• Friday Five

    The Friday Five: April 15, 2011

    Friday Five

    Friday Five : ‘frī-(,)dā,-dē ‘fīv : On the sixth day of every week, I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes, then share the first five tracks and thought for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, occasionally we’ll have a 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:

    “She Talks to Angels” by The Black Crowes (from Shake Your Money Maker, 1990)

    Sounds as good today as it did 20 years ago. Damn, has it been 20 years?

    “We Can Get Together” by The Hold Steady (from Heaven Is Whenever, 2010)

    My doppelgänger’s finest tune. Somehow, The Hold Steady’s music hadn’t made it to my ears in any major fashion until last year’s Heaven Is Whenever. Now, I can’t get enough.

    “Amie” by Damien Rice (from O, 2003)

    So here’s a question, who is the bigger sad bastard: Damien Rice or Glen Hansard? I’m asking with the best intentions, because let’s face it, I love sad bastard music. “Amie” is nothing short of brilliant.

    “It May Be Late” by Harper Blynn (from Loneliest Generation, 2010)

    I discovered this band when they opened for—and subsequently, and quite seamlessly became—The Damnwells at their NYC tour stop. I was blown away by the band’s sheer presence, as they tore through an amazing set. I recall commenting to my wife that had they pulled out a Queen cover, complete with four-part harmonies, I wouldn’t have been surprised. I believe that fellow Popdose’r Matt Wardlaw is a convert as well, after seeing them last night.

    “Road” by Nick Drake (from Pink Moon, 1972)

    The O.G. sad bastard!

    What’s on your shuffle today?

  • Friday Five

    The Friday Five: January 21, 2011

    Friday Five

    Friday Five : ‘frī-(,)dā,-dē ‘fīv : On the sixth day of every week, I hit the shuffle button on my iTunes, then share the first five tracks and thought for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, occasionally we’ll have a 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:

    “Breakdown” by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers (from The Live Anthology, 2009)

    Recorded in June of ‘81 at The Forum, in Los Angeles; this take simply smolders its way through six solid minutes of groove. It’s definitely a testament to the power of a solid shuffle. The “Hit the Road Jack” tag towards the end of the jam is a bonus. Despite having this in my collection for over year, I still haven’t listened to the entire collection.

    “I’ve Seen All Good People” by Yes (from Highlights: The Very Best of Yes, 1993)

    This is shaping up to be one of the longest shuffles in recent memory, clocking in at just shy of seven minutes, the prog-rock pledge of allegiance demands attention. Rise up! Grab your 12-string laúd and recorder and salute Roger Dean.

    Let’s hope for a shorter song to follow …

    “Infinite Arms” by Band of Horses (from Infinite Arms, 2010)

    Make that the Grammy Nominated album, Infinite Arms. Dreamy and serene, this is probably the closest tie on the record to their impeccable debut, Everything All the Time. Naturally, it is a favorite of mine. The crickets at the close remind me of being a kid sitting out on the back lawn

    “Delicate” by Damien Rice (from B-Sides, 2004)

    Another live performance, this time from perennial Irish sad bastard, Damien Rice. That’s not to say that Ireland isn’t teeming with sad bastards, that is; rather, to say Mr. Rice is famously especially sorrowful in his bastard ways. Add to the fact that this version of “Delicate” is played just a hair slower than the original, amping up the dirge quality.

    “Candy” by The Silver Seas (from Château Revenge!, 2010)

    Ahh … a perfect power pop song close to what was becoming a very heavy Friday Five. I’m sure I’ve shared the story of how I came to know and love The Silver Seas, so I’ll spare you all the gory details, but I will share that the band has just released a brand-spanking new “3 AM” version of Château Revenge! for your listening pleasure. You can hop on over to http://chateaurevenge.com/ and pick up the “Blue” as well as the original “Red” versions of the record. It came in at number two on my Top 12 of 2010, and is a must-listen.

    What’s on your shuffle today?