Video: "Froggy Went a Courtin'" - Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower

I've never been a huge fan of the song "Froggy Went a Courtin'," if only because it just seems so linear -- this happens, then this happens, then this happens -- in nature.  But Elizabeth Mitchell is a cover artist par extraordinaire, and on her latest album Blue Clouds she and You Are My Flower turn the centuries-old song into lovely song you could envision hearing at a wedding -- amphibian or otherwise.

So it's probably appropriate that the video is set at a (non-amphibian) wedding, with a few simple animations mixed in.  Who wouldn't want Elizabeth Mitchell playing at their wedding?  Lovely all around.(Source: Goodyblog)

Elizabeth Mitchell and You Are My Flower - "Froggy Went a Courtin'" [YouTube]

Video: "40 Things To Do in a Blackout" - The Pop Ups

I don't think write, record, and film a video for a benefit song was one of the 40 things the Pop Ups mention in their new song, "40 Things To Do in a Blackout," but singing along definitely was.  The new track was inspired by (if that's an appropriate phrase) Hurricane Sandy, and all proceeds benefit Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.  (Purchase the track via Bandcamp, Amazon, and -- soon -- iTunes.)  The song takes a while to get a head of steam, but once it does, it's a ton of fun and worth a buck.  The video is just that much more fun.  After all, everything's better with puppets (another suggestion from the band, of course).

The Pop Ups - "40 Things To Do in a Blackout" [YouTube]

Video: "Count Them As They Go" - Justin Roberts

Ah, a new Justin Roberts album, perfect for seasonally-appropriate gift-giving.  His new album Lullaby comes out next week, and with a title like that, you can surmise that it won't contain raved-up power-pop confections.

It is, however, perfect for these rapidly shortening days of diminishing light and nesting feelings.

The leadoff single is "Count Them As They Go," and the video from the fine folks at ALSO is, like Roberts' songwriting, a model of precision, with everything in its right place.  Lovely and reassuring.

Justin Roberts - "Count Them As They Go" [YouTube]

Video: "The Case of the Dry Markers" - Zak Morgan

There's something ever so slightly off in this video for Zak Morgan's song "The Case of the Dry Markers," from his new album The Barber of the Beasts.  Not in a bad way, mind you, just that any song that creates a slightly ominous and nonsensical story from missing dry markers -- and then wraps that into a guest appearance from Bootsy Collins -- well, that just ain't typical.

Zak Morgan - "The Case of the Dry Markers (feat. Bootsy Collins) [Vimeo]

Video: "Give It Away" - Renee & Jeremy

It's been a long election season.  And while I celebrate all things electoral and watch relatively little commercial TV, even I would admit to looking forward to the impending absence of political ads from our airwaves.

Instead of watching six political ads, can I get you and your kids to watch this trippy 3-minute video for Renee & Jeremy's unique cover of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Give It Away" from their covers album A Little Love?  It will make you feel much happier before you dive into your exit polls, pundits, and electoral maps for the day.

Renee & Jeremy - "Give It Away" [YouTube]