Holiday Mixtape From Moneypenny

In continuing what is apparently a Joy Division-themed day here at soldout, we're offering you an early holiday present from Chicago electric duo Moneypenny.

As the B-side to their Christmas single (an equally awesome rendition of the Peanuts' song "Christmas Time Is Here"), the girls recorded a dancefloor-ready cover of "Love Will Tear Us Apart."

The single, which Moneypenny are making available for free download, is released in conjunction with their latest monthly mixtape offering. Details can be found on the pair's MySpace.

Check out "Love Will Tear Us Apart" here.

Remembering John Lennon

It was 29 years ago today that John Lennon was senselessly, tragically murdered here in New York City. Amazing how his music, both as a solo artist and member of The Beatles, still resonates today.

On a side note, Lennon fans in New York should check out the Lennon NYC Years tribute exhibit at the unfortunately soon-to-be closed Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex in SoHo. Some of the artifacts are breathtaking.

R.I.P. John Lennon, 10/9/1940 - 12/8/1980

John Lennon - "Power to the People"

Song of the Day: Genesis + Tubas = Win

A couple days ago I came across this gem from Brooklynites Clare and the Reasons — a stripped-down, heavy-on-the-brass version of the Genesis hit "That's All."

Click here to listen.

Having previously worked with artists like The National, Beirut and My Brightest Diamond, CATR released the cover in advance of their upcoming West Coast tour with Van Dyke Parks in February, and are currently offering it as a free download.

The band plays its final hometown show of the year at the Knitting Factory on December 14.

Things Have Been Dull For Too Long

After promising to go with something more upbeat after my first Song of the Day pick, I decided on one of my favorite songs of all time, "Don't Change" by INXS. It's quintessential '80s alternative with just the right amount of sentiment. (It's also been stuck in my head for about a week since I saw a band who shall remain nameless play a near note-for-note replica of it and pass it off as an original.)

The perfect song to get the week off to a good start!

R.I.P. Michael Hutchence:(.

INXS: Don't Change

What the Hell is Going On?

We're unveiling a new Song of the Day feature here at soldout and I drew the short straw, so I'm presenting Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek."

After first hearing this song a few years ago - during a harsh, frigid, breakup-addled Boston winter, no less - I find myself revisiting it periodically, most recently this weekend. (And no, I'm not talking about this horrible bastardization of it that's taken over the airwaves.)

The (vastly superior) original, a cappella version is so ... simple. And yet heartbreaking. It's vulnerable, and biting at the same time. The swirling, layered vocals mirror the kind of locked-in-a-dark-room, "this can't be happening," mental disorientation we've all felt at some point.

And how about this claws-bared kiss-off near the end?

"Hmm, what'd you say? Oh, that you only meant well? Well, course you did.

Hmm, what'd you say? That it's all for the best? Of course it is.

Hmm, what'd you say? Mm, that it's just what we need? You decided this."

AKA ... Don't let the door hit you.

Pure genius.

On a side note? Since this is my first post for soldout, I kind of feel like that dark, weird person in your workplace/class/dorm/other group setting who uses the icebreaker activity to make a veiled reference to being a cutter, experiencing shock therapy, or some other disturbing activity. But I'm not, I swear! I promise to make my next pick more cheery!

Until then ... enjoy melting into a puddle.