Don't Forget To Dance

Harlem - Caroline (from Free Drugs;-) )

Harlem are from Austin, via Tennessee, and I’ve been hearing good things about them recently (mostly from my husband, who wishes I picked a different song for this post). They make low-fi, unpolished, slightly abrasive rock, and are often mentioned as part of the recent garage rock trend, though I’m not sure that’s a completely accurate description. I’m especially fond of this song, since as a Carolyn, there’s not really any songs named after us. Caroline’s close, so I’m claiming this song as my own.

M. Ward - “Epistemology” (from Hold Time)

M. Ward’s new album, Hold Time, has been out for a few weeks, but I only got my hands on it recently.  I’ve always been a fan, but I suppose my excitement about this album was tempered since I thought the first couple tracks I heard sound like rehashes of She and Him.

Having listened to the album, I now realize that’s an unfair assessment.  This is my favorite track- it appeals to my Catholic school girl roots, and it’s nice little upbeat number.

Titus Andronicus - “Titus Andronicus”

Today I thought I’d follow in Miss Maggie’s footsteps and post a song that I like, but do not truly love.  I got (or rather, the credit should go to my dear husband) The Airing of Grievances when it was released last May.  While I appreciate the obvious influence of the Boss, as any good Springsteen-lover should, I tend to roll my eyes at the rest of their histrionics.  I don’t know if it’s the lavish amounts of praise they received, or the fact that the album sounds like it should be listened to only by members of the boys club, but I gave it a few spins and then promptly forgot about it.  That’s until the album got re-released on XL in January, and I started hearing their songs all over the place.  And I have to say, one of their songs is growing on me this time around. 

Anyway, I should probably give you some background as to why I’m finding this particular song so appealing now.  My grant-funded job got cut, and this week finds me filing for unemployment and joining the ranks of the jobless.  Not to get all whiny on you, but I’m already finding that not having a reason to change out of your sweatpants in the morning can make your general demeanor much more surly.  So, I’m indulging my melodrama a bit more these days, and suddenly a track that screams “Your life is over” is more appealing.  I don’t know if I’m going to jump on the Titus Andronicus bandwagon, but this particular track will probably turn up in more of my playlists.  I’m realizing it is pretty catchy, and it makes me nostalgic for the days when I didn’t have to worry about what’s going to happen to the money in my retirement account.

Metric - “Help I’m Alive (Acoustic)”

Posting a Metric song probably isn’t terribly cutting edge, since they already have a large following (although going double platinum in Canada just doesn’t have the same ring to it).  I was a big fan of their last album Live It Out when it came out a few years ago.  Their sound is feminine, dark, and political, which appeals to a very specific niche I adore.  Their new album Fantasies is coming out April 14, and I’ve been hearing “Help I’m Alive”, the first single, all over my satellite radio.  I recently discovered that Metric made an acoustic version available for download on their website, and since I enjoyed hearing an alternate version of the track, I thought you all might too.  Plus, it’s an excuse to post a picture of Emily Haines, who I have to admit I have a bit of a girl-crush on. 

The Long Winters - Cinnamon (from The Long Winters:  Live at the Showbox DVD)

Greetings from the land of Starbucks, Amazon, and Microsoft.  I’m currently in Seattle for a family wedding, and so I thought I’d post a song from a Seattle band I enjoy a bunch.  This song is from the Long Winters new live DVD, which was recorded during their homecoming at the Showbox after a year on the road.  I have to admit, I have a slight obsession with this city.  Every time I come here I wish I lived here.  So, anyway, kids, as I sit here and look out at Puget Sound and all the evergreen trees, I truly wish you were here to enjoy it with me.  I suppose just listening to this song will have to suffice; it always makes me think of driving through winding roads and hills.

Yeasayer - “Tightrope” (from the Dark Was The Night compilation)

Dark Was The Night is a Red Hot compilation that’s produced by The National’s Desser brothers and is being released today.  All the proceeds benefit the Red Hot organization (who put out past comps like No Alternative) and will go towards raising awareness about HIV/AIDS.  There’s a ridiculous number of great artists on this, like Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, Decemberists, Beirut, and My Morning Jacket, to name a few.  Yeasayer’s contribution is my favorite song off it.  So far.

As someone who’s made their living for the past five years doing research in HIV/AIDS prevention, I’m a fan of this compilation as much for the cause it supports as I am of the musicians on it.  I’m happy that some of my favorite bands are helping keep HIV/AIDS part of the larger conversation, since it frustratingly seems to be considered old news unless you’re talking about a developing country.  But I’ll get off my soapbox now, as this is a music blog. 

Blitzen Trapper - “Cool Love #1”

Blitzen Trapper has produced terrific albums for two years straight now, so they’re easily one of my current favorite bands.  I think one of their best songs is “Cool Love #1” from their potentially overlooked 2007 EP of the same name, so I naturally thought it was a perfect addition for Love Week.  It’s a groovy little jam that’s sure to impress your #1 love if dedicated to them this Valentine’s Day.

Sleater-Kinney - “Let’s Call It Love” from The Woods 

I’ve been considering several favorite love songs for “Love Week”  here at Don’t Forget to Dance, and also decided to make my initial entry a darker, non-traditional love song.  Sleater-Kinney’s “Let’s Call It Love” is a pounding 11-minute ode to sex and rock n’ roll.  The ladies of Sleater-Kinney try to seduce you with roaring guitars, thumping drums, and screeching vocals.  They subvert Zeppelin-esque classic rock, letting you know they’ve got a whole lotta love, but they’ll be the ones in charge.  They’ll take you on a ride with this song; it’s going to be long, sweaty, messy, and raw, and by the end of it, you’ll be exhausted.  The song peaks with a six minute jam that almost certainly grates on all but the most devoted fans.  Why did they do this?  Because they could, but more importantly, because they wanted to.   

So, this Valentine’s Day, remember these things:  1) There’s more to love than flowers, chocolate, and sweet acoustic ballads, and 2) According to Sleater-Kinney, ”A woman is not a girl. I can show you a thing or two”.  You may have heard this song before, but it’s always gratifying to take another roll in the hay with it.   

The Thermals - “I Let It Go (demo)”

I was a big fan of The Thermals’ 2006 release, The Body, The Blood, The Machine, and have been anxious for a new release from them ever since.  While I know The Thermals have a large following, I don’t personally know anyone who is quite as enthusiastic about them as I am.  I just can’t get enough of their punky political pop.  Their new album, Now We Can See, comes out April 7 on Kill Rock Stars, and while slightly rough, this demo off the album sounds pretty promising.  While TBTBTM was pissed off and angry, “I Let It Go” exhibits a new sense of calm, which I’m guessing just might have something to do with the new political landscape.  This is definitely one of my most anticipated releases of 2009.