the stars are out

thanks to all who've checked in so far and left comments (ha ha, HA HA HA, ha ha). i've really enjoyed some of the e-mail conversations/debates we've had over the years, and think that the comments section here could serve that very purpose. i figured a site merely about what's going on in our daily lives might not keep everyone's interest, so i hope that many of my posts turn into discussions and debates on the comments page.

picked up the newest release this weekend from a band called stars, album is titled "in our bedroom after the war". stars' last disc, "set yourself on fire" won them fair acclaim in the indy world (for good reason), and this one should do the same. a bit different, but solid album. listening to their disc reinforced to me how many great songs and bands are out there that deserve more radio airplay. there's no reason why several songs on this disc shouldn't be on pop/rock stations everywhere, but i guarantee you'll never hear them. i don't claim to be any kind of music expert, but it seems to me that there are more and more songs that have great critical acclaim and are "radio-friendly" by anyone's standards, but have never or will never be heard anywhere other than maybe college radio and a few satellite channels.

here's a brief list of songs just from the past year or two that i think should have gotten major radio airplay, but never did. check them out on itunes or elsewhere, and burn yourself a disc of them. great summer listening. (thanks to puddin, googs, d-train and others who steered me towards some of these)

stars, "my favourite book", "ageless beauty"
fountains of wayne, "someone to love", "new routine"
rock kills kid, "paralyzed"
brandston, "earthquakes and sharks"
camera obscura, "lloyd, i'm ready to be heartbroken"
golden smog, "corvette"
hard-fi, "cash machine"
nada surf, "always love"
youth group, "shadowland"
death cab for cutie, "crooked teeth"

don't judge a book by its cover, or a song by its title and artist. 30 second sound bites should be enough to convince you these are radio-worthy. you may add to the list, but not subtract. fire away.