Andrew Bird

Whilst perusing the world wide web this morning, I happened upon Andrew Bird's latest release, "Soldier On." It's a collection of reinterpretations and rarities that is remarkably consistent and refreshing. It's a somewhat sedate and tranquil collection, leading to an almost hauntingly relaxing listen. The new material has all of the elements I've come to love about his music: swirling violin loops, clever lyrics, ghostly whistling, and the occasional melody delicately tapped out on a glockenspiel. Perhaps most exciting though, is his continued collaboration with singer Haley Bonar who adds a subtle depth when they harmonize. Check it out.

Andrew Bird - Sic of Elephants - [buy it here]
Andrew Bird - Plasticities (Remix) - [buy it here]

Song of the Week Returns

British Sea Power's latest album, "Do You Like Rock Music?" arrives in the states on Feb. 12th. It sees them continuing on the same thematic path they charted on 2005's "Open Season," mostly songs about nature, the elements and our impact on both. "Waving Flags," however, the album's first single, is BSP's bid to score England's next World Cup run. It's an anthem brimming with huge, propulsive drums and an overwhelming sense of national pride, though it has little to do with the game, at least ostensibly. On the surface, it's an ode to open borders and drunken revelry. Full of rousing, choral vocals and triumphant guitars, they've answered the question posed in their album's title for you.

British Sea Power - Waving Flags - [buy it here]

Les Baxter

Les Baxter was a composer, arranger, and conductor who made big band music sexy back in the '50s. He composed over 200 scores for film, tv and radio programs. Among them were such classics as: "Beach Blanket Bingo," "Operation Bikini," "Beach Party," and "How To Stuff A Wild Bikini." He is also widely considered to be one of the forefathers of the exotica movement in music.

In 1968, He scored a B-biker movie called Hell's Belles. The movie itself isn't much, but the soundtrack is fantastic. Easily some of the funkiest sounds I've ever heard to come from a white man. It's the perfect marriage between Detroit Soul and Surf, ideal for a summer barbecue and even better for a roller skating jam. Sounds like something the Go! Team would sample. Enjoy.

Les Baxter - Wheels - [buy it here]
Les Baxter - Soul Groove - [buy it here]
Les Baxter - Hot Wind - [buy it here]
Les Baxter - Chain Fight - [buy it here]