Float On – Ben Lee

John Tucker Must Die Soundtrack (2006)

Originally released by Modest Mouse in February 2004 on their forth album Good News for People Who Love Bad News, this ditty is about floating through life, even when we hit bumps in the road:

Bad news comes don’t you worry even when it lands
Good news will work its way to all them plans

Such a nice sentiment; an outlook on life I hope to keep.

This melodic version of the now classic track was done by Ben Lee for the Soundtrack for John Tucker Must Die in 2006. Ben Lee has had an accomplished career thus far in his native land, Australia, and is now gaining popularity in North America since his newest albium Ripe was released a year ago. It just so happens to be Lee’s birthday… Happy Birthday Ben Lee! Welcome to your 30′s!

Some Candy Talking – Chris Whitley

(1984)

Chris Whitley’s version of this song, originally by The Jesus and Mary Chain, is a radical departure. Where the original is light and airy, Whitley’s version dark and visceral. The raw power of lust is unmistakable in Whitley’s voice, despite the heavy use of euphemisms in the lyrics.

I had the pleasure of both meeting Chris Whitley, and seeing him perform live before he left us in 2005. He showed my friend a few tricks on the slide guitar in the Victoria hot spot of the time, Legends, where he played later that night. A very skillful guitar player, and thoughtful song writer. Rest in peace Chris Whitley, you will not be forgotten!

Disarm – Amie Miriello

(1984)

I recently found this version of Disarm by Amie Miriello that she, according to her myspace blog has made for a Smashing Pumpkins tribute album. The powerful bells and bass drum of the original have been replaced with the acoustic guitar and Miriello’s beautiful voice. This version is well worth a listen, perhaps it will lead you to explore her album I Came Around which was released just last week.

If you are hungry for some more Smashing Pumpkins, run out and get Guitar Hero® World Tour when it’s released in late October. They have contributed songs to newest incarnation of the popular game, including a brand new single, G.L.O.W., as an exclusive download.

Machete – Novalima

Afro (2006)

It’s official! Perfect and I have booked our tickets… we are off to Peru for a month at Christmas time. We are terribly excited, and now that the tickets are paid for, it finally feels real.

To celebrate I’d like to share with you my favorite song from an album that Perfect’s sister shared with us: Novalima‘s Afro. Novalima is a group of Peruvian musicians and DJs who have come together to produce updated adaptations of traditional Afro-Peruvian Music with the help of many international guest artists. The songs, some dating back hundreds of years, have been given a modern flare, with electronic elements and masterful production. The music is interesting and unique; a quality listen! Novalima have been at it again, as they are set to release their next album, Coba Coba, on October 31st 2008 on Cumbancha Records.