Category: music suggestion

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the 31 best of 2007 – 17: Sugababes – Change

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Perhaps they named their new record Changebecause of the fact that it is technically the first record they have done with newcomer, Amelle, but whatever the motivation, the record, in my opinion, is a hit. The Sugababes, for all of you in the States that haven’t a clue who they are, are one of the most successful UK pop acts over the past nine years, and they don’t seem to be slowing up. In fact, with the release of Change, I think they have gone past having a few hits, and a few number one singles, to a bona fide girl group capable of delivering an album that demands recognition.

On Change,the girls bring more of their throaty and smoky vocals to pop track after pop track, and get you dancing from the very beginning. If you doubt the greatness of this album, just look at the performance it has had on the UK charts; it shot straight to number one, giving them their second number one album. There’s no denying that these girls have got it going on in their homeland, but with this record, I think that they have given us something that more than likely, would provide a great crossover, enabling them to come to this side of the pond. Almost all of the songs on Change are radio-worthy, and with their take on pop, which is both refreshing and fantastically desired by those like me that are tired of most of what America tries to push off as pop, the Sugababes are just proving that they have the goods to go with their powerhouse voices.

Twinged with slick and savvy R&B, filled with beats that would burn up a smaller, more intimate dancefloor, as well as a ballad or two sprinkled in for good measure, Change is an album that is enjoyable from beginning to end. My only complaint about this record, which is the ONLY thing that prevented it from receiving a full 5 star rating, is the awful song Back Down; which not only feels awkwardly tacked on to the album, but really seems more like something Destiny’s Child would cover, and not the Sugababes. Perhaps if Mutya was still in the group it would have fit, but since she isn’t, it doesn’t. If they would have left this off of the record, it would have been perfect; but alas, they did not, and as such, I have to skip it every time it threatens to come on.

That being said, there are some AMAZING singles on this album, and apparently, they know it; they are releasing them one by one. First About You Now, and then the amazing Change (which I featured in one of my 5SFs a while back); which is definitely one of the best singles of the year. If this record is truly indicative of a “change” for the Sugababes, I can’t wait to see what comes next, so far, the change is stellar, and one that has me (and apparently, those in the UK as well) paying close attention; even though I was already a fan!

Favorites from Change:
Change
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/sb-change.mp3]
Surprise
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_surprise.mp3]
Mended By You
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/sb-mendedbyyou.mp3]
About You Now, and Back When.

Rating:

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the 31 best of 2007 – 18: Brandi Carlile – The Story

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Propelled by a powerful, rock infused cover that identifies the record’s namesake, The Story,by Brandi Carlile, represents itself as what it truly is: a magnificently orchestrated album. Comparison to the Indigo Girls is unavoidable, so it’s best to get it out of the way right away. That similarity is even present on the record, where Brandi teams up with them on the song Canonball. However, despite the strong similarities, The Story is a great indication that Brandi definitely can carry herself nicely as a solo artist. Brandi brings an impassioned performance on The Story, that reverberates right through you every time her voice cracks at the height of her song’s emotion. There is no doubt, after listening to Brandi perform on this record, that she is passionate about the music she is making; it is clear and refreshing to hear in her performance.

One of the things that I like best about Brandi’s record, is that it brings a fresh rock, and occasionally, a country-western quality to that folk-driven rock sound that I love so much. She takes influences from the Indigo Girls (again, the comparison is not only unavoidable, but I think it works to her advantage), and layers on electric guitars and uses her voice as perhaps the most important instrument in her arsenal. Her voice is powerful, and full of passion. It has a smoky quality, like that of Bonnie Raitt, and even though this isn’t a live recording, you really can get the feeling that you are truly there seeing her perform right in front of you.

If you are a fan of folk-pop-rock, and if you are a fan of the Indigo Girls, you will LOVE Brandi Carlile; in fact, I think that is why I love her so much (I am a huge fan of the Indigo Girls). However, don’t write her off as a clone, it isn’t that she “copy’s” them, as much as she finds a corner of the genre where she works in her own intricacies; which really serve to make it her own. With her singular voice, and the layers in her sound, she carves out a little niche of her own, and even brings some surprises along for the ride. On one song in particular, Have You Ever, she harnesses a strong feeling of the Shins, and creates something beautiful. Another welcome surprise, is when she channels Dolly Parton to serenade you on Josephine, and the result is just as beautiful.

Overall, this is a fantastic album, and one that I have enjoyed getting to know this year. For whatever reason, this CD failed to break through to the top of my list, perhaps because of the feeling that the record starts to fade out a little after the halfway mark; but the album is still wonderful throughout.

Favorites from The Story:
Have You Ever
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/bc-haveyouever.mp3]
Turpentine
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/bc-turpentine.mp3]
Josephine
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/bc-josephine.mp3]
Canonball, and The Story (links are for youtube action).

Rating:

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the 31 best of 2007 – 19: Jon McLaughlin – Indiana

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Initially, I was so blown away by the record Indiana,by Jon McLaughlin, that I was quick to rank it among the other five star records for this year; and that is where I wanted it to stay… it deserves it. However, unfortunately, the more I listened to it, I managed to find a few flaws that I just couldn’t ignore. Now don’t get me wrong, the great tracks on this record (and their are MANY), are just that, GREAT; but, there are a couple that I would have seriously considered leaving off, or doing slightly differently… that’s if I were in his shoes when he was making Indiana.

First of all, this is exactly the type of music that best suits my taste (in case you wanted to know what my favorite music sounds like); a piano-rock themed pop performance, backed with poignant and emotionally driven lyrics. Also, one of the things that draws me most to artists like Jon McLaughlin, is that his voice is just so beautiful, and it compliments his music so amazingly, that it is clear that he was made to do this. Couple that with the passion in his voice when he sings these songs, you really feel good that you are hearing a true musician at work; and Jon is definitely a great musician at that.

My only problem with the record overall, is first of all, there is one track that not only stands out as lackluster, and not at all at the same tier as the rest of the album; but it also unfortunately refuses to be ignored. With respect to his craft overall, you can see that the way he writes a song shows that he really grapples with what is going on with his life, and then pours it out when he puts pen to paper. However, whatever magic happened in all of the other amazing tracks, is totally lost on that one bad one. The song I am overly-fixated on, is People; which has just the worst sounding piano intro I have heard in a long time, and in my opinion, ruins what could have actually been a good song. Unfortunately, this song is not merely tacked on to the end of the record, and as such, it sullies the last few songs that follow it; and shines a light on how those songs aren’t as powerful and good as those at the beginning and middle of the album. I honestly think that if he would have left People off of the record, he would have hit gold, but as such, I am forced to focus more on something I didn’t like.

Overall, I am extremely happy that I discovered Jon, because his talent is clear and rings true throughout his debut. I think that if there were more artists that are like him on the radio, and gaining as much popularity as many of those crappy performers do, the music industry would be a better place. Yet, when you listen to Jon complain about how the volitile things are in his frustrated anthem Industry, you realize that it is these little guys that have to work that much harder to be recognized for a mountain’s size more talent. At least he broke through and brought this stunning debut to my ears; I can definitely say that I am thankful for that.

Favorite songs from Indiana:
Indiana (this song is AMAZINGLY beautiful)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/jm-indiana.mp3]
Industry
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/jm-industry.mp3]
Already In
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/jm-already.mp3]
Human, Beautiful Disaster, and Amelia’s Missing.

Rating:

listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2007 – 20: Peter Bjorn and John – Writer’s Block

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“Technically” Writer’s Blockwas released in 2006, but since it was re-released here in the states in early 2007, it can “technically” make my year end list. Now that I have gotten that out of the way, I get to talk about why a potentially amazing album did not make it to a higher spot on my year end list.

First of all, let me just ask this hypothetical; is Sweden like the den of amazingness for pop music or what? Seriously, so much amazing stuff is coming out of there, that when I hear “they are from Sweden”, I am not surprised that I love it so. After all, not only is one of my all time favorite bands, The Cardigans, from that very den of amazingness, but the amazingly wonderful Robyn also hails from that foreign land of magic and wonder. I bring this up, because, as you may have guessed, Peter Bjorn and John are from Sweden! Perhaps that answers my question for me, because based on what they did on Writer’s Block can only be described as pop-rock-amazingness.

From the first of those retro-styled beats, vigorous strumming guitars, and through the whistle-back tracked, this album really sucks you in, and in a way that many other records just cannot (I challenge you to listen to “Young Folks” and not have it stuck in your head for HOURS). PB and J (ha!) have a great skill in mastering beats and harmonies that make you bop your head with the rhythm, all while haunting you with scratchy and vintage lyrical stylings. On several songs, a simple strike of a singular chord on a guitar sets the stage for a retro-dance journey that is impossible to sit still through. What’s so amazing about this album, is how the simple elements are used, and layered, in order to make something wholly complex and fantastic; the result is truly an invigoration of your auditory senses.

However, after as much good as I could say, and as much as I could go on and on about how much I love (LOVE!) this indie-pop record, I do have a major complaint; which is THE reason it gets the rating it does. The only problem I have with this record, is that they clearly lack the ability to edit themselves. Let me explain. There are many times that I will hear a song, and I will profess my love for it, only to realize that it ends with the singer repeating the same word (or words) over, and over, and over, and over, and over again; which I find quite annoying. The love for an otherwise brilliant song is ruined by a lack of editing on the part of the singer; s/he did not need to say it that many times, and if they hadn’t, the song would have been much better for it. Such is the case with Peter Bjorn and John; but their editing mistake does not come in the manner of repetitive lyrical hyperbole. The only (ONLY) problem I have with this record, is that on at least a couple of songs (Up Against the Wall is probably the biggest offender), they don’t edit the song appropriately, and the result leaves with you with up to a minute or more of “when the fuck is this song going to end!!??!??!” running through your brain. Sure, the song is great, but if you would have cut it off like, I don’t know, a minute and a half ago when it was actually over, it would have been brilliant. I’m just saying. As such, that is why it pains me to dock them a full star in the rating department, because I cannot stress how deep my love is for PB and J; but it really makes that big of a difference to me, in fact, it sullies all of the goodness, unfortunately. Oh well… at least I can hit next before the thoughts in my head cause me to veer off into oncoming traffic to end the insanity, right?

Overall, a brilliant album that could have massively benefited from a few more MINOR bits of polishing and necessary editing. Other than that, no complaints; this is what is RIGHT about music. Now my eyes (and ears) are firmly focused on what will come out of Sweden next!!!

Favorites from Writer’s Block:
Amsterdam
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/pbj-amsterdam.mp3]
Paris 2004
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/pbj-paris.mp3]
Objects of My Affection, Young Folks, and Let’s Call It Off. (clicky for youtube goodness…)

Rating:

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the 31 best of 2007 – 21: Westlife – Back Home

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Here we are at 21, with Westlife, and it should be clear by now; there is no stopping the pop on this year end list! Seriously, though, did you really expect anything else? You will find a few rock/indie albums stashed here and there, but I am a boy who loves pop, and is more than willing to embrace it and share that information with the world.

Now, let me tell you why Westlife’s newest album, Back Home:made my year end list. First of all, if there is one thing that makes me weak in the knees, is a male vocalist to swoon over, as he sings me seemingly heartfelt love songs; and with Westlife, you get four of those in one package. Secondly, I have been a fan of Westlife for as long as I have known they existed, and if there is one thing that they have, is that they can consistently bring those pop-laced love songs that I adore so much. Finally, and most importantly, this record really is a testament of them going “back home”; allow me to explain.

I will openly admit, that while I did enjoy Westlife’s previous album, The Love Album, I was more than disappointed to see it was yet another album of covers, as I would prefer that they only sprinkle a couple of covers here and there, and focus on those boyband ballads that I fell in love with them for in the beginning. Thankfully, this record only has 3 covers, and they are all pretty good, and overall, they don’t distract from the overall greatness of this record. I personally think that it is one of the best records that Westlife has released since 2003’s World of Our Own, and that is because they returned to that sound that made them so famous in the first place. There are lots of great single-worthy songs on this album, and enough sugary-sweet boyband goodness to satiate my appetite of pure unadulterated pop.

Yes, I can be a teenage girl sometimes when it comes to swooning over these boybands, but Westlife is THE boyband that gets the most attention from me. If anything, Backstreet Boys should really pay attention to these guys; they have been, and continue to be massively successful doing what they do best. If you don’t like pop, this record will most likely give you a toothache, because of the pure sugar coating on the record, but if you are already a fan of Westlife and/or like boyband-type music, then this is a great album, and you will probably enjoy it as much as I do.

Favorite songs from Back Home:
Something Right
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/w-smthgrght.mp3]
Us Against The World
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/w-usagainst.mp3]
Catch My Breath
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/w-catchbreath.mp3]
Pictures in My Head, and Home.

Rating:

britney n' k-fed, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2007 – 22: Britney Spears – Blackout

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Now, I am sure that this comes as no surprise to many of you, who know that I have been a Britney fan since day one. However, as much as I love Britney, you must know that she is not the main reason that her album made my year end list. I will say it honestly; it has a lot to do with the producers, baby (I’m thanking you, specifically, Danja, Pharrell, Bloodshy, and Avant!). If there is one thing that did go right with Britney when she was making this record, was the ability to pick some amazing and up and coming producers to bring the noise, and bring it hard. The result, is an album that is comprised of single after single; and if she were in a place in her life where she could take advantage of it, this truly would have been her comeback. Sadly, though, I don’t think Britney is willing to use this massive gift that she has been given; a true second chance.

All of the train wrecks in her life aside, and if you look solely at the “brand” that is Britney Spears, there is no denying that this record is pure gold. As I said, it is all about the producers; the production values are so high, that somebody had to have gotten paid the big bucks to bring the goods. If you compare this album with every other album in her career, you can see that this is clearly a step above what she has done before. With the exception of her 2001 self-titled third release (my favorite record of hers), this is the best album of Britney’s career. Not only is it the best of her career, but I feel like it may have come too late; if this would have been her previous album, I don’t think the situation she finds herself in today would even exist. People would still love her, and appreciate her for the body and the looks, and the ability to perform like a true entertainer. Yet, a fall from grace is taking front seat, and overshadowing what is considered by many standards, a fantastic record.

I for one hope that Britney can see what she has here, and realize how great this album is. Perhaps she can pull it together long enough to really pimp some of the better songs on the album, and not “blow her load” with the only somewhat successful Gimme More; which really can’t touch some of the other great songs on this record. I also hope that the record company can shake some sense into her, and make her realize that they can resurrect this brand that took so long to build; and all they need is her help to do it.

Britney, you have the goods, and you have the record to back you up, the rest is up to you. You quietly released arguably the best record of your career, and you still let your personal life overshadow your potential to reclaim your throne as the pop princess. Don’t throw it away; those of us that bought the record see the greatness in it, and appreciate you bringing us what we like about you so much; polished production, and pleasurable pop. I just hope that you realize it, before Blackout slips off the charts, and this golden opportunity is gone.

Favorite songs from Blackout:
Heaven on Earth
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_heaven.mp3]
Piece of Me
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/bs-pieceofme.mp3]
Break the Ice (which I think should have been her first single)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/bs-breaktheice.mp3]
Why Should I Be Sad, Radar, Get Naked (I Got a Plan), and Gimme More.

Rating:
(custom cover for Blackout from uhlikethat.com, because it is infinitely better than the real one.)

listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

the 31 best of 2007 – 23: Ricki-Lee Coulter – Brand New Day

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It is no secret that the “land down under” is full of some great surprises; for proof, just look at yesterday’s featured CD by the fabulous Kylie Minogue. Well, this next “diva” from down under found her start a little differently than Kylie; Ricki-Lee was one of the quite amazing contestants on Australian Idol. While people will continue to blast those shows for their fairly pegged vapid fluff, there is one thing that can’t be denied; these shows really do find people that can sing. Sure, there will always be the duds, but occasionally, there is a shining star in there, and occasionally, they are given the chance to shine… which is the case with Ricki-Lee.

On her second release Brand New Day,Ricki-Lee bursts from the marketing tool of the Young Divas, a group of fellow Idol outcasts brought together to showcase singing ability in covering old classics. However, after listening to Brand New Day, you can see why Ricki-Lee cut that cord, and moved back out on her own; she has a voice that deserves to do more than cover old songs from the 70s and 80s. Also, as my buddy Stu put it, Ricki-Lee left Young Divas because she knew she could do it on her own, and do it better; and you know what, she does.

With a voice that reminds me of talented singers like Mariah Carey, and fellow year-end list talent, Katharine McPhee, Ricki-Lee belts out song after song on a truly pop-tastic record. Some of the songs are twinged with the feeling of gospel turned up for a wider appeal, and when you hear Ricki-Lee belt out these songs, you will definitely feel like she is “taking you to church”. It is almost too much to believe that such a big voice could come out of such a small girl. Not only that, but with all of the beauty of girls like Lindsay Lohan, and of course Katharine McPhee, and the pop production of songs like “Can’t Touch It”, it is a surprise that Ricki-Lee isn’t burning up the charts in countries outside of her own. I read that she is expecting a UK release of her album soon, and I suspect that she will be a hit there as well. Ricki-Lee’s record is another great example of a fantastic singer coming together with people who know what to do with her voice; and do it well.

This is one of those albums that will give you enough to dance to, enough to lift your spirits, and enough to leave you feeling good. Overall, it is a great album through and through, and there really is only one song that I would ever skip; the whole CD is a great listen. If you are in for some great pop (and who isn’t at this point), turn your attention to the former Young Diva from down under; things are hot down there in Australia, and a lot of that heat is coming right from Ricki-Lee!

Favorite songs from Brand New Day:
Can’t Sing a Different Song
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/rl-cantsingsong.mp3]
Alone No More
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/rl-alonenomore.mp3]

Can’t Touch It, Take Me To a Place, and I Appreciate You. (click the link to go and see the fun video for Can’t Touch It)

Rating:

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the 31 best of 2007 – 24: Kylie Minogue – X

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I will start by saying that I have never considered myself a “Kylie fan”. Sure, I enjoyed some of the songs from Fever (the album with the massive hit Can’t Get You Out of My Head); but other than that, I just haven’t really paid much attention to the “cult of Kylie”. Many friends have deemed me a “bad gay”, and said that I should have a corner of my gay card torn off for not owning all of Kyle’s albums, but I have never seen the allure… that is, until now.

Perhaps the 10th time is a charm for Kylie to attract me to her game, but there is something about Xthat really demands attention. There has been a lot of buzz around the internets praising this record, and I have to say, that I agree; it is really good. There are many different songs on here that really get you moving (like my favorite In Your Arms), and others that sound as if Janet Jackson was planning on recording them herself.

Kylie’s voice is so sweet and pristine, and she really shows us that the cancer has not dampened her spirits; now that she has recovered, she wants to have fun again. On X, she does just that, has fun, and cements herself as worthy of being referred to as a one named “diva”. Kylie really does have a huge following, and now I can say, that after falling hard and fast for X, I count myself among those that love Kylie. Even if I never go any further than this album, it is a great place to settle in, and fully enjoy my Kylie fix.

One thing that I really liked about this album, is that she isn’t afraid to do things that might disappoint her fans, but also might challenge them to love her more. Take for instance, the brilliant 2 Hearts; which I have read more than one account of a fan disliking. It is one of my favorites on the record, and I absolutely love that she worked with Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters on it (one of my favorite bands). All I can say, is that if this is what Kylie is all about, then I feel like I should have given her more attention before; but at least I am listening intently now. Last, but certainly not least, let’s not forget the dancing… there is a lot to to dance to on this record, so let’s get to the dance floor already; I’m in love WOOOOO!

My favorite songs from X:
In My Arms (BRILLIANT!)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1130_inmyarms.mp3]
Like a Drug
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/km-likedrug.mp3]
2 Hearts
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/km-2hearts.mp3]
Sensitized and Wow. (as promised; more music!)

Rating:

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the 31 best of 2007 – 25: Siobhan Donaghy – Ghosts

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As one of two ex-Sugababes that released an album this year, Siobhan is definitely my favorite. Her voice is ethereal and powerful. I downloaded this album long before it was released on the suggestion from one of those fabulous pop sites, and I must admit, that I was instantly taken aback by how interesting many of the songs sounded.

Mostly, I was blown away at the production of many of the songs; they demand attention, in a very “night at the opera” way. Now, they are far from opera, but I can see Siobhan in a full regal outfit, performing a well thought out play, all while singing many of the songs from Ghosts.From the first amazing single, Don’t Give It Up, the record takes you on a futuristic journey through what I expect pop will morph into some day. Overarching synthesizers, violins, and backing vocals transform Siobhan’s music into a journey for the auditory senses; and I for one love the ride each and every time I put this disc on.

If you are a fan of Goldfrapp (thanks Stu!), without the intensity of Goldfrapp that usually turns me off, then Siobhan is your girl. The entire album gives me warm fuzzies all over, and each track begs to be played on repeat.

This is a very, very good (second) solo album from Siobhan, and if this is any indicator of what she is capable of, I can’t wait for more! Perhaps she is like Imogen Heap… hits her stride with the second go round!? All I know, I love Ghosts!

My favorites from Ghosts:
Don’t Give It Up (one of the best songs of all time!!), So You Say, Medevac, There’s a Place, and Sometimes. (click the links for youtube goodness!)

Rating:

five song friday, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion

shhh… it’s a “secret” “bonus” 5SF!!

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Well, I know that I said that I wasn’t going to be able to do any 5 song Fridays this month, because of the ginormous countdown, but after it was suggested that I include some music from the CDs that I have been pimping, I figured that this would be a GREAT opportunity to recap, and do just that; bring the music!

So, I picked 5 tracks from 5 CDs that have already made the countdown, and without too much flash, or pomp and circumstance, here they are: (and don’t fret, today’s CD will be up later!)

Instead of getting on about each track, I will just refer you back to the reviews that I did for each CD. Each of these songs are what I would consider to be pretty much my favorite tracks from each corresponding CD. Maybe these songs will draw you into checking out these great albums too!

Matt Nathanson – Bulletproof Weeks (countdown post)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_126_bulletproof.mp3]
Girls Aloud – Girl Overboad (countdown post)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_126_girloverboard.mp3]
Tracey Thorn – Nowhere Near (countdown post)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_126_nowherenear.mp3]
The Shins – Red Rabbits (countdown post)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_126_redrabbits.mp3]
Hilary Duff – Outside of You (see! I told you it was brilliant!) (countdown post)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_126_outsideofyou.mp3]

Enjoy! Now… back to our regularly scheduled end of year countdown!