You should have started at the top, then.

The “Austin” thing is actually a sound I typically don’t care so much for, although I think Spoon is from there.

However, that comes nowhere near describing TGTB&TQ, Parker is his usual British self, The Frames are Irish, and so on. I’m not sure how these would all sound to your ear on one (or less) listens, but I’ve listened to them all repeatedly and suspect that some preconceived bias is creeping in for you. Also, as I said in a comment above, check out thenewno2’s MySpace page, because this song sounds little like the rest of their work.

This evening I discovered the theme to the Portal video game, “Still Alive” by Jonathan Coulton. He can’t sing particularly well and is somewhat folky–you’d probably adore him–but I LOVE the version that is sung on the video game. You can find it on YouTube and it is so superbly well produced, great to listen to and charming and funny and lovely. It’s kind of a love song of regret, or rather “no regrets,” sung by the computer game to you, her former lover, her vanquisher.

1. The Good, The Bad, and The Queen – Note to Damon Albarn. You don’t want to be Morrissey. Hell, Morrissey doesn’t want to be….

Not sure what your gripe is, but Morissey dreams of the day he’s in Albarn’s league. Blur was massive. Gorillaz were insanely innovative. And TGTB&TQ may be the best of the lot – time will tell.

4. The Hansard clip isn’t available.

Just checked – it’s there. Try again.

6. The NewNo2 is a cool band and I’m thrilled for Dhani – but my god Dhani Harrison spooks me – it’s like looking at George circa A Hard Day’s Night….And listening to him circa, All Things must Pass on this tune. I’m wondering if there’s a “Valotte” strategy afoot or if this is just innocently done.

What’s odd is that this track, of the five or six I’ve heard, is distinctly unlike all the rest. Check out their MySpace page.

7. The last ten seconds of The National’s song are cool. The rest is college rock circa 1985. I liked this when The House Martins did it 20+ years ago….

It took me several listens before it kicked in. Have you heard the whole record?

8. Spoon – Bare Naked Ladies meet Belle and Sebastian.

No, and no – based on one song?

10. And then there’s Doco…you can see video here:

They have a CD out yet?

1. The Good, The Bad, and The Queen – Note to Damon Albarn. You don’t want to be Morrissey. Hell, Morrissey doesn’t want to be….

2, 3. Graham Parker is Graham Parker and Mitch Easter is Mitch Easter. And I, for one thank God for them….Being true to who you are is not – REPEAT is not a bad thing….Are you listening, Damon…?

4. The Hansard clip isn’t available.

5. Ian Hunter just kicked ass and took names. That, boys and girls is what a rock star was, is, and should always be….

6. The NewNo2 is a cool band and I’m thrilled for Dhani – but my god Dhani Harrison spooks me – it’s like looking at George circa A Hard Day’s Night….And listening to him circa, All Things must Pass on this tune. I’m wondering if there’s a “Valotte” strategy afoot or if this is just innocently done.

7. The last ten seconds of The National’s song are cool. The rest is college rock circa 1985. I liked this when The House Martins did it 20+ years ago….

8. Spoon – Bare Naked Ladies meet Belle and Sebastian.

9. BTW, check out the new Chris Stills album. He’s Stephen’s son. And he’s a really good songwriter – like his dad….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahmJ9MqU3bA

10. And then there’s Doco…you can see video here:

http://www.myspace.com/doco