To listen to Cat Power and find out more about her, visit:
www.matadorrecords.com/cat_power
www.myspace.com/catpower

Sounds like: A little Janis Joplin mixed with some Joni Mitchell, as calm and unrushed as molasses.

FYI: Cat Power’s first covers record was called just that, The Covers Record, released in 2000. It featured such interesting reinterpretations of songs like (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, made famous by the Rolling Stone’s and Moby Grape’s Naked, If I Want to, which has also been redone for Jukebox.

Tidbit: Two Cat Power cover songs (popularly featured in commercials), have yet to appear on an album. They are Cat Stevens’ How Can I Tell You and Blondie’s Hanging on The Telephone.

Below is the tracklist for the album, including the names of the artists that originally made the songs famous. It should be noted as well that the last five songs are only included on the Deluxe album.

1. New York (Frank Sinatra)
2. Ramblin’ (Wo)man (Hank Williams)
3. Metal Heart (new version of original Cat Power song, from the Moon pix album)
4. Silver Stallion (The Highwaymen)
5. Aretha, Sing One For Me (George Jackson)
6. Lost Someone (James Brown)
7. Lord, Help The Poor And Needy (Jessie Mae Hemphill)
8. I Believe In You (Bob Dylan)
9. Song To Bobby (New Cat Power)
10. Don’t Explain (Billie Holiday)
11. Woman Left Lonely (Janis Joplin)
12. Blue (Joni Mitchell)
13. I Feel (Hot Boys)
14. Naked, If I Want To (Moby Grape, previously done for 2000′s The Covers Album)
15. Breathless (Nick Cave)
16. Angelitos Negros (Roberta Flack)
17. She’s Got You (Patsy Cline)

Standout Tracks: New York, Metal Heart, I Believe In You, Don’t Explain, Naked If I Want To, She’s Got You

Best Played: Each song has it’s own mood really, but mostly it’s a CD to mellow out, think, and appreciate life to.

Suggested Research: House of the Rising Sun (from 2006′s Itunes Live Session), I Don’t Blame You, Free, He War (all from 2003′s You Are Free), I Found a Reason (from 2000′s The Covers Album), The Greatest, Lived in Bars (both from 2006′s The Greatest) and Rockets (from 1995′s Dear Sir)

Current Resume: Dear Sir (1995), What Would the Community Think (1996), Moon Pix (1998), The Covers Record (2000), You Are Free (2003), The Greatest (2006), Live Session Itunes Exclusive (2006), Up and Gone – single (2007), Jukebox (2008)

Not that anyone is probably ‘checking back in’ on my blog quite yet, given that it only really began a few days ago, but for those who do come to my blog expecting me to post twice or thrice a day, my apologies… for a few days this week, I will have a life. A very snowy, ski-oriented life. However, I will not be leaving you (imaginary) readers empty handed. For your listening pleasure, I give you Exopolis’ very indie, very offbeat Valentine’s day mixtape, streaming online (even though Valentines day has already gone by). Personal favorites on the list? I’ll kill her, by Soko and I wanna hold your hand by T.V. Carpio. Enjoy!:

http://mixtape08.exopolis.com/

To listen to Darcie Miner, and find out more about her, visit:
www.DarcieMiner.net
www.myspace.com/darcieminer

Sounds like: Bonnie Raitt’s quality of tone, Joan Osborne’s confidence and Tracy Chapman’s bare-bones delivery.

FYI: Darcie has covered two fan favorites from two very different popular male musicians: Ohio, by Neil Young (on the Cinnamon Girl Charity Album, mentioned in my previous post), and Come Pick Me up, originally by Ryan Adams, on 2007′s Dm

As is probably already obvious, I have a soft spot for singers with a flair for romantic realism (and yes, I realize how bizarre those two are together). Now, I haven’t gone through enough heartbreak myself to know from experience what they’re singing about, but that’s where the true gift comes in. It requires a great deal of skill and a certain heart-on-your-sleeve quality to sing about life’s beautiful disasters and inspire in others such vivid imagery as to help them imagine just what it must feel like, whether they themselves have ever felt it or not. As I’ve recently discovered, this is a talent Darcie Miner has in spades. Inspired by her cover of Ohio (mentioned as a standout track on the Neil Young Cover Album, Cinnamon Girl, in my previous post), I immediately went off in search of further songs by the unfamiliar artist. Imagine my surprise when I found she had previously covered another of my favorite songs to wonderful results, one originally written and sung by one of the few men included in my ‘romantic realist’ group of favorites. This song is Ryan Adam’s Come Pick Me Up. However, fantastic covers aside (a skill I commend her for btw, as making someone fall in love with one of their favorite songs all over again is no easy feat), I downloaded both of Darcie’s currently listed itune CD’s, and have no doubt they will be in circulation for a long time to come.

Standout Tracks: A Lot to Lose (from 2006′s The Fragile EP), Trainwreck In Pennsylvania, Come Pick Me Up (from 2007′s Dm)

Best Played: on those wonderfully dreary drives through a drizzling rain, to pump some life back into life

Current Resume: The Fragile EP (2006), Dm (2007)

Sounds like: Fantastic, feminine reinterpretations and direct covers of Neil Young. Plain and simple.

For people very firmly rooted in Neil Young’s now classic music remaining untouched, this is not the CD for you. Neither is it for you if you’re not prepared to hear some of your favorite female artists singing a style yet unheard from them. However, those listed above will be sorely missing out, because ‘Cinnamon Girl’ is a wonderful example of a charity/cover album done right. Populated by some of the best female singers and songwriters around, the CD pays a wonderful homage to Neil, and yet stands alone as it’s own creation. The songs are mostly of the stripped bare variety, with just the bare essentials needed, and it works in every instance. All in all, a great CD, with endless talent and heart, worthy of many, many listens.

Album Sales Benefit: Casting for Recovery, a national non-profit support and educational program for women who have or had breast cancer.

Artists include: Tanya Donelly, Britta Phillips, Kate York, Lori McKenna, Jill Sobule with John Doe, Veruca Salt, Josie Cotton, Dala, Darcie Miner, Carmen Townsend, Euro-trash Girl, Julie Peel, Luff, Elk City, Amilia K. Spicer, Louise Post, The Watson Twins, Kristin Hersh, Cindy Wheeler, Heidi Gluck

Standout Tracks: Comes a Time covered by Kate York, A Man Needs a Maid covered by Dala, Ohio covered by Darcie Miner (and another by Dala, both great), Powderfinger covered by the Watson Twins, Walk On covered by Heidi Gluck

Best Played: whenever you need a female singalong moment with Neil Young

Sounds Like: The Killers meet the Arctic Monkeys meet Modest Mouse.

The British Sea Power are not your typical rock band. Sure, in recent years they’ve garnered comparison to the Arcade Fire (perhaps unfairly, as they’ve been around longer), but it’s probably more accurate to put them into a category with a band like the Pixies. Still an unfair comparison, and one greater than they can live up to at present, but that’s the point. They are a band that, though currently falling short of the expectations held for them, soldier on and create great, interesting, colorful music. In fact, the band is fond of taking to the stage in vintage military uniforms, though it’s not an ironic scene. Somehow, despite the potted plants and starched army pants, they come off instead as endearing, and their music in the past had served to only increase those feelings. Maybe that was why I had hoped to defend them against the comparisons they seem so bogged down by upon hearing ‘Do You Like Rock Music?’, and after listening to it I have no doubts this CD will garner them a vast audience and success they have yet to experience before. Unfortunately, as occasionally happens with bands trying new things, The British Sea Power made the unfortunate mistake of losing some of the uniqueness that made them so easy to defend in the past. ‘Do You Like Rock Music?’ is an accessible, interesting, well-made album, if a little earnest in the delivery, and the songs are fun, dance worthy rock songs, but they lack the heart of their previous, deeper thinking, soul searching songs. ‘Do You Like Rock Music?’ has the makings of a successful album, and will do the band wonders in gaining them new fans, but to keep them they will need to bring back some of what they have lost beneath newfound producers and editing. Until then, this newest CD will take a back seat to ‘Open Season’ on my playlist.

Standout Tracks:All In it, Waving Flags, Atom, Everybody Must Be Saved

Best Played: while bouncing around your room or car with your best buds.

Current Resume: The Decline of the British Sea Power (2003), Open Season (2005), Krankenhaus? – EP (2007), Do You Like Rock Music? (2008)

Recommended research: Remember Me (off 2003′s The Decline of the British Sea Power), Please Stand Up, To Get to Sleep, Oh Larsen B (all from 2005′s Open Season)

I don’t know about you, but I’m no stranger to mixing sometimes unconventional flavors to suit my stomach’s latest whim. Lately, those cravings have strayed towards new interpretations of the classic staples fruit and cheese, particularly during breakfast. To most people, breakfast is either sweet or savory. They don’t dare experiment beyond having bacon with their eggs and toast. However, should you find you suddenly have a bit of extra time the morning of Valentine’s day, and perhaps an urge to try something new, indulge yourself and your loved one with one of my favorite breakfast recipes: eggs with aged gouda and cranberry pancakes, best accompanied with bacon on the side (to dip in the syrup, of course!). Both simple, easy to accomplish recipes, and they will probably only take minutes longer than your usual breakfast routine (though some of the ingredients may have to be bought specifically for the recipe). So, shall we begin?

Eggs with Aged Gouda:
Now, there are plenty of ways to do this, and it all depends on your tolerance for cheese and your favorite style of eggs. My personal choice? Scrambled, with copious amounts of shredded gouda on top. However, this is the part of the meal where preference is key to enjoyment, so improvise as you see fit. The only thing you’ll need to get that might be outside of your usual grocery list is a wedge of great aged gouda. I get mine from Cowgirl Creamery in San Francisco, but if you’re not a foggy city resident, make sure you sample some of your options till you find one to your tastes. Once that’s out of the way, add as you see fit to your favorite eggs. You won’t be sorry.

Cranberry Pancakes
This is my little twist on the standard blueberry pancakes that were such a treat when I was growing up. Mind you, I’m only 18, but tastes change quick when you follow your tongue and your stomach, and though pancakes will always have a soft spot for me, I find I’ve lost the taste for the small, hot explosions the blueberry versions are known for. Instead, I’ve moved on to a more tangy relative: The Cranberry. Now, I prefer the delightfully chewy dried versions, but if you’re still fond of the dripping juice so reminiscent of blueberries, the recipe is just as easily completed with halved cranberries, though it’s a bit more time consuming (as you’ll have to halve them yourself… every single one). Since this is about my ideal breakfast recipe however, I’ll stick to the dried version.

P.S: Not alone for breakfast? Just double as you see necessary, or, if these pancakes are not to your liking, add cranberries to your own favorite recipe.

Needed Ingredients:
Makes a dozen 5-inch buttermilk pancakes. Total Prep Time – 25 min.

1 1/2 cups delicious dried cranberries (feel free to use restraint or add more)
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tbsp. white sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
3 eggs
1/3 cup melted butter
3 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup milk

Directions:

1. Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt ,sugar, baking powder) in one large bowl and mix together till unable to be separated. In a separate bowl, beat together wet ingredients (milk, eggs, butter, buttermilk). Do not mix the two bowls together until you’re ready to cook!

2. Heat a lightly oiled pan or griddle over a medium to high heat flame. Tip: flick a few drops of water on the surface of the pan. If it beads up, dances around and sizzles, the pan is ready to be used, and you’re ready to mix your ingredients.

3. Mix the wet and dry mixtures together and stir until blended, but not runny. Add cranberries to the mixture. Tip: You do not want to over stir the batter. It should still have a slightly grainy quality to the surface. If it’s too wet, your pancakes will not be fluffy.

4. Now you can begin to cook. Personally, I use a 1/2 cup measuring cup as my spoon, and fill about 2/3 of the cup for the perfect size pancake. Pour mixture into pan, brown on both sides and serve hot. Tip: if you’ve not made pancakes before, bubbles will rise to the surface of the pancake to let you know it’s cooking in the middle. Once enough have popped and the bottom is browned, you can carefully flip it.

There you have it! A breakfast fit for bohemian royalty (and you wouldn’t believe how great your apartment will smell after). Just add a side of bacon to dip in the overflow of syrup (I personally prefer the healthier, crispier turkey alternative), and you’ll find that breakfast will once again become your favorite meal of the day. Use caution however… this meal might just be habit forming.

To listen to Ingrid Michaelson, and find out more about her, visit:
www.ingridmichaelson.com
www.myspace.com/ingridmichaelson

Sounds like: The result of a crazy one night stand between The Weepies and Kate Nash

It’s hard to say how long Ingrid Michaelson has been around. She only has two CD’s on itunes, both of which were made in the past 5 years, and one feature on a recent Joshua Radin song “Sky”. Despite seeming to only recently join the scene however, Ingrid Michaelson’s quirky songs speak to years of experience, both musical and otherwise. Heartwarming and heartbreaking, her lyrically excellent songs speak of just how bittersweet life, love and music truly can be. From the brisk cautionary schoolyard song “Charlie”, to the sweet love song about acceptance that is “The Way I Am”, Ingrid’s views on life and relationships are as faceted as her skill with her craft. A truly talented singer/songwriter, I wholeheartedly believe she is on the verge of becoming an enormous success, without compromising a single thing. Until then however, she’ll just have to be contented with being one of indie pop music’s best kept secrets.

Standout Tracks: Die Alone, Breakable, The Way I Am

Best Played: Anytime you need to smile.

Current Resume: Slow the Rain (2005), Girls and Boys (2007), featured on Joshua Radin’s Unclear Sky – EP (2008)

Recommended Research: Let Go, Charlie, I’ll See You In My Dreams, all off of 2005′s Slow The Rain

Sounds like: Iron & Wine’s mellow instrumental work, meets Django Reinhardt’s melodic prowess, meets Feist’s expressive lyrics and vocal talent.

FYI: Yes, that is a melancholy cover of Britney Spear’s Toxic at the end of her album.

In the past, Apple has been known to ‘make’ artists with their clever ad campaigns, from the chaos of their colorful iPod ads to the calm minimalism of their Mac ads. However, not even they could’ve predicted the sudden success of Yael Naïm’s self-titled american debut upon being featured in the much anticipated 08′ Macbook Air commercial (shown below). A native of Paris, France, Yael was born to a Jewish-Sephardi family, and moved to Israel when she was very young. Her multi-cultural upbringing is perhaps best expressed on the first track of her album, titled ‘Paris’. On it she sings in both Hebrew and French. However, despite being brought up world’s apart, Yael’s music is very relevant to music today in the USA, and undoubtedly much of the new fan base she has gained will continue to support this talented songstress and her sweet, lyrical folk vocals in the future.

Standout Tracks: New Soul, Levater (hebrew), Lonely, Far Far

Best Played During: Mellow romantic evenings in with the one you love.

Sounds Like: Snow Patrol and the Foo Fighters indie lovechild

For those who are familiar with Nada Surf, their latest release ‘Lucky’ may come as a surprise. At first listen, Lucky seems almost saccharine in comparison to previous albums, but don’t mistake the new, brighter sound and catchier lyrics for insincerity or excessive cheese. Lucky is just the latest evolution of a band who has been honing their craft for over a decade. For some diehard fans, Lucky has the potential to be a let down, but ignoring comparisons with albums of old, this newest venture by Matthew Caws, Ira Elliot and Daniel Lorca is a wonderful showcase of their talent and continued drive to create great, upbeat albums. And though some fans might not like the idea of sharing one of indie rock/pop’s best kept secrets, Lucky has the potential to garner the affection of a much broader and more varied audience than Nada Surf has ever had before.

Standout Tracks: See These Bones, Whose Authority, Here Goes Something, From Now On

Best Played During: Long, sunny day drives with the top down.

Current Resume: High/low (1996), The Proximity Effect (1998), Let Go (2002), Live in Brussels (2004), The Weight is a Gift (2005), Karmic – EP (2007), Lucky (2008)

Recommended research: Blankest Year (off 2005′s The Weight is a Gift), Inside of Love (off 2003′s Let Go), Popular (off 1996′s High/Low)