Happy Halloween!

In the spirit of all things ghastly, I offer the haunting song "Caermaen" by the British group Belbury Poly. It samples a 1908 folk recording of a traditional English song, and its spookiness is fitting for this day. Check out Belbury Poly and other bands on the aptly named Ghost Box label.

My 15 for 15 (based off of NME's selections.)

Sorry for the delay on this.  I have been swamped, but called Court to talk about this.  I was extremely disappointed in the selections that NME came up with for the best songs over the past 15 years.  I KNOW I can come up with 15 great songs that were not even considered.  So, based off of their list, here is what I came up with.

#15 - Smile, Lily Allen (NME's rank - 104)

A cute little song about bad boyfriends and revenge.  Pretty "poppy," but I think it earned its stripes.

#14 - Bloc Party, Banquet (20)

Court turned me on to this.  I think we will never hear from them again, but pretty cool song.

#13 - Pumping Up Your Stereo - Supergrass (124)

Such an upbeat, moving song.  I think if I were cleaning the house, this would keep me motivated.

#12 - Young Folks, Peter, Bjorn, & John (93)

I don't know if I would really want to listen to this song at this very moment due to overplay, but it doesn't take away from the fact that it's a great song, that YOU KNOW you were whistling along too!

#11 - Take Me Out, Franz Ferdinand (27)

I am not one who loves to dance, but I find myself tapping my feet to this one.  It's that driving beat!  I love the way the song changes ala Paul McCartney (1971-1979).  Terrific.

#10 - Paper Planes, MIA (15)

This song took a long time to warm up to.  My kids like it.  They would play it, and it grew on me.  I know they have no clue what the song is about. 

#9 Paranoid Android, Radiohead (1)

I must admit, I am not crazy about Radiohead like others are.  I respect them.  This song and video intrigued me.  I bought OK Computer and enjoyed it.  I am not as warm on Kid A, or others like so many others are. 

#8 - A Punk, Vampire Weekend (62)

Probably the most exciting new thing that I bought into when it came out.  I just felt they were so fresh.  I can still enjoy this song now. 

#7 - Song 2, Blur (79)

It's a shame Blur is best know for this 2:00+ "grunge" song, when they are so talented.  Many great songs to chose from, but man this song gets you pumped up!

#6 - Ms. Jackson, Outkast (81)

Next to the B-Boys, I feel these guys are it in the hip-hop world.  Andre 3000 is the thinking man's wrapper.  Here he promises to be a good father to his child with Erikah Badu, even if they aren't together.  "I am for real!"

#5 - Clint Eastwod, Gorillaz (141)

141, really?  A weird concept, but works in all dimensions.  Plus, it revived the career of Del, the Funk Homosapien!



#4 - Reptillia, The Strokes (129)

I love the Strokes.  It may not be their best song, but ti gets stuck in my head anythime I hear it. 

#3 - Maps, Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs. (55)

Man this song is moving.  Such emotions when listening to this song.  I love how, much like the Velvet Underground, the song goes form soft to hard.  Terrifc song.

#2 - Jesus Walks, Kanye West (69)

I'm sure it might be shocking that Kanye makes my list, especially this high.  The College Dropout is a fantstic album before West cracked and let stardom get to his head.  A very heartfelt and honest song about religon in pop culure with the dramatic strings and chanting.  I would say it is in constant rotation on my iphone. 

#1 - Where It's At?, Beck

One of the most creative and innovative musicians out there today.  Has tried (and succeeded) with many different styles and genres, but is at his best with the non-sensical rhymes and the Dust Brothers sampling.  I don't think there was a record like thsis ever made again.

Well, that's my list.  "I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor," by the Artic Monkeys, "Hate to Say I Told You So," by the Hives, "Firestarter" by Prodigy, "The Hindu Times" by Oasis, and "The Scientist" by Coldpay all got consideration.  Once again, the list left off soem great songs & heavy hitters. 

15 for 15

NME is out with its top 150 songs of the past 15 years. There's a lot on their list, but the songs that I'd consider the best of the past 15 years are nowhere to be found. More on that later. For now, here are my Top 15 from NME's 150, with their ranking in parentheses:

#15 Vampire Weekend - "A-Punk" (62)

#14 TV on the Radio - "Wolf Like Me" (46)

#13 Blur - "Out of Time" (73)

#12 Franz Ferdinand - "Take Me Out" (27)

#11 Johnny Cash - "Hurt" (35)

#10 M.I.A. - "Paper Planes" (15)

#9 Futureheads - "Hounds of Love" (89)

#8 Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Zero" (39)

#7 Animal Collective - "My Girls" (91)

#6 Beck - "Where It's At" (76)

#5 The Strokes - "Hard to Explain" (36)

 #4 Bloc Party - "Banquet" (20)

#3 Jay Z - "99 Problems" (24)

#2 Gorillaz - "Clint Eastwood" (141)

#1 The Verve - "Bittersweet Symphony" (9)

Honorable mention goes to "Milkshake" by Kelis. Just kidding. Santogold's "L.E.S. Artistes" and Belle and Sebastian's "The Boy with the Arab Strap" just missed my Top 15. As did "Maps" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (I went with "Zero"). And MGMT was a late cut as well.

But my overall thought is that the NME list really missed the mark. How does Hole's "Celebrity Skin" make the list but "Malibu", a far better song, get left off? And I appreciate the love for LCD Soundsystem --- after all, "Someone Great" might be the single best song of the past 15 years. But it's nowhere to be found. Yet "All My Friends" is on the list at #118. Art Brut's "Formed a Band" is #102 -- I would have included "Direct Hit" instead. And "Men's Needs" by the Cribs is a fine song, but their better work came after Johnny Marr joined the band. Let me go on: The Streets "Dry Your Eyes" (#87) should have been "Has It Come To This?" or "Geezers Need Excitement" or -- if you needed to keep the schmaltz, "It's Too Late". I would have liked to include Radiohead and Arcade Fire -- but I wasn't thrilled with NME's choices. And don't get me started about Super Furry Animals. The song NME chose - "The Man Don't Give a F---" - wouldn't even make my top 15 of SFA songs.

This post was John's idea... so I'm eager to see what his list looks like... John?

I've been reading Simon Reynolds' book Retromania (as I've mentioned at least once!) and I have a lot of fun doing YouTube searches on some of the old bands he writes about. Of course, so much of it is garbage -- like the Thamesbeat bands (like The Look) that were the UK equivalent of The Knack. And other stuff just isn't my style -- like the garage bands like Thee Milkshakes. But there is some good stuff in there -- some of the other Mod revival bands couldn't hold a candle to The Jam, but they weren't awful -- bands like The Chords and The Purple Hearts. But I found a genuinely good song in The Flamin' Groovies 1976 single "Shake Some Action." It's definitely pub rock -- and different from their earlier stuff (which sounded like the Rolling Stones) but you can hear the beginnings of Power Pop in there. And what's more, there's a nice jangly guitar riff that predates something similar by REM. Take a listen:

Hammer Time in San Francisco

It's been 22 years since M.C. Hammer hit it big with "U Can't Touch This" and now he's back... kind of. He stars in a creative political ad for San Francisco's interim mayor Ed Lee, who's trying to get elected in his own right. There's lots of other Bay Area luminaries in the video -- like Giants closer Brian Wilson, will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas and NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. And there's some great lyrics. If I lived in San Francisco, I'd have to seriously consider voting for Ed Lee based on this ad alone.

Video Vault -- More Spike Jonze

Here's the video for Arcade Fire's "The Suburbs", directed by everyone's favorite video director Spike Jonze. This one isn't in the same mold as his other work -- it's dark and serious and not very fun at all.

The song's a bit dark, too. I especially like this part of the lyrics:
"So can you understand?
Why I want a daughter while I'm still young
I wanna hold her hand
And show her some beauty
Before this damage is done

But if it's too much to ask, it's too much to ask
Then send me a son"

Fujiya & Miyagi Not Japanese, Not a Duo

Thanks to "The Mighty Boosh", my renewed interest in Gary Numan has piqued my interest in the British band Fujiya and Miyagi. Their latest album Ventriloquizzing was released back in January, and it has a dark, synth sound reminiscent of Numan and some of the Krautrock bands like Can from the 70s. No surprise on the latter -- F&M have made no secret of their love for those German bands. Here's the kinda creepy video for "Sixteen Shades of Black & Blue".

The Mighty Boosh!!!

Clearly, America is lacking for good television. And equally clearly, Britain gets all the really good stuff. Like "The Mighty Boosh", the surreal comedy series from 2004-2007 that's part "Flight of the Conchords" and part "Pee Wee's Playhouse".

I've watched one episode -- the sublime "The Power of the Crimp" -- and I'm hooked. And I'm posting the YouTube clips here so you can watch, too. Even if you know nothing about the show, the basic premise is there are two friends named Vince Noir and Howard Moon who work in a boutique by day and make music by night. They seem to keep some very bizarre company -- like Naboo the Enigma and an anthropomorphic ape DJ named Bollo. And there's a sleazy American nightclub owner named Bob Fossil -- and he's fantastic, too. Here are the clips:

There's great little references all over the place -- like Vince Noir's love of Gary Numan. In the episodes posted above, Howard keeps Gary Numan in a closet to cheer up Vince. In another episode, Vince and Howard are driving and are debating what to listen to. Vince pulls out one cassette and says "This is the best of the sixties." He pulls out a second cassette and says "This is the best of the seventies". Finally he pulls out 20 cassettes and says "And this is Gary Numan." Brilliant! Watch it here:

This is seriously must-see TV. And the complete series DVD has just shot to the top of my Christmas list.

Stone Roses Reunite, Will Tour

There must be something to this Retromania stuff. Seminal Manchester band the Stone Roses have announced they've put their differences aside, are re-uniting, and will tour in the coming year. Here's the link from the BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15348374

While we wait for those tour dates, here's "Fool's Gold".

Song In My Head... or Riff In My Head

I was listening to Sonic Youth the other day and the opening bars of "Brave Men Run (In My Family)" have been stuck in my head ever since. The rest of the song has less relevance to me, but that opening guitar riff is so powerful and menacing. I may be conflating history somewhat, but hearing the opening to that song brought me right back to my brother's house on Pawnee Street in South Bethlehem, circa 1985.

"Wicked Game" Redux

I'm reading Retromania, the new book by Simon Reynolds, and he references the song "Infinity" by the British band The xx. His reason for mentioning the song is its so obvious derivation from Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game". Reynolds writes "It really is a study, an exercise in technique, in the sense that the band have written a new song entirely within the very specific and immediately recognizable texture palette and emotional atmosphere of Isaak's original." Listen and hear for yourself.

Song In My Head

"Ladies and Gentlemen We are Floating in Space" by Spiritualized.

Video Vault Friday!

I'll keep the theme going with one of Spike Jonze's earlier videos -- "100 Percent" by Sonic Youth. Note skateboarder turned actor Jason Lee ("My Name is Earl") in the video. I was actually watching this -- and a bunch of other Sonic Youth videos -- when I noticed John's post about Spike. Pretty cool.

And while we're at it, here's another typically Spike video -- "Car Song" by Elastica. Stick around until the ending and you'll know what I mean.

Video Vault Friday!

Ok, I'm going with two today!

The first video was probably the apex of J. Mascis' and his band, Dinosaur Jr.'s career.  The video, "Feel the Pain" was created by Spike Jonze, probably one of the best directors of videos in the video era.  Too bad he really couldn't save the genre.  I figured most people know his videos "Sabotage" "Buddy Holly," "Undone (the sweater song)," or "Weapon of Choice."  This is one of his sillier video as the band golfs through Manhattan. 

The second video, "California" by Wax is a song that, if you are lucky,(you)  will hear on an alt-90's station on a rare day.  A quick song that is a whole 2:15, and shot with a single shot.  I was always fascinated with the song & video.  The song was quickly banned from MTV daytime, but is a true masterpiece. 

Song In My Head

"Monkey Gone to Heaven" by the Pixies. I just started singing it out of the blue. My favorite part about this song is Black Francis saying "Rock Me, Joe" right before Joey Santiago's guitar solo. As far as I'm concerned, that's an essential part of the song that must be replicated in any live version or by any band covering this song, even if the lead guitarist isn't named Joe.

Song In My Head

"Mass Romantic" by The New Pornographers. It literally just popped into my head. Hugely great under-rated band, and listen to Neko Case just kill these vocals.

Video Vault Friday Pt. 2!

In honor of Birmingham, home of Aston Villa, and some great bands, here is my favorite, The Beat (looking quite young,) with "Mirror in the Bathroom."  Ranking Roger looks quite young and spry.  Love the white shoes, and how literal parts of the video are compared to the song. 

Video Vault Friday!

Here's the video for "The Prisoner" by Howard Jones. It was innovative for its day - mixing photo and video elements at a time when computer-enhanced graphics weren't widely available.

By the way, Howard Jones is touring and playing his first two studio albums in their entirety: Human's Lib and Dream Into Action. I don't think I'd bother going to see that show, but I've always that HoJo was a pretty decent musician and guy.

Birmingham's Best - Do You Agree?

I stumbled on this listing from the Birmingham Mail -- the top 10 bands from Birmingham. And I'd love hear what you think:
#1 - Black Sabbath
#2 - Duran Duran
#3 - ELO
#4 - Ocean Colour Scene
#5 - The Move
#6 - The Beat (The English Beat)
#7 - The Moody Blues
#8 - UB40
#9 - The Twang
#10 - The Streets

I think it's hard to argue with the first two. Personally, I'd move the Beat and UB40 higher. I think Ocean Colour Scene and The Move can come down a bit. The Twang have promise, but haven't been around long enough. And I think you know how I feel about The Streets. Mike Skinner's the man.

Here's the link to the full article.
http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2011/10/05/birmingham-s-top-ten-bands-do-you-agree-with-our-list-97319-29542854/

Song In My Head

 

Das Racist's "Fashion Party." Okay, I've had this song in my head for about two months now. I just love the juxtaposition between Chairlift's Caroline Polachek -- who's probably pretty fashionable -- and the DR guys who sound and rap like they're anything but. It's a great parody -- and be sure to listen for some great lines -- like Heems saying "Garbageman Lanvin/Why you call it Lan-van?/People very educated out here in the Hamptons/Yes I'm tanned and Taliban chic/Shorty said I look like a Taliban freak/Mr. Talley Man told me I'm bananas last week/I'm Heems working on a line with Khalif." I just love how Heems builds up that rhyme.

My other favorite line is earlier in the song when Kool A.D. says "I'm like a fountain pen/I look like mountain men/But I'm not a mountain man/I'm a f---ing mountain, man/I f--- with fashion trends/My trends are fashion forward/Two dollar jeans and Gucci visors from the Dollar Store." The "mountain man"/"mountain, man" rhyme is so subtle.

Seriously, though, these guys are the real deal.

There's so many good lines in this song. And you really get the sense that the DR guys are at the party for the free food and drinks and probably the girls.

Song in My Head

XTC - Senses Working Overtime

I don't know what to think of XTC.  I remember a friend in college whose older brother loved them.  I know Andy Partridge, their lead singer and creative force of the band was once rumored to work with Blur, but he kind of fell off the face of the earth (well, at least mine.)  Most people might know the from their Christmas sng "Thanks for Christmas." I like that in "senses" the weird guitar played throughout the verses.  Such an anti-single until you get to the chorus.  Even funnier, this song was covered by Mandy Moore.  Ugh.