Blogs in the key of awkward

(some of my) Favorite songs from the 60s

2011-05-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Ok finally a real blog!

It appears that my previous two test blogs both turned out ok...so...i'm gonna do an actual post. It's been a little while since my last posting for just a couple of reasons. 1. I'd been so frustrated with the presentation of the last two posts (I suspect blogger was having technical difficulties) that I wasn't motivated to come back and try again. But, i'm an optimist at heart so here we are. 2. Reason number the second, is because today's blog consists of twenty of my favorite songs from the 1960. And folks, that takes a lot of thinking about.

There are only two really obvious (ok, maybe three) picks on this list--but the rest come largely from tunes that are reminiscient of my childhood in Germany. My mom and Dad had a healthy sized collection of mixed tapes consisting larely of songs from the 1950s and 60s that they had recorded off the radio from the old nationally syndicated program, "Solid Gold Saturday Night."

I clearly recall rolling down the Autobahn on many a'weekend traversing between our little American community (Plittersdorf) and various destinations including airforce bases (where we bought most of our groceries) to a myriad of European travel spots such as Eurodisney, Amsterdam, and even Hitler's house (no, really); just to name a few. And always, along these drives that were illustrated by beautiful European countrysides fresh with lush vineyards and old Roman ruins, it could always be counted upon that our little mini-van (dubbed "lil red" by my dad) would be blasting all the best in American Oldies.

Sometimes we would rock the Weird Al Yankovic, but most of the time it was Oldies. And, that's how I grew up. Listening to...how does Bob Seger put? OLD TIME ROCK AND ROLL...amid a backdrop of European magnificence. In my mind's eye, it was perfect. And I don't care to remember it any other way. So, without further rambling...I present for your reading and listening pleasure, my top twenty picks of the 1960s.

1. Homeward Bound--by Simon and Garfunkel
One of the heavier songs on this list, not only does it take me back to Europe, but it also will always remind me of my dad. Because everytime this song would come on (and still, even today, when we listen to it) dad will always begin to reminiss about his time in the army in Korea in 1969. For a soldier along way from home, far from his family and his girl--this is an awfully poignant track. It might be about touring with your band, initially...but songs can mean different things for different people. And dad, whenever he hears this song, just can't help but say, "Yeah David...that's my song." I could do an entire blog (and probably more) about all the stories my dad has told me over the years about this time in his life...but that's a tale for another day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwQYH-6quEE

2. Make your own kind of music--by Mama Cass
Admittedly, this isn't one of the songs I really remember from our road trips in Europe. I've always liked the Mamas and the Papas...but it wasn't until season two of LOST, where this song is featured in the first episode when it began heavy rotation in the playlist that is my life. For the past 5 years it has been one of my favorites...period. And, I presume it shall remain that way until I depart this world. You left us too soon Ms. Cass. And in the words of Bob Dylan, "Mama, you been on my mind."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEQxEJ5_5zA

3. Summer Song--by Chad and Jeremy
Few songs put me in a state of wistful longing like this charming little tribute Summer's final days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D2XD341xHo

4. Another You--by The Seekers
I think I've said this before in a previous blog, but it bears repeating. This song could EASILY have featured somewhere on the LOST soundtrack; but it never did. Thats ok though, cause if I ever write a sweet novel and it gets turned into a film I will demand that it be placed somewhere within the run-time. It's simply too beautiful to sit dusty on musical history's enormous shelf to not be shared with the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ga9Bs4fzSY&feature=related

5. Groovin, on a Sunday afternoon--by The Rascals
I'm a big fan of laid back, romantic ballads. Can you tell? ;) And incidentally, "groovin on a sunday afternoon" is LITERALLy what i'm doing at this precise moment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ft8WLX9G1I

6. Hey Jude--by The Beatles
Oh come on, you KNEW they were going to be on this list SOME WHERE. And what better song to post than one of the happiest songs ever? You can't be in a bad mood, listen to this gem, and at least feel a LITTLE better. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDdI7GhZSQA

7. Never my love--by The Association
Yes. You've seen this song on my blog before. I won't make any apologies for that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=munErg-ykYU

8. White Shade of Pale--by Procol Harum
Another choice, not necessarily stemming from my childhood in Germany, this one comes more from my time as a teenager growing up in Northern Virginia. A strange, lovely little tune. It will always have a soft spot in my heart as one of the songs that helped get me through my "awkward tweenage years." (p.s. would that I had the proper facial hair, I would SO grow a mustache like this guy)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb3iPP-tHdA

9. Runaway--by Del Shannon
Because you can't mess with Del Shannon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsyRNUXmTNY&feature=related

10. Hang on Sloopy--by The McCoys
SLOOPY HANG ON!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGuPc01Dn7c

11. Just Like a Woman--by Bob Dylan
No brainer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5yQ8JJ8R9E

12. Pleasant Valley Sunday--by The Monkees
The exact perfect song for today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUzs5dlLrm0

13. Fall to Pieces--by Patsy Cline
Because what would a good blog be without a little country? And Ms. Cline, she was the queen of it all. When am I gonna get my Patsy Cline biopic? Zoey Deschanel...i'm looking in your direction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuZTk1hdpMs

14. The Pied Piper--by Crispian St. Peters
I've been carrying a torch for this song for probably longer than I can remember. Lord only knows why. I still geek out to it when I think no one is looking. In fact, my parents still have an old audio-tape recording of me at 3 years old singing this quirky little gem. They love to play it whenever I bring friends home to visit...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r0zoEBba1Y

15. Raindrops keep falling on my head--by B.J. Thomas
The break-down is my favorite part. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYEvz0oniCM

16. Unchain my heart--by Ray Charles
In the words of Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar, "WE'RE NOT WORTHY! WE'RE NOT WORTHY!" Ray Charles is one of the coolest, most talented blokes to ever grace our world. And I am honored to have experienced his music. Sure, he had his problems...but then don't we all? Thank God we always have the music to fall back on and catch us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA_s3VbSHLA

17. I've been loving you too long--by Otis Redding
I love a song where you can hear every ounce of emotion pouring out from the singer's mouth into his or her work. Every bit of happiness and heartbreak. Every painful memory, every joyous love affair. Every glorious, obscene feeling that illustrates their love and their passion. And I don't think i've heard a song by Otis Redding yet, that doesn't strike each of these emotions squarely on the noggin. The Lord took this man too soon; but his music has been allowed to remain a positive force for all of us to bask in, and to learn from.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTi3bRKohQU&feature=fvst

18. Good Lovin--by The Young Rascals
Cause even a blind man knows when the sun is shinin!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrCEEDyXYjE

19. So happy together--by The Turtles
The mega feel good uber bombastic super love song that is the story of my life. And...yes...also the anthem for Golden Grahams cereal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhMzZ_KCp_E

20. Light my Fire--by The Doors
Yeah, yeah yeah...I know. Cliche right? Overplayed right? Obviously. But that doesn't mean it's a bad song. There is a reason songs are overplayed. It's because when they first came out they crushed all the competition and in so doin made ever lasting icons of themselves to be cherished and listened to over and over and over again. And you know what? I'm ok with that. My cd/tape/record collection rests some where between one to two thousand albums of all different walks of musical styles. Because variety is the spice of life's great taco (what?). But I will always come back to my base. Sure, songs like "light my fire" might get old. But all you have to do is take a break from them, and when you revisit them, they embrace you like old friends. And anyway, damn...you GOTTA love that organ solo ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flOvM4Z355A

So in conclusion, I think it only fair to say that I owe Ma and Pa Banker a great deal. But one of the things I owe them specifically, is that at a very young age--they set the stage for my lifelong love of all walks of music with their rambling mix tapes of Oldies nostalgia. And to that, I say many, MANY thanks.

Stay tuned for next time, when we review my favorite sounds of the 70's.

Long days and pleasant nights my friends. And watch out for John Stamos.

This is just another test

2011-05-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

but trust me...you want to click this link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGWOY8nPCMw

did ya click it??

this is just a test

2011-05-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

if this blog posts in an unsatisfactory way, then some one's house is going to get toilet papered.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MccmHwA-c4U

So...did it work?

Twenty bands/artists who I would like to be a back up singer/dancer for

2011-04-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hello out there to all of you in internet-land! Tsk...wouldn't it be cooler if we could meet in--oh--I don't know, Mega Slide Land? Or, Water Park Land? Or, Deep-Fried Funnel Cake Land instead? Alas, such will never be the case, and so we must settle on Al Gore's utopia. ...For now. Since last we spoke I had the opportunity to see a live show! On Wednesday evening last, I had the very special privilage of seeing the magnificent Carolina Chocolate Drops perform at Radford University--in a view from the front row! While this blog serves not necessarily as a post to review live performances exclusively, it DOES serve as an outlet for discussing music and all its wonderous, geeky avenues. So, before we go any further please allow me a moment to convey my deepest respect and nerdly appreciation for this horribly talented North Carolinian String band. The Carolina Chocolate Drops are an African American group hailing from the Chapel Hill area of Carolina. The members range in age from 28-33 (I think). They have been together (in one form or another) for roughly six years; but it hasn't been until recently that they have begun to explode on the bluegrass scene--playing festivals and shows all over the world--AND--even managing to ern themselves a 'lil ol' Grammy award for best new folk artist. It is uncommon to find oneself at a concert where people aged three to sixty five are dancing together in the aisles, but to this, I swear I bore witness. The Carolina Chocolate Drops specialize in old timey/bluegrass/folk/traditional irish/blues/traditional americana/and songs that you could (literally) dance the Charleston to. Even if you aren't into this type of music I highly recommend checking them out. And if you ARE into this sort of thing, and you aren't familiar with them, then ladies and gentlemen do stop whatever it is you are doing and look them up NOW. No, seriously...stop reading my blog, go to youtube, and type in Carolina Chocolate Drops. Hell, if you are so inclined saunter down to you local record shop and purchase their albums. In a nation where Nickleback clones largely dominate generic rock radio stations, the Carolina Chocolate Drops are a much needed, appreciated, and welcomed breath of fresh air. Right, i'll stop gushing now--and get on with things. Today's blog features a list of artists and performers whom I would delight in providing back up vocals/dancing for. And we could go with the obvious choices of Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, etc. But that's too easy. I think we will venture into a more obscure and quirky territory. So, in the words of the immortal Samuel L. Jackson, "HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS!" 1. The Carolina Chocolate Drops Please see the above paragraph. Since i've already spoken to a large extent about my appreciate for this band, let me just say that I would be more than happy to be the token white boy dancing by himself in a dark corner of the stage while they dominate. Hell, I would even be thrilled to just play the triangle if they asked me to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lodXmgVQ0VM 2. Gogol Bordello Gypsy Punk! A drunken, vivacious mad-house of infectious, unique stylings. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orPnjk14EBY 3. The Decemberists A versitile, weird, mix of folk, rock, and story-telling. I want to hang out with them. And YES, the wanting comes in waves. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOEsVMvWz04 4. The Flaming Lips DOY. My darling Yoshimi, let's battle these pink robots! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9saeLg_GQg 5. Cypress Hill Maybe they would let me play the harmonica for them? Cause let's be real, they possess just the right amount of Insane. ;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOV1qK_6qjM 6. Weird Al Yankovic A dorky fan-boy's child hood dream come true. No, really...I can clearly remember fantasizing about playing onstage along side Al and the gang from the tender age of nine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=810638fCvrQ 7. Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers For some one who grew up watching Steve Martin movies since I can remember, to discovering that he played the banjo, to purchasing and falling in love with his first album (The Crow), to making the pilgrimage in the deadly Tennessee heat to watching this renaissance man perform--to actually being onstage along side him--would blow my mind twenty-seven million ways to Sunday. Steve, I could be your King Tut (in a completely heterosexual way, of course). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM3lPdQEa-8 8. A Perfect Circle Because sometimes it's fun to flirt with the dark side ;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZJCfl0i9Eo 9. Roger Miller I've recently begun watching the Television series "Doctor Who." Perhaps one day i'll accquire a TARDIS of my own, and time travel back to a time when it would be opportune to join this quirky, billiant, songster on the road. He is, after all, king of the road, even if he can't rollerskate in a buffalo herd. If a TARIDS cannot be obtained then I would gladly settle on a Delorean--or even a phone booth--if it came to that. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp6GQimL6D4 10. The Mighty Clouds of Joy Let's get the Lord up in this blog! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pktd2En5yhY 11. Big Mama Thornton Because who DOESN'T want to hang out/perform with a big, jolly, African-American blues woman? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGg4T8vlt1E 12. Run DMC Don't deny it, you know you'd wanna rock it with these guys too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2BGaRT4PoQ 13. Loretta Lynn & Jack White I would do very bad things to be able to be on stage with Loretta Lynn and Jack White. She is the greatest female country artist to grace our land, and He is the savior of rock n roll. Together they create an unstoppable force of toe-tapping, heart-breaking, glory-filled musical magic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuC_l3ymXhM 14. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy A swingin' big band from the late nineties that never really got the recognition they deserved. Having survived middle and high school playing the trumpet, these guys are right up my alley. I admit, this fourteenth entry had strong competition from the Glen Miller Orchestra, and The Squirrel Nut Zippers, both of whom I admire on the highest levels. Of all the bands that i've posted so far though, BBVD ranks at the top of those whom I would actually have a real shot of playing with; were my trumpet skillz not so rusty. I still have my trumpet (a beautiful, silver, Bach Stradavarius) that i've been promising myself as soon as I live in a place where the walls aren't so thin, I will pick back up and start playing again. Maybe someday i'll start a swing band of my own. Hey...a lad can dream right? :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye9YWE5LCXw&feature=related 15. Shel Silverstein We can probably blame my unhealthy fascination with poetry on Shel Silverstein--and the fact that when I was eight, I picked up a copy of "Where the Sidewalk Ends" and never looked back. Imagine my delight when, as I got older, I discovered that not only was Shel a talented poet and cartoonist, but he was also a singer-songwriter/performer. In my opinion, Shel Silverstein is the definition of cool; and easily one of the folks whom I base my philosophies and way of life upon. To even just be in the same room with him, would make my feeble little mind kersplode into a gooey universe of millions of excited little pieces. But to have had the chance to play along side him? Brother...I can't even begin to imagine... We miss you Shel Silverstein. The whole world misses you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e5ZVIpB4sw&feature=related 16. Flight of the Conchords/Tenacious D Born of similar ilk; these two groups profess and practice the ideas upon which my worlds revolves. Music, and comedy. You can be a wonderboy, but you don't have to a prostitute. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3omQikQYmgY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL4HSiGvk68 17. Old Crow Medicine Show The bad-ass mad men of bluegrass. Enough said. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gX1EP6mG-E 18. The Travling Wilburys Nelson Wilbury, Otis Wilbury, Lefty Wilbury, Charlie T. Wilbury, Lucky Wilbury...A.K.A....Spike Wilbury, Clayton Wilbury, Muddy Wilbury, Boo Wilbury.....A.K.A....George Harrison, Jeff Lynn, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan & Roy Orbisson. Possibly the greatest band ever to walk the face of the earth. I would be content to simply have been a fly on the wall (or stage, whatever) when these men came together to play. They are my heroes. Three live on to play and record music in their own respective rights in this world that we live in; while two have moved on to groove with all the greats in the wide unknown. But wherever they are, in this life or the next, they are always creating perfect music, for the imperfect listener to learn from, to live in, and to love. Cheers mates, and thank you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwqhdRs4jyA 19. Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band I owe a lot to Jimmy Buffett and his band of merry music makers. I know they're not for everybody, but for me they are perfect. They always provide just the right song for just the right mood. And if you've never seen them live then honey you haven't lived. A Buffett show is one of the single most thrilling, happy, energetic experiences you can ever hope to have. For years Buffett and the Coral Reefers were my white whale. I came so close to seeing them so many times. But in the summer of 2009 I managed (somehow) to see them twice. I can testify that it is one big jolly (mon) of a party. Whether I was just some dude dancing on stage, or singing back up vocals, or strumming along to a simple song in the standard and much loved chord of G, on my daddy's old Alvarez; I would be one, ecstatic Parrot Head. Waitress? We need two more boat drinks! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5m2sbuZbkc 20. Justin Jewell, Brandon Daigle, Aaron Atkins, Tom Hughs, Erich Robinson, Sidney Hollandsworth, Nathan Schell, Dawn Graham, Brack Stovall, Joyce Banker, Tim Banker, Missy Amos, and anyone else i've ever had the very esteemed opportunity and privilage to participate with in a backyard bonfire sing along with acoustic guitars, or driven down the road with while the music blared from car speakers and we sang along with reckless wonderful abandon in our glorious and beautiful off-key voices. Cause that's what it's really all about. You can fantasize about playing with your favorite bands. And while it's a sweet, fun fantasy--that's all it is. And that doesn't come anywhere close to playing music and singing along with your best friends and loved ones. Obviously, I can't post a link to that sort of thing, so if you're reading this then I invite you to sit back, tune in to your most cherished memories, and reflect on all the excellent times we've had together making our nerdy musics. I wouldn't trade you guys for even a micro-second of playing with any of the afforementioned artists. Thanks and praise to you all, for all the years and smiles that you've given me. And in the words of Forrest Gump, "That's all i've got to say about that." Honorable mentions: Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and any musical number that The Muppets have ever performed, ever. Till next time, long days and pleasant nights. :)

Songs that completely transform your mood

2011-04-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

Hello old friends! I'm not dead, I haven't been magicked into a ferret, and I'm not lost in Uganda! I am however, sitting in the dodgy Radford-city hookah bar sipping a black coffee and enjoying a white peach/tangerine hookah. It's been a few weeks since last we spoke. I wish I could say that i've been out flying dragons, pirating ships (not the Somalian kind though...those guys are douchy), or at the very least making home made beer. Sadly the only reason I havn't updated in a little while is because i'd previously been doing my blogs at work; and I came to the conclusion that that was probably a poor idea. And, this is the first chance i've had to get out of the apartment with a little free time (and extra $) and stroll down to the local Sheesha bar, to take advantage of their free wi-fi. I trust you will forgive me, and that you will delight in today's blog. A blog titled, "Songs to completely transform your mood." A.K.A. therapy songs to cheer you up when your life is in the shitter! Yay! 1. Blues Traveler--The Mountains Win Again Do you remeber the first Cd's you ever purchased? My first was, of course, "News of the World," by Queen. I was in sixth grade when that one came into my possession. "Four" by Blues Traveler, came to live with me shortly after. I bought it, originally, because i'd heard "Hook" on the radio and fell instantly in love. It wasn't until one afternoon while out walking my old dog Maggie though, that I had the opportunity to listen to the album in its entirety. Somewhere between Creek Branch Ct. and Cub Run Drive my ears first fell upon the beauty that is "The Mountains Win Again." It is...track five, if i'm not mistaken. The song starts out with John Poppers magnificent harmica ever so delicately bellowing these riffs that can only be described as blue-birds gliding through a damp summer evening. The song then continues to ease into an aura of well-being and general happiness that burns through any all bad feelings that may be dragging the listener down, and lifts them up and out of the body to elate the listener with memories of camping with your daddy when you were five, watching the sunrise in the Rockies when you were eighteen, and leaves you with a sense of provacative cheer. Have a listen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWLebP_o6yU 2. Elton John---Tiny Dancer One word: COLLEGE ;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBWfUc5jKiM 3. Ben Folds---The Army I didn't discover that I was a big Ben Folds fan until a few years ago. There were tell tale signs all over the place that I should've been paying attention to...for example, he is good friends with Weird Al Yankovic, he is our generation's Billy Joel/Elton John (both of whom I adore), and most importantly, just the fact that he's a quirky, happy go lucky guy. One of my favorite memories of this song is from several years ago at a party that Dawn Graham and I threw at our house on Davis Street. I'd made several mixes for the party, one of them containing this song. When it came on everyone started geeking out...most notably Andy Reech and Brandon Daigle. There were dancing in my dining room. :) I think about that whenever i'm down. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1R64-ZWVoM 4. Bruce Springsteen---Out in the Street This song is my life. It is the anthem of the working man. It illustrates that, Yeah; times are hard...but dammit he's gonna find a way to rock out and admire the beauty of life anyway. And, most importantly, he's gonna show his girl a good time. P.S. i've never seen Clarence "The Big Man" Clems frown http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sl10b20SoA 5. Everclear---I will buy you a new life Where your flowers can bloom.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYs4aqiewOI 6. Alison Krauss--I'll fly away I often listen to this song on particularly difficult days at work--it helps to remind me that I won't live in Radford forever. I maintain that Radford is kind of a sad town; where good things tend to happen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BPoMIQHwpo 7. The Talking Heads---And she was Two stories about this song. Both true. One kinda funny, one kind sad. 1. I say David Byrne perfom in 2004 at my first Bonnaroo. He was one of the closing acts. Before going into "And she was," he gave a little monologue. It went something like this, "So this song...this song is about a girl I used to know; back in high school. Sometimes after school she and I would sneak out to the fields near where we lived. We would drop acid and lay in the grass and admire the clouds and the sky and dote on each other and how sweet life can be. This song is about that girl. This song is called And She Was." 2. My dog, Maggie, who I got when she was a puppy in 1995, passed away this month four years ago. Saying good bye to maggie was one of the hardest things i've ever done. I was home visiting my parents that weekend; and poor maggie was pitiful. She could barely walk; and I knew that it was going to be the last time I saw her. Before I hit the road to go back to radford I sat down on my parent's living room floor with her, and I kept her company for a little while both of us knowing that this was it. Dogs can't talk of course, and if they could they would probably say things like, "get off my biscuits honkie!" but when I looked into maggie's face that afternoon in April of 2007 I saw that her eyes were saying goodbye to me; and that hey...maybe we'd meet up again some day. We grew up together, and now it was her time to move on. I gave her one last pat on the head; and then promptly got into my truck to drive the four lonely hours back to Radford. I cried the whole way. After I got home I went straight to the backyard with my mixed cd and my headphones and sat in the grass to think about all the times we'd spent together. One of the songs that came on my cd was "And She Was" by the Talking Heads. Listening that, I felt a little better. A few days later I was on the phone with my mom and dad and they told me that Maggie had passed on. But no doubt, she was floatin' there above me, and she was. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgSVTdAtNYE 8. Old Crow Medicine Show---Wagon wheel A song about a guy road-tripping just to see the love of his life and nothing else matters? Yeah...i'll take that. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gX1EP6mG-E 9. Jimmy Buffett---Take another road I often espouse to profess my love for one particular buffett song as my favorite. This of course is complete bungle as there are so many....but damn...this one is WAY up there. "Sail upon the ocean, just like Mr. Twain." That says it all... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avk7j3RTiaA 10. Dave Matthews Band--#41 Would you believe me if I told you I didn't listen to this song for the first time until just about a month ago? Well, friends and neighboors...it's true. :::hangs head in shame::: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= 11. M.C. Hammer---Do not pass me by AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW HAMMER DON'T HURT 'EM! HA! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdjI8mLajBM 12. Tori Amos---A thousand oceans First Tori song I ever heard was "Crucify." I thought it was weird and awesome. Second song I ever heard was "Winter." I thought it was sad and lovely. The third song I heard was "A Thousand Oceans." That's when I fell head over heals in love. I think it was sophomore year of college. I listened to this song at least three times a day for several months. In February of 2004 (I think) I saw Tori in concert with Rachel Frone, Bear, and Dawn Graham. I can't even begin to relate to you the feelings that began to swell (not just in myself, but in all four of us) when she unexpectedly began to play this incredible tune, half way through her set. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXsT8uTyt34 13. Jackie Wilson---Higher and Higher I dare you to listen to this, on a bad day, and tell me that you don't instantly feel better. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMWqzHvSMvw 14. Damien Rice---Toffee Pop In a song library where most of Mr. Rice's tunes are remarkably dark, and brooding, and very much a musical "FUCK YOU" to a girl that clearly burned him, "Toffee Pop" stands out like a leperous thumb in the glee that it exudes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3LTxcPQMgw 15. The Beach Boys---Good Vibrations The first time I ever heard "Goob Vibrations" was when I was maybe...oh...I don't know...five years old? My mom called into the nationally syndicated radio program "Solid Gold Saturday Night" to request it. She got through. We still have the recording of her on the radio somewhere on an old cassette tape. It was history in the making. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC2gZMNkyJo 16. Michael Jackson---Will You be There? So many Michael Jackson songs could have ended up on this list. Man in the mirror, I want you back, I'll be there...just to name a few. But this gem stands out. Nary a day goes by that I don't wonder what would've become of the King of Pop had he not overdosed on painkillers two years ago. I'm quite certain he would've encountered a come back. Did you know that during the Thriller years he recorded several songs with Freddie Mercury? It's true..and they are going to be released sometime this year. Don't believe me? Just ask Brian may. CAN'T. WAIT. Lordy he was prolific... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUaMzwNPgro 17. Bob Marley---One Love :) :) :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdB-8eLEW8g 18. David Bowie---Magic Dance (From the motion picture "The Labyrinth) My childhood...in a nutshell. Damn you Jerith...and damn me too... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fMN00X3tzk 19. Simon and Garfunkel---the only living boy in new york I am the only living boy in radford town. Sometimes after a long day, I go down to the river and scream; with this song playing on repeat in my head. It scares the ducks away, but I always feel better. :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IwYQ1Vqf_4 20. Blues Traveler---Just Wait And so, we will begin and end with John Popper & Co. This song is also from the album "Four." "If ever you are feeling like your tired, and all your up hill struggles...are headed down hill. And if you realize your wildest dreams can't hurt you, and your appetite for pain, has drinken its fill...then I ask of you a very simple question, did you think for one minute, that you were alone? And is your suffering a privilage that you share only? Or did you think that everybody else, feels completely at home? Just wait...Cause if you think i've given up on you you're crazy. And if you think i don't love you, well then youre just wrong. In time you just might take to feeling better. Time is the beauty, of the road being long..." :::ENTER GLORIOUS GUITAR SOLO::: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQMpvEg-5I8 And now i'm going to take off my shoes, and walk around barefoot while listening to my new mix cd, entitled, "Spring 2011." I suggest you all do something similar, and go enjoy the sunshine. :)

Songs for the perfect make-out mix tape

2011-03-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

Music is a blessing, in our lives. I truly believe that it has tremendous healing powers. Case in point: About thirty minutes ago I was dealing with an incredibly difficult teenager at work. If you know me, you know that I have quite a good bit of patience--but in this particular situation I was not far from leaping over my desk and hulking out on the afforementioned youth. I didn't, though...of course. That would've resulted in job loss, probable law suits, and (again, probably) some sort of court-forced therapy. Eventually the kid walked away and I continued to sit there shaking. Two minutes later another teen started playing "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley on his I-Pod. There are few things in this life that can sooth the savage wrath like a happy, chill, Bob Marley tune. I sat back, took in the song, and laughed in spite of myself. This job has it's ups and downs. Today's episode exemplified a "down." Luckily, they are few and far between. I need to remember that. I also need to remember Bob's words, "don't worry...about a thing. 'Cause every little thing, is gonna be alright." Most importantly though, I need to remember not to let dumb-ass thirteen year old's piss me off. Odds are that kid will probably get eaten by a lyger one day or something.

BUT ANYWAY! Today's blog features some of the more provacative picks from my music library. A list of twenty songs for the perfect make-out mix!

1. Bonita Applebaum, by A Tribe Called Quest
Let's start things out with a super sexy hip hop classic shall we? Oh my, yes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-j-DCz_V3U

2. Stranglehold, by Ted Nugent
Dirty, hot, strange and sassy. Say what you want about The Nuge. He may be a whackadoo conservative bow-hunting mad man. But wang-dang that long-haired hillbilly sure can write a hot damn tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c3d7QgZr7g

3. Dazed n Confused, by Led Zeppelin
Black lights. Incense. A shot of bourbon. And a filthy, sexy Led Zeppelin record. Do you need anything else? NO. I didn't think so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auDv6cf2PBM

4. The Whipping Post, by The Allman Brothers
The Whipping Post has virtually the same effect as Dazed n Confused. The difference though is that there are varying versions of this song. If your lucky you can find some live versions that go on for more than twenty minutes. And hey, let's be honest. The longer the song the better on a make-out mix right? Yes. I thought so too. The version i've posted here features guest guitarist zakk wylde (yay!) and goes for nearly 15 minutes. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVrUbb3jWZQ

5. Young Lust, by Pink Floyd
::::shrugs shoulders and smiles sheepishly:::::

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGmIL2gtieU

6. Happiness is a warm gun, by The Beatles
Is there a naughtier song by The Beatles than this one? Well, there is always the blatant "Why don't we do it in the road" but that one relies more heavily on the quirk factor, whereas Happiness is just straight up gritty and sensual but in a classy/bluesy sort of way. Nobody does it quite like The Beatles. ...no pun intended.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5j-S6Eq81g

7. Purple Stain, by The Red Hot Chili Peppers
But then again what's wrong with a little quirk in your make out mix anyway? Such a compilation wouldn't be complete without a funky rendezvous from a track from the "By The Way" album by these delightful young men.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2HirOvyqi4

8. Heard it Through the grape vine, by Creedence Clearwater Revival
One word: SINister

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx6bb0t0yhQ

9. Give in to me, by Michael Jackson
God he was good. This is a really under-rated song too. It's not as recognized as your "Beat it's" and "Man in the Mirror's" or your "Billie Jeans." The man had more problems than the universe could hold--but, Lord could he write a tune. Tsk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ7qXHjxj_0

10. Bang Bang, by Nancy Sinatra
My baby shot me down....A sexy tune doesn't always have to rock. It can be slow, and haunting, and dangerous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAPMUSCFVhg

11. Criminal, by Fiona Apple
I've been a bad, bad squirrel...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFOzayDpWoI

12. Honey Bee, by Tom Petty
This is quite possibly the most provocative song Tom Petty has ever written. Buzz awhile ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYUGOOvABLI&feature=related

13. Cut Like a Buffalo, by The Dead Weather
I think this the most recent song on this list. The Dead Weather is of course one of Jack White's many musical projects. They formed in 2009 and have already released two studio albums. It's bluesy, like the White Stripes, but where the Stripes had more of a humorous edge, The Dead Weather is absolutely musical sex. The energy is so raw, and the tension is so tight you could bounce a silver dollar on it. "Cut like a buffalo" is from their first album, "Horehound."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImbW-p4c4gQ

14. Crazy, by Aerosmith
I guess....well....cause some guilty pleasures will never, ever, expire :)

COME HERE BABY! ::::ENTER GLORIOUS DRUM FILL::::

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMNgbISmF4I

15. Got you where I want you, by The Flys
did'ja know that I can dance? Could we talk for a while?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM_OWaItNJM

16. Swallowed, by Bush
Does this one take you back? It takes me back...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Io1GyrHG_w0

17. Fishin in the Dark, by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Don't judge me. I want to live this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvDh9eeHDWc

18. I Alone, by Live
Surreal. And oh so true.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNrQOUtXYOo

19. Red House, by Jimi Hendrix
in the words of Jimi Hendrix, "AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW YEAH BABY." Need we say more? The song speaks for itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbqchLSjAaI

20. Say Goodbye, by Dave Matthews Band featuring John Popper of Blues Traveler
I don't know many songs that are simultaneously sweet, sad, strong yet delicate, sensual and evocative of a light summer evening. But this one has it all. "Say Goodbye" is a sexy, heart-breaking tune; and I can think of none better to round out a list of songs to put on a make-out mix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rltqh-Yu2rM

Honorable Mentions: pretty much anything by She & Him

And now, ladies and gentleman, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors, lovers and cousins (what?) i'm going to go home, and watch Macgyver

:)

Next Week's blog: Songs that completely transform your mood

wedding songs

2011-03-01T13:57:00.001-08:00

In stark contrast to last week's blog; this evening shall focus on twenty songs to be played at my wedding. In reality, I intend to have far more than a mere twenty; so let's consider this to be a starting point. :)

In other news, I literally overheard a teenager just now say, "I need something hard........to write on."

In further news, I require a butterscotch dinosaur. What?

LET THE CURTAIN RISE!

1. Crazy Love--by Van Morrison
The only song that could be a better opener to a list like this would be "I want you" by Bob Dylan; but i've used that one already in a different list. That song, and this one--I consider to possibly be the two greatest love songs ever written.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky_Uh2mKvAc

2. Wet Sand--by The Red Hot Chili Peppers
No, seriously. Listen to it and tell me i'm wrong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32dlZL1HPDk

3. Beautiful--by The Smashing Pumpkins
Dear Billy Corgan, write more songs like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuD6b9JGtfA

4. These Arms of Mine--by Otis Redding
I've been carrying this song around with me for a long, long time. Since, well...ever since "Dirty Dancing" came out in 1987 when I was six years old. I loved all the songs from that movie, but "These Arms of Mine" struck a chord with me more than anything else on that sound track. You can hear the sincerity in Otis's voice. It is love, and passion, and tenderness personified through song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqVrNK4uiB4

5. Never My Love--by The Association
A couple weeks ago, I featured a cover of this song--done by Adam Green. Here is the original.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=munErg-ykYU

6. She Loves You--by The Beatles
Cause we want to dance, and they can't all be slow dances. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0YifXhm-Zc

7. Dance, Dance, Dance--by Steve Miller Band
I repeat, "Cause we want to dance, and they can't all be slow dances." :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sntYyYQJgqc

8. So Happy Together--by The Turtles
I don't care if it's cliched. I love the crap out of this song. I also love turtles. I mean...The Turtles were a cool band......but....I also just really like turtles. Additionally, I can't see me lovin nobody but you. True statement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTvhWVTwRnM

9. Salley Garden--an instrumental, traditional Irish tune
As far as background music pre-ceremony is concerned, this just off the top of my head would definitely have to be considered. This is another song that has been with me a long time. I first heard it on a collection of old Irish Ballads that I bought from Cracker Barrell when I was 15 or 16. Really. It's a lovely tune. I listen to this whenever i'm tweaking out due to stress, and it helps immensley.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fIZwm5KPaQ

10. All of My Love--by Led Zeppelin
Interestingly, this could potentially be another pre-ceremony tune...provided we weren't blaring it, of course :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpJia1TrzL8

or how about this orchestral version?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAb3njLQHEc

11. I will Always Love You--By Dolly Parton
Because she's the best. In truth, this song is actually a little bit sad......but it's also just so damn pretty; and honest. And that's what it's all about. Open, brutal, honesty; and love. Honestly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMmYqRvSRS8

12. Moonlight Serenade--by Glen Miller Orchestra
The last of my pre-ceremony picks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n92ATE3IgIs

13. Oh How Happy--by The Jackson 5
I had to fit little mikey and company on this list somewhere. And this is just a terrific, delightful, sweet song. Sometimes I want to climb to the top of the highest hill and proclaim the chorus of this song for all the world to hear; in my honest, off key voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ebT7Qv9yMQ

14. Wouldn't it be nice--by The Beach Boys
No words are necessary here--just click the link and drown in Brian's ethereal vocals. Mega-happy pop classics are what's up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMytHN6odD4

15. I want to grow old with you--by Adam Sandler
Dear Adam Sandler, please go back to making decent movies with real heart, and genuine hilarity. We miss them. Much obliged.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKs3bybeTO8

16. Passionate Kisses--by Lucinda Williams
I mean, cause...really...who DOESN'T want passionate kisses at their wedding? Just sayin...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMGMT3_Dx4k

17. The Love Song From Disney's Robin Hood
I know what i'm talking about. Trust me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3Jf1P9wKIg&feature=related

18. Here Comes my Girl--by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
"Cause you know when i've got that little girl stand right by my side I can tell the whole wide world to SHOVE IT!" Yeah...amen to THAT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOOiZAHFvfc

19. Another You--by The Seekers.
I feel like this song should have been featured somewhere on the six season run of "LOST." But, since it wasn't, it will just have to feature here instead. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ga9Bs4fzSY

20. Pure Imagination--from the film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, sung by Gene Wilder
This is the first dance. That is all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv6aH7rMZe8

and on those sweet notes, I bid you a good evening. If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it...

A List of Songs to Play at my Funeral

2011-02-22T14:26:00.000-08:00

"Dave, what would you do if I threw up on this lap-top?" asked one random teenager earlier this afternoon while I was at work. "Well..." I responded, "those are actions that would probably lead to your funeral." If i'd asked that kid what kind of music he would want played at his memorial service, I don't doubt he'd have responded with the likes of Lil Wayne, Drake, Wiz Khalifa, and other artists of similar ilk. And really, that's fine. As (almost) all music is completely subjective and strikes different people in different ways. I say, "almost" above because i don't count Nickleback as real music. They're more like drunk woodchucks raping guitars...but...with less talent. At any rate, i've spent the past week thinking about the different songs I would want played at my own funeral. This list resulted in a pretty ecclectic batch. See below.

1. Each Coming Night--by Iron and Wine
I can think of nothing better to start with, than this flawless, peaceful, sad, gem of a song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh7DWzdBkh0

2. Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness--by The Smashing Pumpkins
shhhhh...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3olG84TVtvA

3. You Can Call me Al--by Paul Simon
Cause they can't all be sad songs. I expect people to dance at my funeral. I expect leaping, and dancing in praise of beauty, and happiness, and deep friendship. And if they don't i'll haunt their asses ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsEjsIbWq88

4. Solsbury Hill--by Peter Gabriel
Pack your things, i've come to take you home. That about sums it up, doesn't it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvGBzHAzbGU&feature=fvst

5. All Dead, All Dead--by Queen
Sure, it sounds like a morbid emo song; but it certainly is graceful. Queen shall bring a touch of class to my death.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9VXjFzWIgE

6. The World Exploded into Love--by Bob Schneider
If you don't listen to any of the other songs i've posted...listen to this one. It sort of sums up my life, and all my philosophies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Pw3ohhknk

7. Follow You, Follow Me--by The Red House Painters
Gorgeous. A sad love song fit for Angels of the highest order.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAYupCNy53A

8. Fake Plastic Trees--by Amanda Palmer and her Ukelele
Just when you think one of your favorite songs can't get any better, some one proves you wrong by giving it the vocals of a haunting rock queen and applies a ukelele.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clHYhkRJIiw

9. One more Cup of Coffee--by The White Stripes
I just realized the past three songs were covers....huh. And who says it can't be just a little sinister?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZfVbvSVUbw

10. Wilderflowers--by Tom Petty
This song is, as so far as I can tell, about traveling away to a peaceful place of harmony and color. I can't live without it, and I wouldn't be able to pass on without it either.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jr3uKOzNaw

11. When the Deal Goes Down--by Bob Dylan
It's almost like a lullabye you could die to...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEoGqUqy-0w

12. Melissa--by The Allman Brothers
I has meh reasons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwbowi-8Yoo

13. When I Grow Up--by The Beach Boys
Because some songs are painfully poignant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IinaEJ_37g

---The next four songs are all fairly traditional...but...with a bit of a contemporary twist...you knew these were coming right?---

14. When the Saints go Marching in--performed by Dr. John
How bloody awesome is THIS?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KRcyduODa8

15. Angel Band--performed by Ralph Stanley
My favorite.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyDeWXZAzZg

16. When the Roll is Called up Yonder--performed by the Chuck Wagon Gang
This was one of my grand dad's favorites; and my own dad used to play it on his guitar. It has passed down three generations of Banker Boys to nestle within me as one of my favorites too. Must be something special 'bout this one. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gfOTgoyl1Y

17. Amazing Grace--performed by Ray Charles
...YES...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOzZu0MDz6s

18. Three Little Birds--by Bob Marley
Because even when we're gone, every little thing is gonna be alright.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LanCLS_hIo4

19. I'll Follow the Sun--by The Beatles
If I die, and I meet John Lennon and George Harrison in the afterlife; how would I look if they asked me what songs were played at my send off and one of theirs wasn't on the list? I'd feel like a right tool I would. And anyway, this one is perfectly splendid. "One day, you'll look to see i've gone." It couldn't be much more straightforward or elegant could it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Uk_6WWy0RA

20. Dare to be Stupid--by Weird Al Yankovic
Why? Because life is beautiful and we shouldn't take ourselves too seriously. That's why.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMhwddNQSWQ

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.

next week's blog: 20 songs to play at my wedding

20 Favorite Covers

2011-02-15T07:02:00.001-08:00

This morning I woke up at 4:09 and went to the bathroom. It was a good pee. I returned scraggle-faced and mumble-jawed to my bed, flopped back down, and proceeded to not go back to sleep. It's been a difficult day. In other news....erm....sorry; by brain isn't functioning properly.

In conjecture with the title of today's blog I'd like to point out that narrowing down a mere twenty favorite cover songs is almost impossible, but i've done my best. To help, I went through all the music on my lap top and made a playlist of every (well...most. I didn't include the crappy ones) cover in my music library. See below.

1. "When the Ship comes in." By Bob Dylan--covered by Robbie O'Connell

2. "Midnight Train to Georgia," by Gladys Knight and the Pips--covered by The Indigo Girls

3. "I've just seen a face", by The Beatles--covered by Jim Sturgess

4. "What's going on" by Marvin Gaye--covered by A Perfect Circle

5. "Sunday Morning comin' down" by Kris Kristofferson--made famous by Johnny Cash--covered by Shawn Mullins

6. "Sanitarium" by Metallica--covered by Apocolyptica

7. "Good Lovin" by The Rascals--covered by The Grateful Dead

8. "Leavin on a Jetplane" by John Denver--covered by Peter, Paul & Mary

9. "Day Tripper" by The Beatles--covered by Jimi Hendrix

10. "Bennie and the Jets" by Elton John--covered by The Beastie Boys

11. "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers--covered by U2

12. "Minnie the Moocher" by Cab Calloway--covered by Big Bad Voodoo Daddies

13. "Garden Party" by Rick Nelson--covered by John Fogerty

14. "Lay Lady Lay" by Bob Dylan--covered by The Byrds

15. "Love minus zero/no limit" by Bob Dylan--covered by Joan Baez

16. "Follow you, follow me" by Genesis--covered by Red House Painters

17. "Sweet Jane" by Velvet Underground--covered by Cowboy Junkies

18. "Chelsea Hotel #2" by Leonard Cohen--covered by Rufus Wainwright

19. "Creep" by Radiohead--covered by Damien Rice

20. "Boyz in the hood" by Eazy E--covered by Dynamite Hack

21. "Gin and Juice" by Snoop Dogg--covered by The Gourds

22. "Take on Me" by Aha--covered by Reel Big Fish

23. "Build me up Buttercup" by The Foundations--covered by Save Ferris

24. "Come Sail Away" by Styx--covered by Eric Cartman

25. "The Boys are Back in Town" by Thin Lizzy--covered by Everclear

26. "Cat Scratch Fever" by Ted Nugent--covered by Pantera

27. "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC--covered by Marilyn Manson

28. "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan--covered by Jimi Hendrix

29. "Across the Universe" by The Beatles--covered by Fiona Apple

30. "Angel From Montgomery" by John Prine--covered by Dave Matthews

31. "Come on Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners--covered by Save Ferris

32. "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band" by The Beatles--covered by Jimi Hendrix

33. "Imagine," by John Lennon--covered by A Perfect Circle

34. "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell--covered by Marilyn Manson

35. "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry--covered by Jimi Hendrix

36. "Sliver" by Nirvana--covered by The Assylum Street Spankers

37. "Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode--covered by Johnny Cash

38. "Fields of Gold" by Sting--covered by Eva Cassidy

39. "The Man in the Long Black Coat" by Bob Dylan--covered by Joan Osborne

40. "Hey Jude" by The Beatles--covered by The Flys

41. "The Star Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key--covered by James Marshal Hendrix

42. "Goin to Aculpoco" by Bob Dylan--covered by Jim James and Calexico

43. "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones--covered by Guns n Roses

44. "All along the watchtower" by Bob Dylan--covered by Eddie Vedder

45. "Heigh Ho" from Disney's SNOW WHITE--covered by Tom Waits

46. "Layla" by Derek and the Dominoes--covered by The Allman Brothers

47. "Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones--covered by Bjork & P.J. Harvey

48. "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John--covered by Ben Folds

49. "Gimme some Truth" by John Lennon--covered by Dhani Harrison & Jakob Dylan

50. "Redemption song" by Bob Marley--covered by Ziggy Marley

51. "Hotel California" by The Eagles--covered by The Gypsy Kings

52. "Message in a Bottle" by The Police--covered by Matisyahu

53. "Real Love" by John Lennon--covered by Regina Spektor

54. "Row Row your boat" traditional children's song--covered by Dr. John

55. "Scarlet Begonias" by The Grateful Dead--covered by Jimmy Buffett

56. "Jolene" by Dolly Parton--covered by The White Stripes

57. "Fiddle and the Drum" by Joni Mitchell--covered by A Perfect Circle

58. "Soul Man" by Sam & Dave--covered by The Blues Brothers

59. "Live and Let Die" by Paul McCartney--covered by Guns n Roses

60. "What is Life" by George Harrison--covered by Shawn Mullins

61. "Changes" by David Bowie--covered by Shawn Mullins

62. "Uncle John's Band" by The Grateful Dead--covered by Jimmy Buffett

63. "Mama Kin" by Aerosmith--covered by Guns n Roses

64. "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen--covered by Willie Nelson

65. "Me and Bobby McGee" by Kris Kristofferson, made famous by Janis Joplin--covered by The Grateful Dead

66. "Johnny B. Good" by Chuck Berry--covered by The Grateful Dead

67. "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond--covered by Jimmy Buffett

68. "Southern Cross" by Crosby, Stills, & Nash--covered by Jimmy Buffett

69. "In my Room" by the Beach Boys--covered by Jimmy Buffett

70. "This Land is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie--covered by Bruce Springsteen

71. "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley--covered by Jimmy Buffett

72. "Scary Boat Ride from Willy Wonka" done originally by Gene Wilder--covered by Marilyn Manson

73. "Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode--covered by Marilyn Manson

74. "Wonderwall" by Oasis--covered by Ryan Adams

75. "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison--covered by Jimmy Buffett

76. "Everybody's Talkin at Me" by Harry Nilson--covered by Jimmy Buffett

77. "Under Pressure" by Queen & David Bowie--covered by My Chemical Romance

78. "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson--covered by Alien Ant Farm

79. "I drove all night" by Roy Orbison--covered by Cyndi Lauper

80. "Blame it on the Rain" by Milli Vanilli (sort of)--covered by Sam Moore

81. "We Shall be Free" by Garth Brooks--covered by Sam Moore

82. "Bleeker Street" by Simon and Garfunkel--covered by Jonatha Brooke

83. "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley--covered by Blues Traveler

84. "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osborne--covered by Yonder Mountain String Band

85. "Jersey Girl" by Bruce Springsteen--covered by Tom Waits

86. "Just Like a Woman" by Bob Dylan--covered by Jeff Buckley

87. "Ballad of a thin man" by Bob Dylan--covered by The Grateful Dead

88. "Forever Young" by Bob Dylan--covered by Rod Stewart

89. "Subterranean homesick blues" by Bob Dylan--covered by The Red Hot Chili Peppers

90. "La Isla Bonita" by Madonna--covered by The Gypsy Kings

91. "Bring the Pain" by Method Man--covered by Mindless Self Indulgence

92. "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Prince, made famous by Sinead O'Connor--covered by some Hawaiian dude

93. "Scarlet Begonias" by The Grateful Dead--covered by Sublime

94. "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley--covered by Matisyahu

95. "Romeo and Juliet" by Dire Straights--covered by The Killers

96. "Stand by Your Man" by Tammy Wynette--covered by The Blues Brothers

97. "Hey Bulldog" by The Beatles--covered by Dave Matthews

98. "Broken Arrow" by Rod Stewart--covered by The Grateful Dead

99. "Downtown Train" by Tom Waits--covered by Rod Stewart

100. "The Van Lear Rose" by Loretta Lynn--covered by Jack White

101. "Knockin on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan--covered by Guns n Roses

102. "Bitches Ain't Shit" by Dr. Dre--covered by Ben Folds

103. "I wanna be like you" from Disney's JUNGLE BOOK--covered by Big Bad Voodoo Daddies

104. "Crimson and Clover" by Tommy James and the Shondells--covered by Dolly Parton

105. "Louie Louie" by The Kingsmen--covered by Robert Plant

106. "Mr. Tambourine Man" by Bob Dylan--covered by William Shatner

107. "Never My Love" by The Associaton--covered by Adam Green

108. "One more cup of coffee" by Bob Dylan--covered by The White Stripes

109. "Time" by Tom Waits--covered by Tori Amos

110. "Chimes of Freedom" by Bob Dylan--covered by Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Tracy Chapman, Peter Gabriel, and Youssou N'Do

And so, how can I pick just twenty of these one hundred and ten miraculous songs to share in tonight's blog?

Well, in my opinion; a good cover should do one, or both, of two things. 1. It should completely revamp the song in question--taking it through a grand metamorphosis and sculpting it into something new and exciting. 2. It should totally, completely, absolutely, monumentally, fundamentally, unequivically, and genuinely wollop your heart and blow your mind. So, in light of those two factors, I shall now pick my top twenty. :)

1. Midnight Train to Georgia--by Gladys Knight and the Pips--covered by The Indigo Girls

It is a soulful, lovely song no matter who does. The only band that could mess this up is probably Puddle of Mud. I stumbled across this cover somewhere in college and it has been living with me ever since.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v57pAXmKTh0

2. Bennie and the Jets--by Elton John--covered by The Beastie Boys

A totally bizarre and quirky cover. The boys sound like their drunk or something. I give it seven thumbs up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_l_runP4-Q

3. Chelsea Hotel #2--by Leonard Cohen--covered by Rufus Wainwright

Dare I say I like this cover more than Cohen's original? Yes...slander me if you wish...but I do dare! ..................lol.........."do-dare." This is an example of a good cover thoroughly wolloping me to pieces. Also I love the way Rufus will randomly gesture and sway towards the audience in this video. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtPlp-sGXTs

4. Come Sail Away--by Styx--covered by Eric Cartman via Trey Parker

I really want to hang out with Trey Parker one time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOWK7Tam01M

5. Heigh Ho--from Disney's SNOW WHITE--covered by Tom Waits

This is an example of a song being completely reborn. A little backstory here: This song was part of a collection that was realease (I think) in the 1980's called "Stay Awake." It featured other classic Disney songs covered by well known artists including Los Lobos, Michael Stipe, Natalie Merchant, Bonnie Rait, Ringo Starr, Sinead O'Connor, The Replacements and James Taylor. This is pretty difficult to find these days, but if you can locate a copy--more power to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4_zaZ3utUY

6. Under Pressure--by Queen & David Bowie--covered by My Chemical Romance & The Used.

I know what you're thinking. "My Chemical Romance? Really?" Well, YES....REALLY. I was dubious too, I assure you--when my good friend Bear said, "Dude...you gotta listen to this." In fact, i'm pretty sure my exact words were, "My Chemical Romance? Really?" But to my delight and surprise this turned out to be a really well done, enthusiatic, and honorable cover. And for the record, My Chemical Romance also does a pretty unique cover of "Desolation Row." Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZev4cC7Qzg

7. Crazy Train--by Ozzy Osborne--covered by Yonder Mountain String Band

Ozzy done bluegrass style. YES. I was fortunate enough to be at this particular show. Its a crazy cover.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3f5yNOfBDA

8. Bring the Pain--by Method Man--covered by Mindless Self Indulgence

BAT. SHIT. CRAZY. That is all

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GKMvDtZBj4

9. Scarlet Begonias--by The Grateful Dead--covered by Sublime

I love this song, with all my heart. No matter WHO is singing it. When Jerry sings it I feel like I should be sitting on a dock at sunset in summertime, barefoot with a bamboo fishing pole and my girl. When Jimmy Buffet sings it, I feel like I should be in a seaful of geeky hippies at a festivul--cause that is in fact where I was when I saw him perform this song. And when Bradley Knowles of Sublime sings it, I feel like I should be with my best friends out underneath the start on a warm July evening, just shooting the shit and enjoying each other's company. This song is about love. No matter which way you slice it--no matter who sings it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cg2O4SsHQw

10. Romeo and Juliet--by Dire Straights--covered by The Killers

I didn't discover this one until just recently. The cover, that is...not the original. I was sitting around at work one morning before we opened listening to Dire Straights songs on Youtube when I stumbled across this one, and i've been listening to it now three or four times a week ever since.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtmorUXAwiI

11. Bitches Ain't Shit--by Dr. Dre--covered by Ben Folds

When a nerdy white guy who specializes in piano successfully covers a Dr. Dre song; I feel like we as a people have come a long way. It's a really cool cover as it is; but this particular performance is even cooler. Enjoy :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_N3CK-6CHk

12. Never My Love--by The Association--covered by Adam Green

Both versions are beautiful. But the cover holds a special place in my heart. It's...one of those songs ;). Also, this song is featured on the soundtrack for the movie "Whip It." Excellent film. Excellent sound track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fslOF4Qu0C8

13. Time--by Tom Waits--covered by Tori Amos

This is a special song. Whether it is sung by Tom Waits, in his gruff, heart-broke, burlesque voice--or in Tori's ethereal, fluid, provacative voice--it is a perfect song. PERFECT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xdhwXIzFKY

14. No Woman No Cry--by Bob Marley--covered by Blues Traveler and Ziggy Marley

Another of my favorite songs. The original I mean. I found this cover much the same way I found the Romeo and Juliet cover...simply by stumbling across it one day. It's hard to make this song much more kick ass than it already is--but epic harmonica solos and Bob Marley's own son do just that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zk0HFG5mDw

15. Johnny B. Goode--by Chuck Berry--covered by Jimi Hendrix

I can still remember the first time I ever heard this. I had just gotten the Jimi Hendrix box set and was riding around in my truck listening to it, when this track came on. And my jaw fell to the floor. I like this cover better than the original. Most covers...I like on the same level as originals...but I think this one is better. Jimi just RIPS it up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEK_HKolscM

16. Hurt--by Nine Inch Nails--covered by Johnny Cash

I don't think I need to explain myself here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o22eIJDtKho

17. Stand by Your Man--by Tammy Wynette--covered by The Blues Brothers

Classic :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO38rf1m0FU

18. In My Room--by The Beach Boys--covered by Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy is known for his outstanding covers; "Uncle John's Band," "Everybody's Talking at me," "Brown Eyed Girl," "Souther Cross," "Scarlet Begonias," "Mexico" etc. etc. So I basically just picked on at random--because they are all just really really really good. And this one is a good make out song ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dV8glNvESM

19. Bad Romance--by Lady Gaga--covered by Lissie

Lissie, a scruffy young new comer to the singer-songwriter scene takes Lady Gaga's pop masterpiece and makes it GRUNGE. Sexy grunge. This is the coolest thing i've seen or heard in yeeeeeears.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWe07krS8_E&feature=related

20. Chimes of Freedom--by Bob Dylan--covered by Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Tracy Chapman, Peter Gabriel, and Youssou N'Dour

Some things need no explanation. This is one of them. I almost cry everytime I listen to this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbEr240Tfsk

Honorable Mention: Whip My Hair--by Willow Smith--covered by Jimmy Fallon as Neil Young, and 1977 era Bruce Springsteen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpxZwbPcA38

Woof....ok. It's been a day. Gonna go home now, eat a sammich, and watch South Park. Cheers :)

Next week's blog: A list of songs to play at my funeral. EEP!

Interlude #1: An unfortunate evening with Kanye West

2011-02-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

Tomato soup with habenero peppers is so hot, it will allow you to see through time. After three bowls, i've witnessed the forthcoming of: A White Stripes Reunion tour (circa Summer 2014), a Paul McCartney/Ringo Starr collaboration record entitled "Richard Starkey sings the blues" (McCartney will accompany with ukelele...expect this to drop in may 2012), a broadway production of Pink Floyd's "The Wall" with music composed for the stage by Maynard James Keenan and Jim James...this debuts on April 23rd, 2016, a biopic of Patsy Cline written and directed by the Coen Brothers and starring Zooey Deschanel. It will win 2 Academy Awards and shall hit theatres summer of 2015. And, lastly, as of the year 2050, Kanye West will still be a mega talented snot-nosed ass pocket.

The goal of this evening's blogpost is not to crucify the afforementioned hip-hop star simply for the sake of randomly bashing him. That's too simple. I like to think that I wouldn't call shenanigans on some one unless I felt as though i'd been personally wronged by the alleged villain. Also, it's popular to hate on Kanye West. In addition to the Taylor Swift debacle it is widely known/reported that West is erm...something of a diva. It's difficult, but i'm trying to be diplomatic here. You've no idea how tempted I am to start slinging insults and cutdowns (E.G. Kanye likes to smell his own farts) but that won't get us anywhere. That...is childish. But, I think most would agree with my use of the diva illustration. And who are we kidding? That's a turn off. It' NOT enough of a turn off though, to make me boycott an artist's music and hop on the hate bandwagon. If that were the case I would have to throw out half of my record collection. It's safe to say though, I think, that these are the prime reasons why many people are turned off by Kanye West. But like I said before; this blog will not seek to randomly crap on the man just cause everybody else is. In truth, I really hate when people do that. For example, it's also populr to hate Kings of Leon, U2, and Dave Matthew Band--just to name a few. I have my reasons for calling out Mr. West; they are GOOD reasons, I promise, and they were born before the time of general Kanye hate. I shall present them thusly.

I didn't always harbor strong ill-will towards Kanye. In fact. I used to really, REALLY like him. I recall a friend named Nick Jones introducing me to the song "Jesus Walks," back in the summer of 2005. At least...I think it was the summer of 2005--may have been 2006. My memories are plagued with cobwebs. The point though, was that I thought the song was fantastic. I loved its flow, I loved its lyrics, and I loved the music video that accompanied it. Over the the proceeding months I downloaded more of his music and not only dug what I was hearing, but thoroughly respected it as well. "Here is a guy," I thought to myself, "who really knows how to put beats and lyrics together."

This brings us to the year 2008, and the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. I could do a separate blog just on Bonnaroo--how it has effected my life--the amazing things i've seen there--and the unfortunate downward spiral it took last year--but I won't go into all that. Another time, perhaps. All you really need to know is that I had been twice previously, in 2004 and 2006--and it is one of the greatest places on earth. The festival occurs every June in Manchester, Tn. over a period of four days. The initial line up for the festival always drops sometime in the middle of february (yes that means the lineup for 2011 will be announced any day now). But it is 2008 we are concerned with, and when I woke up one morning in February of that year and checked www.bonnaroo.com to see if they lineup had been announced yet, I was met with this:

Pearl Jam, Metallica, Jack Johnson, Widespread Panic, Kanye West, Christ Rock, Robert Plant & Allison Krauss, Phil Lesh & Friends, My Morning Jacket, The Raconteurs, Willie Nelson, Death Cab For Cutie, Tiesto, B.B. King, Les Claypool, Sigur Ros, Levon Helm, Ben Folds, O.A.R, Cat Power, M.I.A, Umphrey's Mcgee, Iron & Wine, Stephen Marley, Yonder Mtn. String Band, The Swell Season, Talib Kweli, Derek Trucks, Gogol Bordello, Broken Social Scene, Robert Randolph, Rilo Kiley, The Disco Biscuits, Mastadon, Lupe Fiasco, and Solomon Burke; plus many, many, many more.

Yeah. I geeked out.

As stoked as I was about finally getting to see Pearl Jam, Metallica, and Robert Plant; I was just as interested in seeing what a Kanye West performance would be like. Can you blame me? His tunes were brilliant and exciting. It only made sense that his live show would be just as magical.

I bought my ticket. Winter turned to spring. Spring turned to summer. I packed my bags. I pointed the steely grey nose of my pick up truck south and without further hesitation cracked the gas pedal so that life might breath into my vehicle thus transporting me from Radford "I hate my life" Virginia to Manchester, Tn. for my third tour of the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. A place, truly, like no other.

Musicians at Bonnaroo are divided up between five venues. Three tents labled "This tent, "That tent" and "The other Tent." And two stages, a smaller stage called, "Which stage," and the main stage, called "What stage." Kanye was initially scheduled to play on Which Stage at 6:00 p.m. on satuday of the festival. At the last minute (and when I say "the last minute" I mean, that saturday) Kanye's timeslot was switched from 6:00 p.m. on Which Stage, to 2:45 A.M. on "What Stage." There is much speculation about this change. SuperFly Productions and AC Entertaiment (the wizards behind Bonnaroo's curtain) claimed that it was A. to give the audience a better feel for Kanye's glow in the dark themed show, and B. to start a new tradition of having a late night performance on the main stage (intestingly enough this tradition HAS continued, with the likes of Phish in 2009, and Jay-Z in 2010). These are very valid reasons. There is also a school of thought, though, that suggests Kanye threw a fit and declared that either he play on the big kids' stage, or he didn't play at all. I don't know if this hypothesis has ever been proven as fact--but it wouldn't surprise me. My initial reaction though was, "huh...that's cool."

Over the course of this saturday, I saw: Gogol Bordello, Ben Folds, Levon Helm, Jack Johnson, Pearl Jam (the saturday night headliner, and holy crap, was Pearl Jam AWESOME), and Lupe Fiasco.

Lupe Fiasco was my first real experience with a live hip-hop performance. And he was OUTSTANDING. Lupe came on at approximately 1:30 a.m. in "This Tent," and played for about 45 minutes. Never, had I been to a show like that. The energy thundering from the stage was raw, and provocative. Everyone in the audience was jumping and wailing and making love to the music. The musicians on the stage played their instruments like silk lightning while Lupe rapped over their rhythms with poise and wild cat grace.

"My God," I thought to myself. "I've never seen or heard or experienced ANYTHING like this. And in just a few minutes i'm going to go see Kanye West perform. THIS CAN ONLY GET BETTER."

Ah. How wrong I was.

I got back to "What Stage" at 2:30. 2:45 came, and went. A message appeared on the Jumbo-Screen declaring that Kanye would now be performing at 3:15. This news was met with the first round of many "boos" from the audience. But, still pumped from the Lupe Fiasco show, I figured, "Well, this isn't that uncommon, i'm sure he'll be out shortly enough." 3:15 rolled around, and the Jumbo-Screen now informed us that Kanye would now be performing at 3:30. The audience was baffled, and pissed off. I admit, my initial agitations began here. Kanye's ridiculously elaborate stage set up was constructed and good to go. What was he waiting for? The crowd meanwhile, was growing more and more restless. Cries of "KANYE SUCKS!" and "FUCK YOU KANYE!!" could be heard clearly from all around. While I was beginning to share those sentiments, I felt no need to shout them. Random slander never helps an already tense situation. At 4:30 in the morning, nearly two hours after his readjusted time-slot, Kanye FINALLY took the stage.

He didn't say hello. He didn't say anything about Bonnaroo, no "Thanks for having me." He didn't apologize for coming on late, or give any sort of explanation. He did not, in fact, say ANYTHING--but went immediately into his set--which--lasted only an hour. After his last song he exited the stage without saying even, "Thank you good night," and he did not come back on for an encoure. Those, my friends, are the highly offensive actions of an egotistical pratt--who is clearly only interested in obtaining his paycheck--and has no desire to connect with his fans. That, is a direct slap in the face of the collective audience. Never in my life, before or since, have I seen so many pissed off hippie-kids.

I should note, that there were several other late night performers that evening. Phil Lesh, Talib Kweli, Chali 2Na from Jurassic 5, and Sigur Ros (all of whom I could've checked out had I not been packed tightly into the the Kanye West crowd like a large corpse in a small coffin. I should also note, that again, while it has not been proven as fact, there is LARGE speculation that Kanye would not come on stage, until those other performers, were finished performing. And, again, I wouldn't be surprised.

Being treated as such, by an artist whom you admire, and whose work you very much enjoy listening to is bad enough; and reason enough to stay mad at said artist until the four horsemen of the apocolypse come crashing down from the sky and the Good Dude from the heavens up above pulls the whistle on life all over the planet. But here is something worse:

I have grown to detest Kanye West so much, because of this one event, that I refuse to listen to any of his new music. And that's really unfortunate (as the title of this blog suggests) because i'm certain its friggin genius. From what i've been told, "808's and Heartbreak" is truly a masterpiece. But I will never voluntarily listen to it. It's stubbon, absolutely. I don't take a lot of things seriously, and it's very rare that I hold a grudge like this. But where music is concerned, I am VERY serious; and I have no time, patience, or interest in an artist who takes his audience for granted.

Jesus walks with you, Kanye West. But I don't.

Thank you, and Good Night.

Next week's blog: my twenty favorite all time covers

Favorite music moments in film

2011-02-01T14:12:00.000-08:00

Today is Tuesday February 1, 2011. On Tuesdays, I work a 12-8 shift. It sucks. My lunch/dinner break was at 4:30. Instead of eating I drove down to the river and stood there by the banks to watch the currents ripple and feel the cool, balmy mid-winter breeze lick across my face. I need to shave. I need to visit the sea-side soon. I need to collect small, pink shells and eat fresh crab legs dipped in melted butter at a two-bit ocean-side restaurant where all the tables are covered in newspaper. I need a shot of whiskey to wash it all down. And then I need to sit on the sand and watch tide roll in while all the seagulls bake their wings in the electric blood of an evening sun. I will do these things, and more...in good time. In the meanwhile though, I guess i'll continue to skip rocks on the New River between 4:30 and 5:00 on Tuesday afternoons. And then i'll come back to the library; and compose my weekly blog. Which, as you can tell by the title, will discuss in (semi) detail my twenty favorite musical moments in film.

In truth, I came up with this list mostly off the top of my head so I'm quite certain that there were some I didn't think of. But everything on here is definitely a personal favorite. :)

1. Movie: The Devil's Rejects
Song: "Midnight Rider" by The Allman Brothers

This is the opening musical number to a grotesque, gritty, quirky film that has an outstanding soundtrack. "The Devil's Rejects" is certainly not for everyone; but if you are a fan of the classic horror genre then I definitely recommend it. Rob Zombie knows what he's doing. "Midnight Rider" sets the tone for this contemporary southern gothic that is a sweaty, tense, thrill ride which takes the viewer along to visit sadistic hostage situations, brothels, mad men, and interestingly enough--deep friendships. The film culminates in an epic shoot out; but not before we see a scene in which the bad guys share a moment to eat ice cream cones and raz each other like childhood pals. It can be a helluva thing...friendship. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxZEkwoZW4M

2. Movie: Wayne's World
Song: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

Wayne's World hit theatres in (if i'm remembering correctly) the fall of 1992--when I was in fifth grade. I obviously didn't get all the jokes; but I certainly felt a connection with Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar. It was the same sort of connection I felt with Bill S. Preston Esq. and Ted "Theodore" Logan. But Wayne and Garth were cooler. They didn't play just air guitars, they played for real guitars. They had this weird little cable access show that was funnier than Ross Perot. And they (somehow) knew how to talk to girls. But most importantly; they were complete music geeks. Like me. And this fact is made evident at the beginning of the movie with the infamous "Bohemian Rhapsody" scene. If i'm in the car, and "Bohemian Rhapsody" comes on I still rock out at the part that...well...rocks out. There are two movies I could credit with introducing me to Queen that both came out around the same time. This one, and "The Mighty Ducks." I feel it's in better taste though, to credit this one ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzUU7SRRsGo&feature=related

3. Movie: Forrest Gump
Song: The whole damn sound track

This is one of those rare occurences where the soundtrack is practically flawless. The only song I don't care for is "It keeps you running" by the Doobie Brothers. It sounds too much like an attempt at the Super Mario Bro's theme gone wrong. Doobies aside however; the Forrest Fump soundtrack is a much treasured piece of my cd collection. It expresses and illustrates a time in our nation's history that we are still trying to figure out. Pop music is often a reflection of the times--and this collection of songs mirrors the turbulence, beauty, and eloquence of the 50's, 60's, and 70's with magnanimous grace. It gets under your skin and makes you say, "I want to know more." The link below is from the scene where Forrest first enters Vietnam. I don't know if this is true or not, but I heard that Tom Hanks suggested they add this song by CCR to the soundtrack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ie0D00GnBRc

4. Movie: The Big Lebowski
Song: "Just dropped in" by Kenny Rogers

The Big Lebowski = the greatest thing to happen to America since democracy. It was a tough call to choose between this song, "The Man in Me" by Bob Dylan, and "Hotel California" by The Gypsy Kings...but this one ultimately won out. It's a fantastic sequence...and it really ties the film together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz2ET5K6zY0

5. Movie: Beavis and Butthead do America
Song: Love Rollercoaster by The Red Hot Chili Peppers

I have to watch this movie at least five times a year. It's a favorite from my adolesence, and was another step on the road for the Chili Peppers to become one of my most cherished bands. Beavis & Butthead and the Chili Peppers make a good team. They ought to collaborate more often.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwKvwD97cf8

6. Movie: PeeWee's Big Adventure
Song: Tequilla, by The Champs

CLASSIC. CLASSIC. CLASSIC. CLASSIC. CLASSIC. CLASSIC. CLASSIC. "SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! I'M TRYYYYYYYING TO USE THE PHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!!!!!!!"
PeeWee Herman trapped in a den of hardcore bikers. What could be better? It should be noted that good use of this song is also made in the movie, "The Sandlot." But this is the best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQJexFOxolI

7. Movie: Back to the Future
Song: Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry, performed by Marty McFly

You can't mess with Michael J. Fox. You JUST...CAN'T. One of my favorite memories from college was a day spent with my room mates in which we consecutively watched all three "Back to the Future" films. This needs to be done again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCXK8yB4T6M

8. Movie: Shrek
Song: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, performed by Rufus Wainwright

Rarely has a "children's" movie produced such an outstanding soundtrack. I was initially torn between choosing this song, "My beloved moster" by the eels, and Jason Wade's cover of "You belong to me." Both of which also have very sweet, sincere, sequences. But it's "Hallelujah" that wins in terms of animating genuine heartbreak. The songs were one of the biggest draws for me, in the first two Shrek movies (along with really great, sharp writing and a tremendous cast). The second Shrek film featured songs by David Bowie and Tom Waits, among others. It's unfortunate that they didn't stop while they were ahead though. "Shrek the Third" was disappointing; and I have yet to see the fourth installment. Don't really want to. But I still remember when the original Shrek was released in theatres. I saw it four times. And, use of Leonard Cohen's classic tune, is one of the main reasons why.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIgzw8_fe94

9. Movie: The Labyrinth
Song: As the World falls down, by David Bowie

Quite possibly in my top ten all time favorite movies. I've never sat down and really thought about what those films might be...but i'd wager this would be on that list. When people think of "The Labyrinth," in terms of the music I mean, I believe they most usually think of "Magic Dance" or "Underground." Both of course are wonderful songs, also penned and performed by Bowie. But it's the movie's ballad, "As the World Falls Down" that i've always loved the most. When I listen to that song, (and I can listen to it anytime, anywhere) it makes me feel, comfortable--like i'm at home. It's a gorgeous, sad, love song; and the scene it envelopes is a haunting, mysterious, enchanted mix of fairytale lust.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt2zoY45508

10. Movie: The Muppet Movie
Song: Rainbow Connection, performed by Kermit the Frog

Don't it just make you smile? :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSFLZ-MzIhM (just kermit)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn49H3O0Jvk (finale, with all muppets)

11. Movie: Star Wars; Episode 4: A New Hope
Song: Theme from the opening sequence

Can you still recall the first time you saw this? Does it still give you chills?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oma9uPz9YYk&feature=fvsr

12. Movie: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Song: Pure Imagination, performed by Gene Wilder

If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it. Want to change the world? There's nothing to it...

Willy Wonka said it best, "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvcgD5l0--c

13. Movie: The Spy Who Love Me
Song: Nobody does it better, by Carly Simon

One of my favorite Bond movies, and one of my favorite Bond songs. The old school Bond films were so wonderfully cheesy; and their opening songs were beautifully epic. Especially this one. Carly Simon has a voice of silk that you just sort of want to slip in to. For the record, Radiohead does an AMAZING cover of this song. look it up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy-c8aAntWA&feature=fvw

14. Movie: Garden State
Song: The only living boy in New York, by Simon and Garfunkel

A splendid example of using song to illustrate freedom and newfound romance in contemporary film. And it's hard to watch this sequence with out leaping out of my seat and rocketing my fist towards the sky all the while bellowing out "YES! YES GOD DAMN IT YES!!!" But doggone...don't you feel sorry and awkward for the third wheel in this scene? I always do. Half of the time we're gone but we don't know where. Ain't that the truth?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIqBke3zoM0

15. Movie: Sound of Music
Song: Edelweiss, performed by Herr Von Trap A.K.A Christopher "international bad ass" Plummer A.K.A. Dr. Parnassus.

I'm learning to play this one on my guitar :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXtSP8e27rA

16. Movie: Beetlejuice
Song: The Banana Boat Song (Day-O), by Harry Belafonte

At the age of seven, this scene was the silliest, funniest thing i'd ever seen to date. Everyday I say a silent thank you to my parents, who allowed me to watch movies like this at a young age. I think I turned out ok. ;)

P.S. remember when Tim Burton's films kicked ass? :::::SIGH:::::

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQXVHITd1N4

17. Movie: The Lion King
Song: The Circle of Life

I still vividly remember, it was the summer of 1994 and I was 12 years old. My mom took me, and my cousin Josh to see "The Lion King" at the theatre one afternoon when we were visiting my grandparents in North Carolina. I saw "Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Aladdin" in the theatre as well; and the music in those films was, I have to say pretty incredible. But the songs featured in "The Lion King" were other-worldly. They were bombastic, symphonic, extraordinarily delightful, regal, dark, treacherous, sassy, and quite lovely. "Circle of Life," being the opening song, and the opening sequence of the films, sets the tone marvelously for what the viewer is about to encounter. "The Lion King" is essentially Hamlet with lions--which is pretty great in and of itself--but it also boasts of love and loss, death and rebirth. And when you're an impressionable 12 yr old sitting in a dark theatre listening to these songs bombarding your ears via gigantic spekers, and watching these very adult themes unfold on a giant screen, you are instantly transported to some other realm. It's hard to explain...but when you exit the theatre, and walk back into sunlight, just for a little while you see things differently. Maybe i'm a dork-biscuit, but "Circle of Life" is one of the greatest songs ever to grace a disney film. Don't believe me? Click the link...and look; haaaaarder.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX07j9SDFcc

18. Movie: Disney's Robin Hood
Song: Not in Nottingham, by Roger Miller

Another classic Disney film. In a story where most of the songs (oo-de-lally, prince john the phony king of england, etc.) are silly and happy go lucky, "not in nottingham" exudes a seriousness that balances this classic animated feature just right without being overly preachy, but adds an element of very austere humanity. I've said it before, and i'll say it again...when i grow up, I want to be Roger Miller.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSXM3Zg0eBo

19. Movie: Footloose
Song: "I need a hero" by Bonnie Tyler

I watched Footloose just this morning! This is perhaps the greatest scene in the film. It's when Kevin Bacon's character has to take part in a game of chicken with tractors with Chuck "every douche bag you've ever met" Cranston. It's basically the good guy vs. the bad guy. And of course the good guy, Kevin Bacon wins. ...and then he went and made "Tremors." WHAT?! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k933hssVnT0&feature=related

20. Movie: Dirty Dancing
Song: Cry to me, by Solomon Burke

In a movie so chock full of brilliant songs it's hard to pick just one. Much like "Forrest Gump" this is another film whose sound track does an A+ job of getting across the theme of the movie through song. Rebellion, prejudice, coming of age, forbidden romance. I love the shit out of this movie, and i don't care who knows it. Easily one of the best films to come out of the 1980s. Solomon Burke passed away last year, and it was a sad day. But he will always be remembered through his music, and also the through the extreme realness that Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze (may he also rest in peace) perform for us in this scene. They make it seem so real that you literally experience the nerves, and the ache, and the passion, and the exquisite pain they are acting out while dancing to this song. That's how you make a movie.

So come on...and cry to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pouIFiaIig

Next week's blog: Interlude number one; an unfortunate evening with Kanye West

Music from my high school years

2011-01-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

It is a cold, dark, ominous and bewitching winter morning in Radford. The skies appear almost heretical. Ice is tumbling from the clouds like angry, dead skin from chapped scalps. It is an appropriate atmosphere, then, that I post a blog about the music I listened to when I was in high school. Looking back, I listened to many of the same artists then that I do now. Some I listen to more than I did ten years ago, some less, some...not at all. And so it is with some trepidation that I raise the coffee mug to my lips, enter the lion's den--and proceed.

1. Aerosmith
If you've been keeping up with this blog you know my feelings about Aerosmith, so I won't go in to detail here. Long story short...I loved the HELL out of them, bought all their albums, and listened to them ad nauseum. I still like Aerosmith, just not as much. This is probably the last blog for a while that they will show up on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1urxv2SkMo

2. The Grateful Dead
I started listenting to the Grateful Dead in 11th grade out of sheer curiousity. I was at Best Buy, or Sam Goody, or one of those places one day looking at cd's and stumbled across all the Dead's albums. They looked...interesting. Very colorful cover art and quirky song titles (Sugar Magnolia, Jackaroo, Mexicali Blues, Box of Rain, Terrapin Station, Dark Star, etc.) All I really knew about them was that Jerry Garcia was this big hippie icon, that he had recently passed away, and that they had been making music since the 60's. The only song I really knew was "Touch of Grey" for which I had seen the video on MTV. After looking through all the different albums I settled on an early best of mix, "Skeletons from the closet," and made my purchase. I took it home and listened to it. Every song on that cd was vibrant, and happy, and beautiful, and fun. The Grateful Dead are what you would consider a "jam band," but interestingly enough my attachement to them never led the way into any association of my own with other "jam bands." By that I speak of course of Phish, Widespread Panic, String Cheese Incident, Umphreys Mcgee, to some extent Dave Matthews Band, and many more. I don't dislike any of these bands, and I have great respect for all of them; but they never clicked with me the way The Dead did...and still do. Below is a link for the song "Sugar Magnolia." It was one of my first favorites; and it's a PERFECT song for such a gloomy day. COME ON SUMMER!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkKuhAxcH7g

3. Eric Clapton
I don't care HOW cliche` this sounds; but I still remember the first time I heard "Layla" on the radio. My immediate reaction was, "I need to listen to everything else this guy has done!" Being 15 though; and having limited funds, I had to settle on just getting my hands on the mega best-of collection "The Cream of Clapton." I clearly remember listening to songs like "Wonderful tonight" and "bell bottom blues" and thinking about girls I had crushes on back then; and how nice it would be to slow dance with them. Ironicly, in one particlucar case that geeky fantasy actually came true (with "Wonderful Tonight") and it wasn't quite as magical as I thought it would be. Funny that, no? It didn't change how I felt about the song though--I still see it as one of the greatest love songs ever. At any rate, there is something about Clapton's guitar playing, and song writing, that seems to have elements of epic black magic, painful romance, sentimentality, incredible heart-break, and rattlesnake ferocity. I guess that's why they call it the blues. (Yes, I realize that last sentence is from an Elton John song. And no, I didn't do that on purpose.) Check out this magnificent, live, extended version of "Wonderful Tonight" below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mINPdUFVjSE

4. The Doors
Do I still like The Doors? Sure. Do I still listen to them? Not really. They had their important place in music history, and in my own adolescence. Had Jim Morrison not become a bloated, drunken, pretentious, pratt--ultimately culminating in his premature demise--would they, as a band have matured? Who really knows. But, as a human being, I matured; and it seems i've left the "American Poet" and his crew behind. Morrison will be forever 27, but I will not forever be 17. That's not to say I hate them, or that I openly choose not to listen to them. When I hear The Doors on the radio it takes me back to another place--another world, almost--and I turn up the volume & reminisce. And it's nice. All things considered though, I've moved on. Below is a song, highly appropriate for today's unpleasant wintry mix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKbPUzhWeeI

5. Lynyrd Skynyrd
I don't listen to Skynyrd as much as I did in high school. But "Tuesday's Gone" is still one of the sweetest ballads I know; "Sweet Home Alabama" still makes me wanna get up and dance, and if I stumble across "Freebird" on the radio while out driving I will ALWAYS, turn the volume up, and roll the windows down--no matter what the weather. I have many fond memories of this southern rock band. It's a shame what happened to them. Ronnie Van Zant died to soon. Airplanes and musicians just don't mix. Also, Rob Zombie made smashing use of "Freebird" in the final scene of his movie "The Devil's Rejects." A movie that is 90% grotesque, breaks free of its hideous cocoon; and transforms into something beautiful & decadent. Check it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEryqbU2nr0

6. Steve Miller
When I was in high school, I didn't know what a "midnight toker" was. And I didn't care. That's the neat thing about music--you don't necessarily need to know what the lyrics mean, or to understand a complicated time signature to appreciate a song. A song, when it clicks with you, does something to your insides. The way you feel about a song, is similar to the way you interact with the person you love most. You accept them for what they are, and you don't try to change them--because they make a better person out of you. Some of those songs you love, like people, will not always stay with you. But the ones that do are the most important things to grace your life. And that's what it's really all about. Below is a lesser known Steve Miller song; and one of my favorites. I used to try to whistle the guitar solo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sntYyYQJgqc

7. Led Zeppelin
is a radical, epic, mysterious band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BjiRKBC05c

in 2008, I saw Robert Plant perform the above song with Allison Kraus, and it was one of the coolest things ive ever seen. Ever.

8. Creed
What can I say? I was young? I didn't know better? Nah...i'm not gonna make excuses. It is what it is. Their first album is not horrible. It rocks fairly well; and I very much enjoyed it at the time. It is unfortunate that Scott Stapp developed a Messiah Complex. The band crashed and burned in a resplendent display of embarassing brutality. I hope they find/have found peace and happiness in what ever they endeavor to do with the rest of their lives. The link to the song below reeks of my senior year of high school; and produces a veritable tsunami of memories...both good and bad. P.S. Mark Tremonti is an under rated guitarist. YEAH I SAID IT!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lKBro5YkPs

9. The Smashing Pumpkins
I love everything they did up through the album "Machina." But "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" will always be THE S.P. album for me. At a time when I was listening almost exclusively to classic rock, The Smashing Pumpkins were one of the few contemporary bands that I was heavily in love with. And Mellon Collie was the root of it all. I still love them just as much now, as I did back then. It's too bad Billy Corgan is a weirdo diva vampire snob who can't bury the hatchet and work with James Iha or Jimmy Chamberlaine anymore (I recognize that this works both ways, i just like to pick on Corgan)--cause those guys--those guys (along with D'arcy) wrote some of the best songs to come out of the 1990s--contributing grossly to the sountrack of my high school years. And my God...the videos they made...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQtLoJlQD6E

10. The Cranberries
I was listening to them just this morning :) You can't mess with this band. And if you try, i'll fight you. Bear will help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz-DJr1Qs54&ob=av2em

11. The Beatles
It wasn't until 11th or 12th grade that I realized The Beatles were a band I should be paying attention to. There isn't much to say except that I went out one day, bought some of their albums, and the rest is history. They have been one of my favorite bands and biggest influences ever since. I recently did a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle of scenes from "Yellow Submarine." I framed it and put it up in my apartment. Yes...i'm that guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCKANiM9tUM&feature=related

12. Van Halen
Let's get one thing...no...two things...no...three...no...four...no...five things straight. 1. Eddie Van Halen is giant dick head. 2. So is David Lee Roth. 3. Sammie Hagar is a happy-go-lucky rock star with the voice of a wiley angel 4. Van Halen rocks pretty hard. 5. the previous fact doesn't mean that David Lee Roth can come back after 26 years to cut a new studio album with Eddie and Alex (michael anthony, the bassist, was fired and replaced by Eddie's 19 yr old song wolfgang....WEAK) because they are all OLD, (except of course for Wolfgang but who cares about him?) and they are all total ass-hats...but that is happening...nonetheless. I really, really, REALLY liked Van Halen when I was younger. In fact, Aerosmith, Guns N Roses, and Van Halen were at one point in time, my top three favorite bands. Ah, but how times change. The music they produced--I will always look back on fondly because A. it was VERY rockin' and B. many of those tunes take me back to another place and time with people who I very rarely converse with anymore. That's all i've got to say about that. Below is one of the lesser known songs, and one of my favorites. It is from the last album with Sammie Hagar, "Balance."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8l40CYtNzA

13. Bob Marley
Considering I just used his song "3 Little Birds" in preschool storytime last week; I think it safe to say I still hold Bob in the highest regard. Much like my introduction to The Grateful Dead, I simply stumbled upon Bob Marley somewhere along my sophomore year of high school...and fell in love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5FCdx7Dn0o

14. Pink Floyd
It was a phase. It still is. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBkTUzKAiXQ

15. Sublime
It was in the spring of my ninth grade year--that I first remember hearing "What I got" and "Santeria." Bradley Knowles was already dead. But I REALLY liked those two songs. So, when in April of 1997 I found my self at a record store in New York City (because of a high school band trip) I purchased a Sublime album. Another kid from band (a trombone player named Craig) saw me buying it, and called me "Poser." I wasn't popular enough, or filled with enough self-worth to say anything back; I was still figuring myself out. So I paid for my cd, put it in my disc man, and plugged up my ears with a strange, provocative combination of white boys effortlessly maneuvering through a unique blend of ska, reggae, and punk. I'm still mad at Bradley for offing himself on a heroine overdose--not only because he left behind a dalmation named Lou Dog, and a brand new little baby girl--but also because at the time of Bradley's death, Sublime was just breaking through. And Lord, who KNOWS what those boys could've accomplished? Musically speaking. So...was I really a poser? Nah, that guy was just a giant deuche bag. But I feel sorry for him. Cause after all these years, and miles, and learning experiences, i've found that love is what I got; and i'm willing to bet he sure as shit hasn't.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xs8trD4uVU

16. Jimi Hendrix
Another young man to expire himself far earlier than he deserved. The first time I heard Jimi was in the movie "Forres Gump," when Forrest finds himself in Vietnam and the soundtrack lets loose with Jimi's cover of Bob Dylan's "All along the watchtower." Shortly thereafter I went out and bought "Jimi Hendrix: The Ultimate Experience." Jimi was a unique guitarist. Sort of like Clapton...but sexier. It's really a shame he never made it past 27; but the curse of Robert Johnosn is a hard one to survive when you live the lifestyle of a mad-man. Wanna hear something cool? Click the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEK_HKolscM

17. Alanis Morrisette
Is it weird that I had a crush on her? Alanis's more recent work has never made the impact on me that "Jagged Little Pill" did. I remember spending the night at my buddy matt's house one time. We stayed up until three or four in the morning...just talking, mostly about girls we liked and that sort of crap. But we kept "Jagged Little Pill" on repeat the entire time. Alanis could be so sweet, and so quirky, and so fierce, and so wise. I bet she's fun to go bowling with. I imagine this video, will bring back just as many memories for you, as it does for me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jne9t8sHpUc&ob=av2el

18/19. Jimmy Buffett & Tom Petty
I've said plenty about these gentlemen already, and like with Aerosmith, if you've been reading my blog you should know by now that yes, I began listening to them in high school. But that was merely the beginning. Both artists have, over the years, escalated to the highest ranks of my favorite singers. They've been with me so long that both feel like old friends. Below are two of my favorite songs from high school days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vynpKk9Kjog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TlBTPITo1I&ob=av2el

20. Nirvana
I love all their pretty songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcXYz0gtJeM

Honorable Mentions: Guns n Roses, Big Bad Voodoo Daddies, The Rednex, Janis Joplin, Weird Al, Metallica, and Journey.

Next week's blog: Favorite music moments in film

The Twenty Best Concerts I've Attended

2011-01-18T14:06:00.000-08:00

Hello and Toppermost of the Poppermost to you! (ok that sounds lame when it isn't a zombie John Lennon saying it...look up a book called "Paul is Undead" and you will understand). At any rate I hope all are well and good. Last week was an erm...unpleasant week for me. Among other small trivialities I discovered that the breaks in my truck needed to be completely overhauled and had to shell out nearly $1000. I've concluded that Wal Mart is most likely responsible for this but I can't definitively prove it. I was pretty pissed off for a few days. But on Sunday I went for a good walk, listened to 1980s era U2 and felt quite better. Also over the weekend I read "Wind in the Willows." That's a novel to calm the anger if ever i've encountered one.

Today's blog will feature twenty of the finest/most memorable musical performances i've attended. My first concert was Johnny Rivers (he sang that song "Secret Agent Man"), at age 12. My most recent concert was the double-billed Rob Zombie/Alice Cooper show back in October. Below is a full list of the artists i've seen (to the best of my memory)...in relatively chronological order.

Johnny Rivers
John Denver
Kingston Trio
Aerosmith (5 times)
Van Halen (with gary cherone...booo)
Foreigner
Journey (twice...but never with Steve Perry)
Weird Al Yankovic
Eric Clapton
Peter Frampton
Lynyrd Skynyrd (or what's left of them...)
ZZ Top (twice)
AC/DC
Tori Amos
Nickel Creek
Ani DiFranco
Tool
Sammy Hagar
David Lee Roth
Bruce Springsteen (3 times)
Bad Company
Styx
Peter, Paul, and Mary
Bon Jovi
The Grateful Dead (twice) (Or...rather...I should say, "The Other Ones," and "The Dead")
Dave Matthews (solo)
Bob Dylan
David Byrne (of the Talking Heads)
Steve Winwood
Los Lobos
Los Lonely Boys
Robert Earl Keen (twice)
Calexico
Iron & Wine
Radiohead
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Buddy Guy
Ben Folds
Matisyahu
Andrew Bird
Pearl Jam
Metallica
Robert Plant & Allison Kraus
Willie Nelson
Les Claypool*
Gogol Bordello*
Old Crow Medicine Show
Stephen Marley (Bob's boy)
Yonder Mountain String Band
Lupe Fiasco
The Coup
Jakob Dylan
Cowboy Mouth
Phish
The Beastie Boys
Wilco
Al Green
Snoop Dog
Eryka Badu
Public Enemy
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Todd Snider
Jenny Lewis
Santigold
Jonatha Brooke
The Smothers Brothers
Ozzy Osborne
Korn
Disturbed
Chevelle
Marilyn Manson
Katzenjammer
Fantomas
Kenny Wayne Sheppard
Johnny Lang
Ecto 1
Jimmy Buffett (twice)
Dave Matthews Band
Kings of Leon
Stevie Wonder
Jay-Z
Conan O'Brien (it was mostly a comedy set...but at the end he DID strap on his guitar and played a few songs, including "The Weight" by The Band...and then he crowd surfed).
Tenacious D
The Dead Weather
Damian Marley & Nas
John Fogerty
Jimmy Cliff
Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers
John Butler Trio
Tinariwen
Blues Traveler
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Baroness
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Monte Montgomery
Kanye West (ugh...we'll do a special blog on him sometime later...)
The Decemberists (though not their entire set...sadly)
The Lovell Sisters
Levon Helm
The Swell Season
Lez Zeppelin
Serena Ryder
Grupo Fantasma
Bonnie Rait
Sonic Youth
Antigone Rising
Holy Ghost Tent Revival
Rob Zombie
Alice Cooper

...whew...

*I saw Les Claypool perform with Gogol Bordello and Kirk Hammett of Metallica. They played an entire set of Tom Waits covers. More on that later.

As you might imagine...it's not easy picking the top 20 out of this list. In some of the cases I will be able to actually provide video footage of the shows that I saw...I will point those out. And, without further delay they are, as follows:

1. Aerosmith
At the age of 16, this was my first REAL rock concert. Prior to this i'd seen Johnny Rivers, The Kingston Trio, and John Denver. All good shows; but nothing like this. This was the summer...oh...1997...I think. And, Aerosmith was still on their game. I was very impressionable. After this concert (which I attended with my best friend at the time...and his family) I began to get my hands on as many Aerosmith records as I could manage. It was a superb, magical, bluesy, warm, summer evening full of loud, catchy pop-infused rock n roll. I've seen Aersosmith 4 times since that night; and each time has been memorable. But I have to mark the first time I saw Aerosmith, as not only the birth of my concert lust; but also as one of the best nights of my life up to that point. Additionally...the third and fourth time I saw Aerosmith they were pulling this stunt where in the middle of the set; they would leave the stage, stroll out to the lawn, and get up on a small stage that they'd set up out there, where they would do three songs, and then return to the main stage. I was out on the field for both these occaisons; but it was the fourth time around that I was actually within 5-10 ft of this second, smaller stage; and thus--for roughly 15-20 minutes I was 5-10 feet away from Aerosmith when they played "Same old Song and Dance," "Dream on" and " Dude Looks Like a Lady." They aren't my favorite band anymore...but they were at the time. And after being that close to rock and roll royalty, I very much needed a fresh pair of pants. The link below is of them playing "Crazy" at some other place and time than when I saw them...but it's still super sweet :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej-6UD62jlI&feature=related

2. Bruce Springsteen.
I think my previous ramblings about Bruce speak for themselves. If you like The Boss, and you've never seen him live...I strongly urge you to. It's a spiritual experience. I hazard to say that the third and final time I saw Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band, in the summer of 2009; was the finest performance, of anyone, i've ever seen....EVER. I saw him that summer at Bonnaroo. Below is a clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF_i98DQdeQ&feature=related

3. John Fogerty.
I've been listening to, and loving, the music of John Fogerty and CCR since the sixth grade. Seeing him finally this past summer was a pilgrimage of sorts. Below is a clip of the show I saw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH3jpT8L0gs

4. Alice Cooper.
Except for the fact that i've been listening to Alice Cooper since oh...the third grade instead of the sixth grade; please see the above caption ;) As of October 2010, this was the most recent show i've attended, and below, is footage of that glorious, glorious evening

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFLLQFwbVxM&feature=related

5. Weird Al Yankovic.
Saw Weird Al and his band the summer of 2000 at King's Dominion with an old friend. This was mesmerizing entertainment complete with costume changes. Not only did he play all his most famous songs...but he did a huge medely of smaller hits so that you got to hear almost everything. It should also be mentioned; that his band is EXTREMELY tight. Think about it...they have to be able to play virtually every style of music at the drop of a hat...and they do it without blinking or missing a beat. I've only seen Weird Al once...but I pine for the time I get to see him perform again. Also, as Al was a childhood icon of mine...the evening was extra cool. :) There is totally not any footage of this performance on youtube. I didn't expect there to be. But check him out below anyway performing "Amish Paradise." :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c4lkTjEpWw&feature=related

6. Eric Clapton
Is God. ;) Seriously though...this concert was so moving, electrifying, mind-blowing, and inexplicably astounding that it brought me to tears. There isn't any footage of the show I saw (that was in the days before youtube) but check out this video of Eric jamming with Steve Winwood on "Voodoo Chile."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPqp3jRMXuA&playnext=1&list=PL0DFAFE5C7E26E77B&index=62

7. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
He played a Traveling Wilburys song when I saw him. Obviously this is gonna be on my list. :) It is also worth mentioning that halfway through his show Stevie Nicks came out and made a surprise performance. They dueted on "Don't come around here no more" "I Need to Know" and "Stop draggin my heart around." Below is a short clip from that night when he played "Learnin' to Fly."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UznbXXczVqk

8. Gogol Bordello
East European Punk. I had a ball :) Below is footage of when I saw them in the summer of 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAHkeNaQhH8&feature=related

9. The Beastie Boys
Summer of 2009. A life changing experience. I can't express how exquisite this performance was...in terms of intensity, musical tightness, and all around awesome. I need to see them again...like...now. This was a wild, wild, exuberant, manic, adrenaline filled musical party--led by three white guys with gray hair rapping their asses off. Please see below. I was in the middle of that crowd...somewhere

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CDFs6YhcPE

10. Tenacious D
I love The D. :) And I love that I was able to be at this performance. It was theatrical, hilarious, and it rocked my socks off. Please see below. For this is the greatest and best video in the world...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JYyO1jkl98

11. Stevie Wonder
One word: Legendary. Did I really see Stevie rocking a keytar? Yes, yes I did. See below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nnvc9HUgMs&feature=related

12. Jimmy Buffett
I'd originally made plans to see Buffett (for my first time) in september of 2009. Imagine my extreme delight when I found out that one of my top 5 favorite artists was a surprise addition to the line up for bonnaroo 2009? They announced this 24 hours prior to the start of the festival (which was the second weekend in June). I screamed. I pranced. I danced. It was only going to be a one hour set. But that was alright with me. Jimmy was scheduled to play at noon on saturday of the festival. I made sure to get to the stage early enought to be right up front. I can't express the joy and happiness that I felt...of not only finally getting to see one of my heroes, and getting to see him twice in one summer; but also getting to be up close and personal at one of those two shows. His full show, that I saw in September was just as delightful. It was the whole "Parrot Head Experience." I had my picture taken with a middle aged dude dressed up as a pirate, and his wench. This performance was two and a half hours long, and he covered "Yellow Submarine." :) The clip below is of the september perfomance. The song is "Tin Cup Chalice," one of my favorites...and it was the last song of the evening; and as Jimmy played his sweet ballad I looked up at the stars in the clear summer sky, and took great comfort in the fact that some one very special was doing the same thing 250 miles south of me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OERELB20fVU

13. Peter, Paul, and Mary
This is one of my dad's favorite bands. I took him to see them at the Wolf Trap ampitheatre in Northern Virginia back in 2003 for Father's Day. It was a very special performance...and aside from Clapton, this is the only time i've tear'd up at a concert. It was when they played their version of "Where have all the flowers gone." I wasn't able to find a clip of the show we saw...but this gives you some idea. R.I.P. Mary Travers; November 9, 1936--September 16, 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYii6nxhvUk&playnext=1&list=PLB64BF3153421F9E6&index=6

14. Bon Jovi
Similarly to the above entry...this was a concert I took my mom to see, that same summer; for her birthday. Bon Jovi in it's current state may have sadly evolved into something of a cheezy wuss-rock incarnation of its former self; but when we saw them in the summer of 2003 they put on a damn fine show. And my mom had a BLAST. And that's what matters most :) Also, Richie Sambora is a pretty under rated guitarist. Unable to find any clips of that particular show...but check out the guys DESTROYING "Wanted Dead or Alive" in this video from London in 1995.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKXKyAkk4Fs

15. Old Crow Medicine Show
Out of all the concerts i've been too (aside from when I saw Conan O'Brien do it) this is the ONLY time i've seen people crowd surf. I saw Old Crow at Radford University in the spring of 2009. And i've rarely seen people lose control of themselves so grossly at a show. PEOPLE....LOVE....THIS BAND. Check out this brief clip of their song "Wagon Wheel" from that particular evening; and listen to the crowd going NUTS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRWBhhebCho

16. Bob Dylan
Duh. Or...as the Germans would say, "Naturalich." Dylan was scheduled to play at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts festival in the summer of 2004. He is the sole reason that I began goig to said festival. Unfortunately there seem to be no videos of when I saw Dylan in 2004. In fact...it's difficult to find any videos (live or otherwise) of dylan on youtube. So please enjoy this clip of his duet on "Girl from the north country" with Johnny Cash. One of my all time favorites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PEVK66jsEM

17. Steve Winwood
This was during the same afforementioned 2004 music festival. To be perfectly honest with you...I didn't know a whole lot about Steve Winwood, other than that he was a buddy of Clapton's and was one of those classic guitar dudes. His performance was scheduled for 5:00 saturday afternoon...but it got pushed back, and delayed, due to a TORENTIAL rain storm, that lasted at least two hours. By the time Steve finally came on, I was soaked, cold, and sort of miserable, and I didn't know any of his songs. Then he played "Back in the High Life," and everything changed. It's a beautiful song, and it depicts triumph over adversity. everyone was getting into it and it didn't matter that we were all soaked and cold. Only the music mattered. It's lovely, when music can take away your discomfort...be it little or large...music is always there to ease your sorrows. And I am eternally thankful for it. i wish with all my heart I could find a clip of that performance...but...no such luck. The one below will just have to suffice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=308ypoKd4Dg

18. The Grateful Dead (Or when I saw them, they were simply calling themselves "The Dead."
Interstingly enough, I saw The Dead immediately after Steve Winwood on that same wet, chilly summer evening. They were the Saturday night headliners. One of my favorite bands in high school, this was something of an extra special show. Not only did they play many of my favorite dead songs, but by this time the rain had stopped completely, and there was a large amount of heat lightning lighting the Tennessee summer skies. It was, in one word, gorgeous...between the music and the night. My spirits were now soaring, and my clothes were dry(ish). And, as if things couldn't get more amazing, they came out to do their second set...and opened it with an EXTRAORDINARY cover of Pink Floyd's "Shine on you Crazy Diamond." GEEK. OUT. To experience that performance, please click on the link below. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwbPEVNPmpg

19. Marilyn Manson.
No. Really. Have you seen him live? It's the most intense shit i've ever seen. I'm not necessarily saying it was one of my most FAVORITE concerts i've ever been to...but it's aboslutely one of the most memorable. This was, the summer of 2003, and I went to Ozzfest with my good buddy Bear. Below is just a small taste of what we experienced. Behold.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECHLl5Ele78

20. SUPERJAM 2008
Superjam...is something that Bonnaroo USED to do. The festival goes thursday through sunday. Late night on friday, after the friday night headliner, they used to have SUPERJAM. Superjam always consisted of a handful of artists thrown together that wouldn't normally play together, and the madness would then ensue. I wasn't there in 2007, but the SUPERJAM that year consisted of: Ben Harper, Questlove from The Roots, and John Paul Jones of Led Zepplin. 2009 featured a very small impromptu superjam at the tail end of the festival...when Bruce Springsteen came out to do a few songs with Phish, which was cool. 2010 was sans SUPERJAM. But it was the 2008 SUPERJAM, that will always be tatooed on my brain. The 2008 friday late night Bonnaroo SUPERJAM featured renowned bassist and Primus frontman Les Claypool, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett, and the afforementioned East European punk band Gogol Bordello. Their entire set consisted of Tom Waits covers. Between the fact that the music itself, being born of Tom Waits was something like Vaudeville on opium, and that I saw this in the middle of the night, with a bunch of weirdo hippie kids, and that it was POURING rain (i was under cover of a tent this time...thank the Good Dude) i can only describe this experience as black magic personified through music. I only wish, you could've been there to drown in the ethereal quirkiness with me. :) Check it out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmRT2YL7jtM

I don't know what the future holds for concerts. But I do know, that they will all thoroughly kick arse. :)

Next week's blog: Music from my high school years

:::shudder:::

Top Twenty Favorite Songs

2011-01-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

It's been a colorful week since last we spoke. While my own life has been quiet and unconcerned; larger fiascos have pummeled the nation once again in such a way that horrific and unecessary calamity has brought a sense of unity to usually opposing ideals. It's unfortunate that it takes public violence of a grand and grotesque scale to pull us as a people together to stand against forces that would seek to topple us down; but this is real life and them's are the breaks. We forget so quickly; and as soon as tragedy strikes, we are brought back together. In the mean time though, music will always be there to sooth our pain, our loss, and our confusions--however they may be presented to us. I truly hope that next week I have something more absurd and happy to comment on...like the new celebrity crossed-eyed possum in Germany (no really...look it up) or John C. Reilly & Will Ferrell's budding rap career (again; no, seriously). Until then, I give you my top twenty favorite songs of all time...more or less.

:)

1. Crimson & Clover, By Tommy James and the Shondells
--Some songs on this list are newer to me than others; and some go back with me a long way. I can't necessarily explain why they strike me the way they do; and so this particular blog will probably have very little in so much as explantion of why I like something or another. Some of the songs are on here for sentimental reasons, some because they bring me peace when i'm incredibly stressed out, some are guilty pleasures, some are perfect love songs (please note though that while "lovesong" by the cure is a good song, you won't find it on this list), and some of them I dance around in my apartment to when I think no one is looking. I'll leave it to you to guess which ones are which. This one has been with me since at least 1994. What can I say except that it is beautiful, trippy, and perfect?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpGEeneO-t0

2. No Surrender, by Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band
This one dates back to approximately 1990. Along with the rest of the songs on the Born in the U.S.A. album I would rock along with this powerhouse of romance and rebellion usually while either cleaning my room, or rolling down the autobahn in Germany all at the tender age of 8. Born in the U.S.A is a magnificent album; and for me this song tops the rest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN5e2qZr1Oc

3. Fake Plastic Trees, by Radiohead
Absolute perfection.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKd06s1LNik

4. Where is my mind, by The Pixies
hauntingly gorgeous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCD14IrOcIs

5. Thirty Three, by The Smashing Pumpkins
One of the greatest videos of all time. A dark and unsettling lullabye. I want to live in this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc9ZbS4KMdg

6. Into the Mystic, by Van Morrison
Of course; i could be perfectly happy living with the love of my life in this song too. It's an endless daydream of warm, happily ever after.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVAnlke_xUY

7. Wildflowers, by Tom Petty
See previous description

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jr3uKOzNaw

8. Ain't Nothing but a G Thing, by Snoop & Dr. Dre
I like my dirty guilty pleasures JUST as much as my sentimental romance. You've never been on a ride like this before--with a produce who can rap and control the maestro ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sC8jgrb29o

9. In My Life, By The Beatles
Trying to pick one song out of the entire Beatles catalogue is remarkably difficult, but i've always been drawn to this one. In fact, it's a song that I would like to have played at my wedding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI0Q8ytD44Y

10. Downtown Train, by Tom Waits
To be fair, the first version I ever heard of this was the Rod Stewart cover; and I totally dig his version too...it takes me back to childhood. But you just can't beat Tom's worn and raspy vocals in his original. I could probably listen to this on repeat for the rest of my life (or at least several days on end) and be touched (non-sexually) each time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuSZEBuDUC4

11. Daydream Believer, By The Monkees
It's impossible to listen to this song, and not break out in to rapturous gales of song and dance. Complete with fist pumping the air...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uohP4gk0wU

12. The Crane Wife, by The Decemberists (parts, 1, 2, & 3)
A modern, epic, folk masterpiece.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3cp8LERM70

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmhVY2PLc-c

13. Acid Tongue, by Jenny Lewis
I can play this one on the guitar!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMtH8g6Keo4

14. Blind Man, by Aerosmith
Easily the single best song they have produced in the past twenty years. Srsly. The video is a bit...erm...cheezy...but the song itself is tops :) "She was a tall whiskey glass, I was an old hound dog who just LOVED to chase his tail..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0JLFcbtqvs

15. I want you, by Bob Dylan
Possibly the best love song ever written. Ever. I'm biased of course; but have a listen and try to disagree

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJZehMEE5AE

16. Tweeter & the Monkey Man, by The Traveling Wilburys
The greatest ensemble of all time tells a gritty story, puts it to music; and makes it catchy. LOVE...THESE...GUYS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBFsg93xtq0&feature=related

17. Rain on a Scarecrow, by John Mellencamp
This song is a story about farms being taken away from farmers. I first remember hearing it in the car with my parents when I was about five. My mom was (is) a big Mellencamp fan. This one always stuck with me though because my own father grew up on a farm in East Tennessee where my Grandparents (Mom and Pop Banker, may they both rest in peace) still lived. We visited usually a couple of times a year. Even at a young age I recognized that this song was in defense of farmers, and that something was wrong. Additionally, I always pictured myself, and my grandfather as characters in the song. "When I was 5 I walked a fence, my grandpa held my hand." The song holds up today, as does Mellencamp. He's really an under rated artist, and deserves more than just "Springsteen light," as he has often been labled.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwf3S0B5LFQ&feature=related

18. Fur Elise, by Beethoven
Short, sweet, and unnerving. A timeless classic of musical beauty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mVW8tgGY_w

19. Like a Prayer, by Madonna
To be honest with you, I really kind of think Madonna is a little over rated. Sure, she has her place and is an icon in the pop music world and all that. And in her younger days was really a remarkable sensation. These days though she does little to impress me. Like a Prayer, though, always has, and always will be one of my favorite songs. Also the dude from "Cool Runnings" is totally the black guy in this video. Yay useless knowlege! "...God?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79fzeNUqQbQ

20. Ripple, by The Grateful Dead
Absolutely the MOST serene, soothing, peaceful song i've ever come across. I first heard it at age 18. 11 years later nothing has topped it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFsbAuX9P4w&feature=related

Next weeks blog: The Twenty best concerts i've been too

p.s. Westboro Baptist Church; I flick boogers in your general direction.

Twenty Albums to Bring if I was leaving Planet Earth on a Spaceship

2011-01-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome back. Happy new year and all that carp. Or crap...whichever. Sometimes my fingers sneeze. .....shut up.

:)

Before we begin i'd just like to say that i've had no coffee today, and I have a hard time watching kids eat their own boogers. Also I just found out that The Pogues are playing at the 9:30 club in D.C. this march; which would be awesome--but i'm in no place financially to attend shows right now, or travel. Could be worse I guess...my pubes could be on fire.

And now, a list of twenty albums that I would take on a space ship if I were leaving planet earth (which is really just a fancy way of saying, "my top twenty albums").

1. Monsters of Folk: "Monsters of Folk" (debut album)
A folk supergroup comprised of M. Ward, Mike Mogis & Conor Oberst from "Bright Eyes" and Jim James from "My Morning Jacket." I got this album last year for Christmas and it is so good that my dad (who usually doesn't take to contemporary popular music) LOVED it. It's one of those rare album that I can listen to ad nauseum and not get nauseous. I suspect it's not for everybody--but my dad loves it; and that's good enough for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgLI2OkECmc

2. Creedence Clear Water Revival: "The Best of Creedence Clearwater Revival"
My life wouldn't be the same without John Fogerty's sweet and salty bayou influenced vocals visiting it every once in a while.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbI0cMyyw_M

3. Aerosmith: "Get a Grip"
This is probably the last REALLY GOOD album these guys put out. "Nine Lives," and "Just Push Play" do have some memorable gems; but "Get a Grip" features a complete set of badass rock songs that defined my coming of age years in the mid 90s. No contest. If only Steven Tyler hadn't lost his damn mind. ::::SIGH:::::

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfNmyxV2Ncw

4. Bruce Springsteen: "Born in the U.S.A"
All time favorite. 'Nuff said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVSDQac5h_M&feature=related

5. Smashing Pumpkins: "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness."
I credit this album (along with The Cranberries, Alanis Morissette, and LIVE) for thrusting me into the world of Alternative music in eighth grade. The album itself is beautiful, sad, trippy, elegant, and not without a distinct element of thrash. It also fostered some of the most memorable music videos to come out of the 90's. See below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrivjzw0RlI

6. Dr. Dre: "The Chronic"
How could this NOT be on this list? I ask you? Dre creep to the mic like a PHANTOM.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gK1e2TCFAA

7. The Monkees: "Best of the monkees"
Seriously; it's 25 tracks of pure genius. The Monkees were like, The Beatles light. No bullshit. They were amazing and one of the most underrated bands of all time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPRp7pD99uE

8. The Beatles: "Abbey Road."
DOY.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34Zf1Q5hW8o

9. Tom Petty: "Wildflowers"
2nd favorite album of all time. 'Nuff said

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozgmyx919a4

10. Bob Dylan: "Live 1975--Bootleg series VOL. 5 THE ROLLING THUNDER REVIEW"
I was listening to this one just this morning while walking to work. "Love minus zero/no limit" and "Just like a woman" are EXCELLENT January tunes...especially when Dylan is singing them with raw emotion and a full backing band to a frenzied audience roaring for more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmZ6sQFg74I

11. The White Stripes: "Icky Thump"
I really wanted to say, "anything by the white stripes" but that's cheating. So, I settled on their most recent collaboration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMBvj20umQE

12. The Traveling Wilburys: "Vol. 1"
So basically some of my favorite artists got together and decided to form a band on a whim and then they made this album and it's like...more awesome than God's sweat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwqhdRs4jyA

13. Garth Brooks: "Double Live"
...Don't judge me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siWmOSByIOg

14. Tool: "Aenema"
College friends introduced me to this strange, wonderful, pseudo prog-ish band. I'm still glad they did. "Aenema" is itself my favorite album they've done. But very much like with The White Stripes, it was difficult to choose. Also their videos are just balls to the wall awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zV78IgXzB0

15. Rage Against the Machine: "Rage Against the Machine" (debut album)
It's like one big pretty ball of anger, with SMASHING guitar solos :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkuOAY-S6OY

16. Alice Cooper: "Trash"
A favorite album from my childhood, believe it or not; and it still holds up 20 years later. In fact, I recently saw Alice Cooper in concert and I nearly wept when he played "Poison." Yes, i'm THAT guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq4j1LtCdww

17. Mumford & Sons: "Sigh No More" (debut album)
This is the most recent album on my list. These blokes are brand new to the music scene; but I anticipate they will be around for a long, long time. All one need to do is listen; and understand

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KCg_QEHtkY

18. Queen: "News of the World."
This is the first CD I ever bought. I bought it in 1993. I still have it. It's still amazing. It still gives me goosebumps the same way at age 29, that it did at age 11.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnAKLYmUYz0

19. The Beach Boys: "Pet Sounds"
DAMN STRAIGHT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDfH_J4MAUQ

20. The Complete works of Beethoven.
Well jeez I have to have SOMETHING educational on here. Also Beethoven was a madman, a badass, and he composed some of the most compelling works of all time; and he did so without his sense of hearing-----and you can't fuck with that. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQVeaIHWWck&feature=related

Next week's blog: Twenty favorite songs

...now where can i get some damn coffee...?

A Pressing Matter (A true christmas story...of sorts)

2010-12-25T07:54:00.000-08:00

"Oh man...I really need to pee."

The words floated across my head like an ominous warning--a bell on the verge of a good toll--a pale horseman of some yuletide apocalypse. I was only seven, you see, and I still believed in Santa Clause. Being that it was Christmas Eve, and close to three o'clock in the morning, I found my young self in one of the most difficult predicaments of my childhood occupation. Allow me to explain.

This was 1989, and I was living in Germany with my mom and dad. I never had any brothers or sisters, but that is not really integral to this yarn. I was an imaginative child, and I vividly, and with voracious capacity, believed undisputedly in the existence of Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, the tooth fairy, the Loch Ness Monster, Big Foot, aliens, ghosts, Michael Jackson, Leprechauns, other worlds, David Bowie, and monsters under the bed and/or in the closet. Most of these pseudo mythical creatures are (like my lack of siblings) not important to this story. But it's important that you know that i believed with all my heart in all of them (and in some cases, still do). But this story is about Santa, St. Nick, Kris Kringle, whatever you wish to call him. It's also important that you know the following bit of information: As previously stated, I lived with my parents at this time; in a small apartment in a mostly American community in Bonn, Germany. The apartment was set up as such (bear with me, this is crucial): When you entered the front door, you entered immediately into the living room. On the other side of the living room, opposite the front door was another doorway which opened up into a hall that ran parallel to the living room. In the middle of this hallway was the bathroom. On one end of the hall was my bedroom, and on the other end was my parent's bedroom. That said, in order to use the bathroom, I WOULD HAVE TO PASS BY THE DOORWAY THAT OPENED UP INTO THE LIVING ROOM...where our Christmas tree stood. It is essential that you remember this information. Got all that? Good. Now, it is also essential that you remember this next bit: The previous Christmas, 1988, was our first Christmas in Bonn. I distinctly recall having woken up somewhere between the hours of midnight and one o'clock, only to hear the t.v. on. Curious, and troubled, I ventured out from my room to find my dad sitting on the living room couch watching football.

"Dad?" I asked. "Hadn't you better get on to bed? ...Santa's coming."

"Oh..." He chuckled, "I'm going in just a few minutes buddy. But you had better get on back to bed yourself, and don't come back out, you don't want to scare Santa away!"

Naturally, I took this advice to heart. My dad was a smart guy afterall; he knew what was up; and scaring Santa away obviously would mean a severe decrease in Christmas toy horde. And so I clambered back into bed and the next thing I knew it was Christmas morning and all was well and I was none the wiser.

Which takes us back to 3:00 A.M. on Christmas morning of 1989...and my excruciating need to relieve a very full bladder.

Something had to be done. That much was apparent. But to risk passing by the living room and scaring away Santa? An absolutely unacceptable option.

Lay there and wet the bed? Equally undesirable and unacceptable.

Allow my bladder to explode in a tepid and gooshy festivus of diabolical luke-warm urine and plasma? By far the least desirable of my options.

Slowly, ever so slowly, and with oh so much stealth, so as not to awaken my parents, or worse, scare away Santa, I crept down the ladder from my bunk bed...and left my stuffed animals behind like fallen soldiers on a battlefield. Closet monsters would be damned, I had more urgent and literally pressing issues to deal with.

Like a young ninja in the night I crept to the darkest, fartherst, most quietest corner of my bedroom, steadied myself, said a quick prayer...and peed, all over the carpeted floor.

Nobody ever found out. Not mom, not dad, not Santa Clause, not nobody. There is however, and amusing and ironic epilogue to this tale of my awkward youth.

Several months later I was forced to repeat this very act, so as not to scare off the Easter Bunny.

In the words of Dave Barry, "I swear i'm not making this up."

;)

Merry Christmas

Stay tuned for twenty albums to take in a space ship. That really will be next week's blog. Srsly.

20 favorite artists

2010-12-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

For Christmas I received a note book full of lists. 146 lists, to be precise--all of them music related. They range in subject matter from "List your favorite music moments in film," to "List your summer road trip mix," to "List advice that you follow from lyrics." Each list is equipped with 20 blank spaces so that you can fill them in. The person that gave me this obviously both knows and loves me very well/much. My taste for nerdly music/movie lists has not gone unnoticed it would seem---and when I received this gift I admit I did a small jig in my living room clad only in a Johnny Cash t-shirt and Super Mario Brothers boxer shorts (no, really). Congratulations, that image is now tatooed forever on your brain. Read on, if you dare :)

My immediate thought post jig was, "I CAN DO 146 BLOG POSTS! AND RICK DICKINSON WILL STOP PESTERING ME!" (For the record though, Rick is a cool guy and we should never make fun of him..........ever). I've been wanting to start a blog for a long time but I couldn't decide what to write about. I didn't want it to be just random, whacky anecdotes from my daily musings (though i'm certain those will pop up from time to time); but something with more of a theme. This glorious gift has provided me with the perfect platform. Once a week I will post an excessivly geekly list of exquisite music related material for my fellow beloved nerds to peruse at their own pleasure and/or leisure.

The first list, naturally is, "List your top 20 favorite artists of time." And below, are mine.

1. Bob Dylan--my delight for Dylan matured over the years like a fine wine...or a European chocolate bar (not that that makes any sense...but whatever). Growing up I knew about the songs, "Knockin' on heavins door," "The Times they are a'changing," and "Blowin' in the wind." And I knew that Bob Dylan was, "That folk guy." But until I was 18 or 19 that's about all I knew. In December of 2000 I purchased "The Essential Bob Dylan" and the rest is history. I bought more of his albums and listened to them ad nauseum. I won't bore you with how brilliant I think he is (and he is, brilliant) but Dylan has been my top favorite artist for a straight ten years. I even (very dorkily) wrote my Senior English Thesis paper on Dylan, likening his lyrics to the works of the Romantic poets of the early 19th century (Namely Shelley, Byron, and Blake). He is a folk-hero, storyteller, poet, rock star, and legendary American troubador extraordinaire. He is my favorite artist of all time. And as a bonus he produced (with the help of a certain playboy model) Jakob Dylan; without who's 1990's band The Wallflowers, the soundtrack to my adolescence would've been incomplete. Hats off to you, Robert Zimmerman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GSFc9VPaUI

2. Bruce Springsteen (And the E Street Band)--Bruce is a very, very, very, VERY close second to Dylan. I've seen Springsteen in concert three times over the past five years and each performance has been better than the last. Bruce Springsteen is the quintessential American rock icon. He's a holy rolling preacher for the every man, equipped with a guitar, remarkable zeal, songs of poignant storytelling that depict hard times without being overly sentimental, and a power-house of an ass-kicking back-up band. I'm referring of course to Clarence Clemens, Steven "Silvio Dante" Van Zant and Max Weinberg. The rest of the E Street band is cool, but those three are Bruce's base. I've been listening to these guys for approximately 21 years; ever since I discovered a copy of "Born in the U.S.A" in my mom's shoebox of random cassettes. I listened to it. Then I listened to it again. And again. And again. I'm still listening to it today.

"We learned more from a three minute record than we ever learned in school." Damn straight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN5e2qZr1Oc

3. The Beatles--If I need to explain why the Beatles are on this list then....I....dude....we just can't be friends anymore. This is the only time I will be a music snob; I swear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_re-6Kbbcu4

4. Tom Petty (And the Heartbreakers)--Unlike with Bruce, I did not realize that Tom Petty was some one I should be listening to until nearly high school. And then of course I was like, "oh...doy." I can listen to any of Tom's songs new or old (not to mention side project "Mudcrutch") and really never get bored. It is uplifting rock music to sooth the soul. Tom Petty's tunes have gotten me through more sad times than I care to remember. He is cooler than me or you; and his music is more chill than a bottle of fine champagne. Also, I can't listen to "American Girl" in the truck without immediately rolling down my windows, freaking out, and singing (largely off-key) with a big smile plastered across my face.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJl0pe-DWy8

5. Creedence Clearwater Revival--The first time I heard "Have you ever seen the rain" I was 11 years old. I was sitting at the breakfast table eating a bowl of cold cereal feeling apprehensive about school and the song came on via the oldie's station my folks had tuned our speakers to. It was 1993 and I was the new kid in a class of sixth graders who had all grown up together. I was awkward, and miserable. And then I heard that song and suddenly felt just a little bit better. That's the power of music. Sixth grade was still a difficult year for me; but I cite CCR (and their collective works) with guiding me through a stressful time in my early adolescence. In the years between, my fondness for CCR has grown exponentially. I've learned how to play two of their songs on the guitar; and this past summer I finally got to see John Fogerty in concert. It was something of a pilgrimage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFqddXbhTZQ

6. Jimmy Buffett (And the Coral Reefer Band)--Jimmy Buffett is often unfairly targeted as, "That Cheeseburger Guy," or the "The get drunk and screw dude." This is tragic, really. Jimmy Buffett is a remarkable singer song writer (not to mention a gifted storyteller and novelist). One only has to look a little futher than his radio hits. For every "Why don't we get drunk and screw," there is a "He went to Paris." For every, "It's five o'clock somewhere" there is a "Take another Road." It's not for everyone, but the scope of Jimmy Buffett's music extends infinitely farther than frat boys and drunk southern chicks. One has only to listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1avjDScYgYE

7. The Grateful Dead--I'm not as into the Dead as I was when I was younger. I was REALLY into them in 11th, and 12th grade, and my first year of college. It was because of this, more than anything I think, that I was labled as "that hippie kid." I still enjoy them quite a lot though. Their music is delightful and i've seen them twice. Sans Jerry Garcia of course. At least one of their songs, "Ripple" has stood the test of time as one of my all time favorite songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4SqDx1vi4c

8. Led Zeppelin--Classic kick ass rock band. A musical force of fury, beauty, black magic, and awesome drum solos. 'Nuff said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpC4C95SQ5k

9. The Red Hot Chili Peppers--A bunch of fun whacky rocking ass-hats with funk in their souls. :) I never grow tired of this band or their music. I remember hearing "Aeroplane" when I was in the 8th grade and thinking, "....whoa." Sadly, guitarist John Frusciante left the band last year and was replaced by Chili Peppers guitar tech josh klinghoffer (at least i THINK that's his name...i'm too lazy to look it up). A new album is due out this spring. Oh, also I may or may not have met Flea last summer at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts festival in Manchester, Tn. Another blog post about that, perhaps, later. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKapVmknD74

10. The Smashing Pumpkins--My favorite band from the 1990's. In eighth grade I discovered "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness." I will always remember that record as the album that defined my early teenage years. I have been disappointed with Billy Corgan's work post Machina. But all albums prior, are remarkable. And Mellon Collie features another of my all time favorite songs ever. "Thirty Three."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voJQcG8PcMQ&has_verified=1

11. Aerosmith--Oh Aerosmith...what oh what oh what do I say about my poor, poor Aerosmith? For a long time, they were my favorite band. All through high school. Everyday I would come home, walk my dog and listen to Aerosmith. I had every single one of their albums. Aerosmith was a damn fine classic American rock band. WAS. Their last studio album of original material was 2001's "Just Push Play." It had some good songs on it; but it had just as many "meh" songs. Their last studio album was 2004's blues album "Honkin' on Bobo." This was actually an exceptionally excellent piece of work--but it lacked original tunes. In recent interviews from the past year or so, it has become abundantly clear that Steven Tyler and Joe Perry's interests have begun to differ; with Perry wishing to go down a more bluesy/rocking/classic route and Tyler expressing a desire for more of a poppish sound. And of course, Steven Tyler is the new Judge for American Idol (along with Jennifer Lopez) which makes me feel...erm...stabby. This is a move that suggests Aerosmith as we know it, is done. All that said, they remain one of my all time favorite bands. I was in the car the other day and "Sweet Emotion" came on. Admittedly it is a song that I had not listened to in a very long time, and hearing it on the radio, I remembered why I liked it (them) so much. In their prime, they rocked; and then they rocked some more. I rolled down the windows and cranked the volume all the way up (all this occured in the Library Car, mind you...I was out doing errands for work). Sometimes songs have a way of taking you back; to places and people you haven't thought of in years. Aerosmith did that for me the other day. While they have unraveled in recent times; the Boys from Boston were once upon a time galactic rock n roll royalty. And I appreciate them, for all they've done (except of course for that super bowl half time show in 2001 but we shall never speak of that). I am sad, that they lost their way. But it is what it is. And we shall say no more. Below is a link to one of their older, lesser known songs. I challenge you to find ANYTHING wrong with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLF2QObbOUg

12. Pink Floyd--"Dark Side of the Moon" really does sink up with "Wizard of Oz." It's not a myth. Just hit play on the third rawr of the MGM lion. The record will play through two and a half times. And it works. And it's awesome. Their other albums are cool too I suppose :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyqgjCKm9nQ

13. Weird Al Yankovic--Some people had childhoods reflective of Norman Rockwell. Some had childhoods reminiscient of Roseann. Mine was something like Family Ties meets Andy Griffith meets Weird Al Yankovic. I first remember hearing about Weird Al when I was six. A neighborhood kid was talking about "That Fat Song." It wasn't until a couple of years later though when we lived in Germany that Weird Al Yankovic became a force in my life. For reasons that remain unidentified my mom purchased a copy of Weird Al's first round of Greatest Hits. The cassette contained "Fat," "Lasagna," "Like a surgeon," "I'm addicted to Spuds," "Eat it," "Ricky," "Dare to be Stupid," and "One more Minute." At eight years old, I was enthralled. At 29 i'm still enthralled. I love the fact that not only is Weird Al Yankovic still making poignant and hilarious parodies of mainstreem artists but that he is still wildly popular and a bonified geek icon. And, he has been doing this, literally since right around the time I was born. Nerds of the world owe Weird Al so much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0BXbdzA6Ck

14. The Beastie Boys--While I've always appreciated The Beastie Boys; it wasn't until the past couple of years that I REALLY began to fall in love with their work. The reason for this, is because I saw them when they headlined Bonnaroo a couple of years ago. I went into it thinking, "hey cool, The Beastie Boys...that should be a pretty sweet show." That would be putting it mildly. I've been to dozens and dozens and dozens of shows. I had never seen anything like the performance those rapping middle aged white boys put on--and I haven't seen anything since. It was life changing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNB8pNqwrKw

15. Jimi Hendrix--The third and final bonafied "Classic Rock" artist on this list (the priors being zeppelin and pink floyd), Hendrix is about as cool as it gets. His guitar styling was bluesy, and sexy, and it could whip your ass. Too bad the poor bastard killed himself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK92W2RzbjE

16. Simon & Garfunkel--My love for Simon & Garfunkel goes back to childhood and can be blamed solely on my dad. Not that this is a bad thing though. While a lot of the music I loved as a kid (and largely still do) comes from cassette tapes that my mom had lying around (E.G. Springsteen, Bon Jovi, John Mellencamp), "The Best of Simon & Garfunkel" was one of dad's. I found it in the fifth grade, and it was in heavy rotation in my walkman along with the likes of M.C. Hammer, Alice Cooper, and Bryan Adams.....heh. It's hard to describe how I feel about these guys. I don't so much love them, and their music--as I revere it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q98pbT-ok3s

17. Michael Jackson--May he rest in peace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90C-Wx_uGdM

18. The White Stripes (or pretty much anything Jack White does)--Jack White is the savior of rock music. That is all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT3w6-cCn10

19. Tom Waits--I've often thought of Tom Waits as a burlesque Bob Dylan. I was first exposed to Tom Waits not because of his music, but because he plays R.M. Renfield in Bram Stoker's Dracula which I saw for the first time in middle school. It wouldn't be until college though (hangs head low) that I realized he was also this magnificent, weird, poetic, and fucking COOL singer/songwriter. Below, you will find one of the most lyrically beautiful songs I believe i've ever come across.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0Owl_X-m8I

20. Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem--This should be a no brainer. I mean...COME ON. IT'S A MUPPET BAND. AND THEY WERE REALLY GOOD. Not only were they good but the particular muppets that comprised that band were indicative of George Clinton, Janice Joplin, Bob Dylan, and John Bonham. Below you will find not one but TWO links. Yes, I love them that much :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAPxsaRB30M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IGkhBHsrPc

Honorable Mentions: John Mellencamp, Tool, Beethoven, John Denver, & Cat Stevens.

Stay tuned for next weeks blog: Twenty albums you'd bring if you were leaving planet Earth on a space ship.

Smell ya later.

This is only a test

2010-10-26T12:58:00.001-07:00

so...does this shit work?