Don't Ask Me Where It Comes From

Last week I finally got some new music, which means I have something to write about today.

Camera Obscura - Let's Get Out of This Country
Oh. My. God. Why didn't anyone tell me about this record back in May when it came out? It's incredible. Imagine Belle & Sebastian with a motown fetish. Twee Motown, people! I don't even like B&S (or twee for that matter) but this record is fucking best. I've been listening to it for like 5 straight days. This will easily be in my Top 10 at the end of the year. Go buy this record right fucking now. Unfortunately they just came throught own a week or so ago so I missed them on tour, but this KCRW session is just as good. They drop a little of Paul Simon's "Call Me Al" into "Let's Get Out of This Country" and yes, it is best. You can also stream some MP3's over at the Merge site.
PS - They have a blog.

The Pipettes - We Are The Pipettes
More Motown influenced girly goodness, although this has some Go! Team splashes every so often. Some of this record is brilliant and some of it is kind of annoying. In general, I like the songs where they actually sing more than the ones where they chant and shout, but it's a bit different from most of the stuff dominating the bloggersphere, so it's worth a listen. I'd rate this a 7 out of 10. Go grab some MP3's here.

The Futureheads - News & Tributes
I'm torn about this record. The songwriting is better than their debut, the production is top notch and they're obviously a better band since we heard them last but I can't help but be letdown a bit by this record. The first album kicked my ass all over the place where this one is more varied with a broader scope. But it just hasn't clicked for me yet. But I fully intend to give it a few more spins in order to grab hold of me. Verdict TBA.

Sweet. Do I loose what's left of my cool points if I reiterate that Wowee Zowee is my favorite Pavement record?

U.S. radio hangs up on Madonna.

Catherine Wheel BBC session. [via Torr]
Unfortunately it's a Happy Days era show. Ferment would have to be on a list of my Top 10 all time favorite records and Chrome ranks right up there as well but I kinda lost interest until 1997's Adam & Eve (which I believe is out of print now).

The Mighty Mozzer pays tribute to Syd Barrett, writes missive for True To You dot net.

Grambo v. Kevin Smith. Nicely done, although I'm still on the fence about Clerks 2.

A memo from Steely Dan to Luke Wilson. [via goldenfiddle]

Next iPod to do eBooks?

Micro$oft's iPod killer is doomed.