It's Like Magic

Matthew Sweet again proves his love for soundtracks by including an unreleased tune on the upcoming soundtrack to NBC's hit My Name is Earl. Why does he choose this outlet for releasing new music? Who knows. With a name like Livin' Thing, it sounds like it is probably an outtake from his 2004 release Living Things. I haven't fallen in love with the preview offered here. The vocals seem mixed way too high. Hopefully, it'll sound better on disc or download. But I'll take new Matthew however it's offered.

UPDATE: Nope, it's not an outtake. It's a cover version of ELO's classic. Duh. I thought it sounded familiar.

Been Getting the Runaround

L.E.O. is finally releasing its debut album. You might remember that L.E.O. is somewhat of a supergroup of powerpop stars that got together to start an E.L.O. tribute band that turned into something much more. The album comes out October 17.

From theirspace (where you can check out some of the tunes):

L.E.O. is a power-pop-collective that has become a Traveling
Wilburys-esque creative outlet for a gang of like-minded musician/producers...it
was originally conceived by Bleu and includes the diverse talents of Andy
Sturmer (Jellyfish), Mike Viola (The Candy Butchers), Jason Scheff (Chicago),
Steve Gorman (The Black Crowes), Matt Mahaffey (Self), John Fields (big-time
pop-producer), Tony Goddess (pApAs fritAs), Hanson, Eric Barao (The Cautions),
Scott Simons (The Argument), and Paula Kelley, among others..

I Hear the Sound of a Gentle Word

If you haven't heard, which is unlikely, this year marks the 40th anniversary of one of the best pop albums ever, Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys. To commemorate the occasion, Capitol released Pet Sounds: 40th Anniversary this week. The new release includes versions in mono, stereo, 5.1 surround sound, jingle cats, hi-res stereo, and DVD. One of those might not be true. They've also released the Good Vibrations CD single.

The AV Club spoke briefly with mad genius Brian Wilson about it. Bring the love-vibes, Brian.

It truly is a stunning and legendary album, something everyone should have in their collection. Maybe on its 40th anniversary, I'll finally pick it up (oops).

Before the Cream Sits Out Too Long

I watched Friends with Money last night, that Jennifer Aniston movie that is not a Jennifer Aniston movie and is probably a chick flick but with better stories and better acting, which I rented for my wife with the intention of not really watching it but finding myself getting involved perhaps because I was bored or because the movie was good (I heard that).

Anyway, I found the soundtrack to be very nice. Craig Richey's score is very pleasant and simple, and it invoked the same pleasant feelings I had when I first heard Jon Brion's score for Eternal Sunshine. Just thought I'd share.

You can download Richey's work here. It was also featured in Lovely & Amazing, another movie featuring Catherine Keener. I've seen her in a few movies now, but nothing beats this. Both movies, by the way, were written and directed by Nicole Holofcener. She must have a thing for Richey and Keener and movies with lots of talking.

Number One Song After Number One Song

Ben Folds is releasing a(nother) rarities collection featuring songs previously released (see below) on EPs, soundtracks, etc. and includes a couple different covers like Dr. Dre's Bitches Ain't Shit. For those of you like me, you likely already have most if not all the songs (hell, I even bought his tunes from the Over the Hedge soundtrack), but seeing them all on one album makes a pretty good BF album. Plus they're remastered.

He's also due to go into the studio in October to record a new solo album and will be hitting up colleges on a fall tour.

The new compilation will be released October 24 and is called supersunnyspeedgraphic, the lp, a play on the EPs he released prior to Songs for Silverman. The tracklisting: 1. In Between Days 2. All U Can Eat 3. Songs of Love 4. There's Always Someone Cooler Than You 5. Learn To Live With What You Are 6. Bitches Ain't Shit 7. Adelaide 8. Rent A Cop 9. Get Your Hands Off My Woman 10. Bruised 11. Dog 12. Still. All the links are to get the songs now via iTunes. Kinda makes the concept of "rare" moot these days, eh?

Previously...

I didn't ask, you shouldn't have told me

In support of their new album Major Lodge Victory, the Gin Blossoms played a set at the Apple Store in SoHo tonight. I'd say if you were in the area to definitely go check it out, but it happened about 3 hours ago. :-)

When I Get Older Losing My Hair

Happy 5.92 Anniversary, Zzz Records!

I'm a bit late on this one, but hey, they were a bit late in celebrating their 5th Anniversary. It's good to see an indie store doing well and sitting in the best location in town. Good luck for the next 5.92 years. Buy a shirt to help make it possible for them to survive in this Best Buy and Wal-mart infested world.