_berg loves pizza_

Reminder: Earth Hour Tonight!

Tonight is the night, March 28th 2009, 8:30pm local time. You can vote Earth by switching off your lights for one hour — Earth Hour. It is the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 when 2.2 million homes and business switched off their lights for one hour to send a message to the world about its stand. In 2008, 50 million people across the world sent the same message turning it into a global sustainability movement.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

I am glad that governments and big institutions are now taking notice of this and the call to action is being promoted everywhere from TV to radio… reaching as many people as possible. I urge you guys to take part in this, the very planet we live in is at stake. We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

(with excerpts taken from the official website… visit www.earthhour.org for more details)

Where The Wild Things Are – Movie Trailer

Where The Wild Things Are is an adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s story, where Max, a disobedient little boy set to bed without his supper, creates his own world–a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler. I am looking forward to watching this! I had no idea about this book until a couple friends of mine who I always seem to mention around here (you know who you are :p) sent me the movie’s poster on Twitter. Them literary types got me stumped. I don’t mind discovering it late… I’m really into these types of stories because I’m a grown-up kid. =) The movie is directed by Spike Jonze and comes out in October 2009. Something to look forward to, I’m jumping up and down in excitement!

The song in the trailer is by Arcade Fire, its called “Wake Up” from their 2005 release Funeral. But the version in the trailer is different, it starts off with acoustic guitars instead of electric… I will be on the hunt to find that version. For now, here is the original version. [grab it here!]

You’re welcome!

Eight

I gotta think of more interesting post titles, the ones I come up with are sooo lame! Like this one, I even fell asleep before I could start to write the content. Sheesh!

01 – Death Cab for Cutie – “Little Bribes” -The band is set to release a new EP called The Open Door soon… and by that I mean digitally on March 31st and physically on April 14th. The set will include five tracks – a demo version of “Talking Bird”, originally from the Narrow Stairs LP, and four songs that didn’t quite make that album for reasons still to be dissected. Here is the EP’s opening track. [dL]

02 – Butch Walker feat. Pink – “Here Comes The Heartache” – Butch Walker is more known as a record producer and songwriter than as a recording artist. His current album out is Sycamore Meadows, and this is a song on there that features his friend Pink on harmony vocals… “Here Comes The Heartache”, the number one selling physical single in the US right now. But these days physical singles don’t really account for much, do they? Good song! I just wish we get to hear Pink more on it outside of doing the harmonies. She gets a few lines to her own in the bridge though. [dL]

03 – Jeremy Larson – “Immovable” – If you don’t know this guy, maybe its ’bout time you should. Very talented musician who plays many instruments… actually, I think he played all the instruments on his album. Pretty impressive when you take that into consideration when listening to his songs… sweeping, cinematic and emotional-but-not-whiney. Here is a sample off of his current album Salvation Club… the very Copeland-ish (as are many of his songs) “Immovable”. [dL]

04 – Meiko – “Reasons To Love You” – Site visitor Barbara mentioned her in one of the comments for a previous entry here. I had listened to Meiko’s album last year and the girl’s got a really nice voice but sometimes her songs leave me a bit lethargic. There is a bright spot on there though, this song stood out like *hell yeah*! I forgot why I didn’t put this up back then but here it is now. “Reasons To Love” is kinda sad but it sounds cute. Does that make sense to you? haha. [dL]

05 – Mae – “A Melody, The Memory” – Mae is an American rock band from Norfolk, Virginia. The band’s name stands for Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience… nice! They’ve previously released albums for Tooth and Nail Records as well as Capitol Records… all three previous albums have generated enough positive reception to garner them a loyal underground following from melodic rock fans. Currently without a label and recording their fourth album, the band has decided to release one new song for each month of 2009. Each song is made available for download from their official website [www.whatismae.com] for a minimum donation of $1, proceeds of which will go to humanitarian projects of the band’s choosing. In addition, these songs will periodically be compiled in three separate EP’s respectively titled Morning, Afternoon and Evening (notice the acronym again? smart!) This song right here was February’s song. If you like what you hear and want to support the band’s cause, I urge you to go to their official website [here] and make a donation. [dL]

06 – Lisa Hannigan – “I Don’t Know” – Thanks to Jason for the heads up on this one! Being a huuuuuuge Damien Rice fan, I did not NOT know Lisa Hannigan. She brought some magic to a lot of Damien’s songs for his two previous albums that it took me by surprise they’re not working together anymore. Word is that she got fired by Damien abruptly without explanation. For whatever the reason behind that, the intentions were probably good because now we get to hear Lisa shining brightly on her own with great songs like these. It’s one of those songs that you could hear in the morning and makes you feel like the day ahead is going to be good. Her new album Sea Sew is now out. [dL]

07 – Greg Laswell – “Sweet Dream” – Underrated singer-songwriter Greg Laswell was featured on the previous version of this blog last year. He still remains unknown to many, unfortunately. Here is a (short) song from his current album Three Flights from Alto Nido… “Sweet Dream” got played last friday on the 6th episode of my current TV obsession aside from Idol, its called Dollhouse (created by Joss Whedon). You guys should check that series out, it has gotten really good and compelling now after the sorta ho-hum first few episodes. And I’ve seen the trailer for episode seven to air next Friday night, it looks really really good and exciting… can’t barely wait! Hope it doesn’t get cancelled haha! [dL]

08 – Bell X1 – “Light Catches Your Face” – There are only two other songs from this band I know and like, and they are both slow. One of those is… uhm… remember the soundtrack to Marissa Cooper’s first lesbian kiss on The O.C. a few years ago? Yup, “Eve Is The Apple of My Eye” is by Bell X1. They are notoriously known for that one right there, and the fact that they are composed of the remaining members of Damien Rice’s former band Juniper. This is the second Damien reference for this post, I wonder where he is? Their new album Blue Lights On The Runway is now out, getting a slew of positive reviews along the way. When I listened to it, I immediately skimmed through the tracks to look for the ballad centerpiece of the set… this one right here is it I believe. [dL]

Whatchathink?

Nine

You know what takes me too long between posts? It’s the sorting out of songs… which ones to lump together… the order in which they appear in a playlist… as if that even matters haha. I highly doubt that anybody has ever paid particular attention to the sequencing of the songs on here. I’m just OC, forgive me. =p

1 – Zee Avi – “Bitter Heart“ [dL] – Zee Avi is a Malaysia-based female singer-songwriter who was discovered on youtube by The Raconteurs drummer Patrick Keeler. She is now signed with Brushfire Records, home to Jack Johnson and several other similar-styled artists. That should tip you off on what this sounds like. She is the label’s first female signing. Look out for her debut album coming out in a few months. This song is the first single… sort of.

2 – Gavin DeGraw – “Stay“ [dL]- Barely a year after releasing his self-titled sophomore major-label album, Gavin DeGraw is releasing his third on March 31st. Much as I loved that last record, I knew something was missing from it and now here is Gavin himself addressing the issue with upcoming album Free. In a stark contrast to the overproduction of sorts on his previous release, Free promises to keep the instrumentation to only what is necessary and instead focus the spotlight on the songs themselves and the singing. Now that’s more like it. This song is the first single… sort of.

3 – Tori Amos – “Welcome To England“ [dL] – Since Tori Amos is one of my all-time favorite female artists, every new release from her is an event in my own little world. Her new album Abnormally Attracted To Sin comes out in May, something to look forward to. This song sounds like something that could have been put on From The Choirgirl Hotel or Scarlet’s Walk. As expected, I’m feeling it. It is the first single… sort of.

4 – MuteMath – “Spotlight“ [dL] – While I am anxiously awaiting MuteMath’s new album, they have decided to release this song to radio. It first appeared on the soundtrack to the blockbuster hit movie Twilight (cue screaming fangirls, and boys). It’s not as strong as any of the singles from their last era but still a finely crafted nugget of a tune.

5 – Shiny Toy Guns – “Frozen Oceans“ [dL] – I’ve heard of this band before, but never really paid any attention to them. Their sound didn’t appeal to me back then. Now that I’ve heard this album-closer on their new one, Season of Poison, I’m beginning to think I’ve been missing out… I’m going to have to give them another shot.

6 – Robyn – “Be Mine” (from the Cherrytree Sessions) [dL] – Robyn’s self-titled album was one of my top five favorite albums from last year. Well, technically it was released in Sweden back in 2005 but only last year in the US and here where I’m from. Such a fine fine electro-pop record. This version of one of the songs on there caught me by suprise. Stripped down to just the keyboard/piano and Robyn’s vocals and lyrics, the song’s meaning comes out in its pure form. Ouch! Hearts are going to bleed because of this. Definitely check it out. “You never were, and you never will be mine”

7 – Kate Havnevik – “Halo“ [dL] – I discovered Kate from Grey’s Anatomy. Her songs from her previous album were prominently featured on that show, as are a bunch of other uber-talented non-mainstream artists. This song is officially her new single, taken from her upcoming as-yet-untitled second album. Surprisingly the song holds an optimistic outlook about the search for love, a topic that would have stood out like a sore thumb on her last album of melancholic string-laden dramatic masterpieces.

8 – James Carrington – “Ache“ [dL] – This guy has had a few of his songs featured on television shows including ER and Smallville. Surprisingly, he has yet to release an album. Luckily, that time will be soon. The Dreamers Machine is set to be released in the middle of this year with production duties from film composer Klaus Badelt. This is one of James Carrington’s more known (in the underground, haha) songs… I’m liking the heart-on-sleeve lyrics and the bare arrangement. It’s not new, but I know a lot of people will feel for this. “Have I told you I ache… for you?”

9 – O.A.R. – “Love Is Worth The Fall“ [dL] – Grossly under-rated band. This new song from them appears on a deluxe edition to the Twilight movie soundtrack (again, cue the screaming fangirls, and boys). It’s a genuinely-sung and played love song with minimal accompaniment. 

Thoughts?

Monday Music Roundup (03-09-09 Edition)

Better Than Ezra – “Absolutely Still” – This band was one of the many alternative rock bands that managed to churn out a number of hits in the 90’s. Unforunately, they along with many others from that era (Tonic, Gin Blossoms, Collective Soul, etc.) got lesser and lesser airplay as the new millenium arrived and the radio format changed. Still, Better Than Ezra is churning out great songs like this that (intentionally or unintentionally) make current twenty-somethings long for the greatness and diversity of the music from the roaring 90’s. Better Than Ezra’s new album Paper Empire comes out May 12th 2009 on MRI/Megaforce Records. Check this out… it’s a great song! It will be available on iTunes starting March 17th. [dL]

The Offspring – “Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?” - Here’s another band that started out in the 90’s, The Offspring has given us plenty of memorable (and some annoying) hits through the years… “Come Out and Play”, “Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)”, “Why Don’t You Get A Job”, etc… Their new album, Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace, was released in the middle of 2008 to good reception from the band’s longtime fans. It was regarded as a return to fine form. This song here is one of the more CHR/Mainstream-ready songs from the album and is currently headed for the Top 40. A surprising but welcome feat from the band… and might I say, long overdue. [dL]

Erin McCarley – “Love, Save The Empty” – Erin is a new artist to watch out for. Could be following in the footsteps of recent female singer-songwriter success stories like Sara Bareilles and Regina Spektor. This song appears on Erin’s debut album of the same name for Universal Republic Records, and is promintently featured in the recent Jennifer Anniston movie He’s Just Not That Into You. With proper label support and nicely executed promotion, she should be big in no time. Look out for her. [dL]

Katy Perry – “Thinking of You” (Acoustic Version) – I’m not a fan of Katy as a singer… she is absolutely all over the place whenever she sings live. As a songwriter though, I have now decided that she actually may have some talent… two of her songs are on Kelly Clarkson’s hot new album… and this, her current single, is a welcome surprise after the initially-fun-later-annoying “I Kissed A Girl”. I like this one a lot. I’m sure many of you people out there have been in this same situation, no matter if you’re a girl or a guy. Relate much? Hehe! [dL]

Tinted Windows – “Kind of A Girl” – This band is a supergroup composed of former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick, Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, and Taylor Hanson of Hanson. I know, its kind of a surprising line-up… wait till you hear how they sound hehe! Their self-titled debut album is scheduled for release on the 21st of April 2009 by S-Curve Records. “Kind of A Girl” is the lead single off the album, a powerpop nugget that features a barely-out-of-puberty-sounding Taylor Hanson on vocals. They certainly turned heads after news about them came out in the music industry, but will they achieve success? We shall see in the next few months. [dL]

Dashboard Confessional – “Even Now” (Acoustic) – This song was released by Chris Carraba on the band’s myspace page last Valentine’s day as a gift to the fans. It will appear in fuller form later this year via Dashboard Confessional’s as yet untitled new album. I really like this, very simple melody and quiet instrumentation. The lyrics aren’t cheesy (in my opinion) but oh-so-ready to make the ladies melt! [dL]

Mates of State – “Get Better” – I was under the impression that I posted this one last year, turns out it stayed under my drafts and never got published. Here it is now… love this band… Re-Arrange Us is their latest album… my fifth favorite from 2008. This track opens the album and sets the tone for the rest of the 11-song stunner. Too bad I can’t find any of their older albums. My first taste of this band was with a music video I saw early last year on Yahoo! Music of their older song “Girls Singing” which up until now I still couldn’t find. Anyway, check ‘em out if you like them. [dL]

Fleet Foxes – “Mykonos” – I’ve never posted about them before but their self-titled full length debut LP was my fourth favorite album from last year. Hehe it sounds like I’m counting down my top 2008 albums, doesn’t it? Anyway, Fleet Foxes‘ harmonies are a definite throwback to a time to the glory days of rock and roll when songwriting and musicianship were keys to assured success. Their sound is folk-rock, with harmonies rivalling those of Crosby, Stills and Nash… and that other guy. It may sound dated to a lot of people and this is so not mainstream these days haha. But check them out… very very very good band! This song is from their EP Sun Giant. It has a new music video that you can check out below… quite creative. [dL]

We Are Scientists – “After Hours” – I noticed this band after they covered Sigur Ros‘ “Hoppipolla” with justice. Hey, singing in Icelandic is a tough feat… and they stayed true to the song’s spirit. Anyway, this appears on the Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist soundtrack… totally enjoyed the movie. Had some pretty decent laughs at 4 in the morning because of it. The song is also from the band’s second album, Brain Thrust Mastery. [dL]

Ryan Star – “Last Train Home” – Remember this guy? Probably not. He was a finalist on the short-lived American Idol-esque rock-themed talent search on CBS called Rock Star… the second season of which was Rock Star: Supernova. Remember that one? Probably not haha. He performed a spine-tingling version of R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” on that show, that alone made a long-lasting impression on me about this guy. He’s a pretty gifted singer-songwriter. Ryan self-released Songs From The Eye of an Elephant after that show, an album of previously-recorded songs that got him critical acclaim for his powerful, emotive voice. He is now getting ready to release his first official album after his Rock Star stint. It will be called 11:59, and this here is the first single… an anthemic-sounding (pop) rock song that previously made an appearance on a little-known movie over a year ago called P.S. I Love You. I don’t know if this will make Ryan’s popularity soar to new heights, but I do like the song… quite! Plus, he is David Cook’s opening act for his The Declaration Tour 2009… I think that’s a good sign of things to come. Good luck to him! [dL]

Mat Kearney – “Closer To Love” – Mat is one of my favorite male singer-songwriters to come out in recent years. His new album, City of Black & White, comes out on May 19, 2009. I’m so excited about this I just pee’d my pants. [dL]

What do you think about these songs and artists? Have I lost my touch? haha!