And Everyday is the Right Day

I love Pink Floyd. I especially love Meddle, my favorite Floyd album. And Fearless -- well, I love it. Thanks to stereogum, here's a cover by Ambulance LTD.

She's Young and I'm Stung

Not Lame offers a good Tasty Tuesday treat this week: Wisely - Too Quick To Love, one of my favorites from the album. Get it Tuesday only.

The Road is Wide Open to the Heart of Every Man

In 1990, Goodbye Jumbo by World Party was released. It quickly became the soundtrack to my life as a 16-year-old. As most my age, I was exploring who I was and questioning who I would become. I was in high school. I was working. I was falling in love. My heart was being broken. All along the way, Goodbye Jumbo was one of only a few albums that I was listening to non-stop (others included Bellybutton, The Stone Roses, and Cloudcuckooland). Sixteen years later (holy crap!), I can't help but call Goodbye Jumbo my favorite album of all time. It means the most to me because it is intensely personal and intimate. My heart rate literally slows down when I'm listening to any of the songs from this perfect album. It was rightfully critically acclaimed.

If you haven't had the privilege of really listening to Goodbye Jumbo, now it's easier than ever. Karl Wallinger, the genius that is World Party, has finally released all his work via iTunes. I highly recommend you download it now along with the rest of the catalog. Keep in mind, you likely won't have the same experiences with it that I have had. Music is very personal. But it's worth checking out.

I was inspired to write about it because World Party has reawakened. There's a new website. There's a newly updated album that is getting a proper domestic release (Dumbing Up on May 2). There's an upcoming tour! And there's brand new music likely to be released next year. This is all excellent news.

I had the chance to see World Party open for 10,000 Maniacs in Chicago not long after Goodbye Jumbo was released. I happened to go to school with the son of the owner of the venue so I was able to get on the guest list and didn't need to worry about being underage. Well, my girlfriend wasn't allowed to go out on a weeknight. My friends didn't know or appreciate either of the bands. And my brother, Mr. Way2Poppy, well, there's no excuse for him. He should've known better, but I've since forgiven him. Perhaps I will finally get my chance this time around. It would surely be a transcendent moment for me.

VIDEO: World Party - Put the Message in the Box (via)

Ever Since I Was A Twinkle In My Father's Pants

Okay, I should probably re-write this so it comes from me, but I'm just too darn tired to bother. Here's what Roger has to say about his upcoming album release:

It's finally a reality! With the two following very special events we announce the official release of Roger's latest solo album, "Solid State Warrior," previously only available as an audio download from weedshare.com.

The first announcement is that with his recent signing to Warner Music Group's newest label CORDLESS RECORDINGS, who will be releasing his solo album this fall. This will be precluded by a three-song "cluster," available for download starting May 2nd . CORDLESS is an exciting new label headed up by former Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman. Roger and this new team of pioneering record company mavericks are very excited about bringing new music to your attention in a refreshing and bold new way. Preceding the word-wide release of the full length album, Roger will be producing a series of "video podcasts" that will be shot around his studio to document how the album was made. These vignettes will be available online ideally starting around May '06.

The second bit of wonderful news is that the Japanese-only release of "Solid State Warrior" is officially being made available on CD in digi-pack format on March 2nd. The 11 song album, on Pony Canyon Recordings, contains beautiful original artwork by Japanese artist ADAPTER for both the wraparound and booklet, which of course contains lyrics and album credits. The album will be easily available as an import-only from sites such as Amazon and Not Lame Recordings. Roger's website will not be carrying the album for sale.

Once again, Roger would like to express his heartfelt thanks to all of you for your interest thus far in both the website, Roger's career and vintage merchandise. Your undying enthusiasm and patronage only continues to fuel his creative fires!

***UPDATE***:My Jellyfish-loving best friend Matt just got the album and says it's AWESOME. Sounds like a new Jellyfish album. I can't friggin' wait!! I just ordered it from Not Lame.

Glorified Version of a Pellet Gun

Pearl Jam is releasing its eighth album on May 2. Eighth?! Has anyone been paying attention since their third or fourth? Even die-hard Pearl Jam fans I know stopped listening a while back. I respect them and what they do. They don't succumb to the music industry machine. But as a result, some of their recent work as become boring if not unlistenable (which I'm sure is blasphemy to some out there). I can't imagine the new one will earn any new fans, but best of luck. Nice to see a band from my golden era (late 80s-early 90s) still chugging away.

And for the record, their second CD, Vs., was by far their poppiest effort with tunes like Daughter and Glorified G. It's probably time for a revisit.

UPDATE: Get a preview of the new tune World Wide Suicide at Stereogum.

This Is No Great Illusion

Not sure whether you want to plunk down 10 bucks for the solo CD from Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis? Preview all the tracks (except Handle With Care) here (via). If you like, buy. If you don't like, don't buy.

You Gotta Break Free To Break the Mold

What I thought was a running gag on the second most underappreciated show on TV is actually a reality. The Blanks, aka Ted's Band from Scrubs, is a real band! They perform and even have their own CD full of cheesy a capella versions of classic shows like Charles in Charge and Six Million Dollar Man. Music should not be serious all the time. Buy the CD at CD Baby.

Don't forget about the great site where you can find all the music played on Scrubs. I was a bit disappointed last night with their use of Fix You by Coldplay, but usually, they have some great picks.

And on a related note, here's another site that lists music played on many TV shows. Radio sucks, so sometimes, when you're not online, the best way to hear something new is on your favorite shows.