The Friday Five: February 18, 2011
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:
“Make It Mine” by Jason Mraz (from We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things., 2008)
It feels like it has been forever since I last listened to this record. (According to iTunes, the last time was September; not quite forever.) Taken in small doses, it is impossible to be in a bad mood after listening to Mraz.
“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele (from 21, 2011)
I haven’t had a chance to dig into this album properly, yet. What I’ve heard, though gives me hope that Miss Adkins has taken her craft to the next level. With a bit of delta blues spirit, and just a touch of gospel, “Rolling in the Deep” is a slow burn that builds to a full-blown blaze at its close.
“The Game Gets Old” by Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings (from I Learned the Hard Way, 2010)
One of my favorite live acts, Jones is nothing short of a powerhouse. Popdose’s new music editor, Ken Shane, had a recent opportunity to catch the stellar soul singer in Rhode Island, which he came away from equally blown away. If you have any opportunity to catch the Jones, do not hesitate. I guarantee you’ll have a great time.
“P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” by Michael Jackson (from Thriller, 1982)
The King is dead. Long live the King.
“Boogie Chillen” by Buddy Guy & Junior Wells (from Alone & Acoustic, 1991)
This record, mmm-hmm. Hell, I’m not even sure I can put it into words. Two master bluesmen, hold up in a studio somewhere in Europe with just an acoustic guitar, absolutely throwing down.
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: February 11, 2011
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:
Editor’s Note: Another busy Friday for the Five, but fear not … once the dust settles, I’ll be back to drop some thoughts behind the five tunes that found their way to my ears this morning. — MP
“Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen (from Live at Wembley ‘86, 1992)
“Losing My Religion” by R.E.M. (from In Time: The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003, 2003)
“We Want Some P***y” by The 2 Live Crew (from The 2 Live Crew Is What We Are, 1986)
“Money (That’s What I Want)” by The Beatles (from With The Beatles, 1963)
“Crush” by Dave Matthews Band (from Before These Crowded Streets, 1998)
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: February 4, 2011
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:
“Naima” by John Coltrane (from Giant Steps, 1959)
I spent the better part of my 20’s as a full on record store junkie—albeit, a paid one. On the occasions where I found myself opening the store on a Sunday morning, I had only one requirement: Coltrane was to be played for the first three hours of the day. It’s a ritual that I carried for years, and to this day, when I’m up early on a Sunday morning I’ll revisit one of his classic sides.
“P Control” by Prince (from The Gold Experience, 1995)
Oh, Prince … you dirty motherfucker, how I miss you.
“Boy” by Ra Ra Riot (from The Orchard, 2010)
I’m still quite smitten with The Orchard.
“Burning Up” by Madonna (from Celebration, 2009)
I think it was my musical “brother from another mother” Mike Heyliger who started the discussion on Madonna’s lesser appreciated singles a few weeks back. I completely forgot about “Burning Up,” opting instead for “Angel.”
“Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own” by U2 (from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, 2004)
Speaking of under-appreciated singles, this should have been every bit as big a hit as any of the band’s hits of the aughts.
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: January 28, 2011
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:
It’s been one of those days, here’s what just shuffled up:
“White Summer / Black Mountain Side” by Led Zeppelin (from Boxed Set, 1990)
“Taking It Away” by The Jesus and Mary Chain (from Hate Rock ‘n’ Roll, 1995)
“Who Will Survive in America” by Kanye West (from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, 2010)
“The Stars Are Underground” by The Frames (from Dance the Devil, 1999)
“P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” by Michael Jackson (from Thriller 25, 2008)
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: January 21, 2011
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?
The Friday Five: January 14, 2011
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:
“Lets Go Crazy (special dance mix)” by Prince (from Ultimate, 2006)
“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here to get through this thing called life.” I’m particularly fond of this version, as it features the extended guitar breakdown that was featured in the film.
“Got the Time” by Joe Jackson (from The Best of Joe Jackson, 2007)
Looks like we’re entering another “Greatest Hits” shuffle. I dig Joe.
“Will You Still Love Me?” by Chicago (from Greatest Hits 1982-1989, 1989)
Between the snow storms that have dumped over 30 inches of snow in the last week, my dear friends Jason and Jessica Hare paid the wife and I visit. During the ensuing music geek-off, Jason revealed the following performance that, well … I’ll just let you see for yourself:
“Starfish & Coffee” by Prince & The Revolution (from Dream Factory, 1986)
Yes, that does say by Prince & The Revolution. Yes, I do have a copy of the July 18, 1986 configuration of the unreleased gem that would later become part of His Royal Badness’ magnum opus, Sign “☮” the Times. With a minimal amount of internet sleuthing, you too could unearth the glory of Prince’s unreleased treasures.
“If I Had $1000000” by Barenaked Ladies (from Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits: 1991-2001, 2001)
I’ve always wanted a monkey.
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: January 7, 2011
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:
“Heaven” by Bryan Adams (from Reckless, 1984)
Oh, the melodrama! Now, I’d be lying if I said that I did love this song for every bit of its Journey inspired power balladry. Hell, the entirety of Reckless provided the soundtrack to my tween years.
Here’s a fun little bit of trivia: the drum part on “Heaven” was played by Journey’s own, Steve Smith.
“Get Over It” by Amy Petty (from House of Doors, 2010)
If you follow me on the twitter, you’ll no doubt already be aware of my deep seated love for Amy Petty’s songwriting and seductive voice. This record earned a spot among my favorites of 2010.
“Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes (from Billboard Top Hits: 1979, 1991)
I really don’t care for Piña Coladas, but I love this song.
“Creep” by TLC (from Now & Forever: The Hits, 2003)
While I prefer the Afghan Whigs version, I have nothing bad to say about this track.
“O.P.P.” by Naughty by Nature (from The Hip Hop Box, 2004)
Seems like a great track to kick into the first Friday dance party here in the office.
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: June 25, 2010
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:
“Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson (from Bad, 1987)
It’s a bit hard to fathom that it has been 12 months since Michael Jackson passed away. I remember clearly that upon learning of his death, this was the song that was left ringing in my ears, and in my heart. I’m dedicating this week’s Friday Five to him, and his legacy.
“Human Nature” by Michael Jackson (from Thriller, 1982)
A few weeks ago I finally felt prepared to sit down and watch “This Is It,” the film documenting Michael’s final days, as he prepared for his return to the stage. What struck me was how alive he was in the moment. And it was the performance of this song, in particular, that set the hair on my arms on end. There were no signs of frailty, rather an incredible, engaged performer breathing life into one of his masterworks.
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson (from Thriller, 1982)
This video actually came on while I was listening to this week’s five, and moved me from the iPod to the television – VH1 is running a marathon celebrating the King of Pop – and it instantly brought me back to the first time that I saw this video.
“Beat It” by Michael Jackson (from Thriller, 1982)
I was never felt as emotionally attached to “Beat It” as I suppose I should. I mean it’s Michael and Eddie Van Halen, how can you go wrong. It’s not that I don’t love the tune and crank if up every time it comes on, but it was never my favorite. This oddly enough leads into…
“P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” by Michael Jackson (from Thriller, 1982)
Going out on a high note, this was – and remains – my jam. I’m planning on letting this shuffle play all day, so I might be back in the comments with another five. In the meantime, I encourage you all to drop your five — MJ-related or not – and get out and enjoy the hell out of today.
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: June 18, 2010
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” by Kiss (from Double Platinum, 1978)
I’ll admit to having a Beavis moment when this shuffled up first. No one does big dumb rock n’ roll better than Kiss. Well, early ‘70s Kiss, at any rate; I’m still not sure that I’d be willing to give it to them for anything past Dynasty. My Mother love telling the story of how, as a little kid, I would run screaming from my older cousin’s room, afraid of his black light Kiss posters. Thanks, Mom!
“Nothin’ at All” by Heart (from Heart, 1985)
It may be formulated arena rock, but I can’t help but love ‘80s Heart. I swear, to this day I will stop and turn up any of these singles when the come on the radio.
“La Isla Bonita” by Madonna (from The Immaculate Collection, 1990)
Someone needs to mash up Madge, Gaga and Ace of Base, because I’d probably pay to hear a masterful mix of “La Isla Bonita,” “Don’t Turn Around” and “Alejandro.” Fuck, as I’m listening to this song I’m singing “Don’t call my name, don’t call my name, Alejandro” in my head and it’s awesome.
“I’m the Magnificent” by Special Ed (from Youngest in Charge, 1989)
This is one of those party bomb records. Back in my DJ days, I always had a stash of record that would guarantee to get everyone on the floor and shaking their asses, and this was at the top of the heap, right next to “It Takes 2.” Hell, this came on in the headphone and I started wiggling in my seat.
“And We Danced” by The Hooters (from Nervous Night, 1985)
The iPod must know that I’m going to see Acoustic ‘80s tonight! Which reminds me, if you are in NYC, come on down to Wicked Willy’s – 149 Bleeker St (Laguardia Street) – and there is a good chance that you’ll find a slew of your favorite writers all rocking out to the acoustic styling’s of Jason Hare and Michael Burke. Now, I’ve just got to convince them to play this song!
What’s on your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: June 11, 2010
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.
Editor’s Note: I have to go ahead and thank all of you for keeping the Five alive these past couple of weeks, especially my Popdose brethren Jason Hare, Rob Smith, Mike Heyliger and of course all our readers! – Michael
The Five:
“Canned Heat” by Jamiroquai (from High Times: Singles 1992-2006, 2006)
“She Has a Girlfriend Now” by Reel Big Fish (from Turn Off the Radio, 1996)
“Alone” by Heart (from The Essential Heart, 2002)
“Already Free” by The Derek Trucks Band (from Already Free, 2009)
“Haunted Henry” by Roger Manning (from Catnip Dynamite, 2009)
What’s on your shuffle today?