Me by Sleepy Town Manufacture

Any piece with a title like You Format Me demands my attention. What is it about? New beginnings? Preparation? Destruction? Whatever it's about, it's an eight minute track from Sleepy Town Manufacture's album For You and for Me.

http://www.archive.org/download/mtk126/mtk126-stm-cd1-for-you-08-you-format-me.mp3

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Between The Bars by Elliott Smith

Between the Bars has a very intimate feel. Elliott Smith's pretty, whispery singing and quiet guitar playing creates a mellow yet earnest feeling song.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/elliottsmith/audio/BetweenTheBars.mp3

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Drinking With You by Jonathon Coulton

Jonathon Coulton usually does funny, but Drinking with You is an awkward song about that awkward start of a romance.

http://www.jonathancoulton.com/mp3/Drinking%20with%20You.mp3

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Mountain Kind by MC Frontalot

If you've ever felt so high you were going to hit your head on the sky, you'll know why Frontalot can't resist the Mountain Kind.

http://frontalot.com/media.php/1/mc_frontalot_-_mountain_kind.mp3

Monday, June 16, 2008

How Long Is The Wrong Way by Flanger

Flanger takes old school jazz and works some modern electronic noises into the mix. It makes How Long is the Wrong Way a foot tapping two and a half minute delight.

http://aurgasm.us/music/Flanger%20-%20How%20long%20is%20the%20wrong%20way.mp3

Sunday, June 15, 2008

No One Else by Frankie Big Face

When last year's Nur Ein required Frankie Big Face to make a song with no guitar titled No One Else, he gave this depressing, vindictive piano piece.

http://www.frankiebigface.com/music/no_one_else.mp3

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Someday When We're Old by Brandon Patton

Young lovers dreaming about when they're old and smiling back on their recollections of when they were young. It's a beautiful image of what life could be like Someday When We're Old.

http://www.brandonpatton.com/media/Brandon_Patton_-_Should_Confusion_09_Someday_When_We%27re_Old.mp3

Friday, June 13, 2008

From Budapest To The Hague by Marco Raaphorst

From Budapest to the Hague is a short experiment in some funky sounds from Marco Raaphorst.

http://melodiefabriek.nl/audio/mp3/Melodiefabriek.nl_-_from_Budapest_to_The_Hague.mp3

Thursday, June 12, 2008

10-9-8-7-6-5-4 by Slumber Party

From the vaults of kill rock stars freebies comes 10-9-8-7-6-5-4, a catchy fun garage rock song by Slumber Party.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/slumberparty/audio/10.mp3

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Wake Up by Germanium

Wake Up is a simple folk song, nothing spectacular, pretty and straight to the point. Germanium's website has many of these same characteristics as well.

http://www.iamgermanium.net/mp3/Germanium_-_Wake_Up.mp3

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Outrageous Boatride by The Apartment

Outrageous Boatride starts off as a simple electronic song that morphs into something weird. It has two samples doing a call and response: "Call it outrageous." "This is outrageous! This is outrageous!"

http://www.gondolamusic.com/mp3s/slicecon/08%20outrageous%20boatride.mp3

Monday, June 9, 2008

Nulla Reazione by Daniele Torelli

Part two of Daniele Torelli's Astonishing People is a beautiful piece of electronica. Nulla Reazione pairs slow moving melodies with gorgeous singing perfectly.

Enjoy it in ogg.

http://esaurito.yue.it/torelli_songs/daniele_torelli-nulla_reazione.mp3
http://esaurito.yue.it/torelli_songs/daniele_torelli-nulla_reazione.ogg

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Trippin' At The Party by Podington Bear

Podington Bear does fun things with simple sounds. Trippin' at the Party takes some beeps, claps, and bops, and puts it together in a way that makes me nod my head and smile.

http://podingtonbear.com/podcasts/FebruaryOriginal/TrippinAtTheParty.mp3

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Green Grass by Cibelle

Green Grass is a gorgeous little folk song by Cibelle. Everything about it seems perfectly dreamy, down to the soft, gravelly back up singer.

http://aurgasm.us/music/Cibelle%20-%20Green%20Grass.mp3

Friday, June 6, 2008

Bioluminescence by Lonbobby

Lonbobby's Song Fight! archive has a few moody electronic songs with autotuned singing. Bioluminescence is prettier, darker, and more awkward than most.

http://www.songfight.org/music/bioluminescence/lonbobby_bio.mp3

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Locked Box by ADD

Today's song is for anyone who's felt trapped in a relationship with someone they wish they weren't in love with. It has ADD feeling like he's living in a Locked Box.

http://www.archive.org/download/JeffFalPleaseLetYourFaithPatienceBeMine/plyfapbm_02_lockedbox.mp3

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Bad Feelings by The Robot Ate Me

It's hard to not feel good about a band called The Robots Ate Me. Thankfully, Bad Feelings rewards that goodwill with a cute, tender, and ultimately, optimistic song.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/therobotateme/audio/BadFeelings.mp3

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Film by The Rhombus

Film is a short simple song from The Rhombus. It's got acoustic guitar and singing layered overtop a heavily distorted electronic beat.

http://therhombus.org/film-mastered.mp3

Monday, June 2, 2008

Lamentia by Brother Machine

This one is for all those out there who like to be sad. Brother Machine likes to be sad. He wrote a song about fading away into Lamentia.

http://bromachine.msspro.com/music/going%20nuts%2011%20lamentia.mp3

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Girl Anachronism by Dresden Dolls

Girl Anachronism was one of the radio hits that got The Dresden Dolls national attention in the US. It's a frantic tongue in cheek rant from a damaged narrator.

http://www.dresdendolls.com/media_site/downloads/GirlAnachronism.mp3

Saturday, May 31, 2008

You Know You're Right by Nirvana

This one almost certainly breaks my rules, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to post a Nirvana song. Somehow I missed hearing You Know You're Right until now. This may be the last time I hear a Nirvana song I've never heard before and like it.

http://www.xakep.ru/post/16588/-x-nirvana_-_you_know_youre_right.mp3

Friday, May 30, 2008

There Was An Accident by Ghetto Pony

This time Ghetto Pony graces us with a slow moving, muted sort of song. There was an Accident rides the same rhythm and progression all the way through. The dynamics come from adding and taking elements from the mix.

http://zebox.com/ze/audio/ghettopony_-_there_was_an_accident.mp3

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Kosmonaut by Ugress

Kosmonaut is the perfect lead track for the Ugress EP of the same name. It's odd, high energy industrial/techno beat sets the tone for the next three songs.

http://www.ugress.com/media/mp3/kosmonaut/Ugress-KosmonautEP-01-Kosmonaut.mp3

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Earth Is The Right Place For Love by Uncle Owen Aunt Beru

When I listen to Earth is the Right Place for Love, I'm reminded of Everyone in the World is Doing Something Without Me by The Future Sound of London. It's a strange, haunting tune, opening up a strange album.

But then, the Birdsong netlabel seems to be home to many strange albums. They also make their albums available in vorbis.

http://ia341031.us.archive.org/1/items/birdsong026/01_Earth_is_the_Right_Place_for_Love.mp3
http://ia341031.us.archive.org/1/items/birdsong026/01_Earth_is_the_Right_Place_for_Love.ogg

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Take Your Medicine by Cloud Cult

Fans of Arcade Fire should give Cloud Cult a listen. Take Your Medicine captures their charm pretty well. It's lushly orchestrated indie rock, with emotional, often sappy lyrics.

http://www.cloudcult.com/takeyourmedicine.mp3

Monday, May 26, 2008

Hey Ruth Song Fight

Four years ago the Hey Ruth Songfight happened. There we a lot of good entries in that fight. This week I'll pick my favorites. Try to guess which I voted for.

Hey Ruth by Josh Woodward

Josh Woodward rounds out this week of Song Fight picks from four years ago. His entry is told from the perspective of a stranger trying to intervene in an abusive relationship.

Edit: I actually prefer the remake for Crawford Street.

http://www.songfight.org/music/hey_ruth/joshwoodward_ruth.mp3
http://www.joshwoodward.com/mp3/crawford/JoshWoodward-CrawfordStreet-10-HeyRuth.mp3

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Hey Ruth by State Shirt

State Shirt manages to make most of his songs sound epic, but his Hey Ruth entry packs intense drama into a rock song. It explodes the last few seconds of a mother caught in a fatal car wreck across five and a half minutes.

http://www.songfight.org/music/hey_ruth/stateshirt_ruth.mp3

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Hey Ruth by Tony Hightower

Tony Hightower's entry is all high school melodrama. He delivers it better than I could have possibly imagined.

http://www.songfight.org/music/hey_ruth/tonyhightower_ruth.mp3

Friday, May 23, 2008

Hey Ruth by The Sober Irishman

If I'm not mistaken, The Sober Irishman's take on Hey Ruth was made in about an hour. The song is rough around the edges. That, and Sober's gravelly voice are what I like so much about it.

http://www.songfight.org/music/hey_ruth/soberirishman_ruth.mp3

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Hey Ruth by Roymond feat Sudharshan

Roymond's entry to the Hey Ruth fight just tripped me out with it's passages of Indian singing and plodding melodic movements. The whole effect overcomes the sometimes awkward lyrics and is easily recommended.

http://www.songfight.org/music/hey_ruth/roymondfeatsudharshan_ruth.mp3

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Hey Ruth by Puce (Jimmy Lincoln!)

For some reason Puce decided to submit his entry as Jimmy Lincoln! in this fight. It sounds vaguely Linkin Park-like, but with much better lyrics and singing. The eternal scream in the middle of the song is worth listening to on its own.

http://www.songfight.org/music/hey_ruth/jimylincolnexclamationpoint_ruth.mp3

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Hey Ruth by Jim Tyrrell

Jim Tyrrell's entry has plenty to love: some great rhymes, a bouncy upbeat rhythm, and oddly depressing lyrics to starkly contrast that bouncy upbeat rhythm.

http://www.songfight.org/music/hey_ruth/jimtyrrell_ruth.mp3

Monday, May 19, 2008

Kissing The Lipless by The Shins

Listening to the Shins often makes me want to listen to the Beatles, and I'm not quite sure why. They have a solid contemporary pop style that still sounds vaguely retro to my ear. They do this with skill and style that makes listening to Kissing the Lipless more fun than actually kissing without lips.

http://subpop.com/assets/audio/2385.mp3

Sunday, May 18, 2008

The Engine Driver by The Decemberists

The Decemberists get a lot of points from fans and critics for putting interesting narratives to accessible pop tunes. The Engine Driver tells his tale of love and yearning.

http://www.killrockstars.com/bands/decemberists/audio/TheEngineDriver.mp3

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Do You Like Me by Fugazi

Do You Like Me starts with distorted garage noise, then jumps to a fast fun punk rock song. Fugazi make the whole thing work wonderfully together.

http://www.dischord.com/media/mp3/01DoYouLikeMe.mp3

Friday, May 16, 2008

It Is Pitch Dark by MC Frontalot

Fans of Zork know how bad it is to find yourself someplace where It is Pitch Dark. As the Front warns, you are likely to be eaten by a grue.

http://frontalot.com/media.php/358/MC_Frontalot_SFTF_%2807%29_It_Is_Pitch_Dark.mp3

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Nattöppet by Detektivbyrån

The Aurgasm archives are full of beautiful pieces of music. Nattöppet is a pretty bit of playful percussion.

http://aurgasm.us/music/Detektivbyran%20-%20Nattoppet.mp3

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Kaybyn by Sleepy Town Manufacture

The Latatoo EP has some nice remixes and a few B-sides from Sleepy Town Manufacture. Kabyn is a pretty little B-side with a nice beat.

http://www.archive.org/download/mtk094/mtk094-stm-latatoo-ep-04-kabyn.mp3

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

The 11th Hour by Rancid

And Out Come The Wolves... really put Rancid in the mainstream and in my speakers. The 11th Hour is the second song on that record and really nicely sums up the general feel of the whole album.

http://www.rancidrancid.com/music/the_11th_hour.mp3

Monday, May 12, 2008

Kompressor Does Not Dance by Kompressor

This monster must have some sort of conspiracy worked out with some DJs to crush helpless ravers. All because Kompressor Does Not Dance.

http://www.songfight.org/music/dont_dance/kompressor-dontdance.mp3

Sunday, May 11, 2008

When I Close My Eyes by Natacha Atlas

Like me, most Americans have probably never heard of Natacha Atlas, but she had at least a moment of fame in France. When I Close My Eyes blends exotic Mediterranean styles with a European pop sensibility that makes both aspects of her music much more enjoyable.

http://static.cissme.com/streaming/bgroup-us/dl/mantra/atlan/atlas16cd-2.mp3

Saturday, May 10, 2008

I Can See The Pixels In Your Eyes by Mickey Eats Plastic

I Can See the Pixels in Your Eyes starts with a lumbering bass melody, then picks up pace with some nifty percussion and electronic effects.

http://www.mickeyeatsplastic.com/music/tasty/i%20can%20see%20the%20pixels%20in%20your%20eyes.mp3

Friday, May 9, 2008

Kick Start by 16-15 puzzle

It's another iteration of the Nur Ein competition, and the qualifying round has already finished. 15-16 Puzzle turned out delightful song informing you that Kick Starts with 'K'.

http://www.newzeromusic.com/ne3/15-16puzzle_ne3_ks.mp3

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Grace by Bobby McFerrin and Yo-Yo Ma

Strange vocal noises, minimal percussion, and occasional string swells meander about throughout Grace.

http://aurgasm.us/music/Bobby%20McFerrin%20&%20Yo-Yo%20Ma%20-%20Grace.mp3

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Zanzibar by Ken Flagg

Ken Flagg knows how to make pretty, sayppy songs. I have to admit, I find the romantic dreaminess of Zanzibar incredibly charming.

http://www.kenflagg.com/music/05-Zanzibar.mp3

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Streetbeat Heat by Podington Bear

Podington Bear brought out the old school synths and drum machines last July. Streetbeat Heat went out to his poppers and lockers. It might get the rest of you moving too.

http://podingtonbear.com/podcasts/JulyOriginal/StreetbeatHeat.mp3

Monday, May 5, 2008

Morning on Bourbon by The Seamus Collective

The other song that was vying for my vote on this weeks Song Fight was The Seamus Collective's take on Morining on Bourbon. It's one of those rock songs with a busy mix that always seems to grab my attention.

http://www.songfight.org/music/morning_on_bourbon/seamuscollective-mob.mp3

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Let's Get Naked by ADD

ADD has a great idea: Let's Get Naked. Well, ADD does a slow, tender take on that idea, but he doesn't let that ruin his good idea.

http://www.actdead.com/mp3s/add-letsgetnaked.mp3

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Painting By Numbers by if:then:goto

There's something early-Radiohead-like about if:then:goto, and Painting by Numbers embodies that something as much as any of their songs. It's excellent indie alternative rock.

http://one.dot9.ca/2/releases/026/one022_04-if_then_goto_-_painting_by_numbers.mp3

Thursday, May 1, 2008

First Of May by Jonathon Coulton

Jonathon Coulton and I agree about the importance of spring. So unless you're someplace so south that it's fall right now, I recommend taking Jonathon's advice this First of May and "Celebrate spring with a crazy little thing called fucking outside".

http://www.jonathancoulton.com/mp3/First%20of%20May.mp3

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Regicide (That's Not What I Need) by Brother Machine

That's Not What I Need was the last Song Fight Brother Machine submitted an entry for. Like most of his submissions, it was a little loveable nicely recorded pop tune.

http://www.songfight.org/music/thats_not_what_i_need/brothermachine_tnwin.mp3

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

I Like To Pretend by Monorail Racetrack

Monorail RT has another simple song to enjoy. The subdued singing and melody of I Like to Pretend makes it a simple pleasure for the ears.

http://www.songfight.org/music/i_like_to_pretend/monorailrt_iltp.mp3

Monday, April 28, 2008

Morning On Bourbon by King Arthur

It's been a long time since I've listened to a whole Song Fight!, but today I streamed the current fight, Morning on Bourbon, and I was surprised by how good so many of the entries were. I haven't voted yet, but at the top of my list is King Arthur's breakup song with the synth flute.

Perhaps later this week I'll post another favorite from this fight. Try to guess what that might be.

http://www.songfight.org/music/morning_on_bourbon/kingarthur_mob.mp3

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Minor Swing by Belleruche

Belleruche packs hip hop, soul, jazz, and swing elements into a punchy pop blend. Minor Swing thoroughly remakes a classic melody into a modern pop song.

http://aurgasm.us/music/Belleruche%20-%20Minor%20Swing.mp3

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Old Man Blanchard by Josh Woodward

More than anything, what keeps me coming back to Josh Woodward is the simple stories he tells. Today's song is the story of Old Man Blanchard and his prespective on the history of his surroundings.

http://www.joshwoodward.com/mp3/JoshWoodward-OldManBlanchard.mp3

Friday, April 25, 2008

Gonna Be Your Man by State Shirt

State Shirt took a very unusual approach to this song fight. Gonna Be Your Man has a 70s style and production that's worlds apart from the slick production and more contemporary aesthetic of most of his entries.

http://www.songfight.org/music/gonna_be_your_man/stateshirt_gonnabeyourman.mp3

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Questionable Lifestyle Montage by Ugress

Ugress opens his take on Sophisticated Wickedness with a Qustionable Lifestyle Montage. And from the sounds of it, dancing your ass off to irresistibly funky grooves just might be a questionable way to live one's life.

http://www.ugress.com/media/mp3/sophisticated_wickedness/Ugress-SWEP-01-QuestionableLifestyleMontage.mp3

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Sunshine by Atmosphere

Sunshine starts out in a bad place, with a horrible hangover. But Atmosphere quickly finds their inspiration and their piece of joy under the sun on a beautiful day.

http://www.rhymesayers.com/assets/audio/sunshine.mp3

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Two Bucks And I'm Yours by The John Benjamin Band

Any song that has God doing a table dance and taking her shirt off is going to earn some love for that. Throw in some whistling, John Benjamin's lovely singing, a charmingly simple lo-fi mix, and Satan confessing her love for God, and Two Bucks and I'm Yours runs away with my heart.

http://johnorama.com/songs/fun_pop/two_bucks_and_im_yours.mp3

Monday, April 21, 2008

Jig Cycle by Ghetto Pony

When the time has come for dancing, you need to put your body into the jig cycle. Ghetto Pony is here to help with that.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Beat (Health, Life, And Fire) by Thao Nguyen with The Get Down Stay Down

The up-and-down melodic phrasing of Beat makes for an adorably cute song from Thao Nguyen.

http://www.krs5rc.com/krs/bands/thao/audio/Beat.mp3

Saturday, April 19, 2008

The Martians Are Going To Eat Us by Lonbobby and Yaruss

Well long ago Lonbobby teamed up with Yaruss to deliver an earnest message culled from the pages of the local tabloid: The Martians are Going to Eat Us

http://www.songfight.org/music/martians_are_going_to_eat_us/lonbobby+yaruss_martians.mp3

Friday, April 18, 2008

No One Else by The Bovine Recyclery

Plat has a knack for the bouncy piano based pop. Witness this little Nur Ein entry about a person who lifts him up the way no one else can.

http://noise.dillfrog.com/audio/nurein2/bore_no_one_else_forealyo.mp3

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Monster's Paradise by Blackberry

This rhythmic bit of energetic electronic music from Blackberry should be a Monster's Paradise. For those monsters who want to dance the night away.

http://www.blackberry-music.net/music/bmth06_monstersparadise.mp3

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

I Know My Rights by The Hip Cola

There's something I love about The Hip Cola's raspy whisper. It may have helped win him a Song Fight, along with his sharp lyrics about the Chinese oppression of Tibet. The song is all about knowing your rights.

http://www.songfight.org/music/i_know_my_rights/hipcola_ikmr.mp3

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Indier Than Thou by MC Frontalot

I keep referring you to all sorts of music on the internet by at least some people you've probably never heard of. And MC Frontalot knows why I'd do this: indie cred. Come not near to me for I be Indier Than Thou.

http://frontalot.com/media.php/66/mc_frontalot_-_indier_than_thou.mp3