Not a lot to say about these tracks this time around, just dig in and listen.

The XX – “VCR”
Sasha Frere-Jones says it best, “the songs on “xx” are as intimate as pop gets, and, now that I’ve fallen for the music, it makes complete sense that it baffled me live. These are songs to be sung inches from someone’s ear, preferably with the lights off.”

Broken Bells – “The High Road”
DJ Danger Mouse is back with the The Shins front man, James Mercer, to form Broken Bells. I’ve only heard this track, but love it. 

Quincy Jones – “Hikky-Burr”
You may recognize this as the theme song from The Cosby Show, and that may be 20% of why I love it. The other 80% is because it’s damn good.

Rihanna – “Hard”
This is my JAAAAMMMM! Aw, yea yea yea! That Rihanna reign just won’t let up…

Weezer – “Can’t Stop Partying”
Weezer and Weezy? Yes Please.

Ben Sollee – “A Change is Gonna Come”
I’m hooked on the cello riddled cover of Sam Cooke’s A Change is Gonna Come. Great song to wind the day down with. And, for some reason I feel like I should be wearing a bow tie while I’m listening to it.

Dan Black (f/ Kid Cudi) – “Symphonies”
A nice track on all accounts here. Love the orchestra feeling they’ve got going on. I’m really digging Kid Cudi’s flow on these “side” tracks he’s been doing.

Jack Kerouac fans, unite! A documentary One Fast Move or I’m Gone: Kerouac’s Big Sur is set to release October 20, 2010, the day before the 40th anniversary of Kerouac’s death. It will also be released on DVD that same day and you have the option to buy the sound track as put together by Ben Gibbard (with Jay Farrar and Son Volt). The album has taken lyrics taken from Kerouac’s 1962 novel Big Sur. Check out the video for “San Francisco”.

On a side note, I walked by “Jack Kerouac Way” every morning on the way to On the Fly. No real story or relevance (other than the it’s the same guy!); I’m just saying.

Head over and stream the new Vampire Weekend album, “Contra”. Best bit is about the cover. I personally love this description (but there’s more at that link on the real story).

With all due respect she looks like the lifeguard that everyone at the country club lied they shagged in back of their jaguar or on the golf course at night.

Biggie & Miley – “Party and Bullsh!t in the USA”
Tell me you don’t know the words to this song. Either song for that matter. If you don’t, you will now cause this thing is addicting. Be warned.

Poco – “Keep on Trying”
I challenge you to find a prettier song. Lovely. I’ll be waiting for submissions.

Edward Sharpe – “Home”
For some reason, this song makes me want to do the wet noodle. It’s a bit hippie and jam bandy, but I love that sort of thing, so it’s great to me. I hope you like it too.

Freelance Whales – “Generator ^ Second Floor”
Better said by someone else, “Freelance Whales are like Arcade Fire for your little sister, only your little sister is in college now and she’s actually pretty cool and has tons of hot friends.”

Fleet Foxes – “White Winter Hymnal”
Saw a performance of these guys on Current TV in a San Francisco gym and it was awesome. Hate to say it but it was better than the album version. But, this version is great too.

Miles Fisher – “This Must be the Place”
Awesome video – it’s like from the movie Wall Street. Miles Fisher is a great actor in Mad Men and now this is possibly my favorite song.

Jay Sean – “Down”
Think I can get away with no pop music on this post? Hell no. Here’s my latest jam.

Kanye – “Go Hard”
And, now your dose of Kanye. Jay-Z takes the cake with his verse, but stick around for the rest.

As always, a few particulars…First, these are for sampling purposes (all are mp3 format), I’d suggest you purchase the songs/albums if you like these selections. Second, for Windows users, to download simply right-click and select “Save Target As…”. For Mac users, hold the “control key” then select “Save Link As…”

As I am putting together my desk/office, I’ve become in love with this Grado headphone amplifier. Known for its high-quality headphones, which I have yet to try and need to, Grado makes great looking products.

These ceramic speakers by Joey Roth are right in my wheelhouse. I’d like these on my desk or in the kitchen. At this point in my life they are a tad pricey, but I am strongly considering a set regardless.

The 2009 autumn playlist is here. Not a lot to say. Just listen. Tell me what you think.

Arcade Fire – Wake Up
Kid Cudi – The Pursuit of Happiness
Drake – Forever
Gerry Rafferty – Right Down the Line
Jay-Z – Young Forever
Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s – Skeleton Key
Mr. Hudson – Time
Vampire Weekend – Horchata

First, these are for sampling purposes (all are mp3 format), I’d suggest you purchase the songs/albums if you like these selections. Second, for Windows users, to download simply right-click and select “Save Target As…”. For Mac users, hold the “control key” then select “Save Link As…”