"Whiney Bitches" by Medeski, Martin & Wood

from N/A

While the new Medeski, Martin & Wood CD is months away from release, I have been trying to find some hint of the songs that will be included. But without BitTorrent or FTP access, I haven't been very lucky. But at a recent all improv show in Seattle, MMW fulfilled my needs of funky and tight jamming. Yes, thank goodness for Whiney Bitches.

"All U Can Eat" by Ben Folds

from Sunny 16

Plenty of big songs on self-released EP #2 from the great Mr. Folds. I just love all the imagery on this one, which I think was originally titled "They Give No Fuck." Great lyrics, and Folds doesn't skimp on the music here either. Gonna get on the microphone at Walmart, and talk about some shit that's been on my mind.

"Suddenly Everything Has Changed" by The Postal Service

from The District Sleeps Alone Tonight EP

Despite their popularity, you don't hear many Flaming Lips covers lately. Fortunately, The Postal Service have the good sense and taste to cover this Soft Bulletin track. The results? Give a listen before putting all the vegetables away.

"I Dream Of Wires" by Robert Palmer

from Clues

This song comes from the collaboration of Robert Palmer and Gary Numan on the "Clues" album. While Gary Numan's original is quite impressive, Robert Palmer makes the song his own. His voice is at first low and haunting, and then moves into hyperactive soul mode with his trademark vocal tics. I think that Numan's synths and effects are all over this song, and the synth lead part is funky and cool.

Warning. Please do not put this song on repeat...you could go mental.

"The Mods Of Christmastown" by Zumpano

from Ptolemaic Terrascope Magazine CD

The Mods Of Christmastown is definitely one of the weirdest "christmas songs" I've ever heard, and one that I try to listen to as often as I can. It's a short Zumpano song with some stream of consciousness lyrics that might have something to do with being an outsider or christmas department store window displays. And to think that the man who wrote this would eventually form the New Pornographers? Still, dig the Little Drummer Boy snare!

"Superstition" by Blanche

from "If We Can't Trust The Doctors..."

Gothic Americana from Detroit? Believe it! Former Goober & The Peas/Two-Star Tabernacle-ers Dan & Tracee Miller and band break from the shadow of the Motor City to regale listeners with a haunting tale coupled with a maelstrom of pedal steel. Don't be afraid of a little SUPERSTITION.