TV on the Radio, "Family Tree"

Photo by Josh Rothstein, rollingstone.com

Gerard Smith, TVOTR's bassist, has lost his battle with lung cancer.  He was 36.  Here is a beautiful song from Dear Science, the first album for which he was a full-fledged member of the band (he contributed to Return to Cookie Mountain before that).

Marlena Shaw, "California Soul"

Unbelievably, I'm only 42 years late to the party on this one... originally written by Ashford and Simpson and performed by the 5th Dimension in 1968.  Not exactly sure why a dancing Garfield shows up halfway through this YouTube clip.  H/T CJ.

Peter Gabriel, "The Book of Love" (Magnetic Fields cover)

Another one brought on by Mike's and Morgan's wedding, here's Peter Gabriel covering the Magnetic Fields' song for his album Scratch My Back.  Maura and I were fortunate to witness Gabriel's show last year at Radio City Music Hall, the first half of which was a performance of the album in its entirety... with a 52-piece orchestra. It was fantastic, especially this song.

The Beatles, "I've Just Seen a Face"

Thanks to Maura's cousin's wedding in Austin, we've been singing this one for the past week.  Love it.  Depending on which side of the pond you're on, it's either from Help! (U.K.) or Rubber Soul (U.S.).  Unless you're from the 21st Century, in which case it's on iTunes.  Enjoy.

The Mudbugs, "Je Suis Fière de Toi"

Straight outta Wellington, meet the Mudbugs.  If you think Kansas Cajun sounds ridiculous, you're ridiculous.  Give it a chance... I think it will be worth it.  For further discovery, see their mini-documentary of their trip to NYC for the Prairie Home Companion Battle of the Bands.  Enjoy.

TV On The Radio, "Halfway Home"

What?!  Three Brooklyn bands in a row?  Yes.  These guys are one of my favorite bands of the last few years, and this track is one of the best, from the album Dear Science.  Dig it.

Sleigh Bells, "Riot Rhythm"

Back-to-Back Brooklyn Bombs.  Killer track, first impressed upon these unsuspecting Brooklyn ears by friends in Madison.  Imagine that.  Bonus points for a nice video.  H/T J&J.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs, "Turn Into"

OK.  So I have to pace myself, or I'm liable to post 20 straight songs by these guys.  I love this one, especially Karen O's drawn-out phrasing--"I'll hear it in my head re-eal lo-o-ow..." 

The Secret Machines, "Sad and Lonely"

To be honest, I'd never heard of these self-described "space rockers" from Dallas until a friend tipped me off recently.  The noisiness and the atmospheric sounds of the percussion are pretty mesmerizing.  It feels like straight-ahead rock, but the vocals and the guitar solos give it something of a lazy drawl.  Trip the light, rock out, and enjoy.  H/T VS.

The Polyphonic Spree, "Lithium" (Nirvana Cover)

Deliriously exuberant take on Nirvana (fitting, I suppose)... sounds much like the original, but looks nothing like it.  The Spree is from Dallas, which is of course why I'm posting it today.  Lace up your white Nikes, grab your purple blanket, and enjoy the show.