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Tomorrow is officially the first day of summer, the longest day of the year, but today it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy a fine slice of Friday Five! Last week I let the Junior Pantherz take over in the kitchen, but I’m back this week to take the reigns. The Fivers have been representing in droves and as always I’m amazed at the range of music that appears in the comments. We must be doing something right here at Ickmusic to get such a diverse crowd together. For those who have not played along yet here’s the scoop, open up whatever provides you with tunes and hit the shuffle button and let the music take you where it will and if you feel so inclined share the results with the rest of the musical voyeurs in the comments section.

Here are this week’s tracks:

1. John Travolta – Greased Lightnin’ (single version) (from Grease – The Original Soundtrack From the Motion Picture)

Seriously, vividly remember being a kid running around singing “You that no shit, we’ll be getting lots of tit” and “I ain’t bragging she’s a real pussy wagon” and no one batting an eye.

2. Jellyfish – The Man I Used to Be (from Bellybutton)

They may have only released two records, but I’ll be damned if they were not two of the best slices of power pop to come out in the early 90’s. While I prefer Spilt Milk to Bellybutton, this is just a matter of splitting hairs. If you’ve not ever experienced Jellyfish I cannot recommend doing so enough. Sure they dressed as if they were stuck in the cover of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and sound like an amalgam of The Beatles and Queen, but since when is that a bad thing?

3. Dave Matthews Band – Lie in Our Graves (from Warehouse 8, Volume 3)

This reminds me that I need to write up my review of last weeks show! This is a great version from the ’95 tour with a stellar sax solo from Leroi Moore. As much flack as these guys can sometimes take (which I’ve never understood) for being ‘frat guy’ rock they really are an amazing group of musicians who’ve managed to make a living doing what they love and compromising very little (except maybe for every summer vacation for the last 15 years).

4. Toto – Rosanna (from Super Hits)

This song is the only good thing that any Arquette has ever contributed to this world.

5. Counting Crows – Colorblind (from This Desert Life)

Well this is no way to end an otherwise upbeat Friday Five. Not to say that this is not a brilliant song. I’ve always been a huge fan of Adam Duritz‘s more intimate moments.

(Just as an aside, the very next tune to pop up on the shuffle was “Delicious” by Catherine Wheel, now that’s the proper kick off into the weekend!!)

So what’s kicking off your summer?

Very often there is not much in the way of “Rock” in our “Indie Rock” but Saskatoon’s Junior Pantherz must have missed the memo. Pete beat me to the punch in posting a review of their latest record Rejoice, Remain but in the spirit of one-upping the boss man, I’ve invited the crew to log our first Special Guest Friday Five. Much to my pleasure the band accepted and drummer Arnold Van Lambalgen II turned in the following saying “he had fun doing it”.

For the uninitiated, the rules of the Friday Five are quite simple; first rule is you do not talk about fight… I mean, be honest! Open up whatever provides you with tunes and hit the shuffle button and let the music take you where it will and if you feel so inclined share the results with the rest of the musical voyeurs in the comments section.

Here are this week’s tracks:

1. My Morning Jacket – Sec Walkin (from Evil Urges)

“A song from their brand new album. Catchy as hell. Such a simple – yet powerful – song. It’s one of those tracks you put in on a Friday after a long work week.”

2. Sloan – Believe in Me (from Parallel Play)

“Canada’s best Indie Pop/Rockers have just released their 9th album…..and if the track above is any indication, I know we’ll see at least 9 more. I like them so much in fact; we named our band after one of their songs. They haven’t even sued us for defamation of character…….yet!”

3. The Mongrels – The Answer (from Oshawa)

“A band that you, your parents and your guitar teacher will all love. Equal part rock and soul, with TWO drummers! Can’t have too many drummers….”

4. Sly & The Family Stone – I Want to Take You Higher (from Stand!)

“No introduction needed. No explanation needed. A necessity. You dig?!”

5. Swervedriver – Duel (from Mezcal Head)

“They’ve just kicked off their reunion with a stop at Coachella. By the time you read this, I’ll be (safely) landed in Toronto ready to play a Junior Pantherz showcase and gearing up to see THE Swervedriver shortly after. I can hardly contain myself.”

I want to thank Arnie for playing along and Jesse at Killbeat Music for making this happen.
If you haven’t already, check out Junior Pantherz record Rejoice, Remain: Amazon | iTunes

Now what’s getting your weeking moving in the right direction?