My favorite jazz singer/pianist has died. With her silky smooth voice, she could croon or swing with the best of ’em. Her piano playing skills were second to none (in my opinion). I am gonna miss her.
Shirley Horn – My Heart Stood Still [4.3 MB]
Shirely Horn – Here’s to Life [5.2 MB]

Yep. I’ll fess up that I’ve been riding the depression rollercoaster since last Friday. Up. Down. Back. Forth. Must be the post-birthday blues which (of course) I’m fueling with sad music featuring deliciously groovy beats.
Neon Heights with Zoe Johnson – Are We Thru (Original Mix) [5.58 MB]

Since Michael expressed some interest in the new Goldfrapp album “Supernature” (we won’t see a domestic release until February 2006 … grrrrrr!), here is a wee taste of that new Goldfrapp-y goodness.
Goldfrapp – Satin Chic [4.78 MB]

Yeah. Think badly about me all you want. I am so super pumped for the new Madonna album “Confessions on a Dancefloor” … which hits stores November 15th.

“I want people to jump out of their seats” Never one to understate, those were the exact words Madonna used to describe the songs on her upcoming album, – “Confessions On a Dancefloor.” The 12 delicious tunes of pure ‘unapologetic dance music’ including the single “Hung Up.” This time out, the original Queen of Dance Music returns to where she began and kicks it up a few extra notches.

Sounds pretty good, eh? It’s about time she got back to some her roots and away from those downbeat tunes that have featured so heavily into her last three albums. The cover hints that some retro disco will be going on. Good golly! That makes me smile. Maybe now I will be able to forgive her for her collaboration with and kissing of Britney Spears.

It dawned on me last night just why I think that Siouxsie and the Banshees is a far better band than The Cure. It all boils down to song writting. As many of you may know, Robert Smith is the sole lyricist for The Cure with the rest of the band helping out on the music. Meanwhile, Siouxsie and Co. have three people (Sioux, Severin, Budgie) that take turn with the lyrics and music. Three is better than one. It gives them an edge as far as being able to play with their sound. Yes. I do speak of them as if they are still a viable band even though they broke up in 1996 ’cause to me they are still one of the greatest bands to come out of the late 70’s. I think “Tinderbox” ranks in the Top Five Greatest Albums Ever Recorded.

Whoo-hoo! Laugh at me all you want but I really (and I mean REALLY!) dig The Cardigans. So, the news that their new album “Super Extra Gravity” is gonna be released on October 17 is some pretty sweet news. Interesting album cover, isn’t it? Yeah … and … the first single has been leaked to the net!

Wanna hear it? I knew you did …

The Cardigans – I Need Some Fine Wine and You, You Need to be Nicer [4.9 MB]

Yes. That’s actually the song’s name.

SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES RE-RELEASE ENTIRE CATALOGUE

SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES’s entire album back catalogue has been digitally re-mastered and will be reissued over the next year.

The series will kick off with the re-release of debut ‘The Scream’ on October 3.

The album will also come backed with a second CD of period rarities.

Originally released in November 1978, ‘The Scream’ featured the tracks ‘Switch’, ‘Jigsaw Feeling’ and a cover of The Beatles’ ‘Helter Skelter.’

The second bonus CD will include the first ever release of the early Banshees live favourite ‘Make Up To Break Up’, the two 1978 John Peel sessions, the band’s first two single ‘Hong Kong Garden’ and ‘Staircase (Mystery)’ as well as five prototype tracks from ‘The Scream’, recorded at Pathway Studios.

The full tracklisting for the reissued ‘The Scream’ is:

Disc One
‘Pure’
‘Jigsaw Feeling’
‘Overground’
‘Carcass’
‘Helter Skelter’
‘Mirage’
‘Metal Postcard’
‘Nicotine Stain’
‘Suburban Relapse’
‘Switch’

Disc Two
‘Make Up To Break Up’ (Riverside Session)
‘Love In A Void’ (Peel Session)
‘Mirage’ (Peel Session)
‘Metal Postcard’ (Peel Session)
‘Suburban Relapse’ (Peel Session)
‘Hong Kong Garden’ (Peel Session)
‘Overground’ (Peel Session)
‘Carcass’ (Peel Session)
‘Helter Skelter’ (Peel Session)
‘Metal Postcard’ (Pathway Session)
‘Suburban Relapse’ (Pathway Session)
‘Staircase (Mystery)’ (Pathway Session)
‘Mirage’ (Pathway Session)
‘Nicotine Stain’ (Pathway Session)
‘Hong Kong Garden’ (7′ Single Version)
‘Staircase (Mystery)’ (7″ Single Version)
[via Silence Is A Rhythm Too]

The next single off Nine Inch Nails’ “With Teeth,” the ultra-peppy “Only,” is currently being prepped for release. You can check out the video (featuring a Powerbook and iTunes!) or download remix-able versions of the song as well. Remember back when “The Hand That Feeds” was released for some Garageband fun? Well, “Only” comes in several formats so you Windows (ugh!) users can get in on the fun as well.

Whoo! I have been a wee bit Goldfrapp obsessed as of late. So the news that the new album, “Supernature,” will be released in about a month makes me all smiley. I recently bought the “Wonderful Electric” dvd and really, really dig it. Two discs containing live shows at Somerset House (“Black Cherry” Tour) and at Shepherd’s Bush Empire (“Felt Mountain” Tour). Good stuff, indeed!

In the meantime, get down to a shimmery, pulsating, disco influenced Goldfrapp B-Side. I can boogie. All. Night. Long.
Goldfrapp – Yes Sir

‘Cause today I am all about some melancholy.
Goldfrapp – Deep Honey