Stuck In My Head

Here's a nearly forgotten gem, and it's hard to believe it's been more than 20 years since its release. In the summer of 1993, California punk band Face to Face released "Disconnected" as a single, only to re-mix it for a subsequent EP and re-record it for a later album. That's a lot of mileage off of one track, but two decades later it's still a hell of a track.

Stuck in my Head

I found this tune last week when I posted about the 90s alt-rock nonsense lyrics supercut. And a week and half later, I can't get Sloan's "People of the Sky" out of my head. I didn't know this Halifax band at their admittedly modest zenith back in the 90s, but on the strength of this song alone I went and listened to more of their work. Sadly, the rest of the Sloan back catalog doesn't seem to stand up to this track. That's OK -- "People of the Sky" is just another perfect power-pop gem that is nearly gone ... and virtually forgotten.

Stuck In My Head

I haven't listened to this in a good six or seven years, but I recently re-discovered Art Brut's 2007 album It's a Bit Complicated and once again I'm hooked. And now -- just like then -- the irresistible track that's stuck n my head is "Direct Hit".

There's no one in music quite like Art Brut lead singer Eddie Argus. He spends all of his time talking through his I-can't-believe-he-said-that lyrics while the rest of the band plays tight power-pop behind him.But Art Brut works in large part because of Argus. On this track -- and the accompanying video -- the literate Argus does just what you'd expect him to do: He's imploring a bunch of toga-wearing party-goers to overcome their fears of commitment and cajoling them to get on the dance floor, even if their friends have already left the party. It's a mouthful, and it may not be as direct a hit as just saying "Everybody Dance Now", but face it, it's a whole lot more fun.

Stuck In My Head

Easy one today. "Uncertain Smile" by The The. It's such a good song -- even though it pre-dates Johnny Marr's time with the band. Every time I hear it on Sirius First Wave, it sticks in my head for days. Not that I'm complaining.

Stuck In My Head

"That Lady, Pt. 1 & 2" by the Isley Brothers.

I blame this completely on some stupid commercial I keep seeing when my wife is watching HGTV.

That said, there is an upside to all of this. That Isley Brothers riff was used in the fabulous 
"B-Boy Bouilliabaisse" sub-track "A Year and a Day" from Paul's Boutique, on which the late, great Adam Yauch cruises through his lyric with a smooth yet aggressive style.And he manages to name checks black and tans when he sings "I'm fishing in my boat and I'm fishing for trout../Mix the Bass Ale with the Guiness Stout." I always love that line.