Dec 28, 2007

Say hello to sounds of 2008

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

If you think hearing "Auld Lang Syne" on New Year's is bound to be ho-hum, you're humming the wrong tune. On the Web, you can find a myriad of exciting alternative renditions for the stroke-of-midnight classic, including Eddi Reader's performance of the song before the Scottish Parliament (www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MX60CAaDbQ), a sensationally soulful YouTube version by Aretha Franklin and Billy Preston (www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U9zXXRiTVA&feature=related), the riveting arrangement by Scott West and Sex On Sunday featuring poignant piano and soaring electric guitars (www.myspace.com/47734340). For a fun folk original, try the ZipZapZop New Year's Song (http://blip.tv/file/7677).

Below is a sampling of other online ditties waiting to be played on New Year's.

LAUREN EYTON-JONES
On the tunes from Lauren Eyton-Jones' album "Art Grooveau," electro-pop with funk, R&B, house and Latin flavors swirl through mystical soundscapes. Hearing the Torontonian's samples on this page will leave you hungry for more.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/eytonjones

NATALIE WILLIAMS
On CDBaby, you can also experience the enticing sounds of U.K. neo-soul artist Natalie Williams. Jazz and hip-hop influences mingle with R&B and pop sensibilities. The sensual vocals and polished production combine to deliver arresting tracks from her "Secret Garden" album.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/nataliew2

RENA ERIKUCHI
An innocent, irresistible charm sparkles throughout Japanese artist Rena Erikuchi's music. Whether she's touching upon rock, pop or electronica, Erikuchi spins a magical web. Be sure to listen to "Treum" on her MySpace page. It will transport you.
www.myspace.com/erikuchirena

THE CHUBBIES
For amply entertaining "grrrrl" rock, check out the Chubbies, featuring the wonderfully winning guitarist/vocalist Jeannette Kantzalis. Such tunes as "Play Me" and "My Rules" are instantly grabbing. "The Vegas Song" proves they can deliver a moving ballad. The Chubbies deserve a huge following.
www.myspace.com/thechubbies

THE SUN KINGS
For a bit of Beatles bravado, experience the royal treatment Alameda's Sun Kings give the Fab Four. On their Web site, you'll hear uncanny recreations of such classics as "A Day In the Life" and "I Should Have Known Better." You can't see the Liverpool lads live anymore, without the benefit of a time machine, but you can share in a joyful Sun Kings set at Redwood City's Little Fox Theatre on New Year's Eve.
www.the-sun-kings.com

COUNTRY JOE McDONALD
Country Joe stands as one of the Bay Area's iconic singer-songwriters. Examples of his irreverent musical and political escapades can be found on his Web site. Folk and blues tunes will set your toes to tapping. His lyrics are relevant as ever, as evidenced by "Cakewalk In Baghdad." McDonald presents his "Tribute to Woody Guthrie," an acclaimed one-man show, at the Little Fox Theatre on Jan. 13.
www.countryjoe.com

MARISMA
Fremont's indie/emo band serves up three scintillating, well-crafted numbers on their MySpace page. Marisma's "Social Accessory" explodes with a genuine urgency. "Smokescreen" flies by with a crisp vocal, catchy riffs and driving rhythm. "Late for Learning" is a moody, melancholy tune. The band is comprised of Burt Hasiguchi (guitar/bass/vocals), Audie Roldan (guitar, backing vocals), Eric Shin (bass/guitar/backing vocals) and San Mateo's Rick Ulate (drums). Marisma plays San Francisco's Retox Lounge on Jan. 11. Also on the bill are Ghost To Atom and Cervantes.
www.myspace.com/marisma

SHOCK OF PLEASURE
The atmospheric down-tempo pop/rock of Dallas band Shock of Pleasure is consistently spellbinding. Founded by guitarist/keyboardist Robert Romano of Stranger Than Fiction, this group rides on the extraordinary, gently penetrating vocals of Kelley Christian. Their Web site includes a video of the mesmerizing song "This Is a Test."
www.shockofpleasure.com

LOS LOBOS
Fans of unwavering roots rockers Los Lobos will find a wealth of musical treasures on their Web site. Click on Media Player and you'll find Los Lobos Radio, which allows you to program selections from the band's numerous albums, as well as interview clips. Los Lobos' stalwart songwriters David Hidalgo and Louie Perez team for acoustic sets at Yoshi's in Oakland on Jan. 16 and 17.
www.loslobos.org

RAY OBIEDO
Smooth jazz guitarist Ray Obiedo, who hails from Richmond, can be heard on several silky selections on indie911.com. His albums have melded soul, Caribbean and Brazilian influences to alluring effect. Obiedo's Urban Latin Jazz Project plays San Francisco's Jazz at Pearl's on Jan. 4, 5 and 6.
www.indie911.com/ray-obiedo