Now I’m just inviting the ridicule in, but what can I say? I’m a sucker for a delicious candy-coated pop song. I’m hoping you share a similar sweet tooth, and ultimately our cavity-inducing closet obsessions will endear us together.

Passion Pit – The Reeling (Bubblegum ScFi Remix) ♥♥♥

PP quickly escalated from interesting to hate-to-love annoying. It’s a true testament to the state of music when a band can produce such a catchy, critically-acclaimed album and then absolutely FAIL in every live performance. Maybe rule of thumb should be: If you created your album on Garage Band, don’t book yourself into major music festivals.

JJ – Ecstasy ♥♥

Lil Wayne sure thought this JJ track was bangin’ enough to sample for the commercially successful (if not morally bankrupt) Carter III single “Lollipop.” As much as I appreciate Weezy, the original is 10x superior in this case.

White Town – Your Woman ♥

Any song that successfully samples Darth Vader’s thematic “Imperial March” is pretty much golden. Not to mention how much these circa ’97 one-hit-wonders remind me of Gorillaz on pop overdose.

Das Racist – Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell (Wallpaper Remix) ♥

Everything you need to know about this hilarious remix is in the title.

Survivor – Eye of the Tiger (BuzzTech 2010 Remix)

If you were one of the 12 Survivor fans who weren’t content with the group being solely the soundtrack to Rocky/epic karaoke material, this song is for you. Now they can add dance hitmakers to a dwindling list of achievements. Although technically, the credit belongs to BuzzTech.

DJ Earworm – United State of Pop (Blame it on the Pop) [2009 Mashup] (Video w/Free Download Link)

An impressive mash of last year’s biggest mainstream hits. For most of these artists, it’s the only 4 seconds they’ll ever see on my iPod. At the very least it’s brought to my attention just how important the word “Down” was to pop singles last year…

Confused as to what the heck this 1000 Minutes Project is about? Start here.

10.) Carole King – Beautiful (3:08) [Time Remaining: 968.21]

This next entry might garner me some kind of hippie/flower child label, but I’m willing to put on my rose-colored glasses and whip out my best peace sign in the interest of adding Carole King to my track list.  In the realm of female songwriters there are very few I consider standouts. Unfortunate, but true. Cat Power aka Charlyn Marshall currently holds the title of reigning champion, but Carole King remains a nostalgic part of my childhood, and must be acknowledged as a pioneer for female recording artists everywhere. Her best and most well-known album, 1971’s Tapestry spent an astounding six years on the U.S. album chart, and a record-setting 15 consecutive weeks at No. 1. Though I considered choosing her hit “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” (penned by King at the young age of 17), ultimately the stand out song off this iconic album for me is the inspiring, lesser-known “Beautiful.” Perhaps it’s because my mother used to hum this one to me as a sort of alarm clock substitute back in my grade school days, but ultimately the track is a timeless conveyance of female empowerment.

11.) Radiohead – Killer Cars (Live) (2:17) [Time Remaining: 966.04]

Is it cliche and uncool to claim Radiohead fandom these days? There seems to be an ever-increasing need to name drop these guys in popular culture, but judgmental third parties be damned, I freaking love the English quintet. Music critic Chris Packham has said that “… from OK Computer onwards I thought Radiohead disappeared up their own backsides.” Perhaps this is true, but Thom, Jonny, and company don’t strike me as the conceited types. It’s hard to reach their current level of success without some ego inflation, but the band’s solo and side projects, coupled with their charitable contributions to such efforts as The Bridge School Benefit concerts and the recent Ciao My Shining Star: The Songs of Mark Mulcahy album, have me convinced their wholly motivated by creative/artistic invention. My first 1000 minute track from the groundbreaking band (yes, there will be others) is 1994′s amazing live rendition of “Killer Cars,” off the album Itch. The track was only previously released on the very rare issue of “Creep” on 12″ vinyl. Something inexplicable about this track guts, disturbs, and comforts me simultaneously.

Slacker I have been as of late. Apparently, I’m also trying out my best Yoda impression. Star Wars references aside, I’m in the mood to hammer out a few more Coachella acts to keep our countdown going. There’s only 43 days left until the big weekend, so here are reasons 3-6 why this SoCal festival is SoCompletely a must see. I have to interject that SXSW is usually superior (in my humble, essentially worthless opinion) still, ‘Ella definitely has it’s bright spots.

Volume 3: Deadmau5

Deadmau5, aka Canadian born-and-raised Jowl Zimmerman, is an electronic artist/producer/renaissance man who needs no real introduction. If you follow electro/progressive house music in any sense, you have definitely heard of the former radio host, who not only dons a signature mouse head at every performance, but is responsible for designing all of his lighting and stage effects. Told you he could multitask. Must have albums include Random Album Title (2008) and Get Scraped (2006). However, Deadmau5 is most well known for his club hit “Ghosts n Stuff” off 2009 ‘s For Lack of a Better Name (a track that DJs continue to beat into the ground by creating horrid mash-ups). I caught him at Hardfest last Halloween and the man NEVER disappoints.

Deadmau5 – You Need a Ladder

Deadmau5 will be performing on Friday, April 16th. The performance time and stage designation information have yet to be released.

Volume 4: Grizzly Bear

Is it really necessary to plug the most buzzed about band of 2009? Probably not. Daniel Rossen and crew were responsible for one of the most critically acclaimed albums of last year, Veckatimest. However I can share a little known fact: Grizzly Bear began as a solo project by vocalist Ed Droste, with the understated but moving album, Horn of Plenty originally intended for circulation just among acquaintances. After much clamor for a proper release, and the addition of three more members, what began as a one man band now heralds such praise as “the defining band of our generation.” Grizzly Bear continues to impress both fans and critics alike with their varied instrumentation, layers of sonic complexity, and transcendent live performances.

Grizzly Bear – All We Ask

Grizzly Bear will be performing on Friday, April 16th. More information about performance time/stage has yet to be released, but be assured, as a headliner it will be later in the evening and the crowd will be packed.

Volume 5: De La Soul

Sample dropping, genre-defying, lyrically untouchable, hip-hop pioneers. That’s De La Soul in ten words or less. This trio of rappers from New York formed in 1987 and released their legendary debut, 3 Feet and Rising two years later to a wave of interest, praise, and all-out obsession. Their stance of peace and love earned them respect, but also a “hippie” label, one they would forever resent as artisticly pigeon-holing them into a specific genre. After over 20 years together, and plenty of controversy along the way, these emcees will forever have a place in my heart (along with A Tribe Called Quest) for introducing the irresistible blend of jazz and hip-hop.

De La Soul – Keepin the Faith

De La Soul will be performing on Sunday, April 18th, the final day of Coachella. Once again, no more information is available at this time.

Volume 6: Hot Chip

I reiterate my earlier sentiments; these charming English electropop artists require no superficial intro or plug. I have enjoyed all four of their LPs immensely, and with the release of One Life Stand this February, I’m convinced Hot Chip is only improving with age. Grab the original version of this track if you can, as it’s my current favorite of their latest album.

Hot Chip – I Feel Better (Kid Coala Remix)

Hot Chip will be performing on Saturday, April 17th. Check out Coachella’s website closer to the festival date for exact information.

If you have time, check out some stellar Deadmau5 below. I love this live video from Hardfest. He does an epic job of introducing “Ghosts n Stuff.” From 2:00 on, it’s pretty much GOLD.

…for fans of upbeat, quirky electronica that makes you want to run a mile, slap a bully in the face, try some ridiculous dance moves in the privacy of your own home, and/or film your own inspirational karate kid montage…

Add N to (X) – Total All Out Water

Skins is unparalled in it’s music supervision, and deserves more than a few props for it’s innovative selections. If anyone could sell an entire series based on a single song, it’s music advisor Alex Hancock. See / Hear / Enjoy for yourself… Series 4 started January 28th, and it’s more insane than ever.

Designer Drugs – Drop Down

Nostalgia has gotten the best of me lately, and thus prompted me to revisit Umbrellas in the first two years of her life – a site that still exists via Blogger. Before I made the hop, skip, finger click, and jump over to WordPress, here were a few of my favorite/recently blogged about things.

1. Telekinesis: “When indie-rocker Michael Benjamin Lerner signed a record deal with Merge Records earlier this year, he quickly released his band’s first self-titled debut, Telekinesis. Produced by Death Cab’s Chris Walla, this Seattle-based band reinvents power-pop perfection. Despite an album chalk full of bubbly chords and irresistible hooks, my favorite track is the slower ballad “I Saw Lightning.” (May 25, 2009)
2. Grizzly Bear: The video for “Two Weeks” was quite an obvious obsession of mine, especially after seeing Department of Eagles live. (May 23, 2009)
3. Motown vs. Stax Showdown: One feature I might have to revive, comparing the two powerhouse record companies of the 1960s and beyond. While both labels produced some of the most influential soul, r&b, and pop music of the zeitgeist, each had a unique rise to fame, built on the backs of specific talents, target audiences, and two very different business models. I remember being proud of that post, which doesn’t happen often. Check it out if you have a minute.

Delving even further into my roots (dangerous territory, I know), I remembered that my blog didn’t even begin with auditory intentions, just quirky rants like this one centered around my ultimate Halloween party guest list. “I’ll Bring the Ouija, You Bring the Beer” was one of my first posts (October 31, 2007) and now just makes me laugh out loud.

I should probably make a little sacrifice to the internet gods for making this trip down memory lane possible. Then again, I’m pretty sure Bill Gates and Paul Allen are both vampires (do they ever sleep?), so the offering of a lamb, goat, or even a well-sized foal couldn’t adequately satiate their bloodlust. They’re lucky Rob Pattinson and company have made fangs so blatantly prepster (pretentiously hipster, according to a word I just invented for this post).

Telekinesis – I Saw Lightning

Thank you Skins for yet another brilliant music find. From his MySpace, “The Amazing Broken Man is a solo project of Odorico Leal, who plays guitar in the brazilian band October Leaves. Here’s a few songs that he’s recorded with a little help from his friends.” Although he has yet to formally release any material, the Sao Paulo singer blends the crooning vocals of Jeff Buckley (although he hates the comparison) with his unique, heartbreaking style.

The Amazing Broken Man – Near Town

Day two of our Coachella countdown kicks off with the always adorable Ra Ra Riot. Straight out of Syracuse, New York, this six piece indie band suffered tragedy before their debut even hit stores. Their original drummer John Pike died in freak drowning accident after rocking a 2007 show in Rhode Island. Despite the terrible loss, the group forged ahead, releasing the stellar The Rhumb Line in 2008.

I was lucky enough to catch Wes, Milo, and the rest of the clan in concert last year. They were on tour opening for Death Cab for Cutie, and I admit I enjoyed them (much) more than the headliner. Also opening for that concert was The New Pornographers whose eclectic presence is always a pleasure. Ra Ra Riot actually reminded me of a slightly smaller (if you can believe it), fresh off the farm version of the veteran Pornographers. Perhaps in a few years they will also hold several albums and spin off projects to their name. They certainly have the unique instrumentation down.

Ra Ra Riot: Utilizies the cello and violin

The New Pornographers: Utilizes the melodion, synthesizer, pump organ, and ebow

Although I enjoyed The Rhumb Line from start to finish, it took two fabulous Take Away Shows  (Blogotheque.net) to really put them on my radar as a band to watch. I can’t get enough of their rendition of “Dying is Fine” amid the bustle of a suburban Paris skate park. Truly brilliant…

Ra Ra Riot – Dying is Fine

Ra Ra Riot will perform on Friday, April 16th, the first day of the festival. Their exact performance time and stage designation remains TBD. 47 Days left folks…

There are 48 Days until this years Coachella brings a bunch of unbathed, sweaty music-lovers together in California. Don’t misinterpret that for condescension – that’s exactly how music festivals are meant to be experienced: as low-maintenance and perspiration-inspiring as possible. Unfortunately I will be missing out again this year, so I’ve decided to surround myself with the featured artists as a consolation prize. Everyday I’m going to focus in on one of the acts scheduled to perform, and highlight why they deserve to rock the venue.

Thus, Day One commences!

I have chosen Yeasayer to open the festivities. The Brooklyn-based band just released their eccentric sophomore effort, Odd Blood, which is currently getting plenty of spins on my record player. The three-man effort is headed by Anand Wilder, Chris Keating, and Ira Wolf Tuton (maybe their parents were fans of LSD?) and describes themselves as “Middle Eastern psych-snap-gospel.” I can’t decide if they’re being facetious or downright serious, but either way, I love it.

Their first album, All Hour Cymbals was released in 2007 to piqued interest and positive reviews. It was a relaxed, stripped down effort; often focusing on single piano chords or majestically nonsensical lyricism/vocals. Odd Blood is a refreshing step forward for the group, showcasing their ability to evolve, or at least elaborate on the psychedelic sound that made them so noteworthy. I’d wrote previously about my appreciation for lead single “Ambling Alp,” so I’ll go with the next cliche song choice, the completely lovable “O.N.E.” The XXXchange remix is also choice listening.

Yeasayer – O.N.E.

Yeasayer will play Coachella on Friday April 16th, the first day of the festival. Their exact performance time and stage designation is still TBD.

For more information, check out the official Coachella website. And to get you in the festival spirit, watch one of my favorite live performances by Spank Rock and Amanda Blank at Lollapalooza back in 2008. I think the highlight for me is 3 minutes in when Blank hops on the mic and subs a choice expletive “I keep it dirty / not like Fergie / F*ck the Black Eyed Peas” and the crowd goes wild.

Producer, designer, and self-described “record fiend” Objektiv One is something of a renaissance man. I’ve loved on his EP Beer Bong Champion: White Boy Party Mash Ups for awhile now, especially the track “Juciy (Banana Boardin’ Mash Up” which combines the quirky elements of Jason Schwartzman’s Coconut Records with a true classic by Notorious BIG.

Objektiv One – Juicy (Banana Boardin’ Mash Up)

This video of him performing “Everywhere a Million” on an MPC 1000 beat machine only solidifies his talent and innovative production in my eyes. Check out his website and download a bunch of free tracks if you’re feeling it.