The Friday Five: October 30, 2009
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:
Hanson – “MMMBop” (mp3) (from Middle of Nowhere, 1997)
From The Osmonds to Taylor Swift every generation has its own batch of teeny-bopper talent. The ‘90s spawned the trio of Hanson brothers and their über-catchy blend of sunny post-grunge, alternative-pop and Motown informed harmonies and what could possibly be the most ubiquitous hit of the ‘90s. No small feat for a group of adolescents from Oklahoma. And for the record, yes this album is in my library.
The Beatles – “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” (from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967)
While I’ve just recently come up for air from my prolonged dive into the Beatles remastered collection I still cannot hear these songs enough. If you’ve not picked up any of the collection yet I cannot suggest strongly enough that you put the entire collection on your Mellowmas list.
2Pac – “California Love (long radio edit)” (from How Do U Want It, 1996)
California knows how to party… Proof!
Everything But the Girl – “Time After Time” (mp3) (from Acoustic, 1992)
I’m certain that I’ve said before that covers of a classic song can sometimes exceed the original performance. More often than not, the cover is merely a dutiful facsimile. Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” has been recorded by no less than 45 artists in the 25 years since its original release and of the versions that I’ve heard not one comes close to the original but this rendition by the British duo holds its own.
Prince & The Revolution – “Raspberry Beret” (from Around the World in a Day, 1985)
After the success of Purple Rain Prince surprised everyone by releasing the neo-psychedelia opus Around the World in a Day with little fanfare. The music was closer to the less radio-friendly fare of 1999 and showcased the increasing input of the members of the Revolution. “Raspberry Beret” itself was more straightforward pop than anything else and to this day gets play when Prince tours.
Hit that shuffle button and drop yours in the comments!
The Friday Five: October 23, 2009
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:
Nirvana – “Come as You Are” (from Nevermind, 1991)
If I’m being completely honest this is probably the first time I’ve listened to anything from the seminal grunge record in probably the last couple of years.
The Gaslight Anthem – “Casanova, Baby!” (from The ’59 Sound, 2008)
The ’59 Sound is one of those records that gets under your skin and just hangs with you. Since discovering the band I’ve found myself coming back to the record time and again for a blast of tried and true rock n’ roll.
P.M. Dawn – “I’d Die Without You” (mp3) (from The Bliss Album…?, 1993)
Boys and girls, during the summer of ’93 this track was my ‘jam’.
Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds – “Granny” (from Live at Luther College, 1999)
Quite simply this is a perfectly simple and sweet love song.
Dream Theater – “Another Day” (mp3) (from Images and Words, 1992)
As much as I like this song I’ve come to realize that in the context of the rest of the band’s discography that this tune stands out as possibly the worst. With its Kenny G inspired sax breaks (lest we not forget that Mr. Gorelick’s Breathless was one of the biggest records of 1992) and overall adult contemporary leanings – I swear, it would not surprise me at all if David Foster had a hand in its creation – it could easily represent the group’s weakest moments.
What is shuffling up for you this week?
The Friday Five: October 16, 2009
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:
Shai – “If I Ever Fall in Love (a cappella)” (from If I Ever Fall in Love, 1992)
1992 was absolutely dominated by New Jack Swing crooners Boyz II Men; more specifically their monster single “End of the Road” which spent the better part of the summer and fall on the top of the Billboard charts. It was only a matter of time before record labels began searching for clones to cash in on the market. Enter Shai, a group of fraternity brothers from Howard University who fell into the business after handing a demo of “If I Ever Fall in Love” to a local DJ who brought the track to radio where it was an instant hit. The group struggled to match the success of the track, only coming close with the top 10 hits “Baby I’m Yours” and “Comforter” and fading into obscurity after that despite releasing several records in the years since.
Prince – “Chelsea Rodgers” (from Planet Earth, 2007)
Here’s the problem with writing a tune that name checks your current squeeze, when she’s gone and you’ve got a new Stella on your arm she might not take kind to you rocking a tune about your former. Now this is all hearsay as Prince and Chelsea both maintain that they were purely platonic friends, but you sure haven’t seen her ‘round since Bria Valente came on the scene. Regardless this track’s disco-funk inspired groove was a stand out on the otherwise groove-less Planet Earth.
The Afghan Whigs – “Creep” (mp3) (from Honky’s Ladder, 1996)
Greg Dulli is one morose motherfucker. The Afghan Whigs front man is also a genius taking TLC’s 1994 hit about a woman displeased with her current lover and “creeping” around to get some ass into the dark and, well, creepy place that Dulli is the master of.
Bee Gees – “More Than a Woman” (mp3) (from Saturday Night Fever, 1977)
I’ll admit this tune shuffled up and I started to dance in my chair. I’m going to let the music do the talking for this tune, click that link above and enjoy!
Radiohead – “Creep (radio edit)” (from Pablo Honey, 1993)
“You’re so very special” doesn’t quite have the ring and bite of “You’re so fucking special” but despite that this is the version – as featured in the video as well – that the kids went nuts for and catapulted the band to the uncomfortable heights they’ve eschewed in the years following the success of the single.
What’s creeping up in your shuffle this week?
The Friday Five: October 9, 2009
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:
Editor’s Note: With barely time to listen to five tracks today I’m presenting an abbreviated shuffle. Once a few of you chime in I’ll add your content to the post… that’s right we’re crowd-sourcing this week’s five!! – Michael
Wesley Willis Fiasco – “Girls on Film” (from The Duran Duran Tribute Album, 1997)
Van Halen – “Runaround” (from For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, 1991)
Prince – “Te Amo Corazón” (from 3121, 2006)
Beastie Boys – “Body Movin’” (from Hello Nasty, 1998)
Dog Eat Dog – “Games (feat. Ronnie James Dio)” (from Play Games, 1996)
Who’s got the next Five?
Matt from Addicted to Vinyl:
Elton John – “Can I Put You On” (from 11-17-70)
Bruce Hornsby – “Dreamland”
Caroline’s Spine – “Deep In Your Wake”
Eddie Vedder – “No Ceiling”
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – “Yer So Bad”Kelly Willis – “Fading Fast”
Kelly Willis is one of the country’s best country singers. If you are not familiar with her, I highly recommend you do so.
Steve Earle – “She’s a Mover”I am not a big Steve Earle fan (I always felt I should like him more than I do) but this is a great cover.
Beatles – “I Am Happy Just to Dance With You”Enough said.
Marshall Tucker Band – “Can’t You See” (Live)OK, I admit it. I love MTB, and a host of other southern rock bands from the ’70s. This is a great version of a great song.
The Yardbirds – “Certain Girl”Yes, the same song that Warren Zevon later made famous. Great song.
Keep em coming!
The Friday Five: October 2, 2009
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?
The Friday Five: September 25, 2009
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 Juliana Hatfield Three – “Spin the Bottle” (from Become What You Are, 1993)
In the early ‘90s Juliana Hatfield was kind of like everyone’s slightly older, slightly dirty sister – whereas Liz Phair was your slutty college-aged sibling, but I digress. After obtaining a moderate bit of notoriety with her first band, Blake Babies, she struck out on her own releasing her debut solo record, Hey Babe, in 1992. It wasn’t until 1993’s Become What You Are and the inclusion of this particular tune in the generation defining film Reality Bites that secured her place as an alternative rock superstar. With its simple sing song melody and lyrics that seem ripped from every teenage girl’s diary she connected with Gen X’ers soft side.
Hall & Oates – “Kiss on My List” (from Greatest Hits: Rock ‘n Soul, Part 1, 1983)
Little known fact: In an interview with Mix magazine, Daryl Hall said: “Eddie Van Halen told me that he copied the synth part from ‘Kiss on My List’ and used it in “Jump.” I don’t have a problem with that at all.”
Channel Live – “Homicide Ride” (mp3) (from Station Identification, 1995)
Taking cues from the grimy sparse beats of Wu-Tang Clan and the vivid street imagery of the Notorious B.I.G. the hardcore rap duo behind Channel Live should have been huge. Add to it the tight production and guidance of “the Teacher” KRS-One and it just further boggles the mind how this crew could only drop one single record and disappear.
Dweezil Zappa – “Anytime at All” (mp3) (from Confessions, 1991)
In the rampant resurgence of Beatlemania in pop culture in recent weeks I had nearly forgotten about this gem of a cover. Confessions was produced by Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt and his influence can be heard all over the record, but no more than on this the cover of an album cut from A Hard Day’s Night. The layers upon layers of vocal tracks (provided by Nuno, Dweezil and Ahmet Zappa) take the song to a new level and the addition of a backwards tracked guitar solo – an obvious nod to George Harrison’s use of the technique – make for a truly stellar tribute.
Camera Obscura – “Lloyd, I’m Ready to Be Heartbroken” (from Let’s Get Out of This Country, 2006)
Scotland’s Camera Obscura is easily one of my favorite groups of the last few years. The perfect blend of lush orchestral indie-pop married with beautifully twee vocals and just a hint of a throwback to a simpler time the band here is issuing a – albeit 22-years-late – response to Lloyd Cole‘s classic “Are You Ready to Be Heartbroken?”
Okay, I’ve shown you mine, you know what to do…
The Friday Five: September 18, 2009
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 Smashing Pumpkins – “1949 (vocal mix)” (from Rarities and B-Sides, 2005)
It seems like a lifetime ago when Billy Corgan was actually relevant. Despite his ongoing attempts to further bury his Smashing Pumpkins into the ground I will hold the bands early work near and dear to my heart. While clearly ego-driven, the ambitious Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness to this day stands as one of my favorite records of the mid 90’s. This particular track was part of a remix single featuring remixes by Roli Mosimann and Moby.
Counting Crows – “Goodnight Elisabeth” (from Recovering the Satellites, 1996)
Easily one of my favorite songs in Counting Crows repertoire, “Goodnight Elisabeth” is a perfect example of the band’s strength and moreover Adam Duritz’s ability to craft the most lovelorn tale and wrap it up in a beautiful package. The lyric “If your the Queen of California I am the King of the rain…” continues in the tradition of the storyteller tying back to his past tales.
OutKast – “B.O.B.” (from Big Boi and Dre Present…Outkast, 2001)
This track is – in a word – relentless. At a frenetic 155 BPM it is the definition of banging and was the first OutKast single that really caught my attention. I was familiar with the group prior and loved the track “Elevators (Me & You)” but had not connected with the southern hip-hop duo outside that. That all changed with this track.
Paul Davis – “’65 Love Affair” (from Sweet Life: His Greatest Hit Singles, 1999)
This track just takes me back to days without a care, riding bicycles and running around during the summer. For that simple fact I cherish this track.
ZZ Top – “Rough Boy” (from Greatest Hits, 1992)
A few years later and maybe a little less “riding bicycles and running around during the summer” but this holds a similar place in my heart. Growing up just outside of the reach of NYC’s Z100 the Hudson Valley pop radio landscape in the ’80s was dominated by K104.7 WSPK and its Saturday Night all request with Dr. John Barron. It was through these shows that I discovered not just pop, but rock, new wave, AOR and of course the Power Ballad. “Rough Boy” was the third single from ZZ Top’s Afterburner and was their last in the ’80s.
I’ve got my five, what’s coming up in your shuffle today?
The Friday Five: September 11, 2009
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:
Editors Note: Beatlemania is alive and well and kicking this week’s five back to the ’60s for five tunes from the fab four.The Beatles – “Get Back” (from Let It Be, 1970)
“I’d like to say thank you of behalf of the group and ourselves, and I hope we passed the audition” – John Lennon
The Beatles – “You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)” (mp3) (from Past Masters, Volume Two, 1988)
If pressed to name my “Desert Island” Beatles tracks, this would land squarely in the Top 10. Hell, it would probably make the Top 5. Originally released as the B-side to “Let It Be” this track has the distinction of being the last official release in the The Beatles cannon.
The Beatles – “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” (from The Beatles, 1969)
And to the other end of the spectrum, this is probably one of my least favorite tunes in the catalog. To that point is a bad Beatles song a bad song? While you ponder that…
The Beatles – “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” (from Help!, 1965)
We make our way to another favorite. According to Paul the song “is just basically John doing Dylan.”
The Beatles – “A Hard Day’s Night” (from A Hard Day’s Night, 1964)
Like many of you out there, the first thing I did when I got my hands on the remasters was cue up this track and turn up the speakers. The familiar, and noticeably clearer, opening chord rang out and it instantaneously transported me back to the first time I recall hearing the tune. The remastered track – and the whole collection, for that matter – brings to the front the considerable contributions of Ringo Starr. It’s as if I never noticed the bongo track underneath the verse.
What’s got you spinning across the universe this week?
The Friday Five: September 4th, 2009
Hallo. Pete here, filling in for Michael on the Friday Five!
Michael said his ass was kicked 10 ways from Sunday, and he’s not gonna be able to deliver in a reasonable amount of time today. So I’m giving him the day off, poor fellow.
I’m gonna hit you with 5 random tunes that came through my air space today, then you do the same, okay? It’s a deal? Good.
1. Megadeth – “Mechanix” -I am by no means an expert – or even a fan- of Megadeth. But when I came back from lunch today, a co-worker (I’ll call him Jeff, ’cause that’s his name) brought up a Megadeth song with some very difficult to understand lyrics. Some of the words he perceived to possibly be German. So he sent over the mp3, and by utilizing Google and my ears, I discovered that this is indeed the English language, only with Dave Mustaine singing as nonsensically as possible. Cool tune, and I guess it’s the same as Metallica’s “The Four Horsemen” – though I’m too confused to comprehend it at the moment.
2. Linton Kwesi Johnson – “Hurricane Blues” / Always happy to hear LKJ come on the iTunes. You want politically charged talking reggae poetry, Linton’s your man.
3. Bap Kennedy – “Drunk On The Blood of Christ” / A reader, Brad, recommended Bap’s Lonely Street album a few weeks ago, and I’m glad he did. Great stuff.
4. Kraftwerk – “Computer Love” / Just picked up this classic album recently, along with some other pioneering electro stuff (like Cybrotron’s ‘Clear’ album).
5. Roadside Graves – “Valley” / Greg over at Captain’s Dead recommended this album just yesterday. I listened to this sucker 2 times straight through. Rootsy, raw rock ‘ roll. Just the way I like it. Track down the album ‘My Son’s Home‘.
What’s shuffling in your corner of the world? Do share…
The Friday Five: August 28, 2009
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:
Björk – “Headphones (Ø remix)” (from Telegram, 1996)
I can only admit to being a pedestrian fan to Björk‘s career after this record, but Debut and Post rank high on my list of favorite records from the ’90s. Telegram was essentially the remixed version of Post with the exception of “The Modern Things” and “It’s Oh So Quiet”. Out of all the tracks on the record The Brodsky Quartet version of “Hyperballad” was my favorite and was featured on many of my mix tapes of the era.
Jay-Z – “Girls, Girls, Girls” (from The Blueprint, 2001)
I have a strange love/hate relationship with Jay-Z. If you were to peek at my library you’d see every single record he’s put out since 1996 but I’d be hard pressed to name even one album cut outside of the singles. I’ll buy The Blueprint 3 when it comes out and will listen to it twice and it will get cataloged with the rest. This track is irresistible though. Featuring Q-Tip, Slick Rick and Biz Markie on the hook and Hov flowing with more swagger than Al Pacino in Scarface it’s an instant classic.
Megadeth – “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” (mp3) (from Rust in Peace, 1990)
In retrospect, Rust in Peace has aged considerably better than most metal records from that time period – I’m looking at you Metallica‘s Black Album – and this track in particular has resonated time and again. While the timing of it’s release made most assume it was commentary on the first Gulf War, Mustaine has gone on the record stating that the inspiration for the song was the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland.
Primitive Radio Gods – “Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand” (mp3) (from Rocket, 1996)
The ’90s produced more ‘One-Hit Wonders’ then you can shake a stick at. Primitive Radio Gods fell in alongside acts like Sneaker Pimps and Ruby with a mix of downtempo beats juxtaposed against alternative leaning instrumentation and vocals. Built off a sample of B. B. King‘s “How Blue Can You Get?” the track managed to peak at #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart and #7 on the Hot 100 before the Primitive Radio Gods faded into obscurity.
Paramore – “Misery Business” (mp3) (from RIOT!, 2007)
The first time I heard Paramore‘s Hayley Williams‘ voice it instantly had my attention. How could this tiny (then) teenage girl have such a huge voice was my first thought. The second thought was that they were going to be huge. Williams‘ voice combined with the killer hooks the band is known for have brought them tons of fans and critical praise, not to mention an opening slot on the No Doubt reunion tour.
Five down, who’s got five more to share?