Rhapsody Is My Mistress?

I tell you what, if I weren't already happily married, I'd be hitting on Rhapsody... I am amazed day after day what shows up out there. This one especially surprises me...... A few years back... well more than a few... I went to see emmet swimming at the Brewery here in Raleigh. I'm not really a fan of theirs, but some good friends wanted to go and I rarely turn down a show. emmet swimming didn't win me over that night either, but the opening act did. He had incredible stage presence and energy and just exuded talent. Plus, he was hilarious. He kept saying "Its DaVEED Garza, you stupid white people," and enjoyed calling us gringos... I thought that was funny as hell and most of the crowd did too (some were offended, I'm sure). Anyway, I then researched him, bought his album and became a fan. His music is certainly pop, but with a creative and intelligent edge. To me, his songs are addictive... find myself singing them all the time. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), he didn't sell enough albums to keep his contract with Atlantic, so he's releasing things on his own now. If you go to his website, you will see he's been releasing stuff on his own all along. The disc below is a compilation of all this stuff he's recorded over the past 10-15 years. 71 tracks long, its certainly tough to get through in a sitting, but its a great archive of incredible talent and songs that have just been living in extreme limited distribution... Enjoy!

David Garza - A Strange Mess of Flowers (Disc 1) David Garza - A Strange Mess of Flowers (Disc 2) David Garza - A Strange Mess of Flowers (Disc 3) David Garza - A Strange Mess of Flowers (Disc 4)

Hot Movie Star Wife Position Available

Whew, what a month. First, the unexpected surgery to remove my gall bladder a few weeks ago. Then, last weekend, the move to our new house. Well, new old house. Just a little more excitement than I prefer. Thus, the lack of blogging. I have been listening to some great stuff though. When you're flat on your back, drugged up on Percocet, music is your best friend. I have completely fallen in love with this album. I'll go ahead and mention Coldplay since a mention of this album wouldn't be complete without it. But, I'll also say that there is something else here. Something extremely beautiful about all 12 songs. Something that makes you hit the repeat button to listen to the album over and over again. There are no real dead spots on this one... and somehow they make a statement in the midst of a sea of Coldplay-like britpoppers. As a matter of fact, I think this is an overall better album than any of Coldplay's. I'd give it my nod for best album of the year so far...

Keane - Hopes and Fears