Another week, another Mercury music section to read while you cook up something special from Shane MacGowan’s kitchen. I was going to make a shot-glass-as-measuring-cup joke, but then realized MacGowan is probably more of a straight-from-the-bottle kind of guy.
Nerd alert! Jonathan Coulton walks that fine line between parodies and genuine, heartfelt songs. Think Loudon Wainwright III or They Might Be Giants, not “The Homecoming Queen’s Got a Gun.”
LISTEN:
Jonathan Coulton – “Code Monkey”
Former Concretes singer, and the most memorable element (besides the whistling) of that one Peter Bjorn & John single, Victoria Bergsman has moved on quite nicely with Taken by Trees. Although I’m not quite sure why she tried to record an album in Pakistan. Everyone knows Pakistanis think indie rock is the soundtrack of the infidels.
LISTEN:
Take by Trees – “Anna”
Bear Hands are the most hyped blog band of the last three minutes. Bear claws are a doughnut loaded with delicious apple filling. Guess which one we like more?
LISTEN:
Bear Hands – “What a Drag”
Damien Jurado puts his pajama pants on just like the rest of you—one leg at a time. Except, once his pajama pants are on, he makes quality records. In bed.
LISTEN:
Damien Jurado – “Ohio” (It’s an older song, but one of his best)
End Hits: Truth be told, I’d watch Shane MacGowan do just about anything these days (except butcher Pogues songs).
“Damien Jurado puts his pajama pants on just like the rest of you—one leg at a time. Except, once his pajama pants are on, he makes quality records. In bed.”
Nice work…