Albums -- A: Are You Experienced, Jimi Hendrix Experience

Song: "Manic Depression"

Jimi Hendrix:   Web site

DJ comments: I was in eighth grade, nose buried in a "greatest albums of all-time" list (back before the Internet and the ubiquitous influence of lists on music writing), and discovering that all those big records in my dad's collection are actually kinda cool. This album was something like #5 or #6. "Purple Haze" was kinda cool, but "Manic Depression" had me hooked. — cwc

Albums -- B: Beauty and the Beat, the Go-Go's

Song: "How Much More"

The Go-Go's:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: A perfect pop song. Don't dismiss this band as just the "We Got the Beat" girls. — cwc

Albums -- C: Coast to Coast Motel, G. Love and Special Sauce

Song: "Sweet Sugar Mama"

G. Love:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Wonder if G. Love will ever reschedule that show from back in January? Until then, no video. — cwc

Albums -- D: Dig Your Own Hole, The Chemical Brothers

Song: "Setting Sun"

Chemical Brothers:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: This is about the only way I listen to either of the brothers Gallagher from Oasis these days. — cwc

Albums -- E: Eight Arms to Hold You, Veruca Salt

Song: "Volcano Girls"

Veruca Salt:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I nearly played ANOTHER Jolie Holland song, but decided to go back to that wonderful 90's girl Alt-rock band, Veruca Salt. Taking their name from the spoiled bitch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory character, Veruca Salt released their best selling album Eight Arms to Hold You in 1997.

Be sure to check out the video if you like EXPLOSIVE GIRL ROCKAGE! — BJ

Albums -- F: Fleet Foxes, Fleet Foxes

Song: "White Winter Hymnal"

Fleet Foxes:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: All hail Sub Pop Records. — BJ

Be sure to watch the video.

Albums -- G: Gulag Orkestar, Beirut

Song: "Postcards From Italy"

Beirut:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: My favorite "G" album of all time -- it's incredible from start to finish. I guess that's why I've served a ladle-full of Beirut instead of a spoonful. — BJ

Albums -- H: Hello Love, The Be Good Tanyas

Song: "Opal"

The Be Good Tanyas:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Jolie Holland's old band with a couple other ladies. They have since lost my favorite leading lady, but continue on with a few new members, including one dude. Maybe they should change their names to the Be Good Tanyas... and Tom. — BJ

Old Be Good Tanyas, "The Littlest Birds"

Albums -- I: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, Public Enemy

Song: "Prophets of Rage"

Public Enemy:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I am quite hostile. — cwc

Albums -- J: The Joshua Tree, U2

Song: "Bullet the Blue Sky"

U2:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: So yeah, I get this album, and the first three tracks are the dynamite singles ("Where the Streets Have No Name," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," and "With or Without You"). And then THIS song comes on (followed by the polar opposite "Running to Stand Still"). Whoa. Anyone who argues that "Achtung Baby" is U2's best album (including you, Chuck Klosterman) needs to recognize... — cwc

Albums -- K: Kids soundtrack, various artists

Song: "Spoiled," Sebadoh

Sebadoh:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I've always been more of a Folk Implosion fan when it comes to Lou Barlow, but this Sebadoh song really stands out among myriad FI songs on the Kids soundtrack. That's a soundtrack you should own, and Sebadoh's III is fantastic too. — cwc

"Spoiled" bookends the trailer below.

Albums -- L: Loveless, My Bloody Valentine

Song: "Soon"

My Bloody Valentine:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments:These guys are reunited and playing in Chicago this weekend. And what will I be doing this weekend? Hosting a couples night with my wife's friends. I SUCK — cwc

Albums -- M: Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, Sigur Rós

Song: "Gobbledigook"

Sigur Rós:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: What an album title! This is the newest Sigur Ros album (their fifth, which was released this June. That crazy title means "With a Buzz in Our Ears We Play Endlessly."

If you get tired of listening to the band sing in some language you don't understand, you should check out track 11. "All Alright" is their first album song sung in English. — BJ

Apparently this video has adult content (I'm assuming some man ham), so you'll have to settle for the making the video for this song. If you're super eager, go to http://www.youtube.com/verify_age?next_url=/watch%3Fv%3DpuC0UeWLjM8.

Albums -- N: Naturally, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Song: "You're Gonna Get It"

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Sing it, sister! — BJ

Albums -- O: Odessey and Oracle, The Zombies

Song: "A Rose For Emily"

The Zombies:   Wikipedia

DJ comments: The Zombies were one of those British bands unable to achieve well-deserved fame because of the immense popularity of The Beatles and other well-known popsters. They really weren't highly regarded until after they disbanded.

Odessey and Oracle (1968) is by far their most famous album (Rolling Stone has it ranked as 80 of the 500 all-time best albums). After one listen, you won't wonder why. Check it out if you don't already own this spectacular 12-song piece. — BJ

Albums -- P: The Photo Album, Death Cab For Cutie

Song: "We Laugh Indoors"

Death Cab For Cutie:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I had a really hard time deciding between Alela Diane's Pirate's Gospel, Nick Drake's Pink Moon and this Death Cab album. Since music is so strongly associated with my memories, I decided to go with the one that's produced the most responses in my temporal lobe. — BJ

Albums -- Q: The Queen Is Dead, The Smiths

Song: "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out"

Smiths:   Smiths' fan site

DJ comments: This song should have been used in one of the '80s "Brat Pack" movies, perhaps "St. Elmo's Fire" or something. — cwc

Albums -- R: Revolver, The Beatles

Song: "Tomorrow Never Knows"

Beatles:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: From "Revolver," the fourth-best album of all time (behind the Cure's "Disintegration"; today's L entry, My Bloody Valentine's "Loveless"; and the Velvet Underground's first record, I give you "Tomorrow Never Knows." When you hear the opening line of this song, the transition into the next song, the PIxies' "Where Is My Mind," is nothing short of brilliant (just ask me). — cwc

Albums -- S: Surfer Rosa, Pixies

Song: "Where Is My Mind"

Pixies:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I almost double-dipped on Kim Deal. I'll have to save some old-school Breeders for another show. — cwc

Albums -- T: Three Feet High and Rising, De La Soul

Song: "Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin's Revenge)"

De La Soul:   MySpace

DJ comments: How the first two De La Soul albums ("De La Soul Is Dead" being the second) aren't more universally loved blows my mind. Then again, I'd probably get all possessive about it if they were more popular. But still, listen to this song. — cwc

Albums -- U: The Ugly Organ, Cursive

Song: "Some Red Handed Sleight of Hand"

Cursive:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Haven't heard this one from the Omaha-based band in a while. — BJ

Albums -- V: Vampire Weekend, Vampire Weekend

Song: "Mansford Roof"

Vampire Weekend:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Here you are, Freshmen. Just in case your local townie radio stations weren't up to heads on Vampire Weekend, this was a huge one last year.

Chris and I have often discussed how hilarious it was to watch the hipster following on this album. At first, EVERYONE loved it -- "Best album of the year!" Then a week or two later, it's popularity just sank -- "So not cool anymore!" Make up your damn mind, tight-jean-wearing-Onion-reading-Picador-dance-night-attending wannabe! — BJ

Albums -- W: Weather Systems, Andrew Bird

Song: "I"

Andrew Bird:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: The man is a true product of the University of Iowa (his parents met here, as stated in previous entries). Everything you hear on an album is played by Bird. He is simply one of the most talented musicians on the market right now. — BJ

Albums -- X: XO, Elliott Smith

Song: "Bled White"

DJ comments: Yes, Chris played a song from this album last week. I just wanted to show how truly great it is by repeating the same album.

X is a hard letter! — BJ

Albums -- Y: You Forgot It In People, Broken Social Scene

Song: "Lover's Spit"

Broken Social Scene:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: By far the best Broken Social Scene album. I've probably listened to this one more than any other disc/vinyl/file I have or will ever own. Buy it now if you don't own it. — BJ

Albums -- Z: Z, My Morning Jacket

Song: "Wordless Chorus"

My Morning Jacket:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: In all honesty, I can't listen to this album anymore. It has been played to DEATH at Joe's Place. Despite that, I loved it at one point. If you haven't heard it too much, check out My Morning Jacket at the University of Iowa this fall. — BJ

Albums -- A: Aenima, Tool

Song: "Forty-Six & Two"

Tool:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: It's hard to believe this album came out in 1996. This is the one that hooked me on Tool, though I didn't start listening until 2002 or 2003 (thanks to an old friend who forced me to sit down and watch the band's videos).

Just in case some of you haven't heard already, Tool will have three songs featured on future Guitar Hero games. This is taken from the Web site:

Guitar Hero fans from all over the world will be able to rock out to "Parabola" and Grammy-award winning "Schism" from Tool's critically-acclaimed 2001 album Lateralus in addition to "Vicarious" from their 2006 Grammy-award winning album 10,000 Days.

I'm not sure that you can say a band sells out if they put music on Guitar Hero anymore... it seems EVERYONE is doing it.

Last thing, I swear. If you like Tool, especially this album, you should check out Bill Hicks and see if you notice any parallels. Aenima was dedicated to Hicks and some of the songs are drawn from his stand-up comedy. For instance, the lyrics from the song Aenima were drawn from Hick's Arizona Bay -- you can listen to that by watching the video posted below. I will note that Hicks is known for his potty mouth, so don't put this one on with the kiddies around. — BJ

Aw, c'mon! I want the song about getting fisted!!!! — cwc

Album -- B: Black Sheep Boy, Okkervil River

Song: "For Real"

Okkervil River:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Last week I played a song from O.R. stating I wasn't a huge fan and that I was unsure of the album as a whole. This week I decided to match that song and those comments with the album with which I'm most familiar. Black Sheep Boy plays at Donnelly's (my stomping grounds) a lot thanks to a couple of our bartenders.

Just in case you know nothing about the band, you should check out their album art. It's the same guy and he does a fantastic job for them and several other artists -- check him out. — BJ

HONORABLE MENTION:

• B.R.M.C., Black Rebel Motorcycle Club


• Back to Black, Amy Winehouse


• Backyard Tent Set, Caroline Smith And The Good Night Sleeps


• Blue Screen Life, Pinback


• Boneclouds, Mason Jennings

Albums -- C: CrazySexyCool, TLC

Song: "Diggin' On You"

TLC:   Wiki

DJ comments: I know Chris probably hates me for playing this, but it is one of my all-time favorite "C" albums -- I just have so many good memories/associations that accompany this one.

I remember sitting in my room in the 5th grade, lounging on a horrible looking green leather chair, reading my Goosebumps with this album playing. That same year (1997), two of my friends and I entered East Elementary's talent contest with a grand idea. We dressed as the members of TLC (baggy clothes with one girl sporting the Left Eye black dash) and lip sank "Waterfalls" while standing behind a cardboard cutout that was supposed to look like ocean waves. It was painted at least four different shades of blue because the ink kept running out of our markers. But here's the best part -- we brought the audience into the act by spraying them with water bottles. To this day people still tell us we were the bee's knees that day. — BJ

Click here if you actually want to watch the video.

Albums -- D: Destroyers Rubies, Destroyer

Song: "Painter In Your Pocket"

Destroyer:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Destroyers Rubies, the sixth LP from Destroyer, was another HMH (Hipster Must Hear) when it was released in 2006. I couldn't stop listening for a good month, even if Dan Bejar's voice can be a little much sometimes. — BJ

I love the fan videos:

Albums -- E: Entertainment!, Gang of Four

Song: "Ether"

Gang of Four:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Without these guys, Bloc Party would not be possible. — cwc

Albums -- F: Fevers and Mirrors, Bright Eyes

Song: "The Calendar Hung Itself..."

Bright Eyes:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Conor at his most Robert Smith-ish. — cwc

Albums -- G: The Gray Race, Bad Religion

Song: "A Walk"

Bad Religion:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: The coolest voice in the punk genre. — cwc

Albums -- H: Hearts of Oak, Ted Leo + the Pharmacists

Song: "2nd Ave., 11 A.M."

Ted Leo + the Pharmacists:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I almost played DJ Sammy's techno version of Bryan Adams's "Heaven" here, but thought better of it. After seeing Brittany's "C" entry, I might reconsider. — cwc

Albums -- I: In Utero, Nirvana

Song: "Heart Shaped Box"

Nirvana:   MySpace   Wiki

DJ comments: Everyone knows Nirvana. We love In Utero. I especially love the cameo lineup for the video "Heart Shaped Box": Jesus, a fat woman with no skin, a stellar pair of purple pants, and all of Iowa City's aborted babies... — BJ

Albums -- J: Jukebox, Cat Power

Song: "Aretha, Sing One For Me"

Cat Power:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Cat Power is one of the best representations of Girl Power since the Spice Girls. Despite being a hot chick singing girly songs with a hell of a voice, I know several guys (including Christopher) who love to sit down with Jukebox and other Cat Power albums. This is a great one for a day spent hanging in or studying with the ladies. — BJ

Albums -- K: Knives Don't Have Your Back, Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton

Song: "Doctor Blind"

Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: This video makes me realize how truly depressing Wal Marts are. It's just a big room with sh t in it. — BJ

Albums -- L: Langhorne Slim, Langhorne Slim

Song: "Restless"

Langhorne Slim:   MySpace

DJ comments: Damnit! Slim JUST played at The Picador last week. How did I not about that one? I heard it was a small crowd, which made it a rather enjoyable show.

Anyway, check out his Daytrotter Session from 2006. — BJ

Lanhorne Slim on The Late Show with David Letterman:

Albums -- M: Mass Romantic, The New Pornographers

Song: "Mass Romantic"

New Pornographers:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I hope they put out a new album soon, because I was not a fan of Challengers. Which means I can go back to their first album, the title track from which you'll find here. — cwc

Albums -- N: Night Falls Over Kortedala, Jens Lekman

Song: "The Opposite of Hallelujah"

Jens Lekman:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I bet this guy gets a ton of action from the female populace. — cwc

Albums -- O: Only, Sun 60

Song: "Treasure"

Sun 60:   singer Joan Jones's MySpace

DJ comments: One of those bands I pretended to love to impress a chick in college. I did really like this song, though. — cwc

All the official Sun 60 videos on YouTube are not available for embedding, so fuck 'em.

Albums -- P: Post, Bjork

Song: "Enjoy"

Bjork:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: A collaboration with Tricky. Good tune. Great album, start to finish. — cwc

Albums -- Q: Quicksand and Rattlesnakes, Califone

Song: "Stepdaughter"

Califone:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Needless to say, I only own one "Q" album. I love Califone, but this is not my favorite of their albums. — BJ

Albums -- R: Rubber Factory, The Black Keys

Song: "Girl Is On My Mind"

The Black Keys:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I'm afraid that Rubber Factory has fallen into the shadow of The Black Keys most recent album Attack & Release, which the duo put out this spring. If one could wear out songs on their iPods, this album would be scratched to hell on mine. — BJ

Albums -- S: S.C.I.E.N.C.E., Incubus

Song: "Vitamin"

Incubus:   Web site

DJ comments: This was the first band I ever got into to the point that I wanted their entire collection. I started with Make Yourself and made my way back. This one was released in October, 1997. Everything the band put out before Make Yourself is a far cry different from their later stuff (especially Morning View). Enjoy Incubus. — BJ

Albums -- T: This Is A Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About, Modest Mouse

Song: "Dramamine"

Modest Mouse:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Mm... Isaac Brock. Strap on your boots and your Xanax -- some of the songs are a bit slow/depressing. It's great winter music, and we should be in for a bad one this year. — BJ

Albums -- U: Unknown Pleasures, Joy Division

Song: "She's Lost Control"

Joy Division:   MySpace

DJ comments: Have you seen the movie Control yet? — cwc

Albums -- V: Visiter, Dodos

Song: "Fools"

The Dodos:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I wondor wy dey chowse too misppell da wurd Visitor. — cwc

Albums -- W: White Blood Cells, The White Stripes

Song: "Hotel Yorba"

White Stripes:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: This song and "You're Pretty Good Looking" (from De Stijl) hooked me on these guys. — cwc

Albums -- X: XO, Elliott Smith

Song: "Sweet Adeline"

Elliott Smith:   MySpace

DJ comments: In case the Joy Division song didn't finish you off... — cwc

Albums -- Y: Yes, Morphine

Song: "Honey White"

Morphine:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Mark Sandman was the best two-string-bass player/singer ever. (Rest in peace.) — cwc

Albums -- Z: Zeitgeist, Smashing Pumpkins

Song: "Tarantula"

Smashing Pumpkins:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Ladies and gentlemen, once again, the Billy Corgan Experience!!!!

I actually really like this song; I can only say that about two of the songs on the latest album. But what strikes me about this video: there's no way in hell Billy Corgan would let this many people have a role in his music. Only drummer Jimmy Chamberlin can have a voice in this band (and he rules). — cwc

A: "Ageless Beauty," Stars

From the album Set Yourself On Fire

Stars:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Of the Arts & Crafts set, I probably like these guys the best. — cwc

B: "Blue-Hearted Fool," The Violettes

From the album The Violettes

The Violettes:   MySpace

DJ comments: It pays to have been my college roommate for a semester, as it means I'll occasionally play your band's music on KRUI. — cwc

C: "Cigarette In Your Bed," My Bloody Valentine

From the EP You Made Me Realise

My Bloody Valentine:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Shoegazer music is sexy. This song especially. — cwc

D: "Deutschland (Has Gotta Die!)," Atari Teenage Riot

From the album Burn, Berlin, Burn!

Atari Teenage Riot:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Something from my "digital hardcore" phase. — cwc

E: "Empty," Metric

From the album Live It Out

Metric:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: This is the lead-off track on my favorite Metric album, Live It Out. I'm always thrown off because it sounds like it transitions into new songs two times during the song -- Broken Social Scene (another Emily Haines and James Shaw band) has a tendency to transition into their next song on albums (i.e. You Forgot It In People).

I guess I'm just saying you should check out Broken Social Scene and Emily Haines and the Soft Skeleton. Since the bands are Canadian, don't expect too many shows coming up around here. — BJ

F: "Flash Light," Parliament Funkadelic

From the album The Millennium Collection: The Best Of Parliament

Parliament Funkadelic:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: George Clinton seems to be aging a little better than Simon and Garfunkel. Thank God someone from those Old People eras still looks good! I had a bad enough experience trying to watch Bob Dylan a couple summers ago. Despite being super old (like Chris's age), Parliament has a pretty interesting history; check it -- Wiki. — BJ

G: "Goin Home," The Pines

From the album Sparrows In The Bell

The Pines:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: All I really know about these guys is that they're a Minneapolis band that tours the Midwest a lot. They have a few shows in Iowa/Minnesota/Wisconsin with Pieta Brown (a foxy lady from "middle of nowhere, IA"). In fact, Christopher, they will be playing the Decorah Opera House pretty soon. Hopefully no Young Kids burn the place down before then. — BJ

H: "Hospital Beds," Cold War Kids

From the album Robbers & Cowards

Cold War Kids:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: CWK have a much anticipated album coming out on September 22nd. If you hit their MySpace page you can hear some of the news tracks in their songs "Sounds Like" sections. This also means two October Midwest shows (Minneapolis on the 10th and Chicago on the 11th) for your viewing pleasure. Dig. — BJ

I: "Insinuation," The Folk Implosion

From the album Dare to Be Surprised

Folk Implosion:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Lou rules. — cwc

J: "Jerry Was a Race Car Driver," Primus

From the album Sailing the Seas of Cheese

Primus:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I knew this dude way back when who always claimed to be the biggest Primus fan. Anyway, he saw U2 back in 1992 and Primus was opening (sounds weird, I know). So a bunch of Primus fans were there with a huge sheet with "Primus Sucks" spray-painted in huge letters. It's a bit of an inside joke, as the band used "Primus Sucks" almost as a marketing slogan. Anyway, this dude marches right up to them and unwinds a big ol' middle finger for them; according to witnesses, he went through a motion similar to a baseball pitcher's windup to deliver the gesture. The Primus fans were bewildered, and that dude was forever known as the Primus poseur on our floor. (Great story, huh?!) — cwc

Embedding disabled for the vid, so click here to go to the YouTube page.

K: "Keep the Car Running," Arcade Fire

From the album Neon Bible

Arcade Fire:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Arcade Fire is pretty cool, but I think the band could use a few more members... — cwc

L: "Love Me Already," Black Kids

From the album Partie Traumatic

Black Kids:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I will play this entire album before the semester is over. — cwc

M: "Messages," Xavier Rudd

From the album Food In The Belly

Xavier Rudd:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Found this one on Weeds, my favorite music source (well, up until the new season when they stopped focusing on music). This is an Aussie whom everyone should familiarize themselves.

As you can see in the video -- the man has quite the setup. I can only imagine what his shows are like. — BJ

N: "Nobody But You," Joe Price

From the album Designated Driver

Joe Price:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: That's just an Iowa boy playin' some good ol' blues. — BJ

O: "Over And Over Again (Lost And Found)" Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!

From the album Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I love the Clap. It makes my privates tingle. — BJ

P: "Pop Lie," Okkervil River

From the album The Stand-Ins

Okkervil River:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I haven't had a chance to listen to the whole album, which was released on September 9. Some of my friends who are huge OR fans claim it's "too poppy" and disconnects "from their original sound." "Pop Lie" seemed like an appropriate title for such claims.

If you're skeptical, check out one of the Pitchfork articles discussing this release or go to the album's Amazon page. If you like it, there are a TON of opportunities to see OR in the Midwest this fall. — BJ

Video for "For Real"

Q: "Questions and Answers," The Apples in Stereo

From the album Her Wallpaper Reverie

Apples in Stereo:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: They put on a great show in the I.C. not too long ago. I still prefer the album that contains this song to the New Magnetic Wonder disc, but it's all good. — cwc

The song accompanies this skate vid:

R: "Red Friends," Airiel

From the album The Battle of Sealand

Airiel:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: We interviewed these guys and Film School in the KRUI studio last spring. Brittany made crap out of me for being so nervous but I really admire this sort of music so I was a bit nervous. Sue me. This song sounds like it has Neil Tennant from Pet Shop Boys on lead vocals. — cwc

S: "Sleep When I'm Dead," The Cure

From the EP Sleep When I'm Dead

The Cure:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: New album comes out Oct. 13. Even as a longtime fan, I face any new releases with a bit of trepidation, but I'm kinda liking the direction they've taken on the four singles they released this summer, including this one. — cwc

T: "Threads," Portishead

From the album Third

Portishead:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: These guys are devastating. Beautiful and powerful. I wish they were slightly more prolific, but I'll take quality over quantity. — cwc

U: "Uptight (Everything's Alright)," Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder:   Web site   Wikipedia

DJ comments: Stevie NEVER does wrong! If you're reading this you have to watch the video. I will say this -- probably my favorite thing about my current living situation is when my roommate, Foxy Vauxy, and I put on some Stevie and sing while cleaning or getting ready.

*Like the corners of my mind; Misty water-colored memories*— BJ

V: "Voodoo Lady," Ween

From the album Chocolate and Cheese

Ween:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: You know, in life there are three things: God, Ween and Satan. With that in mind, I've been surprised in talking to people about the band that few have ever listened -- most have heard the name, but few have actually heard the good word. If you're unfamiliar with this hit from the Nineties, you should check out their Wikipedia article (whether or not the information be properly cited). — BJ

W: "Where Has Sally Gone?," Caroline Smith And The Good Night Sleeps

From the album Backyard Tent Set

Caroline Smith And The Good Night Sleeps:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: My co-worker Sarah Mannix! is friends with the band, which is how I found out about their music. We've probably listened to this album one hundred times in the past several months -- hopefully our customers aren't getting sick of it. — BJ

Apparently a lot of Caroline Smiths have talent...

X: "X/Y," Pinback

From the album Blue Screen Life

Pinback:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: This always seems to be my "X" song... you could call it desperation, but I'll call it a damn good "X" song.

You'll probably hear a lot of Pinback from me over the course of this show -- Blue Screen Life is one of my favorite albums. — BJ

A: "Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse," Minus the Bear

From the album Highly Refined Pirates

Minus the Bear:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I felt this song was incredibly appropriate as the lead-off tune for our first installment of Fall Semester, 2008. The lyrics are right up the alley of all you expats, former expats and future expats. I feel like studying abroad is kind of one thing that sums up a lot of people's college experience and that's what this song is about.

Also, and this is BIG news for me, Minus the Bear is playing at The Picador on Monday, October 13. I had a fabulous time with the boys of Minus the Bear the last time they came through, so plan on making it! — BJ

B: "Be Here Now," Mason Jennings

From the album Boneclouds

Mason Jennings:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I work at Donnelly's Pub and this song plays constantly... it has become one of those defining songs for a time and a place. And with that, I have to throw in a Donnelly's promotion:

IF YOU LIKE GOOD MUSIC AND GOOD FOOD, DONNELLY'S PUB IS WHERE IT'S AT! *wink*
— BJ

The embedding option is disabled for the video. To see the video, click here.

C: "Cecelia," Simon and Garfunkel

From the album Bridge over Troubled Water

Simon and Garfunkel:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I have this Best of Simon and Garfunkel CD that I probably bought my freshman year of high school. I recently put it in my car radio and let it play through a couple times. This is one of the single best road tripping songs ever recorded. How can you not want to throw your steering wheel to the side, causing your car to veer into a ditch when you listen?

On a side note, has anyone seen Simon and Garfunkel recently? Yikes! Click here to see what I'm talking about. — BJ

D: "December, 1999," Jolie Holland

From the album Catalpa

Jolie Holland:   Web site   MySpace

DJ Comments: I HAD to include Jolie Holland in our first show mix -- she's an absolute favorite of mine. This soft New York artist is known for her lyricism and bluesy voice. If you haven't heard of her, check out her other albums Springtime Can Kill You and Escondida, or her work with The Be Good Tanyas.

Good news for J.H. fans -- she's putting out a new album, The Living and the Dead, in October!

E: "Enjoy the Silence," Division Day

From the album Covers EP Project

Division Day:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Almost as good as the Depeche Mode original. Actually, it's not even close, but that isn't necessarily an insult to Division Day. — cwc

No vid for Division Day, so here's the DM original, directed by Control director Anton Corbijn:

F: "Forgive Yourself," The Little Ones

From the EP Terry Tales and Fallen Gates

The Little Ones:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: This is one of the songs I found through the KEXP Song of the Day podcast. They provide an interesting mix of tunes... — cwc

G: "Great DJ," The Ting Tings

From the album We Started Nothing

Ting Tings:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: In case you forgot, I'm the one who airs his guilty pleasures on the air each week. ¡Viva Los Ting Tings! — cwc

H: "Hurricane Jane," Black Kids

From the album Partie Traumatic

Black Kids:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I don't like this band because Pitchfork loved them last year. I don't like this band because Pitchfork hates them this year. I love this band because the music is like the Cure when they have fun (think "Lovecats," "Why Can't I Be You?"). Don't let the Pitchdork "LOLcatz" review of Black Kids's first full-length dissuade you. In fact, that should have been an endorsement. — cwc

I: "In Fear and Faith," Circa Survive

From the album Juturna

Circa Survive:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: This band is an OLD favorite of mine. I have a friend who recently reminded me that they still exist. I also didn't know that the lead singer, Anthony Green, has a fantastic, more upbeat solo collection as well. Anyway, Juturna is a great album if you like quasi-emo, indie rock. — BJ

J: "Journey of the Featherless," Cloud Cult

From the album Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)

Cloud Cult:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: My friend Cameron told me this album was a "good all the way through, must have," so I immediately bought it from iTunes (that's right, some people still buy some of their music). I haven't really had time to sit down with any of the songs, but you can see all the fun stuff the band chose to post about itself: http://www.cloudcult.com/news.htm. Another fun thing about this band -- they're from Minneapolis, which means there are plenty of opportunities to see them! — BJ

K: "Kids," MGMT

From the album Oracular Spectacular

MGMT:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: For anyone who doesn't know, the name is pronounced "management". This album was just really starting to make some noise at the end of spring semester. I'm sure had Chris and I had more opportunities to play music over the summer, this would have made the list a lot. All in all, this is a great dance/party album from start to finish.

Fun fact for MGMT listeners -- there will be a show at People's Court in Des Moines on Oct 1. — BJ

L: "Lesson 3 (History Of Hip Hop)," Steinski & Double Dee

From the album What Does It All Mean? - 1983-2006 Retrospective

Steinski & Double Dee:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I love the Creative License on his Web site. He is an "Attitudinal Producer," "Troublemaker," and he's known as "Mr. Steinski to you."

I debated between his three "Lessons", especially because there was one that focused on the work of James Brown. This third Lesson was a little too good to pass up, though. For a little history on how these Lessons came to being, check out Waxy.org. — BJ

M: "Mercury," Bloc Party

From the album Intimacy

Bloc Party:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: The new single from Kele and Co. I still wonder if someone stole the band's entire stock of guitars; I go back to Silent Alarm to remind myself of what they do best. But this song has grown on me, despite Kele's goofy "Mer-Mer-Mer-cu-ry" delivery. — cwc

N: "NYC Boy," Jill Cunniff

From the album City Beach

Jill Cunniff:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I always liked the Beastie Girls. I'm glad Ms. Cunniff is still hard at work. Get Luscious Jackson's In Search of Manny and try not to shake yr booty. — cwc

I didn't have the "L" this week, but let me drop this "Lazy Girls" video on you, since I can't find a "NYC Boy" vid:

O: "Orphans," Beck

From the album Modern Guilt

Beck:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: This song features Chan Marshall aka Cat Power. I wonder if this means she can't cover this song on her next covers album. — cwc

P: "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)," Michael Jackson

From the album Thriller

Jacko:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: The New York Post and the Daily News write some great headlines, and Jacko used to be the subject of many a gut-buster. Two of my personal favorites.....

"Lisa Marie to Jacko: You're HIStory" (a story about their divorce; if you don't know, Jacko has a compilation album called HIStory)

"Wacko Jacko Backo" (this was after the King of Pop was released from a hospital stay)

So why Jacko? For one, he just turned 50 last Friday; two, he shares that birthday with our very own Brittany Jade. — cwc

This is not an official vid for P.Y.T., but it's equally hilarious.

Q: "Quiet Houses," Fleet Foxes

From the album Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: I fell in love with this band over the summer, even though Chris's skeptical voice continues to harp against their harmonization. They just signed onto Sub Pop in Seattle and have started making a pretty big splash on charts and sites like Metacritic.com. For instance, check out their appearance at Daytrotter.

I would have preferred playing "White Winter Hymnal" instead of this song, but Chris had "W" and I needed a good "Q". I decided to post that song's video on this blog entry instead (see below).

I have to thank my friends Pink Sarah and Brown Sarah for giving me this record for my birthday. It sounds even better on vinyl, ladies! — BJ

R: "Rich Woman," Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

From the album Raising Sand

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Um, get this album already. — cwc

S: "A Sunday Smile," Beirut

From the album The Flying Cup Club

Beirut:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: [comment missing; take it up with Brittany] — BJ

T: "The World May Never Know," Dr. Dog

From the album Easy Beat

Dr. Dog:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: It just wouldn't be a full serving of Alphabet Soup if I didn't cheat by putting "The" as my T letter. Despite Christopher's distaste for this little habit of mine, I hope he understands that "THE" is a word that starts with "T"!

(So when we return to artists, I can play The Cure at C AND T! Sweet! — cwc)

Seriously, though. Dr. Dog is an UNBELIEVABLE band. My favorite bass-wielding chick friend, Miss Mannix!, introduced me to this group from Philadelphia. If you're interested, Dr. Dog is making their Midwest stops in Omaha (9/29), Kansas City (9/30), and Madison (10/1). — BJ

U: "Unforgettable Season," Cut Copy

From the album In Ghost Colours

Cut Copy:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: People make fun of me for liking Duran Duran and Black Kids, yet it's cool to like these guys. (shrug) — cwc

V: "Vivrant Thing," Q-Tip

From the album Amplified

Q-Tip:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: If Q-Tip has some X and Z songs, he will continue to show up in the Soup. — cwc

W: "Wasted State of Mind," ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead

From the album So Divided

...Trail of Dead:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Still the best band name ever. — cwc

First a band vid (which doesn't do the song justice, thanx to the vox):



And then some kid playing a piano version at a farmers market!:

X: "X Marks the Spot," Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers

From the album Joy and Blues

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: Another guy who might come in handy in later batches of Soup, given the Z... — cwc

Y: "You Remind Me of Home," Ben Gibbard

From the album Home Volume V

Ben Gibbard:   MOG

DJ comments: I don't hate Ben Gibbard, and I'm guessing most of you don't either. — cwc

Z: "Zombie Graveyard Party!" Be Your Own Pet

From the album Get Awkward

Be Your Own Pet:   Web site   MySpace

DJ comments: B.Y.O.P., R.I.P. These guys and gals broke up recently. They were the cumulative age of Keith Richards, give or take a year or two. — cwc