For our column Jams We Love, we're turning you onto the songs that keep us going every day.
1. Jay-Z featuring B.I.C., "Glory"
Yes, Hova already released a tribute/"Welcome to the World" song to his newborn baby girl, Blue Ivy Carter. And yes, the song actually features Baby Blue's coos and cries. Try not to let your eyes get a little misty while hearing Jay say "The most beautiful Lil B/Hard not to spoil you rotten/lookin' like lil me," and "You're a child of destiny/you're the child of my destiny/you're my child with the child from Destiny's Child/that's a hell of a recipe" along with a million other tear-jerking lines. Heavy stuff.
2. The Shins, "Simple Song"
Not nearly as earth-shattering, although still totally exciting is the appearance of The Shins' first new song I don't even know how long. It's set to appear on their upcoming album, Port Of Morrow, which drops on March 20. It's a total return to form, sporting singer/mastermind James Mercer's signature wistful wail soaring to epic heights and the band's gleeful, freewheeling melody matching the emotions pouring out of Mercer's head. We kinda think they'll be on the Coachella bill this year...LISTEN HERE.
3. David Bowie, "Sorrow"
Just a quick hit of the treasure that is Bowie to commemorate his 65th birthday this past weekend. Here's one of his most gorgeous vocal performances, which is actually a cover of The Merseys from his 1973 album Pin Ups.
I listen to Lyrics Last by The Mallard
4. The Mallard, "I Listen to the Lyrics Last"
Picked up by John Dwyer's excellent CastleFace Records, The Mallard is noisily shoving its way onto the local music scene with only a handful of roughhewn, gangly garage tunes guaranteed to leap onto steady iPod rotation, good especially for when you're feeling a little reckless. Get ready to see their name come up a lot more, and prime yourself for The Mallard's coming onslaught this Thursday with Burnt Ones at Hemlock.
5. Surf Club, "Lonely Days"
Here's an up-and-coming band clanging and wailing uppity surf pop from Stockton; this song will show up on their debut EP, Young Love, which drops on Valentine's Day. We smell a totally cute V-Day date in the making. Catch them at Serra Bowl on January 27th with Terry Malts.
