That joyous sound

No, i'm not talking about my favorite holiday and xmas music (post to appear soon), but i am talking about a surprising trend i've seen lately - the music that is beginning to appear is less chaotic and forboding and frankly more joyful. maybe its what i like to listen to, but some of those who are known for their brooding droning songs suddenly put out some sounds that have glints of happiness. like they all listend to the polyphonic spree.

take for example, the latest release from iceland's sigur ros - a great band who provided much of the mournful tunes as background on npr or in your own darkest hours, released something absolutely full of bliss. it's upbeat, cheerful, catchy, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. one disclaimer - it's all in icelandic (or whatever they speak) and they could be joyfully singing about the end of days, but it still sounds fun. download "inni mer syngur vitleysingur" which does translate to "within me a lunatic sings." Maybe the lunatic is more fun than his normal presence.

or what about Paul McCartney as The Fireman having a great time with "Sing The Changes" from his latest release; or Coldplay's "Life In Technicolor" or "Lovers In Japan" from Vida La Vida (but avoid the comical duet with Jay-Z on the remix of Lost); or even the master of moping around Robert Smith and The Cure's "The Only One" from 4:13 dream? You can't even put that song in the same play list as the old cure.

want more evidence - try periennally heartbroken Lucinda Williams' Little Honey. The title track along with "Real Love" and a great barroom cover of AC/DC's "Long way to the top if you want to rock and roll" show evidence of this happy streak. Even on the other side of the pond, England's The Streets raps how "Everything is Borrowed" in a world where he is leaves with nothing but love. Unrecognizable optimism from a moody rapper.

complete your happy 2008 playlist with - The Black Kids "I'm not gonna teach your boyfriend to dance with you" and Michael Franti's "Say Hey, I Love You."

and you know what - most of this will be on my 10 best of 2008 because its so much fun. it's good to be happy in your headphones again. enjoy.
i'm not complaining - in fact, i'm enjoying it. it's