Random Music to Download

Rather randomly, I've decided to try something new:

Here are a few songs that I think everyone should have on their playlists, or listen to at least ONCE.

Andre Williams and the Sadies - Pardon Me, (I've Got Someone To Kill)
The greatest country song I've ever heard (okay, so Mexican Blackbird comes a close second). The combination of lyrics and astoundingly brilliant delivery make this perfect.

Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah
Jeff Buckley takes Leonard Cohen's lyrical masterpiece, strips off the dodgy arrangement and makes it into a thing of rare beauty. Key moment: The serene, sustained falsetto note towards the end.

The Jim Carroll Band - People Who Died
Jim Carroll was the writer of "The Basketball Diaries" and his seminal work here was justly featured on the soundtrack of the movie. A list of lost friends, delivered in a deliciously upbeat punk snarl, I adore this song.

Al Wilson - The Snake
The classic Northern Soul song is just the everyday story of a girl and her snake. No, it's not a clever metaphor, it's about a snake. And it's bloody packed with Motown brilliance. And reminds me of Tiny Toon Adventures. Sheer genius.

The Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict a Riot
Dunno if this track is getting airplay in the US, but if not, it sure as hell should be. Glorious driving new-wave, delivered with a delicious sense of camp and lyrics that just crack me up every time I hear them, this is deservedly a big hit.

Billy Bragg - St. Swithin's Day
The Bard of Barking produces some of his most beautiful work with this track. Stripped down. Raw. Just still touching and strangely beautiful. Of all Billy Bragg tracks, this is the one that tugs at my heartstrings the most.

The Pogues - Turkish Song Of The Damned
The greatest Irish band ever do a song about ghost pirates.
What's not to love?

Get 'em quick. The copyright police will probably remove them before too long.