iTunes: Free Friday
Today we want to welcome back all our TUAW readers returning from the holidays, as well as to welcome you new readers who just received an iPod or a Mac for Christmas. Welcome to TUAW and to free iTunes Tuesday Friday. (It took Apple way longer than usual to get around to posting the freebies this week.) Here's a great opportunity to start filling your iPod or your Mac with fabulous free music and videos. This Free Tuesday Friday roundup includes items free at the US store as well as international offerings. Scroll on down the post to see the complete list of this week's freebies.
US Music
US: Auld Lang Syne (Acoustic) by Jack Ingram
Now we generally try to turn the spotlight over to new artists for our Single of the Week, but we're feeling the spirit of the season this month. Check back here each week to get a free holiday track from an established artist. Here, country singer Jack Ingram takes the perennial New Year's Eve favorite and turns it into a more majestic, twangy celebration.
US: Ya No by Kuky
Kuky's strong, luscious voice rises up out of the swaying rhythm of this track, leading the listener into her soulful, playful world. The tune's strength lies in its simplicity. This is a pop song not meant to be disposed of immediately. Kuky - also known as Lucero Rodriguez - got her start singing the hooks on hip-hop tracks, but is now set to release her debut. "Ya No" is our free Single of the Week.
US: When the President Talks to God by Bright Eyes
(No description.) Readers are getting mixed results for this track. Make sure it shows up as free in your shopping cart before you buy.
US TV Shows
US: Lincoln Heights (Pilot)
Old neighborhood. New love. Download the new ABC Family Original Series Lincoln Heights. Cassie Sutton's world is turned upside down when her father Eddie Sutton, an ambitious cop, moves their family to a tough inner-city neighborhood. Not only does Cassie have to struggle to fit in at her new school, she'll learn what it means to be a teenager growing up in a place that isn't always safe. The cast includes Russell Hornsby, Nicki Micheaux, Erica Hubbard, Mishon Ratliff, and Rhyon Brown. From the Executive Producer of Prison Break, Kevin Hooks, and the Executive Producer of Soul Food, Kathleen McGhee-Anderson.
International
Australia: 15 Minutes Out to Sea by Jodi Martin
Time to turn the spotlight onto an amazing yet understated voice - Jodi Martin. Hailing from the small town of Ceduna, S.A., Martin has matured into one of Australia's top singer/songwriters. She is currently working on her first international release in Montreal, Canada. She's back in Australia for the festive season, playing the Woodford folk festival in Queensland. We at iTunes are proud to offer you "15 Minutes Out to Sea" - the title track of her latest album - free of charge. Happy holidays!
New Zealand: I couldn't find a free tune this week.
Canada: One-A by illScarlett
Sure, the name is a copyeditor's nightmare, but copyeditors don't sign rock bands, do they? This is a good thing for Toronto's illScarlet, who have been knocking the crowds sideways with the band's mix of punk, ska, dub, rock, and reggae. "One-A" is a mellow groove from the boys that shows how adept they are at blending their favorite genres into a cohesive whole. It also rocks!
France: Juste pour toi by Philos
Philippe Girard, dit Philos, a étudié la trompette et son solfège au conservatoire dans les années 80. Mais la guitare, il a appris à en jouer tout seul. Après avoir formé plusieurs groupes, dont Sombre Héros et Action Packed (il sortit même un disque avec cette dernière formation en 1995), il se l'est joué solo, et sur l'île de Saint-Martin où il enseigne, il a composé 15 chansons pour un album, Qu'est-ce que je fais là. Ses textes sont plein d'humour second degré, entre Bobby Lapointe et Vincent Delerm, avec une instrumentation folk, rock ou reggae. « Juste pour toi » est notre Single de la semaine sur iTunes. Juste pour vous.
UK: Mothership (Summer 2006 Download Version) by Enter Shikari
Enter Shikari manages to bridge two worlds whose paths many thought were never to cross. Namely, the arms-aloft, jittery euphoria of early '90s techno with the post-hardcore punk-metal of today. On "Mother Ship," our free Single of the Week, the group's rumbling riffs and defiant rasp are pitched into overdrive as the dancing, cavernous synths call to mind the warehouses of long ago. A bit of a daring move, honestly.
Japan 今週のシングル: Abominwé by Lionel Loueke
リー オネル・ルエケは西アフリカのベニン生まれのマルチ•インストルメンタリスト/ヴォーカリスト。カメルーン出身のリチャード•ボナとともに、21世紀の フュージョン界を担う注目のフレッシュマンだ。日本では昨年夏の広島被爆60周年記念のコンサートではカルロス・サンタナと共演、またハービー･ハンコッ ク･グループとして東京 JAZZ フェスティバルに出演し、聴衆を沸かせていたのが記憶に新しい。大地に呼びかける声、今週のフリーダウンロード"Abominwe"でその力強いエネル ギーを受け止めて。
