"Sleep When I'm Dead" single (The Cure)

The Cure's latest single, "Sleep When I'm Dead," is the July edition of their single release program leading up to their new album. At first listen, I wasn't too sure what I thought about it, but after a few more listens, I've decided that the a-side is actually quite good. The b-side, "Down Under," didn't draw me in quite as much, but it isn't a bad track. While the b-sides have been of variable quality, I'm personally finding the Cure a-sides from this year to be quite good, and this continues that trend.

Tracks:
1. Sleep When I'm Dead (mix 13)
2. Down Under

Cowboy (Erasure)

After seeing this cheap in a store only to find that the actual disc had been stolen from the case, I decided I had to go ahead and get Erasure's Cowboy album. Overall, it's a relatively strong release, neither the best nor the worst album I've heard from them. Singles like "Rain" and "Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me," combined with strong album tracks like "Save Me Darling" make up some of this release's highlights. On the other hand, one or two songs drag a bit, and the remake of "Rapture" isn't anything too special; on the other hand, the version of "Magic Moments" is thoroughly enjoyable. Basically, while this isn't Erasure's best album, fans of artists in the duo's vein will certainly find some tracks on here they like.

Tracks:
1. Rain
2. Worlds on Fire
3. Reach Out
4. In My Arms
5. Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me
6. Precious
7. Treasure
8. Boy
9. How Can I Say
10. Save Me Darling
11. Love Affair
12. Rapture
13. Magic Moments

Song of the Day: "Pa' bailar"

ARTIST: Bajofondo featuring Julieta Venegas
TITLE: "Pa' bailar (Siempre quiero más)"
YEAR: 2008

I'd not heard of Bajofondo until I heard this song, but it's truly awesome. This version, featuring Julieta Venegas, adds her vocals to an instrumental album track from their 2007 release. The music, the lyrics - everything about this song makes it infectious. ¡Excelente!

Hear the song here. It is available for purchase on the re-release of Bajofondo's album Mar dulce.

In My Car: The Driving Soundtrack

Just for fun, here's a list of the albums which have made their way to my car as driving music since I've been home:

Shopping excursions
Dino, Desi, & Billy: The Rebel Kind: The Best of Dino, Desi, & Billy
Gary Glitter: The Ultimate Gary Glitter
Jack Johnson: In Between Dreams
Robyn: Robyn

Exercise travel
Dokken: The Very Best of Dokken
Estelle: Shine
Franz Ferdinand: You Could Have It So Much Better
General Public: Rub It Better
Nona Hendryx: Female Trouble
Van Hunt: Van Hunt
Kaiser Chiefs: Employment
The Lemonheads: Come On Feel The Lemonheads
Lucas Prata: Let's Get It On
Something Happens: Stuck Together With God's Glue
Various Artists: a mix from a friend
Various Artists: NRG Unlimited 1
Various Artists: Radio 1 Established 1967 (Disc 2)
The Vejtables: Feel... The Vejtables
When in Rome: When in Rome

Some Fantastic Place (Squeeze)

Squeeze's 1993 album Some Fantastic Place is yet another fine entry in their catalogue. While it isn't their strongest album, it still contains some gems. This and Play have left me wanting more Squeeze albums, and I hope to have the opportunity to fulfill that desire soon. Perhaps they'll have some awesome merch when I see 'em in a couple months?

Tracks:
1. Everything in the World
2. Some Fantastic Place
3. Third Rail
4. Loving You Tonight
5. It's Over
6. Cold Shoulder
7. Talk to Him
8. Jolly Comes Home
9. Images of Loving
10. True Colours (The Storm)
11. Pinocchio

Play (Squeeze)

Squeeze's 1991 album Play (Squeeze play. Get it? Get it?) is a very fine record from a vastly underrated group. The record is a good early 1990s album that still stays true to Squeeze's roots. Why it failed to be more popular with great tracks like "House of Love" and "Crying in My Sleep" is beyond me.

Tracks:
1. Satisfied
2. Crying in My Sleep
3. Letting Go
4. The Day I Get Home
5. Truth
6. House of Love
7. Cupid's Toy
8. Gone to the Dogs
9. Walk a Straight Line
10. Sunday Street
11. Wicked and Cruel
12. There Is a Voice

Lost Songs 95-98 (David Gray)

David Gray's 2001 album Lost Songs 95-98 is a nice selection of songs. While I wouldn't call it an A+ wowing album, it's definitely a solid one that should be appreciated. I can't really pick standout tracks as the album flows very well for me, and I believe it is better appreciated as an entire piece.

Tracks:
1. Flame Turns Blue
2. Twilight
3. Hold On
4. As I'm Leaving
5. If Your Love Is Real
6. Tidal Wave
7. Falling Down the Mountainside
8. January Rain
9. Red Moon
10. A Clean Pair of Eyes
11. Wurlitzer

Song of the Day: "Not Ready to Make Nice"

ARTIST: Dixie Chicks
TITLE: "Not Ready to Make Nice"
YEAR: 2006

"Not Ready to Make Nice" was the triumphant, Grammy Award-winning return of Dixie Chicks. While I certainly don't always agree with the Grammys, I can't argue that this is a very deserving song. Great lyrics, great music - just really powerful. It's still one to which I greatly enjoy listening.

You can hear it here. It's available for purchase on their album Taking the Long Way.

In the Galaxy (Another Girl)

I remember having Another Girl's "Anything for You" on an old mix CD which stopped playing. I can't remember all of what was on it, but a few tracks stuck out as memorable for me besides the aforementioned: Gary Barlow's "So Help Me Girl," Backstreet Boys' "We Got It Goin' On," and Next's "Butta Love." I also remember that there was an O'Jays track on there, but I forget which. Anyway, the point of that was, I still remember "Anything for You" despite the CD having crapped out years ago. This is why I decided to buy the $1 beat-up promo copy of In the Galaxy, the 1997 album which contains said track. It's a pretty good indie-ish, alternative-ish album by a solo female. "Anything for You" is the clear standout track, although there are a few other good ones on there. I'm just glad to finally have the song back!

Tracks:
1. In Interstate
2. Anything for You
3. Growing Gold
4. Do You Want Me To
5. Sometimes
6. Favorite
7. P12B
8. About Me
9. Holiday
10. Adore
11. Just One Thing
12. The Day After Xmas
13. Anything for You (Part 2)

Song of the Day: "Please Don't Fight It"

ARTIST: Dino, Desi, & Billy
TITLE: "Please Don't Fight It"
YEAR: 1965

I dragged out my Dino, Desi, & Billy CD for a short shopping trip with my mother. I was aiming for something '60s that she probably hadn't heard since it was popular. The only song she remembered well was "She's So Far Out She's In," but "Please Don't Fight It" was the song to evoke the most response from her, as she enjoyed laughing at its somewhat awkward meter and lyrics. I don't think it was so much the song itself as the times when songs like this were hip. Anyway, the incident was enough to get the song stuck in my head, and so it gets featured here now.

The song can be purchased on the Dino, Desi, & Billy compilation The Rebel Kind: The Best of Dino, Desi, & Billy.

...Something More (Rob Thomas)

Rob Thomas's ...Something More EP was available exclusively at Target around the time of the release of ...Something to Be, apparently. I'm just now getting my copy. The EP includes a few remixes of tracks from the album and a few other odds and ends. Of those non-remixes, my favourite is "Not Just a Woman." "You Know Me" is also decent, and may contain a tip of the hat to The Pixies at the end. "Dear Joan" is a bit more of a generic track, not Thomas's best in my opinion. The remixes are a downtown version of "Something to Be," a piano version of "When the Heartache Ends," and two club mixes of "Lonely No More." They're all pretty cool. Overall, this is a nice EP to complement the album.

Tracks:
1. Something to Be (downtown version)
2. When the Heartache Ends (piano version)
3. Not Just a Woman
4. You Know Me
5. Dear Joan
6. Lonely No More (Jason Nevins Rock Da Club mix)
7. Lonely No More (Francois L. club mix)

"Love So True" single (Bomb the Bass)

Bomb the Bass's 1991 "Love So True" single contains some fine examples of electronicky music. "Love So True" features a lovely lead vocal by Loretta Heywood. Three mixes are featured here. B-side "You See Me in 3D" is a funky track built around a James Brown sample. Two mixes are present. The other track, "Understand This," is a pretty cool track with some rap going on. They all work well and make for good listening.

Tracks:
1. Love So True (single mix)
2. Love So True (12" mix)
3. You See Me in 3D
4. Understand This
5. Love So True (Depth Charge remix)
6. You See Me in 3D (remix)

"Clementine" singles (Mark Owen)

My new used pair of singles for Take That member's Mark Owen's "Clementine" pretty much define impulse buying. "Clementine" sounds like an attempt to be taken more seriously post-Take That. It's actually a pretty good track. I especially like the harmony part that comes in near the end. CD1 is backed with an acoustic version of the a-side, plus radio edit and acoustic version of previous single "Child." CD2 is backed with three live versions of songs recorded at Abbey Road and comes with a poster.

Tracks:
CD1
1. Clementine (remix)
2. Clementine (acoustic version)
3. Child (radio edit)
4. Child (acoustic version)

CD2
1. Clementine (remix)
2. Child (live at Abbey Road)
3. Are You With Me (live at Abbey Road)
4. I Am What I Am (live at Abbey Road)

"Chains" single (Tina Arena)

Despite being nearly broke, I couldn't help myself and went bargain CD shopping. One of my purchases is the two-track single for Tina Arena's "Chains." "Chains" is one of those mid-1990s singles I remember fondly, back when female singer-songwriter songs like this could get significant airplay. Good stuff. "Chains" is backed with the album track "Greatest Gift," which is a pretty enough love song.

Tracks:
1. Chains (radio edit)
2. Greatest Gift

Song of the Day: "Looking Through the Eyes of Love"

ARTIST: Gene Pitney
TITLE: "Looking Through the Eyes of Love"
YEAR: 1965

I have no idea why Gene Pitney's 1965 hit "Looking Through the Eyes of Love" has been in my head lately, but it has. It's not my absolute favourite Pitney song, but it is a good one. I also like the version by The Partridge Family, but Pitney's is my preferred one. Oldies radio seems to have forgotten both, unfortunately. Wake up, PDs!

The Pitney version can be heard here and is available for purchase on a multitude of good collections. The Partridge Family version can be heard here and is also available on a few collections, including the nice overview The Definitive Collection.

In Your Room (Yazoo)

Yazoo's In Your Room is a box set representing most of the duo's recorded output. Quite simply, Vince Clarke and Alison Moyet made some of the best synthpop you could ever hope to hear. It's basically one stunning track after another. Disc one is the group's first album, Upstairs at Eric's, which contains one of my favourite tracks of all time, "Only You." Other than the a bit too odd for me "I Before E Except After C," the entire album is wonderful. Disc two is the equally wonderful You and Me Both, on which I believe my favourite track is "Walk Away From Love," although there are so many contenders. Disc three is b-sides and remixes, including the singles "Situation" and "The Other Side of Love." More wonderful music. Finally, a DVD is included with a short film, some promotional videos, and some live performances. I've not gotten a chance to watch yet, but it's cool to have. In case by gushing throughout isn't enough indication, I'd highly recommend this set.

Tracks:
Disc 1: Upstairs at Eric's
1. Don't Go
2. Too Pieces
3. Bad Connection
4. I Before E Except After C
5. Midnight
6. In My Room
7. Only You
8. Goodbye '70's
9. Tuesday
10. Winter Kills
11. Bring Your Love Down (Didn't I)

Disc 2: You and Me Both
1. Nobody's Diary
2. Softly Over
3. Sweet Thing
4. Mr Blue
5. Good Times
6. Walk Away From Love
7. Ode to Boy
8. Unmarked
9. Anyone
10. Happy People
11. And On

Disc 3: B-Sides and Remixes
1. Situation
2. Situation (extended version)
3. Don't Go (re-mix)
4. Don't Go (re-re-mix)
5. Situation (US 12" mix)
6. Situation (original US dub)
7. The Other Side of Love
8. The Other Side of Love (re-mixed extended version)
9. State Farm
10. Nobody's Diary (extended version)
11. State Farm (extended version)
12. Situation (re-recorded remix)

"Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me" single (Erasure)

The appeal of Erasure's "Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me" single (UK CD2, I believe) lay for me in the live rendition of Blondie's "Heart of Glass." Erasure is one of those bands that does a lot of remakes that I end up enjoying, so I knew this was a must-have, and I wasn't disappointed. Pleasantly, I also found the Jon Pleased Wimmin Flashback vox of the title track to be a great listen as well, possibly even better than the single version. I've seen a few negative reviews of "Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me" on the Internet, but I disagree. I think it's another great entry in the Erasure catalogue.

Tracks:
1. Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me
2. Heart of Glass (live in Oxford)
3. Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me (Jon Pleased Wimmin Flashback vox)
4. Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me (Tall Paul mix)

"A Girl Like You" single (The Wolfgang Press)

The Wolfgang Press seem to have a cult following today, but not so much mainstream remembrance. "A Girl Like You" is an excellent song, and all of the mixes on this single are worth hearing. Also included is the 7" mix of their remake of "Mama Told Me Not to Come" and a remix of album track "Louis XIV." Both cool tracks. For me, this single served as a nice way of getting my toes wet with The Wolfgang Press's stuff. Fans of moody, trance-ish songs would do well to familiarize themselves.

Tracks:
1. A Girl Like You (7" mix)
2. A Girl Like You (1000 Times)
3. Mama Told Me Not to Come (7" mix)
4. A Girl Like You (Born to Be Kissed)
5. Louis XIV (Napoleon & Josephine)
6. A Girl Like You

Exciter (Depeche Mode)

Depeche Mode's 2001 album Exciter seems be one which evokes a wide range of responses amongst fans, from those who love it to those who hate it. Personally, I think it's quite good, although not the best work they've ever done. There are a few excellent songs included, though, such as "Deam On," "The Dead of Night," "I Feel Loved," and "Goodnight Lovers." While I paid slightly more for this album than I did for my two singles compilations, I don't regret the purchase, and would say this is one to which folks should give a chance.

Tracks:
1. Dream On
2. Shine
3. The Sweetest Condition
4. When the Body Speaks
5. The Dead of Night
6. Lovetheme
7. Freelove
8. Comatose
9. I Feel Loved
10. Breathe
11. Easy Tiger
12. I Am You
13. Goodnight Lovers

The Singles 86>98 (Depeche Mode)

The Singles 86>98 is my other $2 Half Price Books Depeche Mode find, to complement Catching Up With Depeche Mode. This 2-disc set is an excellent overview of the singles released during this time period. While it doesn't include any key album tracks (e.g., "Halo,") it's still a great compilation of single edits. The songs included are generally awesome. I'd definitely recommend it for music fans.

Tracks:
1. Stripped (7" version)
2. A Question of Lust
3. A Question of Time (remix)
4. Strangelove (7" version)
5. Never Let Me Down Again (Tsangarides mix)
6. Behind the Wheel (remix)
7. Personal Jesus (7" version)
8. Enjoy the Silence (7" version)
9. Policy of Truth (single version)
10. World in My Eyes (single version)

Disc 2
11. I Feel You
12. Walking in My Shoes (single version)
13. Condemnation (Paris mix)
14. In Your Room (Zephyr mix)
15. Barrel of a Gun (single version)
16. It's No Good
17. Home
18. Useless (remix)
19. Only When I Lose Myself
20. Little 15
21. Everything Counts (live)

Catching Up With Depeche Mode

Catching Up With Depeche Mode is a compilation of some early Depeche Mode tracks. It was one of two Depeche compilations I scored while doing some Half Priced Books shopping in May, and I wasn't about to pass it up just because it was missing some key early tracks (e.g., "People Are People"). Initially, a lot of the appeal lay in the presence of "Blasphemous Rumours," a magnificent song I was more than happy to get on CD. However, plenty of the other tracks here are also awesome. Opener "Dreaming of Me" was one of my favourites of the previously unknown to me tracks, but the number one of those was "Somebody." Overall, the material here is strong, and this is worth picking up at a reasonable price; however, a somewhat more complete overview of this period's Depeche Mode output is provided by The Singles 81>85 or acquiring the first few Depeche Mode singles boxes.

Tracks:
1. Dreaming of Me
2. New Life
3. Just Can't Get Enough
4. See You
5. The Meaning of Love
6. Love in Itself
7. Master and Servant
8. Blasphemous Rumours
9. Somebody
10. Shake the Disease
11. Flexible
12. It's Called a Heart
13. Fly on the Windscreen

"Freakshow" single (The Cure)

"Freakshow" was June's Cure single offering on the road to their album release. Overall, I would probably rank these two tracks higher than those on the single for "The Only One," as "NY Trip" was a good but not great b-side for me. Both "Freakshow (Mix 13)" and "All Kinds of Stuff" are excellent tracks, however. A fine offering from The Cure.

Tracks:
1. Freakshow (Mix 13)
2. All Kinds of Stuff

Songs of the Day(s)

There are a few songs I've been meaning to spotlight here but have not, so I'm gonna do some cleanup with this post, before I go the entire year without even mentioning them!

ARTIST: Charlotte Sometimes
TITLE: "How I Could Just Kill a Man"
YEAR: 2008

When I first saw this title, I expected it to be a remake of the Cypress Hill song. However, it's a far cry from that. Charlotte Sometimes offers a track of the melodic sort that, while no longer played on current pop or alternative radio stations, is sure to win the group a cult following.

The song can be heard here and is available for purchase on the album Waves and the Both of Us, as well as an eponymous EP.

ARTIST: Flight of the Conchords
TITLE: "Business Time"
YEAR: 2007

I've only seen one (the debut) episode of the television show "Flight of the Conchords," but I would be remiss not to spotlight the song "Business Time." This bit of quirky comedy basically served as the theme song to my June, not because of its lyrical content, but because it was the song which recurred most throughout the month. I heard it performed thrice at various times, and all three occasions were memorable for various reasons.

Hear it here. It can be purchased on the recent self-titled album, as well as the EP The Distant Future.

ARTIST: Level 42
TITLE: "Running in the Family"
YEAR: 1987

Level 42 is likely best remembered for the hit "Something About You," which is a great song. However, lately I've been playing "Running in the Family," the title track from their 1987 album. It's a solid slice of '80s tunage that should definitely be checked out.

You can hear the song here. It is available for purchase on such Level 42 sets as The Definitive Collection and Best 1200.

ARTIST: Little Jackie
TITLE: "The World Should Revolve Around Me"
YEAR: 2008

From what I read, part of Little Jackie is '90s rapper Imani Coppola, who had a hit with the awesome "Legend of a Cowgirl." The track "The World Should Revolve Around Me" combines classic old school vibes with some new school sensibilities, which is something I love when done properly. This is definitely the proper way to do it. It's a great track.

Click here for a listen. The song can be purchased on Little Jackie's album The Stoop.

ARTIST: Placebo
TITLE: "Pure Morning"
YEAR: 1998

I'm not sure exactly why this tune has been in my head lately, or even why I really like it. I've never been a huge Placebo fan, but this one has grown on me with age. I think it's something about the lyrics that appeals to me. Whatever the case, it's a pretty cool song and worth some replay.

Hear it here. The song can be purchased on the Placebo album Once More With Feeling: Singles 1996-2004 as well as some compilations as The Best Anthems Ever.

ARTIST: Saving Jane
TITLE: "Supergirl"
YEAR: 2008

"Supergirl" is Saving Jane's current single. It's not looking like it's gonna be a huge hit, but I'm quite taken with it. It's a nice slice of catchy girl power pop, and seriously, who doesn't know someone like this? The song is apparently somehow tied in with Danica Patrick.

Take a listen here. I can't find a clear answer as far as a CD on which it's available.

ARTIST: Jane Turzy
TITLE: "Sweet Violets"
YEAR: 1951

Jane Turzy isn't exactly the most well-known singer to have had some hits in the 1950s. Her Wikipedia page gives a little bit of information, and there doesn't appear to be much else on the Internet to supplement it. "Sweet Violets" is nonsensical fun, and even though I'm sure many would cringe at it, I rather like it and have given it quite a few spins. The best-known recording is apparently that by Dinah Shore, but Turzy's is the one that has won my support.

You can hear the song here. It is available for purchase on the album Fabulous Fifties Divas Sing Their Hard-to-Find Hits.

Radio 1 Established 1967 (Various Artists)

Radio 1 Established 1967 is a set of remakes put together to celebrate 40 years of BBC's Radio 1. One track from each year 1967-2006 is performed by a current well-known artist.

Overall, the set is awesome. Obviously, some pairings work better than others. Sometimes, a song I like is paired with an artist I like, and I don't like the result. Other times, I found myself enjoying a rendition of a song about which I'm not usually crazy, but other times still, song selection proved the downfall of artists whose material I usually enjoy.

The highlights for me: Robbie Williams's "Lola," Franz Ferdinand's "Sound and Vision," Kasabian's "Too Much Too Young," James Morrison's "Come Back and Stay," Editors' "Lullaby," Groove Armada's "Crazy for You," Paolo Nutini's "It Must Be Love," Just Jack's "Lovefool," and The Twang's "Drinking in LA."

Tracks:
1. Kaiser Chiefs: "Flowers in the Rain"
2. The Fratellis: "All Along the Watchtower"
3. Amy Winehouse: "Cupid"
4. Robbie Williams: "Lola"
5. The Streets: "Your Song"
6. Sugababes: "Betcha By Golly, Wow"
7. The Feeling: "You're So Vain"
8. Foo Fighters: "Band on the Run"
9. Kylie Minogue: "Love Is the Drug"
10. KT Tunstall: "Let's Stick Together"
11. Franz Ferdinand: "Sound and Vision"
12. The Raconteurs: "Teenage Kicks"
13. Mika vs. Armand Van Helden: "Can't Stand Losing You"
14. Kasabian: "Too Much Too Young"
15. Keane: "Under Pressure"
16. McFly: "Town Called Malice"
17. James Morrison: "Come Back and Stay"
18. The Gossip: "Careless Whisper"
19. The Pigeon Detectives: "The Power of Love"
20. Lily Allen: "Don't Get Me Wrong"

Disc 2
21. Stereophonics: "You Sexy Thing"
22. Mutya Buena: "Fast Car"
23. Editors: "Lullaby"
24. Razorlight: "Englishman in New York"
25. Groove Armada: "Crazy for You"
26. Paolo Nutini: "It Must Be Love"
27. The Kooks: "All That She Wants"
28. Mark Ronson: "You're All I Need to Get By" (vocals by Wale and Tawiah)
29. Calvin Harris: "Stillness in Time"
30. Klaxons: "No Diggity"
31. Just Jack: "Lovefool"
32. Natasha Bedingfield: "Ray of Light"
33. The Twang: "Drinking in LA"
34. The Fray: "The Great Beyond"
35. Girls Aloud: "Teenage Dirtbag"
36. Maxïmo Park: "Like I Love You"
37. The View: "Don't Look Back Into the Sun"
38. Hard-Fi: "Toxic"
39. The Enemy: "Father and Son"
40. Corinne Bailey Rae: "Steady As She Goes"

Song of the Day: "I'm Yours"

ARTIST: Jason Mraz
TITLE: "I'm Yours"
YEAR: 2008

Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" is a breezy single that incorporates his characteristic wordplay into a sort of impressionistic song that never fails to satisfy me. Partially it's because I can relate to the images, whether through experience or ideals. Partially it's because it's just a well-constructed song. It's one that I've found myself getting more and more into, and it's definitely worth hearing as a good example of recent music.

The song can be heard here. It is available on Mraz's album We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.

Crayons (Donna Summer)

I finally got to listen to Donna Summer's new one, Crayons. Being a big fan of hers, I of course opted for the Circuit City edition of the album, which includes two bonus tracks. It was a long time coming, but this album is awesome. Donna Summer hasn't lost it at all. She's still in fine voice and still able to pull off diverse material. I think my favourites are "Crayons" and "Stamp Your Feet," but there are lots of great tunes on here. I'll refrain from further gushing, as I'm a bit biased where Ms. Summer is concerned, and simply encourage the purchase of this album.

Tracks:
1. Stamp Your Feet
2. Mr. Music
3. Crayons (featuring Ziggy Marley)
4. The Queen Is Back
5. Fame (The Game)
6. Sand on My Feet
7. Drivin' Down Brazil
8. I'm a Fire
9. Slide Over Backwards
10. Science of Love
11. Be Myself Again
12. Bring Down the Reign
13. It's Only Love
14. I'm a Fire (Baggi Begovic & Soul Conspiracy Mixshow remix)

Sincerely Yours (Eydie Gorme)

Sincerely Yours is a two-disc set examining the early years of Eydie Gorme's singing career, 1952-1956. Disc one examines her Coral Records output, while disc two examines her early ABC-Paramount work. Overall, this is an excellent collection. Highlights of the first disc include a rousing rendition of "Uska Dara," the great fun of "A Girl Can't Say," and a duet with Steve Lawrence on the oft-recorded "Make Yourself Comfortable." Also of interest is "That Night of Heven," an English adaptation of "Cielito lindo." Disc two's highlights include Gorme's takes on "I'll Take Romance," "The Gentleman Is a Dope," and "Too Close for Comfort." This set is an excellent look at the earliest part of Gorme's work, and I would strongly recommend it to fans of her work.

Tracks:
The Coral Years (Disc 1)
1. Tell Me More
2. That Night of Heaven
3. Don't Tell Lies
4. I'd Forgotten
5. Frenesi
6. All Night Long
7. I Danced With My Darling
8. Uska Dara
9. Sure
10. Fini
11. Chain Reaction
12. Fallen Apples
13. Tea for Two
14. Crocodile Tears
15. Climb Up the Wall
16. I've Gotta Crow
17. Make Yourself Comfortable (with Steve Lawrence)
18. (Close Your Eyes) Take a Deep Breath (with Steve Lawrence)
19. Besame Mucho (with Steve Lawrence)
20. A Girl Can't Say
21. Give a Fool a Chance
22. Knickerbocker Mambo (with Steve Lawrence)
23. Soldier Boy
24. What Is the Secret of Your Success

The ABC-Paramount Years (Disc 2)
25. Sincerely Yours
26. Come Home
27. That's How
28. Mama Teach Me to Dance
29. You Bring Out the Lover in Me
30. Soda Pop Hop
31. I've Got a Right to Cry
32. I'll Come Back
33. It's a Pity to Say Goodnight
34. I'll Take Romance
35. This Is No Laughing Matter
36. Fine and Dandy
37. Day By Day
38. The Gentleman Is a Dope
39. Too Close for Comfort
40. Guess Who I Saw Today
41. Be Careful, It's My Heart
42. Saturday Night (Is the Loneliest Night in the Week)
43. First Impression
44. How Long Has This Been Going On
45. Gypsy in My Soul

Eydie Gorme Sings... The Best Of

Eydie Gorme Sings... The Best Of is a 30-track hodgepodge of Gorme's hits. The music's quite good. As far as I can tell, it's the only CD that contains such classic tracks as "Just Dance On By" and "My Heart." The liner notes are practically non-existent, but musically, this serves as a decent overview of Gorme's music. Those looking for an introduction to her catalogue may find this a useful disc.

Tracks:
1. The Dance Is Over
2. Your Kisses Kill Me
3. Blame It on the Bossa Nova
4. Don't Try to Fight It Baby
5. I Want You to Meet My Baby
6. Can't Get Over (The Bossa Nova)
7. I'll Take Romance
8. Jada
9. Fly Me to the Moon
10. When Your Lover Has Gone
11. Chicago (That Toddlin' Town)
12. My Heart
13. Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)
14. The Voice in My Heart
15. Too Close for Comfort
16. Hello Young Lovers
17. Dansero
18. I Remember You
19. Moon River
20. Be Careful, It's My Heart
21. Fine and Dandy
22. Frenesi
23. A Girl Can't Say
24. Kiss in Your Eyes
25. You Need Hands
26. Blues in the Night
27. I've Got a Right to Cry
28. Just Dance On By
29. Yours Tonight
30. Everybody Go Home

Get Ready (New Order)

New Order's Get Ready was released in 2001, led by the triumphant comeback single "Crystal." The album retains the distinct New Order sound, but isn't simply a carbon copy of their classic years. It's a great album full of good songs. Highlights include "Primitive Notion," "Vicious Streak," "Crystal," "60 Miles an Hour," and "Run Wild."

Track listing:
1. Crystal
2. 60 Miles an Hour
3. Turn My Way
4. Vicious Streak
5. Primitive Notion
6. Slow Jam
7. Rock the Shack
8. Someone Like You
9. Close Range
10. Run Wild

Club Class: Pop (Various Artists)

The eleven-track Club Class: Pop contains some club mixes of eleven popular tracks. Remixed tracks include Duran Duran's "Girls on Film," Paula Abdul's "My Love Is For Real," and Louise's "2 Faced." I would recommend this disc, as I found all eleven mixes to be quite enjoyable. It's hard to pick a favourite, but on first listen I think I would give the slight edge to the Motiv8 Northside Mix of Sean Maguire's "Good Day." Fans of club mixes will not be disappointed with this CD.

Tracks:
1. Shaggy: "Boombastic" (Stonebridge vocal remix)
2. Louise: "2 Faced" (Almighty Definitive mix)
3. Spandau Ballet: "Chant No. 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)" (D-Bop's vocal house mix)
4. Paula Abdul: "My Love Is For Real" (Junior Vasquez club extended)
5. Sean Maguire: "Good Day" (Motiv8 Northside mix)
6. Kim Carnes: "Bette Davis Eyes" (OPM All About Kim mix)
7. Eternal: "What'cha Gonna Do?" (K. Warren mix)
8. Duran Duran: "Girls on Film" (Salt Tank mix)
9. Dana Dawson: "3 Is Family" (Dancing Divaz club mix)
10. Deborah Harry: "I Want That Man" (Almighty Definitive mix)
11. Belinda Carlisle: "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" (Vito & Matt's new club mix)

"Let the Young Girl Do What She Wants To" single (Ian McNabb)

As I mentioned earlier this year, I'm a big fan of Ian McNabb's song"Let the Young Girl Do What She Wants To." While I've yet to find an affordable copy of the album that spawned it, Before All of This, I decided to bite the bullet and buy a copy of the single so I could at least own the awesome a-side. That alone is worth the price of admission, but the b-sides are actually quite good too. The first is a remake of Racing Cars' "They Shoot Horses Don't They?" and it's done quite well. The second is an awesome McNabb original composition entitled "Message from the Country."

Tracks:
1. Let the Young Girl Do What She Wants To
2. They Shoot Horses Don't They?
3. Message from the Country

The Best of The McCoys

Two factors combined to result in my purchasing The Best of The McCoys: 1) I saw a used copy sitting in a record shop. 2) The track listing is quite good, including all the singles and other notable tracks I would have wanted on a McCoys collection. I'm quite pleased with the purchase. While my purchasing habits these days don't reflect my strong 1960s pull like they once did, it's always fun for me to score a nice collection of good '60s music. The songs collected here include some pop, some garagesque pop, and some psychish pop. Highlights include "Sorrow," "If You Tell a Lie," "I Can't Explain It," "Come On Let's Go," "I Got to Go Back (And Watch That Little Girl Dance)," and "Don't Worry Mother (Your Son's Heart Is Pure)."

Tracks:
1. Meet The McCoys
2. Hang On Sloopy
3. I Can't Explain It
4. Fever
5. Sorrow
6. Up and Down
7. If You Tell a Lie
8. Come On Let's Go
9. Little People
10. Smokey Joe's Cafe
11. Mr. Summer
12. Everyday I Have to Cry
13. (You Make Me Feel) So Good
14. Runaway
15. Gator Tails and Monkey Ribs
16. Ko-Ko
17. Bald-Headed Lena
18. Say Those Magic Words
19. Don't Worry Mother (Your Son's Heart Is Pure)
20. I Got to Go Back (And Watch That Little Girl Dance)
21. The Dynamite
22. Beat the Clock

Def Dumb & Blonde (Deborah Harry)

Deborah Harry is likely best known as the lead singer of Blondie, but much of her solo work is also worthy of note. Def Dumb & Blonde was released in 1989, and it's a great album. The opening track (and likely best known) "I Want That Man" sets the bar high, yet the album rises to that challenge and succeeds. My favourite track is "I'll Never Fall in Love," but other highlights include "Get Your Way," "He Is So," and "Brite Side." The closing track, the epic "End of the Run," is like a modern Shangri-Las song, and is a strong closing for a strong album.

Tracks:
1. I Want That Man
2. Lovelight
3. Kiss It Better
4. Bike Boy
5. Get Your Way
6. Maybe for Sure
7. I'll Never Fall in Love
8. Calmarie
9. Sweet and Low
10. He Is So
11. Bugeye
12. Comic Books
13. Forced to Live
14. Brite Side
15. End of the Run

Older (George Michael)

While the fact that I still don't have Faith in my collection is reaching the point of absurd comedy, I did pick up a copy of Older. While I wouldn't say it's my favourite of Michael's studio albums, it's still a very solid disc. Highlights include "You Have Been Loved," "It Doesn't Really Matter," "Fastlove," "Spinning the Wheel," and "Jesus to a Child." I cut myself off there because I realized I was about to list almost every track.

Tracks:
1. Jesus to a Child
2. Fastlove
3. Older
4. Spinning the Wheel
5. It Doesn't Really Matter
6. The Strangest Thing
7. To Be Forgiven
8. Move On
9. Star People
10. You Have Been Loved
11. Free

The 60s Collection (Bee Gees)

Very much a purchase on a whim is the Bee Gees disc The 60s Collection, which represents a smattering of their early works before they achieved international success. The best known of these tracks is likely "Spicks and Specks," and it's one of my favorites on this disc. Other highlights include "Claustrophobia" and "Follow the Wind." It's also interesting to hear the Brothers Gibb do some remakes ("Turn Around, Look at Me" and "Every Day I Have to Cry Some") as they stuck to their own material upon making it big. For those interested in this material, the most complete collection appears to be the Brilliant from Birth set; however, for those looking for a sampling of the pre-fame Bee Gees for a lowish price, this set does well.

Tracks:
1. Big Chance
2. The Three Kisses of Love
3. Spicks and Specks
4. Second Hand People
5. How Many Birds
6. Could It Be
7. Claustrophobia
8. The Battle of the Blue and Grey
9. Every Day I Have to Cry Some
10. Turn Around, Look at Me
11. Glass House
12. I Am the World
13. Follow the Wind
14. You Wouldn't Know
15. Monday's Rain
16. Wine and Women

Guilty Pleasures (Barbra Streisand)

Sometimes, timing is everything. I saw a relatively cheap copy of Barbra Streisand's Guilty Pleasures album soon after deciding that I really liked one of its tracks, "Night of My Life." That combination was enough for me to take a chance on the album, even though there are many earlier Streisand works I would have guessed would be her first entries into my collection, particularly those which represent her material from the 1960s.

This album, co-produced by Barry Gibb, is a collection of songs co-written by Barry Gibb. Two of the tracks, "Come Tomorrow" and "Above the Law," are even duets with Mr. BG. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that Gibb's influence is heard throughout. The album is decent. Some of the tracks are less memorable than others. Other than "Night of My Life," the standout for me on first listen was "Hideaway." It was also interesting to hear Streisand tackle "(Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away."

Tracks:
1. Come Tomorrow (with Barry Gibb)
2. Stranger in a Strange Land
3. Hideaway
4. It's Up to You
5. Night of My Life
6. Above the Law (with Barry Gibb)
7. Without Your Love
8. All the Children
9. Golden Dawn
10. (Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away
11. Letting Go

Frank (Deluxe US edition) (Amy Winehouse)

When Back to Black was just starting to blow up in the U.S., my friend caught Amy Winehousemania along with me and let me burn her import copy of Frank, Winehouse's first album which, at that point, had not seen a domestic release. We were both in agreement that it was a solid album, though not quite as good as BtB. We had different favourite tracks; she was a fan of "Fuck Me Pumps," while I was quite taken with "In My Bed."

Fast forward, and a deluxe edition of Frank is released Stateside. I thought it looked cool, and I'd been wanting to revisit the album itself for a while anyway, so I bought it. As far as the original album goes, my opinion is still consistent: "In My Bed" is my favourite track and the album as a whole is still quite good. I also enjoy the bonus material. My favourites there include "'Round Midnight," Winehouse's take on the classic "Someone to Watch Over Me," and "Take the Box (Seijis Buggin' mix)." Overall, the package is definitely worthwhile.

Tracks:
1. Intro / Stronger Than Me
2. You Sent Me Flying / Cherry
3. Know You Now
4. Fuck Me Pumps
5. I Heard Love Is Blind
6. Moody's Mood for Love / Teo Licks
7. (There Is) No Greater Love
8. In My Bed
9. Take the Box
10. October Song
11. What Is It About Men
12. Amy Amy Amy / Outro

Bonus disc
13. Take the Box (original demo)
14. I Heard Love Is Blind (original demo) [NOTE: The track listing on the back erroneously lists "You Sent Me Flying (original demo)" between "Take the Box" and "I Heard Love Is Blind," but that track is not present.]
15. Someone to Watch Over Me (original demo)
16. What It Is (original demo)
17. Teach Me Tonight (Hootenanny)
18. 'Round Midnight
19. Fool's Gold
20. Stronger than Me (Later with Jools Holland)
21. I Heard Love Is Blind (Live at The Concorde, Brighton)
22. Take the Box (Live at The Concorde, Brighton)
23. In My Bed (Live at The Concorde, Brighton)
24. Mr. Magic (Through the Smoke) (Janice Long session)
25. (There Is) No Greater Love (Janice Long session)
26. Fuck Me Pumps (MJ Cole mix)
27. Take the Box (Seijis Buggin' mix)
28. Stronger than Me (Harmonic 33 mix)
29. In My Bed (CJ mix)

Life for Rent (Dido)

Dido's Life for Rent contains a track I love despite most of my friends being annoyed by it: "White Flag." Something about the emotion behind that song really speaks to me. Then again, a lot of the appeal of Dido is that everything she sings sounds sincere to me. Her voice is unique, and I dig it. Other highlights of this CD include "Life for Rent," "Don't Leave Home," "Who Makes You Feel," and "Sand in My Shoes." I prefer this album to her debut, No Angel, the two of which currently comprise her entire studio album output.''

Tracks:
1. White Flag
2. Stoned
3. Life for Rent
4. Mary's in India
5. See You When You're 40
6. Don't Leave Home
7. Who Makes You Feel
8. Sand in My Shoes
9. Do You Have a Little Time
10. This Land Is Mine
11. See the Sun

"I Need to Know" (The Remixes) (Marc Anthony)

Marc Anthony's "I Need to Know" is one of the tracks I remember most fondly from the late 1990s Latin pop explosion. That is why I was quick to grab up a copy of the old remix CD single, including five versions: two by Pablo Flores, two by Bobby D'Ambrosio, and one by Track Masters. They're all fairly solid, but my two favourites are Pablo's Miami Mix Radio Edit and the D'Ambrosio Hectic Dub. The former puts a great, dance-friendly Latin beat to the song, while the latter retains just enough lyrics for some naughty dance floor fun.

Tracks:
1. I Need to Know (Pablo's Club-Dub)
2. I Need to Know (Pablo's Miami Mix radio edit)
3. I Need to Know (Track Masters remix)
4. I Need to Know (D'Ambrosio Hectic Dub)
5. I Need to Know (D'Ambrosio Club Mix radio edit)

Where Do We Go From Here (Michael Damian)

Michael Damian's Where Do We Go From Here contains his huge hit remake of David Essex's "Rock On," as well as his other biggest hits "Cover of Love" and "Was It Nothing At All." I have to admit that I picked up this album without knowing any track but "Rock On," which I don't like as much as the original. It was more for experimentation's sake, and I was pleasantly surprised by the result. While I can't say the album is stellar, there are some decent tracks on here, including "Cover of Love," "A Question of Time," and "Heartbreak Monday." As a cheap whimsy, this album succeeds. I wouldn't recommend doing any work or spending significant cash to get this one, however, unless you're just dying to hear the aforementioned hits again.

Tracks:
1. Rock On
2. Cover of Love
3. Photograph
4. Straight from My Heart
5. Was It Nothing At All
6. A Question of Time
7. Heartbreak Monday
8. Turn from My Love
9. A Touch of Gray
10. My Mistake

Down for the Get Down (Youngstown)

Really not much to say here. This was boy band Youngstown's second of two albums, and I picked it up for nostalgia purposes to accompany their first album. On first listen, it strikes me as the weaker of the two, but then, does one indulge in these albums for their musical qualities? That said, the boys of Youngstown seem to have been vocally competent, but trapped in that mould everyone was trying to use to capitalize on boy band success. Anyhow, this wouldn't be an album most people would want or need, but for those of you looking to revisit this era (for whatever reasons you may have), it's not the worst choice of purchase. It also includes a remake of John Lennon's "Grow Old With Me" which won't be making anyone's best of lists, but is interesting for what it is.

Tracks:
1. Machine
2. Float Away
3. Sugar
4. Little Sister
5. Could You Love Me
6. Every Single Thing
7. Down for the Get Down
8. So Tight
9. Away With the Summer Days
10. Dance Floor (Part 2)
11. You Want What You Want
12. Grow Old With Me
13. Run to Me

Greatest Hits & "The Only One" single (The Cure)

My time for music listening was recently cut severely as I spent a month being productive. I am officially backed up in my listening and will be having some fun catching up in the coming days. I did, however, manage to listen to a couple of Cure acquisitions while I was away: Greatest Hits and the single for "The Only One."

Greatest Hits is an 18-track compilation that includes many great Cure selections. For someone like me, with very little Cure, it's a great start in getting their major singles. It includes some of their most well-known songs, and there's not a track on there that isn't worth hearing. Of course, not every great Cure single is included, with the brilliant "Pictures of You" one of the most glaring omissions. Still, as an intro disc for the Cure, Greatest Hits works.

Tracks:
1. Boys Don't Cry
2. A Forest
3. Let's Go to Bed
4. The Walk
5. The Lovecats
6. In Between Days
7. Close to Me
8. Why Can't I Be You?
9. Just Like Heaven
10. Lullaby
11. Lovesong
12. Never Enough
13. High
14. Friday I'm in Love
15. Mint Car
16. Wrong Number
17. Cut Here
18. Just Say Yes

"The Only One" was released 13 June. Many people have compared the a-side to "High," and it's a valid comparison. It's a good track. The b-side, "NY Trip," is also pretty cool.

Tracks:
1. The Only One (Mix 13)
2. NY Trip