Last Week in Free Amazon.com MP3s 8-18

“In the Dreamlife You Need a Rubber Soul” – The Clean

Have you’ve ever listened to a song and wondered why there is so much angst behind it? Perhaps this question may take you away from this mundane-sounding track. There isn’t anything wrong with it. There’s solid musicianship and the lyrics are clear, but it’s not saying anything that a listener would care about. In fact the only thing remotely interesting about this track is its title. Still, that’s not enough to download it.

“Every Subway Car” – Barenaked Ladies

A free track from Barenaked Ladies? Yes folks, this group who’s best known for “It’s All Been Done” has yet another thought-provoking hit with witty lyrics and a rocking beat that will stay with you long after “Every Subway Car” is over.

“Brand New Day (with Tim Myers)” – Lindsey Ray

“Brand New Day (with Tim Myers”’ by Lindsey Ray is that advertising jingle that you can’t get out of your head. For a 30 second spot it may be fine, but do you really want to hear over three minutes of silly lyrics that seem to go together for the sheer purpose of keeping the rhyme scheme together? If you are in a silly mood, or simply wish to be in one, then yes go for it. It’s a happy little ditty and your mp3 deserves to have a silly tune every once in a while.

“Psalm” – Lee Scratch Perry

If your song is entitled “Psalm” then there’s a certain expectation as to what the lyrics will be about. Instead Lee Scratch Perry takes a political stance on how the word is misused and then goes into a brief history as to what “Psalm” means all with the sounding of a bell interspersed throughout; as if to say “For whom the bell tolls…it tolls for thee.”

“Left of Center” – Serj Tankian

Listening to “Left of Center” you’ll wonder just where is Serj Tankian taking you. Don’t fret, it may sound like you’re on a psychedelic trip, but it’s worth it. The heavy metal take with symphonic playing and some classical musicianship thrown in makes for one roller coaster ride that you’ll be glad you’re on.

“Be My Thrill” – The Weepies

Some songs are just okay. But do you seriously have precious space in your mp3 player for something that’s simply okay? Don’t make “Be My Thrill” one of those tracks that you’ll wonder why you bothered to download it in the first place. Not everything that’s free is worth the price.

“Come Undone” – Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan

This song has some great promise. With an intro similar to James Brown’s rendition of “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” you believe that you’re in for a listening treat. Instead you’re met with two voices that sound like a watered down version of Aretha Franklin and the aforementioned Brown. Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan have nice voices, but they’re not strong enough for the powerful emotions in this track. This song needs powerful punches that inflict emotional pain on the listener not subtlety.

About Donna-Lyn Washington 639 Articles
Donna-lyn Washington has a M.A. in English from Brooklyn College. She is currently teaching at Kingsborough Community College where her love of comics and pop culture play key parts in helping her students move forward in their academic careers. As a senior writer for ReviewFix she has been able to explore a variety of worlds through comics, film and television and has met some interesting writers and artists along the way. Donna-lyn does a weekly podcast reviewing indie comics and has also contributed entries to the 'Encyclopedia of Black Comics,’ the academic anthology ‘Critical Insights: Frank Yerby’ and is the editor for the upcoming book, ‘Conversations With: John Jennings.’

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