I first came across COOLRUNNINGS a while back, when a dude with a hamburger tattoo told me to check out they’re recently released Babes Forever EP.  I was immediately intrigued by the album artwork, which features a photograph from Hustler Magazine circa 1989.

After my initial intrigue for this photos awesomeness had passed,  it didn’t take me long to fall for there unique sound.  The four-piece band that originally hails from Knoxville, beautifully mixes together new wave and psychadelia with the right amount vulgarity.

Lucky for me, the band just dropped “Spirit of the High”.  It’s four minutes of pure sunny enjoyment.  And while you might not notice it at first, the cymbals were actually recorded using a handled steak knife as a drum stick. Pretty badass if you ask me. Check it out below.

COOLRUNNINGS – Spirit of the High 

posted by @clarkbs

From California.  Circa 81′.

The lyrics of Janitor were derived from a real-life conversation between two band members conversing in a loud room when they first met.

“She asked me what I did for a living. I said “I’m a Janitor” and she thought I said “Oh my genitals”. Frank overheard this and wrote the song.”

Suburban Lawns – Janitor

photo by Ryan Savella

I feel embarrassed that I’ve completely ignored this song for years. Things just get lost in the shuffle.

It reaches out and pulls you in every time. Amazing.

New Order – Ceremony (Roctakon Edit)

Sex party & Keytar Warrior, this Saturday at Funky’s.  Booya chachaka

Josie Cotton – Johnny Are You Queer

We are throwing a Valentines party in Vancouver, Saturday, February 14th.

Its going to be radder than super sours. Think high school dance but with sloppier make outs. We’re bringing our pals, Type To Talk who played at Blastramp with us as well as the one man show, Keytar Warrior from Victoria.

As well as having ridiculously cheap cover, the drink prices are pretty damn friendly… $3.25 Pints / $4 shots and Highballs / $11 pitchers.

Ticket available at door!  Hit up the facebook event page for more info….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbG7sKYmwAk[/youtube]

And now some funk & new wave I’ve had on repeat.

XTC – Making Plans For Nigel

This one takes the cake, for our WC gay song of the day.  So good. “…physical thrill, beautiful smile and wonderful muscles too”

The Flirts – So Many Men, So Little Time

ESG – Erase You

These are from quite poss the best blog on the internet, ARAWA

Bagarre – Dirty Love

Babaluga – My Paradise (extended)

“ttttttttttttthere are no losers in my paradise”

See you there.

Don Cash hails from Toronto. In 2006 he released his first album, “On The Bus” which caught the attention of Berlin label boss, producer/dj, Headman who signed him to his indie label, Relish.

His music combines everything from 80′s disco to freestyle to hip hop, new wave, punk and early house and repackages it in a futuristic, forward thinking package. There are a lot of influences at work that clash together harmoniously. It reminds me of Prince, Lou Reed, Green Velvet, Bowie, Joy Division, The Sex Pistols and Grandmaster Flash all at once.

His thoroughly enjoyable album, “Freshy Fresh” is coming out January 12th and will be available through itunes and amazon… BUT if you want it right now it will be available right here for free download for the next two weeks.

Don Cash – Take It To The Top

Don Cash – Glam Banger

Don Cash – I Make Girls

here are some soft female vocals to help soothe your holiday hangover.

Domina – You Got My Soul

Sally Shapiro – Anorak Christmas (Anoraak’s Christmas Remix)

Cocteaus Twins – Lorelei

Lali Puna – Together In Electric Dreams

Once every couple of month I stop by Bobby Baby’s page to see if she’s uploaded anything new. She’s moving in a new-ish direction right now on the folk-esque tip, but her ’05-’07 work is where it’s at.

Bobby Baby – Bobby (Ruperts High Voltage Disco Remix)

and here’s a track off the must buy singles compilation from The Names. Amazon has it here.

Names – Life By The Sea

Those concerned with the fallout of the housing/liquidity crisises (sp?) should listen to more post punk/new wave.. .

Altered Images – I Could Be Happy

Only Ones – Another Girl Another Planet