OutTravelerFM: Jake Walden's Tunes

Music: Courtesy Jake Walden

Singer-songwriter Jake Walden has been guest-blogging for us recently, keeping us updated from the  20-city Rock the Folk OUT tour that he is part of along with artists Stewart Lewis and Tom Goss.

Click here to read about his adventures in Las Vegas, here for Boulder, and here for Montana and Wyoming.

Besides being (very) cute and able to tell a good story, Jake also has one of those swoon-worthy voices (see above), so if you've ever wanted to trail a tour on a road trip, this isn't a bad one to follow! Coming up this and next week: San Diego, Las Vegas, Tucson, Phoenix and Flagstaff.

Resolved! New Year's 2009

Basking in all our unwrapped cheer -- books, electronics and other toys -- it's easy to reflect and say that none of it was necessary, that "the best things in life are free." "But," the Flying Lizards aptly observe in this campy classic, ventriloquizing our emaciated, sale-d out pocketbooks this year, "you can give them to the birds and bees. I want money."

But there's a new year to look forward to, and with all those pretty boys in skinny jeans who glutted 2008, why not "Start it up" optimistically with Mick and Keith, the original tight pants boys from the 1980s?

So take the wig out of the box with The Breeders' cover of "Wicked Little Town" from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, have a little vermouth on the rocks, and hop in the a "Black Limousine" with Dragonette for the last night on the town before the resolutions kick in. Go ahead, yell "Hey Boy" with The Blow as you cruise by.

As your thoughts turn to Those Dancing Days -- a Stockholm-based successor to ABBA's sweet Swedishness -- "Run Run" to the party where, of course, 2008's skinny-jeaned sweethearts, The MGMT, will be crooning their tunes, which we "Electric Feel".

Katy Perry, who also feels this track, not only did a cover of it this year, but apparently also likes to feel a little electric with the ladies. "I Kissed a Girl," she belted, "and I liked it!" Santogold, a.k.a. Santi White, was not Katy's lady, but she did declare that was in the running with "I am a Lady" as her celebrity exploded in 2008. We're still waiting for a good drag version of that track, by the way, ladies.

As it approached New Year's witching hour, follow Kanye and get some "love locked down" to the tune of up-and-coming remixes, Flying Lotus. Once you're set, of course, it's time to say "Goodnite" with Melody Gardot.

OutTraveler.FM: Thank God It's Christmas

Story and playlist by Olga Bas

The holidays are finally upon us and there's a lot to look forward to: presents, sleeping in late and staying out 'till morning, home-cooked meals, and an end to endless shopping. To help you travel through the perfect week, we've put together a holiday-themed playlist that's devoid of tacky Muzak and heavy on dance-appeal (and snazzy covers).

1. Queen - Thank God It's Christmas
Perhaps not the best known Christmas single, but this is Queen we're talking about and no one does it better than Freddie Mercury. With all the ups and downs of the year past, Christmas at least provides a much-needed break; pop this one on as you take the drive home to the family.

2. Little Boots - Stuck on Repeat
A newcomer on the music scene, Little Boots is full of catchy beats and this single starts off sleigh bells ringing and does not relent. Without a need for a remix, the rhythm is timed just right for disco lights or a noisy airplane. Perfect for repeat plays to drown out in-flight screaming children.

3. Suede - Can't Get Enough
In their heyday, frontman Brett Anderson was fond of singing in a falsetto, wearing women's blouses, and spanking himself with his microphone. A few years down the road he still sang in a falsetto, but with the addition of synths, and the energy of the band had been upped another notch. This will keep you awake when you get stuck in holiday traffic.

4. New Order - Temptation
Whether it's another piece of Christmas cake or the perfectly wrapped presents under the tree or that cute guy or girl standing at the bar, the holidays are full of temptation and New Order knows it. Put this on your iPod wherever you're headed and you'll be fully prepared to indulge.

5. Placebo - 20th Century Boy
For a touch of glitz and glam, take this one from the Velvet Goldmine soundtrack, where Placebo meet T-Rex for a loud and spiky cover. It will inspire a rollicking scooter ride through the narrow, festive streets of Europe where the memories of old-time cabarets are alive and well.

OutTraveler.FM: You Can Hear the Distance Calling

Story by Olga Bas

Music is a fun part of travel and we here at Out Traveler are a musical lot -- but don't ask us to sing! For this edition of travel-themed playlists, check out all the queer-friendly bands and songs with destination names in their title.

1. Of Montreal
Of Montreal is as colorful as the French Canadian city it takes its name from. Kevin Barnes, the brains behind the band, has an exhibitionist streak, but when he's dressed, it's always a spectacle. During the most recent tour he has taken the stage on a white stallion wearing nothing but a loincloth.

Recommended track: Bunny Ain't No Kind of Rider
"It's all about soul power and girls kissing girls, what's not to like?"

2. Tokyo Police Club
Tokyo Police Club is no relation to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. In fact, they are from Ontario, Canada. Fronted by the fey Dave Monks, the band gained buzz in Montreal and have since made a splash with their latest single "Graves," which was featured on Logo's NewNowNext Music.

Recommended track: Your English is Good
"A shout-out chorus and hopeful message -- they've got our vote."

3. I'm From Barcelona
They're not actually from Barcelona (from Sweden instead), but you've got to admit, it's catchy! And that's not all; with 30 official members in the band, this must be the largest indie rock group in current existence. It's a wonder they all fit on stage together.

Recommended track: Britney
"An ode (of sorts) to the stranger side of Britney Spears. Enough said."

4. The Dresden Dolls
Despite originating from Boston, the firebombing of Dresden had a profound influence on the band. Drawing much inspiration from their city of choice, The Dresden Dolls are known as "Brechtian punk cabaret," as branded by Amanda Palmer, out bisexual and one half of the Weimar duo.

Recommended track: Coin-Operated Boy
"Love without complications galore… who could ever, ever ask for more."

5. Luxembourg
Named after the small but picturesque European country, these five lads are actually from London, England. Occasionally labeled "pop noir" (but never to their faces), the influence of The Smiths can be clearly heard. Though the band -- a darling of the London Gay Times and music fans everywhere -- is no longer together, their back catalog is available for free at www.last.fm.

Recommended track: What the Housewives Don't Tell You
"Unlike Desperate Housewives, which is full of intrigue, this is catchier by far and there's cowbell!"

OutTraveler.FM: Thanksgiving Blues

Story and Playlist by Olga Bas

Tinsel ornaments are overtaking store displays, snow clouds threaten, and there's a distinct chill in the air. It's that time again: Thanksgiving is on our doorstep and family time looms ahead at the end of the long highway haul. So as you're driving to that gathering of close relatives with little to be cheery about, listen to our latest playlist! Uplifting and soothing, our 10 picks will help you beat that long weekend slump.

1. Sigur Rós - Hoppípolla
Although you won't understand a single word (it's Icelandic mixed in with some gibberish), you can't help but be uplifted. With gay singer Jónsi's falsetto and the crescendo of its orchestral majesty, the track puts a smile firmly in place. You'll set off for your great holiday adventure with the image of a green Iceland dancing in your head.

2. XTC - Sgt. Rock (Is Going to Help Me)
A bit of glam, punk, and rock, it's an ode to a comic book character with a title we all can relate to. It's a definite contender to keep you awake at the wheel in the early morning hours.

3. Cansei de Ser Sexy - Alcohol
A product of Brazil, this electro-rock outfit (with singer Lovefoxxx usually sporting outrageously colored leotards) knows how to party. And when they're "tired of being sexy" (perhaps from too much turkey, perhaps too much alcohol), as their band name translates, they think up clever songs like this one.

4. Soft Cell - Where Did Our Love Go
Mostly known for "Tainted Love," Soft Cell has a few others up their sleeve, though you wouldn't know it. Gay man of many talents Marc Almond, one-half of the synth duo, also wrote a mid-life crisis travel book, In Search of the Pleasure Palace, that was published in 2004.

5. Rufus Wainwright - Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk
From Wainwright's second album, written in the Chelsea Hotel in New York, this song is less operatic than usual. But then, taking its subject matter into account, melodrama would have been out of place. A gay icon, Rufus must be in for a quiet holiday.

 

More after the jump!