random observations

Marathonpacks says Birdman & Lil' Wayne's Like Father, Like Son is "leagues" better than the Dedication 2 mixtape, which is one of my favorite releases (hip hop or otherwise) of the year. MP says Dedication 2 is "too mixtapey," and he's right, but that's kinda what we like about it. At any rate, 2006 is shaping up to be one of the better years for new hip-hop so far this decade, with King, Fishscale, Hell Hath No Fury, Donuts, Food & Liquor, et al. all worthy "best of" contenders. Go read MP's post, and grab an mp3 of "1st Key" while you're there.

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Frida Hyvonen

We finally got our hands on Until Death Comes, the much-blogged about record from Sweden's Frida Hyvonen. And it's as good as these folks said it was. If you're a fan of Regina Spektor I imagine you'll really like Frida too. Listen, and consider purchasing the album from Secretly Canadian.

Frida Hyvonen You Never Got Me Right mp3

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David Vandervelde

Another Secretly Canadian artist that has our (somewhat divided) attention is David Vandervelde, who will release a 7" on Nov. 24. SC compares him to Bowie and Bolan. Download the following song courtesy of the label if you'd like, but we have to insist you go to David's myspace page and listen to "Murder in Michigan," on which he channels vintage early '70s-era Todd Rundgren.

David Vandervelde Jacket mp3