Holiday wishes to you and yours.

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

And so do the Arctic Monkeys.

When it comes to U2 you never know what's next

If there are any U2 fans on your holiday gift list, I'm sure you've already picked up their copy of "U218: Singles", the latest single compilation album from (dare I say) one of the greatest rock bands ever.

Off this new release, U2 plucked off "Window in the Sky" for a music video make-over. The video is a masterpiece of vintage footage and amazing sync work. Whoever was in charge of the editing deserves some sort of prize.



Buy U218:Singles on iTunes

A duel for the hipster history books

It was plastered across the blogger underground for weeks. A battle of the underdog kings: The Decemberists vs. Stephen Colbert.

It started with a simple music video challenge (or did it start with a green screen lightsaber challenge?) and escalated to the climactic confrontation that ends tonight.

Tonight. Wednesday December 20, 11:30 PM EST. Comedy Central. The Colbert Report. The Decemberists vs. Colbert in a (supposed) guitar/musical instrument challenge.

I know what I'll be doing then. (Or half of what I'll be doing. I like to multi-task)

Any excuse not to pack for the holiday is a good one in my book.

It's Lookin Like A Killer Christmas (pun alert)

Today, The Killers released the video for their, oh so spectacular, Christmas charity single "A Great Big Sleigh". The video seems to be a grainy collection of studio footage dotted with some mind-blowing dance moves from Mr. Flowers. If this whets your appetite, check out the interview with Brandon about the single for a laugh or two. (I like chocolate with almonds just like he does. How neat.)



As a bit of a side note, today was the first day that it actually felt like Christmas. It's a wonder what a grey day in New york can do for the holiday spirit.

At least they stick to their guns. (Their Holiday guns)

If there is one thing to be said about The Killers it's that they are not afraid to commit. Despite the luke-warm response to their new "Roots-y" sound, when these boys decide to change their style, they are noble enough to commit, and commit hard. There is no better example of this dedication, than their new charity holiday single (and yes, I did say Holiday) "A Great Big Sleigh".

I love holiday music. I especially love new, high-quality holiday music (key words being high-quality). Last year, remixes took the stage as the "Christmas Remixed" albums stuffed stockings around the nation. This year, I see the rise of Indie in the holiday forecast. With releases from super-boy Sufjan Stevens (5 discs no less), The Kinks ("Father Christmas" single released today), and even Goldfrapp lending their talents to Target ads, indie bands are slowly creeping into yet another aspect of the music industry (is there anything left that indie hasn't taken over?) So who else would be more fitting to extend their reach into holiday tunes than The Killers? Their new single (released today over iTunes) benefits the (RED) Campaign, and features additional vocals from Toni Halliday.

When I first heard the track, what immediately struck me was the similarity the intro had to the 'Sam's Town' title track. Both entered with a whimsical line to introduce the tune, followed by a driving guitar on the beat supported by the keyboard and drums. To extend the continuity from thier new album, Brandon Flowers contributes his new signature vocals which manages to make the new single seem like a desperate plea from Flowers for a good holiday season. The entire package is delicately bowed with Toni Halliday's airy angelic vocals which juxtapose Flowers nicely (oddly enough). I advise hardcore Killers fans (so me.) to look into this single, but don't expect to be surprised. It's good. But like Sam's Town, nothing you'd kill for. (no pun intended.)(alright it was a little intended)

The single is up on iTunes and 100% of the procedes go to (product)RED so no freebies here. (Its a buck. for a darn good charity. come on) The video is up Dec. 7th on Yahoo Music. Head over to the bands' official site to see an interview with Brandon on the new holiday single.

The Killers - A Great Big Sleigh

The Killers Official Site
(RED) Campaign website

New Looks, New Ideas, New Year? (hopefully before then)

As you can obviously see (and one noble visitor has already noted) we here at the newly re-named Wayward Measures are under construction. I hope to have the complete site up and running soon (if I can get a hang of this new form of blogger). You can however, be sure that I'll soon have new posts rolling in at speeds equal to that of the money rolling out of my wallet for holiday gifts.

In the meantime, I highly recommend the new Oasis best-of compilation ("Stop the Clocks"), and the movie "The History Boys".

Enjoy.