The Limousines Dig Porn and Sloth, Sing Ultimate "iPod Song"

[mp3] The Limousines: "Very Busy People"

If you thought the "iPod Commercial" genre topped out with Feist's "1234" or "Bruises" by Chairlift, prepare to have your mind blown. San Francisco's bubbly new electro-pop duo The Limousines have officially taken the genre to the next level. Well, technically they aren't IN the "iPod Song" genre because they haven't licensed their tune to Apple, but c'mon, are we gonna split hairs? If Apple can't overlook a few self-abuse references to have the actual word "iPod" in a genuine indie rock tune they must be afraid of success. This tune is up-beat, hooky as hell and even sounds a little like MGMT . . . that's a winning lottery ticket if you ask me. I guess only time will tell if Apple will sack up and take ownership over the one song that was clearly made for them. In the meantime, have a listen to the tune above. 

-Tim Emmerick Stark Contributing Writer

Apple Funding? How Much Did They Give You Pitchfork?

I'll be the first to admit that I like the new site design of Pitchfork; it is cleaner, more accessible and the album reviews are nicely organized. However, to overlook the disgusting obtrusiveness of the Apple ad that envelopes your screen upon first view, would be unprofessional. As if Apple doesn't have enough ad space, they now need to begin their quest to conquer indie-bloggers (I don't think that Pitchfork falls into that category anymore though.) Now, if Apple came to us with an "offer we couldn't refuse," would we take it? You're damn right. But, sometimes its easier to just poke fun. Also, they finally skimped for the user-friendly URL address of Pitchfork.com rather than Pitchforkmedia. OK enough.

iTunes to Drop Digital Rights Restrictions

The BBC and Times reporting:

Apple doesn't give a shit anymore. Do you have a Zune? Want an iTunes song? Download away. No longer will files downloaded via iTunes only be applicable to Apple related interfaces and products.

Apple is dropping their Digital Rights Management (DRM) software -- this act was done in conjunction with Sony BMG, Universal and Warner Music. Over 8 million iTunes songs are now available DRM free; that number will only increase.

In another bout of, 'oh shit we are going to start losing money during this financial crisis' fueled reactionary methods, Apple will also lower the prices on certain music formats. This of course, done to compete with the more competitive pricing structures of say Amazon, Emusic and the bunch.

$0.69 per-song buys you a bulk of the music in the iTunes library. While $1.29 will by you the more high-end, cutting-edge releases. Say you want "Senior Services" by Elvis Costello...$0.69. But if you must have that new, Billboard-topping hit, "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" you best well know you are going to drop $1.29.

Poni Hoax - Images of Sigrid

Rating: 80
Dance parties beware! Best known for their single "Antibodies" this French-based electro-pop group combines baritone vocal lines, a female back-up singer and driving beats. Don't go looking for this in record stores just yet -- it is merely a french import. It is hard to draw references from this album, where as the mood, musical styles and vocals drift in and out of genre classifications. Punk guitar rifts here, energized beats and group choral singalongs there. Overall, an auspicious and powerful record.

Ezra Furman & The Harpoons - Inside the Human Body

Rating: 75
Furman relies heavily on his band of college buddies, which might have been a mistake. The Harpoons lack tight musical skills making the more prominent instrumental backing on this album hit-or-miss. We are here for Furman and there is not enough of him. While the more punk/rock n' roll-infused tracks show an exciting new side of Furman, they lack the intimacy of Furman past -- to-date, this album is the biggest departure from previous records.

Chairlift - Does You Inspire You

Rating: 73

Another band made famous by Apple. This record, however, is balanced nicely. Chairlift's ominous and sprawling musical techniques work from song-to-song. IPod tune "Bruises" is more fun than the lyrics may suggest. The song bounces along as Caroline Polachek's vocals bring to mind other indie-popsters such as Feist, Laura Marling, and Camera Obscura. The album ebbs and flows through angelic vocal harmonies, electronic beats and vamped guitar lines.

After the jump.

Not a Surprise - Apple loves the Ting Tings

Back in January, Stark's artist to watch, the Ting Tings, were nothing more than a glint in Vince's blogger eyeball. Now they have their own iPod commercial. I can't say that I'm shocked. As much as I hate to promote Apple and their self-righteous "geniuses," check out the Ting Ting's song below...