Starbucks’ Sweetheart

My two vices in life?  That’s easy: music and coffee.  How apropos of coffee cartel, Starbucks, to combine the two, for both my listening and gastronomic pleasure (or maybe they just heard I’m a — gasp! — Dunkin’ Donuts girl).  Earlier this week, Starbucks released its compilation of love songs, as covered by indie-ish artists.  Released just in time for Valentine’s Day, the album is aptly entitled Sweetheart, and was recorded on Starbucks’ own Hear Music label.

Starbucks regulars might recognize the starry-eyed themed CD, as this is its third installment; Sweetheart was first released in 2005, its second compilation dropped last year.  This year’s lineup features an array of interesting indie artists, including The Long Winters, Jason Collett, and a curious collaboration between Shins’ frontman James Mercer and his brother Robert, who together cover Bob Dylan’s “Spanish Harlem Incident.”

Maybe Starbucks doesn’t exactly need our money; however, they clearly know how to reel us in.  Music and coffee go hand in hand — where do I sign up?  Oh yeah… Starbucks.

Sweetheart is also available for purchase on iTunes.  Full tracklist below:

1.  Jose Gonzalez: “Hand on Your Heart” (Kylie Minogue cover)

2.  Grand Archives: “Cupid” (Sam Cooke cover)

3.  James Mercer and Robert Mercer: “Spanish Harlem Incident” (Bob Dylan cover)

4.  Spoon: “Love Song” (The Damned cover)

5.  Elvis Perkins: “Teneme en tu Corazon (Keep Me in Your Heart)” (traditional)

6 . The Long Winters: “Give Me All Your Lovin’” (ZZ Top cover)

7.  Yo La Tengo: “You Make Me Feel Good” (The Zombies cover)

8.  Céu: “Eu Amo Você (I Love You)” (Tim Maia cover)

9.  Diane Birch: “I Go Crazy” (Paul Davis cover)

10.  Jason Collett and Zeus: “Every Night” (Paul McCartney cover)

11.  The Avett Brothers: “I Love” (Tom T. Hall cover)

12.  Mates of State: “Long Way Home” (Tom Waits cover)

13.  Angelique Kidjo: “Ne Me Quitte Pas (If You Go Away)” (Jacques Brel cover)

14.  Hey Marseilles: “True Love Will Find You in the End” (Daniel Johnston cover)