• Friday Five

    The Friday Five: October 2, 2009

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    Friday Five : ˈfrī-(ˌ)dā,-dē ˈfīv : On the sixth day of every week I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes and share my five and drop a little knowledge and insight for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, sometimes there isn’t. Sometimes we have guest, but most of the time it’s just me. The rest is up to you, our friends and readers! Fire up your media player of choice and share the first five random track of your shuffle in the comments.

    The Five:

    The Who – “You Better You Bet” (mp3) (from Then and Now (1964-2004), 2007)

    While I accept that saying that “You Better You Bet” – originally from The Who’s 1981 album, Face Dances – is my favorite song in the legendary band’s catalog is probably some form of blasphemy, I’m going to say it anyhow. It could be due to the fact that it was an FM radio staple during my formative years. I could be its infectious sing-along quality. Whatever it is, for me, it’s the tops.

    Dead Can Dance – “The Carnival Is Over” (from Into the Labyrinth, 1993)

    The ethnic fusion of duo of Brendan Perry and vocalist Lisa Gerrard has appeared on the Friday Five a few times over the past (nearly) two years. This track is quite possibly the best representation of the group. Soft beds of strings with contrasting medieval counter-melodies contrast against Perry’s powerful baritone.

    Paramore – “Playing God” (from brand new eyes, 2009)

    ANGST! The latest from the emo-pop power group Paramore serves up more pent up teenage rage than a sale at Hot Topic and contains some signs of growth and decent songs. Though it is a little difficult to take it seriously when it includes lyrics the like of which are to be had here:

    You don’t have to believe me
    But the way I, way I see it
    Next time you point a finger
    I might have to bend it back
    Or break it, break it off
    Next time you point a finger… I’ll point you to the mirror

    GRR!

    John Coltrane – “Cousin Mary” (from Giant Steps, 1959)

    A master class in improvisation, the entirety of Coltrane’s seminal Giant Steps should be required listening for everyone.

    Ambrosia – “You’re The Only Woman” (mp3) (from Anthology, 1997)

    Here’s something to consider “You’re The Only Woman” is Ambrosia’s least successful single. Make no mistake, you know this song and it’s quite likely that you like it. For those of us with an unhealthy addiction to the Mellow Gold this is a worthy addition to your collection (but more than likely you have it already.)

    Now that’s a fine five, what’s yours look like?