Time for a Classic...

Ok, if you have actually ever been to Lodi, this song will speak to you.  I can't think of a place that was a lot like it's song, when a song was as (sad?  morose?  regretful?) as this.  A lot of people admire it's beautiful wine fields... I just thought the place was bloody boring.  That, and I'm not a fan of Zin.

CCR.  Creedence.  With Lodi. 
-om

A Long Form Mode

For those of you with awesome vinyl collections (or, OCD), you may actually have or remember this 80's dance hit.  This was a great remix of Depeche Mode's Behind the Wheel and Route 66.   This was one of my favorite "Megamixes."  Of course, all was simpler in the days before mashups.

Speaking of which... about once a month, when I was a teenager, I used to go to the Swap Meet to look for new music.  There was a dude that mixed these insane tapes that were just absolutely incredible.  Sick bass hooks added to popular songs, mashups before they were mashups.  Totally bootleg as well, which is probably why he didn't last too long (about 6 months or so).  However, I hope that person is doing well.  I think my appreciation for the form can be attributed to that one stall, on those few days, with the tons of tapes I bought from him.  Good times.

Good to reminisce.   Back to the grind.  Enjoy, kids!
-om

Not Safe for Work

So, I think I will bury this r-rated raver piece here.  Autoerotique's Asphyxiation.  Sounds great.  Video is a little over the top. 

Did that really need explanation?
-om

Happy Weekend!

Aaah, a great old song.  I actually mentioned it years ago, but never gave an example.  This is from the great Synth-pop band The Art of Noise.  In the late 80s, Paranoimia was a tune/video/tv show featuring Max Headroom, a CGI-created talk show host (Coca Cola hawker, among other things) and all around great guy to have around.  I heard it yesterday while coming into work, and totally needed to have another listen

A lot has changed since the 80s.  Synth pop is still around, and our CGI is much better.  Coke still sucks, through.
-om

Fast Six? Who watches that thing?

Well, I for one would.  It's amazingly right up my alley.  Fast cars, great looking women, impossible plots (with amazing holes) and fun music.  With that being said, I saw the first one, didn't see two, loved 3, kinda watched the end of 4 (only because there was an STi in it), and never saw 5.  So, that's not really 100%.  Sad from a guy who has actually seen the whole Mummy trilogy+ more than 2 times each.

This tune is from Don Omar, titled Danza Kuduro, which is, essentially "Kuduro Dance."  Kuduro is a fast, Angolan Beat, mixed with Latin rhythms.  The product of which can be a party starter.  This particular tune was featured at the end of Fast 5 (again, still amazed I haven't seen that one), which was outlandish to the core, and set in Brazil.

Ok, now I know what I am watching today.  Today you need to listen to this.  Additionally, try and experience some Kuduro for yourselves.  Get out and dance!
-om

 

The Great Gatsby

Thanks Baz Lhurmann!  After seeing TGG, I finally understand the motivation behind Jason Priestly's performance in 90210.

In all actuality, The Great Gatsby was beautiful and visually spectacular.  As far as a movie goes, I couldn't get into it, due to bookish cynicism.  My vision was not Lhurmann's, or the actors.  The music was out of place for the time.  It would have been like watching Star Trek to a Phineas and Ferb soundtrack.  Hmm... time to Bing that one up.

That all being said, a great takeaway from this movie was Lana Del Rey's song Young and Beautiful.  It's petulant and shallow and emo... and totally within my whole Gatsby Experience.  I loved it.  It fit.

Anyway, go see the movie.  It was interesting.  As interesting as the book, but for very different reasons.
-om

An Interesting New Sound From Across the Pond

Shades of The Smiths, Squeeze, and a bit of Gregorian chants thrown into the mix.  Heard it this morning on Satellite Radio (Alt Nation) on the way to the workout.

Speaking of the workout, I got to the Gym this morning 5 minutes late, so the whole routine was thrown off.  Once I finished my floor work, I went over to the treadmill to see some new random person using my treadmill.  The same one I have been using for about 2 years now, at the same time every other morning.  So what did I do?  I took the one next to him and ran faster and longer.  I think I have a problem with competitiveness. 

Anyway here it is: Bastille, with Pompeii.  Give it a listen.  I really dig the minor key chanting.
-om

Together...

Take a listen to this one.  Andrew McMahon has given an acoustic version of his tune Synesthesia.  This type of tune makes me want to play the piano more. 

I had a ton of nightmares tonight.  I am having nightmares recently.  Coupling that with the lack of music coming out is a little scary.  Expand on it with the current state of the world and the pressures of a dad with a little girl... I'm somewhat amazed I haven't had some sort of breakdown, or at least a bit of a drinking binge.  The realization of it all is somewhat overwhelming.

This tune is a perfect song for today.  Definitely something I needed.  It takes me back to younger days, not that I'd want to go back to them, but just the general trope that went along with it.  Before everything got faster, urgent, immediate, and attached to the bloody phone.

Try not to stress.  Try to relax.  Listen to the song again.
-om

Monday Morning Dubstep

Let's see, I missed Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  I am totally slipping here.  Sadly, not only am I busy, there isn't anything of late that is fun, and I seem to have lost my voice.  Oh well, i think sometime it will find me again.

This song has to be the most relaxing Skrillex Dubstep tune I have come across to date.  I'm pretty sure I could listen to this in the background for hours.  This is Summit (feat Ellie Goulding), and incredibly relaxing. 

Summer is coming, and with summer, the summer shows.  I have one or two lined up, but of course that does depend on my awesome work schedule (packed with timelines and impossible deliverables).  Lets see if I can see anything on my list.
-om

And here is where I alienate all my readership...

...with this song selection.  For those of you with excellent music palates, you will remember the fun, angsty group that is The Smiths.  The body of work compiled by this group shouldn't be messed with.

Until a few years ago, that is.  A Russian pop group named t.A.T.u. covered How Soon is Now?  It's everything that you have to hate in a perfectly saccharine send up of a great song.  Annoying voices?  Check.  Musically Proficient?  Check.  Two girls with a made up, lesbian relation ship?  Che-  wait, what?

Yes, this group (and much of their pop success) was built on the sexual innuendo of jailbait lesbianism, paraded onstage with really simplistic songs.  The video is one long sad example of that.  Hell, I'm more of a lesbian than they are, since I'll actually kiss a girl.  Any one.  Any takers?

Can't blame me for trying.
-om

So Blue

Iron Man 3 started off with this tune.  For those of you in nightclubs in the late 90s, you may recognize this song.  It starts out really fun, but sadly, the vocals really drag this song down to the depths of unlistenable (except for the really catchy chorus).

You know, I have never seen this video before.  It isn't good.  What am I doing to you, dear reader?  Outside from putting a catchy hook into your head, not really much of anything.  Welcome back to the late 90s for music.
-om

Sadness

I always get sad when I see something that references something in my youth celebrating an anniversary.  Of course, this week, R.E.M.'s "Green" turns 25.  So, yeah, I'm old.  I recall going to this concert with a buddy and a friend of his (whom I will always remember as "perky high beams"), parking next to the stadium in the Tower Records parking lot (now gone, of course), and having a great time.  This was back before big, grand epic concert performances (see: U2) that were more spectacle than music.  This was cool, loud and fun.

In any case, one of the more fond memories I had was when they played Stand.  We got up on our chairs and did that stupid dance from the video.  It's not something I would do now, I'm too cool for that (or, I may fall now and break a hip).  Not for anything in particular, but that was a turning point for my concert going experiences.  Loud and with friends is usually better.  That was one of the better concerts.

In any case, I ramble.  Here's Stand.  Now face north.

Enjoy the Tuesday, Kids!
-om

Daft Punk Leaked?

Well, you can get it on iTunes streamed.  It's all over BT.  I'm going to wait until the actual release to purchase it, but I am already listening to the album (legally).

Of course, you shouldn't download this, but if it's live and streaming, by all means, give it a listen.
Random Access Memories by Daft Punk.  It's hip and cool.  I can see this as a driving mix.

Enjoy quickly!  This may not be on YT long.
-om

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day, to all of you mothers out there.  That is a tough job, let me tell you.  I'm always amused at the Mother's Day/Father's day disparity that was shown in my household growing up.  My Mom liked us near, got a nice dinner and things, and was generally treated well (as well as kids can treat their mom).  My Dad loved to be left alone. I veer toward the latter, preferably with a nice  scotch.

There aren't really very many great mom songs from my youth, however.  Pink Floyd does have a standout mother song... but its more snarky and cruel than I think should be shown today.  However, this year Natalie Maines covered the song quite well, and it really gives a much more interesting voice to David Gilmour's interpretation.

Plus, you know, New Music and all.  Natalie Maines with Mother. Don't let her break your balls.
-om

Where did I go?

You know, when I went on vacation, I didn't forsee all my work not popping up.  However, losing a power cord on vacation will do that to you.  So, after finally finding one yesterday, I can post todays and tomorrows, then fill in the gaps when I can.

Toby Keith is a great entertainer.  I know that his political views have gotten him into some hot water with his main demographic, but it shouldn't matter.  He makes fun music wherein the dog rarely dies.

Well, since I am in Texas, this is pretty fitting.  Toby Keith's, As Good As I Once Was. I think I drank next to that gent in the hat.  Which one?  They all have hats here.  I almost bought one.  It's still early.
-om

Running for Cover

This is a great song to start the week with.  Ivan and Alyosha's Running for Cover.  Nice and relaxing, great melody.  Something about this reminds me of older R.E.M.... it could be the video.

A cool Seattle band, currently doing the rounds.  If you get a chance, go out and see them.  The music is folksy, alternative and hip, and the crowd tends to the more interesting, relaxed crowd.  The latest Album "All the Times We Had" is a good follow up effort to their EP pushes over the last few years.

Anyway, Happy Monday! 
-om

Never Change, Be Yourself, Live Your Life

As a society we need more introspection and self awareness, and less nosing into other people's business.  If you aren't hurting someone, your views, loves and dislikes shouldn't need to cause any others distress.  Which is why I'm pushing up this song, Same Love (featuring Mary Lambert), by Macklemore (and Ryan Lewis).

You may dislike R&B.  You may dislike the LBGT viewpoint.  Welcome to America, welcome to the internet. Read along for a good time, or a compelling viewpoint.

[Verse 1: Macklemore]
When I was in the 3rd grade
I thought that I was gay
Cause I could draw, my uncle was
And I kept my room straight
I told my mom, tears rushing down my face
She's like, Ben you've loved girls since before pre-K
Tripping yeah
I guess she had a point, didn't she
A bunch of stereotypes all in my head
I remember doing the math like
Yeah, I'm good at little league
A pre-conceived idea of what it all meant
For those that like the same sex had the characteristics
The right-wing conservatives think it's a decision
And you can be cured with some treatment and religion
Man-made, rewiring of a pre-disposition
Playing God
Ahh nah, here we go
America the brave
Still fears what we don't know
And God loves all his children it's somehow forgotten
But we paraphrase a book written
3,500 years ago
I don't know

[Hook: Mary Lambert]
And I can't change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
And I can't change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
My love, my love, my love
She keeps me warm [x4]

[Verse 2: Macklemore]
If I was gay
I would think hip-hop hates me
Have you read the YouTube comments lately
"Man that's gay"
Gets dropped on the daily
We've become so numb to what we're saying
Our culture founded from oppression
Yet we don't have acceptance for 'em
Call each other faggots
Behind the keys of a message board
A word rooted in hate
Yet our genre still ignores it
Gay is synonymous with the lesser
It's the same hate that's caused wars from religion
Gender to skin color
Complexion of your pigment
The same fight that led people to walk-outs and sit-ins
Human rights for everybody
There is no difference
Live on! And be yourself!
When I was in church
They taught me something else
If you preach hate at the service
Those words aren't anointed
And that Holy Water
That you soak in
Is then poisoned
When everyone else
Is more comfortable
Remaining voiceless
Rather than fighting for humans
That have had their rights stolen
I might not be the same
But that's not important
No freedom til we're equal
Damn right I support it

I don't know
 
[Verse 3: Macklemore]
We press play
Don't press pause
Progress, march on!
With a veil over our eyes
We turn our back on the cause
'Till the day
That my uncles can be united by law
Kids are walkin' around the hallway
Plagued by pain in their heart
A world so hateful
Some would rather die
Than be who they are
And a certificate on paper
Isn't gonna solve it all
But it's a damn good place to start
No law's gonna change us
We have to change us
Whatever god you believe in
We come from the same one
Strip away the fear
Underneath it's all the same love
About time that we raised up
 
[Outro: Mary Lambert]
Love is patient, love is kind
Love is patient (not crying on Sundays)
Love is kind (not crying on Sundays)
Love is patient (not crying on Sundays)
Love is kind (not crying on Sundays)
Love is patient (not crying on Sundays)
Love is kind (not crying on Sundays)
Love is patient (not crying on Sundays)
Love is kind (not crying on Sundays)
Love is patient (not crying on Sundays)
Love is kind (not crying on Sundays)

Are You Popular?

Wow, this is new.  New new new.  From a singer that really pulled in my daughter when she was less than 1.  Anything that made her smile was ok in my book.  Mostly.  She was into bubble gum and punk, which was fine by me.

Mika, who I have had on here before, has incredible chops.  His range is amazing, and he's very talented on the piano as well.  He pairs here with Ariana Grande, of Nickelodeon fame, who has a really nice voice herself.  Mika has been keeping a bit of a lower profile here in the states, but in Europe, hes doing quite well (hosting Italy's X-Factor), and releasing a few albums in the past 5 years.

This song, Popular Song (featuring Ariana Grande) is off his "Origin of Love" album.  Poppy and cute.  I know I'll hear more of it, but this one is for you.

Mika.  Enjoy.  Happy Saturday!
-om

A bit of humorous, relaxing music for Friday

Well, I don't believe that I have put up a country song on a Friday, but I heard this one today and just smiled.  If you don't like this, well, I feel sorry for you. 

Blake Shelton, with Some Beach.  While I'm not a true country fan, I enjoy a mellow tune with fun lyrics.  Plus, from the stories in the lyrics, I'm pretty sure most of us can relate.

The one thing I don't have is long, wavy hair.  Darn it.  I always wanted a mullet.  I'd look horrible with one, though...
-om

A couple to catch up for...

...and I have been going 100 MPH.  However, I have a bit of fun for you lined up. 

This is an attempt to bring a bit of bluesy-soul into the mix.  Here is Jamie N Commons with Rumble and Sway.  This singer comes from across the pond, not necessarily a place one thinks of when one thinks blues.  Keep this one on the radar, he's got some talent.

Seriously, this is really spectacular. 
-om

So tired...

And getting back into writing code.  Quite a bit has changed in the few years I have been managing people doing day to day coding.  Its fun, but challenging.  I need a couple of weeks to get back into my mindset.  I need my Vans.

Here I am, buried under books, catching up on the incremental advances in development items.  Things are faster.  They updated scripting.  Awesome.  I think I have solved a few personnel problems, all with common scripts.  Now to get back into the check-in/Ctrl+S mindset.

This song is apt.  Weezer's The World Has Turned (and Left me Here).  Awesome.

Ok, I think I just checked in maybe 20 usable lines.  Not bad for a couple hours, with a brain dulled by managerial meetings and babysitting.  Good enough for government work.
-om