Schwatzman steals the show, twice.

In the movie Funny People, Jason Schwatzman plays the role of an arrogant, self-loving actor, star-struck by himsef (an extension of his self-righteous character, Max Fischer, in Wes Anderson's 1998 film Rushmore). While he plays that role on screen, he also manages to invisibly make his way into the picture through his music.

Although there are a handful of solid tracks throughout the film, Schwartzman's band Coconut Records contributes two tracks that were particularly striking to me. If you've ever known the feeling of walking away from a movie saying, "I have to get that soundtrack," Funny People will most likely be added to your archives. "Wires" and "I am Young" are worth looking up.

Passion Pit exclusive tracks.

Passion Pit released some free exclusive tracks on a mypace transmissions page. Their song Sleepyhead is addictive. You can check out some of their performances too on the page.

Hear it here:

http://www.myspace.com/transmissions

See it here:

Passion Pit "Sleepyhead" from MySpace Transmissions

MySpace Transmissions | MySpace Video

More Monsters of Folk jams.

The geniuses behind the newly formed group Monsters of Folk (Jim James, Conor Oberst, M.Ward, and Mike Mogis) released two more tracks for their upcoming album on their myspace: http://www.myspace.com/monstersoffolk

These four folk gods unite their individual talents as they bundle together their energy, range, and creativity to produce a sensational sound. The tracks are entitled "Dear God (sincerely M.O.F.)" and "The Sandman, the Brakeman, and Me." Both are streaming on their myspace and are available on itunes.

Playing for Change.

Why do mathematicians like math? Because numbers are universal.

Naturally, why do musicians like music?

Mark Johnson claims it is an art inscribed inside of everyone around the globe.

It's that very notion that moved Mark Johnson to start Playing for Change, a non-profit organization that travels the globe to unite people under one idea: music. The organization aims to fund music schools around the world, recently starting in South Africa.

The video on youtube has already received over 20 million hits. As various international artists take part in the musical workings of Benny King's "Stand by Me," it is impossible to ignore the captivation of the completely isolated musicians in harmony. Collectively, artists from Santa Monica and New Orleans to Russia and Italy participate separately in the same masterpiece of music.

Johnson was featured on ABC as part of their "Person of the Week" segment last week, and rightfully so. See his impact here:

Playing Music for World Peace

Visit the website for more inspirational videos and information here:

http://playingforchange.com/

Andrew Bird exclusive new track.

Andrew Bird continues to redefine whistling for audiences alike, complementing his uncanny violin skills. Combine that with his flawless vocals and you've got a noteworthy track.

Check out Andrew Bird's impressive performance of "Nomenclature" in Pitchfork's chapel-based series:

http://pitchfork.com/tv/#/episode/543-andrew-bird/3

Beck covers album with Wilco.

Known for his unique versatility and daring endeavors as an artist, Beck has decided to cover some of his favorite well-respected artists, including The Velvet Underground and Skip Spence. He got together with the guys of Wilco last month in L.A. to discuss a collaboration. They decided on the 1969 cult band Skip Spence. Combining Jeff Tweedy's soothing croon with Beck's unparalleled monotone, it is sure to be a brilliant album.

Find some of Beck's work with some Velvet Underground tracks here:

http://www.beck.com/

the black cab sessions.

If you ever find yourself in a music rut or just are looking for some really legitimate live performances in the back of black cabs...

http://www.blackcabsessions.com/

Here's some information posted on the website about the black cab sessions:

CONCEIVED AND PRODUCED BY JUST SO FILMS, ARTIST SELECTION BY HIDDEN FRUIT. THE SESSIONS ARE ALL ABOUT GREAT MUSIC AND THE VENUE STRIPS THIS TO ITS ESSENCE. WE AREN'T PICKY ABOUT GENRE AND WILL HAPPILY OPEN THE CAB DOOR TO ANYONE WHO BLOWS US AWAY. TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST SESSIONS, PLEASE JOIN OUR MAILING LIST ON THE RIGHT. AND IF YOU THINK THERE IS SOMEONE A BIT SPECIAL YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ON THE BACKSEAT THEN PLEASE GET IN TOUCH. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THEIR ALBUM WENT PLATINUM OR THEIR RECORDING STUDIO CLOSELY RESEMBLES A MATE'S LAPTOP - THEY JUST HAVE TO BE SUPERB. AND ALIVE.