Chumbawamba – “Voices That’s All” mp3
From the soon to be released album by England’s beloved Chumbawamba, the single “Voices, That’s All” is a celebration of the human voice, that greatest of musical instruments, the one which is each of our birthright. It’s a real recording of real people playing and singing – something I never thought in itself would begin to seem like an endangered animal. No auto-tuners here, ladies and gents, just sweet harmonies and a simple, true and timely lyric. Sing if you want to.
Chumbawamba
“Voices, That’s All” (mp3)
Spoon – “Written In Reverse” mp3
Spoon. Spoon. Spoon! New Spoon record. NEW SPOON RECORD!!! When do I use three exclamation marks? I generally use two, when I’m really excited. Three is unprecedented. But this is, if I have not clarified, a NEW F@#$K!NG SPOON RECORD, MAN! DAMN! All caps, when do I do that? Immediately living up to the lofty promise of earlier efforts, this single, “Written In Reverse,” from the BRAND NEW F00K!NG SPOON RECORD called “Transference” is truly gr8. I must drink some water. I must get some air. Spoon. Swoon.
Spoon
“Written In Reverse” (mp3)
from “Transference”
(Arts & Crafts Mexico)
Dave Smallen – “America” mp3
Dave Smallen’s songwriting has always been ambitious, since his days fronting Oakland’s all ages show heroes, Street To Nowhere. What’s ambitious? Well, take this for example. If you want to write a song called “America” – that’s ambitious. I pressed play with a certain trepidation – there are so many ways this can go wrong. But the song succeeds, careening against the walls of possible clichés and landing feet first like a defiant and graceful cat. It is a highly personal statement, yet compelling and ultimately accessible. As Dave is American, why not use America and its complex, troubled state, as a metaphor for his own individual saga? Why not indeed. Ambitious yes, but this is a subtle triumph.
Dave Smallen
“America” (mp3)
from “Everything Changes and Nothing Changes”
(Street to Nowhere)
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Cake – “Ruby Sees All” mp3
Ok, let’s rock. With Sacramento, California’s most unlikely export, the fine heady border-crossing rock n’ roll of the ever reliable Cake. You can never quite tell with lead singer and lyricist John McCrea, where his cynical humor ends and a hopeful idealism begins. And in that flux lies a magic that sets their songs apart. The band matches his wit with a musical quirkiness that skillfully teeters on the brink of farce, but never stops doing the essential job of rocking out. I love this song.
Cake
“Ruby Sees All” (mp3)
from “Motorcade of Generosity”
(Upbeat Records)
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