Haven't We Seen This Before?

The other day I heard "Relator", the first single off Break Up, the album that Scarlett Johansson and Pete Yorn will be releasing in September. The story behind the collaboration goes something like this: Pete's suffering from a bout of insomnia and not able to write anything for awhile. Sleep eventually catches up to him and when he wakes up the whole idea of recording with Scarlett was in his head. I was going to comment that this translated to Pete saw the reception that She & Him received and went and copied them. However, Scarlett and Pete had to ruin all that by recording Break Up in 2006. At least they only paraphrase the Beatles ("Now I'm away / I write home everyday") instead of putting words over what sounds like a White Album song (i.e. "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here")

I have to confess that I don't find "Relator" all that bad. To say that Scarlett doesn't have the best voice in the world would be an understatement, but for some reason I think it works okay here. I only heard one track off Scarlett's album of Tom Waits covers, but that was enough for me to know I'd probably enjoy listening to Yoko Ono cover Dave Matthews more. I like Tom Waits' music and hate to hear it ruined.

Anyway, if you'd like to hear and vote on Scarlett and Pete's duet, you can do so at Popsugar

Please be out in time for Autumn!!!

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for The National , this is partly due to all of us being from Ohio and being born in November I've adopted "Mr. November" as my personal theme song. For some reason though, when I'm asked to list favorite bands, they either appear late in the list or not at all. However, every autumn I have them in heavy rotation. To me their music is the prefect soundtrack to crisp air, orange leaves falling to the ground, amber sunlight, and the feel of a sweater.

Currently they are out on the road and playing some new material. From the songs I've heard, it sounds like the new album is going to be just as strong as Alligator and Boxer. The only problem is that I have not found a single release date or guess of when it might be out.

When it comes to Matt Berninger's baritone, I've been pretty indifferent. I think its really added to some songs (i.e. "Brainy"), but I've never been a fist pumper for his vocals. He wasn't been on my short list of Favorite vocalist, but after hearing him perform a song going by "Runaway", I think a slot has just opened up on that list.

When Bad Covers Attack.

(500)Days of Summer, the latest indie kids (Zooey Deschanel/Joseph Gordon-Levitt), in an "indie" movie, set to a indie soundtrack (Feist, Regina Spector, Black Lips, and Doves), opens in select theaters today. I pretty much know nothing about this film, except that every time I see a commercial for it, I think of that other film about Nick and Norah and their really long playlist.

She & Him also appear on the soundtrack to butcher what in my opinion is the Smiths' best song, "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want". You can hear the mess on Stereogum.

Now don't get me wrong, I usually love all things Zooey (especially her eyes), but I find the cover terrible. I have also never gotten the whole She & Him thing. The song "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here" sounds just too much like a late Beatles song. Zooey has a good voice...for jazz music. I just don't think it sounds good when backed up with rock music. I have also never really enjoyed M. Ward.

Clayhill did a great cover of "Please...", which may be better than the original and was featured in the film This is England, a film I have seen and I highly recommend.

Carl Abraham R.I.P.

Carl Abraham passed away last Thursday night after battling cancer. He was a one of the good guys and a great friend.

If you haven't seen it, check out the feature "Carl's Crazy Costume Crash"

Wait There a Minute Jacksons!

Don't go burying Michael just yet. His spirit might want its earthly shell back.

Viewers who tuned into Tales from the Crypt, I mean Larry King Live, got a tour of Michael's Neverland Ranch, and who do you think might have shown up for the cameras?

That's right, Michael's ghost, or it might be John Lennon's ghost who decided to take this opportunity to get his songs back. Either way, something or somebody walks pass the doorway.