So Lonely

I heard this song while driving today on a random channel.  I miss this sound.

The Police, with So Lonely. 

Also, I respect Sting for wanting to branch out musically, but I have to admit that his older stuff was great.  I don't want to be "that guy," but there you are.
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New places are good...

... but sometimes, new videos aren't.  This one was confusing and really, really backwards.  With the vocals, I expected The Smiths, or at the lower end, The Cure.  With the name of the band, I expected somewhere close to pop punk, or else, rockabilly.  I was shut out on all expectations.

It's not to say I didn't like it.  I actually liked the sound.  The video was confusing and offputing as shit.  I'd rather think that this was a fan-fiction video than something that the band actually paid for:  This seriously killed the vision and the import of the lyrics.  Possibly, there may be something out of pentecostal imagery can be gleaned from scuba gear I may be missing, but I don't think so. 

Anyway, this was fun.  Surfer Blood, with  Demon Dance.  Just don't watch the video.  Guh.
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Wow this video was really interesting

Actually, not a lot of words here.  This video was fun.  Standard pop riffs, its going to do well.

Phoenix, with Entertainment.  The eastern influences tie in nicely with both the song and the video.  I think you will enjoy this. 

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Harlem (and not the Shake)

This is new.  Of course, searching for "Harlem" brings up umpteen "Harlem Shake" parodies, which can go hang.

New Politics, with Harlem. Turn it up, and shake it like a black girl.  Remember, if it's too loud, you are too old.

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Nothin' but Mammals

Ok, I was going to take this a whole week with classic tunes, but I needed something a bit livelier for Friday.  Bloodhound Gang!

Off the excellently titled 2000 album "Hooray for Boobies," comes (hehehe) The Bad Touch.  Watching the video is a surreal mix of crazy (monkey rat costumes, dwarves) and cultural (Champs de Mars in the background).   The unrated version somewhat goes overboard, and that's just watching the video.  One somewhat forgets the lyrics in going on due to the fast pace of the vocals, and ervy now and then snippets are heard that make you question your aural cognition.  Not safe for kids, but it's pretty fun.

Finally, on a really random note:  They mention watching the X-Files here.  Are David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson still dating?   Enquiring Minds want to know!
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Laura?

Well, this song hit me today somewhere from out of the blue.  Every memory to this song comes with a Vaseline-smeared wash.  That could be the minds eye, or the crappy hair gels we wore in the 80s.  I attribute the schmaltzy stuff of the 80s to Christopher Cross.  Yeah, now you get me.

Think of Laura hyped up the best of the General Hospital watching craziness that was coming home from school in the 80s.  It didn't matter who you were, you heard about "Luke and Laura," and all the BS that came with it.  Every girl at school talked about this, every guy was forced to nod and smile. 






Kids today have it so easy.

In any case, here it is.  It's not that bad, I could have put Sailing on here.  At least now it's out of my head, and into yours.

Is it too late to search for a Skrillex Dubstep Christopher Cross mashup?
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(Ed note -- I cannot believe what I just found.  Internet, you do not fail to impress me.)

Oh, I Should Have Played This on Monday

This... this was the first song I ever learned how to play on the drums.  Not because it was particularly difficult or easy.  I listened to this every day for about three months, and my dad was sick of watching me destroy his ottoman with pencils.  Such a fun, 70's rock song.  And so short?  Short.

Foreigner, with Long Long Way from Home.  I think that, outside of the hard, charging guitar and the aforementioned drums, the last power chord that ends the song is absolutely epic.

Foreigner.  A great band with 10 (or so) great songs.  Do you need any more?  I think not.
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Such a Fine Girl

Doo dut dut do do do, doo dut dut do do do!

Sticking with a classic form, we have pulled Looking Glass' Brandi (You're a Fine Girl).  Classic funky rock from the 70s.  Great horn section helps bring this song together, as does the vocal harmonies. 

However, it's the lyrics that are the standout here.  All about a great girl.  Such a fine girl. Sadly enough, its tops the second list of top ten stripper names (ed note: number 11, then Einstein).  Still, quite a fine girl, and a great song.
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Foggy Notion

Well, it's April and 30 degrees outside.  Amazing.  Summer in San Francisco.  Well then, maybe a song that takes me back there.

In the 60s/70s, there was a manufactured band, the Velvet Underground, pushed by Andy Warhol, noted painter and hipster of the day.  Fun stuff, and I believe I have had them on here before.  This is a song about one of my favorite bars:  Foggy Notion.

Stay cool, cats.
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Sunday Hangover music

Ugh.  Poker and Old Fashioneds (with the awesome Cherry).  Can't see, but can smile.

This song is the fastest slow song I would love to dance to.  You will understand when you hear it, or if you have ever been to San Francisco (or, sadly enough, if you are in love with love(or the idea of)).

Great tune, fun band.  Can't wait to see more, and catch them live.
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PS -- Great things about the video:  One Shot, Recognized the street in CA, Looked to be inexpensive and fun.  Very awesome.

Double Classic Saturday

I really need to think of a better opener than "So."

In today's contribution, we go back to the '80s.  I promise to go back further tomorrow, but join me today in skinny ties and jackets from International Male.  Today's artist got really popular play from MTV, as did everyone back then. 

This first bit, however, was at the latter end of the video era, and due to the composition, didn't have a video created for it.  The medium was starting to meld between harder rock and rap, and Dolby probably would have been featured either during the wee hours of the morning, or rarely.  Therefore it was a good decision not to make a video of this, but I would have loved to have seen it. 

Thomas Dolby's My Brain is Like a Sieve, from the excellent 1988 "Aliens Ate My Buick" album.

The second song on the post today Hyperactive, did have a video, coming out in 1984, as a follow up to his highly popular "She Blinded Me With Science" song in 1982.  While really fun, not necessarily as well received as the first song (and album), and as such, he wouldn't chart again in the states.  However, he still has a great fan following, and is a real treat to see live.  The venues are smaller, but at least the drinks are usually better.

 Happy Saturday, Kids!  Going to workout and play.
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50 ways...

... To Leave Your Lover?  To get to Montreal?  No, Train's 50 Ways to Say Goodbye.  Complete with Mariachi and the Hoff.

I have to listen to more Mariachi.  This video is great.  I like the fun videos, not the random band/director bullshit.  There is so much cost in creating a video like this, though. I love all the cameos.  As to the music, it may be bubblegum, but it's somewhat complex.  Layered.  Well produced.

Finally, look close.  Who shops in a supermarket in 4 inch stilettos?  And where is that supermarket?  I bet LA.  I'm missing everything.
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Thursday -- I had nothing for this

Yeah yeah, missed Thursday.  So, I'm placing a small one that was pretty funny.  Not safe for kids.

Tenacious D with Fuck Her Gently.  The video short this is shot from is great, but I couldn't get it to load (that's what she said -- hehe).

This goes out to the Sorority Chair whose sisters are BORING.  You know who you are.
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The Dark Side

Ok so, I can do a lot with this.  So, I will do this one.   I won't "Glee" you.

Today, a lot of success of musical talent these days depends on music videos, and the reception thereof.  That is total BS.  Most videos are derivative expressions of myopic directors looking toward their next big thing.  Nothing like a Scorsese, Kubrick or a Parks, all true autures in the craft.

However, this is just a video or Kelly Clarkson's MY Dark Side.  Nothing like a Spike Jonze, pointer.  Nothing to where this could lead.  This is just a song that captured 16M on YouTube.  Not even a grumpy cat.  I wonder what these four could do with a grumpy cat...
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Fall on Me.

Yeah, I was going to go slow with this group, but I thought I would give you thegiggly background around it..

Back in the 90s, Tijuana used to be a really fun thing., Apparently not a crazy thing it is now.   One didn't have to worry about a specific day to track in (versus now, Friday or Saturday only, gringos), or a specific area (Revelucion, only).. sad.

Anyway, I got to see some amazing bands.   However, the one band I didn't see is highlighted in this release. This made made me visit Georgia, and have an excuse to join the military and fuck more Southern Gals.   Thanks to Vic, and R.E.M.! (for Fall on Me)

 Well, seriously, what kind of a bastard would I be without this?
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Taking it easy today...

... because, however fast one can run on an elliptical machine, running the same way on the actual ground is a different feat.  Needless to say, I didn't hit my time.  Ugh.  Fun none the less!

So of course I am taking it easy today, and taking it back to relaxing times.  Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark queued up with So In Love.  Classic 80's alt rock.  I remember this video... I think I had that haircut.

Enjoy kids!  I'm off to take a nap.
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Sunday Morning Mashups

Sunday Morning should be about scones and lazy news reading.  Maybe a bit of soft jazz playing.  However, this Sunday I will be in a 5k, trying to beat a personal best set 20 years ago.  Little chance of that, but ya gotta have goals.  Therefore, the music should be a little harder.

So, browsing on the interwebz, I found a couple of awesome, awesome videos.  First up is Jack Conte, who does a remix of Daft Punk and Skrillex.  Enough to get the blood going.  The tune is great, but the cut of the video is seriously impressive.  Truly an artist.  I'd try and make the show, but work is going to get crazy right around then.  I may fly down to SF for that night and fly back.  No hotel.  It can be done...

Next up was impressive in another way.  The music is Higher by Mark Rosas.  However, what was incredibly impressive was the dancer in this video, Marquese Scott.  I don't think I could do this via video editing, much less via a live performance.  This was a great demonstration of freestyle.  The music was good, and will be added to the running track.  Seriously, I have watched this twice now, trying to replicate some of the moves.  Great stuff.

Ok kids, stay warm and dry.  20 minutes, here I come.
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Saturday Reminiscing...

I was working out recently, watching a TV show "Go On."  It's an amusing situational sitcom with heart, and quirky storylines, so it keeps me occupied while on the treadmill.  However, they did a Sixteen Candles reference that was great, so I had to get the tune.

Remember when you saw Samantha (Molly Ringwald) first see Jake (Michael Schoeffling) after the wedding?  As he is leaning up against his apple red 944, the song played over the scene is If You Were Here by The Thompson Twins.  The "Yeah, You" line always made me smile.  That, and the insane Gedde Watanabe character "Long Duk Dong."  Oh 80s.  I'm glad I lived through you.  Skinny ties and all.

Of course, today a 944 is a laughable car, and Jake would have a crisis of popularity now.  The remake of 21 Jump Street taught us this.  Hmmm.  Happy Saturday.  I'm off to create a John Hughes Retrospective.
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At a Crossroads of Sorts

Well, musically.  What to do tonight?  I have a few, but I had to get that horrible taste out of my mouth.  I guess I'll use this early morning opportunity to queue up the weekend.

Today on HuffPo, there was a video of some dude syncing a Gollum Voice to Taylor Swift's Trouble.  While I understand the overexposure h8rade that is going on for Taylor, she does write catchy bubblegum.  What assailed my ears with this was horrendous, however, since Gollum does not have what you would call a "singing voice."  Unless he were paired with Rob, or Fab.

Of course, I watched it.  For I have introduced my daughter to LOTR, and she loves Gollum.  Damn me for a fool.  And of course, I couldn't get the actual TS song out of my head.  So, what do I do?  Foist this onto you, of course.  But not the crappy version, and not the TS version... one much, much greater.

Walk Off The Earth is a vocal group that sings covers of popular songs.  KRNFX is an incredibly amazing Korean Sound effect/Beat Box artist.  Put them together, add a dash of Trouble, and you get Magic.

Just Wow.  Fun stuff.  Hope you like it!  Happy Friday.
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Wow, I seriously don't know what I am now doing.

Ok, updating this without use of sound for YouTube is a little strange.  Like Hearsay.  Actually, even worse, since I'm a touch inebriated.  Hence the fun.

So. I'm not going to submit you the effluvia that is the latest Lewis Black album. I figure you could find that out for yourselves by now.  I will, however, let you onto a persona; secret:  I still watch SNL.

Why?  SNL had some of the great music bits of all time.  Sabotage by the Beastie Boys, only to be morphed into Radio, Radio by Elvis Costello, harkening back to the same sabotage Elvis did 25 years prior?  Awesome.

So most of you know that I watch live (recorded) TV.  Hence I can deem that fun is better suited to the studio (Cobert and SNL); sorry, only given the context and the data. If you have otherwise, let me know.

Ok, so fuck it. A large scale video. Jake Coco, et al.  Fine by me.  Still a good song.  Even with the AutoTuen.
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It could have been worse...

You will find out why in a bit.

Ok, I had an acapella version of this song, but I thought that I should actually find the original.  However, I stumbled across a pop-punk version of this song.  It was pretty bad.  Surprisingly so.  So, then I looked for the original tune.  I forgot that the tune was smack dab in the late 80s.  As the cheesiness of the opening chords came through, I came back to this one.

New Found Glory (remember them?) with King of Wishful Thinking.  Color me unimpressed.  I still like the acapella version better.

But of course, I can't let you go without the comparison.  Here is Go West, with it as well.  Enjoy the sweet "Pretty Woman" montage.  Wow.  Drum machines.  Electric Synths.  Hector Elizondo!

Hahahaha.  This made my morning.  Cheers.
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Found song!

Well, I found it a while ago, but it still bears repeating.

Many don't understand the amazing appeal that Xanadu has.  Seriously, that movie was pretty horrible.  The actors themselves were saying that it was difficult, due to the fact that things were being made up as shooting occurred.  Not line-for-line, but complete rewrites.  Excellent.  That makes sense.  However, what was just absolutely amazing was the music.  From the guest shots of The Tubes, to the Gene Kelly tunes, and of course Olivia and ELO.

However, one tune that was in the movie that one couldn't find (unless you found a b-side copy of Suddenly), was You Made Me Love You, the vocal standard right before the John/Kelly Whenever You're Away From Me number.  Thanks to YouTube, we have it here.

So much fun.  I may watch it again.  Laughable.
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Oh, Monday Morning Pop. Disney Style!

Yeah, so I like some pop songs.  Really bright, bubblegum pop, for some reason.  Well, funny thing, I heard this tune when I was in LA a little bit ago.  Perfect.  Went with the convertible, the Vans, the beach and the overheard white people problems.  Man, I miss So Cal.

In any case, here is Demi Lovato.  Part of the Disney scene, but actually a great singer.  The video is fun and upbeat, highlighting her vocal range and enthusiasm.  She went through a rough patch a few years ago, but is preparing a new album release.  Here is to hoping she comes back to the promise she shows here.

Demi Lovato with Lala Land.  Enjoy the Sunshine and Bubblegum, kids.
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Once a King Always a King, Once a Knight is Enough...

...Drrr, dum, bum, bum!

Yes, thank you thank you, stupid Sunday jokes. :)

Ok, back to the music.  Muse was just featured recently, but that was one of the newer tunes.  I wanted to bring up one of their older bits, Knights of Cydonia.  I was told that I didn't offer appropriate contrast to make the distinction between the older stuff and the new.

The distinction?  The older stuff is raw and a little angrier.  Fun.  Keeps the gas pedal down.  Just what we need on a Sunday morning, if not for all the bloody rain.  That's the difference.
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Favorite...

So, in the way back machine, I pull a Liz Phair song.  I miss the raw guitar simple lyrics.  She had so many pop-friendly songs that I'm still kind of amazed that she didn't get the exposure that I thought she would.  Of course, they were spread out across a few albums, but still.  Great stuff.

Here is Favorite, off her self titled album.

Saturday.  Is this Saturday?
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Did I already do a Brass band?

Yeah, since I missed today, I'm going to do it again.  Pays to come back to see the fun.

Brass bands.  I have shown them a time or two on this site.  Of course, America doesn't go in much for the brass band, so you have to either travel to Europe, or to YouTube.  Or luck out hearing one somewhere random, have the presence of mind to have Shazam handy, and pray that Shazam can match up the tune.

Enough of that. Here is the Broken Brass Ensemble with a fun Friday tune.

Thrift Shop, yes the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis tune.

Happy Friday. :)
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853-5937?

Probably the second greatest of the phone number related songs.  If not for Tommy Tutone, this may have been the greatest (and possibly for the fact that Squeeze was such an underrated band here in the states, but that is another conversation for another day).

Oh Angela, I bet you aren't even answering your texts.  What were you doing in the 80s?  Why wasn't this song on the comeback squeeze re-recording album?  Who made liquid soap and why?  So many questions...

Enjoy your Thursday, kids!  More day until the weekend.
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Miserable. :)

Out of sorts tonight...  Way tired, and actually, I may be staying up too late and not getting enough sleep.  So quick one.

From 2009.  Lit.  Miserable.  While sounds a little sad, the wordplay on this song is a bit of a giggle.  One could use a bit of a giggle every now and then. 

Too Close...

Ok, I'm not an American Idol or The Voice type of guy, but I can still appreciate both good performances and good performers.  This was a mix of both for someone that didn't end up winning, but came somewhat close.

Hearing the studio version was much, much cleaner.  I wonder why? :)  She did a very, very good job on the show, but during the performance, flubbed a little and went flat.  The studio track is spectacular, however.  Much, much better than Fun., live, however. 

Fun. was completely miserable to hear outside of a studio.  While I have no doubt they are talented, and can put together good songs, a studio is their strength.  Melanie Martinez showed that she has the chops and the talent to go far, especially here in her cover of Alex Clare's Too Close.  Keep an eye on this one, mark my words.
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April Fools!

What to play on April Fools Day?  Who to play?  Well there is the obvious choice, and there is not.

So, let's go with both.  This almost makes the requirements.  It's from a comedy show, but it does feature Tom Jones.  What's New Pussycat?  Whoa whoa whoah...  This is the Salt and Pepper Diner by John Mulaney.  I love this bit.  Remember kids, 7 is the magic number.

And of course, the Obvious Choice:  Weird Al, and One More Minute.  One of his best.  I think this may be the first Weird Al song I loved.  Was I going through a breakup at the time?  When wasn't I?  This is telling...

And I couldn't resist this one I just stumbled across:  You Don't Love me Anymore.  An acoustic set from NPR.  Excellent stuff.

Gotta run kids.  Too many urinals, not enough saran wrap.  Look before you pee!
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