• Friday Five

    The Friday Five: November 11, 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:

    God Is Love” by Marvin Gaye (from What’s Going On, 1971)

    A simple prayer, rife with the soul of the record.

    The Wicker Man” by Iron Maiden (from From Fear to Eternity: The Best of 1990-2010, 2011)

    The lead-off single from Maiden’s triumphant return to form in 2000. The triple threat of Murray, Gers and Smith is in full churn here, with Smith burning through a killer solo. I recall the trepidation with which I approached listening to a new Iron Maiden tune at that point, and the surprise when it was as strong as this.

    Cherish the Day” by Sade (from The Ultimate Collection, 2011)

    I’m going to just sit back and enjoy this one.

    Never Land (a Fragment)” by The Sisters of Mercy (from Floodland, 1987)

    They weren’t kidding when they said “a Fragment.” This is, at best, an incomplete thought.

    Blue Flame” by Joe Jackson Band (from Volume 4, 2003)

    It occurred to me while this tune played just how much Ben Folds copped Jackson’s shtick. I’m not sure why it never dawned on me before this. Maybe this is why I hold Folds in such contempt.

    What’s on your shuffle today?

  • Friday Five

    The Friday Five: August 19, 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:

    “Look Sharp!” by Joe Jackson (from Look Sharp!, 1979)

    Why are you yelling at me, Joe Jackson?

    “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” by Bob Dylan (from MTV Unplugged, 1995)

    Indeed.

    “Wake Up Everybody (live in studio performance)” by John Legend & The Roots (from Wake Up!, 2010)

    Why do these album titles keep yelling at me? Look Sharp! Wake Up!

    “Team” by Bon Iver (from For Emma, Forever Ago, 2008)

    I still fail to see what everyone loves about Bon Iver.

    “Girl” by The Beatles (from Rubber Soul, 1965)

    Sweet finish to summer’s penultimate Friday Five.

    What’s on your shuffle today?

  • Friday Five

    The Friday Five: January 14, 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:

    “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?

  • Friday Five

    The Friday Five: December 11, 2009

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    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:

    Ani DiFranco – “Hide and Seek” (from Living in Clip, 1997)

    Steve Perry – “If Only for the Moment, Girl” (mp3) (from Street Talk, 1984)

    The Smashing Pumpkins – “Cherub Rock” (from Siamese Dream, 1993)

    Joe Jackson – “Tiger Rag” (from Tucker: The Man and His Dream, 1988)

    John Mayer – “Perfectly Lonely” (mp3) (from Battle Studies, 2009)

    It’s still Friday, right? What are you listening to this evening?