Van Morrison - "The Street Only Knew Your Name"

To note Van Morrison's greatness is almost a thankless exercise at this point.  The man has inspired so many, created so much great music, and been around so long, that he has left an indelible imprint on popular music forever.  His hits are so recognizable that they are in danger of being written off as simply relics of college freshmen everywhere.  And yet, somehow Morrison manages to maintain his stature.  His greatest work is simply so great that it is impossible to defile it with any amount of over-playing.  All of this makes it that much more rewarding when one discovers a gem amongst the rough of Morrison's lesser-played material.

Case in point:  "The Street Only Knew Your Name".  Culled from the sessions recorded in 1975, this recording is the original version of a song that would be re-recorded (and largely bastardized) by Morrison in the early 80's.  None of that changes the fact that this alternate take (now available on The Philosopher's Stone b-sides collection) ranks among Morrison's very best work. Full of his signature attitude and dripping with the Irish soul that made him famous, the track almost seems as though it would be at home on his much-revered greatest hits record.  Little more needs to be said.  Just sit back and listen to Van the man do what he does best:  Deliver.

mp3: Van Morrison - The Street Only Knew Your Name

Radiohead - "Lull"

In honor of Radiohead's upcoming 2-night run at the Roseland Ballroom (tickets go on sale Monday), we decided to dig up one of our favorite B-Side moments from the UK fivesome.  "Lull" is a B-Side to the classic "Karma Police", and appeared on the 1st of 2 CD singles for that track.  Culled from the Paranoid Android sessions, the track is pure, classic Radiohead.  Moreover, it is one of the many pieces of contributory evidence to the fact that the band probably could have released twice as many records, and they'd still be just as good.

Opening only with a heavily reverbed guitar and a stark xylophone, the track gradually builds as it adds double tracked vocals and finally bass and drums.  The melody has a droney quality that could only be pulled off by Thom Yorke, and its lyric is a stark apology of an indivdual adrift in their own mind.  Ending almost before it begins, the track fades into an echo-y sample loop, and begs you to hit play once more.

mp3: Radiohead - Lull

Talking Heads - "I Feel It In My Heart"

Yesterday afternoon, we stopped in at The Kitchen to check out the retrospective of their SoHo years. Among the many artifacts on display was a 1976 video of the Talking Heads playing a set at the gallery. The ~20 minute video happened to feature "I Feel It In My Heart", a song which we took as an early unreleased gem that was unfamiliar to us.

Upon returning home, we discovered quite the contrary: a studio version of the tune has been recorded and released, as a B-Side on the 2005 reissue of 77. Poppy and light, the tune fits in perfectly with the feel of 77 and is notably tighter than the live version we saw on video. You can see for yourself: check out the vid above, and the mp3 below!

mp3: Talking Heads - I Feel It In My Heart

Talking Heads - "Cities" (Alternate Version)

When the Talking Heads reissued their entire catalog a few years back, there was a lot to take in. Not only were all the records released in 5.1 surround sound, but they were remastered and included a whole slew of bonus tracks. We were so enamored with the 5.1 remasters (which didn't include the bonus tracks), that we only just started digesting all the awesome bonus material that's on the stereo sides of these discs.

Case in point: an alternate take on "Cities", from Fear Of Music. While the take on the song is, on the surface, very similar, it actually has a dynamic and feel that is vastly differentiated. Notably, the bass line is turned WAY up in the mix, synths are ricocheting all over the place, and Byrne's vocals are even more aggressive than in the freaked out original. Combine that with the fact that the track ends on a resolve, rather than fading out, and you have yourself a wholly different piece of music.

It seems as though all great bands spend a lot of time iterating on their work, to find the sweet spot where everything truly clicks. Obviously this is true with the Talking Heads, and the alternate take on "Cities" illustrates just how much the subtleties of mix and production can contribute to the feel of a final record. Having that insight not only makes the band a more dynamic entity, but also illustrates exactly why they are noted by so many admirers as explorers of the new.

mp3: Talking Heads - Cities (Alternate Take)

The Walkmen Drop "Orange Sunday" Complete With Video

The Walkmen at Terminal 5, from the HAD Archive

It took us a minute to give "Orange Sunday" a look and listen, but we're glad we finally did. The track is a b-side from The Walkmen's fabulous record Lisbon. Upon listening it rapidly becomes clear that in this case "b-side" and "throwaway" are by no means the same thing. A beautifully stark track, the song highlights Hamilton Leithauser's voice over the interplay of two guitars, acoustic and electric.

Clearly, the band felt the track had merit, as they not only gave it to the world, but also made a video to accompany it. Eerily awash in water, the clip feels slightly darker to us than the song, but still seems to suit it. Check them both below.

mp3: The Walkmen - Orange Sunday

The Strokes Drop New Video, B-Side

Yesterday saw the release of the "Under Cover Of Darkness" physical single from The Strokes, and along with it came some nice goodies. First off, the video for the track has been released, and it's fab. What can we say? We're giddy to see the band back in one room together and delivering rock and roll cool as only they can. It doesn't hurt that the track is completely awesome as well. Just make sure you set it to 1080p - it makes a difference.

On top of the vid, the band also released a b-side with the physical single, and it's quite a divergence. "You're So Right" is less of a throwback to the band's early days, and sounds more along the lines of the tracks that Julian Casablancas dropped for his solo record. That being said, the band doesn't let Julian steal the show, and the guitar and rhythm interplay is unquestionably all Strokes. Grab the track below.

mp3: The Strokes - You're So Right