PopTodd

Just picked this up: I've heard their songs covered by Bongwater ("The Drum," which is on this collection) and also by Mazzy Star ("Blue Flower," which is not), and I have loved them both. So, I looked into the band at AllMusic and liked the descriptions that I read. The album arrived yesterday and I've given it a first listen and made an initial impression: I love it. The best description that I can give is that it's like Yoko Ono, if her voice were tolerable and if she were backed by The Soft Machine. But then, there are strong undercurrents of Kurt Weill running through a lot of it too (

Tom Zé -- 98% (Even his failures are thrilling.) The Kinks -- 75% (Some of their late-period stuff was a bit lacking, but Ray Davies is still pound-for-pound the best songwriter alive, and Dave is underrated in that category.) Nick Lowe/Brinsley Schwarz/Rockpile -- 75% (Another brilliant songwriter with a great sense of humor. Such a vast catalog that the percentage is bigger than it seems.) Harry Nilsson -- 85% (He can sing just about anything and make it sound like magic. And then, there's his sense of humor. Love.) Brian Eno -- 60% (Maybe seems like it doesn't fit with that percentage, but

Actually thinking about it, pretty much every line in that song. A couple other faves from that one: "You wish upon a star, that turns into a plane" "If you were a pill, I'd take a handfull at my will And I'd knock you back with something sweet and strong"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_4EAajePTo

My parents are taking my oldest here today. I've never been. So, so jealous. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7lqKALvZfo Apparently, you NEED to have the toast.

Have you checked out that Daniel Romano record? I think that one may be up your alley.

All-purpose gluten-free flour mix to make the rue (mostly rice flour and potato starch). Other than that, it's all the same.

"Sometimes lonely hearts, they just get lonelier" Rilo Kiley - "Wires and Waves"

I made biscuits and gravy last week. (Gluten- and egg-free for my allergic son.) The biscuits were not so great, but the gravy made up for it. What the hell else can I put sausage gravy on?!?!

"Kiss me like you lost me and you found me." -Material Issue - "Don't You Think I Know"

My brisket -- Jewish-style, not BBQ -- the the best that there is. Tell yer Bubbie.

Somebody please put this band out of my misery.

Ooh, I forgot about this one: Never heard the whole thing, but the few things that I have heard are pretty great. Love the Britney Spears cover, in particular.

Some of us ARE these people: The 20 Unhappiest People You Meet In the Comments Sections Of Year-End Lists

I saw her in the same format. It was a lot of fun, but I wish that she had played more music.