It Seems To Be Odd That Bleeding Is Better Than Breathing To God

These will stay up til Wednesday night, EST.

The Secret Machines “What Used To Be French” I discovered this song while raiding the Rodrigo site before it mysteriously disappeared. The Secret Machines are a NYC band by way of Texas, and this song is the highlight of their debut EP. I especially recommend this song for fans of Clouds Taste Metallic-era Flaming Lips.

Avey Tare, Panda Bear, and The Geologist “In The Singing Box” – There’s something sort of creepy about this song, but I’m not quite sure what it is exactly. It’s somehow comfortably uncomfortable, if that makes any sense.

Syd Barrett “Octopus” – My favorite Syd Barrett tune (though there is some very strong competition), from his first post-Pink Floyd record, The Madcap Laughs. Syd wasn’t very good with keeping time (which may have had a lot to do with his massive LSD consumption), and the percussion and accompaniment were recorded after Syd laid down the vocals and rhythm guitar, which explains the awkward, seasick feel of the song. I think the choppiness suits the song really well, and there’s some really interesting and clever drumming and lead guitar parts on this song that make the most of what must have been an awkward situation for the session musicians. I just adore Syd’s voice on this song too, especially at the end when he sings “the squeeking door will always squeek / too up, too down, we’ll never be meet”, and each time he sings “the madcap laughed at the man at the border / hey, ho, huff the talbot”.

Vivien Goldman “Laundrette” b/w “Private Armies” – Both sides of the only single ever produced by rock journalist Vivien Goldman, Dirty Washing. According to this discography, the single was recorded during PiL’s Flowers Of Romance sessions, with PiL’s Keith Levene on guitar. “Laundrette” in particular is a very special song, I’ve never heard anything else quite like it.

The Clean “Whatever I Do It’s…” My favorite song by New Zealand’s The Clean, from their Compilation album. It sort of speaks for itself, just listen to it.

Clinic “Kimberley” (live on WFMU) – This is taken from Clinic’s 2001 session for Scott Williams’ show on WFMU.

Scritti Politti “Messthetics” From a previous blog entry: This song sounds like a bunch of professional players playing a very deliberately messy song, with every bit fully arranged, the players in full control. Green Gartside sings a pretty pop melody over the top with lyrics about just what his band is doing – pretending to be sloppy and free as an aesthetic choice.

The Residents “Burn Baby Burn” – This song is taken from The Residents’ Wormwood album, a concept album in which every song is based on a story from the Bible. This song in particular is sung from the perspective of Jephthah, who is about to be sacrificed to God, who will in turn grant her father, a general, military victory. God digs her daddy, you see.

Tricky “Suffocated Love” (live acoustic version) – This reworked acoustic version is taken from Jools Holland’s tv show, and was released as a b-side for the single “Tricky Kid”.

And special for Joe:

Har Mar Superstar (featuring Dirty Preston) “One Dirty Minute”

Har Mar Superstar “No Chorus”

If you missed out on getting the Yellow Note Vs. Pukka song, Tankboy is now hosting the song.