Left of the dial

Ok, I think many Rhapsody users I know agree that Rhapsody Radio stations kinda stink... or at least are lacking... I mean, they are Ok for that occasional usage as background noise at a party, especially holiday parties. But when you're really wanting to listen closely, they are just so boring and predictable. When I click on the Indie station, it is a near guarantee that I will hear Pavement, Guided by Voices, Belle and Sebastian, or Death Cab for Cutie within the first three songs. Not that I have much against any of those groups, but its just seems that the station should be called "Indie Music for Dummies." I'd love to see a station that strives to introduce me to the latest and greatest indie music which is still at some level of obsurity. (BTW, I think Death Cab will have to be removed from the Indie station now...) But, luckily, the Rhapsody community is coming to the rescue. Several websites similar to mine (but with much more frequent posts!) have popped up and are filling in the gaps left by Rhapsody Radio. So far, my favorite is Rhapsody Rock School, probably because the owner seems to like much of the same music I do. Plus, he posts several times a day usually. And, he works for Rhapsody so he is definitely the "man in the know" when it comes to new adds, etc. Wish I had his job. Another good one is Rhapsody Radish which has a ton of playlists stored... all kinds of themes. This guy must have an abundance of time on his hands as his level of knowledge about music is insane. A playlist of songs featuring cowbell? I'm in awe. His playlists should be very helpful in just about any situation. So, while Rhapsody Radio is better than the actual radio, these sites really bring the kind of life and vitality to "assisted music listening" that I love. Thanks folks!

Elliott Lives!

I've really been enjoying the newest Earlimart release, although I have to admit it's a little spooky. They can seriously channel Elliott Smith; at times on the disc I swear it's Elliott... and with his death and recent posthumous release, the whole thing is spooky. Anyway, the thing that made Elliott great was his songwriting and I'd say Earlimart does a fine job of songwriting on this album. It's actually pretty cool to hear this style of music with some heavier drums mixed in at times, and other little deviations which keep them from being a complete Elliott Smith tribute band... Enjoy!

Earlimart - Treble and Tremble

Never Too Early To Teach Them How To Be Cool

Just sent this information to a good friend of mine who has a 1 year old. Thought maybe some others would like it too... who knows? This week as I scouring the web/Amazon/Rhapsody for good CDs for kids (for a 1 year old nephew and a 6 year old neice) and I came upon a few things I thought you might like (and may already know about). The first one is a great CD of lullabies from around the world. Its called "The Planet Sleeps" and is on Rhapsody: Various Artists - The Planet Sleeps I also love the They Might Be Giants childen's CD called "No!" Before you snicker, They Might Be Giants has lately been doing a few really good things for kids. This recording came out a couple of years ago and received a gold award from the Parents Choice Foundation and they recommend it for ages 2 and up. It is also on Rhapsody: They Might Be Giants - No! There are also a couple of compilations from the past few years called "For the Kids." They both have children's music performed by a lot of today's artists. You gotta love anything with "Mahna Mahna" on it. Both CDs are on Rhapsdoy: Various Artists - For The Kids Various Artists - For The Kids Too If you would like artists who are more mainstream, an album called "Mary Had a Little Amp" just came out too, but it's not on Rhapsody. Another good lullaby CD that is not on Rhapsody is "Bedtime with the Beatles" by Jason Falkner. Jason is an artist I really love. He used to be in the bands Jellyfish and the Grays--both of which were alternative bands of the 90s--and has recorded several solo albums too. This is a very subdued, all-instrumental recording of Beatles tunes as lullabies primarily geared for children, but also calming and enjoyable for us adults. Very soothing. There are pink and blue versions of the disc, but they are the same music... so don't buy both! Anyway, just thought some of you might like some of this "cool" kids music.

I feel sick...

This country frustrates the crap out of me sometimes...