"Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake the Frame of This House"

Despite how much I honestly don't care, today is a sort of "Love Appreciation Day," so, in keeping with the tradition, today's blog will only be concerning music that I've recently come across that I absolutely love (that I haven't all ready talked about). I even posted a live set at the bottom of the post. It's top notch!
p.s. that picture has nothing to do with anything, except that it's funny, especially out of context.

The Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride
Verdict: Love More (<3)
Now, I know I said I'd be waiting until the release date of the album to post songs from this album, but I figured I'd give some early lovin to the Goats fans out there. Oh, and in case you missed what I had to say about the album, just check out this track-by-track review that I did.
The Mountain Goats - Lovecraft in Brooklyn
The Mountain Goats - Autoclave
The Mountain Goats - San Bernardino

Ayreon - 01011001
Verdict: Love More (<3)
Remember when I said this album was going to be astonishing? Well I wasn't lying. This album is one of Arjen's best. I haven't had the chance to listen to it about a million times like I have with the other albums, so I'm not as attached, but I can all ready tell that some time in the future I'm going to be rather nostalgic over this album. Still pretty Pink Floyd influenced, but not as much as the last one. Prog Rock Operas are where it is freakin at. [remember, the songs I'm hosting here are only 3 of like 20, and the since the album is an opera, and you're only getting a glimpse, the lyrics are going to be a little weird. Trust me, it all makes sense in order and with all the other songs]
Ayreon - Age Of Shadows
Ayreon - Web of Lies
Ayreon - River of Time

Xiu Xiu - Women as Lovers
Verdict: Love More (<3)
Xiu Xiu's newest effort is a dream. Awkward as always but just ... oh man ... I can't even really say why this album is so spectacular. Please listen up to them. I can't wait to see them with Thao Nguyen here in a few weeks.
Xiu Xiu - I Do What I When I Want
Xiu Xiu - Black Keyboard
Xiu Xiu - Child At Arms

Thao With The Get Down Stay Down - We Brave Bee Stings and All
Verdict: Love More (<3)
(speaking of Thao Nguyen ...) Some people may know that there is a certain spot in my heart for Thao Nguyen (see these older postings for the back story on why I love her so much). Well there is no way that we live in a universe that would house a non-amazing-Thao Nguyen album, and that's a fact. Still amazing.
Thao With The Get Down Stay Down - Bag of Hammers
Thao With The Get Down Stay Down - Yes So On and So On
Thao With The Get Down Stay Down - Travel

Also, here is a live set recorded just yesterday on NPR:
Band: Thao With The Get Down Stay Down
Date: 2008-02-13
Venue: NPR Studio

(Intro)
Geography
(Interview)
Beat (Health, Life & Fire)
(Interview)
Big Kid Table
(Interview)
Swimming Pools (really good version)
(Outro)