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Artist: Benny Benassi
Song: California Dreaming 2004 (Remix)
(Downloaded 218 times)
Album: Single
Year: 2004
Description: In this cover of the classic Mamas And The Papas hit "California Dreamin" Italian DJ Benny Benassi does it right. When this was released in France it hit #2 on their charts. It does have his signature sound of deep bass hits and its mixed with the fun summery vocals of Mamas And The Papas it really does create a summer dance anthem.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Peter Schilling
Song: Major Tom (Coming Home)
(Downloaded 253 times)
Album: Error in the System
Year: 1983
Description: I’ve always wanted to go to space. Man, that would be tops. This song makes me want to go to space even more. A kind of buried secret from the treasure chest of 80’s new wave, it’s equally loved by both dance club Beat It! brats and basement dwelling Friday night stoners. Back before remakes were their own movie genre, Schilling reimagined his own 80’s version of David Bowie’s classic, "Space Oddity", switching up Bowie’s acoustic guitar for a keyboard programmed with both Martian choir ooh’s and Galaticon organ. When this track gets its usual spin at Pop*Scene, I can’t help but start to kick step with my fingers counting down as we descend into two-step orbit.
Bonus track: David Bowie - Space Oddity
(Downloaded 142 times)
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: The Mannequin
Song: SERIOUS
(Downloaded 167 times)
Album: Mannefesto
Year: 2006
Description: Formerly known as Red Hands, Tyler Blake and his new Los Angeles based project The Mannequin, bring a fury of diverse dance influences spun into one display of boogie. Off their debut album, Mannefesto, this track can carry any personality to an open rug to be cut with its blend of Bowie/ New Order sound. Through the new-fangled song “SERIOUS”, the band manages to define the word, "party" to a T. In the company of its eclectic jingles, "SERIOUS" sets a catchy chorus for everyone to learn by heart beside its appealing vocal structure. With backup vocals carried out by Emily Balay of Balay, a fresh glance at the 80's is here. In summing up this hit with a single word, "banger", the track will leave a dance floor completely sweaty.
Buy it Now | Posted By Guest Gorilla: Cameron
Artist: Pretty Girls Make Graves
Song: Speakers Push the Air
(Downloaded 164 times)
Album: Good Health
Year: 2002
Description: With an At The Drive-In matched intensity, Pretty Girls Make Graves are much more hardcore than their Smith’s song based band name. A relentless guitar barrage attack drives this song to its utter brink while male/female trade off vocals keep it from musically exploding. It’s kind of like two lions fighting in a thunder storm. Or if like the Mad Max movies took place in space with a better fashion sense. Pretty Girls Make Graves have a new album coming out in April and will be piercing ear drums touring until June.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Sufjan Stevens
Song: Casimir Pulaski Day
(Downloaded 176 times)
Album: Illinois
Year: 2005
Description: This amazing song off of Sufjan Steven’s newest album is about young love and the horror of terminal disease. The story is woven over a calmingly beautiful banjo with rich female backup vocals. The banjo continues throughout the song, carrying you through the sad tale with themes like family strife, religious doubt, acceptance of death and the difficulties of mourning. The song is named after an Illinois holiday celebrating a cavalry hero of the Revolutionary War. I haven’t found the connection between song title and lyrics. Stevens seems to have gotten his hands on the lyrical key to the indie heart, using his lyrics to convey powerful stories that leave our music-sensitive vesicles bruised but yearning for more.
My favorite lyric:
"On the floor at the great divide
With my shirt tucked in and my shoes untied
I am crying in the bathroom"
Buy it Now | Posted By Guest Gorilla: Brendan
Artist: Street to Nowhere
Song: They’re Not Like Us
(Downloaded 154 times)
Album: Charmingly Awkward
Year: 2005
Description: With Bright Eye’s Conor Oberst heavy into his own campaign to become the Bob Dylan of the KaZaA generation, Street to Nowhere’s Dave Smallen picked up the empty reigns of Oberst’s acoustic-emotion hybrid chariot, creating his own path of delicate recklessness that drives points across with a questionable smirk and immediate catchiness. Having now reached Alumni status on Gorilla Beam (early STN track “The Parkman Ghost” was one of the first tracks ever posted on Gorilla Beam), Street to Nowhere’s music has grown and matured to an out of state college radio appropriate level compared to their high school heartthrob demo tracks which gave them a loyal following in the San Francisco Bay Area but not securing promise to ever get heard beyond the 925 area code. With the self release of their first full length record, Smallen proved to the Bay and eager new ears that he was ready to wage battle nationally and earn his spot among the intelligent guitar wielding singer/songwriters that have infested the blog/indie music scene as of recently. Admiral of Rhythm to Smallen’s Chief and Commander and veteran of the iMusicast ska/punk training camp, bass player Bryce Freeman clears the path for Smallen to put use his immense impressions of youthfulness and sorrow in a snack pack attack for hungry ears to fill their ipod lunch boxes to keep them satisfied for the anxious ride there and the hazy ride back.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: The Decemberists
Song: 16 Military Wives
(Downloaded 155 times)
Album: Picaresque
Year: 2005
Description: I first caught glimpse of the strange, surreal album cover of these guys’ CD as I was working at the college radio station at Hobart. I’d heard of them, but hadn’t actually heard them. Chris Walla, Deathcab for Cutie’s guitarist and producer, produces the Decemberists albums, so I figured they’re on the level. I discovered an eclectic, frenetic, acoustically grounded wall of sound, with horn arrangements that scream “Skank, succa, skank!” Their songs are nothing like Deathcab; they’re more reminiscent of Harvey Danger with a semi-saccharine sense of linearity and carefully placed verse. The outro makes me want to start a marionette club and dance like a drunk Russian as a playful wench serves up nasty chops on the mandolin.
Buy it Now | Posted By Guest Gorilla: Tom
Artist: Against Me!
Song: Don’t Lose Touch
(Downloaded 131 times)
Album: Searching For A Former Clarity
Year: 2005
Description: Against Me! is one of those bands where if brought up in conversation will most likely field a response similar to: “I’ve heard of them but never heard them”. “Don’t Lose Touch” is a perfect introduction to what makes Against Me! a band you need to hear and not just hear of. Not filling their songs with meandering fluff, but rather putting forth an ideal or story that they feel a necessity in expressing, whether it be political or social, Against Me! have a drive and steady eagerness that most bands with tattoos will never experience. Unlike their other warped tour peers with a fondness for current events, Against Me!’s message never gets in the way of the music itself by way of lead singer Tom Gabel’s dynamically powerful yet catchy vocals and the rest of the bands dedication to strictly solid rock out rhythm. Against Me! left Fat Wreck Records, home of such Punk mainstays as NoFX and The Bouncing Souls and signed to major Punk label, Sire Records, in Dec of 2005 so expect bigger and better things coming soon.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: RZA feat MF Doom
Song: Biochemical Equation
(Downloaded 154 times)
Album: Think Differently Music: Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture
Year: 2005
Description: One rocks a Dr. Doom mask, the other a thug gangster speech impediment, both are legends named dropped all over from elementary thugs of the upper east side playgrounds to the hip hop hippies backpackers with chronic smokers’ cough. Doom has blown up ten fold since the drop of his spastic classic, Operation: Doomsday, teaming up with Gorillaz/Grey Album backed DJ Danger Mouse on the surprise hit Danger Doom album. RZA, head of the Wu-Tang Clan, Bill Murray coffee philosophizer, and one of the most influential and admired hip-hop producers to ever use a drum track, still drops beats with his signature intensely classic style that any MC would feel like a poodle spitting anything but a hot 16 on. AKA: two hip hop heavyweights+one track=the dope shit.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Arist: Bloc Party
Song: Blue Light (Engineers 'Anti-Gravity' Mix)
(Downloaded 259 times)
Album: Silent Alarm Remixed
Year: 2005
Description: This song was playing during the very last scenes of The O.C. season premiere a couple weeks ago leaving Daily Refill to label it “trey gets out of a coma, clears everyone's name in his shooting and gets on a greyhound bus and leaves the oc" remix. I think the music has been a little sub-par this season so far and it bums me out cause the only two reasons I really got into The O.C. in the first place were Seth’s square ass comic book references and the substantially cred music taste the show possessed. This song is probably the only thing that has really impressed me in any aspect so far in Season 3. The Silent Alarm Remixed album has a mess of remixes from Bloc Party’s debut and EPs from the likes of M83, Four Tet, Ladytron, and Gorilla Beam alumni, Death From Above 1979. I swear if Ryan punches someone in the face again I’m going to stop watching.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Fenix Tx
Song: All My Fault
(Downloaded 230 times)
Album: Fenix Tx
Year: 1999
Description: Now this song is bringing me way back; back to the rocker punk days of middle school. Fenix Tx was formerly known as Riverfenix, but later had to change their name to avoid a lawsuit from the estate of the late River Phoenix, they re-released this CD under their new name, and also under a new label (MCA) in 1999. They added two tracks, on this re-release, although I think the two added tracks "surf song" and " Flight 601 (All I've Got Is Time)" are sub par for Fenix Tx. "All My Fault" however is probably my favorite track off of this CD, and continues to kick ass 8 years after the original release in 1997.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: The Legendary K.O.
Song:: George Bush Doesn't Care About Black People
(Downloaded 217 times)
Album: unreleased
Year: 2005
Description: This song is probably already dated considering you really don’t hear too much associated with Katrina anymore but if you strain your brains for a quick second you might remember a time a couple weeks ago when Kanye West declared “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” on national television during some prime time Katrina celebrity benefit. Inspired by Kanye’s teleprompter ignoral, the Houston based rap duo The Legendary K.O. (also known as K-Otix) spit this track over Kanye’s Gold Digger beat chronicling the events and feelings from the point of view of those most affected by the tragic events. K.O. took a very Daily Show/SNL approach of dealing with a very serious and disastrous topic by not showing anger but despair and disappointment. I’m hoping that by the time my kids take US history in high school, the lyrics to this song will be reprinted in their text books in the portion that deals with Hurricane Katrina cause I honestly think one could not get such a truthful and whole description of the hurricane’s aftermath than this song.
Watch the Video | Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Har Mar Superstar feat Karen O
Song: Cut Me Up
(Downloaded 238 times)
Album: The Handler
Year: 2004
Description: Not only is Har Mar Superstar cool because his name is Sean, and he toured with Gorilla Beam alumni Ben Lee, but he is also cool because he releases songs like this. This electro-pop duet with Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs is one of those great fun pop songs. Now a lot of people bash Har Mar for beating a dead horse; if you don’t know the whole Har Mar Superstar thing started as a joke but is now on its third album. But if there are songs like this on the album it is at least worth a listen. However, we won’t be seeing much Har Mar Superstar for a while as Sean Tillman said he will be focusing on his other project Sean Na Na, (http://www.seannana.com/) but after that dies down? Who knows.
Watch the Video | Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Say Hi to Your Mom
Song: Let’s Talk About Spaceships
(Downloaded 238 times)
Album: Numbers & Mumbles
Year: 2003
Description: I really don’t have any recollection of how I found this song. Let’s hope that after you completely fall in love with it like I did, you’ll remember that you discovered it on Gorilla Beam. If this song sounds vaguely familiar, it might be because it was used in this really indie-ish MTv commercial centered around a guy in a wheel chair. I don’t really know too much about the band due to their homepage’s meandering band bio and faq sheet but they have a couple releases out and are currently on tour with fellow blue (I couldn’t really come up any other adjective than blue that might help describe them) pop rockers Nada Surf. Don’t forget to say hi to your Mom from everyone here at Gorilla Beam. Fuck, that joke kind of sucks. My fault one time.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: American Analog Set
Song: The Wait
(Downloaded 217 times)
Album: The Golden Band
Year: 1999
Description: This track is chill. Its one of those songs, where after you stumble home at 4am from a party you were just at and you need something to chill to, you just want to pop in this CD. That being said, much like Sigur Rós, I really need to be in the right mood to listen to this CD, as it is very soft and slow. It doesn’t build up to a climax …and now that I think about it, it doesn’t really build up to anything, it’s just mellow, chill focus and try and stop the room from spinning then get cought up in the lyrics. And just because it doesn’t build up to a super spectacular climax dosn’t mean that it isn’t good. Well I guess you will just have to listen and see what I am talking about as it is kind of hard to explain.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Pharrell aka Skate Board P feat. Gwen Stefani
Song: Can I Have it Like That
(Downloaded 239 times)
Album: In my Mind
Year: 2005
Discription: Even with a less then memorable flow from Pharrell on this track, I’m juiced as fuck to hear Pharrell’s first solo record In My Mind. It’s announced to drop Nov. 15th and is supposed to be half "Skate Boy P" Pharrell styled hip hop tracks and the rest more "N.E.R.D./ ‘Frontin’’" style R&B tracks. Gwen Stefani can be heard dropping a couple syllables on the chorus and look forward to hearing some heavy hitters like Jay-Z, Slim Thug, and Daddy Yankee on the rest of the record. Other than finishing up this album, Pharrell has been working on his Ice Cream shoe line with (B)ape’s Nigo and Reebok and his own line of sun glasses through Louis Vuitton. Pharrell comes clean and has managed to stay hot and not fall out over the past five years that his name has been out there. Now only if Gorilla Beam could get something going with him. The official MP3 blog of Pharrell Williams? Pharrell Beam? Can I have it like that?
Bonus Track: Pharrell - Angel
(Downloaded 241 times)
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Unwritten Law
Song: Close your Eyes
(Downloaded 205 times)
Album: Unwritten Law
Year: 1998
Description: Ok, so I was listening to a song off of an Unwritten Law demo CD (the songs called You’re my Angel if anyone cares) and was reminded how awesome this band was. So out comes the old Unwritten Law CD and, well, they still kick ass. If you have heard either of their older CDs Blue Room or Oz Factor but havn’t heard this CD I think that you will be pleasantly surprised, as they sound more grown up and refined. Is it because this is their first release on a major label? Maybe. I havn’t really heard any of their newer CDs so I cant say much about those but for some reason I think that this self titled album is their tour de force. If you like other pop-punk bands like Blink you are going to like Unwritten Law.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Damian Marley
Song: Welcome to Jamrock
(Downloaded 227 times)
Album: Welcome to Jamrock
Year: 2005
Description: I’m aware that the majority of people who hit up Gorilla Beam have probably already heard this song but I think it’s too good to pass on due to the possibility that there might still be people out there who still haven’t experienced this song. Damian channels his father to a T on this track. Not in style or delivery but in feel and content, in a more unpolished street presentation that his brother Ziggy doesn’t embrace with his music. This isn’t your “One Love”/“Buffalo Soldier” Bob Marley influence but rather "Concrete Jungle"/"Exodus" (which he does sample to a dramatic effect on the track "Move!") seriousness and tense air delivery that makes one really feel the passion from his mic right through the speakers. His gritty video for this track really does visually put the song to justice filmed in the slums of Jamaica. I don’t think any of Bob’s sons before him have really brought forth the spirit of their father so much before Damian dropped this track letting the world know that there is still a voice for the iron lions.
Bonus Track: Alicia Keys/Mos Def/Common/Damian Marley - Love It Or Leave It Alone/Welcome To Jamrock (Downloaded 200 times)
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Tech N9ne
Song: Einstein
(Downloaded 231 times)
Album: Anghellic
Year: 2001
Description: WAIT! Before you listen to this song, turn up your speakers and make sure your sub is all the way up, trust me, you will want it that way. Now before I start I would like to give a big thanks to my friend Sam who got me a DVD and a signed Tech N9ne promo CD around the time Absolute Power came out. Thank You! Now I have always loved Tec’s beats, he raps over everything from the theme from Halloween the movie to Fur Elsie to a machine gun. If that doesn’t showcase his lyrical versatility and skill I don’t know what does. Not only does he turn Fur Elise into a ghetto anthem, but he has this awesome song, entitled what? Yup Einstein. Be prepared because by the end of this song you will be getting hyphie.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: The Team Feat. Too $hort, Keak Da Sneak, Richie Rich, and MC Hammer
Song: It's Gettin' Hot (All-Stars Remix)
(Downloaded 269 times)
Album: DJ Mark 7 New Bay Mix 08/18/05
Year: 2005
Description: This track couldn’t get anymore Oakland. Old school spits alongside the next generation of MC that’s planning to put Oakland back on the hip hop map with this remix from Bay Area up and comers The Team. Too $hort, Richie Rich and Hammer brought Oakland recognition hip hop wise in the 80’s and making such a name for themselves that even my dad knows who they are. Keak and The Team are being hyped as the saviors to bring the attention back to the Bay. With Too $hort more and more active in the past couple years even dropping tracks with Lil’ Jon and Hammer putting his name and dance moves back out there with a surprise dance performance at the 2005 VMAs and a slot on a past season of VH1’s Surreal Life, it is refreshing to see that the veterans are still able to keep up with the forth coming heralds of hyphie and even keep them on their toes for the upcoming spotlight that’s about to flood the Bay Area hip hop scene.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Kings of Leon
Song: Soft
(Downloaded 198 times)
Album: Aha Shake Heartbreak
Year: 2004
Description: The Kings of Leon are kind of like The Strokes of the South. The Kings differ in that they drink bourbon instead of beer, have a pastor for a father in place of a magazine/modeling mogul, and call Nashville their stomping ground rather than hipster New York. I wasn’t fond of the Kings of Leon when they first started to get a buzz in the industry a couple years ago and thought their first single (which was recently used in a commercial for the new hella ugly Jetta) was kind of annoying. Aha Shake Heartbreak swayed me over though with it’s fill of southern garage pop that leaves you wanting a Jim (Gorilla)Beam and coke while you toe tap the afternoon away. I was originally going to post “The Bucket” but in the end "Soft" beat it out with its happily buzzed swagger and erectly dysfunctional lyrics. If you were all about The Strokes last album and also know most of the words to "Sweet Home Alabama", you’ll probably say "ay HOT DAMN, THESE BOYS DONE CAN PLAY!" in glee after one listen.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Weezer
Song: Worry Rock (Green Day Cover)
(Downloaded 227 times)
Album: A Different Shade of Green: Tribute to Green Day
Year: 2003
Description: Weezer really made this Green Day cover their own. No matter how insane Rivers Cuomo is or how close Weezer is to breaking up at any time, this band truly knows what they are doing, taking a not very noticeable track from one of Green Day’s lesser praised albums, Nimrod, and turning it into a Beach Boys-esque gem of pop rock. This track was released on a tribute to Green Day that didn’t really have any other bands worth mentioning other than above par pop-punkers, Knockout. If a band can take a song from another band and make it completely their own, then the band must be doing something right and I think there’s no question that even with an insane genius for a lead, Weezer truly knows what they are doing. =w=
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Arist: Rise Against
Song: Tip The Scales
(Downloaded 169 times)
Album: Siren Song of the Counter Culture
Year: 2004
Description: Blending hardcore punk with melodic vocals is a very catchy formula. Start throwing politics in the mix and it starts to get tricky, but Rise Against pulls it off flawlessly. Their latest CD, Siren Song of the Counter Culture, is a departure from their previous CD, Revolutions per Minute, but not by much. Despite loosing their guitarist Todd they have managed to keep that something that makes them Rise Against. Yes I think that this CD is made to reach a broader audience which I think has something to do with signing with a major label, but hey, maybe that means more people will go out a buy albums like Revolutions per Minute. The only gripe I have with this album (which might be my own fault) is that is seems to go buy too quickly, but that might be because I really like almost every song on this album.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Mates of State
Song: Goods (All in Your Head)
(Downloaded 171 times)
Album: All Day
Year: 2004
Description: The Mates of State consists of a married couple from San Francisco with only a keyboard and a set of drums who make music that sounds like a representation of a perfect life: bursting at the seams with enjoyment, refreshing, and energetic. The married mates opened for Taking Back Sunday and Jimmy Eat World on their dual headlining tour a couple months ago and have become one of my favorite bands of recent. This track is near perfect to me. My face is almost at maximum smile power when ever this song pops up on my itunes. If you aren’t instantly hooked to this song within the first 10 secs then you might want to put on a jacket because I think someone replaced your heart with a lump of coal with ice all over it. OUCH! Do you want some aloe vera? Cause you just got BURNED!
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Death Cab for Cutie
Song:: Marching Bands Of Manhattan
(Downloaded 200 times)
Album: Plans
Year: 2005
Description: I thought I’d be able to go one batch without posting a track that had something to do with Ben Gibbard but that idea was squashed with the leak of Death Cab’s new album, Plans, last week. This is the opening track from the new album and sets the mood fairly well for what the rest of the album is like. A lot of emo and indie kids are furiously crying tears of anger and betrayal over Death Cab leaving the small independent label, Basurk, and releasing this album on the behemoth that is Atlantic records but a record is a record to me no matter what little label logo is on the back of the case and I really dig this one. Some may not be happy because the album loses some of the intensity and stillness of Transatlanticism and some may be overjoyed because they regain some of the wistful sunshine that drenched The Photo Album. Death Cab will be touring behind Plans in a couple months giving you the opportunity to either boo or praise Gibbard depending on what you think about this track.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: The Dead 60s
Song: Riot Radio
(Downloaded 160 times)
Album: The Dead 60s
Year: 2005
Description: I’m sorry I just had to do it. This single just gets stuck in your head and you can’t get it out. The Dead 60s, are not trying to revive 60s music as their name might imply, but are a band out of Liverpool with a unique punk / ska / reggae sound. This is different from the punk you might be use to smothering the radio as of late with less screaming, and basically toned down everything. They sound a lot more like the late 70s and early 80s The Clash, and The Specials. If you like the likes of Franz Ferdinand or VHS or BETA or even The Zutons (same label) you will like The Dead 60s
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Ol’ Dirty Bastard feat. Macy Gray
Song: Don't Go Breaking My Heart
(Downloaded 155 times)
Album: A Son Unique
Year: 2005
Description: Ol’ Dirty Bastard was an amazing soul and I am pretty bummed that he has left our world. While reflecting back on this track, ODB has an almost angelic quality to his voice on it. This song is pure joy. Almost like ODB had made this song in heaven and then sent it through the clouds on a beam of sunshine to our ears. Like church bells and the flapping of doves’ wings. I’m not a big fan of Macy Gray but I think she’s aiiiiiiiiiiite on this track. A Son Unique is ODB’s first post-collapsing-in-the-studio record that’s been worth listening to. Do you think that rappers in heaven cut these hella fresh tracks? Like 2pac and Biggie cut a track with ODB doing the hook and then get like Mac Dre and Eazy-E on the remix? That’d be rad. “I DON’T HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH YOU LISTENING, BUT I HAVE A LITTLE PROBLEM WIT YOU NOT LISTENING.” 25 pts to anyone who gets the joke.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Saosin
Song: I Can Tell
(Downloaded 158 times)
Album: Music On The Brain - Volume 1
Year: 2004
Description: Saosin is one of the biggest bands that no one has heard about. The kind of band that has 48698 friends on myspace yet no radio single and countless forum posts about how their new lead singer licks balls compared to their original lead, Anthony Green, who provides the catchyXcore vocals heard on this track. I jumped in on the Saosin band wagon a little too late and not til recently gave them a serious listen. I wouldn’t label this song scream-o because Green has enough talent to actually be able to sing and scream at the same time making the tracks he’s on that much more quality compared to the usual mundane scream-o band with their undecipherable vocals and carbon copy chord progressions that haven’t sounded rad since the first time you heard them on a Thursday album. Green can now be heard in his new bands Circa Survive and The Sounds Of Animals Fighting. Big ups to Devin and Steph for helping me out with this post.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: A Perfect Circle
Song: Peace Love and Understanding
(Downloaded 147 times)
Album: Emotive
Year: 2004
Discription: Covers, Covers, and more Covers, well, sort of. You might recognize some of the song titles on this CD, and that is because you have seen and probably heard the originals before. Taken directly from APC website " Among the insurgent classics reinterpreted on "eMOTIVe" are John Lennon’s "Imagine, " Marvin Gaye’s "What’s Going On, " Memphis Minnie’s blues stomper, "When The Levee Breaks" (made famous by Led Zeppelin), Depeche Mode’s "People Are People, " Devo’s "Freedom Of Choice, " Black Flag’s "Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie, " Fear’s "Let’s Have A War, " Joni Mitchell’s "Fiddle And The Drum, " and the Nick Lowe (by way of Elvis Costello) anti-anthem, " (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding. " The album kicks off with an explosive take on "Annihilation, " originally recorded by Berkeley aggro-punk legends, Crucifix." Now if that’s not an impressive list, I don’t know what is.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: The Flaming Lips
Song: Bohemian Rhapsody
(Downloaded 192 times)
Album: Killer Queen: A Tribute To Queen
Year: 2005
Description: The Flaming Lips are a band that seem to be all over the place but without much notice. The Postal Service did a rad job of covering their song “Suddenly Everything Has Changed” as a B-side, Justin Timberlake has played bass for them in a dolphin suit, they recorded a track called “Spongebob & Patrick Confront the Psychic Wall of Energy” for the Sponge Bob movie soundtrack and recently debuted a new song on the indie heavy Wedding Crashers soundtrack. Their next claim to fame, covering one of the most recognized and epic songs in the history of rock n’ roll, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” for a less than impressive compilation of Queen cover tracks by the likes of Sum 41, Jason Mraz and Gavin Degraw. The Lips managed to seal in everything that made the original the piece of musical perfection it has been praised as but also add their own trademark eclectic pop sound to the song to make it also very distinctly Flaming Lips. This track is near close to flawless as far as cover songs go and would definitely be worthy enough to lip-sync to in Wayne and Garth’s car.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: The Strokes feat. Regina Spektor
Song: Modern Girls & Old Fashion Men
(Downloaded 158 times)
Album: Reptilla/Modern Girls And Old Fashioned Men Single
Year: 2004
Description: The Strokes haven’t been as popular as they were when they first broke on to the scene and were declared to be the lead horse in the revival of garage rock. It can also be said that their last album, Room on Fire, although one of the best albums to come out last year, could be lumped in the middle of their first album, Is This it?, and no one would know the difference. This track could easily be placed somewhere on either album without much notice if it wasn’t for the classic sounding black and white voice of Regina Spektor galloping along side those of lead singer Julian Casablancas, making this Strokes track stand a bit taller than the rest. Spektor has started to make her name for herself with the recent release of her own album, Soviet Kitsch. She opened for The Strokes on one of their past tours and if possible, I would go back in time because I think it’d be really rad to hear this song live. The Strokes third album will be coming out sometime in the next couple months and early reports say that it strays a little farther from their usual sound leaving me eager to hear what Julian Casablancas’s voice is going to sound like without all the distortion.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Sigur Rós
Song: Staralfur
(Downloaded 142 times)
Album: Ágætis Byrjun
Year: 2000
Description: Sigur Rós’s highly anticipated new album, Takk, just leaked and it is really amazing. I was going to post a track from it but the track names are all messed up so I decided that I’d post this favored Sigur Rós track which started getting atenttion after its ideal use in one of the best movies of 2004, Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic. I’m going to pull a quote from a high journal entry where I describe listening to this song: "At first it felt like i was floating…barely above the ground. I'm listening to this while i write these entries. It feels like i'm writing the saddest letter i have ever wrote. I feel like i'm sick and going to die. My hands are really cold and everything seems grey. I think it's because i'm wearing sunglasses. This ending makes it seem like it's my funeral. And they're showing everyone's sad faces but it's a really bright day so it's beautiful. cue the credits."
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Taking Back Sunday
Song: Error Operator
(Downloaded 152 times)
Album: Fantastic Four Soundtrack
Year: 2005
Description: The people behind the Fantastic Four movie asked Taking Back Sunday to write a song from the point of view of Reed Richards AKA Mr. Fantastic, leader of the Fantastic Four. Taking Back Sunday couldn’t pull it off so they wrote this quality song in its place. Fair enough. If you enjoyed their last album, you’ll be a fan of this track. If you’re still bitching about how Taking Back Sunday hasn’t been the same since John left to start up Straylight Run with his hot sister, don’t bother downloading this track and go listen to Tell All Your Friends a couple more times.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Mystikal
Song: Danger (Been So Long)
(Downloaded 118 times)
Album: Let’s Get Ready
Year: 2000
Description: My dad likes Mystikal. He thinks he’s a pretty cool rapper. I’d have to agree with him. I really like this song. From the being-stuck-in-the Egyptian-desert feel of the Neptune’s beat (which the video portrays to a T) to Mystikal’s trademark aggressive James Brown like delivery of sexually soaked lyrics, this song is one I never get tired of. Mystikal is currently serving out his six year sentence for being a dumbass and doing stupid shit to his former hairdresser who tried to steal money from him. Rappers really need to stop doing stupid shit and getting themselves sent to jail. DANJAH!
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Arist: The Legion of Doom
Song: The Quiet Screaming (Brand New/Dashboard Confessional mash-up)
(Downloaded 198 times)
Album: unreleased
Year: 2005
Description: Did you Emo Kids feel left out with the previous mash-up posts here at Gorilla Beam because they didn’t involve the music you were really into? Did you find it frustrating only knowing bits and pieces of the samples used to make the mash-up? Well cheer up and wipe those tears away because I’ve found the solution for you. The Legion of Doom is a mysterious group of producers who deal strictly with mashing up the tear factory melodies of the big names in emoXcore. This mash-up takes the cake as one huge emo overdose as The Legion took Dashboard Confessionals most notorious heart longing song, "Screaming Infindelites" and mashed it with Brand New’s emo MTv breakthrough "The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows" into one huge mess of scream along chorus, in-the-moment guitar lines and entrapment in the emotional turmoil that are the lyrics of Chris Carraba. There’s enough emotion bursting from this song that you may want to keep the severely emotional and heart broken away for their own safety.
Download More | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Secret Machines
Song: Sad And Lonely
(Downloaded 109 times)
Album: Now Here Is Nowhere
Year: 2004
Description: Get your sissy 3 minutes songs out of here, the Secret Machines will have none of that. As every song on this 9 track CD except for one is 4+ minutes long. The average song length for this album, yup you guessed it a whopping 5 minutes and 42 seconds. Now don’t get me wrong this is in no way a bad thing, these are fully developed take you on a trip and you won’t even realize it is a 5 minute song you just listened to. Go get some good headphones or turn on your stereo, pop this song (or this whole CD for that matter) in and turn up the volume. Now press play and get lost in, and educated by the music. By educated I mean if you say to yourself, hey this kinda sounds like Zepplin, well that’s because your right it does. You can just hear the dedication they put into their music, and it’s prevalent throughout the entire CD, not 1 song on this CD isn’t good or is just alright, every single track is just fucking awesome.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Benjamin Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie/The Postal Service
Song:: Complicated (Avril Lavigne cover)
(Downloaded 152 times)
Live: New York 11/13/02
Year: 2002
Description: If you haven’t noticed from the previous posts I’ve made here on Gorilla Beam, I jock the shit out of Ben Gibbard’s music. Whether it’s The Postal Service, Death Cab for Cutie, All-American Quarterback or his occasional live acoustic stuff, he’s been behind some of my favorite songs of the last recent years. You should have also noticed that I have a love for when artist that are really talented do covers of pop songs from artist I wouldn’t listen to on a regular basis. Case in point is this dead on live cover of Avril Lavgine’s first pre-teen anthem, “Complicated”. Gibbard brings a certain justice to the song, evoking a more meaningful and complete feel that I don’t think Lavigne will ever be capable of pulling off. The best part isn’t even the song but Gibbard’s stage banter thoughts as he analyzes the lyrics and meaning behind it all. Just like Ted Leo and Atreyu before this, Gorilla Beam is giving you the chance to listen to those pop songs you’ve always secretly been in love without the fear of people thinking you have horrible taste in music.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Billie Holiday
Song: Speak Low (Bent Remix)
(Downloaded 88 times)
Album: Verve Remixed 3
Year: 2005
Description: Now this is going WAAAAAAY back. I don’t know how many people out there listen to Billie Holiday, but she is one of the great female jazz artists, up there with the likes of Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald. The original song (which is also very good by the way) is from the mid 50s and just melts you, her voice combined with Ben Webster and Barney Kessel is just wow. Now on to Bent, Bent is an English duo who sounds a bit like Air, and was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Muzik awards in 2000. And for those of you who are just curious or don’t know, Verve is not the lovely UK band we might remember from the 90’s but rather a record company who had most of the great jazz artists of the day; Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Paul Anka, Anita O’Day, Sarah Vaughan, Herbie Hancock just to name a few. But nonetheless it is a very good remake of a classic song. Enjoy.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Fall Out Boy
Song: Grand Theft Autumn/Where is Your Boy (acoustic)
(Downloaded 146 times)
Album: Fueled By Ramen Winter 04/05 Sampler
Year: 2004
Description: A couple weeks ago I participated once again in the summer break rock radio ritual that is Warped Tour. I missed it last year due to the gimp status that shoulder surgery left me in in July so I was even more eager to get back to the annual pop punk circus this summer. A band that really surprised me this year by drawing one of the biggest crowds I’ve ever seen at Warped Tour before was Fall Out Boy. I never would have thought after seeing them open for Taking Back Sunday last year that in a couple months they’d be the next big thing on TRL. What also surprised me was that they didn’t make it into the TRL spotlight with the gem of pop punk perfection that is “Grand Theft Autumn/Where is Your Boy”. Grand Theft Autumn has proven to be one of my favorite songs of the past couple years and even left me contemplating if pop punk can really get any better than this. This acoustic version off a Fueled by Ramen sampler that I picked up in a townie record store on my visit to upstate New York last winter carries its self just as strongly as the original, leaving me once again to wonder if you really know that you were the last good thing about this part of town.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Z-Trip
Song: Listen To The DJ (Feat. Soup Of Jurassic 5)
(Downloaded 48 times)
Album: Shifting Gears
Year: 2005
Description: This song is going to bring you back - back to the days of Jazzy Jeff and Chuck D, days when rap was fun and not all about some sideshows and ho’s shit with reprocessed Dr. Dre beats. With some excellent cuts provided by the Queens native, this song rekindles the memory’s of when having a DJ in your rap crew was just as important as wearing big gold chains with some converses without shoelaces. You may recognize Z-Trip by his current hit song featuring Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. But Z-Trip is no newcomer to this game. Although this is his first major label release, back in 2001 (which is pre Danger Mouse days) Z-Trip was mixing the likes of Del tha Funkee Homosapien with Phil Collins and Bruce Hornsby with Run-D.M.C. That should tell you this guy knows what he is doing.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Alkaline Trio
Song: We’ve Had Enough
(Downloaded 57 times)
Album: Good Mourning
Year: 2003
Discription: Alkaline Trio have a good sized discography of quality records, EPs and splits that they’ve released over the years and have proven their power to stay afloat without really much notice from the mainstream. That was all true until now with their dead serious energetic lead single, “Time to Waste” from their latest album, Crimson. It took a little bit of a time and a bunch of listens, but “Time to Waste” has recently earned the title of my favorite Alkaline Trio song to date. I was thinking of posting it this week but then I realized that since it has already been all over the place with heavy play on the radio and a rad music video, that maybe I’d post something else by them. “We’ve Had Enough” from their 2003 release, Good Mourning, used to be my favorite Alkaline Trio track and has that energy and intensity that I love in select songs that gets me out of my seat to rock out and scream-sync along. Right now Alkaline Trio is on tour with the fellow high energy rock revolters, Rise Against, on a mission to make you pump your fist in the air as much as you can in the name of Satan and fighting The Man.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Ram Jam
Song: Black Betty
(Downloaded 47 times)
Album: Ram Jam
Year: 1977
Description: Ok so don’t take this one all too serious like, it is just a fun awesome 70s song which is probably Ram Jam’s greatest hit. It actually caused some controversy when it was released as some people considered it offensive to black women, but I don’t know if they realize this song was originally written by Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter who was a famous black folk and blues singer. Anyway this song has your typical 70s rock out going to play air guitar and drums solos in their which are always nice, so have fun with this one and don’t be embarrassed to dust off that old air guitar because you might need it for this one.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Coldplay
Song: Fix You (live)
(Downloaded 60 times)
Live: Saturday Night Live May 21, 2005
Year: 2005
Description: I think Coldplay have created some of the most beautiful and praise worthy songs of the last couple years. Their first album, Parachutes, is very close to musical perfection in my opinion and definitely in my top ten favorite albums of my 20 year life so far. From listening to their latest album, it seems that Chris Martin and crew keep straying a little bit farther away from the simple delicate songs that made Parachutes so amazing for me with such large songs as “Clocks” and “Speed of Sound”. “Fix You” has provided a sense of relief for myself by showcasing that Coldplay is still capable of creating those beautiful musically naked songs while at the same time incorporating those elements that they’ve enjoyed more and more recently of making songs sound more fit to be played in stadiums and amphitheatres rather than smaller venues. This version of the song is from Saturday Night Live a couple months ago when Lindsay Lohan was the host. If you’re an obsessive OC fan like I’ve strangely become (strictly for the comic book and indie music references…mostly), you might recognize this song when it was playing in the background of Seth Cohen and his fellow peers of Harbor High’s prom from last season. Welcome to the G.B., Bitch!
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Arist: Belle & Sebastian
Song: Dirty Dream Number Two
(Downloaded 54 times)
Album: The Boy With The Arab Strap
Year: 1998
Description: If you've never had a chance to listen to anything by these Scottish indie pop-rockers, then do your self a favor and download this track. Born in Scotland in 1996, Belle and Sebastian's 1998 The Boy with the Arab Strap is their third and most successful album to date. Each song on this album is like reading a short story, imagine laying down on a comfortable bed of music and wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of melodies. The band is currently spending the summer in California working on their next album.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Scott
Artist: Mac Dre
Song: Get Stupid (Remix)
(Downloaded 48 times)
Album: Ronald Dregan: Dreganomics
Year: 2004
Description:Ok, if you live in the Bay Area you should know who this guy is by now, everyone else is really in the dark on one of the bay area’s late great rappers. Mac Dre earned a lot of his popularity shortly after he was shot in Kansas City in late 2004. “Get Stupid” comes from Mac Dre’s best album by far Ronald Dregan. Songs like this are perfect if you just need to get hyphie pulling some doughnuts in a parking lot, or just cruising through town with your windows down bumping this as loud as you can, or if you just need to GET STUPID! So like the song says GO STUPID! Come one and get stupid with Mac Dre.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Rene
Artist: Spoon
Song:: I Summon You
(Downloaded 44 times)
Album: Gimme Fiction
Year: 2005
Description: Well I couldn't really decide what song to post, and I've been really liking Spoon's new cd, so I decided to pick something from that. I picked track #7, because well...I like it a lot. I don't know much about Spoon though...sorry to all you hardcore Spoon fans out there...but I just like their music. I heard about them pretty late in the game too I suppose, but anywho, here's my song choice. Enjoy it chickens!
Buy it Now | Posted By: Jennifer
Artist: Shout Out Louds
Song: The Comeback
(Downloaded 59 times)
Album: Howl Howl Gaff Gaff
Year: 2005
Description: The first time 'The Comeback' made its way to my ear drums, I was hooked. It absolutely had me singing along, or trying to. "Lets call this the comeback, again." I heard this infectious song during one of my shifts at Urban and immediately went to find out who they were. After work, I went home and started downloading, only to find that the entire album, "Howl Howl Gaff Gaff" is an eclectic mixture of songs worth shaking your leg to that leave you feeling unsure if they're from today, or one of those bands from “back then”. The Shout Out Louds are four boys and a girl from Stockholm, Sweden. Lead Singer, Adam, has a voice which is sleepy,a bit scratchy and absolutely great! I'd say the closest comparison would be Rivers Cuomo of Weezer. This album has already become "The album I got this summer that will forever remind me of this summer". Hope you like!
Buy it Now | Posted By: Jessica
Artist: Oasis
Song: Some Might Say
(Downloaded 35 times)
Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory?
Year: 1995
Description: I don’t care what anyone says. Potty mouths and egotism aside, I am and have been a huge fan of Oasis since their 1994 debut album Definitely Maybe. When I heard they were coming out with a new album, I started to get myself pumped by listening to their old stuff. Out of their seven total released albums, I will always stay faithful to 1995’s (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, probably their most well-known work to date, which sparked them to self-proclaim that they were going to be “bigger than the Beatles.” “Some Might Say” is one of the unreleased singles from Morning Glory but I have to say it’s one of the best tracks on the album. With its familiar Oasis-esque guitars and vibrant, punchy lyrics, it may very well have been a "Wonderwall" in terms of success for the band. Gallagher Brothers & Co. could have used this song as a mantra a few years down the road when things got a little rockier, which led to their temporary musical decline: "Some might say/We will find a brighter day." Ah, how true, boys.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Casey
Artist: Johnny Action Figure
Song: Victory
(Downloaded 37 times)
Album: Johnny Action Figure
Year: 2004
Description:Not Really Devin (2:36:55 AM): im drunk
Not Really Devin (2:36:58 AM): Johnny Action Figure and Meatball & Motzarella ohtpockets have one thing in commons... they rock and they are delicious after being microwavde for 2 minutes and n15 second (or if you have a normal microwave just 2 minutes then.. that's okay) The important thinsg to pay attnetino to are the vocals and the instruments, becaus hey, without that you've got nothing. and they aint nothing, so I dont wanna hear shit. it's a victory song. that means WIN. that's right, win. not lose. not bankers club vodka.. JAF is grey goose.. GREY GOOSE... more tail than you can stake a sstick at... What.. Victory. Go Chris Sheehan.. go...
Not Really Devin is away at 3:01:14 AM.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Devin
Artist: Modest Mouse
Song: Gravity Rides Everything
(Downloaded 37 times)
Album: The Moon & Antarctica
Year: 2000
Discription: You know you’ve made it when you’re on The O.C. and you got the Kidz Bop Kids covering your big radio/MTv hit. But long before the rest of world caught onto Modest Mouse’s greatness, the TV commercial geniuses over at Nissan thought that lyrics like:
When we die, some sink and some lay
But at least I don't see you float away
And all the spilt milk, sex and weight
It all will fall, fall right into place
were perfect for their new minivan. Perfect sales pitch if I’ve ever heard one. If you haven’t checked out any of Modest Mouse’s other hits from their 10+ year musical past, then do yourself a favor and get to listening.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Matt
Arist: Jay-Zeezer feat. Jay-Zena
Song: 99 Luft Problems (Jay-Z/Nena mash-up)
(Downloaded 74 times)
Album: The Black & Blue Album
Year: 2004
Description: Since Gorilla Beam alumni, DJ Danger Mouse’s The Grey Album, people have played the idea the fuck out of taking Jay-Z’s Black Album and mashing it up with some other classic album. There have been dozens of attempts out there trying to get attention by haphazardly riding Danger Mouse’s coat tails. Jay-Zeezer is no exception. This mash-up of Weezer’s Blue Album and Jay-Z’s black album doesn’t really offer than much to give praise to other than the bonus track that mashes up German one hit wonders, Nena’s “99 luftballons” and Jay-Z’s definitive track, “99 Problems”, off his swan song Black Album. This song just works so ideally for me as it maintains the essential parts of both songs, making them both sound synergetic and natural. After listening to it, you are going to be wishing that Jay-Z teamed up with Nena instead of Linkin Park to save himself the embarrassment of that awful mash-up album he did with them for MTv.
Download More | Posted By: Austin
Artist: VHS or Beta
Song: Night On Fire
(Downloaded 73 times)
Album: Night On Fire
Year: 2004
Description:So I discovered this CD a couple weeks ago, and I have pretty much been listening to it non stop, especially this particular song. This is the opening song for the CD and I was just blown away. I must admit that listing to the entire CD by then end it is almost predictable, but it is what works. Don’t get me wrong that certainly isn’t a bad thing. Maybe the predictability comes from their House influences, which you can also see in their instrumental tracks. If you want to watch the video for this song you can do so here. Anyway I made this little concoction for you to get a better idea of them.
How to make a VHS or Beta:
2 parts The Killers
1 part Tears For Fears
1 part The Cure
spritz with some House music and enjoy.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: The Walkmen
Song:: We’ve Been Had
(Downloaded 70 times)
Album: The Walkmen
Year: 2001
Description: The people over at Saturn are pretty fucking hip for putting this song in one of their commercials way back in the day. You’ll recognize the song within the first two piano notes but the rest of the song will probably be a pleasant little surprise for you as it just keeps building to this beautiful little moment of music. The Walkmen have a nice collection of songs along the same kind of feel as this song including “French Vacation” and the darker, “The Rat”, which is off their latest album, “Bows + Arrows”. This post was not sponsored by Saturn in anyway and if you see a new Saturn in my driveway it’s purely coincidental.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: The Raveonettes
Song: Ode to L.A
(Downloaded 42 times)
Album: Pretty In Black
Year: 2005
Description: Every time I hear this song I think they should play it on KFRC (a local oldies station). And that is exactly what it is suppose to be, very reminiscent of The Ronettes. This retro style is also evident by their cover of "My Boyfriend’s Back." You might also recognize some vocals by Ronnie Spector (née Veronica Bennett) who is in this duet with Sharin Foo. But what you might not know is there is another celebrity guest from way back when, Moe Tucker of The Velvet Underground, who is playing the drums on this track and also three others tracks on this album. If you have heard their previous album The Chain Gang of Love you might be a bit disappointed as they have lost some of that cross between dark edginess and 50's pop music; they have stepped back even further in time to recreate this sound on this album. And for those of you who have not heard any of their previous stuff take a listen to " Love In A Trashcan" and you will get the idea.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Badly Drawn Boy
Song: Year of the Rat
(Downloaded 54 times)
Album: One Plus One Is One
Year: 2004
Description: I don’t really know how to describe how amazing this song is so I’m going to pull a quote from a journal post about this song and a couple others entitled "This is Your Journal on Drugs: Songs i Listened to high on the way to school": "This song feels like a blanket. A musical blanket…Really had an urge to give old asian lady a hug[after listening to this song] but she was on a bike." In other words this song is warm and marvelous. It gives you the feeling you get at the end of a really good Christmas movie. The best part about it is that it’s not sappy, it’s just brilliant and colorful. If the sun was a song, this would be it.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Atreyu
Song: You Give Love a Bad Name
(Downloaded 63 times)
Album: The Curse Digipak
Year: 2004
Description:So all you metal fans who secretly listen to Bon Jovi when no one else is around can now listen to him loud and proud. Well not really, but you can listen to Atreyu’s cover of a Bon Jovi song. This Southern California band is not just another one of those bands with blown out vocals and detuned guitars, but yes there is a little bit of those screaming vocals ala Hatebreed, mixed with some detuned guitars amidst the drums. However it is the metal riffs that I think will catch your ear. I found Atreyu is best described with this quote: " Atreyu is too goth to be emo, too metal to be punk, and too brazenly emotional to be metal." Imagine some of that guttural screaming by the lead vocalist Alex Varkatzas balanced by the melodic voice of drummer Brandon Saller over Scorpions/In Flames metal, and you will have a really good idea of what Atreyu sounds like.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Desaparecidos
Song: Man and Wife, the Latter (Damaged Goods)
(Downloaded 36 times)
Album: Read Music/Speak Spanish
Year: 2002
Discription: I always have trouble pronouncing the name of Desaparecidos which sucks because they are one of my favorite bands to recommend to people. Conor Oberst, the voice and genius that is Bright Eyes and one of the pioneers of the super long scene bangs haircut, is also the front man of this band. I almost enjoy Desaparecidos more than Bright Eyes because Conor really just lets lose on these tracks, getting all the testosterone out that his scenester thin body can produce. I view Desaparecidos as more like the first few minutes of having a girl break up with you or finding out she did something fucked up, when one is filled with a lot of fire and anger and really just doesn’t give a fuck about that girl anymore, where as Bright Eyes feels more like the following hours after that point when the emo and longing kicks in. This is my favorite track off their one and only album and according to my Saddle Creek source, Matty K., Desaparecidos is no longer with us. Hopefully Conor will feel the need to channel that fire and anger once more in the future.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Pete Yorn
Song: Strange Condition
(Downloaded 38 times)
Album: Musicforthemorningafter
Year: 2001
Description: If your musical indulgences include the likes of singer/songwriters like Jack Johnson, Ryan Adams, or John Mayer you are going to like Pete Yorn. What I really like about Pete is that he takes hands on approach with every aspect of the recording session right down to playing each and every instrument. This being his debut album, and it had some big name people looking in his direction upon its release, with Rolling Stong calling Pete Yorn one of ten to watch in 2001. Oh, and did I mention that REM guitarist Peter Buck re-recorded this track with Yorn for a future release, so be on the lookout for that.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Dashboard Confessional
Song: The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most
(Downloaded 49 times)
Album: The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most
Year: 2001
Description:DISCLAIMER: Gorilla Beam is not held responsible for any possible depression or mixed feelings about former loves that arise from listening to or reading the lyrics from this Dashboard Confessional song. Among being a hip-hop head, indie kid, and MTv rock teeny bopper, I am an emo kid. Emo kids listen to Dashboard Confessional; it’s as easy as that and if you have a problem, I’m going to have to sock you in the throat and then go home and cry in a corner. I’ll admit that Dashboard Confessional is one of my favorite bands and I think Chris Carrabba is one of the most talented musicians in the game right now. This song is my favorite off The Places… record but if you’re interested in checking out his best stuff, I’d recommend the first Further Seems Forever album, The Moon is Down (Chris used to be their lead singer) or his first full length album as Dashboard, The Swiss Army Romance. You may commence awkward feelings about future or former loves now.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: A.F.I
Song: Catch A Hot One
(Downloaded 35 times)
Album: The Art of Drowning
Year: 2000
Description: A Fire Inside, I don’t think that I can ever hear enough A.F.I. I remember seeing them back in the day, during the Not So Silent Night with all local artists. It was A.F.I, Deftones, Papa Roach, and Greenday. I think it was back in 2000? My dope ass friend Sam got me and some friend’s tickets. And I remember when A.F.I hit the stage there was just this really white man with long black hair and some black leather pants. I don’t know where I am going with this story other than to say that A.F.I kicks ass. So now that I have wasted your time, please take a listen as A.F.I never disappoints.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Arist: Bullfrog
Song: Nice Try
(Downloaded 83 times)
Album: Bullfrog
Year: 2001
Description: Hrm, how to describe Bullfrog. Well think of Deltron or the Gorillaz performing at a jazz / funk club and you might get a picture of what this sextet sounds like. Well, actually that is what this Montreal based group sounds like because it is a side project of DJ Kid Koala whom you might know from Deltron 3030 or the Gorillaz (see Austin's post below) with vocals by Blu Rum 13. Although this is their debut full length album, they have previously released two EP’s and have been playing live since they came together in 1994. If you like the jazzy hip hop beats that are accentuated with Kid Koala’s cuts, make sure you check out other songs like "Hotel Food" which is an instrumental track, much like the rest of the album.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: The Postal Service
Song: We Will Become Silhouettes (live)
(Downloaded 100 times)
Live: KCRW Mornings Becomes Eclectic 05-06-03
Year: 2003
Description: I didn’t think anything could top those ideal ten techmo (probably the lamest term I have ever used) tracks from The Postal Services’ only album, “Give Up”, or the handful of B-sides and remixes that can be found on their singles. I was proven wrong when I not too long ago, stumbled upon this live set they did from the Morning Becomes Eclectic radio show just about two years ago. While listening to the live versions of the songs, I kept getting a case of the chills like I haven’t had since the first time I heard “Such Great Heights” on the radio. I really regret missing them when they toured back in the day and can only hope that the world produces enough good karma so we can be fortunate enough to have them tour again. I think this track really showcases how their music can translate effectively live by adding a more organic and human touch to the songs we already had such an attachment too.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Damien Rice
Song:: The Blower's Daughter
(Downloaded 69 times)
Album: Closer Soundtrack, and O
Year: 2003
Description: So I first heard this song when I saw the movie Closer (which was a good movie if you want to go see it). Supposedly this songs is about a clarinet teacher's daughter (The Blower being the teacher). Apparently Rice had feelings for this person, which weren't returned and he wrote this song for her. This is a very heartfelt love song, by heartfelt I mean you can just hear his emotions pouring out of him as he sings. Just something about his voice which makes this song really hit you, it is simply beautiful. For most of you, this is probably THE BEST song that you have never heard. Please take a listen.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Bloc Party
Song: The Answer
(Downloaded 67 times)
Album: Bloc Party EP
Year: 2004
Description: Bloc Party blew the fuck up really quick. I remember discovering them through an mp3 blog very much like Gorilla Beam a couple months ago and then basically took a nap and when I woke up they were all over the pages of Spin and on MTv 2. I try very hard to not be a little elitist asshole like I was in high school when bands blew the fuck up hella quick and I’ve found I really haven’t had a problem with it happening to Bloc Party. I feel now that I should stop being selfish with the music I love and give back to the world for what might have done for me in the past or will be done for me in the future music wise. Let’s just call it Music Karma. Gorilla Beam is all about Music Karma so here is my favorite track by Bloc Party that you might not have heard yet. It’s from their self titled EP and wasn’t included on their groundbreaking full length record “Silent Alarm”. Hope you enjoy and continue down the enlighten path for more positive Music Karma here at Gorilla Beam. Ha ha, I’m ridiculous.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Pennywise
Song: Alien
(Downloaded 48 times)
Album: Straight Ahead
Year: 1999
Description: Pennywise, that little punk band from So Cal. You may remember this song, as it was one of their most popular songs. It got TONS of airplay back in the day, and still gets some to this day, which just proves how solid this song is. Even if you have not heard this song before, you will be singing or at least humming along with it by the end of the song. For those of you who have heard it before its one of those songs you just remember, so the words might just start coming out even if you haven’t heard the songs in a long time. Back to those of you who may not have heard this song before, this song is about as So Cal punk as So Cal punk gets, no screaming on this track just varied tempos and vocal harmony.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Weezer
Song: Peace
(Downloaded 70 times)
Album: Make Believe
Year: 2005
Description: "Weezer is releasing a new album very soon and if the lead single, “Beverly Hills” is foreshadowing on how the rest of the album will sound, I’m not very excited to hear it." I’ll admit it. People make mistakes sometimes and I am one of those people when I assumed that Weezer’s new one was going to totally disappoint. After getting my hands on a leaked copy of "Make Believe" (which legally comes out May 10th), I was thoroughly surprised to find that I really enjoyed the album and can honestly say it’s just as quality as the rest of their work from the Post-Pinkerton Era. If you’re one of the kids who still won’t accept anything by Weezer after “Pinkerton”, you are going to be better off sitting in your basement with your thick framed glasses on listening to the Blue Album again because the only thing truly reminiscent of the old days of the =w= on this new record are Rivers’ lyrics and song structures gave me a more Blue album-esque feeling than any of their last records have. One of the only things that would have made this new record even better would have been some quality acoustic finger picking straight, "In My Garage" and "Surf Wax America" style for old times sake. The track I choose, “Peace”, reminds me of a leaf falling from a tree and I hope persuades you enough to give the rest of “Make Believe” a chance.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: SIAM SHADE
Song: Triptych (Instrumental)
(Downloaded 43 times)
Album: SIAM SHADE VI
Year: 1998
Discription: Although this is the only song I have by this Japanese Rock group, I must say I am impressed. If you like Joe Satriani or other artists like him, you will love this song. If you like those parts of the song where everything stops and you just hear the guitar rip, you will like this song. Think of it like a 4 minute and 37 second long solo. Anyway not to much else to say about this band because I don’t know that much else, so ill let the music speak for itself.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Gorillaz
Song: Dirty Harry
(Downloaded 80 times)
Album: Demon Days
Year: 2005
Description: The Gorrilaz are one of the greatest bands to never have existed. Structured around four animated members, they came out with one of the most creative and heralded records of 2001. The Gorillaz were given life by the minds and pens of Blur’s Damon Albarn, comic book artist Jamie Hewlett, and legendary Bay Area producer Dan "The Automator" Nakamura. This time around rookie phenom producer, DJ Danger Mouse of "The Grey Album" fame (see previous posts), takes Nakamura’s place behind the boards and is causing just as much trouble on the Gorillaz’s new album, "Demon Days" (due out sometime this month). This track, cleverly named "Dirty Harry", showcases how the Gorillaz have progressed from their last album and biggest hit, "Clint Eastwood", which featured one of the most stuck-in-your-head-choruses of all time ("I’ve got sunshine/I’m feeling fine…) and buzz inducing verses by Oakland’s own Del The Funky Homosapien, leader of the Hieroglyphics crew and coincidentally Ice Cube’s cousin. "Dirty Harry" comes equipped with a quality verse from Bootie Brown of the Pharcyde who adds just as much of a "what the fuck is he talking about?" feel to his lyrics as Del had on "Clint Eastwood". "Demon Days" also features tracks with guests De La Soul, MF Doom and the guy who played that asshole bad guy from Speed.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Thrice
Song: Deadbolt
(Downloaded 51 times)
Album: Illusion of Safety
Year: 2002
Description:Thrice is the definition of melodic hardcore. They incorporate a dual style vocal of hardcore screams and Bad Religion style melodic singing. There is a reason you always use to see them in the top 10s, and this particular song is a prime example. From the killer riffs, to the catchy pop hooks this song flat out rocks. Thrice also has a cult following. When a pre-order offer for The Artist In The Ambulance was announced on www.thrice.net, more than 4,000 CDs were sold in the first week, which says a lot being that this was their first release on a major label. Anyway, Illusion of Safety was Thrice’s sophomore album and when they were still on an independent label, oh did I mention it is also my personal favorite album of theirs.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Pharrell feat. Rohff
Song: Where’s Yours At?
(Downloaded 53 times)
Album: Taxi 3 Soundtrack
Year: 2003
Description: I think Pharrell Williams is the dope shit and have admired his work since I found out he was the guy who sung the hook in the video for Mystikal’s “Shake Ya Ass”. I dig pretty much every song he’s ever produced with the Neptunes and/or sung the hook on. After about four years of about the same thing, I started to wonder if this was all Pharrell was capable of and if he didn’t really have anything else up his sleeve. Then the day came when I heard him drop his verse on “Drop It Like Its Hot” and I just gained that much more respect for him. Apparently Pharrell snuck to France in 2003 and spit a practice verse on this track with French rapper Rohff to see if he could actually pull it off with the big boys like Snoop in the States. I think he spits it better than about half of the MCs right now on the radio and really enjoy everything about this song from the obese bass beat to Rohff’s rhymes where I have absolutely no idea what he’s talking about.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Arist: Ted Leo
Song: Since U Been Gone/Maps
(Downloaded 125 times)
Album: unreleased
Year: 2005
Description: I hate admitting it but I really like the song “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson. I think its fucking rad and if Kelly Clarkson was a more credible artist, I’d actually have it on my itunes and listen to it all the time. Well, this dilemma has been put to rest thanks to this cover by the totally cred Ted Leo. The first time I heard this cover my jaw dropped and had to watch the video of him performing it about four times in a row before trying to find an mp3 version to call my own. I looked for about a month or so for this elusive mp3 with no luck and just about forgot about it when my extra rad friend, Casey, made my century by hooking it up with the very version you yourselves can now enjoy until the next pop song cover by an indie artist comes out to blow your mind. I like to think of Ted Leo as a modern day Elvis Costello in his prime, crafting semi pop songs with undertones in punk and politics. If you dig this track, I highly suggest checking out his songs “Me and Mia” or “Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone”.
WARNING: if listening to this on your ipod in public, be aware that if you start singing this out loud people will think you’re singing the totally uncred Kelly Clarkson version and give you random looks.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Nine Inch Nails
Song: Hand That Feeds (Photek Straight Remix)
(Downloaded 58 times)
Album: Single
Year: 2005
Description: So this new single from NIN is, simply put, awesome. I have been listening to this song almost non stop since I first heard it on the radio. It got me really looking forward to the new album, With Teeth. But when I finally got my hands on the album, I am very sad to say that it did not live up to my expectations. Maybe I just set my expectations to high, if that is even possible? Anyway I heard this remix on Subsonic and I had to have it. It adds a bit more electronic to the song while not straying to far from the original, which I personally like. And for all you electronic fans check out the Photek Dub Remix for an all out electronic remix of the song, with very repetitive beats; very Daft Punk like. If you like drum n bass make sure you check out some of Photek’s other releases, and check out his site by click on his picture and his site is pretty awesome too.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: The Aquabats
Song:: Super Rad
(Downloaded 45 times)
Album: The Fury of The Aquabats
Year: 1997
Description: Travis Barker, star of the new MTv reality show “Meet the Barkers” and uber-talented drummer for Blink-182 and Transplants, used to be the drummer for the Aquabats before joining Blink and can be heard playing drums on this track. None of that really matters though because this song is so bomb riggle (I had to make up a word because this song is beyond words), you’re going to be too busy dancing and going bananas to even remember who Travis is. The Aquabats have an amazing power to make you get up and go crazy either skanking, twisting or doing that dorky white person dance you think looks alright when you bust it out at Pop*Scene. Ska was huuuuuuuuge back around 7th/8th grade for me and my peers. It slowly has faded away but still has a smaller but extremely dedicated following which contains the random fauxXcore scenester who listens to ska when their other hipster friends aren’t around so they can reminisce about the days when they used to be happy wearing their checkered Vans, wore pants that were made for their own gender, and went to Reel Big Fish shows in 8th grade. I’ve loved this song since my pre-teen days, when it was actually a radio hit, until the present where it can still be found as one of the most played songs on my itunes. CODENAME APPLESAUCE!
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Party Ben
Song: Walking with a Ghost in Paris
(Downloaded 43 times)
Album: single
Year: 2005
Description: What do you get when you combine two great artists? It will sound something like this, Party Ben’s mashup of Tegan and Sara with Mylo. Everything about this songs is just catchy. I have been a BIG fan of Party Ben who is a local mashup artist and every Friday has a half hour mix at Six O’clock. This song in particular I really like. I already liked the Tegan and Sara song Walking With A Ghost, which if you have not heard you should really check out. Then fused that song with Mylo’s electro pop beats and you have a winner. If you like this whole mashup thing, which has been gaining a lot of popularity due to collaborations with big artists like Linkin Park and Jay Z, be sure and check out Party Ben’s site (again by clicking on his picture) and download more free mashups by him, you can even download his entire Sixx Mixx for free.
Download More | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Jimmy Eat World
Song: A Sunday
(Downloaded 45 times)
Album: Clarity
Year: 2001
Description: Jimmy Eat World is capable of crafting some amazingly beautiful songs. This song falls under that category. Starting with the incredibly simple yet uplifting intro, you feel like you’re out on the most beautifully sunny day of your life doing whatever makes you content. Nothing else really matters when this song plays for me, I become completely lost in memories of those irreplaceable Sundays when I used to do nothing more than look up at the clouds and afternoons seemed endless. If you liked any of JEW’s other albums such as “Bleed American/Jimmy Eat World” or “Futures”, I highly suggest you check out “Clarity” because it is an incredibly solid album and many say their best record out of the bunch.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Refused
Song: New Noise
(Downloaded 26 times)
Album: Shape of Punk to Come
Year: 1998
Description: So I got my first listen to Refused not to long ago. Austin was there to witness my astonishment the minute I got home and started looking for more music by them, and I will be the first to say, wow I have been missing out. This song in particular is just so fucking awesome I lack the words to describe it. The first 1 minute and 7 seconds pull you into this song, then at 1 minute and 8 seconds it hits you like a speeding freight train. Is Refused hardcore? Yes. Punk? Yes. No longer together? Sadly Yes. But with music like this I am sure they will still be rocking for many years to come.
Special Note: This song is a must download! if you have not heard of refused you are missing out!
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Kanye West feat. Talib Kweli and Common
Song: Get Em High (Ratatat Remix)
(Downloaded 53 times)
Album: Ratatat Remixes Mixtape Vol. 1
Year: 2004
Discription: I don’t know who to give more credit to on this track, the rightfully egotistical Kanye West or the absolutely ideal Ratatat. I think it might have to go to Ratatat for outdoing Kanye West’s own production of the original, making the track hotter than I ever thought possible. The original, off of Kanye’s highly acclaimed record “College Dropout”, isn’t shabby to any extent, but Ratatat added a nice little laid back feel on this one that makes you want to put it on in the background while passing a blunt to the left hand side. This track reminded me of a more conscience “Nuthin’ but a “G” Thang”, but instead of Snoop and Dre, it has Talib Kweli and Common, two of the sickest MCs to ever touch the mic, dropping quality as usual verses. Ratatat did a bunch of other sick remixes along the same lines as this track for the likes of Method Man and G-Unit on their very hard to find mixtape and their self-titled debut was one of the best records of last year.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Geto Boys
Song: Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta
(Downloaded 47 times)
Album: Uncut Dope: Geto Boys' Best
Year: 1992
Description: When you are just chillin, rollin through Oakland maybe, this is the song to be playing. But in true Office Space style, make sure your windows are up and doors are locked because you don’t want to get shot. So the Geto Boys came together back in 1986, when I was only a year old, but they didn’t release an album until 4 years later in 1990. They were very controversial back in the day. Their first album had a ruff start when their record label, Geffen, refused to distribute their album due to its questionable content. Needless to say I am sure who ever made that decision at Geffen should be kicking themselves in the ass as this album and their next both went platinum. Anyway sit back, relax with your gin and juice, maybe break out some dominos and enjoy this song.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: The Kidz Bop Kids
Song: Float On
(Downloaded 54 times)
Album: Kidz Bop 7
Year: 2005
Description:WARNING: this track will make your head explode, but not in the good way. I mentioned that I might post this track if there was a demand, and there was a small demand, so here it is. When I first heard that “Float On” was going to be on the latest edition of the mind numbing Kidz Bop series I expected the worst but ended up with a track I really couldn’t hate because it still retained enough of what I enjoyed so much about the original. The kids singing it really aren’t that bad, but I think it’d be cooler if it was just them and not the faux Isaac Brock at the lead. You know at this point you’re going to at least have to check it out so let the head exploding begin!
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: RX Bandits
Song: Analog Boy
(Downloaded 23 times)
Album: Progress
Year: 2001
Description: Well since my Girlfriend and some friends saw Rx Bandits live this past weekend why not put some up. This is my favorite song by Rx Bandits who I was introduced to back in junior year of high school by my good friend Nicole. There is just something about their punk rock ska sound that is just appealing. This is probably the most popular track off of their Progress CD, but it doesn’t do justice to their live performance, or so I am told. Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to see them live but they are suppose to give an awesome performance, and from what my Girlfriend says about the show I believe every word of how good they are live.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Arist: Ben Lee
Song: Float On (Modest Mouse cover)
Album: Ben Lee/Pony Up! split 7"
Year: 2004
Description: I think it’s been enough time since the last time you heard “Float On” being played every ten seconds on the radio and TV to present this little gem by Australian singer/songwriter Ben Lee. It was a hard debate to present this cover or the greatly despised Kidz Bop version (which if there is a high demand for will be posted in some future batch). I enjoy both Ben Lee’s and Modest Mouse’s versions almost equally because they feel like two different songs. Ben Lee really makes this song his own adding a very wispy feel to it but yet not straying to far away from what made the original so fucking rad in the first place. Lee is most well known in the states for his relationship with Claire Danes of the 90’s Baz Luhrman version of Romeo + Juliet and the campaign fundraiser that was Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. Lee released a quality new album last February entitled Awake Is the New Sleep where in the lead single, “Catch my Disease”, he names checks the likes of Beyonce and Good Charlotte.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: In Flames
Song: Clay Man
Album: Clayman
Year: 2000
Description: Roughly coming together in the late 80s, In flames has been pumping out melodic death metal ever since. I say roughly because the bands lineup didn’t become stable until around 1998. This bands influences include the likes of Iron Maiden (see Austin’s post), and Black Sabbath. Clayman is this bands seventh album and the one that launched them to international status. Their sound in this album is slightly different from their original albums, such as my personal favorite Whoracle, as they try and reach a broader audience without loosing their core fans. Check out their latest album Soundtrack To Your Escape and get lost in the melodic hymns and hardcore head banging.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Street to Nowhere
Song:: The Parkman Ghost
Album: Street to Nowhere Demo
Year: 2003
Description: The Parkman Ghost is not really like any other song on radio right now but has every reason to be played along with the big boys. With the beginning build up to the chorus that needs to be shouted along with, not sung, it shows similarities to the tracks on My Chemical Romance’s latest record but with a little more depth and with Bright Eyes but without so much of a basis on emotion and more of a laidback rebellious feel. The Parkman Ghost was one of those songs that I’d hear at late on a random weekday night during the Local Lounge on San Francisco’s Live 105 that would always leave me wondering who that was. Notorious around the Bay Area/imusicast scene, Street to Nowhere’s talented frontman and sometimes only member, Dave Smallen, shows that he has the talent to make something of himself and actually become more than just another forgotten local band that showed promise of making it big. This track has been a staple on my personal playlist for the last year or so and I’m sure after your first listen you will find it as infectious as I have.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli
Song: Definition
Album: Black Star
Year: 1998
Description: These days I turn the radio to the local rap stations and I am disgusted. Every song sounds the same, using basically the same beats, the same sampled music and in some way featuring 50 cent. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few rap songs on the radio I do like, none of which come to mind right now, but where has all the creativeness and storytelling gone? When I think of rap or hip hop this is the type of song that comes to mind. This song is of his first full length album, which is a collaboration between Talib Kweli, DJ Hi-Tek, and himself. This album shook the hip hop community of the day and is one of the most talked about and praised albums of the time. This song is from an era when rap was more intellectual and less ghetto thug. You might also want to check out his project as of late, a black rap-rock band titled Black Jack Johnson.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Ya Boy
Song: 16’s Wit Me
Album: Street Heat-16's Wit Me
Year: 2004
Description: This was definitely the slumper of the summer last year. The best part about it is that it has one of the nerdiest beat ever in the history of hip hop sampling the Imperial Death March from Star Wars and has become the ghettoest thing to happen to Star Wars since Samuel L. started fucking shit up with a lightsaber. Ya Boy is Bay Area MCs, San Quinn and Messy Marv’s teenage cousin and is part of the Done Deal Ent family. He shows some serious talent on this track with solid lyrics and flow, further proving that Bay Area hip hop is due once again for the spotlight. You’ll for sure be hearing this song playing outside ghetto ass movie theatres this summer while those thug ass Star Wars fans wait in line for Episode III. Ya Boy is dropping his debut record, “Year of the Rookie”, this spring if you’re interested in hearing more tracks from this young talent.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Dirty Vegas
Song: Days Go By (Acoustic)
Album: Ministry Of Sound - The Chillout Session 2
Year: 2005
Description: This song was made popular when it was used in a Mitsubishi Eclipse commercial, but this is a version not many people are familiar with. It was available on a single, and also this Ministry of Sound CD. And an interesting side note if you didn’t know, the vocalist of Dirty Vegas was a former member of the Ministry of Sound. Anyway this song is an excellent unplugged version of this hit. But what does a dance song sound like when you remove the electronic beats and synth melodies? Listen to this song and find out. This Tripod (stupid Girl Next Door reference) from London has toured with likes of Moby and Groove Armada, and played venues such as Coachella. On a sad note, as of March 2005 two of the members of Dirty Vegas, Paul Harris and Ben Harris, announced they will be leaving the band to peruse solo projects, so the status of Dirty Vegas is on hold but they have vowed to continue touring and producing new material for sometime in the future.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Polaris
Song: Hey Sandy
Album: Music From the Adventures of Pete & Pete
Year: 1999
Discription: This is the theme song from the 90’s nickelodeon show, Pete and Pete, which in my opinion, has earned its’ keep as one of the greatest shows in the history or television. Polaris was the house band for the show and their songs could be heard throughout the three seasons it was on air. I was a fan of this show when I was kid but became even more of one once I started downloading bootleg versions of the show off Kazaa my senior year of high school. The show appealed to both adults and children and had such notable guest appearances as Iggy Pop, Steve Buscemi, LL Cool J, Janeane Garofalo, and the late Hunter S. Thompson. This song brings me back to the days of sitting in on weekend afternoons watching Nickelodeon for endless hours and feeling the warm sun coming in through the window while I sat on the couch in a haze and having growing up be the least of my worries. I hope it brings back such strong feelings of nostalgia for all of you too.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Danger Mouse
Song: 99 Problems
Album: The Grey Album
Year: 2004
Description: Seemingly coming out of nowhere in 2004 alone Danger Mouse is one of GQ’s Men of the Year, SPIN named him their "Eccentric Genius of the Year", was hailed as "The Hottest Hip-Hop Producer in the World" by NME, honored with Album of the Year by Entertainment Weekly as well as being added to Q Magazine's "Industry's 100 Most Influential People". His claim to fame has to be this album which uses the full vocal content of Jay-Z's Black Album, recorded over new beats and production created using only the Beatles White Album for source material. Danger Mouse is keeping quite bussy as last year he made appearances at some big events including Coachella and Bonnaroo, and he is currently producing for artists including Gorillaz, MF Doom, and Tha Alkaholiks.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Iron Maiden
Song: The Number of the Beast
Album: The Number of the Beast
Year: 1982
Description:If you don’t like brain exploding intense guitar solos, incredibly catchy vocals along the lines of Axl Rose or Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, or songs centered around a man viewing a satanic ritual and then being possessed by the devil, you are no way ready to experience one of the fucking raddest metal song ever in history. This song is amazingly catchy with such a powerful build up to the first chorus that you will not be able to not feel like a rockstar listening to it. If you like Guns N’ Roses’s “Welcome to the Jungle”, any song by Sum 41, or just music that fucking rocks out with its cock out, you’re going to worship this song. I stumbled upon it while scrolling through other people’s itunes libraries in my apartments and haven’t been able to put down my devil horns since. Iron Maiden is part of the headlining stage at this years Ozzfest so if you feel like hanging out with guys in Slayer shirts that look like they could eat you, I would highly recommend going to check them out. ROCK!
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Air
Song: Alpha Beta Gaga
Album: Talkie Walkie
Year: 2004
Description: This is definitely not something you would enjoy on a night out on the dance floor. So just sit back relax and enjoy the awesome twangy spaghetti-Western guitars. I first heard this song late one Saturday night on Live 105s subsonic program, which by the way as of this past Saturday will no longer be hosted by Aaron Axelsen which is a sad thing to hear, but I digress. This song is pretty catchy and you might find yourself whistling along with it later in the day. Some people might also recognize the melody from a certain cell phone commercial But hopefully as you listen to the song you will notice pleasant little things that just make you smile and put you in a better mood for the day.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Arist: Death From Above 1979
Song: Blood On Our Hands
Album: You're A Woman,I'm A Machine
Year: 2004
Description: Originally only Death From Above (later adding the 1979 for legal reasons) will blow you away. This Canadian duo is one of my new favorite bands. When I first heard them, I had to hear another, then another and this kept going on until, well it’s still going on. Listening to all their tracks however, exposed that they are missing something . . . yes you guessed it, their missing a guitarist. Don’t let that fool you though, this drummer/vocalist and bassist with their vox produce a Queens of the Stoneage like sound that is nothing short of amazing.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Dntel feat. Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie
Song: (This Is) The Dream Of Evan And Chan
Album: This is The Dream of Evan and Chan
Year: 2002
Description: If you like the Postal Service, you’re going to need this song. This is basically the big brother to all the songs from The Postal Service’s album, Give Up. If you didn’t know already, The Postal Service is made up of Jimmy Tamborello, who musically goes by the name Dntel, and Ben Gibbard, front man of Death Cab for Cutie, Seth Cohen idol, and the biggest romantic of the Emo Rock Era. This song was basically the birth of The Postal Service and was released on a single before Give Up came out later on in 2002. Jimmy Tamborello gave this song a much more Dntel type beat instead of the more melodic dreamy beats that are found on the now legendary album that frat boys and indie kids alike both jock to the extreme. Both Jimmy and Ben are going to be doing new albums for their respective main bands but have talked about a possible new Postal Service album after that.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: The Smiths
Song:: How Soon Is Now
Album: Hatful Of Hollow
Year: 1993
Description: So I use to hear this song every now and then on my way home form school. They play it on a little program on LIVE 105 called "Rewind at Noon" where they play, trying to put this lightly . . . aged music. But even though the show is only an hour long you hear timeless songs like this all the time. I was reminded of this song when I heard it in a movie that my girlfriend and I were watching Saturday night. And in case you don’t already know here is a little background info on The Smiths. They formed in the spring of 1982 in Manchester, England, making their live debut in late 1982. By the time they had released their debut album "The Smiths" they were already an underground sensation in the UK. Their debut album became a best seller and reached number 2 on the charts, and this is just a hint at their greatness, so check it out.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Fatlip
Song: What’s up Fatlip?
Album: What’s up Fatlip? Single
Year: 2000
Description: This is one of my favorite hip hop songs of all time. It has a simple yet infectious beat and chorus that will be stuck in your head all day. Instead of rapping about bling, bills, and breezies like so many cookie cutter MCs of today, Fatlip goes the opposite route, flowing about his flaws (“I’m just a bitch ass nigga/The type that’d get jacked if I was a rich ass nigga”) and less than celebrity situation (“Has-been MC/on a label that's unstable/Choppin' bliggy on a table”). Fatlip used to be a MC for the group The Pharcyde (check out their songs “Drop” and “Passin’ Me By”) before they gave him the boot and he had to try the hip hop game solo. The first time I heard this song was on a boring afternoon at my grandparent’s house in Walnut Creek when I was watching MTv. I became entranced by this grizzled black man dancing on the sidewalk with a bottle of E&J in a diaper and trench coat. There has been talk of Fatlip’s solo record, “Revenge of the Nerd”, dropping for years but word on the street is that it shouldn’t be much longer and will be released under the name “The Loneliest Punk”. He’s also been working with Slim Kid Tre, also formerly of The Pharcyde, under the moniker Edy Crhap (Pharcyde spelled backwards) with production by Squeak E. Clean (see post below). Lastly, for an amazing mini-documentary on Fatlip and his life, check out the Spike Jonze collection DVD.
Request: I’ve been looking for the full version of “Today's Your Day (WhachaGoneDu?)” by Fatlip feat. Chali 2na of J5 for years now but have only found the version without Chali 2na’s verse. I read this song is getting some airtime so if someone has the full version and would like to hook it up it’d be amazingly appreciated.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: mae
Song: summertime
Album: Destination: Beautiful
Year: 2003
Description: mae, or if you want to be formal, Multisensory Aesthetic Experience. This small band from Norfolk Virginia originally started out as a recording project between two members Dave on guitar and vocals, and Jacob on drums. They later added three other members, Matt on guitar, Mark on bass, and Rob who plays the keyboard. The band describes their own sound as " melodic, energetic rock." What does that mean? Imagine Jimmy Eat World mixed with some U2 and some Beatles, maybe even throwing in some Depeche Mode. To give you a better idea they have performed with the likes of Coheed & Cambria, Movielife, Brand New, Karate, River City High, and The Exit.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Squeak E. Clean and featuring Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Song: Hello Tomorrow
Album: unreleased
Year: 2005
Description: This is the song from the recent Adidas add directed by Spike Jonze. The track is by Spike’s brother, producer Squeak E. Clean, and Spike’s latest girlfriend and my fellow Korean hapa sister, Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I was tipped off to this song by my friend Devin a couple weeks ago and have been continually enjoying it since. This is the one minute version that can be found in the commercial. The real four minute version of this song is not as good in my opinion but if there’s a large demand for the longer version we’ll post it in one of the up coming batches. Karen O is hard at work on the next Yeah Yeah Yeahs album and apparently also doing a side project with Squeak E. Clean according to his website. If you haven’t seen the amazing commercial yet check it out here: http://www.boardsmag.com/screeningroom/commercials/1586/
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Daft Punk
Song: Digital Love
Album: Discovery
Year: 2001
Discription: I’m sure you have at least heard of Daft Punk, and I’m pretty sure most of you can name some of their songs. Maybe not this particular song but if I mention "Da Funk" or "Around the World" you probably know what I am talking about. This song is a different side of daft punk than you are use to hearing, as it is not so much acid house and techno but more of a new wave indie rock house thing. Anyway, daft punk is two DJs, Guy-Manuel De Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter whose first projects together included Darlin', an indie cover band. However they quickly moved from the indie rock sound to more of a new wave dancefloor sound. With the release of their debut single "The New Wave" in 1993, they were instantly praised for their innovations. "Da Funk" shortly followed which really shot daft punk into the spotlight as big names such as The Chemical Brothers were already making remix’s. Daft Punks debut full length album, Homework, has sold over 2 million copies. With the release of their latest creation, Human After All, which was released last month, I think they are returning to their roots with catchy loops and funky breaks. So enjoy this song as I’m sure you will be in a better mood after listing to it.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Artist: Weezer
Song: El Scorcho
Album: Pinkerton
Year: 1996
Description: Weezer is releasing a new album very soon and if the lead single, “Beverly Hills” is foreshadowing on how the rest of the album will sound, I’m not very excited to hear it. “El Scorcho” is one of my favorite songs of all time and is definitely my favorite song off the ill fated Pinkerton album. This song really hits home for myself and many an emo kid who has ever found themselves stuck hopelessly in love with a hapa girl with nothing more they can do other than write another stupid song about how they adore their half asian subject matter. Other than being incredibly catchy and a fun song to have a drunken sing along to, it showcases just how amazing Weezer used to be when Rivers used to sing about comic books, surfing, and lesbians.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Artist: Blink-182
Song: Not Now
Album: Atticus: Dragging the Lake vol. 3
Year: 2005
Description:Blink-182 is on an indefinite hiatus as of right now. This saddens me considering as their latest stuff has been the best music of their careers since Dude Ranch. Their last album was such a huge step forward for them musically and for that possibly to be the end of Blink-182 will draw a faux emo tear to my eye. This new track, which I wish they had put on the last album, really showcases how much they’ve grown since the pop punk days of “Dammit” and “What’s My Age Again?”. I got this track off the latest Atticus clothing line compilation, Dragging the Lake vol. 3, which also includes new or rare tracks from the likes of Mae, MxPx, and Motion City Soundtrack. Word on the street is that Mark and Travis are working on a electronic side project called Plus 44 and might be released as early as the end of this year. Travis will also be on tour with his other band, Transplants with Rancid’s front man Tim Armstrong, on this years Warped Tour.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Green Day - Basket Case
Hands down, my favorite song of all time. This is the song that started it all for me thus the reasoning on why it is the first song I post here on the wonder that will be remembered as Gorilla Beam. I’ve come a long way from the days of telling my dad I want to listen to green day, moving my way to listening to Kidstar on AM, receiving my school of rock education from live 105, and eventually becoming a radio DJ myself; I really have this song to thank for it all. My goal with this mp3 blog, along with my amazing hapa partner in making history, Sean, is to share music with people in hopes that it will tickle their fancy and maybe they’ll be inspired to go and listen to more by the same artist or maybe a similar artist in the genre. Hopefully there will be somebody who finds a song on here that inspires them as much as this one song did for me. So right click save this bitch and welcome to our world.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
AFI – Days of the Phoenix
What would the launch of GorillaBeam be without some AFI? Wow, where to start, AFI is a local band who has been around for many years dating back to the early 90s. This particular song is off of their fifth full-length album, The Art of Drowning. With so much to say and not much room to do it, I will leave it with this quote “AFI is a band with a sound unlike any other, a sound where chilling melodies collide alternately with furious aggression and somber melancholy.” Do yourself a favor and listen to this song.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
The Killers - Who Let You Go
Oh, The Killers…Las Vegas’s latest little sweethearts with front man Brandon Flowers, the first and only mormon I know of so far to head a fucking rad band. Anyways, this song is not on their full length album, Hot Fuss, which if you don’t have by now is a shame, but is from a Demo apparently and is not the version you can buy for a dollar on itunes but I think it still rocks. The Killers are on tour right now and I will be going to their opening show here in Arizona so check this out so you can sing along unless you live in San Francisco cause there’s no possible way you can get tickets at this point…haha.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
DJ Shadow – Organ Donor
In 1996 DJ Shadow released Entroducing, and has continued to impress me ever since. His exploration of sound has evolved over time and included many artists along the way, names such as Zach de la Roca, Mos Def, U.N.K.L.E, Cut Chemist, Blackalicious, Lyrics Born, Keane, Thom Yorke (of Radiohead), Richard Ashcroft (of the Verve), and Mike D (of the Beastie Boys) just to name a few. So check out this (also local artist) and you will not be disappointed.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
Handsome Boy Modeling School/Jack Johnson - Breakdown
I don’t feel like explaining the whole background on Handsome Boy Modeling School because their name is too long and I don’t feel like writing it more times than absolutely necessary but what you need to know is that they came out with one of the best albums of last year with such old school/indie/underground/mainstream guest stars as Matador Record’s Cat Power, two dudes from Linkin Park, The Mars Volta, Hiero’s Casual and Del, Wu-Tang’s RZA, Tim “Ladies Man” Meadows, Rahzel, De La Soul, Chino from the Deftones, Pharrell Williams, John Oates from Hall & Oates, and many other incredibly talented artists including one of my favorite artists of all time, Jack Johnson. Breakdown can also be found as a stripped down version on Jack Johnson’s latest album but I dig this version a lot more cause he rocks the kazoo and it has a bit of knock. Enjoy it with the windows down and the sun out.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
The Faint - Take Me to the Hospital
This is the first in what will probably be a slew of tracks from bands on Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes fame, Saddle Creek label. The Faint are some boys from Omaha, Nebraska who made alright music until they discovered that sounds are really cool and then started making amazing electro clash rock with a hint of pop so that even your typical Hot Topic kid would drool over them. This track isn’t found on any of their albums that I know of. I got it off the Saddle Creek compilation that came out a couple years ago which has some other amazing stuff on it. If you just want to give yourself a crash course education on the bands on the Saddle Creek roster (such as Cursive, Azure Ray…) I highly suggest picking up this compilation. [Note:] if you like this song click their picture to go to their site and download more free songs by The Faint
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Depeche Mode - Just Can’t Get Enough
Holy Smokes! This song is so fucking amazing. I was reintroduced to this song over winter break during one of my Pop Scene sessions and it’s been stuck in my head ever since. The song just bleeds good times, dancing, and smiles. This is what I imagine a really good coke high would be like if I did coke. They have some other amazing songs and have been around for years but they seemed to be kind of lost in our generation. I highly suggest looking into getting their 81-85 Singles album if you “just can’t get enough” (please kill me) of The Depeche Mode.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
Zebrahead – Get Back
This is the song that first got me into Zebrahead. The first time I head it was in a car video, and I remember playing the video over and over again just to hear this song. It is off of their second album Waste of Mind which is good but I would really recommend two of their other albums, Playmate of the Year and MFZB. Also if you like what you hear check out “Now or Never” off of Playmate of the Year, and grab up some of their foreign albums which often come with bonus tracks, especially the ones from Japan.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Sean
The Get Up Kids - Overdue
The Get Up Kids are no longer with us. They were basically the only band from their era (The Promise Ring, Jawbreaker, Cap’n Jazz, Braid…) that lasted this long without having to break up and get back together again. I will always have a soft spot for this group for their ability to produce some of the greatest covers ever in recording history and broadening their styles but yet keeping the tracks quality the whole time. They are survived by The New Amsterdams, an acoustic side project from the lead singer of TGUK, Reggie and The Full Effect, an eclectic band fronted by the key board player, and an army of kids who wear TGUK shirts everyday. This song has always held a soft spot for me and has been a staple for many mixes I have made for people. The Get Up Kids will be on tour for the last time this summer so go check them for the first time and/or last time if you can. They put on a pretty rad show.
Buy it Now | Posted By: Austin
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