M. Ward’s 2006 release Post-War was one of my favorite albums of that year, topped only by some truly amazing works (The Hold Steady’s Boys and Girls in America for one). Accordingly, Zooey Deschanel is one of my favorite actresses. It is no wonder then that I expected something really cool resulting from this musical partnership now known as She & Him.

After hearing the single “Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?”, I was only convinced further that the forthcoming album Volume 1 would be a vocal and instrumental gift. Unfortunately it did not deliver as a whole.

Deschanel’s vocals fell flat too many times to shake off with novice understanding. She is momentarily spot on and even quite impressive, but half-thought notes and dulled pitch bring her closer to ScarJo level. I’m sorry but “I Was Made For You” sound’s like a friend of mine doing her impression of Leslie Gore’s “That’s The Way Boy’s Are”. If you have seen Fishing with Dynamite perform circa this time last year you know what I’m talking about.

This album, unlike the vinyl masterpieces you no doubt have hidden under your bed, will not “set you free.”

Mascara wearing Vamp by night… Shirtless Masochist by day!

Jared Leto of 30 Seconds to Mars has for once knocked out a fan with a performance instead of his effeminate beauty. Story courtesy of stereogum.

They aren’t allowing the embedding of this video probably to save server overload. Here is the link.

I love the sound of the “thud” clearly audible over that terrible music. Hopefully it knocked some sense into that fan that results in a better taste in bands.

Kanye would be so lucky…

Even though Feist lost out to a crack smoking whore at the Grammy awards (big deal right? she will win at the Juno’s eh) she did get a photo op with the man that managed to make Daft Punk look a little less cool, Kanye West.

You may have seen a post from Live Transmission about the new Feist “I Feel it All” Video. Here it is again for your embedded pleasure:

Kanye has a new video out also. “Flashing Lights” is definitely the best song from Graduation:

Check it. We can finally embed videos straight into the the blogs. Result: many more videos to come!

Here is one I found from this year’s Pygmalion Music Festival. Okkervil River at the Canopy Club. Sick.

Nice Shadowy Band Photo Dudes

Last year it seemed that every time there was nothing to do on campus someone would say, “Santa show tonight!” But these shows weren’t just agenda fillers, they were the kind of shows that really made your night. Good music, good people, and the occasional beer chug were almost guaranteed, if not staples.

The only band unanimously voted onto the Green Street Records compilation last year, Santa have shown their ability to attract every crowd - the bar rock bros, the capricious show-goers, and even a few haughty hipsters (coincidentally the same demographics that made up GSR).

Now before all of you “we were there when this started” folks get up in arms, when I say better than ever I do not mean that Santa was not good before, it’s just that the additions of Steve Plock on drums and Tommy Trafton on keys can only be an improvement.

Listen to the new tracks on their Myspace. I dig “Bottles and Bracelets”. Badass guys.

Here is an announcement from the Band:

We have exciting new music that you should really check out. It’s from our newly minted and printed EP, entitled My Bones, which will be available for purchase March 7, 2008. Spread the good word around, and let us know.

My Bones EP out March 7

We’ll be celebrating the release with a lovely concert the night of March 7 at The Canopy Club in Urbana, IL. We’ll be sharing the stage with our friends The Rikters and The Butterfly Assassins.

You guys could use some World’s First Flying Machine on that bill…

Santa is now your March 7 Agenda filler. I’m sure they will be your night maker too.