The Arctic Monkeys - When the Sun Goes Down Lyrics

The Arctic Monkeys are going to be a break out band for 2006, count on it. Formed at Barnsley College in 2002, this Sheffield, England import took the UK charts by storm. Their first single, “I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor” did remarkably well and contributed to their breaking the record for largest number of first day sales for their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. Their second single was this track, and it is totally addictive. Don’t be fooled by it’s initially slow beginning. Once it kicks in, it kicks in hard for the rest of the extremely catchy track. Most critics will compare them to the Libertines, which I guess I can see, but then again, I’m not a big Libertines fan, so the idea of comparing them to a band I dislike is hard to justify. They’ll be touring the states in the spring, including a stop at the end of March in Boston (Whoo!), so definitely check them out.
Buy The Arctic Monkeys-Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not

We Are Scientists - The Great Escape Lyrics

This band has been in my playlist constantly over the last couple of days. They are absolutely addictive, especially this song. A New York residing band that originally formed in the bars of California in 2001, We Are Scientists have finally released a full length album that, if there’s any justice, will bring them the attention and acclaim they deserve. They’re this excellent mix of alot of the sounds that are regaining popularity nowadays. They have the riffs to rival Franz Ferdinand (and sometimes, I swear, I hear some Stroke-ish stuff) with a singer whose voice would have seemed perfect for a band in the new wavey Devo-ccentric sect of the 80’s. I definitely remember seeing this band on the 930 website and wondering what the buzz was about, and now I totally get it. They are set to be one of the break out bands of 2006. They’re touring Europe until at least the Spring, but those of you on the West Coast will have the pleasure of catching them at some point in April, and I definitely recommend it.
Buy We Are Scientists-With Love & Squalor

Laura Veirs - Black Gold Blues Lyrics

I know I’ve said Best Album of 2005 a hundred times this month, but I have another entry to my top 10 for this year; Laura Veir’s Year of Meteors. In fact, by the time you’ve read this post, I’ll have changed my mind about which song to showcase at least 13 times. This is the first time I’ve ever had REAL trouble deciding a song to upload from a given album; They’re all that good. I’d heard her once before, during a Grey’s Anatomy episode, and was intrigued. I didn’t really look into her until now but, over the last month, I have been obsessed. The Seattle native and former geologist (and ESL teacher, Math Tutor, Science Demonstrator, gardner, etc. I love reading all the ‘Before I was a musician I had ADD and did a million things’ background bios) has really carved herself a niche in the whole girl-with-guitar scene. I’ve said it before but, in an era where singers are dubbing their voices with effects to a point beyond recognition, it is a breath of fresh air to hear a girl with an amp and intelligent, relatable lyrics. It’s interesting to read up on her experiences from being in an all-girl punk band, to engaging in a 10-hour donkey ride through the hills of China during her college years. It’s also interesting to see that she has only recently seriously picked up the guitar, taking country blues guitar lessons as late as 2000. It’s certainly paid off, as this album showcases her talent and her promise. She’s currently doing some solo dates on the West Coast before engaging on a tour with the Decemberists (Who I’m not a big fan of but, being from a city who practically worships at their altar, can’t seem to help getting away from.). Their January show is definitely something I may consider. She is definitely worth it.
Buy Laura Veirs’ Year of Meteors

The Doves - One of These Days Lyrics

Released in February 2005, Some Cities has proven to be one of my favorite releases and is destined for high ranking on many of next year’s Best of 2005 lists. The Doves, of Manchester England, consist of brothers Jez and Andy Williams and Jimi Goodwin. Formerly known as Sub Sub, the boys had a mid 90’s dance hit with their tune, “Ain’t No Love (Ain’t No Use).” (What a shitty, shitty name. Thank God they got over the dancepop stuff.) I got word of them when they were nominated for the Mercury Award in 2000 (They lost to Badly Drawn Boy. I’m a fan of BDB, but not more than The Doves). I don’t remember being a big fan of their 2002 release, The Last Broadcast, but Some Cities definitely brings them back to their stride. Their current single is Sky Stars Falling, and should be hitting Adult Contemp radios fairly soon.
Buy The Doves’ Some Cities