KristeenYoung* has teamed up with Fall Out Boy mutton chop master Patrick Stump for the dramatic duet "That's What It Takes, Dear." Under the supervision of the super-awesome Tony Visconti, "Dear" rumbles and thunders its way over spiky pianos and low synths to its going-for-it conclusion. It's rather minimalist in arrangement, but big-sounding, which ain't easy. I hate to pigeonhole, but there's definitely a mid-period Tori Amos vibe here which is undeniable, particularly in its rhythmic construction. I don't consider this a bad thing at all, and I've got nothing against melodrama, particularly in music that might have an outside shot at going mainstream. Young sounds like she feels it, and Stump, with some smooth walkdowns, is a nice foil. In a world of Vivian Girls and Coathangers, I like to hear people that sound like they give two craps. I approve. I'm also rooting for Patrick Stump, who seems an affable fellow and provides a welcome counterbalance to the the garish pretty boys of Alternative Press covers.
KristeenYoung feat. Patrick Stump - That's What It Takes, Dear [MP3, link expired]
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Idolator
While I'm waiting to see if there's some iTunes/iPod-related news coming up in the MacWorld keynote address, one update from the Garageband front...they've added music lessons. So, while Maura tries to find a way to put the Patrick Stump segments on a loop, you can learn how to play to real instruments via lessons John Fogerty, Colbie Caillat, Sting, Sarah McLachlan, Norah Jones or the guy from OneRepublic. If they add accordion lessons from Jimmy Sturr, I'm in. [
As you may have gathered, I'm raring to close the book on 2008, but I'd be remiss if I didn't run down some of the site's highlights during what was a pretty dreary year overall. After the jump, behold a pretty subjective top 12 of the year (thanks to our technological limbo I can't run any sort of numbers, but I think this list accurately captures the best moments we've had during a long slog of a year). And of course I'd be remiss if I didn't thank all of you for coming back, reading, commenting, and pointing out when I get shit wrong (which is too often). If you think I got this list wrong, feel free to abuse me with compliments in the comments section!
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