Another short mix of songs I've been hanging out with lately. Hope you all have a great holiday and that you have something special to be thankful for.

1. "Dead Smile" by Matthew Sweet from the album Kimi Ga Suki {mp3} [BUY KIMI GA SUKI]

This is the lead track from a sort of obscure Sweet album that he wrote in 3 weeks. The spontaneity and rush are more than evident as Sweet sounds as if he's playing it that dirty old practice room you've all been hanging out in for years. The breakdown showcases his voice at it's absolute best.

2. "Bitches in Tokyo" by Stars from the album In Our Bedroom After The War {mp3} [BUY IN OUR BEDROOM]

What I like most about Stars love songs are how they cut through the bullshit to speak directly about the situation. "Temporary battles can take up half your life" is the line that cracks that uneasy smile on my face. The music also perfectly fits the lyrics here as the end has no ending.

3. "Recovery" by New Buffalo from the album The Last Beautiful Day {mp3} [BUY LAST BEAUTIFUL DAY]

A song from some time ago that just keeps popping up. Sort of like that feeling of "well things can get better...tomorrow is a new day".

4. "When I Get To The Border" by M. Ward & Zooey Deschanel from the soundtrack The Go Getter {mp3}

A cover song from a movie that has yet to be released to my knowledge. A beautiful rendition that really highlights Ms. Deschanel's other talent.

5. "Pig" by Rivers Cuomo unreleased demo {mp3}

The clouds have finally parted as Mr. Cuomo has decided to release some of his best demos from the past 15 years. I've always been a big fan of his more intimate sitdowns and am looking forward to the release of "Alone" on December 18th. This track above has been posted before but what the hell....the piano touches are crazy genius.

6. "America has Spoken" by Patton Oswalt from the comedy album Werewolves & Lollipops {mp3} [BUY WEREWOLVES & LOLLIPOPS]

A failure pile in a sadness bowl. So true. So funny.

p.s. dear ohio..i miss you and your space whiskey.

Posted by justin at 6:59 PM