obscuria.

CLLCT Forever!

2009-05-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

Remember my post on CLLCT.com? The site is resting in peace due to reasons I'm not sure of nor would I publicize them if I were fully aware. End of an era? I hope not. A resurrection is possible and several community members are attempting to do so. Whether it can be duplicated may be a bit of a long shot, after well over a million views and the sense of a selfless loving family that it provided, CLLCT (The Collective Family) is an original. I'm aware that this post doesn't come close; it is simply an homage.

The line between making music for the love of it and doing it in an attempt as a career, to make money, even to simply pay the bills, is not a fine one. It is a huge gap between art and greed. Music is not a job, it is a creative hobby that very few are lucky enough to live off of entirely and this is why the Collective Family has offered their music up for free. Because they are true artists and the art is what brought them together, no egos in sight.

Anyone from the CLLCT who has any of their music zipped in an archive, feel free to comment here with your links!

For now, here are a quick, tiny handful; the first two were sent to me by the artist, the others were one I recalled being archived on an alternate link in the site and I found through Google's cache. Music that is worth saving!

James Eric - 31
http://sharebee.com/e43d0b1a
-This version contains more tracks than the final, but is missing "Save Me Aagin", which can be found at http://jamesericmusic.com
JE MySpace.

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Garden On A Trampoline - SEX/DEATH
http://sharebee.com/90267548
GoaT MySpace.

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Existential Hero - Eating Grapes & Whale Bones
http://www.mediafire.com/?nx2f5tjsnzt

Existential Hero - The Storm Of The Century
http://www.mediafire.com/?b0mlcn0wm12

Existential Hero - What Do We Do Now?
http://www.mediafire.com/?nyodmo5dgej

EH MySpace

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Jellybean! - Breakfast Burrito & A Coffee To Go
http://sharebee.com/1675a7b3

Jellybean! - Answer Me!!
http://sharebee.com/baffa5e7

Jellybean! - The Best Christmas Ever
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=1f66ec303d06c3a891b20cc0d07ba4d2f6486717e8f365f1

J! MySpace

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Iron Like Nylon - Shut Up
http://meghanlamb.persephassa.com/shut%20up.zip

ILN MySpace

hiatus.

2009-03-07T23:58:00.000-08:00

In short, I don't feel like blogging/uploading music lately. I'll be back sooner or later.

Ednaswap

2009-02-26T20:48:00.001-08:00

Natalie Imbruglia may be known for her breakout hit "Torn", but Ednaswap were the originators of this song.

Another interesting band name. This one came from a nightmare that leader Anne Preven had about being in a band called Edna Swap who were booed offstage. I don't know if this ever actually happened in real life, but they were most definitely underappreciated as a band even though Preven and bandmate Scott Cutler have achieved success as collaborative songwriters, including a recent Oscar nod for Dreamgirls' "Listen".

Ednaswap's sound was gritty and grungy on their first two albums, then resorted to a poppier sound on 1998's Wonderland Park. Some tracks from the first album repeat themselves on Wacko Magneto as newer recordings and I would definitely say that the latter is an overall stronger album. Particularly the version of "Torn" dramatically changes from a radio-friendly tune not much different from Imbruglia's later hit to a dark, angsty number.

The band broke up in 1999, to briefly resurface as AnneTennA a couple of years later. (If anyone is interested I will feature it when I find my CD).

Ednaswap - Ednaswap (1995)
1. This Is a Song
2. Clown Show
3. Acrobat
4. Ted and Joe
5. Pale
6. Blown Away
7. The State I'm In
8. Therapy
9. More
10. Minor Crap
11. Glow
12. Torn
13. The Goodnight Moon

Ednaswap - Wacko Magneto (1997)
1. Stop Counting
2, Clown Show
3. Chordomatic
4. Sideways Out The Window
5. All Time Low
6. More
7. Silver Hill
8. Pale
9. Ydwibe
10. Torn
11. Shrapnel
12. Claustrophobic
13. Violin Song

Ednaswap - Wonderland Park (1998)
1. Safety Net
2. Back On The Sun
3. Liquid Soul
4. 74 Willow
5. Without Within
6. A Conversation
7. Supernatural
8. Trivial
9. Flower
10. 747
11. Invisible

Purchase from Amazon.

Paris Red - Promises

2009-02-26T00:21:00.000-08:00

Past post Shades of Red explains pretty much all you need to know. :)

Paris Red - Promises (1992)
1. Promises
2. Without You
3. I Can't Give You Up
4. Ain't No Mountain High Enough
5. Lovin' You
6. After The Love Has Lost It's Shine
7. Party
8. One And Everything
9. Good Friend
10. For A Lifetime
11. Do Ya (Feel It)
12. Promises (108 BPM)
13. O.I.A.
14. Sexy
tracks 1-7
tracks 8-14

Falafel Babies - Celebrities In Space EP

2009-02-25T14:03:00.000-08:00

If you liked my post about the CLLCT, you may dig Clare O'Kane & Peter Hernandez, aka Falafel Babies. They really should join the CLLCT; this EP is already offered for free on last.fm.

Falafel Babies - Celebrities In Space EP
1. Aquatic Orchestra
2. Horse Whisperer
3. Ballad of Lindsay Lohan
4. Ivy Atoms
5. Poppyseed
6. Ballad of Marlon Brando
7. Space Jam

MySpace.

Falafel falafel falafel. weee.

Killola

2009-02-24T23:56:00.001-08:00

Good rock bands are so hard to come by these days. That's why Killola are a breath of fresh air. They're by far the best new rock band of this decade. I pity the fool who disagrees! :) Fronted by actress Lisa Rieffel, K)) will kick you in the throat only to watch you laugh it off. What else is rock for, eh? Lisa's vocals are also like no one else's out there.

The band not only gives fans the option to buy or download their music for free, but those with Killola tattoos get in their shows for free as well. But possibly the most interesting thing about this band is the origin of their name...

While living together in a Los Angeles apartment in the middle of forming, along came Ray, a Craigslist find. One morning, Ray and his belongings were nowhere to be found. All that he left behind was the cryptic word "Killola" smeared on the bathroom mirror - in mayonnaise! And the rest is history.

Killola - Louder, Louder! (2006)
1. Barrel Of Donkeys
2. Appetite
3. I Don't Know Who
4. Get Around
5. It's All Right
6. Hollow
7. Rip-Off Artist
8. Bonus Rock Track ("Dr. Rock" - Ween cover)

Killola - Live studio session In England (2007)
1. 10,000 Pound Ego
2. Heartrate 160
3. This Is How The World Ends
4. Johnny, Are You Queer? (Josie Cotton cover)
5. Barrel Of Donkeys
6. Get Around
7. Appetite
8. I Don't Know Who
9. Dr. Rock
10. Bullet
11. Rip-Off Artist
12. Down
13. Me & The Boys
14. Hollow
15. Wa Da We Da

Killola - I Am The Messer (2007, w/ 2008 bonus tracks)
1. This Is How The World Ends
2. All Of My Idols Are Dead
3. Strung Out On Sunshine
4. Is This A Love Song?
5. The Man From Kilimanjaro (interlude)
6. Personal Graveyard
7. Heartrate 160
8. Wa Da We Da
9. You Can't See Me Because I'm A Stalker
10. 10,000 Pound Ego
11. Who We Think We Are (bonus track)
12. Cracks In The Armor (bonus track)

I Am The Messer (as well as albums by many other up-and-coming acts and a handful of those already famous) can also be downloaded on True Anthem. "Connecting the Band to the Fan with a Brand"... This is where I got the above from. At the beginning of every track there is an introduction and ad from the band shouting out to the sponsor who made it possible to share it for free. In this case, DW Drums. The ads are not intrusive at all. In fact, they add introspect to the artists' character or lack therof. Killola are an excellent example of this, particularly Lisa opening the band's tracks with goofy charisma!

BONUSES:
No Matter
Santa, Give Us Something We Can Use

Official Website.
MySpace.
Purchase albums from CD Baby.

Imani Coppola

2009-02-22T12:35:00.000-08:00

"Hypnotize me
Make me bark like a bunny
Got a pain in my head from the microwave
Jesus Presley
Elvis Saves"
-Before I Lost My Memory

Well, Jesus Presley, you haven't lived until you've listened to Imani Coppola! No, no no, you have not! You may be familiar with 1997's "Legend Of A Cowgirl", Imani's entry into the one-hit wonder hall of fame, a quirky, catchy pop-hip-hop Luscious Jackson-esque little tune which samples Donovan's "Sunshine Superman".
Or...maybe you've heard her recent project, Little Jackie, a duo where she hops onto the neo-soul bandwagon. Okay, so she has balls to tell off Amy Winehouse on "Cryin' For The Queen".

But for Imani, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Little Jackie, or her previous (brilliant) effort, The Black & White Album were no comebacks. Over the years, she continued to record independently through the Internet. Her official website's store has supposed to have relaunched for a couple of years now. I don't know what's up with that nor do I have all of her albums (I'm looking!) but the digital-only ones that I do have are below.

She once offered Audio Blahgs for free. All of these tracks are spoken-word by Imani in character. 14+ characters. ohmygosh, this never ceases to be amusing. About as nutty as I am walking around the house doing the same thing.

Imani Coppola - Audio Blahgs (2006)
Can I Come Over?
Cassandra
Chinese Restaurant
Counting Calories
How I Quit Smoking
Ice Cream
Impressing The Neighbors
Meant To Be
Next Door Neighbor
Retarded Sister
Summer School
Where's My Money
You Can Be Psychic
You Know You Broke

Imani Coppola - Post Traumatic Pop Syndrome (2002)
1. Woodstock
2. Frequent Flyer
3. Brainstorm
4. Prayer
5. Before I Lost My Memory
6. Ill Tempered Lover
7. Do I Go To You?
8. Cool Beats With My Feet
9. Song For The Seeker

Imani Coppola - Little Red Fighting Mood (2002)
1. Hope For The Future
2. These Days
3. Hey Now
4. Cool Beats With My Feet (missing; I just noticed that, sorry, but it's on the above Post Traumatic Pop Syndrome also)
5. Go With The Flow
6. Feelin' Like A Sucka
7. Sun Spots
8. Hold Back The Black
9. Fake Is The New Real
10. I Know Karate
11. Lock Me Up
12. Lotto
13. It's Raining Pianos
14. Jillian Jones
15. The Radio Song
16. Desperado
17. Meet Me At The Beach

"Woodstock" and "Fake Is The New Real" were later covered by soul artist Alice Smith on her album For Lovers, Dreamers & Me.

Official Website.
Discography.
Little Jackie on MySpace.
Imani on Amazon.
Purchase Afrodite from CD Baby.

Juliana Hatfield EPs

2009-02-10T22:28:00.000-08:00

Juliana Hatfield is my all-time favorite solo singer-songwriter. These are most of her EPs; all of the ones that I own. If you're a fan of 90's alternative rock, chances are you are already familiar with her hits "My Sister" or "Spin The Bottle" at the very least. All EPs below fit in the alt-rock category, but she is also in a class of her own as a great songwriter who continues today as a true artist; distinctive honey-coated voice intact.

Juliana's blog, also available through her MySpace is highly recommended reading. Every entry focuses on a different song she has written/recorded and the story behind it.

I See You (1992)
1.I See You
2. Ugly
3. Rider
4. Here Comes The Pain
5. Feed Me

Forever Baby (1992)
1. Forever Baby
2. Nirvana
3. Everybody Loves Me But You
4. Raisans
5. Tamara

My Sister (1993)
1. My Sister
2. Put It Away
3. A Dame With A Rod (demo version)
4. Ruthless

For The Birds (1993)
1. For The Birds
2. Hello, My Name Is Baby
3. Bat Wing
4. I Got No Idols (piano version)

Universal Heart-Beat (1995)
1. Universal Heart-Beat
2. Where Would I Be Without You
3. Yardsailing
4. Girl In Old Blue Volvo Disowns Self

Please Do Not Disturb (1997)
1. Sellout
2. Trying Not To Think About It
3. As If Your Life Depended On It
4. Give Me Some Of That
5. Get Off
6. The Edge Of Nowhere

All are out-of-print, but of course can be purchased on Amazon.
Official Website.

"Everybody Loves Me But You":

"My Sister":

"For The Birds":

"Universal Heart-Beat":

Leslie Carter (unreleased)

2009-02-10T00:26:00.000-08:00

By request from my "fan", Audrey. *shout out*

Leslie Carter is the little sister of Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, and older sister of *cringe* Aaron Carter. Here we have another of those Britney/*NSYNC-era teen-pop failure stories. This time molded by Dreamworks and as t(w)eenybopper as you can possibly get. I'd say her writers and producers tried too hard. Example: "Shy Guy" begins with the spoken line: "This is a story about a shy guy". Sound famiiar? "This is a story about a girl named 'Lucky' ". Plus coming from an already famous family, she had to be thought of as a sure shot.

Her 2001 debut single "Like, Wow!" received major airplay on Radio Disney and appeared on the Shrek soundtrack. Dreamworks didn't believe that she could compete with the already famous pop stars, however, so they scrapped her album. Leslie also scrapped her bubblegum sound for a more pop/rock one with her band The OtherHalf, whose debut album is expected this year.

"Be Mine" is a cover of a single by Wild Orchid, Fergie's old girl group.

Leslie Carter - Like Wow (2001)
1. Be Mine
2. Like, Wow!
3. They Don't Know
4. I Need To Hear It From You
5. Too Much Too Soon
6. Shy Guy
7. I Wanna Be Your Girl
8. True
9. Boy Like That
10. Mine
tracks 1-5
tracks 6-10

"Like, Wow!" video:

The OtherHalf's Official Website.
The OtherHalf's MySpace.

China Forbes - Love Handle

2009-02-09T21:41:00.000-08:00

China Forbes, a Harvard graduate, is best known as the main singer for the multicultural, multilingual band Pink Martini. I've noticed a common misconception that she released her debut album in 2008. '78 was her second solo effort. Her debut, Love Handle was actually in 1995, pre-Pink Martini days. The title is tacky, yes. The cover art, likewise. But focus on that and you'd be selling yourself short. This is a collection of songs by a young woman still searching for her sound on an indie label and marks a necessary step for China.

I remember finding this CD back in 2000 for $1.99 at Circuit City (R.I.P.) thinking, "hey this is the girl who did the Clueless TV show theme song!"
Definitely grab this if you're a fan of female singer-songwriters (most primarily of the 90's) or, of course, Pink Martini and Forbes' more recent album.

China Forbes - Love Handle (1995)
1. Labor Day
2. Yo Yo
3. Star Tramps
4. Best Dress
5. Phase
6. My Baby
7. Rival
8. Tucson
9. Crazy Angel
10. Ode
11. Doorway
12. I'm Just A Girl Who can't Cry
tracks 1-5
tracks 6-12

Speaking of "that Clueless TV show theme song" -
BONUS:
"Ordinary Girl"

Purchase from Amazon.
Official Website.
China Forbes' MySpace.

Jentina

2009-02-09T02:55:00.000-08:00

Jentina Chapman was born as one of 14 children to a Romani family in Britain. Her debut single, "Bad Ass Strippa" not only flopped, it later spawned a "diss track" by rival emcee Lady Sovereign entitled "Sad Arse Strippa". The follow-up single "French Kisses" only fared slightly better after a less trashy image makeover and poppier sound which included work by Cathy Dennis. Third single, the catchy "Mysterious" was a big enough hit in Italy to convince her label to release her self-titled album (originally slated to be called Do Not Disturb) in that country only. Jentina remains unreleased throughout the rest of the world, however it is rumored that a follow-up is in the works.

Jentina - Jentina (2005)
1. Mysterious
2. Bad Ass Strippa
3. Wonderful Day (featuring Dolomite)
4. French Kisses
5. Feels Good
6. Gone
7. Here I Come
8. Sneakers
9. Eenie Meenie (Skit)
10. Smoke
11. Baby
12. Hard Times

tracks 1-6
tracks 7-12

"Bad Ass Strippa" video:

"French Kisses" video:

"Mysterious" video:

fan site.
MySpace.

Dustin And The Furniture - Aimless Turtle

2009-02-08T18:45:00.001-08:00

Dustin And The Furniture is Dustin Goldklang. The furniture...His instruments? All of his music can be found on the previously featured CLLCT for free, with the exception of his first album Aimless Turtle. Never fear, I have it here. I was able to get my hands on one of the last copies a couple of years ago after seeing him live. Dustin (amongst other acts, but he was the one I was most impressed by) was my first "house show". A great experience that everyone needs to try. Someone puts together a bunch of acts that practically live on the road, to play in their apartment. Food is available, everyone is welcome. A very warm experience full of positive energy, perfect for folk acts such as this guy. Expect handclapping and sing-alongs. :)

"The Bagpipe Who Didn't Say No" is a musical Shel Silverstein adaptation, like Johnny Cash's "A Boy Named Sue". I include this as a stand-out track along with "I'm Making A Fashion Statement" and "Put Your Glasses On". There's just something about that song that feels like I'm dreaming when I listen to the lyrics.

Dustin And The Furniture - Aimless Turtle (recorded in 2003-2004)
1. Put Your Glasses On
2. Too Many Voices, Not Enough Drums
3. Violet (Trial)
4. Clementine
5. Aimless Turtle
6. Ghost
7. The Bagpipe Who Didn't Say No
8. I'm Making A Fashion Statement
9. You Can't Hide On The Ground (Not Even In The Tall Grass)
10. The Day Your Dad Gave Me His Record Player (And The Day I Needed It Most)
11. Cold
12. Leaves
tracks 1-6
tracks 7-12

Dustin and the Furniture on the CLLCT.
and on MySpace.

The CLLCT

2009-02-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

The CLLCT is a collective family of DIY (do-it-yourself) musicians. Everything, from the writing, vocals, instrumentation, and artwork is all done by the artists themselves and offers it all up free and legally by their own will. They have a lot of fun corresponding and collaborating together as well as brainstorming for monthly challenges. Some artists are more talented than others, but they all have their own thing to offer, from acoustic to electronic, and A LOT of playful cover songs! Basically, if you're an indie pop fan, The CLLCT CANNOT be missed!

As stated on the site's main page:
"We Are a community of music lovers (artists and listeners alike) that believe music must be free! Music would rather be heard than sold, so the honorable collective family artists graciously upload their releases for all to hear and download. Put these songs on your iPod! Burn them on CDs and give them to friends! Music is art, not a commodity. Music is awesome, and music loves you."

I've created a sampler for all to enjoy, most are amongst my personal favorites so far, in no particular order. If you like anything that you hear, don't forget to visit http://www.cllct.com , search for the particular artist, and download away! Sign up while you're at it!

The CLLCT sampler -
DOWNLOAD .zip one:
Iron Like Nylon "Here Comes The Rain" (Eurythmics cover)
Dustin And The Furniture "Rap Song"
Y Lime? "25 Cents To Feed A Goat"
Jellybean! "Ignition" (R. Kelly cover)
Manipulator Alligator "Living In An Abandoned Firehouse With You" (Magnetic Fields cover)
Redbear. "Hootie Improv"
Blanketarms "I'm A Heart"
A Kit Fox "I Can't Write A Kwanzaa Song for Shit!"
Tinyfolk "On The Occasion of Your Amillionth Birthday"

DOWNLOAD .zip two:
Surprise Big Yawn "It Wasn't Me" (Shaggy cover)
Shalloboi "Learning How To Crawl"
Shelby Sifers "You Geranium, You Potato"
James Eric "Dreaming" (Blondie cover)
Existential Hero "Hey Russ, Why You Singin' 'Bout All Those Animals?"
Matty Pop Chart "I Love My Friends"
Madeline Ava "Soy Ice Cream"
Uggamugga "Wannabe" (Spice Girls cover)

(edit) : BONUSES that BEGGED be included: (right-click, save as, please)
Tinyfolk "Is There Sex After Death?"
Jellybean! "Underwear Is For Wearing, Not For Showing Off!" (Sisqo's "Thong Song" cover)
James Eric "Purple Heart"
Madeline Ava "Very Punny"
Dustin And The Furniture "MySpace Comments Won't Save You"
Y Lime? "Corey"
Einstein's Creation "Trapped In The Supermarket" (parody of R. Kelly's "Trapped In The Closet")

CLLCT.
CLLCT on MySpace.

Saint Etienne - Valentine's Day '97 EP

2009-02-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is in a week! I couldn't care less! ;)
But it does give me an ideal chance to share some Saint Etienne. This Brit-pop band named after a French football (soccer) team is comprised of Sarah Cracknell, Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs. For nearly 20 years now, they've been creating a sound all their own ranging from simple pop songs to cinematic ambiances. Throughout the years they've been known to release quite a lot through their fan club only and in 1997 their Valentine's Day EP was one of them. Don't worry, there's nothing mushy here. It's more of a sampler of what to expect from their wealth of material: a ballad, an instrumental, a dance tune and a cover defines them pretty well.

I personally love the cover of "Puppy Love". It's eerie-sounding and I always thought it belongs in a teen slasher flick - Uh-oh...Timmy's crush doesn't want him as his valentine and he's pissed...watch out for his axe! And we all thought he was so harmless...

Saint Etienne - Valentine's Day '97 EP
1. Southern Train
2. A Slavic Beauty With A Rose Between Her Teeth
3. Departure Lounge
4. Puppy Love
DOWNLOAD

Official Website.
Saint Etienne on MySpace.

Melissa Lefton - Melicious (unreleased) + Hello

2009-02-07T01:34:00.000-08:00

The irony of Melissa Lefton's music is its most appealing quality, yet most likely why it her album, Melicious was shelved. In the midst of Britney Spears/*NSYNC teen-pop mania, Lefton appeared on film soundtracks such as The Princess Diaries, On The Line and Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. Though these songs, "I Love Life", "My Hit Song" and her cover of "She Blinded Me With Science" (respectively), were undoubtedly spunky they seemed innocent enough for Melissa to hit airwaves marketed to young audiences even though "My Hit Song" mocked her counterparts. But as a grown woman - in her 20's at the time - she had a little more to say. Heavy topics such as drugs, cults and date rape are touched on, thus inappropriate for kids, her labels' intended target audience. Also, originally slated for release on September 11,2001, lyrics such as "Psycho killers settin' bombs, by the minute hear them ticking away - BOOM!" could have not gone over well. Still it somehow works, for fans of oddball obscure pop such as myself.

I had read that another album she recorded years earlier that had also been shelved, but I have zero information on it.

Melissa Lefton - Melicious (2001)
1. My Hit Song
2. ...Now I Got Punk Rock Fever
3. Radio Rainbow
4. Ozone
5. Last Summer
6. Sugar Daddy
7. Bionic Man
8. Sunnyville
9. I Love Life
10. Who Shot Jennifer?
11. I Know You Want Me (How Can I Blame You?)

tracks 1-6
tracks 7-11

BONUS:

He Blinded Me With Science (Thomas Dolby cover)

Melissa's latest project is a collaboration with musician Scott Hollingsworth. Together they are "Misty" and "Data" under the name Hello. While Melissa Lefton's solo album is 80's inspired, this project is clearly more influenced by 60's and 70's psychedelic pop.

Melissa has asked me not to use the link to this project.

Purchase "Hello".
Hello on MySpace.

Elisa Jordana

2009-01-22T21:49:00.000-08:00

If you are familiar with Cobra Starship, you may be familiar with their former keytarist Elisa Schwartz, aka Elisa Jordana...and the fact that it was not an amicable split. Just as well as she didn't fit in and now is working on her own terms. Though God bless her, she still credits them as an influence along with Debbie Gibson, Madonna and Britney Spears, to name a few. This girl needs more love! She is one of my favorite new pop artists of the past couple of years, along with the recent success Lady GaGa, who, as a brief description of Elisa, is basically in the same boat musically. The energy, the party vibe, the keyboard-driven electronic hip-hop flavored wicked wit & sense of humor which is sometimes so intense that it can seem nonsensical. It's all about having FUN. They've both even worked with Colby O'Donis! Elisa is still on the rise. Her song "The Dark Side Of The City" was recently featured on MTV's The Real World. if until she reaches the top, you may be able to say that Liz sent ya...

DOWNLOAD:

Whatever You Like
Be My Lighthouse
Ur Love Is Like Crack
I Can't Believe That He's Gone (acoustic)
Pinkberry
Buzzed With U
Them Dollars
Like Butta
Video Chat
Smokescreen
My Manolos
Hangman
Young Love
What Would An Angel Say?
Barbados

Currently available for free download at Pure Volume are:
I Can't Believe That He's Gone
Carried Away
You're So In Love
Sweet Rosalyn

Nymphomaniac (right-click) and several others are available as free mp3s on last.fm.

Some of the above, plus a few remaining tracks can be found on her iTunes album Introducing Elisa Jordana if you live in the U.S.

Check out Elisa's MySpace as well.

"The Dark Side Of The City" video:

Angela Via - Angela Via + bonus tracks

2009-01-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

Angela Jolene Trullinger Villarreal aka Angela Via, is a pop singer from Texas who has recorded in both English and Spanish. She has been involved in various projects and continues today, but her only full album released to date - which was originally scheduled to hit stores on June 6, 2000 - was shelved for several years before made available for a limited time at the RealPlayer music store.

Its singles "Picture Perfect" and "I Don't Care" were fair successes. "Catch Me If You Can" was featured on the soundtrack to Pokemon: The First Movie.

If you were into the Latin music invasion or the teen pop trend of the late 90's/early 2000's, you'd like this. She blends both sounds together.

Angela Via - Angela Via (2000) + bonus tracks
01 Picture Perfect
02 Kissing You
03 So Fly
04 Stay Together
05 Wake up with Me
06 Girls & Boys
07 Best Friends
08 Wish We Could Be Free
09 I Don't Care
10 So You Say
11 A Good Time
12 Start over Again
13 Retrato Perfecto
14 Catch Me If You Can

BONUSES:
Wonderland
Papi Chulo
Mundo Mágico
Speakin' Spanish

I feel obligated to state that this is not my link. Thanks to Cesar who uploaded this for me on a certain message board a couple of months back!

The Pretenders rarities and non-album tracks

2009-01-08T22:31:00.000-08:00

As promised, here are Pretenders tracks which I've collected over the years, some extremely rare, and some not-as-obscure which appeared on various artist compilations.

Girl Don't Come (Sandie Shaw cover, Live, Chequers Club, Barnstaple, March 29, 1979)
Precious (live, Central Park, August 30, 1980 - from 'Extended Play', never released on CD)
Counterfeit (unreleased track, Live In New Orleans, 1981)
In The Sticks(instrumental, 'Day After Day' vinyl single. 1981)
My City Was Gone (Live In Chicago, 1984)
Property Of Jesus (live, Bob Dylan cover, 1986)
Where Has Everybody Gone ('The Living Daylights' film soundtrack, 1987)
If There Was A Man ('The Living Daylights' film soundtrack, 1987)
Kid (Extended Remix) (1987)
1969 (Stooges cover, '1969' film soundtrack, 1988 / "Windows Of The World" b-side - I have the single on a 3" CD; very cool collector's item!)
Spirit Of Life ('Never Do That' EP, 1990)
Born For A Purpose (PETA compilation 'Tame Yourself', 1991)
I'm Not In Love (10CC cover, 'Indecent Proposal' film soundtrack, 1993)
Blue Sun (live, unreleased, with the Duke Quartet, 'The Isle Of View' laserdisc, 1995)
The Isle Of View (instrumental with the Duke Quartet, Kid EP, 1995)
Happy Christmas ('2000 Miles' special edition Christmas single, 1995)
Night In My Veins (live with the Duke Quartet,'2000 Miles' special edition Christmas single, 1995)
Tequila (live with the Duke Quartet, '2000 Miles' special edition Christmas single, 1995)
Goodbye ('G.I. Jane' film soundtrack, 1997)
The Homecoming ('G.I. Jane' film soundtrack, 1997)
Goin' Back (soundtrack to British Nick Hornby film 'Fever Pitch', 1997)
Loving You Is All I Know ('The Other Sister' film soundtrack, 1999)
Meat Is Murder (live with Johnny Marr, concert for Linda McCartney, 1999)
Get Out Of London (Intaferon cover, 'The Wild Thornberrys Movie' soundtrack, 2002)
Bless You ('Uncut 2002.11: Instant Karma' - John Lennon tribute, 2002)
Something To Believe In ('We're A Happy Family: A Tribute To The Ramones', 2003)
Waterloo Sunset (live, Kinks cover, UK Music Hall Of Fame, 2005)

Plus, a lot of bootlegs can be found HERE.

The Pretenders - Cynical Sensation bootleg

2008-12-27T16:28:00.000-08:00

Quick summary on the Pretenders:

Born September 7, 1951 in Akron, Ohio, Christine Ellen Hynde fled to London in her early 20's in hopes of something bigger. During a string of jobs including waitressing, music journalism and a gig at a clothing shop called SEX (in which she was fired for a fight with a customer) she was determined to form a band.

Her first attempt was before the relocation to England, while attending Ohio's Kent State University, where she formed Sat. Sun. Mat. (Saturday Sunday Matinee) with Mark Mothersbaugh, later of Devo. Both were students during the infamous Kent State shootings.

Throughout the 70's Hynde's unsuccessful quest for a band left her devastated but not discouraged. She eventually 1n 1978 met three men from Hereford, England: bassist Pete Farndon, guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and finally, drummer Martin Chambers, who became known as The Pretenders, named after the Platter's hit "The Great Pretender".

This lineup achieved great success and perfected one of the great chemistries in rock history as well as one of the cliche rock n roll tragedies. At the height of their success, Farndon was kicked out of the band for his out of control drug use. Just two days later, Honeyman-Scott was found dead of a cocaine overdose.
And months later, Farndon was also found dead with a needle in his arm.

The original lineup could never be topped in terms of talent, chemistry and charisma, but after several lineup changes (including the temporary departure of Martin Chambers) Chrissie Hynde continues rocking with her band to this day, referring to The Pretenders as a "tribute band" - a tribute to Pete and James, that is.
They were inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2005.

Cynical Sensation is a bootleg with all of the original members, live on May 3, 1980 at the Palladium in NYC. This version of "Tattooed Love Boys" is described by the jam-packed fan site Pretenders Archives as "the worst version of this song you could ever hope to find" as they screw it up. But it's personally my favorite here because not everything has to be perfect all the time and this is a little reminder that even our favorite musicians aren't perfect.

DOWNLOAD:

The Pretenders - Cynical Sensation bootleg (1980)
1. Ride Of The Valkyries (Intro) / The Wait
2. Precious
3. Talk Of The Town
4. Private Life
5. Space Invader
6. The Phone Call
7. Brass In Pocket
8. I Go To Sleep
9. Kid
10. Porcelain
11. Tattooed Love Boys
12. Up The Neck
13. Mystery Achievement
14. Stop Your Sobbing (with guitarist Chris Spedding)
Tracks 1-6
Tracks 7-11
Tracks 12-14

NOTES:
I got this off of Soulseek; "Precious" is incomplete and dialogue at the end of "Talk Of The Town" appears to be cut off. I don't know if this is how it appears on the boot. It is also supposed to contain the EXCLUSIVE "Private Life #2", but I haven't been able to find it. Better than nothing though, eh? If you have better, or more bootlegs I'd like to know. ;)
If you're willing to share, please note that only Megaupload works for me, or any site that hosts it such as sharebee. I'll probably have to repeat that everytime I request something. Ah well.

This isn't the last of my Pretenders posts. Very rare tracks are on their way soon enough...

The Pretenders "Happy Christmas"

2008-12-24T22:28:00.000-08:00

Quick last minute Christmas song:

"Happy Christmas" is an original track taken from the limited edition 1995 version of the single 2000 Miles from the best band ever in my book, The Pretenders. What's really special about the release is that the inlay opens as a Christmas card from the band themselves. A must for fans to track down! They have a Holiday EP up exclusively on iTunes as well, so be sure to purchase that.

I'm really psyched to see them live in February, and will post an old bootleg soon.

DOWNLOAD:
The Pretenders - Happy Christmas

Happy Holidays, everyone!!!

Creamy - Christmas Snow

2008-12-18T01:28:00.000-08:00

Creamy were a teen pop/bubblegum dance duo from Denmark. They released one album in Danish and one in English. Their Christmas album is a combination of the two.

Creamy - Christmas Snow (2001)

1. See The Snowflakes Falling Down
2. Til Julebal I Nisseland
3. It's Christmas Time Again
4. Risengrød
5. Det Er Jul
6. Jinglebell Rock
7. Father Christmas
8. Joy To The World
9. Søren Banjomus
10. Det Kan Du Få For En Krone
11. Den Bedste Jul I 2000 År
12. Christmas Is Coming
13. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
14. Glædelig Jul Til Alle (Hilsen Fra Creamy)
tracks 1-7
tracks 8-14

A Freestyle Christmas

2008-12-17T11:57:00.000-08:00

Various Artists - A Freestyle Christmas (1995)
1. Last Christmas - Collage
2. He's All I Want For Xmas - Lil Suzy
3. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Intonation feat. Joee
4. Jingle Bell Rock - Denine
5. Silent Night - Migual Reyes
6. Letter to Santa - Lil Suzy
7. White Christmas - Intonation feat. Krissy
8. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Brenda K. Starr
9. Little Drummer Boy - Sammy C
10. Christmas Song, A - Michael Christopher
11. It's Your Holiday - Chrissy I-Eece
12. Winter Wonderland - Intonation feat. Krissy
13. Santa Baby - Alexia Phillips
14. Santa Baby (dance mix) - Alexia Phillips
15. Holiday Metro Message - Vinnie Politan
tracks 1-8
tracks 9-15

"freestyle music" wiki.
Purchase from Amazon.

E.G. Daily - Listen Closely

2008-12-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Ann Guttman (aka E.G. Daily) does it all! She's released several albums, appeared in several soundtracks and movies, performed voiceover for many popular characters (Tommy Pickles, Babe The Pig, etc.), guest-starred on Friends, is an animal rights activist...the credits are endless and too much to elaborate on. When does this woman sleep?

One of her most recent projects is Listen Closely, a one-woman autobiographical musical adapted from her book of the same title. The DVD version is currently being edited to hit stores sometime soon, but the soundtrack, available exclusively through her website, appears to be sold out for good. It includes the singles "Changing Faces" (previously available on the Rugrats Go Wild movie soundtrack) and "Beautiful" which spawned successful remixes this year.

Listen Closely contains 32 tracks, many of them just a few seconds of dialogue where she shows off her voiceover skills well.

DOWNLOAD:

E.G. Daily - Listen Closely (2005)
1. Can't Find My Way Home
2. Lavender Room
3. Till This Day
4. My Favorite Things
5. Ribo Plasty
6. I Feel Pretty
7. Rony Speaks
8. I Wanted To Be A Star
9. Paparazzi Life
10. That's Not Appropriate
11. Why Should I Care
12. I Needed You Dad
13. I Need A Hero
14. Life Support
15. Just For You
16. I'll Love You Always
17. Why Why Why
18. Keep It Together
19. I Just Wanna Be
20. Changing Faces
21. Prada Prada Jingle
22. Make A Shift
23. I Can't Wait
24. Reality Kicks
25. Me Oh My
26. Listen Closely
27. Home
28. What About Me
29. I Got You Babe
30. Beautiful
31. So Far Away
32. Dawn's Theme/Opening
tracks 1-22
tracks 23-32

Website.
MySpace.

Monsterpuss - First Class Lady

2008-12-10T01:42:00.000-08:00

Monsterpuss is/was an all-female rock trio from Washington DC. The Pretenders (my all-time favorite band) are a clear influence by Ingrid Stack's vocals and the name-drop of Chrissie Hynde in "Ohio".
The short but sweet First Class Lady sounds like something that could have been an early Sleater-Kinney demo.

For more, visit CD Baby.

DOWNLOAD:

Monsterpuss - First Class Lady (2002)
1. Given
2. Breathe
3. The Next Gia
4. Ohio
5. Billy
6. Dragon Year
7. Said Hey
8. Awkward Instant

Marcella Detroit - a few Christmas songs

2008-12-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

Holy crap, is Christmas really coming already?! ;)

Marcy Levy, aka Marcella Detroit (she's from Detroit, Michigan) is most well-known as one half of Shakespear's Sister with Siobhan Fahey of Bananarama. Their biggest hit, "Stay", was the only track in SS's entire catalog in which Marcy sang most of the lead vocals. She has released several amazing albums since, including most recently, a blues album: Marcy Levy Band's The Upside Of Being Down.... She features Christmas music on her website and/or MySpace each year. Several were available as mp3s and are in the zip below. There are a few others streamable on her MySpace right now.
This version of "Silent Night" has a twist. Halfway through the tempo lifts and a song (that I assume she wrote) begins, containing the words "I want some peace and I want it now..."

DOWNLOAD:
5 Marcella Detroit Christmas songs .zip
Rock Of Ages
O Holy Night
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Santa Baby
Silent Night

Marcy's Website.
Marcy Levy Band's Website.
MySpace 1.
MySpace 2.
MySpace - Marcy Levy Band.

Jimmy Destri - Heart On A Wall

2008-12-09T17:26:00.000-08:00

I only own two vinyls: this one and a Deborah Harry interview disc, both bought when I first started using the internet on a quite naive eBay splurge during a Blondie obsession. A lot of major music lovers like me are hardcore vinyl collectors but I've just never been. I know that it's vintage, music in its most raw and classic form, the way it's meant to be heard many would say, but, call me crazy, I prefer the crisp and clear sound quality of CDs.

Okay, I'm babbling. But back to the mention of Blondie. Jimmy Destri is a founding member, keyboardist, and a writer/co-writer of some of Blondie's key hits, such as "Atomic" and "Maria". Shortly before the band's temporary but lengthy demise, Destri had released his solo debut, Heart On A Wall in 1981, the same year Debbie Harry debuted her solo work. I was only 1 year old at the time, but I'm going to guess that the reason you don't see this album everyday is that her release overshadowed his. After all, with Debbie being the lead singer with the bombshell image, it seems inevitable that she is the most recognizable face to garner the most interest in the band. She definitely is interesting, and hell, she inspired me to go from brunette to blonde for nearly a decade. But I have to side with Jimmy here. Debbie does noticeably contribute backing vocals alongside help from Clem Burke and Chris Stein (both also of Blondie fame), but ultimately this is Jimmy's
project and a damn good one.
Plus his only to date and never released on compact disc. A must-have for fans of both Blondie and rock and roll obscurities alike.

Destri is still an official member but no longer tours with Blondie. After a successful battle with drug addiction, his recent exclusive focus has been to help others by earning his Credential Alcohol and Drug Counselor certificate (C.A.S.A.C.) an intensive psychodynamic accredited course leading to a medical professional license and working full time at New York City's Carnegie Hill Institute, a renowned drug and alcohol treatment facility. According to his MySpace bio, he is "still writing songs and looking for ears".

DOWNLOAD:

Jimmy Destri - Heart On A Wall (1981)
1. Bad Dreams
2. Don't Look Around
3. Living In Your Heart
4. My Little World
5. Little Metal Drummer
6. Numbers Don't Count (On Me)
7. The King Of Steam
8. Under The Ice
9. Heart On A Wall
tracks 1-5
tracks 6-9

Website
MySpace

Good 2 Go

2008-12-06T17:13:00.000-08:00

Here is an album I'm listening to lately more than ever!

Kathy Webb, Melissa Miller, Missy Newman, Natalie Fernie and Cindy Shows made up the American new jack swing-era group Good 2 Go. Produced by Dr. Freeze and Spyderman, who have notably worked with the New Edition spin-off Bell Biv Devoe, the evidence points that G2G was probably manufactured as the female version of BBD, or maybe Boyz II Men or Color Me Badd, all huge acts of their time.
The 1992 single "Never Satisfied" was a hit for these five girls, but their second single "He Thinks He's All That" went nowhere and they were forgotten fast. Too bad, because these girls were funky! Able to sing and dance something fierce, they had star potential.

"Notice Me" and "Romance You" are two tender ballads. The rest is bass-booming and soulful early 90's hip hop. I stress early 90's. This album is very dated, from said beats to lyrics like "and then he paged me..." and the exclaimed "hey big guy, are those Bugle Boys?!" ... Things you'd most likely only "get" if you've lived through that era. :) If you have and you're looking for a trip down memory lane, this'll contribute greatly. You may even recognize "Never Satisfied" without being aware that you've ever heard it before.

DOWNLOAD:

Good 2 Go - Good 2 Go (1992)
1. Good 2 Go
2. Go With The Flow
3. Notice Me
4. Money Can't Buy Love
5. White House
6. Never Satisfied
7. He Thinks He's All That
8. Don't Want To Change You
9. Romance You
10. Oooooo Song
tracks 1-5
tracks 6-10

Purchase from Amazon.

BONUS:
He Thinks He's All That (House Mix) (contains alternate lyrics)

"Never Satisfied" video:

More Nadine Renee

2008-12-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

I found these songs a long time ago; I can't remember where.
If you liked Oasis Of Love, definitely check these out. They all could have fit the album well.

DOWNLOAD:
Nadine Renee .zip:
Give Me A Reason
Queen Of The Night (very upbeat tropical-flavored track! my favorite of the four)
Tu Amor (this was covered by pop singer Kaci on her album I'm Not Anybody's Girl.)
You Were Gone

Becky Baeling - Becstasy

2008-12-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

Rebecca Diane Bahling, stage name: Becky Baeling, was born May 1, 1977 in Michigan. "If You Love Me" peaked at #3 on the Billboard dance charts, followed by the #1, "Getaway". She contributed to the soundtrack to the film The Guru with the song "I'm Gonna Fly".
"Heaven Is A Place On Earth" is, of course, a Belinda Carlisle cover. As stated a couple of posts back, "Corrupt" was originally by Karissa Noel.
Becky is also a music journalist, and host of CD USA, which airs on DirectV's "The 101" network.

DOWNLOAD:

(Now, there's another cheesy album cover and title! Who do you think wins? Becky or Meg?)

Becky Baeling - Becstasy (2003)
1. Supernova Light
2. Getaway
3. I Snapped
4. If You Love Me
5. Without Love
6. Heaven Is A Place On Earth
7. Take It Away
8. All Over Me
9. Corrupt
10. Diva
11. If You Love Me (Remix)
tracks 1-6
tracks 7-11

Purchase from Amazon.

Lisa Keith - Walkin' In The Sun

2008-12-03T11:34:00.001-08:00

There was a girl in one of my high school classes named Lisa Keith. This is not her, lol. I'm sure that if I told her she shared a name with a one-hit wonder singer from 4 years prior, she couldn't have cared less. But I digress.

Singer Lisa Keith is best known for her 1993 hit "Better Than You", a very Amy Grant-esque track, not so surprising since it was co-written by Keith Thomas who often worked with Amy, most notably on her huge 1991 hit "Baby Baby".
Also like Amy Grant in that era, Lisa's music is mainly secular with clear contemporary Christian tones. Not enough that non-believers should be scared away. Mainly her vibe is just very positive and sunny without too much syrup poured on.
The one full-on religious track here is the closing "Adonai", Hebrew for "God". Overall, Walkin' In The Sun is a very 90's soulful pop experience, partially produced by the famed Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. The dance-y "I'm In Love" and ballad "Love Is Alive And Well" were also released as singles.
The title track, previously recorded by B.B. King, Rufus with Chaka Khan (and possibly others) along with her hit are definite stand-out tracks.

Before releasing her only album, she fronted a Minneapolis sound band called Rocket, sang lead on a Herb Alpert tune and contributed as a background vocalist for many big stars, such as Janet Jackson & Johnny Gill. She has remained active as
a background vocalist, including for Amy Grant herself, and Mel. B aka "Scary Spice".

DOWNLOAD:

Lisa Keith - Walkin' In The Sun (1993)
1. Love Isn't Body...It's Soul
2. Better Than You
3. Love Is Alive And Well
4. I'm In Love
5. Days Like These
6. A Love For All Seasons
7. World Of Joy
8. Sunshine Daydreamin'
9. Closer
10. Love Me Like You Do
11. Free As You Wanna Be
12. True To You
13. Walkin' In The Sun
14. Adonai
tracks 1-5
tracks 6-10
tracks 11-14

Purchase from Amazon.

"Better Than You" video:

So, I've changed my blog name to the much more descriptive and interesting "obscuria." and I'm adding videos now. I think I'm getting better at this. ;)

Nadine Renee

2008-12-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

Nadine Renee Shamir - born in NYC and raised in Miami - was active on the music scene from a young age, writing her first song at age 12, forming her first band at age 14, and releasing her first album independently at 16. In her 20's, she tasted success as half of Planet Soul, who's single "Set U Free" hit the charts in 1995. In the late 90's, Nadine signed to MCA Records to release her major label debut, Nadine, a Latin-flavored pop/dance/r&b album. It was shelved however, later to be released in 2000 through the Orchard under the title Oasis Of Love.
Sadly, on December 2, 2004 - four years to the day - Nadine passed away at age 32 from complications after giving birth to her daughter. This post is dedicated to her and her family. Rest in peace, Nadine. You are missed and your music lives on.

DOWNLOAD:

Nadine Renee - Oasis Of Love
1. Next To Me
2. Sincere
3. Sugar Kisses
4. Until Now
5. Worlds Away
6. You Are Everything To Me
7. Be A Better Man
8. It's Not Over
9. The Real You
10. Sexy DJ
11. Passion
12. Caribe' Sangre
13. Oasis Of Love (Musical Reprise)
tracks 1-5
tracks 6-10
tracks 11-13

Nadine Renee - Never Say No (dance/freestyle)
1. Let The Rhythm Set You Free
2. Never Say No
3. Can't Stop Loving You
4. Going Crazy
5. Got To Let You Know
6. Feel Devotion
7. Say You'll Stay
8. Taste The Tears
9. Never Say No (Spanish)

tracks 1-5
tracks 6-9

Purchase Oasis of Love from Amazon.
Purchase Never Say No from Amazon.

"Next To Me" video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIE9RNx1P04

Karissa Noel - Drama Queen (unreleased!) + singles

2008-12-01T06:19:00.000-08:00

The album featured here is truly a gem, nearly impossible to find, so snag it while it's hot!

Singing since she was eight months old, Karissa Noel knew that it was what she wanted to do all her life. The upbeat, sexy, confident debut single "Corrupt" hit radio airwaves in 2000 and dance remixes have become a classic in NYC, but alas, the album never hit stores. An all-too-common story for a new artist. Karissa has since started a family, set herself up as a singer-for hire/vocal mimic/impersonator (she claims to do a wicked Cher, Shania Twain and Stevie Nicks), performed at an LA Pride Judy Garland tribute and returned to recording in 2007 in time for the holidays with "Christmas Isn't Christmas (Without You)" her ode to Santa Baby himself.

Drama Queen is equal parts pop/rock and soul with a jazz tinge here and there, with a sense of humor ("You can have me committed, it'll do no good / I'm from Hollywood") unabashed confidence ("You better worship me until I tell you that we're through") and self-awareness ("inside a cafe I order vegan loaf while wearing leather shoes / and when I realize my hypocrisy I order humble pie"). Solid album all the way through! I was lucky enough to find an advance copy from Gemm a few years back.

"Corrupt" was also covered by dance singer Becky Baeling a couple of years later. (I hope to post her album soon.)

DOWNLOAD:

Karissa Noel - Drama Queen (2000)
1. Freak Of Nature
2, Corrupt
3. Drama Queen
4. Weakling
5. It's Love
6. Good To Me
7. Another Night Away From Home
8. Selfish
9. Can't Find The Feeling
10. Up To The Bottom
tracks 1-5
tracks 6-10

Karissa Noel - Corrupt single (2000)
1. Corrupt (Album version)
2. Corrupt (Radio Remix)
3. Corrupt (Modern Remix)
4. Corrupt (Dance Remix)
5. Corrupt (Callout Hook #1)
6. Corrupt (Callout Hook #2)
Download here.
(There are other versions of this single with longer dance mixes. There are only short mixes on mine).

DOWNLOAD iTunes single:
Karissa Noel - Christmas Isn't Christmas (Without You)

Purchase above single straight from iTunes to support Karissa!

Karissa's MySpace.

Laya Fisher

2008-11-30T07:45:00.000-08:00

How can one artist cover so much ground on a simple, home-recorded 4-song EP? New Jersey native Laya Fisher's lone release (once available through CD Baby) from 2001 was ahead of its time. Musically, this can appeal to anyone out there today. The sound is quite similar to the electronic music that's currently "in" with the indie hipsters yet its hooks are catchy in a way that would appeal to pop junkies as well. Lyrically, her songwriting is very smart and modern. "Dick & Jane", for example, is about bisexuality/bicuriosity and as for "Stepmother Song" - I'll let the opening lines speak for themselves:
"You hired her when I was three
Your secretary slash wife to be
'Teenage daughter, do you mind?'
'No! Keep cheating on my mother with your adolescent lover'..."

Prior to her EP, Laya co-wrote and performed the title track to the 1997 Angelina Jolie feature film, Hell's Kitchen. There were once plans to record and release a second album, but those plans obviously have changed. Laya continues to write today - as a freelance yoga writer, and she is also the director of Brisbane Yoga Studio in Australia. Hopefully she hasn't abandoned songwriting altogether. If not, you know what they say about quality and quantity.

DOWNLOAD:

Laya Fisher EP (2001)
1. Stepmother Song
2. Scarlet
3. Dick & Jane
4. Obvious

bonus:
A Little More Time

Fydolla Ho / Shawnee Smith

2008-11-23T17:37:00.000-08:00

Fydolla Ho (five dollar ho) was a hard rock band fronted by actress Shawnee Smith. As unknown as they were in their time (1999-2002) and as material became more and more obscure, demand for their music has greatly increased over the past several years, probably due to Shawnee's recurring role as Amanda in the Saw films. Fans of Hole and L7 may find much to love about this band, though it's not to say that they were the same. Fydolla Ho carried a sound all their own - simple, yet gritty, raw and emotional. Dark enough that it's not far-fetched that if this band were still together they may have contributed to the Saw soundtracks. Shawnee does still sing solo on occasion and as of late 2007 has been recording music as part of the alt-country band Smith and Pyle - a far cry from her FH days - whose first album entitled It's OK To Be Happy is available for download on itunes and Amazon.

Here is everything that I have:

ALBUMS:

Untied (2001)
1. Maja Thurup
2. Overbend
3. Untied
4. 556
5. Thrill Me
6. Ink
7. Believe

Fydolla Ho demo aka Behave (year unknown)
1. Afraid
2. 556
3. Believe
4. Pieces
5. Behave
6. No Matter
7. Oh Yeah

non-album tracks:
Want This
Shelter

Shawnee Solo:
Deciding (This could be a Fydolla Ho song, actually. Not sure. It depends on what source you believe.)
I Fear (from Wes Craven film Carnival of Souls, 1998).
Baby What You Want Me To Do? (from TV show Brand New Life, 1990).

Leah Haywood

2008-11-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

Leah Haywood is a pop singer originally from Australia. She released her debut album, Leah in her homeland back in 2001, where the singles fared pretty well. She now lives in L.A., where she formed Dreamlab, a songwriting and production team with her husband. Dreamlab has written for Aly & AJ amongst others but Leah is yet to release a second album. Below are three of her singles, which are all I have. I'm quite addicted to these, so if anyone has the rest of her album, that'd be super. :)

Crazy
Takin' Back What's Mine (my favorite of the three!)
We Think It's Love

Leah's MySpace

Paris Red - Shades Of Red

2008-11-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

Paris Red has got to be one of the most underrated vocal talents out there. What a VOICE this woman has! Shades Of Red, Paris' second album,
is pure sultry soul all the way through and a MUST for soul fans! Her first, Promises (which I'm considering featuring at a later date depending on the response) is more dance-heavy and top 40 radio-friendly for the
time it was released in the early 90's. I recall hearing her single "Good Friend" on a local Chicago radio station several times back in '92 - in fact
I've searched for her material for over a decade since (!), but it didn't appear to generate any interest in the U.S. in general and I'm not sure if
she's ever released anything out here as it took so long and the CDs I finally found are German imports. I assume she's had more success overseas as she's released several other singles out there.
Both albums are good, it's just that they're different from one another. Shades Of Red is where she really lets her voice soar on tracks such as "I Am Changing", one of the most recognizable songs from the musical Dreamgirls. Also included is her version of Nazareth's classic "Love Hurts" with rap added by Doctor Delite.

DOWNLOAD:

Paris Red - Shades Of Red (1994)
1. Git Wit Me
2. Love Hurts
3. Don't Break My Heart
4. Wanna Sex You Up (...Sweet)
5. Walk With Me
6. So Tonight
7. Bedtime Stories
8. Strange Love
9. Can I
10. Don't Make Me Wait
11. Power Of Love
12. How Could You Walk Away
13. Tell Me Why
14. I Am Changing
tracks 1-4
tracks 5-8
tracks 9-12
tracks 13 and 14

Purchase from Discogs.

BONUS:
Love Hurts (Bassface Sascha Mix)

Paris Red's MySpace

Meg - Lover Girl

2008-11-20T16:25:00.000-08:00

This was a CD that I purchased for a penny through eBay on a whim. I know nothing about Meg other than that she was one of the few Caucasian acts to emerge in Latin Freestyle during its height in the late 80's/early 90's.
Yes, the music is as cheesy as the album cover itself. Doesn't it just scream "Don't I look sexy in my spandex, loverboy?" That's why you gotta love music like this!

DOWNLOAD:
Meg - Lover Girl (1990)
1. Lover Girl
2. Party Time
3. Nite Life
4. Betcha By Golly Wow
5. Give Me Your Love
6. Love Is On The One
7. Bring The Children Back Home
8. Dance All Nite
tracks 1-4
tracks 5-8

Purchase from Amazon.

Two more GonnaBees tracks!

2008-11-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

The mp3s are low quality, but nonetheless worth listening to!

download:
College Boys Are Easy
Stay On The Line

GonnaBees - Queen Of Pop EP

2008-11-16T20:08:00.000-08:00

GonnaBees are a group of 3 girls - Sara, Nicole & Kaella whose music is banned on radio stations everywhere in the U.S. except their native New York City (where they made it to #1!) because of their taunting and explicit (albeit clever) lyrics. Their single, "Queen Of Pop" is a catchy and snarky little tune which pokes fun at pop divas. Three in particular...clue: "You don't sing at your show, so bitch, hit me one more time!"
Their sound is teeny pop (in the most ironic way) meets electro.

GonnaBees - Queen Of Pop EP (2004)
1. Queen Of Pop (Radio)
2. Queen Of Pop (Dirty)
3. Queen Of Pop (Instrumental)
4. Queen Of Pop (A Capella)
5. Cheat On My Boyfriend

DOWNLOAD

Purchase at Amazon.

Their album, entitled "Our Album!" (clever, huh?) is available exclusively for download on their website, www.gonnabees.us for $6.95. However, every time I've tried to purchase it, I receive some kind of error. If anyone has it and could upload it to sharebee or megaupload I would be very grateful!

Sierra Swan / DollsHead

2008-11-15T09:32:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog! I'm kicking it off with two albums.

Sierra Swan is a singer/songwriter from San Fernando Valley, California, hence the title "Queen Of The Valley", her second album. Her vocals are often compared to Fiona Apple (though the similarities pretty much end there) and many of her influences lie in mainly 80's artists ranging from The Cure to Prince. She has worked with famous songwriter Linda Perry as well as Chad Hugo of the Neptunes and rock band Cold. This particular album is released independently on her site, www.sierraswan.com, copies are selling slowly due to lack of promotion and recognition, so I'm hoping that posting this will give her a bit exposure and if you like it I encourage you to buy it. It comes autographed. :)

Sierra Swan - Queen of the Valley (2008)
1. so Much Fun
2. Seasons
3. Prelude To Sex
4. Sex Is Keeping Us Together
5. Nuclear Letdown
6. Distraction
7. You Got Away (featuring Scooter Ward of Cold)
8. Unforgivable
9. Demise Of Love
10. Sleeping Beauty
11. Obvious Day
12. Rock N Roll
13. You Got Away (demo) (featuring Scooter Ward) (bonus track)
14. You Got Away (just Sierra Swan) (bonus track)

DOWNLOAD:
tracks 1-7
tracks 8-12
tracks 13 and 14

Sierra's entire first solo album Ladyland is legally fully-streamable here

Sierra's first band was DollsHead, a duo with Graham Edwards, who later became part of the songwriting team The Matrix, writing for Avril Lavigne, Hilary Duff and others. This album I suppose can be referred to as electronic-goth-pop. Think Garbage or Curve.
Opening track "It's Over, It's Under" appeared on the soundtrack to the film The Jackal as well as an episode of the popular TV series Buffy, The Vampire Slayer. This album is now out of print.

DollsHead - Frozen Charlotte (1998)
1. It's Over, It's Under
2. Letting Me Die
3. New Creation
4. Perfect Day
5. No Karma, No Candy
6. Idiots Convention
7. Touch the Moon
8. Deep
9. Freedom, Love Minus 10
10. Hole in the World
11. Pop Psychosis
12. Perishable / Frozen Charlotte

DOWNLOAD:
tracks 1-5
tracks 6-10
tracks 11 and 12

Purchase on Amazon