Makeover Monday...or...I Like Covers

Norwegian synth-poppers a-ha achieved their greatest success with their 1985 debut album, Hunting High & Low and single, "Take One Me". The video for "Take On Me" became one of the most instantly recognizable and most enduringly popular music videos in the U.S. It was nominated for eight awards at the third annual MTV Video Awards in 1986. Here's A.C. Newman's, lead singer of the New Pornographers and solo artist, very nice take on the 1985 hit.



A.C. Newman Extra: Prophets (Live)

The third single on what proved to be Oasis' break-out album, What's The Story Morning Glory, "Wonderwall" climbed to #8 on the Hot 100 singles chart. As of 2008, it was 76th in the UK's list of best-selling singles, and has now sold over a million copies in single and download sales in the UK. Alt-country indie rock darling Ryan Adams covered the song in 2004 on Love Is Hell.



Ryan Adams & The Cardinals Performing "Two" on Letterman

The Cure's second album, Seventeen Seconds, came out in 1980. "A Forest", became the band's first UK hit single, reaching number 31 on the singles chart. The song, and the album, was a bit of a departure from the first release, less frenetic and poppy...it was described by band members as "morose" and atmospheric". Natasha Khan, known by the stage name Bat For Lashes, put together a very simple, sparse rendition. Hope you like it.



Extra Bat for Lashes: Daniel

Give the Gift of Music: Dark Was The Night

It's the time of the year when you start thinking about your gift-giving list, trying to figure out the perfect gift for all the certain someones on that list. Got a certain someone who's into really good music? Then I've got the perfect gift idea.

Photo courtesy of Last.fm

My boyfriend recently let me borrow the Dark Was the Night compilation that he'd been talking up to me for months. He described it as a "who's who" of indie music. The phrase "who's who" gave me pause, because music is so subjective and my taste is often described as both eclectic and snobbish. Yes, I've been called a pretentious hipster and an indie music snob. But...I have to give the BF props, this album is incredible and it stands up to his description.

Quite possibly my favorite song on the compilation...not a real video, but the only way I could find for you to have a listen.



Released on February 17th, 2009, a total of 31 exclusive tracks were recorded for the compilation. With performances from indie music staples like Feist, Grizzly Bear, Ben Gibbard, Iron & Wine and many, many more...the compilation benefits the Red Hot Organization, an international charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS. So, should you purchase the compilation for someone on your gift list, you're not only getting them an awesome music gift, you're also making a charitable donation in their name!

There aren't many videos for these songs, so in this case the only way to give you a listen is to link to the YouTube "videos" available. So, enjoy a little hip-hop indie goodness courtesy of this collaboration:

Buck 65 Remix (ft Sufjan Stevens) - Blood Pt 2

If melodic folk rock is more your thing, you can't go wrong with Andrew Bird.



And a who's who compilation of indie rock big names just wouldn't pass muster without a song by Arcade Fire, now would it? Enjoy!

Lenin by Arcade Fire

Seriously, if you're looking for a great gift for a music lover, not necessarily an indie music lover, you can't go wrong with this compilation. Available in double CD or triple vinyl (my choice would be vinyl...these songs were made for the scratchy goodness of a record player) formats, this would top any music nut's all-time favorite gift list.

TGIF Music Mix

Photo courtesy of Last.fm

As the daughter of comedian/actor/songwriter/frequent New Order collaborator Keith Allen and film producer Alison Owen, as well as goddaughter of Joe Strummer, the late singer/guitarist for The Clash, Lily Allen had a very good chance to inherit some talent, whether by nature or nurture. Here's her ode to the end of the work week.

Friday Night by Lily Allen

You can't help but feel a little end of week zen when watching a vid by a band fronted by a fella named Siddhartha, right? Enjoy!



We all look forward to the weekend, don't we? So, how about a little Vampire Weekend?



Or maybe you're more into Ladytron's version?

Weekend by Ladytron

And we'll round it out with a little old fashioned TGIF. Well, maybe not quite so old fashioned...

Photo courtesy of Last.fm

Often described as a feminist dance-punk trio, Le Tigre always sound like they're having a good time to me. So, of course, I have to include their "TGIF".

TGIF by Le Tigre

Locals Only (Athens, GA) Tuesday Tunes - 11/10/09

Madeline's been around the Athens, GA scene for quite a while...since 2000, when she began performing at the tender age of 15. I'd describe her sound as power, girlie folk rock. You'll have to tell me if you agree!

Sleeping Dogs by Madeline

I Left the Light On by Madeline

With an amazing work ethic, 217 shows across the United States in 2007 alone, the Winter Sounds are working hard to be the hardest working band in Athens, as they "sleep on floors and eat ramen noodles".



Though the band had its beginnings in a living room in Lubbock, TX, Sleepy Horses now calls Athens home. The band has been through several line-ups, some scary times and plenty of overhaul, which is probably why they sound so freaking good now. Take a listen and tell us what you think.

Daylight Savings Time by Sleepy Horses

Ending on a sad note...R.I.P. Jerry Fuchs, drummer for the instrumental and much-math influenced Athens indie band Maserati. Fuchs died on Sunday after a freak fall down an elevator shaft in Brooklyn. Remember him, and think good thoughts for the remaining band members with the following links.



Ambassador of Cinema by Maserati