The Friday Five: April 10, 2009
For those who have not joined in the Friday Five here is all you need to know; each Friday 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 more the merrier!
The Five:
“Oh Sherrie” (mp3) by Steve Perry (from Street Talk)
Perry’s first foray away from Journey ended up sounding more or less like, well, a Journey record (albeit with less Neal Schon). I fondly recall this tune being absolutely everywhere the summer of 1984.
“Workin’ for a Livin'” by Huey Lewis & The News (from Time Flies… The Best of Huey Lewis & The News)
Between “Takin’ Care of Business” and “Workin’ for the Weekend” this completes the perfect trifecta of “Workin’ Man” songs that for some reason always remind me of 80’s Michael Keaton.
“U Don’t Have to Call” by Usher (from 8701)
Between 8701 and Confessions Usher Raymond cemented himself as the go-to Pop/R&B guy. Sure, he may not have Musiq‘s or Raphael Saadiq‘s soul or Brian McKnight‘s velvety voice, but the ladies love him and he can dance his ass off.
“The Humpty Dance” by Digital Underground (from Sex Packets)
Ya’ll know this… time to do the Humpty Dance!!
“Ask the Lonely” by Journey (from Greatest Hits)
Apparently iTunes is in the mood to hear Mr. Perry’s voice. I’ll abide…
What’s shuffling up on your player today?
Phoenix vs. Alan Wilkis
Friend of Ickmusic Alan Wilkis shot this remix over to me earlier this week and I simply cannot stop listening to it. With Phoenix coming off their stellar SNL performance (seriously, who did they pay to get the sound right because this season has been the worst for musical acts on SNL) this is ready-made to get you moving. I’ll even go as far as to say that I like the original, but I love this remix. Check it out for yourself…
Phoenix – “1901 (Alan Wilkis remix)”
Alan also let it slip that he’s working on an EP to be released in late May. You can be sure that we’ll have all the details when the record drops.
Buy Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix: Amazon | iTunes
Phoenix Links: Official Site | on Last.fm | on MySpace
The Friday Five: April 3, 2009
For those who have not joined in the Friday Five here is all you need to know; each Friday 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 more the merrier!
The Five:
“Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun” by Beastie Boys (from Paul’s Boutique)
20 years ago this was ground-breaking and it stills sounds just a fresh. One of the archetypes for the rap-rock and nü-metal of the 90’s, this is just one of the many reasons Paul’s Boutique will always be, for me, the B-Boys magnum opus.
“Alfie” by Lily Allen (from Alright, Still)
Lily embarked on her US tour earlier this week in support of her latest It’s Not Me, It’s You. This is one of my favorite tracks off her debut; it’s sprightly and cheeky with a melody that will stick with you for days.
“Us and Them” by Pink Floyd (from Dark Side of the Moon)
It’s a rainy day here in the northeast and this track fits the grey day perfectly. I don’t visit the Pink Floyd in my collection nearly enough.
“Take a Chance on Me” by ABBA (from Gold: Greatest Hits)
No comment.
“Busted Stuff” by Dave Matthews Band (from Busted Stuff)
I’ve been looking for an excuse to share this…
I’ve not been so geeked out to over 60 seconds of music in ages (go to about 1:05 to hear the tunes). The new record is going to slay. Hearing Roi‘s cadence, so clear, strong and vital blowing into some of the funkiest sounds the band has produced in the last 18 years put my arm hairs on end.
It’s your turn, what’s getting you through this afternoon?
Kingsbury, “Atlantic City” and “Southern Accent”
Kingsbury has been at the top of my listening pile for what seems like weeks but is more likely months. Their latest release Lie to Me is a beautifully nuanced post-rock work (you can download the entire EP at the bands official site). The band recently released a pair of covers Bruce Springsteen‘s “Atlantic City” and Tom Petty‘s “Southern Accent” featuring Matt Butcher on vocals. Each track is a quiet reflection on the original, capturing the essence of the lyric and definitely worth the listen.
Kingsbury – “Atlantic City“
Kingsbury – “Southern Accent (feat. Matt Butcher)“
Links: Official Site
The Friday Five: March 27, 2009
For those who have not joined in the Friday Five here is all you need to know; each Friday 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 more the merrier!
The Five:
“Contact” by Phish (from Junta)
It’s samba time! I love this side of Phish, the kitschy lyrics and overt melodies (“Hula Hana of Kamana Whala Hula Bay” is clearly quoted during one of Page‘s solos) and a funky twist in the middle and the sing a long. Hopefully you all got in on the free offer of the first three nights of their reunion tour!
“TV Mama” (mp3) by Shuggie Otis (from In Session: Great Rhythm & Blues)
Ickmusic favorite Shuggie Otis delivers a solid 12 bar blues with some tasty slide work.
“Better Than Heaven” by Bloc Party (from Intimacy)
This record never really connected with me. There are a couple of really good songs (this being one of them) but most of the tracks seem very disjointed and cold. The exceptions really being this track and “Biko”.
“Baby’s Coming Back” (mp3) by Jellyfish (from Bellybutton)
… Excuse me, time to do the Peanuts dance, care to join me?
“Rainy April Day” (mp3) by Fury in the Slaughterhouse (from The Hearing and the Sense of Balance)
This track is a sober condemnation of Kurt Cobain‘s suicide. It’s not a great selection to close out an otherwise upbeat Friday Five, but you can’t end them all with rainbows, unicorns and trombones!
What’s shuffling you down to the weekend?
Video Break: Ra Ra Riot, “Can You Tell”
Somehow I missed Ra Ra Riot‘s sticky sweet video for “Can You Tell” but I’m fixing that now. Seriously how can you not love it for all it’s twee goodness?
Buy The Rhumb Line
The Friday Five: March 20, 2009
For those who have not joined in the Friday Five here is all you need to know; each Friday 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 more the merrier!
The Five:
“Golden Age” by TV on the Radio (from Dear Science)
I listened to this record quite a bit when it came out and the following month or so but can’t say that it’s gotten much play in 2009. I’ll have to remedy that this weekend.
“Turn on, Tune in, Find Joy” (mp3) by Freak Power (from The Rebirth of Cool 3)
This represents another random selection from my vast collection of mid to late 90’s trip-hop and abstract acid jazz. Freak Power was a collaboration between Norman Cook (better known as Fatboy Slim) and Ashley Slater.
“In Between Days” (mp3) by The Cure (from Staring at the Sea: The Singles)
It always struck me as odd how easily Robert Smith could whip out a sprightly and joyful pop tune. This ranks among my favorites.
“All About Love” (mp3) by Earth, Wind & Fire (from That’s the Way of the World)
I had a “Quiet Storm” listening marathon earlier this week and forgot all about this tune. Complete with the “Lemme take a minute and talk at you” break this is soulful music meant for making sweet love to your lady (or man, have mercy). This is baby-making music at its finest, dig it.
“Animal” by Def Leppard (from Vault: Greatest Hits 1980-1995)
Seriously, the lyrics to this tune make no damned sense.
What is bringing it home for you this weekend?
The Friday Five: March 13, 2009
For those who have not joined in the Friday Five here is all you need to know; each Friday 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 more the merrier!
The Five:
“Big Bottom” (mp3) – Spinal Tap (from This Is Spinal Tap, 1984)
“The bigger the cushion, the sweeter the pushin'”
Seriously, what more can I say? So say we all: “Tap into America!”
“One Caress” – Depeche Mode (from I Feel You, 1993)
From the underrated Songs of Faith and Devotion, this track is Martin Gore doing what he does best.
“Solitude” (mp3) – Billie Holiday (from First Issue: The Great American Song Book, 1994)
Recorded during her tenure with Verve during the 50’s, this is a prime example of Lady Day at her best. This performance is soulful, intimate and absolutely essential listening for any fan of music in general.
“Stomp” – Brothers Johnson (from Light Up the Night, 1980)
A nice slice of 80’s pop-funk from the Brothers Johnson.
“P Control” – Prince (from The Gold Experience, 1995)
Much like last week’s “Trust” this is the lesser of the funk tracks on The Gold Experience. For my money nothing beats “Billy Jack Bitch” for a straight up jam. Also of note is that fact that this record (as well as last week’s Batman) are currently out of print. Odd? Maybe…
What is whisking you away today?
“Eruption” Zappa Style
Dweezil Zappa – “Eruption” (YouTube)
My brother-in-law sent this one over… You’ve got to love Dweezil for all his self-deprecating “aww shucks” modesty before ripping a killer version of Van Halen‘s signature crescendo. The 2009 Zappa Plays Zappa tour will be canvasing the rest of the world though June. You can find the dates as well as other goodies at the official site.
The Friday Five: March 06, 2009
If it ain’t broke… don’t fix it. It’s March, the five is still alive and going strong…
For those who have not joined in the Friday Five here is all you need to know; each Friday 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 more the merrier!
The Five:
“Nine in the Afternoon” by Panic at the Disco (from Pretty. Odd., 2008)
Spending hours playing Rock Band 2 with my wife has burned this tune into my psyche. In truth, I actually quite like this record, though not as much as the bands debut (before they dropped the “!”). Sure, they borrow heavily from Sgt. Pepper era Beatles, but since when is that so bad?
“Trust” by Prince (from Batman, 1989)
This funky rave-up from the Batman soundtrack provided the background for Jack Nicholson‘s twisted turn as the Joker. Not as heavy on the funk as my personal favorite “Electric Chair” or even “The Future” it still definitely gets the butt wiggling.
“Here in Your Bedroom” (mp3) by Goldfinger (from Goldfinger, 1996)
Excuse me while I dance in my chair; feel free to join in…
“Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL Cool J (from All World, 1996)
“Don’t call it a comeback…” Seriously, what happened to James Todd Smith? I’d say he’s due for a comeback, especially after this.
“Brian Wilson (live)” (mp3) by Barenaked Ladies (from Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits: 1991-2001)
I have to say I was pretty disappointed when I read earlier this week that Steve Page has decided to leave the Barenaked Ladies. Here’s a taste of one of his finer moments with the band.
What’s making you dance in your chair today?