Kelly Clarkson's "Since You've Been Gone"

Before you begin to cringe, let me begin by defending myself - at the Jerk Store party, the kids went fucking insane when Frankie played this song. To my horror, my friends did as well. Everyone around me were jumping up and down and singing along - like it was this year's pop anthem. Craziness. I was lost in a sea of this "WTF?!" My flatmate even demanded I play it before going to brunch the next day, hungover et al.

Smith during "Since You've Been Gone"

So what in the world is it about the song? It's 2005's version of "I Will Survive" - which if any of you have been to a karaoke bar/night, various clubs on certain nights and certainly drag shows... will know that song outlived the death of disco. Anyone who's been through a break-up can grab on to this song, sing it in the shower and instantly feel this strange relief. And everyone's been through a break-up that needed this song. Let's face it. We're all licking some sort wounds from some sordid affair with someone who we never mention by name and instead use some kind of nickname or simply refer to them as "the asshole" or "the creep with no soul" or "poohead." Kelly Clarkson is a great platform for this song as well. She's got a terrific voice, raspy and strong. The kind you'd expect to be singing, convincingly, "You've had your chance you blew it..." and "I'm so moving on..."

I love her story by the way. Another lowest common denominator that works for this song. We all love a Cinderella story. I especially love the glass slippers.

Rufus Wainwright's "Greek Song" (Live at the Knitting Factory)

You're thinking, "Ah ha!" Yes, of course I would write about a Rufus Wainwright track at some point. He is, hands down, my favorite songwriter, and possibly, performer.

So, live recordings aren't always the cat's meow. There's feedback at times, and often times its just not mixed well at all. Especially at the Knitting Factory... where the sound just bounces weird in the big room. (We're talking KF LA here.) I know this is probably straight from the board, but I'm sure the room affects even this recording. For instance, I feel the backing vocals (sounds like his mother Kate and sister Martha) are too high in the mix. The original, or at least the version on the record is airy and light, and this live version seems hurried and Rufus sounds like he's trying to yell out the words. The orchestration stays pretty true to the album's song, but the differences are vast. Oh live recordings, you pale in comparison to the controlled environment of a studio. Being as Rufus is my fave - I don't mind hearing this live version of a romantic ode to a beautiful boy, but when I do - it just makes me hunger for the version on Poses.

Eve's Plum's "Lost In Space"

When I first heard this song it was back in 1996 or so. Drive Thru records put out one of its first releases, a compilation called "Where's The Beef?" The disc held about 20+ songs, some of them really great like tracks from The Wrens, Moog, and this one - by Eve's Plum.

I can't believe its almost been 10 years since this song has floated around in my collection, and it still holds up as a great track. I mean really, this song could be out on modern radio and I wouldn't blink an eye. Maybe not timeless per say, but it has definitely spanned a decade. The guitar stylings and steady drumming just hasn't gotten old. Sung by a female, she's not annoying nor scary - she simply sounds emotive and true-to-life. The urgency of this song, the meaning behind the lyrics, it all melts together into a powerful three and a half minute song. As far as the band, however - I have no clue what happened to them. I suppose I could google it... Ahh, google.

Jason Falkner's "Honey"

JF is completely underrated. I know, I know - if you had a dime for everytime you read that, etc. But from his work in Jellyfish and then in The Grays... I still reel from his album, "Can You Still Feel?" My sentiment towards it has never changed. I think it's brilliant, and sensationally orchestrated. As far as emoting the lyrics, Jason's voice is often dead-on.

With "Honey," there are loads of tounge-in-cheek moments (which indicate Mr. Falkner doesn't take himself TOO seriously) and even more well-placed musical moments. The que of someone in the control room, egg shakers, doubled/tripled vocals, cascade of guitars, miraculously balanced drums... I fear to actually proclaim it is a perfect song, but with that said it's pretty damn good. It gives me the warm fuzzies.

Interpol's "C'mere"

I was prodded to listen to this song today by a certain someone. Yeah sure, I've heard it before. But I didn't let the lyrics penetrate my brain until today... and although I've heard this song many times over - today it had a special ring to it. Bits of it resonated... its strange when a song does that. It's very much like that part in the 80s movie where the protagonist realizes they're in love with one of their good friends for the first time...

It's way too late to be this locked inside ourselves
The trouble is that you're in love with someone else
It should be me. Oh, it should be me
Your sacred parts, your getaways
You come along on summer days
Tenderly, tastefully
And so may, we make time
Try to find somebody else
This place is mine
You said today, you know exactly how I feel
I had my doubts little girl
I'm in love with something real
It could be me, that's changing
And so may, we make time
To try and find somebody else
Who has a line
Now seasoned with health
Two lovers walk on lakeside mile
Try pleasing with stealth, rodeo
See what stands long ending fast
Oh, how I love you in the evenings
When we are sleeping
We are sleeping. Oh, we are sleeping

yes, i'd love to see you there!

RSVP to party@solidpr.com with the day of the party you'd like to attend (FRI or SUN)

Frank Sinatra's "Autumn In New York"

It's autumn in New York that brings the promise of new love... old blue eyes sings convincingly.
Is this really true?

Shooting the Poison Arrows.

added new pictures to the fotografia portion of the site including this one...