Song(s) of the week

This week’s picks:

“Lose You” and “Velcro Shoes” by Pete Yorn

Where I found Pete Yorn: The first time I “discovered” Mr. Yorn was on an episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. He came out and just rocked it with “Velcro Shoes.” Of course I later discovered that I’d listened to Pete Yorn many times before that, I’d just never been able to put a face to the music. When Kutner died on House a couple years back I remember how much I loved the funeral, in no small part to the unknown song scoring the sequence. Well the author of that song was of course Pete Yorn, knocking my socks off before I even knew who Pete Yorn was.

What I like: He’s got a pretty unique voice which means whatever he does is going to sound interesting, but I think maybe the best part about him is that he seems to be able to work in a variety of different styles. From the few songs I’ve heard from the guy it doesn’t seem like he likes to repeat himself all too often.

Lose You - Pete Yorn


Velcro Shoes - Pete Yorn

Song(s) of the week

This week’s picks:

“Sixteen Military Wives”, “Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect”, and “Valerie Plame” by The Decemberists

Where I found The Decemberists: I honestly can’t remember where I originally found these guys, but I was reminded of them last night when I watched the movie Fair Game. After the movie I went on my typical Wikipedia fact finding mission (take that for what it’s worth) and I stumbled across a song they’d written about the film’s main character Valerie Plame (who is a real person very much worth reading about). I figured now was as good a time as any to run down some of my favourites of theirs.

What I like: I’m just a huge fan of Colin Meloy (lead singer of the band) as a songwriter. He writes great lyrics (see “Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect”) and he certainly knows his way around a melody. And that’s not meant to take any credit away from the rest of the band either, who do a spectacular job of filling out the songs with some terrifically layered arrangements.

Sixteen Military Wives - The Decemberists


Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect - The Decemberists


Valerie Plame - The Decemberists

Song(s) of the week

This week’s pick:

“West Coast” by Jason Schwartzman

Where I found Jason Schwartzman: Here’s a fun fact – Jason Schwartzman got his start as the drummer of Phantom Planet. Yes, the Phantom Planet, the band that gave us “California” and some of the most iconic title music in the history of television (or at least mid-2000s television). Eventually he left Phantom Planet and started a solo career, which is where “West Coast” comes in. Oh, and apparently he does a little acting on the side...

 “West Coast” came out a few years ago when The OC was in its heyday, but I just recently rediscovered it and since it’s been replaying in my head all day I decided to share it with all of you.

What I like: I’m a really big fan of Jason Schwartzman’s voice. You wouldn’t expect it but he’s got a pretty unique sound, and whether it’s his producers or just his songwriting the arrangement is really well done. I particularly love the ending, when the choir of “ahhhs” starts up and Schwartzman riffs overtop. Good luck getting this one out of your head.

West Coast - Jason Schwartzman

Song(s) of the week

This week’s pick:

“Losers” by The Belle Brigade

Where I found The Belle Brigade: Conan... they were on Conan.

What I like:  Well first off, you can’t talk about this band without mentioning harmonies. So... consider them mentioned. I’ve also got to say I particularly love the lyrics of this song. I’m way too competitive to ever really give up on winning (I’m trying to win at blogging right now) but that doesn’t make “Losers” any less relatable, nor does it diminish its message.

Losers - The Belle Brigade