Since I've had time on my hands, I've been making icons. They're not that great -none of them have any text and they were just the products of a few clicks here and there on Photoshop. I'm not that good... Hopefully, someone will like at least one of these. Please be courteous and leave a comment if taking because it would make me happy! Also, it'd be nice if I'm credited, so that's preferred; especially my Michael Jackson ones, even if they're a bit on the bland side. 

These are what you'll find:

• Alex Turner [1]
• Julian Casablancas [2]
• The Last Shadow Puppets [1]
• Beck [2]
• Cat Power [1]
• Feist [4]
• Jens Lekman [1]
• New Buffalo [1]
• The Most Serene Republic [1]
• Tokyo Police Club [1]
• Andrew Bird [3]
• Emily Haines [3]
• Final Fantasy/Owen Pallett [1]
• Patrick Wolf [1]
• Kevin Barnes [1]
• Michael Jackson [8]

( Here we go... )

I made this for my brother and decided to share it with everyone else online.

Download .ZIP file.

01 Devendra Banhart - Sister
Keep the fire inside / And your dogs won't die / And now it's all clear / It's all clear

02 Feist - Family
And someone loved them once / And someone loves them still / And someone misses them / And someone always will

03 Hello Saferide - My Best Friend
And we talk about friends / And we talk about records / Talk about life / And we'll talk about death / And we dance in the living room

04 New Buffalo - Cheer Me Up Thank You
Wild flowers growing in the park / Summertime, and it melts into dark / Dancing together at night until two / You're cheering me up / And I thanking you

05 Cat Power - Wonderwall
So maybe / You're gonna be the one that saves me / 'Cause after all / You're my wonderwall

06 Devendra Banhart - I Feel Like Just A Child
Well, I need you to come help me reach the door / And I need you to walk me to the store / And I need you to please explain the war / And I need you to heal me when I'm sore / You can tell by my smile / That I'm a child

07 The Postal Service - Sleeping In
Don't wake me / I plan on / Sleeping in

08 I'm From Barcelona - Oversleeping
Been oversleeping on Monday / I don't care / Let's pretend it's Sunday

Second post in one day, due to boredom. A Stars-heavy - but short – playlist:

01 Stars – Elevator Love Letter
And if she likes / I’ll tell her lies / Oh how we’ll fall in love / By the morning / I don’t think she knows / That I’m saying (goodbye)

02 Bloc Party – Tulips
This could be an opportunity / If you promise to let it grow / ‘Cause you’re the one I love

03 New Buffalo – Yes
And I’ll be in your car and driving / Straight through a red light / While you’re running / Through my mind / Arrest me and say yes

04 Feist – I Feel It All
I’ll be the one who’ll break my heart / I’ll be the one to hold I gun / I know more than I knew before / I know more than I knew before

05 The Strokes – The End Has No End
He want it easy / He want it relaxed / Said I can do a lot of things / But I can’t do that / Two steps forward / Then three steps back / It won’t be easy

06 Stars – Don’t Be Afraid To Sing
I won’t pretend that I can’t see the end / But it’s far away / It’s in the distance / We’ll find a place / There is a room for two of us / The minutes drag

07 The Strokes – I’ll Try Anything Once (You Only Live Once Demo)
Sit me down / Shut me up / I’ll calm down / And I’ll get along with you

08 Stars – Midnight Coward
What can’t be decided / In the morning it will bring itself to you / I can’t see what’s coming / But I’m not saying it

I’m gonna have to give New Buffalo, a.k.a. Sally Seltmann, a spotlight here, because I couldn’t help but think “wow” when I heard “Emotional Champ,” from her second release, Somewhere, Anywhere, on my iPod. Maybe saying her voice is incredible would be considered an overstatement to some, but she definitely has something nice going on when she’s singing. Her vocals are soft; her songs contain samples and electronica influences, and even keyboard instrumentation.

Sally Seltmann’s married to a member of The Avalanches, another electronica group, and she’s buddies with Feist, and everyone knows she co-wrote “1234” with the Canadian singer. If you can trust SongFacts.com, then apparently Sally wrote a version of “1234” while listening to Feist’s Let It Die, and thought that her version was more of a Feist song, rather than sounding like an original New Buffalo tune. I’m sure, though, that Ms. Seltmann is happy for the success that “1234” received.

About Last Night is an early EP that displays New Buffalo’s general style, but The Last Beautiful Day, which was her debut LP, gave listeners something with more substance, something more promising. “I’ve Got You and You’ve Got Me (Song of Contentment)” is probably one of my favorite songs and is The Mixtape Song. “Recovery” is an impressive introduction to your first album, I’ll have to add.

New Buffalo has supported Stars while touring her latest album, which I thought to be the best album of 2007. Although the entire album wouldn’t be mainstream radio-friendly, many of the tracks shows Sally Seltmann’s growth from her About Last Night recording sessions, to where she stands now, as a shy songwriter who has the strength and ability to write evoking, poignant material.

I remember during the beginning of last year, there were a few anticipated albums up for release like Arcade Fire, Bloc Party, Feist, etc. 2008 doesn’t seem so interesting for me other than The Cure and a rumored album by The Vines. I haven’t really been up to date with any reviews, but I do have some new releases that I’ve given a listen to. I guess this is my review post in which I talk about them.

Foals – Antidotes
[download] Red Sock Pugie

When my brother recommended this band to me he described Foals as Los Campesinos! meets Bloc Party. He basically meant that the fun chants and seriousness is included in Foals’ debut album, Antidotes. This album shows boldness and is a contender for being one of the best releases of the year, I’m sure. Though not on heavy rotation at the moment, but will be soon enough, I’m sure, Foals have done a good job at presenting themselves as a promising group. A

Does It Offend You, Yeah? – Let’s Make Out
[download] Let’s Make Out (Original Edit)

This was my first listen of Does It Offend You, Yeah? and I have to admit, though Let’s Make Out was somewhat repetitive, which it ought to be, I was content with this EP. Their debut, You Have No Idea What You’re Getting Yourself Into has already leaked, and I intend to pen my opinion on it once I listen to it thoroughly, but I think I kind of know what to expect after hearing this funky, dance-tempting single. B+


Cut Copy – Lights & Music EP
[download] Lights & Music (Radio Edit)

This EP by Cut Copy was similar to Does It Offend You, Yeah?’s single, not for its substance, but for what it contains: a radio edit and remixes done by other electronica acts. “Time Stands Still” found on CC’s Bright Like Neon Love will certainly be my favorite song by the band, but the songs found on Lights & Music is definitely charming, and does justice to a person’s ears. B


The Bird and the Bee – One Too Many Hearts EP
[download (m4a)] Come As You Are

I became interested in The Bird and the Bee when I learned that Greg Kurstin, one of the two members of the group worked with Beck and Lily Allen. On the band’s website, they describe One Too Many Hearts as “a new EP of love songs.” This EP is certainly witty and has a certain subtle charm that carries irreplaceable aesthetic beauty. A+

Since tomorrow's Valentine's Day, I kind of found a purpose in making a playlist. Eight wonderful songs, most of them light melodies, are uploaded for your enjoyment.

01 Absolutely Cuckoo - The Magnetic Fields
True, I'm in love with you / But you might decide I'm a nut / Give me a week or two / To go absolutely cuckoo.

02 Sleep Tonight - Stars
You will cry / And I will cry / 'Cause all the love's / Alive tonight.

03 Brandy Alexander - Feist
He's my brandy alexander / Always gets me into trouble / But that's another matter / Brandy alexander

04 Through the Backyards - Au Revoir Simone
Baby, help me please / In knowing this / 'Cause showing never tells / Was it just a breeze? / Was it a kiss? / Breathless, exquisite chills.

05 I've Got You and You've Got Me (Song of Contentment) - New Buffalo
But when they dim the lights / Forgetting my stage fright / I find that little smile / 'Cause I've got you and you've got me.

06 Hand In Glove - The Smiths
Hand in glove / We can go wherever you please / And everything depends upon / How near you stand to me.

07 Know-How (feat. Feist) - Kings of Convenience
What is there to know? / All, this is what it is / You and me alone / Sheer simplicity

08 I Want to Hold Your Hand - The Beatles
Oh please say to me / You'll let me be your man / And please say to me / You'll let me hold your hand.

Feist, being nominated for 4 Grammys, walked away with none. I don't think her live performance of "1234" matched the studio recording of it, but nonetheless it was all good.

All I have to say is that the only notable moment during the Grammys was when Daft Punk stopped hiding themselves in their pyramid. They pretty much stole the spotlight from Kanye West after that.

I'm really bored. I mean, this is my second post in the last two hours. I guess posting about my ten favorite artists will occupy me for a bit. I'll start from a ranking of 10 - 1.
Comment: No comment. I'd just be speechless if I ever got to meet Bloc Party.

of Montreal, Bloc Party, Feist, Muse, and others will make appearances on a compilation being made for environmental benefits. Profits will go to the Energy Action Coalition (EAC). EAC is seeking for awareness of our  environment. The album's cut in two CD's, and it'll also provide some of the artists' music videos.

Disc One:

The Appletrees – ‘Look Up to the Sky’
Feist – ‘Honey Honey’ (BBC Session)
Harper Simon – ‘Henrieta’
Young Love – ‘Underground’
Muse – ‘Knights of Cydonia’ (live)
The Exit - ‘Hey Man’
Of Montreal - ‘Feminine Effects’
Pete Yorn - ‘Old Boy’
London Souls – ‘Someday’
Citizens Band - ‘Fortune Teller’
Violens – ‘Trance Like Turn’
Bloc Party - ‘The Prayer’ (Hadouken remix)
School of Seven Bells – ‘Trance Figure’
Deerhoof - ‘+81’ (BBC Session)
Juliana Hatfield – ‘Back to Freedom’
Satori – ‘Intimate Revolution’

Disc Two:

The Bad Plus – ‘Casa Particular’
Carina Round - ‘Hookah’
Asobi Seksu – ‘Strawberries’(CSS Remix)
Dragons of Zynth - ‘Xerathyn’
Earl Greyhound – ‘This Tree’
The Appletrees - ‘Messin Around’
A Place to Bury Strangers – ‘Never Going Down’
State Radio - ‘Camilo’

I decided to create a playlist because there really wasn't much to do. I tried to make the songs related to every other song included in the mix. Anyone who comes across this should enjoy, I hope you do.

01 Blue Light – Bloc Party
And you didn’t even notice / When the sky turned blue / And you couldn’t tell the difference / Between me and you / And I nearly didn’t notice / The gentlest feeling.

02 Secret Heart – Feist
Secret heart / Why so mysterious? / Why so scared? / Why so serious? / Maybe you’re / Just acting tough / Or maybe you’re just / Not man enough / What’s wrong?

03 Souvenirs – Architecture in Helsinki
I’ve got souvenirs but yesterday can’t mean too much / Have we missed an opportunity?

04 Let Go – Frou Frou
So let go / Let go / Jump in / Oh well, whatcha waiting for? / It’s alright, cause there’s beauty in the breakdown / So let go / Let go / Just get in / Oh, it’s so amazing here / It’s alright, cause there’s beauty in the breakdown.

05 The Quiz - Hello Saferide
But there are things you need to know about me / I'm weak right now / Real weak right now / I need proof before I dare to open this heart / So I prepared a quiz for you.

06 The Magic of Crashing Stars - Tender Forever
And all the phonecalls / And the nights not sleeping, sleeping, sleeping tight / Makes me wonder / How it's like when I'm with you / And I want you.

07 I'm Only Sleeping (The Beatles cover) - The Vines
Please don't wake me / No, don't shake me / Leave me where I am / I'm only sleeping.

08 Better Days Will Come - Tahiti 80
As I was / Thinking 'bout the things that you said / I looked up / To the sky and saw a cloud passing by / There must be something wrong / There must be something wrong / Better days will come.

Which isn't that weird, but it's a different "theme" in my dream patterns. I mean, I've had dreams in which I've met Bloc Party, The Strokes, and a dream that had Kevin Drew and Feist appearances. Me and Stars were on a bus. And Torquil Campbell sat next to me, haha. Each member had warm, genuine smiles.

"Look Up" is a wonderful song. 

Radiohead, apparently, doesn't hold the #1 spot for Amazon.com's Best of 2007: Top 100 Editors' Picks. Maybe I'm just being bias, but I'd have expected In Rainbows to be almost everyone's best album of the year. No offense to Feist, or her songwriting, but she holds the No. 1 spot. For The Reminder. I had to say I was a bit surprised. But as long as Bloc Party was included in the list for A Weekend In The City, I wasn't disappointed. 

I was YouTubing Hey Arnold! and stumbled upon this video of Rhonda and Curly, featuring Feist's "1234." This is worth checking out, especially if you're a fan of Hey Arnold!, which I am.

Jason Collett, who's joining Feist on her US tour, is releasing his upcoming album soon in North America, on February 5, 2008. It'll be called Here's To Begin Here, and two tracks from the album are already uploaded on Arts & Crafts called "Out of Time" and "Charlyn, Angel of Kensington." This new album has guest appearances like Andrew Whiteman from Apostle of Hustle and fellow Broken Social Scene member, and others, like Tony Scherr and Liam O'Neil.

So there are a few things that have something to do with me and that are also about music, so it's okay to write about:

• I'm really enjoying "Compliments" by Bloc Party on Silent Alarm. It's really good, I've realized. The track is a great transition after "Plans," one of the first songs by Bloc Party that I really enjoyed.
• Radiohead's In Rainbows is a great album for relaxing and doing any kind of work that isn't stressing. But if that work is stressing, then the album definitely relieves all the tensions like a nice cup of Tazo green tea.
  
• I have great pictures of Feist, Emily Haines, and The Most Serene Republic. The Feist and Emily pictures I've posted on Last.Fm, which no one votes for ...but The Most Serene Republic ones are pictures that I like keeping all to myself (not to sound obnoxious).
• A big thanks to sweetheart58  for writing about Murder Mystery on her Counting Stars On The Ceiling blog and introducing me to some really great sounds this band makes. Plus, they're acquainted with The Strokes' guru!
• This picture of Lily Allen cannot get any funnier:

Feist's "1234" is getting a lot of attention. It's on the new iPod nano commericial and the singer was even on VH1 You Oughta Know. The Reminder was also part of iTunes' Top Ten selling albums. So it seems she's under the spotlight. I'm just wondering whether this is a good or bad thing for New Buffalo a.k.a. Sally Seltmann, who wrote 1234 for Feist.

Feist even has her songs on commercials for Verizon, Lacost, Apple, and even HSBC. New Buffalo, as much as I know had a song from her debut about, The Last Beautiful Day on a Crest commercial.

Broken Social Scene's core member Kevin Drew has his solo album Spirit If... coming out for release sometime in September. It's already been leaked and is now available for download. Through his first album, Kevin Drew shows skill, and the ability to make quality music.

A lot of songs on the album are really good. For instance, "F-Ked Up Kid" is an easy song to listen to anytime, anywhere, and it's also one of the best of the album. "Safety Bricks," which was performed live with Feist on KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic gives nice melodies and rhythms. This song is one of the positive parts of the almost perfect record. The negative part of this album is "Back Out On The...;" a lot of the album is pretty good. Almost every song was good. However, this is the song that prevents the album from being perfect. But that's not a bad thing; most albums have at least one song that you could do without.

Feist's 1 2 3 4 is one of the most spiffy songs on her album, The Reminder. But not only is her song good, so is the music video for it. The choreography is wonderful and it really looks like a lot of work had been done in order to make the video perfect. The visuals of the video just add so much more energy into the song, that you'll just be forced to watch the video over and over again. Plus, you can tell Feist's dancing has improved since the video for One Evening.

Feist's recent album, The Reminder is to be released May 1, 2007. However, the album has already been released and fans have surely already downloaded the set of tunes. The Reminder has tracks that sort of sound like other songs Feist has produced, but that doesn't change the quality of the album.

So Sorry, the starting track of the album, is alright. I won't say it's the best song on the album because frankly, it isn't. It seems longer than it should be and the song is only about three and a half minutes long. But just because one song isn't good, the rest of her music isn't bad. I Feel It All is decent sounding. It reminds me of Inside and Out, from Feist's 2004 album, Let It Die. When it was done playing, I was actually surprised at how quick it seemed to go by.

In My Moon My Man, Feist's vocals seems to shine out a bit more than the previous tracks from the record. If you'll like My Moon My Man, then I highly suggest that you listen to Look Up by Stars. The way that the lyrics are sung by being stretched out in both songs, one could note the similarities. However, this song seems a little more energetic but not too much.

Feist's next album, The Reminder is coming out soon, so I thought that maybe I would remind some of you about that. The release date of the album is set out to be May 1, 2007. Feist's Open Season had a collection of remixes of her own songs recreated by stars like The Postal Service and Apostle of Hustle. Some tracks were songs she produced on her own.

The Reminder is already leaked, however, and I'm sure fans have already downloaded the tunes already. I haven't downloaded it just yet, but I intend on doing so. My expectations for the album are high; songs like One Evening and Inside and Out were excellent, along with others.

The following is a track list from her awaited upcoming album:

I really did like One Evening from Let it Die (2004). The video features Feist (who isn't the greatest dancer) dancing and a lot of bright lights. Despite the distractions, the song was pretty cool.