Love, Natalie

"You gotta hear this one song, it'll change your life I swear."

-from the film Garden State.

This immortal line of dialogue helped introduce the Shins' already accessible pop sound to a wider audience and established actress Natalie Portman as the indie-girl next door.

Now, in a case of art imitating life, Ms. Portman has compiled a playlist of her favorite artists (including Tokyo Police Club, Rogue Wave, Beirut, Norah Jones, and of course, the Shins) and this week released, Big Change: Songs for FINCA. Proceeds from this exclusive digital album will benefit FINCA International. Ms. Portman serves as an "Ambassador of Hope" for this anti-poverty organization that provides financial assistance to low-income entrepreneurs in countries such as Uganda, Equador, Guatemela, and Mexico. The goal is to place the financial resources into the hands of small business owners so they can "create jobs, build assets, and improve their overall standard of living."

Although Yeahifigured generally contributes to the moral decay of society, we whole-heartily support this cause. The songs may not change our lives, but can make a huge difference for those less fortunate. The album is available for download at a bargain price of $7.99 at Apple's iTunes store where, coincidentally, losers like me can finally get a glimpse of Ms. Portman's most perfect booty in Wes Anderson's Hotel Chevalier - the intro short to his just released Darjeeling Limited. Best of all it's free! So, pick up both today!

For more info on FINCA, visit: http://www.villagebanking.org/



UPDATE: Whoops! Sorry suckers, seems the free download is no longer available. However, my proactive perverseness has paid off again!!! Ms. Portman's rump has had a permanent residence on my iPod and in my dreams for the past few weeks. And now I can balance out that shame with this collection of great songs!