Songs YOU need to download. 2/26/07 Soundtrack of Europe Edition.

Music is an extremely important thing for me, alternating between an escape and an inspiration I spend a majority of my free time with music playing in the background.  As odd as my memory is, I have distinct recollections that correspond to specific songs and never is that more true than with music I listen to on tour.  I can go back to benchmarks in my short professional experience and tell you exactly what music I was listening to at that moment.  This three week tour provided the perfect opportunity to create a soundtrack that will forever be identified with my first European experience.   Some old, some new, all of it excellent (or at least to me) enjoy! Some of them are repeated recommendations, but it never hurts to drive a point in. 

AMY WINEHOUSE- I posted a video by this phenomenal UK star a week ago but I can't stop listening to her amazing album "Back To Black."  Her album comes out on March 13th in the US and everyone should run out and get a copy.  It's an incredible throwback to the 60's girl groups with great contemporary lyrics and incredible vocals.  Cannot recommend it strongly enough. 

1. Rehab
2. Just Friends
3. Tears Dry On Their Own (Listen to it below.)

LILY ALLEN- Some of the most entertaining pop I have heard all year, Lily Allen's CD "Alright, Still" was released in the US last month and is worth purchasing.  A more comic approach than Amy Winehouse, but every bit as enjoyable.  Quite the rivalry in the UK right now.

4. Everything's Just Wonderful
5. The Littlest Things

MIKA- This is another British import that is a bit of a cross between Scissor Sisters and Elton John.  Most of the songs are great, while a few I could do without but it's fun dance music. 

6. Love Today (Listen Below)

7. Relax (Take It Easy)

REGINA SPEKTOR- What more can I say about her, she's fucking incredible and I am in love.

8. Apres Moi
9. Fidelity
10. Carbon Monoxide

LAUREN HILL- Sure she went a bit crazy and dropped off the face....but her album "Miseducation..." sounds like it could have come out yesterday and I just recently picked it up again.

11. Lost One
12. Ex Factor
13. (Doo Wop) That Thing

JOANNA NEWSOM- The ultimate acquired taste, her astonishing album "Y's" is complex and can only be appreciated with a patient ear and repeated listenings.  Once you get past the initial awkwardness and song length (some up to 16 minutes long) this music takes you places most music can't.

14. Emily
15. Monkey & Bear

NO DOUBT- I never thought I would say this but I am sick of Gwen Stefani solo and am delighted to hear that her next album will be with No Doubt again.  Their music holds some very important memories for me and I never grow tired of it. 

16. Rock Steady

NELLY FURTADO- Sure, she has sold out but who can deny her infectious music.  This track, co-produced and written by Chris Martin of Coldplay was a favorite of mine during Met Season warm-ups and was a nice addition to the European soundtrack.

17. All Good Things (Come To An End)

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT- My friends in London were about to go see his "Judy" concert which I caught last summer and I started listening to his albums again a bit during my stay.  He's one that you either love or hate but I think he's a genius and a few songs were pumping through my headphones frequently.

18.  Movies of Myself
19.  Grey Gardens

THE DECEMBERISTS- I love all of their albums and this selection off of "The Crane Wife" is epic and beautiful.  A wonderful piece of pop-storytelling.

20.  The Crane Wife 1+2

And that, my faithful readers, concludes my European coverage.  To be honest, I am a bit exhausted so I am going to take a few days off from blogging before I pick it up again for the US tour that is around the corner.  Of course I say I need a break, but I'll be back soon.....I can't stay away long.

Comments

[Meg]

Matt,
Pam told me to check out your blog, and one snowy afternoon I decided to pull it up in order to check out your pictures of Paris. I hope you left kisses in the city of love for me. Anyway, I wanted to write a quick note because I think you and I may be paralleling each other in our interests. Although I wasn't travelling around Europe like you (lucky bastard) I have recently fallen in love with Amy Whinehouse, done immense amounts of research on the Batsheva Dance Company, and written a paper on political statements through dance. Anyway, thought I'd say hello. Hope you're well.
Meaghen (Missoula Meaghen to be clear)

[M]

Is this meghan brown? I was just thinking of you the other day if it is....:-) Glad to hear I have a fellow amy winehouse fanatic. I can't stop listening.