Music Blog

New CD round-up

2009-11-12T14:36:00Z

Looking for something new to listen to? This is a very small selection of new CDs, but it might give some idea of the diversity and currency of the Library's collection. Comment to let us know if you’ve listened to any of them and what you think, or make your own recommendations.

1. In the pop/rock category, try "Bomb in a Birdcage," from A Fine Frenzy. With varied textures, big sounds, diverse instrumentation, it's "lush, bewitching and atmospheric," says A.L. Harper at Blogcritics.

2. In the classical category, try Beethoven’s "Complete works for piano and cello" performed by cellist Zuill Bailey and pianist Simone Dinnerstein. Bailey is a "deeply committed, serious player with a big tone, generous resonance, interpretive sensitivity, and a natural manner of playing that's as easy as breathing….. Dinnerstein is an excellent choice as accompanist given her fundamental understanding of classical tempi, keen touch, and her general abilities in Beethoven…. The two make for a great team, and there's no question that this is a great recording; beautifully engineered, played with a sense of artistic purpose and professionalism," says Dave Lewis.

3. If you'd like to try some jazz, check out "Emergence" by Roy Hargrove’s Big Band. "There are no jarring surprises herein, but Hargrove has sculpted a deliberately mainline repertoire that jumps from hearty swing to roseate sentimentality. It's a slick, well-balanced sound that may well find the trumpeter a fresh audience of more mainstream-inclined jazz fans," says Martin Longley.

4. For some alternative country, you might like "Happiness and all the other things" by Cross Canadian Ragweed. "For their seventh full-length album, Cross Canadian Ragweed tread familiar yet firm ground, crafting earthy, sepia-toned road songs that are as good, if not better, than anything they've released in the past. It's a well-traveled highway, and the ghosts of the acts that came before them -- like the Eagles, Marshall Tucker Band, Neil Young, and Gram Parsons -- are always in the rear-view mirror, but Happiness and All the Other Things ultimately keeps its eyes on the horizon" says Lee Power.

The staff at your local branch and in the Popular Materials Center at Central will help you find music to match all your tastes, or dip into a genre you're not familiar with! And use this page to explore our collection from home.

The Clash's "London Calling" Still Rocks!

2009-11-07T23:17:00Z

I have been listening to London Calling - the Clash's 1979 breakout album - on my morning drive recently, and wanted to blog about how fresh it still seems after 30 years. In fact, it's hard to believe that it was 30 years ago that I was first entranced by the hypnotic sounds of the title track.

It's aged really well, and seems almost playful now - at least tracks like "Jimmy Jazz" and "Lost in the Supermarket." Other tracks maintain their effrontery and anger as fresh as the first time I heard them. I'm thinking especially of "The Guns of Brixton," the lyrics of which predate the race riots that took place there in the 1980s, but are almost prescient in terms of depicting the tensions that were building at the time that bassist Paul Simonon penned the song in 1978, largely due to the heavy-handedness of the police.

Other songs that still resonate are "Working for the Clampdown" and "The Card Cheat."

One thing you never had to be afraid of with the Clash was being shortchanged. The 19 tracks on this album contain over an hour of listening. Their other recordings are similarly generous.

An interesting note about the album cover: it was a parody of/reflection on Elvis Presley's debut album, "Elvis Presley," which came out in 1957. Considered a "bad boy" in his day, by the time the Clash debuted with "London Calling," Elvis seemed positively wholesome, and the image of bassist Paul Simonon smashing his bass on the stage of the Palladium in New York City reinforces the new level to which being a "bad boy" had risen by that time.

Give the Clash a listen! If you've never heard them, it's high time; if you have, you'll enjoy the return trip.

Wilco

2009-07-28T21:18:00Z

I am not what some would call a music snob. Some of my friends will sit around discussing a particular artist or album using phrases describing the emotion the lyrics project or how the sound of this band was influenced by another. I am not qualified to discuss music in this way. If it sounds good, I like it. There are few bands out there that can do no wrong in my world, and I never fail to buy their latest album.

When I moved to Chicago a few years ago, I was introduced to one of my favorite bands. Chicago-based band, Wilco, has been around for over a decade and they have a dedicated following. Most would describe their sound as alternative rock. Last year, their album Sky Blue Sky was Grammy-nominated for Best Rock Album. Their latest self-titled album was released in June.

If your musical tastes are simple or complex, give any of Wilco's albums a try. Even my more musically "sophisticated" friends enjoy their sound. I promise you won't be disappointed.

An unusual mix

2009-05-27T15:22:00Z

I’ve been going through the CDs at Red Bank lately, trying to figure out how to fit more in, and have come across a couple I’ve enjoyed listening to.

The first is Low Strung, which has 11 rock classics arranged for and performed by master cellists who got a little tired of always playing the harmony line… I love the sound of the cello anyway, and these were very pleasing to listen to. I went to the band’s website, and found that they have a new CD due out soon. I also learned that they performed in Evansville a little over a year ago – they provided a link to the great review Roger McBain wrote for the C&P about the show. You can listen to a couple of the songs on their MySpace page.

· Low Strung’s website

· Low Strung’s MySpace page

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I also found a singer from my past – J. D. Souther. I had a couple of his albums on vinyl, and loved them. I particularly remember “The Moon Just Turned Blue” and “‘Til the Bars Burn Down” from my grad school years. (My neighbors from that time might recall them, too. I used to crank the volume when cleaning house.) Somehow, when everything changed over to CD, I never got around to replacing Souther's, and sort of forgot about him. EVPL owns two of his CDs (and his new one will soon be here), and now JD is back in my life. The bonus? While writing this blog post, I discovered he’s also the narrator on the downloadable audiobook of Jimmy Buffet’s A Salty Piece of Land. I’m loading it onto my mp3 player now – this should be interesting!

· J D Souther’s website

· J D Souther’s MySpace page

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Beatles fans & plastic rockers: mark 9/9/09 on your calendar!

2009-04-16T19:58:00Z

September 9, 2009, will be a huge day for Beatles fans and plastic-instrument musicians around the globe!

On that day, The Beatles' entire catalog will be re-released on CD, digitally re-mastered for the first time. As taken from The Beatles' official website:

"Each of the CDs is packaged with replicated original UK album art, including expanded booklets containing original and newly written liner notes and rare photos. For a limited period, each CD will also be embedded with a brief documentary film about the album. On the same date, two new Beatles boxed CD collections will also be released.

The albums have been re-mastered by a dedicated team of engineers at EMI's Abbey Road Studios in London over a four year period utilising state of the art recording technology alongside vintage studio equipment, carefully maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the original analogue recordings. The result of this painstaking process is the highest fidelity the catalogue has seen since its original release."

The date also marks the release of The Beatles: Rock Band on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, & Wii. While similar to previous Rock Band games, allowing wanna-be rockers to sing & play guitar/bass/drums, it will feature music by The Beatles (including several unreleased tracks) and a story mode. In this mode, up to 4 players play as the band, playing from their early years through their rise to fame.

The "Limited Edition Premium Bundle" (aka: EXPENSIVE) version will include the game, a bass guitar controller (a replica of McCartney's iconic Höfner bass), a Ludwig-branded drum set, and a mic with stand. Rumors suggest that multiple mics will be supported, to allow harmonizing on the vocal tracks.

While waiting for Beatlemania to arrive this September, check out our catalog to get your fix. Anyone else going to have a lighter wallet on 9/9?

More Information

EVPL Catalog: Find CDs, DVDs, & books by/about the Fab Four.
The Beatles' Official Website: Find out more about the digitally-remastered CD re-releases. Scroll down to the 4/7 post.
Joystiq.com: View all posts about The Beatles: Rock Band on Joystiq, a gaming blog.

The Drums, the drums, the drums! - The Ting Tings CD "We Started Nothing"

2009-02-11T19:21:00Z

The Ting Tings have captivated my airplay time this passed week. A two-person punk/alt rock band with an upbeat sound and relentlessly danceable songs, the Ting Tings have what it takes to get people off their duffs and tapping their feet.

Katie White (vocals, guitar, and bass drum) and Jules De Martino (vocals, drums, and electronics) make up the Ting Tings – named because of a woman Katie worked with by that name at a NY boutique. The CD is titled We Started Nothing, and includes ten tracks. The recording starts with a bang – Great DJ – and provides a taste of things to come.

Yes, there are some things I don’t care for, like the over-reliance on talking through vocals when one has a perfectly good (lovely actually) singing voice, or the necessary inclusion of dissonance in almost every song. But these are complaints I have generally with punk, and are certainly not specific to the Ting Tings.

Check out their Facebook page.

Below is a YouTube video of the first track - Great DJ

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Grammys weren't gasp all about the sales

2009-02-09T15:10:00Z

Interesting night in the awards show department. Top of the list is Robert Plant and Alison Krauss for their haunting performance on Raising Sand. I gotta say this is a great album that, while old world, is alive in a real way. As with all other awards shows this year, Coldplay won for and performed Viva La Vida that god-awful song in pastel band uniforms. All the teeny heart throbs were represented (Jonas, Miley and Taylor oh my) and basicly needed more practice (though God bless Stevie Wonder for showing the young Jonases what real soul sounds like.). T.I. and J.T. maybe you could blame it on the sound engineer. I have to say I would really much have prefered to here Duffy over Katy Perry, though how bout all the fruit? Lots will be on the news tomorrow (today?) about Chris Brown and Rihanna, Nancy Grace is on the prowl. Grrr. Radiohead rocked the house. With the USC band for backup, lead singer Thom Yorke channeled primative spirits and gesticulated forth a grinding, crashing number which stood proof of what their street cred already gets 'em. Best Rap Album winner Lil Wayne performed with half of the Dirty Dozen. Did you see Kid Rock's RING?!?! (I know you don't remember his singing ; ) Is it me or is Kanye more and more like Michael Jackson every time he comes on stage? At first I thought MJ had been frozen scince '82. Carrie Underwood knocked 'em dead. Adele and Sugarland sounded solid. U2 opened the show, but didn't leave an impression. And Neil Diamond as the show closer ... meh (though Sir Paul was groovin' to Sweet Caroline.) The highlight for me was Stevie Wonder playing the rarest of rare R&B songs with meat to its bones as the credits closed, causing the great tune to be relegated as background music for a Delta commercial. For shame.

The Boss is Back

2009-02-05T22:33:00Z

I'm not a sports fan at all but I always look forward to the Half-Time show and the commercials during the Super Bowl. I was so happy when I found out Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band would be performing at Half-Time '09. I was hoping Bruce would do some of the older songs and I was not disappointed. For 12 minutes I was treated to two of my all time favorite songs from my favorite album/CD Born To Run. "Tenth Avenue Freezeout"and "Born to Run" had me on my feet, dancing and singing along with an excitement I hadn't felt in a long time. It was so wonderful to see Bruce, "Little Steven"(Steve Van Zandt), Max Weinberg (drummer for Conan O'Brien) and Clarence Clemmons on saxophone again. And when he did the "slide" on his knees that took him right into the camera it was amazing. Okay I couldn't get just real excited about Patti but I'm told she's very talented. Bruce is actually my age and it was really neat to see how good he looked. Still a little scruffy but wow!!!!

He also sang "Working on a Dream" from the CD "Working on a Dream , and finished with "Glory Days" from Born in the U.S.A. I'll leave it to someone else to express their criticism of his performance. All I know is "The Boss is Back" and he is still fabulous!!!

Coldplay accused of plagiarism...again.

2009-01-14T20:42:00Z

In a June 2008 interview with MTV UK while promoting his band's upcoming album, Coldplay's singer-songwriter Chris Martin stated: "We look at what other people are doing and try and steal all the good bits. We steal from so many different places that hopefully it becomes untraceable."

Upon the album's release a couple weeks later, indie band Creaky Boards made headlines by accusing that the album's title track borrowed liberally from a song of theirs. They claimed that Coldplay's song Viva La Vida was a rip-off of their track The Songs I Didn't Write (IRONY!). Creaky Boards frontman Andrew Hoepfner claimed that Martin saw them play in an October 2007 concert where they performed the song, writing:

"We were flattered when we thought we saw Chris Martin in the crowd that night. He seemed pretty into it. Maybe too into it."

Coldplay immediately denounced the claims, as they'd recorded a demo of Viva La Vida in March 2007, prior to the alleged concert. In fact, Martin couldn't have been at the October '07 concert, as he was in London recording. Hoepfner retracted his claims, intelligently stating...

"I must have been mistaken about seeing Chris (Martin) at the show because all British people look the same. I lived in London for six weeks and I seriously thought every third person on the corner was Coldplay."

Wow, just wow.

So Coldplay's off the hook, right? Nope.

In court papers filed on December 4, 2008, instrumental guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani claims that Viva La Vida (the same song!) copies "substantial original portions" of his 2004 song If I Could Fly. As the court papers have been filed, his team of lawyers thinks he has a case.

What peeves Satriani is that If I Could Fly isn't just any song. It's a composition, a love song dedicated to his wife, he'd been laboring over for more than 10 years before recording it. According to him:

"Everybody assumes I'm trying to go after these guys in Coldplay, as if I'm doing this with malice. That's the furthest thing from my mind. I'm just doing what I need to do as an artist, to protect what's mine, to protect those feelings I put down in song.

"I did everything I could to avoid a court case with this situation. But Coldplay didn't want to talk about it. They just wanted this whole thing to go away. Maybe they figured this little guitar player guy will leave them alone after a while, I don't know.

"But we're talking about a piece of art that I created, and that's something I feel is important. I think everybody should feel that way."

Listen to the songs in question via the YouTube links below or by checking out the CDs. What do you think? Is Coldplay a fraud? Mere coincidence? Or did all these songs rip-off Cat Stevens' Heaven? Sound off in the comments section!

	YouTube	EVPL Collection
Viva La Vida by Coldplay	Music Video	Check availability of album Viva La Vida
If I Could Fly by Joe Satriani	Listen (Skip to the 50sec mark)	Check availability of album Is There Love in Space?
The Songs I Didn't Write by Creaky Boards	Listen	Not available

More Info

Joe Satriani speaks about Coldplay lawsuit: Hear what Satch says in this December 7th interview.
Did Coldplay copy Joe Satriani? Let's Do the Music Theory - PART 1 & PART 2: Those with an understanding of music theory should check out these two vids.

"Bridging the Distance: A Portand OR Covers Compilation"

2009-01-09T22:38:00Z

Every once in awhile I stumble upon a hidden gem when looking for music. This happened recently when I was doing a search for the bands the Minus 5 and Loose Fur, both side projects for Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, and found Bridging the Distance: A Portland OR Covers Compliation.

Bridging the Distance is almost exactly what the whole title eludes to, a collection of cover songs from Portland OR area bands. The bands enlisted for this album aren't household names. In fact, before checking it out I had only heard of three of the bands before: The Decemberists, The Minus 5, and Blitzen Trapper. The songs on the other hand are quite recognizable. Most of the songs included were famous chart toppers of the 70s and 80s from artists like Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, and Led Zeppelin.

As with most cover albums, there are some hits and misses. Some of the standouts on the album include The Decemberists rendition of Fleetwood Mac's "Think About Me" which has been stuck in my head for days, and Whip's slow folky interpretation of Billy Idol's "White Wedding". The hits outweigh the misses, but the glaring cover that could have been skipped is Lacktherof's cover of Michael McDonald's "What a Fool Believes". Of course, this fool believes there is no appropriate version of that song and it would've landed on my miss list no matter who covered it, but don't let that deter you from checking out this steller compilation album.

"Ain't no party like my nana's tea party!" Flight of the Conchords albums are musically, comedically brilliant

2008-12-19T21:13:00Z

Flight of the Conchords is an award-winning New Zealand comedy band, self-described as "New Zealand's fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo". While a couple previous blog posts (1 2) talked about their recent TV series on HBO, this post will focus primarily on their music.

Bret McKenzie & Jemaine Clement formed Flight of the Conchords in 1998. They create original songs that parody real songs, both in style and lyrics. With an odd mix of guitar, bass, & synthesizers, along with hilarious lyrics, they cover all the genres: romantic/R&B, rap, pop, new wave, techno, and more!

In 2007, they released their six song EP, The Distant Future, in the US; this album contains three studio tracks and three live tracks. In 2008, they released their self-titled album Flight of the Conchords. The EVPL has both albums, and both are definitely worth checking out! Here are a few of my favorite songs:

"Inner City Pressure": (On Flight of the Conchords) A spot-on parody of the Pet Shop Boys 1985 hit "West End Girls". It received a 2008 Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics". Check out the video below to see for yourself! Here's a snippet of lyrics:

"Counting coins on the counter of the 7-11,
From a quarter past six 'til a quarter to seven.
The manager, Bevin, starts to abuse me
Hey man, I just want some Muesli.
Neon signs, hidden messages,
Questions, answers, fetishes.
You know you're not in high finance,
Considering getting second hand underpants."

"Hiphopopotamus Vs. Rhymenoceros (Featuring Rhymenoceros & The Hiphopopotamus)": (On Flight of the Conchords) A hilariously tame gangsta rap song, featuring too many rap clichés to count. Here's a sampling of the hardcore lyrics:

"They call me the Hiphopopotamus
Flows that glow like phosphorous
Poppin' off the top of this esophagus
Rockin' this metropolis
I’m not a large water-dwelling mammal
Where did you get that preposterous hypothesis?
Did Steve tell you that, perchance?"

"Think About It": (On Flight of the Conchords) A parody in the vein of Marvin Gaye's/Black Eyed Peas' "Where Is the Love?" The lyrics talk about society's ills: violence, AIDS, sweatshop labor, etc.

"They're turning kids into slaves just to make cheaper sneakers.
But what's the real cost?
'Cause the sneakers don't seem that much cheaper.
Why are we still paying so much for sneakers
when you got them made by little slave kids?
What are your overheads?"

"The Most Beautiful Girl (In The Room)": (Studio recording on Flight of the Conchords; live recording on The Distant Future) A rousing, romantic love song to the most beautiful girl (in the room).

"Looking 'round the room
I can tell that you
Are the most beautiful girl.....in the room.
(In the whole wide room.)
And when you're on the street
Depending on the street
I bet that you are definitely in the top three
Good-looking girls on the street.
(Depending on the street.)"

"Not Crying": (On The Distant Future) An emotional break-up ballad, trying to save face.

"I'm not crying. No, I'm not crying.
And if I am crying, it's not because of you.
It's because I'm thinking of a friend of mine who you don't know who is dying.
That's right, dying.
These aren't tears of sadness because you're leaving me.
I've just been cutting onions.
I'm making a lasagna...for one."

This is just a small taste of the Conchords. Check out their albums for the full deal, including some songs I can't mention here.

Finally, if you're a fan of their music, check out the Flight of the Conchords TV show on DVD! Bret & Jemaine play a fictional band that moves from New Zealand to New York to make it big. They're constantly breaking into song (the ones on their albums, along with some additional ones) to tell the story. Quite possibly the funniest show I've seen in a long time!

Here's a video of "Inner City Pressure" as it appeared in "Bret Gives Up the Dream", the 2nd episode of the TV show.

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More Information

EVPL Catalog: Search for the FotC music CDs and DVDs in our online catalog.
What the Folk!: Unofficial fan site about Flight of the Conchords.
Amazon.com: Purchase CDs, DVDs, & other FotC merchandise using this link, and the Public Library Friends will receive a portion of your purchase!

"Our Bright Future" by Tracy Chapman

2008-12-16T21:35:00Z

I have long been a fan of Tracy Chapman. She has a beautiful, soulful voice that lends itself to the simple but smart and touching songs that she writes.

"Our Bright Future" is her 8th album. She started out 23 years ago in little cafes near Harvard Square, strumming her acoustic guitar and singing her songs to whoever would listen.

Now of course, she can afford to hire expensive backup players and arrangers. But it is still the same Chapman we know and love.

You can listen to these songs for their social message or you can just relax into their warm beauty. Either way a new Chapman cd is always a treat!

And visit her website. It's way cool!

Keep Holiday Spirits Up with Christmas Novelty Songs

2008-12-11T06:34:00Z

We at Popular Materials Center were recently asked to find the song "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth". We found it by Spike Jones and his City Slickers on The Greatest Christmas Novelty CD of All Time by Dr. Demento. Christmas novelty songs have a special place in the grand scheme of things during the holidays. When everyone is stressed to the max a little humor can put the fun back into the Christmas Season. I was suddenly overwhelmed with nostalgic feelings to hear my own favorite novelty Christmas songs.

We can all do without The Singing Dogs singing (???) "Jingle Bells" but there are plenty of better ones like Allan Sherman's parody "Twelve Gifts of Christmas" and Gayla Peevey's "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" and of course "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by Jimmy Boyd. I'm sure you too have a Christmas favorite. Please share with the rest of us bloggers.

Oh and Merry Christmas.

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Come Together for John Lennon Night

2008-11-19T17:37:00Z

Sadly Dec. 8 is fast approaching. Of course that was the day the music died for the second time. John Lennon was taken from us. Since his assassin merely wanted fame for his horrible deed I always refer to him as a "poor excuse for a human being." I refuse to say his name as that clearly proclaims his notoriety.

7:00 - 11:00

Art Colony Gallery

56 Adams Ave. (next to the ALHAMBRA THEATRE)

But happily I can report that Dec. 8 in Evansville is John Lennon Night. Evansville's own Larry Miller a veteran and member of the Veterans for Peace organization every year sponsors this wonderful night. All people, young and old, who loved John and still believe that all mankind can live together in peace and harmony come together to sing and play Beatles songs. Yours truly will be performing on keyboard again. So brush up on your favorite John Lennon songs and sample the library's assortment of "the best music in the world." See you there.

Me First & the Gimme Gimmes punk-ify the classics

2008-11-17T15:58:00Z

Musical parody...such a fine art. Back in the day, I was a big "Weird Al" Yankovic fan ("It's all about the Pentiums, baby!"). There are also bands that take well-known music and reinterpret it: some of my favs include Hayseed Dixie (they play AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Van Halen, etc. as bluegrass!), Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine (90s-00s rock as lounge music), and the String Quartet Tribute series (Dylan, Clapton, Evanescence, Eagles, Rolling Stones).

My favorite parody band is, hands down, Me First & the Gimme Gimmes. On their albums, they take a wide variety of popular tunes and turn em into blazing punk rock songs. That probably doesn't sound too appealing...but you'd be pleasantly surprised. They are masters of their craft, creating a catchy, brilliant mix of new and old...nothing beats hearing "Ghost Riders in the Sky" with blaring power chords, a constant bassline, and driving toms with double-kick on the drums!

Below I'll list the albums the EVPL has, the particular theme, as well as highlights from each album.

Are A Drag
1999
Showtunes!

This album features covers of beloved showtunes, including "Over the Rainbow", "Don't Cry for Me Argentina", "Favorite Things", and "Rainbow Connection". I'm not that big of a showtunes fan (surprising, right?), but I love their interpretations of the songs I do know!

Blow in the Wind
2001
60s songs

Covers of songs from the 60s, including "Blowin' in the Wind", "Sloop John B.", "Elenor", "Stand by Your Man", and "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow".

Take a Break
2003
R&B songs

An amazing collection of classic R&B songs, punkified. Highlights include "Where Do Broken Hearts Go", "Hello", "Ain't No Sunshine", "I Believe I Can Fly", and "Nothing Compares 2 U". A couple songs mash-up other songs with brilliant results: their cover of "I'll Be There" incorporates parts of The Cars' "Just What I Needed".

Ruin Jonny's Bar Mitzvah
2004

This album doesn't have a "theme", per se, as it's a compilation of awesome tracks they performed live at...you guessed it, Jonny's Bar Mitzvah. This album features covers of "Stairway to Heaven", "Come Sail Away", "Strawberry Fields Forever", "The Longest Time", "On My Mind", and "Take It on the Run". Between the tracks, there's also lots of hilarious banter.

Love Their Country
2006
Country

I am not a fan of country music (I was subjected to it by my dad & sis when I was young), so I find this particular album hilarious! Check out "Ghost Riders in the Sky", "Desperado", "Jolene", "On the Road Again", and "East Bound & Down" to hear these songs rock like you've never heard them before!

The Gimmes are brilliantly hilarious, as well as being excellent musicians, so I highly recommend checking them out!

More Information

EVPL Catalog: Check availability of albums by Me First & the Gimme Gimmes at EVPL libraries.
DailyMotion: Watch the Gimmes perform "Take it on the Run" live on Last Call with Carson Daly.
Amazon.com: Use this link to purchase their albums at Amazon, and the Public Library Friends will receive a portion of your purchase!

Music Blog

New CD round-up

The Clash's "London Calling" Still Rocks!

Wilco

An unusual mix

Beatles fans & plastic rockers: mark 9/9/09 on your calendar!

The Drums, the drums, the drums! - The Ting Tings CD "We Started Nothing"

Grammys weren't *gasp* all about the sales

The Boss is Back

Coldplay accused of plagiarism...again.

"Bridging the Distance: A Portand OR Covers Compilation"

"Ain't no party like my nana's tea party!" Flight of the Conchords albums are musically, comedically brilliant

"Our Bright Future" by Tracy Chapman

Keep Holiday Spirits Up with Christmas Novelty Songs

Come Together for John Lennon Night

Me First & the Gimme Gimmes punk-ify the classics

Grammys weren't gasp all about the sales