Heroes and Survivors: The Aura Records Anthology 1978 - 1981 (Allan Clarke)

Heroes and Survivors: The Aura Records Anthology 1978 - 1981 collects two of Allan Clarke's solo albums nearer the end of his heyday and includes a few non-album tracks from his stint at Aura as well. Included here are his hit singles "(I Will Be Your) Shadow in the Street" and "Slipstream." If you are at all hesitant about buying a solo collection from this ex-Hollie, don't be! While not every track is top-notch, there's enough great music here to justify the purchase and then some. The liner notes are also pretty cool, giving a nice overview of Clarke's career interspersed with some period shots of album write-ups from the music rags. Besides the aforementioned singles, highlights include "I Wasn't Born Yesterday," a version of Badfinger's "Baby Blue," "Light of My Smiles," "The Survivor," and "Brandenburg Plaza." Actually, there are many other great songs here that I could highlight, but I'll cut myself off. Also of interest here is a 1981 version of "Born to Run." Clarke's original version was released around the same time as Bruce Springsteen's, but that was not on Aura. This version was released with another 1981 re-recording of a Springsteen track, "If I Were the Priest." The original "Born to Run" single, its flip, and Clarke's original "If I Were the Priest," however, were included on Headroom/Allan Clarke/I've Got Time, a compilation which, after hearing this CD, I am slightly more eager to add to my collection. Anyhow, in summary, this period of Allan Clarke's career may not have been as commercially successful as his Hollies days, but artistically, it ranks high.

Tracks:
1. Born to Run (1981 version)
2. If I Were the Priest (1981 version)
3. I Wasn't Born Yesterday
4. Hope
5. New Blood
6. I'm Betting My Life on You
7. The Man Who Manufactures Daydreams
8. No Prisoner Taken (Light Brigade)
9. (I Will Be Your) Shadow in the Street
10. Light of My Smiles
11. Who's Goin' Out the Back Door?
12. Off the Record

Disc Two
13. Slipstream
14. The Only Ones
15. Walls
16. Brandenburg Plaza
17. The Survivor
18. Driving the Doomsday Cars
19. Baby Blue
20. Sanctuary
21. Imagination's Child
22. Legendary Heroes
23. If You Walked Away

Erasure

Erasure's self-titled 1995 album was my choice purchase with a coupon I had at Half Price Books. I wasn't sure what to expect from this album, as I'd read that it was more experimental than their usual, but I actually think it works quite well. It's not so far "out there" to lose listeners like me, and the songs still have some very Erasure-ish qualities to them. The album contains "Fingers & Thumbs (Cold Summer's Day)," a track I'd not heard but have quickly grown to love. Other highlights include "Rock Me Gently" and "Love the Way You Do So." However, this album is best taken as a whole rather than examined track-by-track, for while some do stand alone well, the whole product is an experience in itself well worth having.

Tracks:
1. Intro: Guess I'm Into Feeling
2. Rescue Me
3. Sono Luminus
4. Fingers & Thumbs (Cold Summer's Day)
5. Rock Me Gently
6. Grace
7. Stay With Me
8. Love the Way You Do So
9. Angel
10. I Love You
11. A Long Goodbye

Most of All: The Best of Deborah Harry

Having enjoyed my recent purchase of Def, Dumb, & Blonde, I decided to get a nice overview of Deborah Harry's solo work. Most of All: The Best of Deborah Harry does a fine job of compiling most of her singles and including the hit single mixes, which is a major plus for me right there. Making it all worthwhile is the music itself, which is awesome. Besides familiar favorites like "I Want That Man" and "French Kissin' in the USA," I heard such new tracks as her remake of "Well, Did You Evah!" with Iggy Pop, "In Love With Love," "The Jam Was Moving," "Free to Fall," "Communion," and a variety of songs which prove that Harry is quite capable of performing a diverse array of material. I would certainly recommend this compilation.

Tracks:
1. I Want That Man
2. French Kissin' in the USA
3. Brite Side
4. Sweet and Low (single remix edit)
5. Free to Fall (7" edit)
6. Well, Did You Evah! (with Iggy Pop)
7. I Can See Clearly
8. Strike Me Pink
9. Communion (7" edit)
10. Backfired (7" edit)
11. In Love With Love (SAW remix)
12. Rush Rush (12" version)
13. The Jam Was Moving (7" mix)
14. Feel the Spin (extended dance version)
15. Maybe for Sure
16. Rockbird
17. I Want That Man (Almighty Definitive Mix radio edit)
18. I Want That Man (D-Bop's 11.59 Vocal Mix radio edit)

Song of the Day: "Friendly Persuasion (Thee I Love)"

ARTIST: The Four Aces
TITLE: "Friendly Persuasion (Thee I Love)"
YEAR: 1956

Written for the 1956 film Friendly Persuasion, this song has been cut by many different artists, but it's the version by The Four Aces I know best. For whatever reason, this nice '50s love song has been in my head today. It's a good tune and worth hearing.

For the record, other popular versions include one by Pat Boone and an instrumental take by George Shearing. It's also been recorded by the likes of Johnny Mathis, Gladys Knight, and Tony Perkins.

I can't find anywhere to link to the version by The Four Aces, so enjoy a rendition by The Lettermen here.

Song of the Day: "New York Mining Disaster 1941"

ARTIST: Bee Gees
TITLE: "New York Mining Disaster 1941"
YEAR: 1967

A paper for a class I'm taking brought this song to mind. Actually writing about Bee Gees' "New York Mining Disaster 1941" makes one realize just how much it says in so few words. I already really liked the song (great atmosphere and harmonies, lyrics and instrumentation that work well together), but I think, just this once, homework actually deepened my appreciation of the song. I'm not sure how many times I'll admit to something like that.

To hear this song, click here. The song can be bought on many Bee Gees and 60s compilations, but I don't know well enough which to recommend at this time.

Big Innings: The Best of The Outfield

Basically remembered today for their biggest hit, "Your Love," The Outfield had a few year period where they released a string of hit singles and albums. Big Innings: The Best of The Outfield does a very good job of bringing together these hits, plus a few new tracks, album tracks, and a b-sides. For most casual fans, myself included, this will prove a sufficient collection, as it hits all the important tracks. My favorite track on here is "For You," one of their bigger hits that I'd previously not encountered. There are many other cool songs included, however, including the hits "Say It Isn't So," "Since You've Been Gone," and "Voices of Babylon," and the new track "It Should Have Been Me," which sounds like it could easily have been a hit in its own right. Fans of late 80s pop, or even those just looking for a disc with "Your Love," should invest in this and enjoy the significant output of The Outfield.

Tracks:
1. Voices of Babylon
2. For You
3. Your Love
4. It Should Have Been Me
5. Say It Isn't So
6. Winning It All
7. Everytime You Cry
8. Through the Years
9. The Night Ain't Over
10. Closer to Me
11. Somewhere in America '89
12. My Paradise
13. All the Love in the World
14. Alone With You (acoustic version)
15. Since You've Been Gone
16. One Hot Country

1 Giant Leap

I bought 1 Giant Leap not really knowing much about the project other than that Robbie Williams and Neneh Cherry each contributed to singles released from it. I was therefore quite surprised when I found the CD to contain a very eclectic mix of world music, bringing in various elements of multiple genres. I have to say that this was outside my usual realm of listening, so, while I didn't dislike it, I didn't take to most of the tracks as well as others might. Still, I plan to revisit this at some point to give it a fair shake. Those who contributed all seem very talented, and I did learn of some new cool artists who're usually ignored in this culture.

Tracks:
1. Dunya Salam (featuring Baaba Maal)
2. My Culture (featuring Robbie Williams & Maxi Jazz)
3. The Way You Dream (featuring Michael Stipe & Asha Bhosle)
4. Ma' Africa (featuring The Mahotella Queens & Ulali)
5. Braided Hair (featuring Speech & Neneh Cherry)
6. Ta Moko (featuring Whiri Mako Black)
7. Bushes (featuring Baaba Maal)
8. Passion (featuring Michael Franti)
9. Daphne (featuring Eddi Reader, The Mahotella Queens, & Revetti Sakalar)
10. All Alone (On Eilean Shona)
11. Racing Away (featuring Grant Lee Phillips & Horace Andy)
12. Ghosts (featuring Eddi Reader)

Figures on a Beach

Figures on a Beach's eponymous 1989 contains their two best-known songs: "Accidentally 4th St. (Gloria)," the awesome song which interested me in this album, and a remake of "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" which would become their biggest pop hit. As Figures on a Beach is a group who never quite struck it big, or even developed a significant cult following, I had no real idea what to expect from the album as a whole. I was pleased to find that it's pretty solid. Not every track could stand alone, but there are a few very strong ones on there besides the aforementioned two, including "(Don't Make Me) Nervous" and "The Wheel." My favorite remains "Absolutely 4th St.," however.

Tracks:
1. Accidentally 4th St. (Gloria)
2. Flex
3. (Don't Make Me) Nervous
4. Clamdiggin'
5. The Wheel
6. You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
7. Independence Day
8. Mystified
9. Get Serious
10. Welfare
11. Green

Konk (limited edition) (The Kooks)

While I never bought The Kooks' first album, a multiple day recurrence of "Always Where I Need to Be" in my head drove me to try out their second, Konk. Since the limited edition (containing a second disc of additional songs) wasn't much more expensive than the regular, I went ahead and did that one. Overall, this album proved a good purchase. For one thing, it's cohesive, not simply a collection of songs. While every song isn't stellar, each selection does seem to contribute something to the album and its mood. Standout tracks include the aforementioned lead single, "Stormy Weather," second single "Shine On," "Mr. Maker," and "Do You Wanna." Highlights of the bonus disc include "No Longer," "By My Side," and "Fa La La," which by all acounts should not work nearly as well as it does. Something about the delivery turns what could have been disastrous lyrics into a great song. While this album certainly isn't groundbreaking, it's a very pleasant listen, and when it's at its best, its tracks can compete with most anything else out there right now.

Tracks:
1. See the Sun
2. Always Where I Need to Be
3. Mr. Maker
4. Do You Wanna
5. Gap
6. Love It All
7. Stormy Weather
8. Sway
9. Shine On
10. Down to the Market
11. One Last Time
12. Tick of Time
13. All Over Town

Disc 2 (Rak)
1. Watching the Ships Roll In
2. Eaten by Your Lover
3. No Longer
4. Fa La La
5. Nothing Ever Changes
6. By My Side
7. Hatful of Love
8. See the Sun (alternate version)
9. Brooklyn (home demo)

"The Perfect Boy (Mix 13)" single (The Cure)

Well, The Cure's marketing technique has worked well on me, as I've picked up the single for "The Perfect Boy (Mix 13)," the fourth single leading up to the release of the group's thirteen studio album. The title track, which is quite good, is backed with "Without You," which isn't quite as good as the a-side, but still a decent track. I think, of the four released, my favorite is "Freakshow (Mix 13)," as both tracks are quite strong, but all four a-sides are good, and I'm pleased with the results so far. Hopefully the album will be a good one.

Tracks:
1. The Perfect Boy (Mix 13)
2. Without You

"Tearin' Up My Heart" single (CD2) (*NSYNC)

CD2 (I believe from England) of *NSYNC's "Tearin' Up My Heart" contains two versions of the title track and the album version of "You Got It" from the self-titled debut. "You Got It" is an okay track. The first mix featured here is the Beat Back radio edit, which is a great version. The final track is Riprock & Alex G's Heart edit, which is a cool fast version of the tune. As an added bonus, there's a little foldout poster included. It was a bit of a trip seeing the *NSYNC guys looking so young.

Tracks:
1. Tearin' Up My Heart (Beat Back radio edit)
2. You Got It
3. Tearin' Up My Heart (Riprock & Alex G's Heart edit)

"Bye Bye Bye" single (*NSYNC)

Since it happened to be around, I grabbed *NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" single. That megahit is backed with its instrumental version and the song "Could It Be You." The instrumental version works surprisingly well on its own. "Could It Be You" was left off the U.S. release of No Strings Attached, although it appeared on various international editions. While I can see why it wasn't a single in its own right, it's a pretty good song. Not sure why they left it off the domestic version.

Tracks:
1. Bye Bye Bye
2. Bye Bye Bye (instrumental)
3. Could It Be You

"Gotta Get Thru This" single (Daniel Bedingfield)

I noticed a copy of the "Gotta Get Thru This" 3-track sitting in FYE, so I snapped it up. It includes three mixes of the title track: the D'N'D radio edit, the D'N'D full length version, and the Stella Browne vocal mix. I was surprised to hear that the D'N'D radio edit is in fact the same version on the album, as it was not labeled as such on my copy. (My copy is an import edition containing "Never Gonna Leave Your Side." I believe it was imported from Argentina. It hadn't been my intention, but it was a happy accident since it's the more complete version.) Anyway, that solves that mystery. The D'N'D full length is just like the familiar radio edit, but, well, longer. The Stella Browne vocal edit is a nice dance version which doesn't use the processed vocals of the D'N'D version. I very much like it. It's nice to have a few mixes of this track, and I'm glad I picked this one up.

Tracks:
1. Gotta Get Thru This (D'N'D radio edit)
2. Gotta Get Thru This (D'N'D full length version)
3. Gotta Get Thru This (Stella Browne vocal edit)

Song of the Day: "Sandcastle Disco"

ARTIST: Solange
TITLE: "Sandcastle Disco"
YEAR: 2008

I have to say that I'm quite surprised by how much I've been enjoying Solange's "Sandcastle Disco." I didn't expect to get into this project at all, but this song has some of that throwback R&B style I so enjoy. I haven't decided if it merits picking up the album for this yet or not, but I must say I'm impressed by this track. A very nice offering indeed.

The song can be heard here. It is available on Solange's album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams.

Spartacus (The Farm)

I picked up The Farm's Spartacus on the strength of the single "All Together Now," which I adore. I have to say that, as that was my only real Farm exposure, I was a bit surprised by the album's content, which didn't all sound similar to that song. However, while it wasn't exactly what I was expecting, this Madchester-influenced album is a fairly enjoyable listen. Other highlights include the two versions of "Very Emotional," the single "Groovy Train," and the tracks "Family of Man" and "Sweet Inspiration." While I wouldn't say my first impression of the album is love, I do like it pretty well. I imagine this shows up in used bins fairly frequently, and it is worth copping it cheaply if for no reason other than owning the excellent "All Together Now."

Tracks:
1. Hearts & Minds
2. How Long
3. Sweet Inspiration
4. Groovy Train
5. Higher & Higher
6. Don't Let Me Down
7. Family of Man
8. Tell the Story
9. Very Emotional
10. All Together Now
11. Higher & Higher (remix)
12. Very Emotional (remix)

Velveteen (Transvision Vamp)

Transvision Vamp's 1989 album Velveteen opens with the big hit "Baby I Don't Care." The song is a strong opener for what proves to be a strong, cohesive album. While you don't end with something incredibly similar to where you began, you're transitioned well the entire way through. This album is more than just a collection of songs, in my opinion; thought was put into the unit as a whole, and it works better than it otherwise would have for this reason. This is why one can go from a hooky rocker at the beginning to the title track's epic 9-minute drama at the end and never feel startled. This album is definitely worth a listen, and it comes recommended. Before this, my only real experience with Transvision Vamp was their awesome remake of "Tell That Girl to Shut Up," but I can now safely say that they're a band well worth knowing.

Tracks:
1. Baby I Don't Care
2. The Only One
3. Landslide of Love
4. Falling for a Goldmine
5. Down on You
6. Song to the Stars
7. Kiss Their Sons
8. Born to Be Sold
9. Pay the Ghosts
10. Bad Valentine
11. Velveteen

The Devil You Know (Econoline Crush)

Econoline Crush's 1998 album The Devil You Know spawned such rock hits as "Sparkle and Shine" and "All That You Are (x3)." It is the latter track that initially interested me in Econoline Crush, and which ultimately influenced me to pick up this album. Overall, I'm pleased I did. Stylistically, it's like industrial rock meets Soundgarden. Besides the aforementioned pair of songs, highlights include the title track and "Home."

Tracks:
1. Surefire
2. Sparkle and Shine
3. Deeper
4. Hollowman
5. Home
6. The Devil You Know
7. All That You Are (x3)
8. Burnt
9. Haven't Gone Away
10. Elegant
11. Razorblades and Bandaides
12-22. (silence)
23. I Corinthians 13:4-8

An Emotional Fish

Irish rock band An Emotional Fish's self-titled album from 1990 contains their big hit "Celebrate." While the album doesn't entirely live up to the promise of that song, its opening track, it is a decent, albeit inconsistent, 80s-90s transition alternative release. It's more of an interesting period piece than it is a vital album for a collection, but those who remember and enjoy "Celebrate" could do worse than to pick up a cheap copy of this album or the single.

Tracks:
1. Celebrate
2. Grey Matter
3. Blue
4. Lace Virginia
5. Julian
6. All I Am
7. Change
8. Colours
9. That Demon Jive
10. Brick It Up
11. Move On

Wendy Moten

While one doesn't hear much about Wendy Moten these days, she managed to make a little splash back in 1992 with her eponymous debut album thanks to the success of the single "Come In Out of the Rain." Adult contemporary radio really took to the breakthrough single from this Tennessee-born single, helping to spur on its success. Unfortunately for Moten, she could never quite match that hit, and she slowly drifted back out of the public consciousness. However, her self-titled album is pretty solid, including minor R&B hit "Step by Step."

Tracks:
1. Matter of Fact
2. Nobody but You
3. Step by Step
4. So Close to Love
5. Forever Yours
6. Whatever It Takes
7. Come In Out of the Rain
8. Make This Love Last
9. Magic Touch
10. Wonderin'
11. Once Upon a Time

Here Right Now (Graham Colton)

Since I enjoyed Graham Colton Band's Drive, mainly thanks to the single "Don't Give Up on Me," I figured I'd give Colton's solo venture a try. While I think Drive is the better of the two albums, 2007's Here Right Now proves that Colton still has some juice left. Songs like "Always in Love" and "You Find a Way" find Colton making Hot AC-ready pop-rock of an enjoyable variety. Hidden track "Here Right Now" is also one of the highlights of the album. While Colton didn't exactly break the mainstream the way he'd hoped with this album, it has hopefully paved the way for him to eventually find some great success.

Tracks:
1. Telescope
2. You Find a Way
3. Best Days
4. Forget About You
5. On Your Side
6. Cellophane Girl
7. Always in Love
8. If Love Was Enough
9. Whatever Breaks My Heart
10. Take You Back
11. New Years Resolution
12. Let It Go (and hidden track Here Right Now)

Boylan Heights (The Connells)

Released in 1987, The Connells' Boylan Heights hints at some of the great music that would come with their later albums. That is to say, it's a good work, but not their best. Still, with tracks like "Scotty's Lament" and "I Suppose," this R.EM.-influenced album is worth hearing. The more I hear, the more I wonder why The Connells generally failed to break through to the mainstream. They really had a good college rock sound going on, and none of their albums that I've heard has been a clunker by any stretch of the imagination.

Tracks:
1. Scotty's Lament
2. Choose a Side
3. Try
4. Just Like Us
5. If It Crumbles
6. Pawns
7. Over There
8. Elegance
9. Home Today
10. OT² (instrumental)
11. I Suppose

"Shout to the Top" single (Fire Island featuring Loleatta Holloway)

I was mainly attracted to Fire Island's remake of Style Council's hit "Shout to the Top" because it featured Loleatta Holloway on vocals. I've been getting into her stuff of late, and I was interested in hearing what she'd done with the song. It proved a great fit and I fell in love upon first listen. Fire Island and Holloway put together a fine version of this song. The 1998 single release contains six mixes of the song, my favorite of which is the Fire Island radio edit. The others are also good, though, making this a strong single.

Tracks:
1. Shout to the Top (Fire Island radio edit)
2. Shout to the Top (Industry Standard Uprising mix)
3. Shout to the Top (Frankie Knuckles Classic club mix)
4. Shout to the Top (Club 69 vocal mix)
5. Shout to the Top (Industry Standard No Smoke Without Fire mix)
6. Shout to the Top (Roach Motel Ruff & Raw mix)

The Stars We Are (Marc Almond)

Marc Almond's 1988 album The Stars We Are is a great work from the Soft Cell leader. The album is quite cohesive, and the quality generally stays high. Highlights include "Tears Run Rings," "The Sensualist," "These My Dreams Are Yours," "Kept Boy," and a good remake of "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart." Overall, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. Good stuff.

Tracks:
1. The Stars We Are
2. These My Dreams Are Yours
3. Bitter Sweet
4. Only the Moment
5. Your Kisses Burn
6. The Very Last Pearl
7. Tears Run Rings
8. Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart
9. The Sensualist
10. She Took My Soul in Istanbul
11. The Frost Comes Tomorrow
12. Kept Boy

LFO

LFO's 1999 self-titled album is a nice, fluffy boy band album. While some of the material is obviously filler, fans of this style will find the singles either decent songs, or at least a bit of instant nostalgia. Also present is "If I Can't Have You," a track from the original lineup before the band became somewhat more produced for such hits as "Summer Girls" and "West Side Story."

Tracks:
1. Summer Girls
2. Girl on TV
3. Cross My Heart
4. If I Can't Have You
5. I Don't Wanna Kiss You Goodnight
6. West Side Story
7. Think About You
8. I Will Show You Mine
9. All I Need to Know
10. Baby Be Mine
11. Your Heart Is Safe with Me
12. My Block
13. Forever

Female Trouble (Nona Hendryx)

Of all my bargain store finds, this one is definitely up there as one of my favorite lucky discoveries. Nona Hendryx's 1987 album Female Trouble is pretty awesome. The biggest hit off the album was "Why Should I Cry," which is a fine song, but other highlights include "I Know What You Need," "Too Hot to Handle," "Female Trouble," "Big Fun," and the Prince-penned "Baby Go-Go." "Winds of Change" also lets her show off her pipes a bit, proving Hendryx to be a more-than-capable vocalist for a decent range of material. Why this former member of LaBelle didn't hit it bigger solo than she did I'll never know. I would highly recommend seeking out this album, as it's a true should-have-been-a-classic.

Tracks:
1. I Know What You Need (Pygmy's Confession)
2. Big Fun
3. Baby Go-Go
4. Rhythm of Change
5. Why Should I Cry?
6. Too Hot to Handle
7. Winds of Change (Mandela to Mandela)
8. Female Trouble
9. Drive Me Wild

"Doin' the Do" single (Betty Boo)

Betty Boo's "Doin' the Do" single is another one for the impulse buying column. I can only vaguely remember hearing this song before, but I decided it'd be a cool purchase, so I added it to my goodies. I'm not sure if Betty Boo is freestyle or just danceable rap, but regardless, "Doin' the Do" and its b-side, "Shame," are both fun examples of whatever genre into which they best fit. It was also great to hear the remixes on here by the likes of Shep Pettibone and Beatmasters. Standouts for me as far as "Doin' the Do" remixes go are the Beatmasters Club mix and Pettibone's Damned If You Do mix.

Tracks:
1. Doin' the Do (single version)
2. Doin' the Do (The Good Do-Bee mix)
3. Doin' the Do (Doin' the Wop mix)
4. Doin' the Do (Beatmasters club mix)
5. Shame (Hoodlum mix)
6. Doin' the Do (Damned If You Do mix)
7. Doin' the Do (Damned If You Do dub mix)
8. Doin' the Do (King John mix)
9. Shame (single version)

"Nobody Knows" single (Tony Rich Project)

Tony Rich Project's "Nobody Knows" is a classic song of the 1990s. If anybody were trying to make a compilation of the essential songs of that decade, I would say this one belongs. It's a great slice of smooth R&B. The single contains four versions, all of which are worth hearing: the album version, Eddie F.'s Untouchable remix, Rich remix, and the album instrumental.

Tracks:
1. Nobody Knows
2. Nobody Knows (Eddie F.'s untouchable remix)
3. Nobody Knows (Rich remix)
4. Nobody Knows (album instrumental)

"South Side" single (Moby)

I picked up the single for Moby's "South Side" because, when I first played my copy of the Play album years ago, I was jarred to find that I had a version of the song with Gwen Stefani's vocals. Don't get me wrong; it's not a bad version. It's just not my preferred one, nor the one that I remembered hearing on the radio. In fact, while I'd seen the song referred to as a duet, it was my first time actually hearing a version with Stefani on it. Therefore, when I saw this two-track at a low price, I jumped at the chance to finally get the Stefani-less version of "South Side." "South Side" is a great track, and the one which brought Moby his biggest U.S. hit. Those actively seeking a single should bypass this one for the maxi-single which contains these two tracks and some remixes.

Tracks:
1. South Side (featuring Gwen Stefani) (edit)
2. South Side (original album version)

"Legend of a Cowgirl" promo single (Imani Coppola)

While it isn't the ideal way of acquiring this song, the promo single for Imani Coppola's "Legend of a Cowgirl" was for sale and priced even cheaper than an iTunes download, and is now in my collection. It contains just one track: the radio version of "Legend of a Cowgirl." I remember this song fondly, and I love it, so it's cool to finally own it in some format. Now I just need to get Little Jackie's album and I'll have the two great Coppola-related tracks. Actually, I suppose, in all fairness, given the fact that I also really enjoy Baha Men's "You All Dat," on which she appears, I'd need that, too. Eh, whatever. At least I've now got her first big hit, which will always hold a place in my heart.

Tracks:
1. Legend of a Cowgirl (radio version)

"Who Am I" single (Beenie Man)

It's a shame that people's negative reactions toward artists often prevent them from enjoying the artists' music, no matter how good it may be. This seems to be particularly problematic when it comes to dancehall artists in the United States. Any time it seems like one might be making it big, his cultural views tend to come back and haunt him. I believe this is one of the reasons why Beenie Man is not as much of a force in U.S. pop music as he could be. I'm not exactly a big fan of all of his views, but that doesn't stop me from thinking he makes some kickass music. "Who Am I" was one of his breakthrough hits in 1998. It's a catchy song that doesn't seem to get radio play anymore, more's the pity. The single is backed with three additional versions of the song and the earlier single "Romie." "Romie" makes for one killer b-side. I'd venture to say it's even better than "Who Am I." While the instrumental mix of "Who Am I" isn't much to hear, this is overall a nice single, and worth it if encountered in the cutout bins.

Tracks:
1. Who Am I
2. Who Am I (instrumental)
3. Who Am I (dancehall remix)
4. Who Am I (DJ Maggy remix)
5. Romie

"Love Is All Around" single (Adriana Evans)

Adriana Evans's 1997 song "Love Is All Around" is a nice R&B track that simply didn't catch on as well as it could have, becoming only a minor hit. While it's somewhat understandable how this song would slip through the cracks (relatively unknown artist, good song but with no "wow factor"), it's still a decent tune that deserves a spin or two. The single is backed with one remix and a track of some album snippets.

Tracks:
1. Love Is All Around
2. Love Is All Around (Mo Bump remix)
3. album snippets

"Paper Planes" (Homeland Security Remixes) (M.I.A.)

The Homeland Security Remixes EP for M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" had one track which held major appeal for me: the Scottie B remix. I don't know why, but I fell in love with that one, and so I decided to get buy this single. Some of the other remixes included are also pretty good, particularly the Diplo Street remix, which features additional verses by Bun B and Rich Boy. The album version is not included here, which isn't a major problem for me, as, while I like it okay, I don't love it so much as to greatly feel its absence. Overall, the remixes are pretty nice, with the only one I didn't really enjoy being the remix for the children by Adrock. If you like this song, go ahead and pick up the EP with confidence.

Tracks:
1. "Paper Planes" (featuring Afrikan Boy & Rye Rye) [Blaqstarr remix]
2. "Paper Planes" (remix for the children by Adrock)
3. "Paper Planes" (featuring Bun B & Rich Boy) [Diplo Street Remix]
4. "Paper Planes" (DFA Remix)
5. "Paper Planes" (Scottie B Remix)

Fancy Footwork deluxe edition (Chromeo)

Since the label apparently wants to peddle these and had many retailers dropping its price significantly, I decided to go ahead and chance the album, despite only really knowing the title track. The deluxe edition contains the original album on disc 1, while disc 2 contains some songs from their first album as well as many remixes of songs on Fancy Footwork. While I was pleasantly surprised by the generally enjoyable content of the first disc, I have to admit that I was basically unimpressed by most of the included remixes. Still, at a fair price, I can generally recommend this to fans of lighthearted, fun, danceable music.

Tracks:
1. Intro
2. Tenderoni
3. Fancy Footwork
4. Bonafied Lovin' / Tough Guys Interlude
5. My Girl Is Calling Me (A Liar)
6. Outta Sight
7. Opening Up / Ce Soir On Danse Interlude
8. Momma's Boy
9. Call Me Up
10. Waiting for You
11. 100% / Interoni

Disc 2
12. Needy Girl
13. Rage!
14. You're So Gangsta
15. I Am Somebody (DJ Mehdi featuring Chromeo)
16. Tenderoni (MSTRKRFT remix)
17. Fancy Footwork (Crookers remix)
18. Needy Girl (Lifelike remix)
19. Me & My Man
20. You're So Gangsta (Playground remix)
21. Destination Overdrive (DFA remix)
22. Fancy Footwork (Laidback Luke remix)
23. Bonafied Lovin' (Jori Hulkonnen remix)

The Ultimate Gary Glitter

Perhaps one of my luckiest finds in a while was a used copy The Ultimate Gary Glitter at FYE for $5. This 2-disc set is a very good retrospective of Glitter's singles output. Glitter is one of those artist's whose personal life has unfortunately come to overshadow his musical output, but fans of glammy music do themselves a disservice if they allow this to happen. Included in this package are 28 of Glitter's singles as well as four of The Glitter Band's hits. These four tracks are quite strong, which caused me to add their The Bell Singles Collection to my wish list. Anyhow, highlights of this set include "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)," "I Love You Love Me Love," "Let's Get Together Again" (a Glitter Band track), "Doing Alright with the Boys," "Always Yours," "You Belong to Me," and "Goodbye My Love" (also by The Glitter Band).

Fans of Gary Glitter will find this package a great career overview, while those who only know a few of his songs will delight in the overall Glitter experience.

Tracks:
1. Rock and Roll (Part 1)
2. Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)
3. I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)
4. I Didn't Know I Loved You (Till I Saw You Rock and Roll)
5. I Love You Love Me Love
6. Let's Get Together Again (The Glitter Band)
7. Doing Alright With the Boys
8. Always Yours
9. Sidewalk Sinner
10. Angel Face (The Glitter Band)
11. Oh Yes! You're Beautiful
12. Love Like You and Me
13. Remember Me This Way
14. You Belong to Me
15. When I'm On I'm On
16. Rock Hard Men (Need the Power)

Disc 2
17. Hello Hello I'm Back Again
18. Rock and Roll (Part 2)
19. Papa Oom Mow Mow
20. Dance Me Up
21. Rock On
22. It Takes All Night Long
23. Goodbye My Love (The Glitter Band)
24. Oh What a Fool I've Been
25. What Your Mama Don't See (Your Mama Don't Know)
26. A Little Boogie Woogie in the Back of My Mind
27. I Dare You to Lay One on Me
28. Just for You (The Glitter Band)
29. Be My Baby
30. And Then She Kissed Me
31. All That Glitters (Medley)
32. Another Rock and Roll Christmas

Song of the Day: "Spiralling"

ARTIST: Keane
TITLE: "Spiralling"
YEAR: 2008

Following the success of Coldplay's free "Violet Hill" download in generating buzz (and e-mail addresses), Keane released "Spiralling" on their website for free for one week. The song comes from their upcoming album Perfect Symmetry. If the song is any indication of the direction in which they've taken this album, I'm quite excited. It's not the usual Keane sound, but it's awesome. While I don't think they've managed quite the press Coldplay did from the free pre-release, I hope in the long run they find some good sales for what seems like it'll be a very deserving project.

Hear it here.

Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends (Coldplay)

Coldplay's Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends is on course to be one of 2008's biggest albums. That's understandable, given that "Viva La Vida" has become one of the biggest U.S. hits of their career. However, while I like this album, I can't say it's my favourite from Coldplay. While I know I'm in the minority, I can't help but feel X&Y was particularly strong. Anyhow, the best track on this album is lead single "Violet Hill," but Coldplay fans will find several more to enjoy. "Strawberry Swing" was one of the other highlights for me.

Tracks:
1. Life in Technicolor
2. Cemeteries of London
3. Lost!
4. 42
5. Lovers in Japan / Reign of Love
6. Yes
7. Viva La Vida
8. Violet Hill
9. Strawberry Swing
10. Death and All His Friends

The Collection (Tracey Dey)

Tracey Dey's The Collection is another CD of dubious origin. However, the music on there is hard to find and good quality girl pop. Fans of such will not be disappointed by the music herein, although the lack of liner notes is a bit disappointing. Highlights include "Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now," "I Won't Tell," "Didn't Ya," and "Marchin' Home." Other tracks of interest include "Jerry (I'm Your Sherry)," a response to The 4 Seasons' "Sherry," and four duets recorded with Gary Knight as Dey & Knight.

Tracks:
1. Jerry (I'm Your Sherry)
2. Once in a Blue Blue Moon
3. Long Time No See
4. Jealous Eyes
5. Teenage Cleopatra
6. Who's That (A Dream Smiled at Me)
7. Teddy's the Boy I Love
8. Here Comes the Boy
9. Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now
10. Go Away
11. Hangin' On to My Baby
12. Ska Doo Dee Yah
13. I Won't Tell
14. Any Kind of Love
15. Blue Turns to Grey
16. Didn't Ya
17. Hanky Panky
18. Shakin' the Blues Away
19. Young Love (Dey & Knight)
20. I'm Gonna Love You Tomorrow (Dey & Knight)
21. Sayin' Something (Dey & Knight)
22. Ooh Do La Do Lay (Dey & Knight)
23. Marchin' Home

Shine (Estelle)

After I played "American Boy" for my mother, she decided that I really needed Estelle's Shine album so that I could put the song on her iPod. That decision was fine by me! As I hadn't listened to much else from the album, I wasn't really sure what to expect, but any reservations I had proved unnecessary. This is a great album! It's spent more than a few days in my car as the soundtrack to my real life. Standout tracks include "So Much Out the Way," "Pretty Please (Love Me)," "American Boy," the title track, and "No Substitute Love." I'm forcing myself to stop with five tracks, but the entire album is worth hearing. This is definitely one of 2008's must-own albums.

Tracks:
1. Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)
2. No Substitute Love
3. American Boy (featuring Kanye West)
4. More Than Friends
5. Magnificent (featuring Kardinal Offishall)
6. Come Over
7. So Much Out the Way
8. In the Rain
9. Back in Love
10. You Are (featuring John Legend)
11. Pretty Please (Love Me) (featuring Cee-Lo)
12. Shine