Goodbye, Goodbye!

Well, here it is. The end of the line. Thanks to all of you that have tuned in over the year. So, I'm going to take the easy way out and go with one of my favorites growing up.

Oingo Boingo's "Goodbye, Goodbye." Most people don't remember it as the final song over the credits of Fast Times at Ridgemont High (or that Ridgemont was based on Clairemont High School in San Diego, down the road a ways from me), but it is. Great song, great band. I last saw this song in 95, played live the night before Halloween. Awesome.

Thanks for a fun year. It's been crazy. Love, joy and pain, not counting all the other emotions in between. Maybe I'll do a little retrospective here in a week or so (or so, probably) as to what I liked, disliked and wanted to do more of on this medium.

Who knows, I may be back.

"Peace, Love, Jovi, Biff, Trees, Yogurt, John, Paul, George, Ringo, Kumbaya" -- GC saying

Mahalo,
The Old Man

Auld Lang Syne

Coming down to the wire kids. Normally, I would have posted this one tomorrow, but I have been thinking of tomorrow's song for a year now.

So, the tune today is Dan Fogelberg's "Same Old Lang Syne." A cute, schmaltzy ballad about young love revisted years later. As a kid, this was one of my favorites. As an adult, I never knew who sang it until a few years ago. It's a great song. Enjoy.

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An Actual, Hip Request

Wow, just wow. An excellent end to a fun year. With one of the more prolific mashups I have seen in a while (most mashups are 1-5 artists), here is DJ Earworm with "United States of Pop, 2009."

Where this one is hip and different is pretty simple. He layers the vocals over a couple of consistent beats, electronic voices and bridge elements. Actually, there are points where he even manipulates the original song (the Jason Mraz tuen comes to mind), but does it to very good effect.

Well done, DJ Earworm. And thanks for the request.

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God...

... Surprisingly, has been somewhat absent in this blog. Of course, after a drunken night with the co-pilot, God and belief was brought up.

Long story short, belief in a higher power is there for some, but not all. Personally, I don't believe in the "Zombie Jesus" story, but I do hold most others in regard. I still say the bedtime prayer, like I have since I was 8, so if that makes me a tool, so be it. You still have to contend with being you, good luck with that.

Anyway, here is XTC, first with "Dear God."


And since I have never had an XTC post, here is "Generals and Majors." For all you military personnel out there. Except you squids. Gotta draw the line somewhere.

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Life's been good... so far

Well, I can't really leave this blog without one of the great icons of Rock and Roll, Joe Walsh. Here he is performing the classic "Life's Been Good."

Not really a great example of his guitar work, but it's the message of the song that I'm enamored of today. Life, with all it's up and downs, has been pretty good to me. I'm glad I'm blessed with a decent palate, a fondness for the crazy things, and a larger-than-average... intellect.

Yeah, you thought I would have said penis there, didn't you? That would have been totally true.

Enjoy your Sunday! It's the last one for at least 6 days.
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Wow, so hard to pick a song today.

It's been at least 30 minutes of trying to figure out the song.

Here is Unwritten Law with "Cailin." Three reasons: 1.) This is a San Diego band (Poway, CA), 2.) They recorded the album in Seattle, and 3.) This song is about the songwriter's daughter.

Someone once said, "...if you are a musician, and you don't write a song about your little girl, you are going to hell..."

So, on my last official Saturday, I'm throwing out a song that reminds me of my little girl. She's smart, she loves football, and will be a great sk8r some day. What can I say, I'm really proud to be her Dad. She is the soul that is missing from any song.

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Christmas Day

Christmas in Heaven, from Monty Python's Meaning of Life.


Wow, Christmas came on a Double Friday. Then I should actually take it seriously, for once.

So, you can't have Christmas without a little bit of Bing. Bing Crosby sings "White Christmas." From the classic movie Holiday Inn.

Have a safe and happy holiday! Where ever you are, whomever you are, you are loved. Even if you drive slow in the fast lane.

But not tomorrow. That starts Kwanza, crackers.
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Since I don't really take Christmas that seriously....

Here is Cartman singing "O Holy Night." With the help of a cattle prod.


And also from South Park, Mr. Garrison sings "Merry Fucking Christmas." The lyrics, understandably, are NSFKids.

Merry Christmas!
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An Interesting Choice...

One of the better, overlooked songs from Chingon. You may have heard it only in Kill Bill but I actually played this in a band. Total fun. The amazing guitar work, the really awesome harmonization of tones...

Here is "Malaguena Salerosa" from Chingon. Also, really enjoy what the contributor did with the KB images.

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One Bannana, Two Bannana, Three Bannana, Four!

The Dickies crank "Tra la la (The Bannana Splits Song)."

This tune is featured in the new trailer for "Kick Ass." God I love punk rock music. The energy makes me not tired anymore. Plus, if this flick is half as good as the trailers, next year is going to rock.

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An Awesome Ghetto Christmas Video

Run DMC's "Christmas in Hollis." Yeeeah, boyeeee.


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A Reality show I can get behind.

Screw Survivor, American Idol sucks sweaty taint. Of course, you all know where this is going: Sing-Off.

From The Sing-Off, here is USC SoCals singing "Somebody to Love."

The interesting thing is, this band was voted off. The performance was tight, but not as tight as favorites, The Beelzebubs, hailing from Tufts. The SoCals have to be one of the best groups in Collegiate Acapella, but mixed-gender groups seem to do well (historically in competition), but not always taking the top honor. I don't know what it is, since one of the remaining final bands, Nota, didn't seem to put up a performance half as good.

Bummer. Still, great show. So, I'm going to also post up the Episode three finale, "Mr. Blue Sky" from ELO.

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The Second-to-last Saturday Post...

Wow, it's coming down to the wire, kids. Since I'm back, we need to get you some really, really incredible tunes. Well, that, and a day with Christmas Effluvia.

In any case, here is Aerosmith's "Blind Man." I had a girlfriend who was a huge Aerosmith fan. Wel, huge, since she loved the album "Get a Grip." She knew that there were other albums and tunes, but never really listened to them. Sad, actually. I never met a Mega-Beatles fan that headn't heard anything before Sgt Peppers...

Anyway, "Blind Man" was a single released on the Greatest Hits album Big Ones. Funny that I ended up liking this song better than some of the actual hits on the album. oingo Boingo did the same thing with "Cinderella Undercover," but I digress. This tune rocked. Rocked hard. I could not believe all the ways that this tune was amazing, but there it was, in music form. Slow to fast progressions. Cresendos. Wailing guitars, lyrics that beg to be screamed. F, and yes. if you can't listen to this song, you can't listen to rock and roll. Good luck with your life.

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Home Sweet Home

A hair band? Hey, it's my blog. I'm coming home from China, and it's a Friday. I'll be travelling for 16 hours, on top of a full day of work and a work party that I need to attend on my return. So, here is a bit of the Crue, and two of their most awesome tunes.

Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home."


"Without You." One of the most bad ass Glam-Rock ballads out there.

Enjoy your weekend kids! I'm going to be suffering from jet lag. Hard.
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Last Christmas!

Smaltzy Christmas Songs. To get you in the mood. Wham's "Last Christmas." I almost used the Glee version, but I didn't want too much of Glee.


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I'm Homesick

Really. Homesick. I need new music. I heard this on the last few minutes back in the states, and can't even DL it to my iPhone. Thank goodness for anonymous web surfing. It's from the Canadian band Metric, featured here a little while ago.

I was in a hired car this morning, stuck in traffic. If you have never been in traffic in Beijing, you really have never been in traffic. There does not seem to be any real speed limit, from what I see. The driver had to have grown up on speed, and drove with the brass balls of Satan. He passed inches away from hitting cars, pedestrians, you name it. And he did it with one hand on the wheel, one hand giving us chocolates. This dude is my new hero. The real detraction from this was the fact that he did this with the Chinese version of Howard Stern blaring on the car radio. It made a surreal experience into a harrowing 45 minutes of churn.

Anyway, onto the music. Here is Metric, with "God Guns Girls."

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I'm so Ronery

It's hard in North Korea. Therefore, Kim Jong Il bemoans his fate for your amusement and listening pleasure.

"I'm so Ronery."

I'm seriously going crazy here.
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The Girl all the Bad Guys Want

I just need to get this stuff out here. "Girl all the Bad Guys Want" by Bowling for Soup.

Viva la China!

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Damn, I'm Gay.

More Glee. This time, doing Kelly Clarkson's "My Life (Would Suck Without You)." Seriously, love the arraingement here. If this is the 12 people on the show in the show choir, I would eat my hat.

If I had a hat, anyway.

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My Orphan Year

Not really, but sometimes I feel like it is. Alone and here. Wronged, yet not.

So, where the hell is all the equitability? Where is the fairness? Do we see this? Honestly, I don't care. Life ain't fair, life is what it is. Good, bad, indifferent. Amazingly, there are too many experiences that one actually happens upon for fairness to be really adjudicated.

Unless one sits alone on a Saturday night, feeling sorry for oneself. Get out of the house while you can. While there is something to motivate you: Food, culture, air. Else the world will spin, and you will lose.

No one wants to lose. No one has to lose. Freaking go for it.

My parents weren't the best, apparently. I love them. I always will. I learned from them to never give up, to always fight, and to drive the car like it was stolen.

Thanks to them, life will never be boring. Sometimes a stuggle, but never boring.
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I Really Don't Hate Christmas

Doof!


And of course, Weird Al... "The Night Santa Went Crazy." The best Christmas song ever.


Of course, I won't be able to put any more Weird Al, so one more...
"Christmas at Ground Zero."

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Babe

No, not the pig. Styx. Liked this song. Needed.

The TV Show

Ok, this one has been gathering the rounds, but is completely hypnotic. The music is by Manabe Takayuki, for an Animation music video. Serious electronic hardcore, combined with excellent visuals. Takayuki is in a Japanese band named Balzac, who routinely opens for such groups as The Misfits and Agnostic Front. Hip.

Anyway, rock on to the vid. Enjoy your day...

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Need Something Harder...

Yes, thank you all for thinking of the double entendre. Here is Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, with "I Hate Myself for Loving You." Classic, 4 chord song. Good guitars, good drums, lame audience.

This would have been much better at CBGBs.

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An Actual Cool Christmas Song

Sometimes, Christmas songs are good for reminiscing. This one is. Anberlin's "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)." Short and sweet, I always love screaming the Christmas as loud as I can.

Damn, it's cold.

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It's Snowing!

So, we need the Snow Patrol. Here they are with "Hands Open."



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I need someone

..."Someone To Watch over me," by Ella Fitgerald. I'm in a Jazz mood.


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Go? Gos!

So, a friend of mine stated that his sister's band wouldn't amount to poop. After 2 years and a few garage practices later, the Go-Go's were scooping up male groupies like popcorn.

"We Got the Beat."


"Our Lips are Sealed." Obviously not a Tiger Woods song.

What, too soon?

And cuz I want some Huey...

Enjoy!
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Ska, like it should be played

Reel Big Fish's "She's Got a Girlfriend Now." Guest vocals from Save Ferris's Monique Powell.

I love good, fun, quirky videos. I don't need to think. Guess who had MTV as a kid growing up? Love, love, LOVE the trombone work in this song.

No, I wouldn't cut my penis off, for anyone.
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No, not a nowhere man

Out from the archives comes B-Movie's "Nowhere Girl." The tune is one of the fun dance numbers from the 80s, if you were clubbing at the time. Seals be damned.

The piano work in this is fun and light, but gets drowned out by the drum machine and the sound effects of an over-exuberant engineer. Still, a fun song. The intro to the song takes 3 minutes.

The video is a classic video from the 80s. They don't even pretend to be playing or singing, the instruments being used or hit don't match the beat of the song, the singer moves his mouth away from the mic on long notes... and I'm pretty sure that the sax player is there for show. This is one thin black girl away from a Benneton ad.

I miss my Benneton sweaters. Benneton, making the world that much better for young, hip models.
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Were They Really the Beatles Second Coming?

I kinda hoped so, since I really liked the Beatles. There should be another group with that much impact. No, I refuse to believe that such a group is U2. Fuck. Off.

So, here you go, "Don't Look Back In Anger" from Oasis. Yes, obnoxious wankers. Idiots. However, the talent was there, the tunes were great (the album was stupidly good, 3rd best selling UK album of all time), and the live performances had energy and soul.

If you have ever heard this song before, I defy you to sing with it. Impossible. I'll be singing this in my sleep.

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The Least I Could Do...

...Is provide you with what you came for: some somewhat coherent thought on music that I am picking. Well, I will try to do that with the last bit of breath that I have.

Every now and again, you may be in a bar, a library, a reading room, where a song hits your ears, and tugs at your soul. Something that makes you put down your drink, your book, your tea. You close your eyes, and you are transported. An earlier time, the wisp of a hair, the smile long gone. Every now and again, you get that song, that flash, that feeling. Painful, harsh and fleeting, yet somewhat nostalgic; something you wish to continue so you can pin down exactly, where, who when.

Sadly, awesomely, today it's all about a singer, James Morrison. Excellent vocals, great use of the guitar. James Morrison, with "If You Don't Want to Love Me." I had to put down my drink, let my book fall to the floor, and I took off my specs.

I still can't figure it out. I'll enjoy the quandary.
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Rock Your Body!

Cuz, on a Sunday, you just have to. "Rock Your Body," by JT.


Happy Sunday!
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We kinda need Fruitcakes!

From Jimmy Buffett... It sounds much better when 1/2 drunk on margaritas, believe me. "Fruitcakes" from JB!


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A one hit wonder...

You gotta love R&B videos in the 90s. This is Paperboy's "Ditty." Gyrating, exotic, voluptuous femmes, kids wavin thier hands in the air (possibly, like they just don't care), and backward baseball caps.

In any case, this was a fun song. Enjoy on the double Friday!


And since you really can't have double Friday with a one-hit wonder... here is "I Gotta Feeling" from the Black Eyed Peas.

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Starting the Christmas Season off Right

So, Christmas songs are now starting on November 1st. I think that is insane. A friend of mine pointed me to this song, which I agree is the saddest Christmas song ever. Ever. Actually makes me want to commit self-harm, this song does.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you "The Cat Carol." I don't really care who sings this. One octave, sad guitar, depressing lyrics. Happy freaking Thanksgiving, I'm going to go get sloshed.

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Mad Caddies

A little bit of fun ska for the masses... The Mad Caddies with "Drinking for 11." A football team, perhaps? In any case, the horn section is nice and bright, the lyrics are catchy. A great tune.


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Need a bit of the 'Uke!

Here is Train with "Hey, Soul Sister." Good vocals, nice arraingement. Pleasant. Just what I need on a tuesday. Enjoy!


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A Stunning Bout of Insomnia

...Lead to reading of a new TPB. The Umbrella Academy kept me up. I am awake after reading it. Devouring it. Amazing, compelling, yet something about it was somewhat formulaic. Maybe it was the juxtaposition between comic and music, but I could sense what would happen and when... maybe I've read too many comics and books and the plotlines intersect once to often in my head. But I digress...

So today's musical episode is from Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich. I don't know what it is about Russian composers... the use of heavy brass, the penchant for waltzes, the grand, over-the-top movements? Whatever it is, it fit the mood perfectly. I wanted a violin for tonight, this selection seemed to soothe my quest.

Valse No. 2 from Jazz Suite. Perfect, but damnable short. The world needs more of these, yet I'm glad these pieces are so rare. It makes finding them all that much more worthwhile.

Also, Gerard Way, from My Chemical Romance wrote Umbrella. I found that incredibly interesting.
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I Never Knew the Answer to This...

So, anyone out there... what is an "Around the way girl?"

Hopefully LL Cool J will elucidate us.

After watching the video, her dancing makes my head hurt, and the outfit is atrocious. I changed my mind, I don't need to know. Ugh, I need a song about nerdy girls with glasses.
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Obsession!

No, not the fragrance, the song... by the 80's wundergroup, Animotion. This is a classic 80s song, from the teased hair in the video to the awesome drum machine.


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Wow, this was a horrible Request...

I asked for a request. I received "Nitty Gritty Dirt Band."

Wow. I know it's double friday, but I couldn't do it to you. Here's "Fishin' in the Dark."

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Ever feel like Beatrix Kiddo?

If you do, I feel sorry for you. However, I am taking a bit of solace in this. I'm cranking it up. I'm feeling it again.

From the movie Kill Bill 2 comes Ennio Morricone's "Il Mercenario (La Arena)." A little bit of fuck you, tempered with I rule.

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Goin' all Gangsta

Had a completely shit day. Definitely in a "people suck" mood. So, from the Bad Boys II soundtrack, here's Nelly, with "Shake Ya Tailfeather."


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Pressure!

Ok, so I'm awake. I just heard this song earlier, and I thought I would post it. Billy Joel's "Pressure."

I remember cranking this song. Putting it on a cassette, having it blare while trying to throw up serve after serve. Everything fast-paced and loud. Even though now it's kinda poppy and too bright and happy... back then it was edgy enough.

45 minutes a side. I miss cassettes. 2 sides led to a great workout. Carrying around an ipod seems somewhat sad, comparatively. I can put about 3 days worth of music on my phone... not that I'm going to work out any time soon.

That being said, I'm going for a walk. I think I need to stretch my legs. Where the hell is that cassette player? I wonder if I still have batteries.

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Feeling in a Violent Mood...

So, My Chemical Romance's video "Honey, This Mirror isn't Big Enough for the Both of Us" seems appropriate.

About the video, it's created in the same vein from John Armson as Takashi Miike, the same guy who gave us Ichi the Killer and Sukiyaki Western: Django. Over-the-top violence and surreal imagery, with a slight dark comedic edge to it.

Enjoy! Hope this starts your week off well.
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Up the Creek

Wow, I thought I would have to actually rent the movie to hear this song again.

From the 1983 movie "Up The Creek," comes the title song, sung by Cheap Trick.

Yeah, I agree, it was much better as a 14 year old.

Ok, that one kinda blew, here is "Surrender." Much better.

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Wow, what a great Wedding Song.

This is a great wedding song, I'm surprised I don't hear it more.

"I Do," by the J Geil's Band.


And of course, since when you think J. Geils, you think "Centerfold," here it is:

Funny story, I had once sang this on video when I was 18, for a girl I was dating. Yes, sang and danced to this on video. Never saw it again until 30 years later at my wedding. Embarrasing? Hell yes. But damn, I looked good.

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Old Skool!

First off, an oldie, but a goodie. Kinda.

Oran Juice Jones. What an awesome name. "The Rain." Really, it's the Rap at the end that sets this masterwork apart. Maybe it's the guys with the tuxedos and cummerbunds.


"...Now close yo mouth, cuz you cold busted!" Awesome.

Now, this, this is a classic. Grandmaster Flash, kids. "White Lines."


Ok, I feel that I would be remiss if I didn't include the Sugar Hill Gang on this post. The incredible "Rapper's Delight." Holy God, was this excellent.

Werd. Enjoy your Friday.
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A bit of Madness

No, not "Our House." Not even "One Step Beyond."

From the great album The Dangermen Sessions comes today's selection. Madness, with "Taller than you Are."


And, as a surprise second, "Shame and Scandal." Because I love this band.

1 Working Day until the weekend! And from there, it's 2 working days to Monday...
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I Didn't Belong There.

Ok... so in honor of Veteran's Day, this song got me through basic training. Radiohead's "Creep."


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Call of Duty, Modern Warfare ships today.

So... looks like a day off is in order. Suitable, since tomorrow is Veterans day. Hoo-freaking-rah!

Eminem's "Till I Collapse (featuring Nate Dogg)." Was pretty hip in the Trailer for the game, so I thought I would post it.


Red-bull? Check. Panasonic Plasma? Check. 7.1 Cranked? Check. Xbox360 Elite? Check.

Day off? Check.
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Overkill...

It's been a while. Time to bring back the Men. Men at Work, with "Overkill."

Watching the video makes me think back to the times when I would just wander the streets at about 3 or 4 am. Different kind of world. Everything is so muted, yet so colorful. Makes the brightness of the day pretty surreal.

"...Ghosts appear and fade away..."
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Rejects...

Well the All-American Rejects, anyway. "Move Along."


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Almost!

Bowling for Soup, "Almost." Like this video.


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Eve Covers

Cover songs! I totally spaced on this mornings post, so here it is, a bit late.

Eve's Plum -- "If I can't have you"


Eve's Plum -- Save a Prayer

Have a fun weekend!
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Chick Rock!

No, not Grrrl Rock, Chick Rock. Just kidding, don't get your panties in a bunch. Then again...

From the music capital Omaha, Nebraska comes "Mulberry Lane." The harmonics on this band are really tight, not really expected from a pop-ish group. Having a start in 4 part harmonies, this band did pretty well here on the country charts, and great in Japan (#6 on the pop charts).

So, "Harmless," by Mulberry Lane. I really liked it. For Chick Rock, anyway.

Now, about those panties...
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Kink-y!

Aaah, I am so remiss... The Kinks! How could I not have featured the Kinks before now?

The Kinks, "Come Dancin'." It's only natural. I had a sister that loved to dance. I, in fact, love to dance. Hrmm... maybe I ought to look into that.

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I wanted something else tonight...

So, tonight, I saw an excellent moon. Not full, but quite cool. It made me think of the last time I took a look at the heavens with a femme in mind. Pointing out constellations did not endear me to the drill sergeants at hand. I did push ups for a while. Thankfully, this did not inconvenience me in the slightest, due to the basic training provided by the non-country club indoctrination I came into.

Anyway, I pointed out Orion, the Big Dipper, et al. It was cool. I had gotten a smile. A lovely smile from a girl with blue eyes, red hair and freckles. A smile that, to this day, brings the hint of a smile to my face. What are memories, if you can't smile about them, innocently? As everything, I wish her well and bounteous happiness.

So, I wanted "Loving You Tonight," which was a great Squeeze song. However, since this could be about a girl, I'm putting up "Goodbye Girl" instead. Such a great band.

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F me... Why not. "Another Nail in My Heart." A suitable post-script to my lovelife. No, not you, never you, whomever you are.

Modern Love!

Wow, no David Bowie as of yet. How can that be? Probably one of the best androgynous singers of our era, David Bowie personifies the scarily sexy.

Here he is in, you guessed it, "Modern Love."

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My Cat is Ok...

...but she has Hyperthyroid, which means that she'll be taking a pill for the rest of her life. Quite a bummer, but better than the alternative (I still very much love my cat).

So, it's been an eventful week. I need some sleep. I'll leave you with some Squeeze. "Cool for Cats." Appropriate.

Have a fun Sunday.
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No One Lives Forever!

Yes. YES! Love this tune. A Perfect Halloween tune (but really, this should be more of a "Day of the Dead" tribute).

Oingo Biongo - "No One Lives Forever!" Like what they did with the video here.

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One of the scariest Videos, Ever.

Erasure's "Take a Chance on Me."

Seriously, frightening.


Also, since it's Double friday... CAndace and Vanessa from Phineas and Ferb, singing "Busted."

I have to say, Vanessa is cute. Clad in all black, with boots, hourglass figure. I'm a sad individual.
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For my Cat...

I just returned from taking my cat into the Vet. I had to leave her there to run some tests, since she was dehydrated and somewhat listless. She's 13, which is getting up there. I remember when I held her in the palm of my hand, she would crawl up my arm and sleep on my shoulder.

She did that tonight and I almost cried. Some things are worth it.

So, to my cat, my favorite love, Ray Charles and "Georgia on my Mind." Love the keyboard work in this song.

I miss my cat already. Another heart breaks.
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I'm Tired

I need a Vacation. Here are the Go-Go's, with "Vacation." Yeah, that should help.


Wow, just reading that back, I felt like I was Casey Kasem.

Now, onto the countdown.
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PS, -- As a side note, did anyone ever see the "Behind the Music" episode with the Go-Go's? I would have killed to have been Jane Wiedlin's Groupie Boy Toy for a few hours.

Gamblin Man...

So, there I was, on the bubble, with pocket 10s, small blind. With only about 2Ms to go, this is where I choose to make my stand. Button, who I have covered, shoves. I shove, big blind shoves. I face QQ and KK, respectively. No cards help, and I go home.

Crap, crap, crap. Therefore, the song today is pretty apt. Kenny Roger's, "The Gambler."

At least I didn't die with Queens. Somehow, that would have sucked worse.
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Monday Standards. Cause you gotta have standards.

"...You took the part that was once my heart,
so why not take all of me?..."

A great song, sung by a great woman. An excellent start for a Monday.

Billie Holiday, "All of Me"

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Sunday Morning Music

Yet another punk song that my little girl liked... I think I may be in trouble down the road. What is she going to use to rebel? Easy Listening?

Dropkick Murphys, "The Fields of Athenry."

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Gavin Degraw

I heard this and loved it. Cranked it hard. Gavin Degraw's "In Love with a Girl." I may have to karaoke this. Would be fun.


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Petra Haden

You may be aware of her music, arraigned acapella...

:Don't Stop Believin"


And the Toyota commercial, "Let the Love Flow."

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Stuck in the Backwater

Meat Puppets, with thier tune "Backwater." Raw guitar, simple vocals. Something about it makes it a pretty cool song.


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Day after today...

"Add it Up," by the Violent Femmes. Probably one of the better 80s songs to mosh to. The last band I saw in concert before I went into the Military. Good choice on concert, bad choice on occupation.

C'est la vie. Have a listen.

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Bowling... with Skinheads?

Continuing in a New Wave vein... Camper van Beethoven's "Take the Skinheads Bowling." Love the guitar work, the harmonics and the overall happy feel about a really bizarre outing.

Take them bowling!

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Silence!

Depeche Mode... "Enjoy the Silence." I could use a day off from the world right about now. A bookstore that sells booze would be even better.

Hmmm... Methinks I have a grand idea. A goal, perhaps.

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I found this one interesting...

Great song by Nada Surf. "Popular." I like the discordant guitar at the beginning, the fervent verses, the cynical, arrogant chorus. This would have been excellent in High School. Well, my high school, anyway. As it is now, I'm pretty sure that I could be a very amused and satisfied introvert.


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Saturday Hair Rock...

Whitesnake's, "Here I go Again." For the butt-rocker in you. Because every once in a while, ya gotta post the "I-can't-believe-I-thought-this-was-good" song.


Have a great weekend.
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Go out and Party tonight...

Robbie Williams "Rock DJ." Cuz it may be fun to go dancing tonight.


It's time to move yo boday.

And, since it's double Friday... straight from teh Internetz... Weebl's "Shut Up Woman Get on My Horse." Not terribly kid safe, but awesome.

Enjoy!
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Does My Little Girl Like Punk Rock?

Arguably the best name for a band... The Care Bears on Fire sing "Everybody Else." Great for a burgeoning punk band, the vocals are like nails on a chalkboard.

I hope they get there. If I have to listen to this for the next 15 years, I swear everything I'm going to play will be Barry Manilow.

-om
PS... "Anne Boleyn... On Fire!"

A Quick One...

Sadly, I tend to always smile at Smiths songs. I'm not sure why, but too many of these tunes are wry, quirky and so demoralizing that I can't help it.

The Smiths, "Girlfriend in a Coma."

Enjoy.
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Stephanie Nilles

A fun little live coffee house song from up and coming artist Stephanie Nilles. The song is cute, and the performer is particularly talented. Quite amazing really. I'll let you judge.

Stephanie Nilles, "Kool Aid Stand."


One more, since this is my favorite song from her... "A Great Notion." Beautiful and Haunting. I could play this over and over in a dark room, with a glass of scotch, and introspect.

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Old Antone's

This was one of the better songs on the Small World album from Huey Lewis and the News. A song about a bar, with a swing beat. A fun song for a Monday morning.

Huey Lewis and the News -- "Old Antone's"

"...Just another Friday Night." I wish.
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More Swing?

Actually, I think this is from the movie Swing Kids, but its still attributed to Benny Goodman. The original remaster on YouTube kinda blows, so I'm just sticking with this one.

This one really gives the heft of the horns to the listener. Makes me want to dance. Excuse me.

"Sing, Sing, Sing, With a Swing."

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Duke! DUUUUKE...

Classic Swing. Because it don't mean a thing. I had something else in mind, but I just heard this tune in a little bar earlier. Great tune, excellent composition. I wish more of these were around, the world may be a better place.

Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing."

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Me Too? U2!

Well, I'm not the worlds biggest U2 fan, but there is no denying their popularity. So, I keep getting pings as to putting some of their tunes here.

U2- "All I want is You" from Rattle and Hum. Excellent album.


And the first U2 song I ever heard... "Pride (in the name of love)"


And you know, the post wouldn't wouldn't be complete without this...
"Sunday, Bloody Sunday"

Peace.
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Instead

Madeleine Peyroux's "Instead." Sounded like a beautiful Billie Holiday song. Turned my head at the first listen. It may do the same to you.


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Roller Coaster!

Of Love... Say what?!?

America in 1996. A simpler time. MTV still showed a video or two, Britney was still a mouseketeer, Clinton had not yet used the Oval Office as a Poon Palace (or did he?).

America still had personality. Premier in the popular zeitgeist was the immortal personalities, Beavis and Butthead. At times, I really think that these two imbeciles correctly describe the mentality of America. Sadly, more often than not.

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Where Does the Sun Always Shine?

Apparently, "The Sun Always Shines on TV." A-Ha. I love the completely engineered sound... even the vocals were really tampered with. Seeing this band live, you really understood why some bands are great "studio" bands.

Of the album Hunting High and Low. Fun 80's band, hair akimbo. Enjoy the blast from the past.

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Good Old '80s Rock

Asia. Yup, but not one of the vids from the self-titled album, this is from Asia's Alpha release. A little more technically adept, stretching their own boundaries, but not by much. Asia goes full-hog in the Astra release, really disorienting their fan base...

But "The Smile has Left Your Eyes" is a great song from this album. Melancholy and striking, everything a power ballad should be. Glad I found the video.

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Bottles of Red and White...

...Well, I did eat Italian last night, and both bottles of Red and White were consumed. So, it reminded me of this song.

Billy Joel's "Scene from an Italian Restaurant." Great song.

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Before a Heart of Glass

Was "Once I Had a Love" by Blondie . I know, it sounds exactly the same, just the lyrics are slightly off. However, I always enjoyed songs that referred to love as a "pain in the ass."

Aint it though? "Once I had a Love." Most excellent.

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The King! Really?

Rounding out our final day at Musical Theatre is the King himself, Elvis Presley.. singing about one of my favorite places.

"Viva Las Vegas," from the movie of the same name. Thankfully, they let him sing everything.

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Gene and Jerry and Stewie

The incredible Gene Kelly and Jerry Mouse... and Stewie Griffin. The family guy piece was an excellent homage to Gene and Jerry's number. A great Thursday edition.


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Make 'Em Laugh!

Continuing the theme of great musical numbers.... comes one of the most amazing performances on film. Donald O'Connor's solo in Singing in the Rain, "Make 'Em Laugh."

Not much can be said to make this better, so enjoy!

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Didn't Sinatra Sing This?

"Seriously, didn't Sinatra sing this song first?" This is usually what I hear when I collect on one of the most lucrative bar bets I make. Marlon Brando sang this song in Guys and Dolls. Not Sinatra, who later made it much more famous.

Marlon Brando sings "Luck be a Lady." Great song, fabulous use of the greek chorus.

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An Older Musical

Musicals. It used to be so much fun to escape to a nice Musical. Back when many actors had to be a triple threat -- acting, singing and dancing. Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelley, even Marlon Brando was a threat (see tomorrow)...

But today, we are seeing Danny Kaye in The Court Jester. One of the greatest musicals from the 50s.

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A bit of late sunday DJ action...

A remix of OMD's "Enola Gay." As far as remixes go, this one doesn't suck.



And of course, the original...

Have an excellent Sunday.
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Sadness Turns Into Happiness...

...but I feel I need a road trip. Something to clear the mind and the soul. A constant speed of over 100, the cars whipping by, the trees blurring in the wind. Horizon rushing toward my being, steering wheel one with my form.

I'd drive back for my daughter's smile. That's about it.

Blonde Redhead's "23."

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Dichotomy, by Lily Allen

Lily Allen's "LDN."


...and then, "Fuck You (very much)."

In quite the supercilious mood. GD Robert Brown novel. I'm not sleeping, and I'm not enjoying it.

To those friends that are in it for themselves, for those that really don't try to understand that you are doing what you believe to be in their best interest...

Fuck you.

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Shout!

Otis Day and the Knights! Well, not really, but it's from one of the greatest movies of all time, Animal House. More a documentary than an actual movie...



And as a special treat... MXPX doing "Shout!" as well.

"Wait til Otis sees us. He loves us!"
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More Brit-Pop Mashup Chaos

Yaz's "Only You" remixed. I really don't know if I like it or not. I like the BPM, but not necessarily the real saccharine feel.

Oh wait. Yes, I hate it. It ends way too abruptly. Bastard.

Oh well, they can't all be home runs.
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Am I Imagining This?!?

The Imagined Village (with guest singer Billy Bragg) perform "Hard Times of Old England." Gotta love good old folk songs, especially when redone with a new sound.

I almost feel like I am back in the pub.

Enjoy!
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Beautiful Girls!

Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls." Because every now and then they show up.

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