Tomorrow is officially the first day of summer, the longest day of the year, but today it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy a fine slice of Friday Five! Last week I let the Junior Pantherz take over in the kitchen, but I’m back this week to take the reigns. The Fivers have been representing in droves and as always I’m amazed at the range of music that appears in the comments. We must be doing something right here at Ickmusic to get such a diverse crowd together. For those who have not played along yet here’s the scoop, open up whatever provides you with tunes and hit the shuffle button and let the music take you where it will and if you feel so inclined share the results with the rest of the musical voyeurs in the comments section.

Here are this week’s tracks:

1. John Travolta – Greased Lightnin’ (single version) (from Grease – The Original Soundtrack From the Motion Picture)

Seriously, vividly remember being a kid running around singing “You that no shit, we’ll be getting lots of tit” and “I ain’t bragging she’s a real pussy wagon” and no one batting an eye.

2. Jellyfish – The Man I Used to Be (from Bellybutton)

They may have only released two records, but I’ll be damned if they were not two of the best slices of power pop to come out in the early 90’s. While I prefer Spilt Milk to Bellybutton, this is just a matter of splitting hairs. If you’ve not ever experienced Jellyfish I cannot recommend doing so enough. Sure they dressed as if they were stuck in the cover of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and sound like an amalgam of The Beatles and Queen, but since when is that a bad thing?

3. Dave Matthews Band – Lie in Our Graves (from Warehouse 8, Volume 3)

This reminds me that I need to write up my review of last weeks show! This is a great version from the ’95 tour with a stellar sax solo from Leroi Moore. As much flack as these guys can sometimes take (which I’ve never understood) for being ‘frat guy’ rock they really are an amazing group of musicians who’ve managed to make a living doing what they love and compromising very little (except maybe for every summer vacation for the last 15 years).

4. Toto – Rosanna (from Super Hits)

This song is the only good thing that any Arquette has ever contributed to this world.

5. Counting Crows – Colorblind (from This Desert Life)

Well this is no way to end an otherwise upbeat Friday Five. Not to say that this is not a brilliant song. I’ve always been a huge fan of Adam Duritz‘s more intimate moments.

(Just as an aside, the very next tune to pop up on the shuffle was “Delicious” by Catherine Wheel, now that’s the proper kick off into the weekend!!)

So what’s kicking off your summer?

Very often there is not much in the way of “Rock” in our “Indie Rock” but Saskatoon’s Junior Pantherz must have missed the memo. Pete beat me to the punch in posting a review of their latest record Rejoice, Remain but in the spirit of one-upping the boss man, I’ve invited the crew to log our first Special Guest Friday Five. Much to my pleasure the band accepted and drummer Arnold Van Lambalgen II turned in the following saying “he had fun doing it”.

For the uninitiated, the rules of the Friday Five are quite simple; first rule is you do not talk about fight… I mean, be honest! Open up whatever provides you with tunes and hit the shuffle button and let the music take you where it will and if you feel so inclined share the results with the rest of the musical voyeurs in the comments section.

Here are this week’s tracks:

1. My Morning Jacket – Sec Walkin (from Evil Urges)

“A song from their brand new album. Catchy as hell. Such a simple – yet powerful – song. It’s one of those tracks you put in on a Friday after a long work week.”

2. Sloan – Believe in Me (from Parallel Play)

“Canada’s best Indie Pop/Rockers have just released their 9th album…..and if the track above is any indication, I know we’ll see at least 9 more. I like them so much in fact; we named our band after one of their songs. They haven’t even sued us for defamation of character…….yet!”

3. The Mongrels – The Answer (from Oshawa)

“A band that you, your parents and your guitar teacher will all love. Equal part rock and soul, with TWO drummers! Can’t have too many drummers….”

4. Sly & The Family Stone – I Want to Take You Higher (from Stand!)

“No introduction needed. No explanation needed. A necessity. You dig?!”

5. Swervedriver – Duel (from Mezcal Head)

“They’ve just kicked off their reunion with a stop at Coachella. By the time you read this, I’ll be (safely) landed in Toronto ready to play a Junior Pantherz showcase and gearing up to see THE Swervedriver shortly after. I can hardly contain myself.”

I want to thank Arnie for playing along and Jesse at Killbeat Music for making this happen.
If you haven’t already, check out Junior Pantherz record Rejoice, Remain: Amazon | iTunes

Now what’s getting your weeking moving in the right direction?

I’m Late, I’m Late for a very important date, No time to say hello, goodbye, I’m late, I’m late, I’m late!!

They say the best laid plans, right? I took the afternoon off of work, had a small project and was going to roll out a very special Five before heading out to dinner with friends. Well you know they said about the best laid plans…

At any rate, though he chooses not to celebrate it anymore, I thought it appropriate to dedicate this week’s Friday Five to his royal badness on the eve of his 50th birthday. That said it’s late so let’s lower the lights, light some candles and let the funk flow. I apologize to the friends of the Five for last week’s rush job. There are some exciting things brewing in Friday Five land so stay tuned! If you’ve missed the ‘Friday Five’ to date its quite easy, I hit the shuffle button and share the first five tracks along with thoughts, quips and memories.

The rest is up to you; feel free to add your random five in the comments.

Here are this week’s tracks:

1. Prince – Sleep Around (from Emancipation)

I don’t think that this song gets it’s due. Buried on disc three of Emancipation, this slice of horn laden funk delivers a one two punch of a witty lyric and great driving beat. I remember the anticipation of hearing this one live during the Jam of the Year tour.

2. Prince – When You Were Mine (from The Hits/The B-Sides)

This is in my all time top 5 favorite Prince tracks to jam along with.

3. Prince & The New Power Generation – Jughead (from Diamonds and Pearls)

I can’t even defend this one. You know how sometimes things are so bad they are good. This is not one of those cases. I’d sooner listen to a David Archuletta record than listen to this track.

4. Prince – Mustang Instrumental (from The Beautiful Experience)

I miss the days of single and EP’s jam packed with mixes, remixes, B-Sides and 5 different tracks. Dang this five is starting to get depressing.

5. New Power Generation – Mashed Potato Girl Intro (from Exodus)

Have you ever seen Under the Cherry Moon? Remember the comical Tricky/Christopher moments? Times that by about a million and you’ve got the Mashed Potato Girl intro.

So Happy 50th Birthday Mr. Nelson and to the Fivers, what doin’ you like you wanna be done this Friday (or maybe Saturday…)

Four day work weeks always throw me for a loop. If it weren’t for the season finale of Lost being on last night I may very well have missed this week’s Friday Five. That said let’s cut straight to the main course…

Here are this week’s tracks:

1. Crash Test Dummies – Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm (from Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm)

This has to be one of the oddest tunes ever. Three seemingly unrelated tales with a disjointed chorus that consists merely of a hummed tune and somehow it was a huge hit.

2. Taco – Puttin’ on the Ritz (from Taco: The Greatest Hits)

It’s shaping up to be an odd shuffle with another bizarre “one hit wonder” track, this time from the 80’s. Taking the Irving Berlin and putting a new wave twist on it this was a radio staple for the better part of the decade. It’s aged surprisingly well and I really enjoyed hearing it again. I imagine ya’ll might too…

3. Snoop Dogg – Who Am I (What’s My Name?) (from Doggystyle)

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Funky as hell, Snoop never disappoints.  A little bit of Funkadelic‘s “(Not Just) Knee Deep” and a sprinkle of George Clinton‘s “Atomic Dog” makes for a instant party starter.

4. Beastie Boys – Body Movin’ (Fatboy Slim remix)  (from Anthology: The Sounds of Science)

Looks like the shuffle is gonna keep the party moving with some help from Bed-Stuy’s favorite sons with a detour to Kent courtesy of Mr. Norman Cook.

5. Shania Twain – You’re Still the One (from Come on Over)

There was a time when you could not escape this tune. Hell, even Prince covered it. Perhaps a bit ironic these days (the tune was written by Twain in response to critics of her and soon to be ex-husband Robert “Mutt” Lange) it still stands as a beautiful testament to the power of love.

Now it’s your turn, grab a Coke, Pepsi, Stella or Mojito, hit shuffle and let the world know what’s getting you started on your weekend!

Drrums Please!!

Despite Mother Nature’s insistence on having a spring that actually lasts a few months, it’s the official “unofficial” beginning of summer. That said it’s time for another themed Friday Five, this time it’s the ‘summer’ edition. I set up the following smart playlist in iTunes (I’m including this in case any of the faithful fivers want to play along at home):

Match > All
Playlist > is not > Ω Archive
Name > contains > summer

This only turned up 75 tracks which is more than enough to shuffle up a Friday Five. Last week was a blur for me but it looks like the friends of five made sure that the shuffle kept rolling through the weekend (though Jim’s ‘Monday Five’ was noticeably absent). For those of you reading this for the first time, here’s how it works… I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes and then show you my five with some words for each track.

Then it’s your turn!

Here are this week’s tracks:

1. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – Summertime (MP3) (from Greatest Hits)

What more can I say? It’s not summer until I hear this track.

[audio:03 Summertime.mp3]

2. Candy Dulfer – Summertime (from Candy Store)

It’s impossible to hate on Candy Dulfer. She’s an absolute knockout who can blow like there’s no tomorrow. She can hang with Maceo, dazzle with Prince and hold her own as she does here. Her solo records tend to fall on the Acid Jazz side of the flop and this is no exception.

3. Incognito – Summer’s Ended (from Jazz Funk)

Speaking of Acid Jazz here’s the group that all but invented the genre from their 1981 debut record. It’s an astounding statement that 27 years later this record still sounds vital and fresh as it does.

4.  Less Than Jake – Summer Nights (MP3) (from Greased)

Who can resist power-punk/ska versions of the soundtrack of Grease?

[audio:01 Summer Nights.mp3]

5. Y & T – Summertime Girls (studio version) (from Open Fire)

I blame Jeff Giles of Popdose for this one. Seriously, I had managed to forget the power and majesty that was Y & T until Jeff posted this track and it sent me on a shame spiral of finding and purchasing the catalog that I had long lost when I owned the cassettes and LP’s.

All fun aside, before you head out this Memorial Day weekend to your picnics, barbecues and family gatherings take a few moments and remember the 4,079 men and women who have lost their lives in operations in Iraq and the 505 lost in Afghanistan. Whether or not you agree with the current administrations direction it’s imperative to honor the men and women of the armed forces who have died in military service to their country.

Have a great and safe holiday weekend and let us know what’s taking you there!

You can’t hurry love, but this week I’ll be hitting you all with a ‘speed round’ of the Five…

Here are this week’s tracks:

1. Jay-Z – ’03 Bonnie & Clyde (feat. Beyoncé Knowles) (from The Blueprint²: The Gift & The Curse (disc 1: The Gift))

Mr. & Mrs. Carter rocking a cover (in the loosest term) of 2Pac’s “Me and My Girlfriend” with a little twist of Prince’s “If I Was Your Girlfriend”. I have to say that I have more respect for this couple for managing to be very high profile celebrities and not allow every moment of the lives be invaded by the media. They should be role models for how to live a celebrity life!

2. Maceo Parker – Georgia on My Mind (MP3) (from Life on Planet Groove)

There’s no doubt that when it comes to funk there are few funkier than Maceo. I always love hearing him taking his talents and applying them outside of the funk as well. Here it’s all about the voice. I just found out the Maceo and Soulive are performing at the Tarrytown Music Hall and if my schedule allows I’ll be in attendance.

3. Steve Perry – Girl Can’t Help It (from 1994-11-22: Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA, USA (disc 1))

There is no substitute. This was taken from one of the great circulating bootlegs from his For the Love of Strange Medicine Tour.

4. The Cure – A Letter to Elise (from Wish)

This track is a masterclass in how to pour your entire heart, soul and being into a song. One of, if not my absolute, favorite Cure songs (it’s a tie between this and “Pictures of You”).

And every time I try to pick it up
Like falling sand
As fast as I pick it up
It runs away through my clutching hands

Brilliance…

5. Portishead – Silence (from Third)

The opening track from Portishead’s latest. I’ve not totally gotten into this new record yet despite numerous tries.

So what’s playing as you are rushing out the door?

Rainy Days and Mondays always get me down…

Spring has finally sprung this week in New England and in a twist of fate it’s pouring outside (it’s been beautiful all week). I guess Meatloaf was right when he sang “two out of three ain’t bad” because it’s Friday and I’ve got The Five to keep me company while waiting out the rain. Last week’s Five was positively on fire! The familiar Fivers Club all showed up en masse and we had quite a few new and welcome additions to the group. For the first timers here’s how we get down… I hit shuffle in iTunes and share the first five random tracks that pop up with some insight and thoughts on the track, then it’s your turn!

Here are this week’s tracks:

1. G. Love & Special Sauce – Baby’s Got Sauce (from G. Love & Special Sauce)

This is definitely in my “All Time Top 5” list for most ridiculously sweet and perfect love songs.

2. Biffy Clyro – Umbrella  (from Radio 1’s Live Lounge, Volume 2)

While by in large an unremarkable version, this is a testament to the power of a well written pop song.

3. The Brian Setzer Orchestra – Sleepwalk (from The Dirty Boogie)

Again, the power of a beautiful melody can transcend time, fashion and fads. The arrangement here deserves a special nod for the fact that it takes liberty with the simplicity by adding the full horn section to Brian Setzer’s blazing fret work.

4. Prince – How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore (from Girl 6)

This tune never did much for me in any recorded version. It was not until I heard it live that it really stuck.

5. Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble – Lenny (from Texas Flood)

The story goes like this, Stevie’s wife Lenora scraped together the $350 needed to purchase a 1965 Stratocaster that had caught his eye in a pawn shop months earlier. She presented it to him for his birthday and that night as she slept Stevie wrote “Lenny”. Lenora remembers “He was sitting on the edge of the bed and said, ‘Listen to this.’” He proceeded to play his tribute to his loving wife “Lenny”.

How are you ringing in the weekend?

For most people, Friday’s just the day before the weekend. But after this Friday, the neighborhood’ll never be the same.

It was back to the daily grind this week (day job, well, during the day and Mr. Home-Improvement-Man in the evening) and that means the tunes have been going nearly non-stop. The wife and I decided that we’re taking this weekend easy, despite the unfinished project so I’m psyched to push play on this weeks Five. Last week we missed a few of the faithful fivers but had a few new friends to play along. For the first timers, here’s the deal… I hit the shuffle button and share the first five tracks along with thoughts, quips and memories.

Then it’s your turn!

Here are this week’s tracks:

1. Keith Urban – Days Go By (from Days Go By)

While I’m not much for the stuff they call “Country Music” these days I make exception for guys like Keith Urban and Brad Paisley. Both bring a bit more rock to the table then most of their pop-driven peers not to mention that both are wickedly good guitarists.

2. Tool – Prison Sex (from Undertow)

Have you ever tried to explain Tool to someone? It’s nearly impossible to define them. Art-Rock? Progressive-Metal? Disturbing? I haven’t a clue. What I do know is that I’ve faithfully purchased every single thing that they have released in their 15+ year tenure as one of the most indefinable bands of the last decade and enjoyed every moment thoroughly.

3. Prince – La, La, La Means I Love U (from Emancipation)

Can we take a minute here to acknowledge the fact that Prince has pretty much managed to set the bar for all future Cochella headliners straight into the stratosphere? Aside from the sensational take on Radiohead’s “Creep”, the man delivered a solid performance that could sell out a stadium on its own.

4. Hall & Oates – You Make My Dreams (from Greatest Hits: Rock ‘n Soul, Part 1)

I’ve got a wicked soft spot in my heart for the blue-eyed soul of Daryl Hall and John Oates.

5. Chet Baker – When Lights Are Low (from Chet Baker in New York)

And a beautiful and romantic tune to take us into the weekend.

Okay, it’s your turn, what’s knocking you the f**k out?!?

While I’m doing my best Tim Allen impression (the TV version, not the reality version) I’m again going to have to phone in the very late edition of the Friday Five.

As I had mentioned last week I’m in the midst of a home remodeling project and have had the tunes on non-stop to get me through the trying experiences of being a non-handy type being handy. That said, here’s what came up the most during the last 7 days of home ownership bliss. Last week the Fivers played along with the playlist theme and no one seemed to have a single tune with improvement in the title (yours truly included). We’ll do more themed weeks in the coming months and perhaps a guest feature or two! Due to the lack of time, this week will be an all-video edition but never fear, we’ll be back to the random MP3 format next week.

Now, on with the show!

Here are this week’s tracks:

1. Jason Mraz – I’m Yours (from We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things)

I’ve made my no secret of appreciation for Mr. A-Z, and this tune in particular happens to have a wonderful video that reminds me very much of my Honeymoon in Hawaii. This has been in heavy rotation for weeks and I think that everyone should get his new record when it comes out May 13th.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHTsc9PU2A 336 278]

2. Beastie Boys – Shadrach (from Paul’s Boutique)

Aside from being a damn funky record, this is one of my default ‘working’ albums.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFolUn88q-o 336 278]

3. Rolling Stones – Paint it Black (from Forty Licks)

Apparently this is my son’s favorite song as he’s played it on his iPod 20 times in the last few weeks and so it worked it’s way into my playlists more often as well. It could be worse, he could be listening to Miley Cyrus.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLFGLHIfVTU 336 278]

4. Pearl Jam – Black (from Ten)

Another one of my default ‘working’ records. Even over 15 years later it stands as one of the best records I’ve ever heard.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFVlJAi3Cso 336 278]

5. Billy Joel – A Matter of Trust (from The Bridge)

Billy came up a whole lot this week for some reason. I don’t know why… this has always been one of my favorites.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx53c_6h-W4 336 278]

Now it’s your turn, what’s helping keep you sane?

Good Morning Friday Five Family!!

My wife and I are in the midst of home improvements and the iPod and iTunes have been providing the soundtrack. In honor of my current project I set up the following smart playlist in iTunes (I’m including this in case any of the faithful fivers want to play along at home:

Name > contains > House
Name > contains > Home
Name > contains > Work
Name > contains > Improve
Name > contains > Better

I was pretty surprised by the number of tracks that came up (just over 300). And thus the first ‘themed’ Friday Five is born. Last week the fearless fivers picked up my slack by bringing it, this week I’m giving back with this very special edition of the Friday Five.

Now Driver, Move That Bus!!

Here are this week’s tracks:

1. City and Colour – Comin’ Home (from Sometimes)

I came across City and Colour while I was working in Toronto a few years ago. The acoustic side project (and polar opposite) of Alexisonfire front man Dallas Green really resonated deeply with me when I first heard the track “Save Your Scissors” on MuchMusic (that’s the Canadian version of MTV for those who are not aware). I highly recommend this record to just about everyone.

2. John Legend – Coming Home (from Once Again)

I remember reading an article last year where John Legend was talking about how much Jeff Buckley influenced him. This track, to me, is one example of where I can hear that influence. Stark and honest this is as close to topical as Legend comes and the delivery is without doubt heartfelt.

3. Francis Dunnery – Homegrown (MP3) (from Fearless)

In the early 90’s I had a friend who worked A&R at Warner Records and he introduced me to Francis Dunnery. To this day I still pull this record out at least once every other month and it feels as fresh and vital as it did the first day I listened to it.

4. Bruce Springsteen – Long Walk Home (from Magic)

This to me has all the makings of a classic Springsteen track. Topical without beating you over the head, great lyrical hook and a healthy dose of Jersey shore imagery. “Long Walk Home” is without a doubt one of my favorites from Magic.

5. Jon Regen – Better Days (MP3) (from Let it Go)

From New Jersey’s favorite son to another New Jersey native with a penchant for writing beautiful and moving songs. When I said in my review of Let it Go that it felt like home, this was the song that earned it that description. There is something familiar and warm not just to the timbre of Jon’s voice, but the song itself in the way it wraps around you and lifts you up.

So what’s taking you home today?