I’m devoting today to great songs, bands I just discovered I like, and anything that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

First up, the totally awesome cover version of “Forever Young” by Youth Group which was featured on one of The OC soundtracks (number 5…apparently). This weekend, during our drive up to Montreal I discovered that 1) The OC has soundtracks and 2) I want to die to this song. It’s so incredibly beautiful–like in the way that it makes me feel like crawling into a corner clutching a teddy bear and crying because it’s so pretty.

LISTEN: “Forever Young” by Youth Group

I also need to point out that Patrick Matthews is the bassist in this band. You’ll remember him as the really hot bassist from The Vines, where he spent a good majority of his time shaking his head in disbelief while dealing with Craig Nichols’s antics.

Next on my list is The Futureheads. They’ve got a new album, News and Tributes, which features their new single, “Skip to the End”, which has delicious harmonies and a fabulously catchy chorus. Check out their new video for “Skip to the End” featuring Barry and the lads outdoors dressed in formalwear. What more could you want?

Also you have GOT to check them out when they come to your town, The ‘Heads give a fantastic live show. I remember seeing them at the Canal Room in 2004 and being BLOWN AWAY like you wouldn’t believe. They play here in NYC on June 30th at Webster Hall. Tickets are still available.

WATCH: “Skip to the End” by The Futureheads

Going back to the youngster theme, I gotta mention Young Love right now. Yesterday, after seeing The Upwelling at Mercury Lounge (more on that later) Peter kept telling me about them and how Sarah totally loves them. Then it JUST so happens I got a listen of their new song, “Discotech”, and I can confirm that Sarah and Peter are right for saying they’re a band to watch. “Discotech” is totally Bloc Party’s “Banquet” 2006. By that I mean you will soon see hipsters from coast to coast (probably clad in leggings) rolling their shoulders back and running in place to this song on a dirty dance floor for the next 6 months. Act like you heard.

Ok so last night I went to go see a local band called The Upwelling. I think we can all agree that it can be pretty weird seeing bands with people you know independently of them being in a band. What do you do if you think they’re not so great? There’s absolutely no delicate way to get around it.

Well lucky for me, The Upwelling were great. I’m not sure if they’d agree, but I found a lot of moments of the show to be very Coldplay-esque–soaring vocals, pretty melodies, but with a bit more straight up 80s pop rock influence. (Their bio says their influences include Pink Floyd and The Police.) You can check out tunes off their self-produced EP on their MySpace profile.

This week I decided I couldn’t classify Panic! at the Disco as being “emo” or “pop” or “emo punk” so I created a new genre of music for them: THEATRA-POP. I’m sorry, but you can’t call a band emo if they’ve got crazy circus performers in their act. I also thing Panic! is put together perfectly in terms of music, styling, and image.

What teenage girl WOULDN’T love a band of 19-year-olds with glossy hair and a style that is 1/2 Interpol and 1/2 Killers, who play music that has hints of 80s synth pop and punk, with lyics about sex, cheating, and being a “wet dream for the webzine“? It’s been scientifically proven that they are irresistable to anyone who loves slick pop. Genius.

Speaking of Panic!, in the latest issue of NYLON, they interview Fall Out Boy bassist and Decaydance honcho Pete Wentz alongside Panic!’s guitarist Ryan Ross. They talk about Pete’s blond dreadlock days, Ryan’s hatred for being labeled “emo” (thankyouverymuch), and Wentz’s love of Kelly Clarkson (yesssss!).

Also featured in the issue is a story on MisShapes kids, getting discovered as a model on MySpace, and an interview with The Raconteurs (and yes, Jack makes his obligatory “I kinda hate the internet” comment). It’s available for digital viewing right here.

In dubious taste in music news, Teddy Geiger will be performing for free at the Target Children’s Day at South Street Seaport on June 10th. In addition to Teddy, Barney, Driver Daniel from Thomas the Tank Engine, Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck will be performing. Also on the guest list: Arthur, Berenstain Bears, Caillou, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Digit, Noddy, Piggley Winks â„¢ from Jakers!, Thomas the Tank Engine, and Zaboo. You can see why Jeff calls this event “Woodstock for 2-year-olds“. Brilliant.

{ Comments on this entry are closed }