I believe that the pairing of Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse was a match made in pop heaven and my favorite work Danger Mouse has done. I might be wrong about the latter part of that statement because DM has done so much amazing work in his career. Something about his musicality mixed with Cee-Lo’s smooth vocal style drew me into their 2006 album, St. Elsewhere. The extremely famous first single, Crazy,  off St. Elsewhere change so much with how we acquired music. I don’t know if it still holds the record but for the longest time, Crazy was the most legally downloaded song. It boosted iTunes users and overall sales and has been on too many top songs lists to count, yet it never reached number 1 on any US chart.

I believe Crazy will live on as one of those songs epitomizing the first decade of the 21st century. And once again to further their musical talent, Gnarls Barkley have morphed Crazy into a song that has more than one sound. The first song in today’s post is a live stripped down version of the song that Gnarls performed for a website called From The Basement (video below). I love the vocals on this version so much and the purity and truth in Cee-Lo’s voice.

For the second song today, I so wanted to post something from their 2008 album, The Odd Couple, but I just couldn’t. The album just didn’t live up to St. Elsewhere in my opinion. And for as much as I love some songs on it, none can top the joy that Smiley Faces gives me. It’s so upbeat musically, and the lyrics paint just enough of a picture for you to fill the rest in with your life.

I want to be you – whenever I see you smilin’
Cause it’s easily one of the hardest things to do
Your worries and fears become your friends
And they end up smilin’ at you
Put on a smilin’ face

Gnarls Barkley – Crazy (Live Stripped Down Mix) [YSI]

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Gnarls Barkley – Smiley Faces [YSI]

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Gnarls Barkley – Crazy (Live From The Basement)

I’m going to see Third Eye Blind in concert this evening. I think this is artist number 116 for me now that I have seen live. Should be a fun show.

Here’s a live acoustic version of Jumper 3EB performed in Radio 104.5 studios in Philly. The song is off 104.5′s compilation album “Studio Sessions, Vol. 2″ available for free here with a donation to Philabundance. Enjoy the song.

Third Eye Blind – Jumper [YSI]

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Bonus: Rise Against – Swing Life Away (Live acoustic) from “Studio Sessions Vol. 2″ as well.

Like her or not, you have to respect the amount of success Gaga has had in the past year.

And today Miss Stefani Germanotta turns a mere 24 years old. I wish her a very happy birthday and great success in the future. Posted for you today is Gaga’s medley from the 52nd Grammys featuring Elton John. If you are interested in the video too, contact me (contact link on home page).

Lady Gaga (ft. Elton John) – Grammy Medley (Poker Face, Speechless, Your Song) [YSI]

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At Bonnaroo 2008, Ben Folds once again preformed his cover of Dr. Dre’s “Bitches Ain’t Shit.” As you’ll hear in the song, he claims that this will be the final live performance of it and he’s only playing it out of popular demand. I also felt compelled to add Ben’s picture to this post so that you can get a real good look at just exactly who is singing these words.

Whenever I hear Ben Folds speak, it reminds me of Harry Carey so now you know where I’m coming from.

Ben Folds – Bitches Ain’t Shit (live at Bonnaroo 2008) (Dr. Dre Cover)

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Philly’s Radio 104.5 released a compilation album this year free of charge with 11 different studio sessions from throughout the year by different artists. The album opened with Rise Against’s “Swing Life Away.” Although somewhat hesitant to perform it at first, they killed it and it has become one of my most listened to songs this week. The album was provided free of charge through Clear WiMax and with a donation (amount of your choice) to Philabundance. Check ‘em out. It’s a great charity.

Rise Against – Swing Life Away (Live acoustic studio session)

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Alicia Keys’ newest album, The Element of Freedom (Deluxe Version), was released a week ago on Dec. 15, 2009. As part of her promotion for the album, she appeared on The Colbert Report and performed her newest single; a broken down version of Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind.”

Instead of a second verse by Alicia, though, Stephen rapped about his own life and living in New York City’s sixth borough… Connecticut.

Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down (ft. Stephen Colbert) [YSI]

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Yeah, pretty much! I figured it was time to start sharing my musical tastes with the world.

To start you off, here’s John Mayer with a live version of “Who Says”

This is recorded from his concert that was on Fuse TV a few weeks. He adds a little something extra at the end of the song. Very Cool. Enjoy

John Mayer – Who Says (Live on Fuse)

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