If you’re a music fan and you don’t know about the Black Cab Sessions, you should look it up.  They’re a UK group that asks musicians to play a song or two while filming in the back of a cab.  Some of the artists are famous (Brian Wilson).  Some are local acts.  But it’s a great idea and it’s a fun way to spend at least half an hour.

I tried to embed five of my favorite installments, but the Black Cab people won’t give permission to use some of them. Oh well – I’ll give a little sigh about it and then provide links instead.  The first is the newest and the inspiration for this post.  Hafdis Huld is from Iceland and maybe shoots right to the top of any “most infectiously adorable people” list.  She makes me smile. And the song is good too.

Next is Death Cab for Cutie playing a spectacular song. I’m not entirely familiar with their work, although I know they’ve got lots of fans. Whatever magic they sprinkled here is amazing. I listened over and over.

I wasn’t a big fan of The New Pornographers until I heard them do this song, which I like a heckuvalot better than the original.  Accordion and guitar works, even with all the speedbumps.  I liked this one so much, I used the microphone to record it directly from my speakers, so I’ve got a unique, personal copy as an mp3.  And then I went out and checked out more of their stuff.

I liked the song “Dead Sound” from The Raveonettes before I heard it on the Black Cab Sessions.  But I like them better after hearing their performance and harmonies in the back of the cab.  Excellent.

Finally, I like the Dresden Dolls and I like Amanda Palmer.  I saw her version of Radiohead’s Creep on YouTube after I saw her perform it in the back of a cab for the Black Cab Sessions.  She’s got maybe the opposite energy of Hafdis Huld, but it’s equally attractive.

There are lots more on the site, but I’m sure you know how to find them for yourself.