Apparently, I am an American

My sister referred to “National Day” the other day, which designates Singapore’s independence. And I assumed she meant the 4th of July. So happy 4th of July! Celebrate with some All-American favorites.

First, a live song from the Raconteurs, lovebaby of Jack White and Brendan Benson:
Consoler Of The Lonely (Live at Bonnaroo 2008) – The Raconteurs

For that matter, why not have some Brendan Benson solo goodness to mellow it out:
What Im Looking For – Brendan Benson

Next, something from Wolf Parade’s newly released sophomore album. I always need to listen to them a few times before I can tell which songs I like. Language City is one of those songs that I love for its layers of complexity:
Language City – Wolf Parade

And, of course, some of the new Ratatat, because I have to let off some of the pent-up energy that I have for their SF show on September 8th:
Shempi – Ratatat

I appreciate American indie folk, so have some Sufjan Stevens:
The Henney Buggy Band – Sufjan Stevens

Page France is unbearably cutesy, sort of Tilly and the Wall-ish, and I can’t resist this one somehow. Wait ’til about 1 minute 40 seconds in:
Junkyard – Page France

Something catchy to shimmy to from Vampire Weekend (somehow this makes me want to dance outside in a park):
A-Punk – Vampire Weekend

Okay, okay – I know the Verve is British, but Jay Z is definitely American, and this mashup is way too catchy to pass up:
mashups-jay-z-and-the-verve-bittersweet-dirt-off-your-shoulder.mp3 – The Verve vs. Jay Z

The last track from the Hold Steady’s new album, Stay Positive. I have a thing for group choruses:
Slapped Actress – The Hold Steady

And to close it off, a live recording of A.A. Bondy, whom I’ve been obsessed with for a while now. What’s more American than an acoustic guitar, a harmonica, and really sad lyrics?
A A Bondy.mp3 – AA Bondy

Happy barbecuing and fireworking and all!

~ by mlygng on July 3, 2008.