5SF: july 18

After a week off, which I admit was a little weird for me because I have been doing these for so long now, I am back with 5 fresh as hell songs for you guys!! This week was a great one for music, because it was one of those weeks where I had more than 5 songs to choose from, and as such, had to push other songs to next week. I love it when it is rainy music season!!! Alright, on with the show!

The Veronicas – Untouched

From the beginning, the violin riff literally sends chills up spine; it is infectious. Then the beat comes in and gets me bouncing in my seat. If you watch So You Think You Can Dance, you may remember that some kids danced to this a week or so ago, and I remember hearing the song and thinking, “that is a pretty nifty track”. Well, I was watching TV the other day, and the video came on for this song, and I was blown away upon a second exposure. Seriously, I can listen to this song on repeat, it is fantastical. This is a seriously fun song, and totally one you will want to blast in the car. I love the passion in the lyrics and the intensity of this song; I love when I find songs like this one!

Jamie Lidell – A Little Bit Of Feel Good
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_718_jamielidell-alittlebitoffeelgood.mp3]
I actually stumbled upon Jamie’s new record JIM by accident; the cover looked interesting, so I downloaded it. I wasn’t expecting to hear what I did, however, because this guy has a ton of talent. There are jazzy, hip-hop influenced, and even soulful bluesy songs littered throughout his record. His voice reminds me a lot of Marc Broussard, but with a touch of Jay Kay from Jamiroquai mixed in. In fact, there are a couple of songs that sound like they were influenced by Jamiroquai, and they are fun, and well executed. Overall, the record is a great listen, and this is my favorite song from it.

Uh Huh Her – Not A Love Song
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_718_uhhuhher-notalovesong.mp3]
I seriously cannot get enough of this song. I randomly looked up something else (I can’t even remember what), and I saw a mention of Uh Huh Her, and how it was Leisha Hailey’s new band. Well, I LOVE her on the L Word, so I had to see what the buzz was about. What I found was a fantastic song, and upon listening to their previously released EP, I found a band that I am definitely interesting in getting to know more. This song is interesting, because of the distortion that they used with the synthesizers, it’s almost a little eighties, but at the same time, it isn’t. I can’t explain it. All I know is that I fucking LOVE this song, and I am having to stop myself from pressing repeat every time it comes up on my ipod. I cannot wait for their CD release, which is only a short time away; August 19th.

City and Colour – Body in a Box
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_718_cityandcolour-bodyinabox.mp3]
Alright, this one totally caught me by a huge surprise. Those of you that use iTunes know that they randomly feature people on the main page, and occasionally, I will go and see what they are all about. Well, this guy had done an iTunes exclusive, and I saw his picture and though, “hey cutie… I want to see more of you!”. Well, I checked out his most recent record, Bring Me Your Love, and what I found was one of the best records of 2008. Seriously, there isn’t a bad track on it. His acoustic style is one of my favorite types of music, and I love the tenderness in his voice. This is my favorite song from the record, even though the subject is a bit macabre. Overall, I am glad my appreciation of a hot guy with a beard has led me to fantastic music… who would’ve thought?

Jay Brannan – Can’t Have It All
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_718_jaybrannan-canthaveitall.mp3]
I am very pleased to feature another out gay artist today (Leisha Hailey of Uh Huh Her is an out lesbian), especially being that it is Shortbus star Jay Brannan. After seeing Shortbus, I heard that Jay was a musician, and even heard a few songs by him, but nothing substantial was released until recently. His recently released CD goddamned is out on iTunes as of a week or so ago, and this song, which is the first on the CD, has me CAPTIVATED. I love the simplicity of the rhythm, and I love his tender and sincere voice. This song is great not only because it sounds great, but because of the realization that he can’t have it all, and the frustration from that he explores in the lyrics. Just a note for those of you listening at work, he does say fuck a few times in the song, so just be aware of that, okay? Man, I love this song.

Whew, it’s good to be back, bringing the music that tantalizes my ears to the masses. I hope everyone found something they enjoyed amongst this week’s tracks, and as always, if you have something you think I should hear, please let me know!! I hope everyone has a great weekend!