iTunes: Free Tuesday
Welcome to this latest installment of iTunes: Free Tuesday. Every week TUAW brings you the latest free offerings from iTunes music stores around the world. This week the Kate Walsh/Tim's House phenomenon spreads down to Australia and New Zealand but you won't be enjoying this new single of the week right away. The antipodean iTunes stores are balking today and you may have to wait until tomorrow to be able to download your free single.
US Music
US: Your Joy by Chrisette Michele
Each week, we find a track from an artist or a band who's on the cusp of success and bring it to you, for free, as our Single of the Week. This track comes from Chrisette Michele, who's getting plenty of attention as a vocalist thanks to her appearances on recent records from Jay-Z and Nas. "Your Joy" is something a bit different. Here, Michele is backed mainly by an acoustic guitar. This is a moving, sweet tune that gathers momentum once the orchestration falls in toward the end. It's an unexpected folk-soul surprise.
US: Guaya Guaya by Notch
Each week, we find a track from an artist or a band who's on the cusp of success and bring it to you, for free, as our Canción de la Semana. Reggaetón's roots in Jamaican dancehall are represented in full on this track from MC/singer Notch. Although the staggered, loping drum style is all reggaetón, his vocals utilize the deep, rhythmic pulse of dancehall. The finished track is a solid club hit, with Notch diving back and forth between English and Spanish.
US: Back Door Friend by Magic Sam
For this week's Discovery Download, we focus on the blues. To be more specific, the electric style perfected in the Chicago area. Magic Sam was an early key player in the scene that brought us Otis Rush and Buddy Guy. His cutting and precise style on the guitar led him to play sets with Willie Dixon, but he really blossomed as a songwriter. "Back Door Friend" gives you a glimpse of Magic Sam's heartfelt style – one that begs to be re-examined.
More fabulous freebies after the jump...
US Audio Books
Do You!: 12 Laws to Access the Power In You to Achieve Happiness and Success (Abridged Nonfiction) by Russell Simmons
Since rising out of the New York City streets over 25 years ago, Russell Simmons has helped create such ground breaking ventures as Def Jam Records, Phat Farm, and Def Comedy Jam, in the process becoming known the world over as "The CEO of Hip Hop".
Russell might have helped introduce hip-hop to the world, but he credits his success to his belief in a strong set of principles, or laws, which he shares for the first time in this audio. In 12 steps, Russell reveals a path towards success that can be followed not only by those looking to duplicate his professional success, but by anyone struggling to realize a dream.
Those looking solely for advice on how to build up a bank account at the expense of personal integrity should probably look elsewhere. That's because these laws stem from the belief that all success, be it professional or personal, comes from a connection with your higher self. Using examples from his own experiences and observations, Russell demonstrates how tapping into that connection will allow you to get your mind right, find the motivation to start instead of stall, surround yourself with the right people, appreciate the power of hard work, and understand the power of karma.
But most importantly, this book will demonstrate how it's impossible to receive any sort of lasting success from the world without giving something of lasting value to the world first. That's a practice that is reflected in Russell's own work as a mentor and philanthropist and one that he promotes as fundamental to empowerment and success on every level.
Blending business insight, universal spiritual truths, and an inspired sense of purpose, Do You! crosses the lines of age, race, and background with wisdom that will lift you up and motivate you to pursue your vision.
US TV Shows
US: Rob & Big, Meaty & Mini
On Season 2 of MTV's reality comedy hit, the offbeat adventure continues for best buddies Rob Dyrdek and Christopher "Big Black" Boykin. With their trusty bulldog Meaty by their side, the boys are back for another round of straight doin' work in the streets. To kick it off, Rob and Big Black add a miniature horse to the family and welcome him in style to their three-story house in the Hollywood Hills, affectionately dubbed, "Three Layers of Heaven." A trip to Mississippi for Big Black's family reunion, a time travel adventure that leads them to Montreal, and Rob's high-stakes bet with fellow skateboarding legend Steve Berra at the Tampa Pro 2007 Skateboard Competition, are just a few highlights of the second season.
US: Pitbull's La Esquina; Out da' Closet episode
Hip-hop artist Pitbull (a.k.a. Mr. 305) and his comic sidekick Fademaster turn their corner in Little Havana upside down in search of an honest laugh. Pitbull's celebrity guests join in the fun as he and Fademaster make wild wagers to settle their disagreements on important issues including immigration, dating, and stereotypes.
US Short Films
US: Raving (Frepeat)
KATIE (Zooey Deschanel) is a bright, rebellious young woman who has chosen to live on the fly, hustling people for money to survive. She lives by her own rules until she crosses paths one day with DITO (Bill Irwin), a lonely, disassociated older man completely adrift after the loss of his wife. Dito, who has seen Katie hustling before, makes her an offer: He'll pay her to help pack up his apartment. Seeing Dito as an easy mark, Katie accepts his offer. The apartment is filled with antiques, jewelry, and vintage fashion. Katie is immediately drawn to a beautiful blue-green dress she finds hanging in Dito's closet. The dress, which fits like a glove, transforms her and changes the way she sees herself. When Dito catches sight of her in the dress, it inspires him to let go of the loss he's been clinging to.
International
Australia: Talk of the Town by Kate Walsh
Each week, we find a track from an artist or a band who's on the cusp of success and bring it to you, for free, as our Single of the Week. This track has done really well with iTunes audiences around the glob. We think you might like it. With a voice like a whisper and her time on earth barely past the teenage years, Kate Walsh walks with confidence on her folk-y, pop tunes. Sounding a bit windswept on "Talk of the Town" she calls out to a lover with only a spare acoustic guitar and some lightly brushed drums backing her up. Combining a rural twang with a more urban pop structure, Walsh finds a great balance on this free Single of the Week.
New Zealand: Talk of the Town by Kate Walsh
Each week, we find a track from an artist or a band who's on the cusp of success and bring it to you, for free, as our Single of the Week. This track has done really well with iTunes audiences around the glob. We think you might like it. With a voice like a whisper and her time on earth barely past the teenage years, Kate Walsh walks with confidence on her folk-y, pop tunes. Sounding a bit windswept on "Talk of the Town" she calls out to a lover with only a spare acoustic guitar and some lightly brushed drums backing her up. Combining a rural twang with a more urban pop structure, Walsh finds a great balance on this free Single of the Week.
Canada: He Said, She Said by Social Code
Each week, we find a track from an artist or a band who's on the cusp of success and bring it to you, for free, as our Single of the Week. If the process of reading Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus doesn't sounds too labour intensive, perhaps digging into these Edmonton punks' take on male/female dynamics might work better for you. With exploding vocals, raging guitars, and hearts-on-ripped-sleeves, it's therapy with guitars.
France: World of Flowers by Sayem
Chaque semaine, nous recherchons un titre par un artiste ou un groupe sur le point d'exploser pour vous le faire découvrir gratuitement avant tout le monde pour notre Single de la semaine.
UK: More Rock & Roll by Ruarri Joseph
Each week, we find a track from an artist or a band who's on the cusp of success and bring it to you, for free, as our Single of the Week. Noted for playing his debut gig at the Glastonbury Festival a few years back, Ruarri Joseph has been gaining accolades for his swooning, old-style folk. "More Rock 'n' Roll" sounds like an early '70s pub sing-along for those with a craving for domesticity. In the tune, Joseph wishes he "was more rock 'n' roll", but eventually realises he'd "rather be home with the wife".
Japan: Not updated yet from last week.