ALBUM: NEVERMIND
SONG: LITHIUM
DATE: JULY 21, 1992
STATUS: ACQUIRED
You get a Nirvana for being such a troooper.
Friday, December 28, 2012
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU MADE IT THROUGH THE WEEK
ARTIST: NIRVANA
ALBUM: NEVERMIND
SONG: LITHIUM
DATE: JULY 21, 1992
STATUS: ACQUIRED
You get a Nirvana for being such a troooper.
ALBUM: NEVERMIND
SONG: LITHIUM
DATE: JULY 21, 1992
STATUS: ACQUIRED
You get a Nirvana for being such a troooper.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
DRINK AND SK8
ARTIST: BECK
ALBUM: MELLOW GOLD
SONG: PAY NO MIND (SNOOZER)
DATE: APRIL 1994
STATUS: ACQUIRED
Pay no mind is sort of Beck's version of a Don McLean. 2013 is slowly composting into dirt, and that's a good thing. It may be messy, but that's life and death.
ALBUM: MELLOW GOLD
SONG: PAY NO MIND (SNOOZER)
DATE: APRIL 1994
STATUS: ACQUIRED
Pay no mind is sort of Beck's version of a Don McLean. 2013 is slowly composting into dirt, and that's a good thing. It may be messy, but that's life and death.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
EITHER WAY, YOUR IN THE WRONG PLACE
ARTIST: SONIC YOUTH
ALBUM: EXPERIMENTAL JET SET, TRASH AND NO STAR
SONG: BULL IN THE HEATHER
DATE: APRIL 1994
STATUS: NOT ACQUIRED
I'm not really going to try and explain this, but its probably about what you think its about. Anyway that's not the point. The point is, Sonic Youth doesn't need your crap. There, all the holiday wishes are done. Now we just have to drink our way to a New Year's resolution.
ALBUM: EXPERIMENTAL JET SET, TRASH AND NO STAR
SONG: BULL IN THE HEATHER
DATE: APRIL 1994
STATUS: NOT ACQUIRED
I'm not really going to try and explain this, but its probably about what you think its about. Anyway that's not the point. The point is, Sonic Youth doesn't need your crap. There, all the holiday wishes are done. Now we just have to drink our way to a New Year's resolution.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
THE ROAD WINDS THROUGH THE COUNTRY, BUT ITS MADE BY MACHINES
ARTIST - STEVE EARLE
ALBUM - TRANSCENDENTAL BLUES
SONG - TRANSCENDENTAL BLUES
DATE - JUNE 6, 2000
STATUS - ACQUIRED
Get a little spiritual with it. Either you're sitting with your feet up by the fire reflecting on your blessings, or staring out the window wondering exactly what happened. Either way, don't be to hard on yourself or congratulate your self to much. We're all traveling to the same place though we may take different roads.
ALBUM - TRANSCENDENTAL BLUES
SONG - TRANSCENDENTAL BLUES
DATE - JUNE 6, 2000
STATUS - ACQUIRED
Get a little spiritual with it. Either you're sitting with your feet up by the fire reflecting on your blessings, or staring out the window wondering exactly what happened. Either way, don't be to hard on yourself or congratulate your self to much. We're all traveling to the same place though we may take different roads.
Monday, December 24, 2012
NOPE, ITS THE OTHER ONE.
ARTIST: TONE-LOC
ALBUM: LOCEED AFTER DARK
SONG: FUNKY COLD MADINA
DATE: MARCH 18, 1989
STATUS: ACQUIRED
Tone Loc brings us a thick green beverage and a dope beat to keep the gift wrapping smooth. Christmas is for the family, Christmas Eve is for cocktails! Dance like its your 8th grade winter social and you have no idea what this song is about people!
ALBUM: LOCEED AFTER DARK
SONG: FUNKY COLD MADINA
DATE: MARCH 18, 1989
STATUS: ACQUIRED
Tone Loc brings us a thick green beverage and a dope beat to keep the gift wrapping smooth. Christmas is for the family, Christmas Eve is for cocktails! Dance like its your 8th grade winter social and you have no idea what this song is about people!
Friday, December 21, 2012
JUST TRYIN' TO SCURY UP A LITTLE
ARTIST: COUNTING CROWS
ALBUM: THIS DESERT LIFE
SONG: HANGINAROUND
DATE: NOVEMBER 2, 1999
STATUS: ACQUIRED
Sometimes, usually in your mid 20's, you realize you just can't keep doing what you've been doing, even if you've had a lot of fun doing it. Best get out while the gettings good.
ALBUM: THIS DESERT LIFE
SONG: HANGINAROUND
DATE: NOVEMBER 2, 1999
STATUS: ACQUIRED
Sometimes, usually in your mid 20's, you realize you just can't keep doing what you've been doing, even if you've had a lot of fun doing it. Best get out while the gettings good.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
PROVENANCE
ARTIST: BUSH
ALBUM: SIXTEEN STONE
SONG: COMEDOWN
DATE: 1994
STATUS: ACQUIRED
A weird thing happened in the mid 90's, American rock was so dominant that even the English bands started to sound like grunge. Bush was perhaps the most prominent British band to be discovered with a distinctly crunchy sound that fit on American Alternative Radio.
"Comedown" as a video bears all the marks of being the third single of an album. Simple and straight forward with a funny hook.
ALBUM: SIXTEEN STONE
SONG: COMEDOWN
DATE: 1994
STATUS: ACQUIRED
A weird thing happened in the mid 90's, American rock was so dominant that even the English bands started to sound like grunge. Bush was perhaps the most prominent British band to be discovered with a distinctly crunchy sound that fit on American Alternative Radio.
"Comedown" as a video bears all the marks of being the third single of an album. Simple and straight forward with a funny hook.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
HUM ALONG
ARTIST: POE
ALBUM: HELLO
SONG: TRIGGER HAPPY JACK
DATE: 1995
STATUS: NOT ACQUIRED
I saw the singer / song writer Poe live in concert in the summer of 1995 or 1996. She had a cello player in her band, because hey it was the mid '90s and Tori Amous was playing a harpsichord, so whatever get some cool instruments in there.
When I first heard "Trigger Happy Jack" on the radio, the DJ lead into it by saying "go ahead and hum along, if you can". Its many textures cut through the diverse radio of the day. I don't remember seeing the video ever, but now that I do I'm struck by how the visuals cut against the meaning of the lyrics. The song is about a woman drawn to a damaged boyfriend. Instead of demonstrating co-dependents, the video shows a woman who keeps men as playthings.
ALBUM: HELLO
SONG: TRIGGER HAPPY JACK
DATE: 1995
STATUS: NOT ACQUIRED
I saw the singer / song writer Poe live in concert in the summer of 1995 or 1996. She had a cello player in her band, because hey it was the mid '90s and Tori Amous was playing a harpsichord, so whatever get some cool instruments in there.
When I first heard "Trigger Happy Jack" on the radio, the DJ lead into it by saying "go ahead and hum along, if you can". Its many textures cut through the diverse radio of the day. I don't remember seeing the video ever, but now that I do I'm struck by how the visuals cut against the meaning of the lyrics. The song is about a woman drawn to a damaged boyfriend. Instead of demonstrating co-dependents, the video shows a woman who keeps men as playthings.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
PROPS TO SEN DOG
ARTIST: CYPRESS HILL
ALBUM: CYPRESS HILL
SONG: THE PHUNKY FEEL ONE
DATE: JULY 11, 1991
STATUS: ACQUIRED
Cypress Hill was cast as a Gangster Rap act, and with songs like "How I Could Just Kill a Man" it was and apt label, but that label obscures something truly bazaar about their work that separates them from lesser acts and smoother cohorts like Dr. Dre. Not only is B-Real's delivery high and nasal, but the back beats are truly twisted. This track, released as a single after their break through hit "How I Could Just Kill a Man" features the rhyming styles of Sen Dog more than most Cypress Hill tracks.
ALBUM: CYPRESS HILL
SONG: THE PHUNKY FEEL ONE
DATE: JULY 11, 1991
STATUS: ACQUIRED
Cypress Hill was cast as a Gangster Rap act, and with songs like "How I Could Just Kill a Man" it was and apt label, but that label obscures something truly bazaar about their work that separates them from lesser acts and smoother cohorts like Dr. Dre. Not only is B-Real's delivery high and nasal, but the back beats are truly twisted. This track, released as a single after their break through hit "How I Could Just Kill a Man" features the rhyming styles of Sen Dog more than most Cypress Hill tracks.
Monday, December 17, 2012
NEVER CROSS FAYE DUNAWAY
ARTIST: TOM PETTY AND THE HEART BREAKERS
ALBUM: INTO THE GREAT WIDE OPEN
SONG: INTO THE GREAT WIDE OPEN
DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 1991
STATUS: ACQUIRED
I once read in an Engilish rock magazine that Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers are remembered more for the music than their lyrics. Maybe that was true if you where born in 1967, but the Petty I and so many others born in the late 70's know is one of America's premier sing/song writer story tellers, and "Into the Great Wide Open" is a classic. It's a simple story told well. Its classic Petty, and the straight forward story telling lives up to the simple straight forward music of the Heart Breakers.
ALBUM: INTO THE GREAT WIDE OPEN
SONG: INTO THE GREAT WIDE OPEN
DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 1991
STATUS: ACQUIRED
I once read in an Engilish rock magazine that Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers are remembered more for the music than their lyrics. Maybe that was true if you where born in 1967, but the Petty I and so many others born in the late 70's know is one of America's premier sing/song writer story tellers, and "Into the Great Wide Open" is a classic. It's a simple story told well. Its classic Petty, and the straight forward story telling lives up to the simple straight forward music of the Heart Breakers.
Friday, December 14, 2012
EARLY MEMORIES
ARTIST: INXS
ALBUM: KICK
SONG: DEVIL INSIDE
DATE: FEBRUARY 1988
STATUS: ACQUIRED
INXS carries through with a danceability that 90's acts would avoid but that was completely in keeping with early rock. Dance and authenticity aren't often associated, but INXS in the death throws of the go-go 80's some how managed to mix the two. The Devil Inside walks the line of embracing our inner lotharios and warning of the consequences, and though much of the aesthetic they espoused would be thrown aside in the decade to come, the conflict embedded in this song would continue to be a central theme. Anyway, go out and have a good time. Its Friday, and no one needs you until Monday.
ALBUM: KICK
SONG: DEVIL INSIDE
DATE: FEBRUARY 1988
STATUS: ACQUIRED
INXS carries through with a danceability that 90's acts would avoid but that was completely in keeping with early rock. Dance and authenticity aren't often associated, but INXS in the death throws of the go-go 80's some how managed to mix the two. The Devil Inside walks the line of embracing our inner lotharios and warning of the consequences, and though much of the aesthetic they espoused would be thrown aside in the decade to come, the conflict embedded in this song would continue to be a central theme. Anyway, go out and have a good time. Its Friday, and no one needs you until Monday.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
AN ODE TO THE SMALL NICETIES: CHARLIE IS AN EXCELLENT DRIVE
ARTIST: GEGGY TAH
ALBUM: SACRED COW
SONG: WHOEVER YOU ARE
DATE: 1996
STATUS: ACQUIRED
Lets set aside that this was a quixotic band and that the horn solo was as promised awesome, as a an architecture student they had me at sans serif font and retro sixties film stock. everything fades to brown or sexy grey after a point. Geggy Tah was signed to David Burns Luka Bop label, which was a sure sign that they would never make it moderate, which also meant they would be mine, all mine and no one elses'.
Fun fact, the hook to this song is foreshadowed in Geggy Tah's debute album Grand Opening on the track LA loyah or something.
ALBUM: SACRED COW
SONG: WHOEVER YOU ARE
DATE: 1996
STATUS: ACQUIRED
Lets set aside that this was a quixotic band and that the horn solo was as promised awesome, as a an architecture student they had me at sans serif font and retro sixties film stock. everything fades to brown or sexy grey after a point. Geggy Tah was signed to David Burns Luka Bop label, which was a sure sign that they would never make it moderate, which also meant they would be mine, all mine and no one elses'.
Fun fact, the hook to this song is foreshadowed in Geggy Tah's debute album Grand Opening on the track LA loyah or something.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
STOMACH PUMP
ARTIST: REAL BIG FISH
ALBUM: TURN THE RADIO OFF
SONG: SELL OUT
DATE: AUGUST 13TH 1996
STATUS: NOT ACQUIRED
It was summer semester 1997 and I was driving three friends and six handles of bourbon to Boone North Carolina in a 1982 Volvo because it was summer semester and we'd never been to Boone. We were vikings only we brought booze and not swords. Boone General Hospital had a record number of twelve our virus reports that Sunday morning.
SoCal Pop Punk represented the first response to Grunge's dominance. They rebelled against caring to much and being mature. Somewhere around Asheville, I threw the CD out the window. The mountains do strange things to people in the middle of a serious bender. Real Big Fish carries on because they don't care, and they have a huge horn section.
ALBUM: TURN THE RADIO OFF
SONG: SELL OUT
DATE: AUGUST 13TH 1996
STATUS: NOT ACQUIRED
It was summer semester 1997 and I was driving three friends and six handles of bourbon to Boone North Carolina in a 1982 Volvo because it was summer semester and we'd never been to Boone. We were vikings only we brought booze and not swords. Boone General Hospital had a record number of twelve our virus reports that Sunday morning.
SoCal Pop Punk represented the first response to Grunge's dominance. They rebelled against caring to much and being mature. Somewhere around Asheville, I threw the CD out the window. The mountains do strange things to people in the middle of a serious bender. Real Big Fish carries on because they don't care, and they have a huge horn section.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
SPARKLE
ARTIST: CRACKER
ALBUM: KEROSENE HAT
SONG: LOSER
DATE: 1993
STATUS: ACQUIRED
Growing up as a kid in the 80's we knew all current music sucked. It wasn't Pearl Jam or Nirvana that pulled me out of that bias, but Cracker. David Lowery's special mix of pessimistic literate optimism played well to my own contrarian tendencies. Among the hippies I was the square, among the squares I was the wild haired nature boy. Loser is a cover of a Grateful Dead song. The hook is replete with confidence and arrogance, but the speaker's authenticity is ever doubtful except for one thing. Life is a bad deal in the country and a bad deal in the town. That's original sin.
ALBUM: KEROSENE HAT
SONG: LOSER
DATE: 1993
STATUS: ACQUIRED
Growing up as a kid in the 80's we knew all current music sucked. It wasn't Pearl Jam or Nirvana that pulled me out of that bias, but Cracker. David Lowery's special mix of pessimistic literate optimism played well to my own contrarian tendencies. Among the hippies I was the square, among the squares I was the wild haired nature boy. Loser is a cover of a Grateful Dead song. The hook is replete with confidence and arrogance, but the speaker's authenticity is ever doubtful except for one thing. Life is a bad deal in the country and a bad deal in the town. That's original sin.
Monday, December 10, 2012
PURIFY YOURSELF IN THE WATERS OF LAKE MINNETONKA
ARTIST: PRINCE AND THE NEW POWER GENERATION
ALBUM: DIAMONDS AND PEARLS
SONG: GET OFF
DATE: JULY 29, 1991
Prince & The N.P.G. - Gett Off by jackyabody
Prince came to us as a legend. Get Off gives us Prince's version of rap, which was filtered through James Brown. Plus, amazing ass Prince guitar work.
ALBUM: DIAMONDS AND PEARLS
SONG: GET OFF
DATE: JULY 29, 1991
Prince & The N.P.G. - Gett Off by jackyabody
Prince came to us as a legend. Get Off gives us Prince's version of rap, which was filtered through James Brown. Plus, amazing ass Prince guitar work.
Friday, November 30, 2012
ITS NOT GOING TO BE ABOUT FOOD IS IT?
ARTIST - WEIRD AL YANKOVIC
ALBUM - OFF THE DEEP END
SONG - SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT
DATE - APRIL 3, 1992
STATUS - ACQUIRED
As the story goes, Mr. Yankovic got in touch with Kurt Cobain through his "UHF" co-star and Saturday Night Live cast member Victoria Jackson when Nirvana played SNL. Jackson got Cobain on the phone whose only question was "It's not going to be about food is it?" Evidently the band took Weird Al's parody as quite the complement. Nothings more punk rock than laughing at yourself.
Its easy for some to dismiss Weird Al, but "Smells like Nirvana" captures in a clear and concise manner the zeitgeist of the early nineties. To my parents and there friends the world suddenly did smell like Nirvana. Who where these scruffy ne'er do wells. What the hell where they singing about, Satan? Their confusion made me laugh.
Nothing sums-up the early nineties better than the line "Well, we don't sound like the Madonna, Here we are know, we're Nirvana". Have a giggle.
ALBUM - OFF THE DEEP END
SONG - SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT
DATE - APRIL 3, 1992
STATUS - ACQUIRED
As the story goes, Mr. Yankovic got in touch with Kurt Cobain through his "UHF" co-star and Saturday Night Live cast member Victoria Jackson when Nirvana played SNL. Jackson got Cobain on the phone whose only question was "It's not going to be about food is it?" Evidently the band took Weird Al's parody as quite the complement. Nothings more punk rock than laughing at yourself.
Its easy for some to dismiss Weird Al, but "Smells like Nirvana" captures in a clear and concise manner the zeitgeist of the early nineties. To my parents and there friends the world suddenly did smell like Nirvana. Who where these scruffy ne'er do wells. What the hell where they singing about, Satan? Their confusion made me laugh.
Nothing sums-up the early nineties better than the line "Well, we don't sound like the Madonna, Here we are know, we're Nirvana". Have a giggle.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
GREAT NAME, GREAT BAND.
ARTIST - GIN BLOSSOMS
ALBUM - NEW MISERABLE EXPERIENCE
SONG - FOUND OUT ABOUT YOU
DATE - 1994
STATUS - ACQUIRED
While crunching guitar driven, punk laced grunge dominates our memories of mid-nineties music, bands like the Gin Blossoms where creating great jangling rock albums. I've never figured out what he found out about who, and it doesn't really matter. The jangle of the tambourine and the beat cuts against a dark undercurrent of accusing lyrics and sly guitar work to create an amazing track that rocks with out screaming.
Video Alert. The goatee was the facial hair of the nineties. Well done Gin Blossom's drummer for representing so hard. I think that guy lives next door to me and owns an arch welder.
ALBUM - NEW MISERABLE EXPERIENCE
SONG - FOUND OUT ABOUT YOU
DATE - 1994
STATUS - ACQUIRED
While crunching guitar driven, punk laced grunge dominates our memories of mid-nineties music, bands like the Gin Blossoms where creating great jangling rock albums. I've never figured out what he found out about who, and it doesn't really matter. The jangle of the tambourine and the beat cuts against a dark undercurrent of accusing lyrics and sly guitar work to create an amazing track that rocks with out screaming.
Video Alert. The goatee was the facial hair of the nineties. Well done Gin Blossom's drummer for representing so hard. I think that guy lives next door to me and owns an arch welder.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
I GET IT, THERE ARE ONLY THREE OF THEM. HOW DROLL.
ARTIST - BEN FOLDS FIVE
ALBUM - BEN FOLDS FIVE
SONG - WHERE'S SUMMER B.?
DATE - AUGUST 8, 1995
STATUS - ACQUIRED
"Whatever and Ever Amen" would be Ben Folds Five's big break out album, but the preceding self title album received a lot of attention with several songs appearing regularly on alternative radio.
"Where's Summer B.?" was the second single off the album. The bouncing piano licks and joyful harmonies hide a certain hipster detachment that would bloom into full pop music misery and anger on latter Ben Folds Five albums. You gotta love it.
ALBUM - BEN FOLDS FIVE
SONG - WHERE'S SUMMER B.?
DATE - AUGUST 8, 1995
STATUS - ACQUIRED
"Whatever and Ever Amen" would be Ben Folds Five's big break out album, but the preceding self title album received a lot of attention with several songs appearing regularly on alternative radio.
"Where's Summer B.?" was the second single off the album. The bouncing piano licks and joyful harmonies hide a certain hipster detachment that would bloom into full pop music misery and anger on latter Ben Folds Five albums. You gotta love it.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
...AND A FEW WEIRDOS
ARTIST - PAUL WESTERBERG
ALBUM - EVENTUALLY
SONG - LOVE UNTOLD
DATE - 1996
STATUS - NOT ACQUIRED
More often than not the Pixies were name dropped when ever some aspiring rock journalist asked some aspiring mid-nineties rock band about their influences, and some of those bands even sounded like the Pixies and not just vaguely punky and emotional. Far less often, a band would reference the Replacements. The Replacements began life in the frozen exoticism of the Twin Cities music scene of Minnesota. They were sort of a Punk version of Prince. There's something magical about something that good coming out of a distant and frozen land.
I missed out on the Replacements in large part because before 1991 all cool American bands where forbidden from achieving main stream success. I came to know of the Replacements through Westerberg's solo career. More macho swing in the music than the Pixies, with straight to the heart lyrics.
Monday, November 26, 2012
PEACE IS COOL AND EVERYTHING, GOT ANY MORE SNICKERS?
ARTIST - PHISH
ALBUM - BILLY BREATHS
SONG - FREE
DATE - OCTOBER 15, 1996
STATUS - NOT ACQUIRED
I remember hearing rumbles about Phish as a senior in high school and a freshman in college. Usually it was some guy who wanted to score some weed going on about seven twelve time and blashy blashy blah. I think that's when I got into early punk. Something about technical proficiency and artistic achievement not being one and the same thing. I don't know, it was all kind of meta at the time.
As I've gotten older I've decided not to let Phish's fans ruin the experience of a great band. Technical proficiency can be delightful on the ears.
Free was the first and only song by Phish I ever heard on the radio. Its a nice easy three and a half minute intro to a band that can quickly pull you into an abyss of double live albums and 24 hour concerts. So unplug your mind from the machine (figuratively) and reminisce about how recreational drugs would improve an experience like this.
ALBUM - BILLY BREATHS
SONG - FREE
DATE - OCTOBER 15, 1996
STATUS - NOT ACQUIRED
I remember hearing rumbles about Phish as a senior in high school and a freshman in college. Usually it was some guy who wanted to score some weed going on about seven twelve time and blashy blashy blah. I think that's when I got into early punk. Something about technical proficiency and artistic achievement not being one and the same thing. I don't know, it was all kind of meta at the time.
As I've gotten older I've decided not to let Phish's fans ruin the experience of a great band. Technical proficiency can be delightful on the ears.
Free was the first and only song by Phish I ever heard on the radio. Its a nice easy three and a half minute intro to a band that can quickly pull you into an abyss of double live albums and 24 hour concerts. So unplug your mind from the machine (figuratively) and reminisce about how recreational drugs would improve an experience like this.
Friday, November 2, 2012
YOUNG AND HUNGRY AND GOING FOR IT
Artist: Jay Z
Album: Reasonable Doubt
Song: Ain't No Nigga
Date: 3-26-96
Status: Acquired
In 6 months 2Pac would be dead, and 6 months after that Biggie would die, leaving a huge unserved demand for "intelligent gangster rap". Jay Z would rise to fill the role.
Ain't No Nigga is a portent of things to come, and yet its not. The flow and the clever lyrics are there, but the content is a caricature of a high rolling Mafioso lifestyle that has more in common with western movies than the actual west (or street dreams over real streets). Jay Z's latter work would weave in more ambiguity and hard truth about life without loosing its edge of mastery of that life.
Jay Z is great, but Foxy steels show with her verse near the end. She's fine and a true MC.
Album: Reasonable Doubt
Song: Ain't No Nigga
Date: 3-26-96
Status: Acquired
In 6 months 2Pac would be dead, and 6 months after that Biggie would die, leaving a huge unserved demand for "intelligent gangster rap". Jay Z would rise to fill the role.
Ain't No Nigga is a portent of things to come, and yet its not. The flow and the clever lyrics are there, but the content is a caricature of a high rolling Mafioso lifestyle that has more in common with western movies than the actual west (or street dreams over real streets). Jay Z's latter work would weave in more ambiguity and hard truth about life without loosing its edge of mastery of that life.
Jay Z is great, but Foxy steels show with her verse near the end. She's fine and a true MC.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
...EVEN THOUGH THE SOUND OF IT IS REALLY QUITE ATROCIOUS
Artist: Outkast
Album: Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
Song: Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
Date: 1994
Status: Not Acquired
Not yet the full fledged space pimping of Ms. Jackson, Souternplaylisticadillacmuzik is purely about the dirty south sound. Tripping, rolling southern draw rhyming representing the aliased ATL.
Plus, shout out to the American Dream, Dusty Rhodes...droppin' bones.
Album: Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
Song: Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
Date: 1994
Status: Not Acquired
Not yet the full fledged space pimping of Ms. Jackson, Souternplaylisticadillacmuzik is purely about the dirty south sound. Tripping, rolling southern draw rhyming representing the aliased ATL.
Plus, shout out to the American Dream, Dusty Rhodes...droppin' bones.
ONE WOMAN INDUSTRY
Artist: Ani DiFranco
Album: Little Plastic Castle
Song: Glass House
Date: February 17, 1998
Status: Acquired
I'm a little out of my depth hear. I didn't listen to a lot of Ani in high school and college, but boy do I know a lot of people who did. For a neophyte her discography is a little...thick, and despite a huge and loyal following, there aren't a lot of obvious single to pick from. This seems like a good place to start though. Recommendations welcome.
Album: Little Plastic Castle
Song: Glass House
Date: February 17, 1998
Status: Acquired
I'm a little out of my depth hear. I didn't listen to a lot of Ani in high school and college, but boy do I know a lot of people who did. For a neophyte her discography is a little...thick, and despite a huge and loyal following, there aren't a lot of obvious single to pick from. This seems like a good place to start though. Recommendations welcome.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
WE'RE GOING AS A BRITISH INVASION BAND.
Artist: The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Album: Strung Out in Heaven
Song: Love
Date: June 23 1998
Status: Acquired
BJM is a band I discovered through the incredible MTV show, 120 Minutes. 120 Minutes played good music, and a variety of music. Two things in short supply during most hours of the day. But you had to be quick. They covered a lot of ground and you may only see a video once or twice.
I was transfixed by the rough simplicity of BJM. The band seemed bent on proving that virtuosity and brillant music are not synonymous. Artistic vision matters more. Plus...Crazy Ass Anton Newcombe story!
Album: Strung Out in Heaven
Song: Love
Date: June 23 1998
Status: Acquired
BJM is a band I discovered through the incredible MTV show, 120 Minutes. 120 Minutes played good music, and a variety of music. Two things in short supply during most hours of the day. But you had to be quick. They covered a lot of ground and you may only see a video once or twice.
I was transfixed by the rough simplicity of BJM. The band seemed bent on proving that virtuosity and brillant music are not synonymous. Artistic vision matters more. Plus...Crazy Ass Anton Newcombe story!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
SHIT, LOOKS LIKE WE NEED TO THROW TOGETHER A SECOND VIDEO. WHO NEW?
Artist: Radiohead
Album: Pablo Honey
Song: Anyone Can Play Guitar
Date: February 1993
Status: Not Acquired
Every wonder what the second single off Pablo Honey was? It was this! While its a quality song, its very of its time. It doesn't transcend time it was made like latter Radiohead work. Instead its the kind of song that becomes your favorite song that no one else who loves this band would ever pick as there favorite and you can have all to yourself.
Album: Pablo Honey
Song: Anyone Can Play Guitar
Date: February 1993
Status: Not Acquired
Every wonder what the second single off Pablo Honey was? It was this! While its a quality song, its very of its time. It doesn't transcend time it was made like latter Radiohead work. Instead its the kind of song that becomes your favorite song that no one else who loves this band would ever pick as there favorite and you can have all to yourself.
Monday, October 29, 2012
YEAH.
Artist: Collective Soul
Album: Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid
Song: Shine
Date: March 19, 1994
Five guys and no piano, must be grunge. Collective Soul is one of those bands that got lumped in with grunge in the mid 90's by the record companies. In the record companies defense, "Shine" does sound awfully three cord crunchy compared to other songs delivered by Collective Soul.
The lighting in the video says "Seattle" but the rusted tin barn and the dead kudzu screams "Atlanta"
Album: Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid
Song: Shine
Date: March 19, 1994
Five guys and no piano, must be grunge. Collective Soul is one of those bands that got lumped in with grunge in the mid 90's by the record companies. In the record companies defense, "Shine" does sound awfully three cord crunchy compared to other songs delivered by Collective Soul.
The lighting in the video says "Seattle" but the rusted tin barn and the dead kudzu screams "Atlanta"
Friday, October 26, 2012
HOW WAS IT?
Artist: Better than Ezra
Album: Deluxe
Song: Good
Date: 1995
Status: Acquired
Better than Ezra was one of many bands whose success followed on the heals of the grunge breakout. It was like record companies rediscovered that people like guitars, and that groups of people would get together, and one guy would bring drums, and another a base, and they'd make noise that people liked. I mean, isn't that what producers are for? Anyway, they scoured the country for these "bands" and Ezra was one of them. Not really an alternative act. More just a band...with instruments, but you know, it was good.
Album: Deluxe
Song: Good
Date: 1995
Status: Acquired
Better than Ezra was one of many bands whose success followed on the heals of the grunge breakout. It was like record companies rediscovered that people like guitars, and that groups of people would get together, and one guy would bring drums, and another a base, and they'd make noise that people liked. I mean, isn't that what producers are for? Anyway, they scoured the country for these "bands" and Ezra was one of them. Not really an alternative act. More just a band...with instruments, but you know, it was good.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE "MOOKIE BLAYLOCKS"!
Artist: Pearl Jam
Album: Ten
Song: Black
Date: August 27, 1991
Status: Acquired
This song is just huge. Like the obelisk in 2010. Live its even better. The end just drives into the crowd and lifts the whole thing into the either.
Album: Ten
Song: Black
Date: August 27, 1991
Status: Acquired
This song is just huge. Like the obelisk in 2010. Live its even better. The end just drives into the crowd and lifts the whole thing into the either.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
WRESTLING IS REAL!
Artist: R.E.M.
Album: Automatic for The People
Song: Man on The Moon
Date: November 21, 1992
Status: Acquired
The R.E.M. of my youth wast the major label R.E.M. It was a different machine than the college rock pseudo-rock act of a half generation before me. Some of the fuzzy energy of that earlier incarnation was traded in for assured exploration.
And there is no telling how many kids were introduced to Andy Kaufman because of this song.
Album: Automatic for The People
Song: Man on The Moon
Date: November 21, 1992
Status: Acquired
The R.E.M. of my youth wast the major label R.E.M. It was a different machine than the college rock pseudo-rock act of a half generation before me. Some of the fuzzy energy of that earlier incarnation was traded in for assured exploration.
And there is no telling how many kids were introduced to Andy Kaufman because of this song.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
BUSSING GAVE US GREATNESS
Artist: Fishbone
Album: Give a Monkey a Brain and He'll Swear He's the Center of the Universe
Song: Swim
Date: 1993
Status: Acquired
Fishbone's members were mostly inner city kids who were bussed to suburban schools. You have to think that influenced their sound greatly. An incredible live band who never quite captured their full power on record.
Album: Give a Monkey a Brain and He'll Swear He's the Center of the Universe
Song: Swim
Date: 1993
Status: Acquired
Fishbone's members were mostly inner city kids who were bussed to suburban schools. You have to think that influenced their sound greatly. An incredible live band who never quite captured their full power on record.
Monday, October 22, 2012
ROCK STARS SHOULD BE DIRTY
Artist: Monster Magnet
Album: Dopes To Infinity
Song: Negasonic Teenage Warhead
Date: 1995
Status: Acquired
Monster Magnet opened for Nine Inch Nails or Maryellen Manson, I can't remember which one. Either way, that should cement their audience in your mind. They weren't as overtly freaky as Maryellen, who as Alice Cooper said "forgot it was suppose to be fun" or as brilliant musically as Nine Inch Nails, but they were full Satan Blowing Rock! Dopes to Infinity is an excellent album with many a great track.
Album: Dopes To Infinity
Song: Negasonic Teenage Warhead
Date: 1995
Status: Acquired
Monster Magnet opened for Nine Inch Nails or Maryellen Manson, I can't remember which one. Either way, that should cement their audience in your mind. They weren't as overtly freaky as Maryellen, who as Alice Cooper said "forgot it was suppose to be fun" or as brilliant musically as Nine Inch Nails, but they were full Satan Blowing Rock! Dopes to Infinity is an excellent album with many a great track.
Friday, October 19, 2012
BURGER KING IS A DIRTY WORD
Artist - Digital Underground
Album - Sex Packets
Song - Humpty Dance
Date - May 4, 1990
Status - Acquired
Shock G is one of the unheralded bizarre geniuses of hip-hop. For those of you who still haven't figured it out, Shock G is Humpty, and Humpty is Shock G. This is pure, unadulterated naughtyness.
Album - Sex Packets
Song - Humpty Dance
Date - May 4, 1990
Status - Acquired
Shock G is one of the unheralded bizarre geniuses of hip-hop. For those of you who still haven't figured it out, Shock G is Humpty, and Humpty is Shock G. This is pure, unadulterated naughtyness.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
JANGLE POP
Artist - The Sundays
Album - Static & Silence
Song - Summertime
Date - September 1997
Status - Not Acquired
Sometimes its just that simple. A pretty voice, fun bouncy little guitar lick and add a few horns for brightness, then just step back and let it happen. The 90's didn't produce a lot of fun songs, because most of the fun songs of the 80's sucked and were actually horribly depressing if you stop and think about it. Summer time was that rare thing, an unironic song about love that doesn't lay the sugar on too thick. Its just sweet enough.
Album - Static & Silence
Song - Summertime
Date - September 1997
Status - Not Acquired
Sometimes its just that simple. A pretty voice, fun bouncy little guitar lick and add a few horns for brightness, then just step back and let it happen. The 90's didn't produce a lot of fun songs, because most of the fun songs of the 80's sucked and were actually horribly depressing if you stop and think about it. Summer time was that rare thing, an unironic song about love that doesn't lay the sugar on too thick. Its just sweet enough.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
GREAT SHOT. IT MAKES YOU WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAT
Artist - Hootie and the Blow Fish
Album - Cracker Rear View
Song - Only Wanna Be With You
Do not hate on Hootie. They were all set to be your favorite bar band that no one else knew, but then every frat boy in America went out and bought their debut album. Not their fault.
But look what they did with the opportunity. They made this video. Yes its total shit, but think about the genius behind the shit video. Hootie grabbed that falling star which is fame and rung every ounce of joy they could out of it. Way to use a marketing exercise to turn your childhood fantasy of playing catch with Dan Marino into a tax deductible expense boys!
Album - Cracker Rear View
Song - Only Wanna Be With You
Do not hate on Hootie. They were all set to be your favorite bar band that no one else knew, but then every frat boy in America went out and bought their debut album. Not their fault.
But look what they did with the opportunity. They made this video. Yes its total shit, but think about the genius behind the shit video. Hootie grabbed that falling star which is fame and rung every ounce of joy they could out of it. Way to use a marketing exercise to turn your childhood fantasy of playing catch with Dan Marino into a tax deductible expense boys!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
WHAT IF IN THE FUTURE REGULAR PEOPLE WHERE ON T.V., WEIRD HUH?
Artist - Bare Naked Ladies
Album - Stunt
Song - Call and Answer
Date - July 13, 1999
Status - Acquired
The Ladies tended to bury some a lot of the sadness in their songs, but "Call and Answer" puts it out front and center. The song really emphasizes the beauty of Stephen Page's voice. Such mature work rarely receives broad exposure. Its nice when it does.
Album - Stunt
Song - Call and Answer
Date - July 13, 1999
Status - Acquired
The Ladies tended to bury some a lot of the sadness in their songs, but "Call and Answer" puts it out front and center. The song really emphasizes the beauty of Stephen Page's voice. Such mature work rarely receives broad exposure. Its nice when it does.
Monday, October 15, 2012
ASK NOT...
Artist - Living Color
Album - Vivid
Song - Cult of Personality
Date - May 3, 1988
Status - Acquired
Living Color is the prototypical metal band. Great power vocals. Dynamic as hell rhythm section, and a brilliant lead guitarist. 'Cult of Personality' is a blistering track. The opening guitar riff just grabs you and the song keeps pounding away for almost five minutes. And the lyrics are great. It would have been to easy to take a pop shot at conservative America given the political climate. Instead the band aims higher and takes apart the basic myth of leadership. A myth that has poisoned the best intentions of reformist movements across the world.
Its rejection of "leaders" and "causes" is proto-slak.
Album - Vivid
Song - Cult of Personality
Date - May 3, 1988
Status - Acquired
Living Color is the prototypical metal band. Great power vocals. Dynamic as hell rhythm section, and a brilliant lead guitarist. 'Cult of Personality' is a blistering track. The opening guitar riff just grabs you and the song keeps pounding away for almost five minutes. And the lyrics are great. It would have been to easy to take a pop shot at conservative America given the political climate. Instead the band aims higher and takes apart the basic myth of leadership. A myth that has poisoned the best intentions of reformist movements across the world.
Its rejection of "leaders" and "causes" is proto-slak.
Friday, October 12, 2012
WAIT, THIS SONG ISN'T ABOUT DRUGS? ARE YOU SURE?
Artist - Spin Doctors
Album - Pocket Full of Kryptonite
Song - What Time is It
Date - 1993
Status - Not Acquired
At one point in your life (college) you convince yourself that all songs are about drugs if you just listen to the lyrics closely enough. Then you realize you are about to graduate and are going to have to sober up and get a job. Life, its a kick in the nuts.
Turns out this song is about trashy politically charged television, but the beat, like all Spin Doctor's songs is funky.
Album - Pocket Full of Kryptonite
Song - What Time is It
Date - 1993
Status - Not Acquired
At one point in your life (college) you convince yourself that all songs are about drugs if you just listen to the lyrics closely enough. Then you realize you are about to graduate and are going to have to sober up and get a job. Life, its a kick in the nuts.
Turns out this song is about trashy politically charged television, but the beat, like all Spin Doctor's songs is funky.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
ACKALACK LACKALACKALACKA
Artist - Outkast
Album - Aquemini
Song - Rosa Park
Date - 3-23-99
Status - Not Acquired
ATLiens may have established Outkast as fully fledged hip-hop stars, and Stankonia may have been their mainstream break through, but Rosa Park and its accompanying video established Outkast as home town hero's in Atlanta.
I know, I know, Big Boi's where a tasteful orange leather Mets outfit, but the song is Atlanta. Futuristic and fabulusly Ghetto.
Album - Aquemini
Song - Rosa Park
Date - 3-23-99
Status - Not Acquired
ATLiens may have established Outkast as fully fledged hip-hop stars, and Stankonia may have been their mainstream break through, but Rosa Park and its accompanying video established Outkast as home town hero's in Atlanta.
I know, I know, Big Boi's where a tasteful orange leather Mets outfit, but the song is Atlanta. Futuristic and fabulusly Ghetto.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
THAT IS SO TEJAS
Artist - MC 900ft Jesus
Album - One Step Ahead of the Spider
Song - If I Only Had A Brain
Date - 1994
Status - Not Acquired
First of all, I'm halfway there with the name. Is that pro-Christian, Anti-Christian...pro-Latino?
270m Jesus lays down a good beat and some clever lyrics, but what takes the whole thing to eleven is the Spike Jones video. The true Spike touch is the shifting scope of the box's inside. A simple effect achieved by using sets that were identical except for the size and smart editing.
Album - One Step Ahead of the Spider
Song - If I Only Had A Brain
Date - 1994
Status - Not Acquired
First of all, I'm halfway there with the name. Is that pro-Christian, Anti-Christian...pro-Latino?
270m Jesus lays down a good beat and some clever lyrics, but what takes the whole thing to eleven is the Spike Jones video. The true Spike touch is the shifting scope of the box's inside. A simple effect achieved by using sets that were identical except for the size and smart editing.
Monday, October 8, 2012
COMPLETE LACK THERE OF
Artist- Trio
Album - Trio
Song - Da Da Da ich lieb dich nicht du liebst mich nicht aha aha aha
Date - 1982
Status - Not Acquired
The original release date is well outs side our time frame, but thanks to the astute counter culture marketing power of Volkswagen the song came into our collective conscience.
Not having a life is a virtue. Having no place to go and nothing to do is a non way of sticking it to the man who wants you to go along or at least pull back in rebellion. Rebellion they can do something with but apathy, apathy puts you well outside the bounds of there understanding.
It hurts so good when advertisements peer deep into your soul and nails everything you are.
Album - Trio
Song - Da Da Da ich lieb dich nicht du liebst mich nicht aha aha aha
Date - 1982
Status - Not Acquired
The original release date is well outs side our time frame, but thanks to the astute counter culture marketing power of Volkswagen the song came into our collective conscience.
Not having a life is a virtue. Having no place to go and nothing to do is a non way of sticking it to the man who wants you to go along or at least pull back in rebellion. Rebellion they can do something with but apathy, apathy puts you well outside the bounds of there understanding.
It hurts so good when advertisements peer deep into your soul and nails everything you are.
Friday, October 5, 2012
I SEE JAY, BUT WHERE'S SILENT BOB?
Artist - Rancid
Album - ...And Out Come the Wolves
Song - Ruby Soho
Date - 1995
Status - Not Acquired
You shouldn't like this. Its kind of pop-punk after all, and did the lead singer walk into the studio after smoking about 80 Marlboro Reds and drinking a gallon bucket of flaming Doctor Peppers the night before or what? And yet, if you reach over and turn up the volume, That's it, a little more. Just a little more, you should feel it more than hear it. That's right. Feels good don't it. Feels like your dad hates it but can't think of a good why. Remember, that's why you liked this song. It gets better as it gets louder.
Yeah, that's a little piece of alright.
Album - ...And Out Come the Wolves
Song - Ruby Soho
Date - 1995
Status - Not Acquired
You shouldn't like this. Its kind of pop-punk after all, and did the lead singer walk into the studio after smoking about 80 Marlboro Reds and drinking a gallon bucket of flaming Doctor Peppers the night before or what? And yet, if you reach over and turn up the volume, That's it, a little more. Just a little more, you should feel it more than hear it. That's right. Feels good don't it. Feels like your dad hates it but can't think of a good why. Remember, that's why you liked this song. It gets better as it gets louder.
Yeah, that's a little piece of alright.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
SO AH, MUSIC MATTERS?
Artist - Tori Amos
Album - Little Earthquakes
Song - Winter
Date - Nov. 24, 92
Amos' biography (much of it harrowing and/or apocryphal), mixes with her music creates an epic persona. A honest unvarnished persona, but a persona that some what obscures the vast talent it takes to turn biography into art. Art that really matters.
Album - Little Earthquakes
Song - Winter
Date - Nov. 24, 92
Amos' biography (much of it harrowing and/or apocryphal), mixes with her music creates an epic persona. A honest unvarnished persona, but a persona that some what obscures the vast talent it takes to turn biography into art. Art that really matters.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
WHAT WAS THAT...
Artist - Beck
Album - Odelay
Song - Jack-Ass
Date - 1997
Status - Acquired
Beck is the music artist of the 90's. Other groups may have been bigger, more transgressive, or a bigger influence on music, but Beck is this lightning rod that pulled the zeitgeist out of the either.
Used to his morphing and mixing of noise rock, folk, hip-hop and funk, or you know, whatever he was doing, Jack-Ass is a stark contrast and suggested the direction Beck's music would take latter.
Album - Odelay
Song - Jack-Ass
Date - 1997
Status - Acquired
Beck is the music artist of the 90's. Other groups may have been bigger, more transgressive, or a bigger influence on music, but Beck is this lightning rod that pulled the zeitgeist out of the either.
Used to his morphing and mixing of noise rock, folk, hip-hop and funk, or you know, whatever he was doing, Jack-Ass is a stark contrast and suggested the direction Beck's music would take latter.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
JUST RUN AWAY
Artist - Radiohead
Album - OK Computer
Song - Exit Music (For a Film)
Date - 16 June 1997
Status - Acquired
Sometimes the only way to not be destroyed is to not fight. To reject not just the rules, but the game. Perhaps Romeo and Juliet should have taken Radiohead's advice. Stop crying, get out of bed and get out of town.
Album - OK Computer
Song - Exit Music (For a Film)
Date - 16 June 1997
Status - Acquired
Sometimes the only way to not be destroyed is to not fight. To reject not just the rules, but the game. Perhaps Romeo and Juliet should have taken Radiohead's advice. Stop crying, get out of bed and get out of town.
Monday, October 1, 2012
MORE THAN ONE WAY TO BE AN ARTIST
Artist - Alana Davis
Album - Blame It on Me
Song - 32 Flavors
Date - September 23, 1997
Status - Acquired
The Beatles and Bob Dylan created the concept of the self contained musical unit. Song Writer and Performer in the same entity. Ever sense then we've tended to dismiss artist that didn't write the material that made them famous, and this is unfortunate because it means we've lost some small percentage of appreciation for the visceral. That which is real, that we feel and touch and taste.
I'm a big 60's R&B fan. At the time it was not uncommon to see multiple versions of the same song on the charts at the same time, Otis Redding Covering the Rolling Stones, or Creedence Clearwater doing a Booker T. and the MG's song. The challenge, as those highly competitive artists saw it, was to do a better version of the same material. There's a world of art, philosophy, and enjoyment in a performance, and breaking the convention of the self-contained unit and creating a team of experts can produce great results.
Ani Defranco wrote and record an amazing version of this song, but Alana Davis' recording is also very good and brings an entirely different air to the song. Her cover adds depth and breadth to the song. It expands its meaning.
Album - Blame It on Me
Song - 32 Flavors
Date - September 23, 1997
Status - Acquired
The Beatles and Bob Dylan created the concept of the self contained musical unit. Song Writer and Performer in the same entity. Ever sense then we've tended to dismiss artist that didn't write the material that made them famous, and this is unfortunate because it means we've lost some small percentage of appreciation for the visceral. That which is real, that we feel and touch and taste.
I'm a big 60's R&B fan. At the time it was not uncommon to see multiple versions of the same song on the charts at the same time, Otis Redding Covering the Rolling Stones, or Creedence Clearwater doing a Booker T. and the MG's song. The challenge, as those highly competitive artists saw it, was to do a better version of the same material. There's a world of art, philosophy, and enjoyment in a performance, and breaking the convention of the self-contained unit and creating a team of experts can produce great results.
Ani Defranco wrote and record an amazing version of this song, but Alana Davis' recording is also very good and brings an entirely different air to the song. Her cover adds depth and breadth to the song. It expands its meaning.
Friday, September 28, 2012
"SADNESS PART 1" IS JUST SO MUCH DEEPER THAN "SADNESS"
Artist - Enigma
Album -MCMX A.D.
Song - Sadness (Part 1)
Status - Acquired
There is something overtly art house and self serving about "Sadness Part 1", like a philosopher creating a ethical system to justify his own selfish desires. You don't understand the words, but you want it to be true. No matter how wrong it feels you can't bring yourself to strike it down. Its European, its Dance, its Fantasy, but its also very earnest and completely original and maybe there is something to spiritual enlightenment through corporal exploration. Maybe its sublime sadness.
Album -MCMX A.D.
Song - Sadness (Part 1)
Status - Acquired
There is something overtly art house and self serving about "Sadness Part 1", like a philosopher creating a ethical system to justify his own selfish desires. You don't understand the words, but you want it to be true. No matter how wrong it feels you can't bring yourself to strike it down. Its European, its Dance, its Fantasy, but its also very earnest and completely original and maybe there is something to spiritual enlightenment through corporal exploration. Maybe its sublime sadness.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
EVERYBODY NEEDS MARY J.
Artist - Mary J. Blige
Album - Share My World
Album - Love is All We Need
Date - 2-18-97
Status - Not Acquired
Every generation has a heart breaking soul singer. Our generation's was Mary J. She was also THE star of hip-hop R&B. Synthetic beats behind a huge R&B voice. That voice is just real. With other singers "love is all we need" would sound saccharin and false, but through Mary it sounds prophetic.
The version with Nas' versus is also worth checking out. He's very under-rated.
Album - Share My World
Album - Love is All We Need
Date - 2-18-97
Status - Not Acquired
Every generation has a heart breaking soul singer. Our generation's was Mary J. She was also THE star of hip-hop R&B. Synthetic beats behind a huge R&B voice. That voice is just real. With other singers "love is all we need" would sound saccharin and false, but through Mary it sounds prophetic.
The version with Nas' versus is also worth checking out. He's very under-rated.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
THAT'S LOVESHLY
Artest - The Shamen
Album - Boss Drum
Song - Ebeneezer Goode
Date - September 1992
Status - Not Acquired
My buddy Joe LaVall and myself saw this video one day on MTV and couldn't stand it. We couldn't tell if we loved it or hated, but we were addicted to these Scottish dance masters. We spent a good six weeks screaming "Ee's an Ebeneezzer Goode!" every time one of saw the other in the hallways between classes. Then we'd hit each other. Eh, teenagers.
And yes, Ebenezeer is a not very vague drug reference. "Veras" rhyming slang for weed, plus lots of other drug references.
Album - Boss Drum
Song - Ebeneezer Goode
Date - September 1992
Status - Not Acquired
And yes, Ebenezeer is a not very vague drug reference. "Veras" rhyming slang for weed, plus lots of other drug references.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
THE IMPORTANCE OF SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH GOOD PEOPLE
Artist - Freedy Johnston
Album - This Perfect World
Song - Bad Reputation
Date - 1994
Status - Acquired
My wife introduced me to Freedy Johnston, who was introduced to her by a youth minister. See, good things come out of organized religion. She was recently reading through a journal she kept while attending a summer photography course at Prat. She'd been to the Park that day and seen Freedy playing for free. Very excited.
Opening lines of this song just cut to the quick. "I couldn't have one conversation, if it wasn't for lies." We've all been there.
Album - This Perfect World
Song - Bad Reputation
Date - 1994
Status - Acquired
My wife introduced me to Freedy Johnston, who was introduced to her by a youth minister. See, good things come out of organized religion. She was recently reading through a journal she kept while attending a summer photography course at Prat. She'd been to the Park that day and seen Freedy playing for free. Very excited.
Opening lines of this song just cut to the quick. "I couldn't have one conversation, if it wasn't for lies." We've all been there.
Monday, September 24, 2012
THE VERBING RANDOM NOUN
Artist - The Smashing Pumpkins
Album - Gish
Song - Siva
Date - August 1991
Status - Not Acquired
One of the great things about 90's bands was that people of different races or gender just showed up in bands and it didn't really matter. Case in point, the Smashing Pumpkins (stupid band name), Asian guy playing guitar, woman playing base, not really the point. Not even really a big deal. Just a rock band.
I love Siva. Its much more rock than latter Pumpkins' albums that became more studio oriented and precious, but in parts it breaks down and establishes that something that would make the Pumpkins stand out.
Album - Gish
Song - Siva
Date - August 1991
Status - Not Acquired
One of the great things about 90's bands was that people of different races or gender just showed up in bands and it didn't really matter. Case in point, the Smashing Pumpkins (stupid band name), Asian guy playing guitar, woman playing base, not really the point. Not even really a big deal. Just a rock band.
I love Siva. Its much more rock than latter Pumpkins' albums that became more studio oriented and precious, but in parts it breaks down and establishes that something that would make the Pumpkins stand out.
Friday, September 21, 2012
SO, I DON'T UNDERSTAND, IS THE TANK IN BOUNDS OR OUT OF BOUNDS
Artist - Master P
Album - Ghetto D
Song - Make'em Say UGH
Date - January, 1998
Status - Not Acquired
Two, things. One, after the East Coast / West Coast thing burned out after 2Pac and Biggie were killed rap started to splinter stylistically. Suddenly acts from places like Atlanta and Houston started showing up on the radio, and like early R&B each city had a very distinct sound. New Orleans No Limit definitely did. New Orleans, like so many things, has its on flavor. and Two, Master P is a straight up hustler, and not even an original one. Puff Daddy had already mastered the trick of getting a lot of other rappers to rap on a track and throw his voice on the hook and call it his trick. What Master P added was well...I mean look at the video, what didn't he add. Platinum tank? check. Tank shoots into crowd? check.
P.S. No Limit crew definitely proving that a southern diet high in fat will require 9ft hoops for your video, because no one wants to watch lay ups.
Album - Ghetto D
Song - Make'em Say UGH
Date - January, 1998
Status - Not Acquired
Two, things. One, after the East Coast / West Coast thing burned out after 2Pac and Biggie were killed rap started to splinter stylistically. Suddenly acts from places like Atlanta and Houston started showing up on the radio, and like early R&B each city had a very distinct sound. New Orleans No Limit definitely did. New Orleans, like so many things, has its on flavor. and Two, Master P is a straight up hustler, and not even an original one. Puff Daddy had already mastered the trick of getting a lot of other rappers to rap on a track and throw his voice on the hook and call it his trick. What Master P added was well...I mean look at the video, what didn't he add. Platinum tank? check. Tank shoots into crowd? check.
P.S. No Limit crew definitely proving that a southern diet high in fat will require 9ft hoops for your video, because no one wants to watch lay ups.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
GET AFTER YOUR THURSDAY!
Artist - R.E.M.
Album - Green
Song - Get Up
Date - September 1989
Status - Not Acquired
I know, I know. Their older stuff is where its at. That's what all the phony hippies say, but Green was the album that brought REM to public at large. "Get Up" was the fourth single from the album, and if the song wasn't awesome enough, the video should have warm fuzzies all over your face. Its a good thing.
Album - Green
Song - Get Up
Date - September 1989
Status - Not Acquired
I know, I know. Their older stuff is where its at. That's what all the phony hippies say, but Green was the album that brought REM to public at large. "Get Up" was the fourth single from the album, and if the song wasn't awesome enough, the video should have warm fuzzies all over your face. Its a good thing.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE
Artist - 2Pac
Album - N/A
Song - California Love
Date - 1995
Status - Acquired
In somethings in life you have to pick sides: Beatles or Stones, Chocolate or Vanilla, and 2Pac and the Notorious B.I.G. I'm not saying you can't like both of them, but when push comes to shove you have to pick one over the other. You can't like each the same. Its impossible. Anyone who won't choose should be thrown in a river. If they float, burn them at the stake, they're a witch. If they sink, pull them out of the river and burn them, they're also a witch.
Personally, I'm a Biggie man. 2Pac's perfectly fine, but if the final battle for this mortal rock comes down to Biggie or 2Pac, I'm lining up on the East Side. Sadly things almost came to that in the 90's for some in the Hip Hop industry. Imotocon says ":-("
Isn't this just the weirdest pairing of images to song? Plus, long ass 90's video intro.
Historic note: this song was released to celebrate 2Pac getting out of jail.
Album - N/A
Song - California Love
Date - 1995
Status - Acquired
In somethings in life you have to pick sides: Beatles or Stones, Chocolate or Vanilla, and 2Pac and the Notorious B.I.G. I'm not saying you can't like both of them, but when push comes to shove you have to pick one over the other. You can't like each the same. Its impossible. Anyone who won't choose should be thrown in a river. If they float, burn them at the stake, they're a witch. If they sink, pull them out of the river and burn them, they're also a witch.
Personally, I'm a Biggie man. 2Pac's perfectly fine, but if the final battle for this mortal rock comes down to Biggie or 2Pac, I'm lining up on the East Side. Sadly things almost came to that in the 90's for some in the Hip Hop industry. Imotocon says ":-("
Isn't this just the weirdest pairing of images to song? Plus, long ass 90's video intro.
Historic note: this song was released to celebrate 2Pac getting out of jail.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
RAPPID EYE MEN AT WORK ...SAVING THE PLANET
Artist - Midnight Oil
Album - Earth and Sun and Moon
Song - Truganini
Date - 1993
Status - Not Acquired
Midnight Oil was definitely political. Maybe a too much. A little bit of ambiguity helps the medicine go down after all. Not saying they weren't right, but you know, make a person think a little. One verse into an Oils song and you know if you agree or not, and then the arguing starts. Then again, it's a great world where powerful political and social messages go so well with funky beats, and everyone can use a good argument once in a while.
This song has some great guitar riffs strung throughout.
Album - Earth and Sun and Moon
Song - Truganini
Date - 1993
Status - Not Acquired
Midnight Oil was definitely political. Maybe a too much. A little bit of ambiguity helps the medicine go down after all. Not saying they weren't right, but you know, make a person think a little. One verse into an Oils song and you know if you agree or not, and then the arguing starts. Then again, it's a great world where powerful political and social messages go so well with funky beats, and everyone can use a good argument once in a while.
This song has some great guitar riffs strung throughout.
Monday, September 17, 2012
SUPER GROUP
Artist - Temple of the Dog
Album - Temple of the Dog
Song - Pushin Forward Back
Date - 1991
Status - Acquired
As many know by now, Temple of the Dog was formed by Chris Cornell as a tribute to departed Mother Love Bone lead singer Andrew Wood. Wood died of a heroine overdose. The band, though a super group in retrospect was made of local Seattle musicians. Cornell and drummer Mat Cameron would become famous as half of Sound Garden and the rest of the band would go on to form Pearl Jam out of the remains of Mother Love Bone. Its hard to imagine that at the time the recorded this album Eddie Vedder was just some dude from San Diego with a mix tape of vocals.
Pushing Forward Back is a real fusion of Pearl Jam and Sound Garden. The guitar work sounds very Pearl Jam, and Cameron's drumming is unmistakable.
Album - Temple of the Dog
Song - Pushin Forward Back
Date - 1991
Status - Acquired
As many know by now, Temple of the Dog was formed by Chris Cornell as a tribute to departed Mother Love Bone lead singer Andrew Wood. Wood died of a heroine overdose. The band, though a super group in retrospect was made of local Seattle musicians. Cornell and drummer Mat Cameron would become famous as half of Sound Garden and the rest of the band would go on to form Pearl Jam out of the remains of Mother Love Bone. Its hard to imagine that at the time the recorded this album Eddie Vedder was just some dude from San Diego with a mix tape of vocals.
Pushing Forward Back is a real fusion of Pearl Jam and Sound Garden. The guitar work sounds very Pearl Jam, and Cameron's drumming is unmistakable.
Friday, September 14, 2012
DEEP CUT FRIDAY
Artist - Tinstar
Album - The Thrill Kisser
Song - Head
Date - 1999
Status - Not Acquired
This isn't really going to be a regular feature. That would require way more energy and organization than I'm willing to put into this, but what else is there to say about Tinstar. The end of the 90's went slightly techno and Britishy.
But listen, do yourself a favor, download the song, and as you step out of the office at the end of the day, push play. Slide on some dark sunglasses, light up a cig, and just stand their smoking right outside the door in clear violation of California health codes and watch the rabble clear out.
Album - The Thrill Kisser
Song - Head
Date - 1999
Status - Not Acquired
This isn't really going to be a regular feature. That would require way more energy and organization than I'm willing to put into this, but what else is there to say about Tinstar. The end of the 90's went slightly techno and Britishy.
But listen, do yourself a favor, download the song, and as you step out of the office at the end of the day, push play. Slide on some dark sunglasses, light up a cig, and just stand their smoking right outside the door in clear violation of California health codes and watch the rabble clear out.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
META SYMMETRY
Artist - Tori Amos
Album - Under the Pink
Song - Cornflake Girl
Date - 2-14-94
Status - Acquired
Really an amazing song, and deep, real deep. I read about it. Before reading, and thank god for reading, the only thing I knew about the lyrics to this song is they were real important and the meant something...
But that is the wonderful thing about Tori Amos songs from the 90's. They managed to make the piano unpredictable. They redeemed the idea of a singer song writer with serious literary aspirations. They married musicianship and emotional kick. Seriously think of a the kind of act that sells itself on complex lyrics, meaningful subject maner and a piano. Sounds terrible doesn't it? But its awesome.
Her voice is just ridiculous.
Her voice is just ridiculous.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
GET UP AND DO THE BUMP, RIGHT THERE AT YOUR DESK
Artist - MC Hammer
Album - Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em
Song - U Can't Touch This
Date - 1-13-90
Status - Not Acquired
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! BIG OLE' PANTS SHUFFLING BACK AND FORTH. HELLS YEAH ITS WEDNESDAY BABY. SOMETIMES CALLED HUMP DAY, BUT NOT TODAY! TODAY IS BUMP DAY, FOR LIKE A MINUTE.
Seriously someone bought five million copies, sure they then burned 4.5 million of those copies. Shame really, because this is one of the greatest believing it, owning it and letting the rest of us just bask in your reflected glories of it of all times.
Special shout out to Rick James. He and Freddy Mercury are telling some stories right now.
Album - Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em
Song - U Can't Touch This
Date - 1-13-90
Status - Not Acquired
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! BIG OLE' PANTS SHUFFLING BACK AND FORTH. HELLS YEAH ITS WEDNESDAY BABY. SOMETIMES CALLED HUMP DAY, BUT NOT TODAY! TODAY IS BUMP DAY, FOR LIKE A MINUTE.
Seriously someone bought five million copies, sure they then burned 4.5 million of those copies. Shame really, because this is one of the greatest believing it, owning it and letting the rest of us just bask in your reflected glories of it of all times.
Special shout out to Rick James. He and Freddy Mercury are telling some stories right now.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
NIHILISTIC LEISURE LOUNGE
Artist - Nine Inch Nails
Album - The Downward Spiral
Song - Piggy
Date - December 1994
Status - Not Acquired
Like your brooding geniuses with a heavy does of self destructive nihilism, then Trent Reznor was the pop idol of your teenage, not giving a shit, "whatever" mall rocking goth heart. Piggy sounds like a song Frank Sinatra would right in the middle of a cold turkey heroine purge. Enjoy!
.... man, tomorrow better be a serious pick me up or I'm not sure we're going to make it to Friday.
Album - The Downward Spiral
Song - Piggy
Date - December 1994
Status - Not Acquired
Like your brooding geniuses with a heavy does of self destructive nihilism, then Trent Reznor was the pop idol of your teenage, not giving a shit, "whatever" mall rocking goth heart. Piggy sounds like a song Frank Sinatra would right in the middle of a cold turkey heroine purge. Enjoy!
.... man, tomorrow better be a serious pick me up or I'm not sure we're going to make it to Friday.
Monday, September 10, 2012
MY HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELOR LET ME DOWN
Artist - Primus
Album - Suck on This
Song - John the Fisherman
Date - 1990
Status - Not Acquired
Happy Monday. Right now I bet you are sitting behind a desk, staring another 40 hours in the face and wishing you'd run off to Alaska to become a high profile harvester of the sea. You should have listened to Primus. They were way ahead of the reality TV curve. Right now you could be cruising the Bearing Straights in the S.S. Big Brown Beaver as the star of Deadliest Catch. Well hear, live the chaos for the next three thirty eight.
P.S. pretty sure the internet is right and the fourth guy on the boart is Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett. The fifth guy? I don't know, maybe the first mate. Guy's sixth, seventh, eight and ninth, just some dudes out trolling for sea bass.
Album - Suck on This
Song - John the Fisherman
Date - 1990
Status - Not Acquired
Happy Monday. Right now I bet you are sitting behind a desk, staring another 40 hours in the face and wishing you'd run off to Alaska to become a high profile harvester of the sea. You should have listened to Primus. They were way ahead of the reality TV curve. Right now you could be cruising the Bearing Straights in the S.S. Big Brown Beaver as the star of Deadliest Catch. Well hear, live the chaos for the next three thirty eight.
P.S. pretty sure the internet is right and the fourth guy on the boart is Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett. The fifth guy? I don't know, maybe the first mate. Guy's sixth, seventh, eight and ninth, just some dudes out trolling for sea bass.
Friday, September 7, 2012
IN A WORLD WHERE FURBIES GO TO WORK, ONLY ONE BAND CAN SAVE US.
Artist - Cake
Album - Fashion Nugget
Song - The Distance
Date - 10-15-96
Status - Acquired - Way Acquired
Something about lead singer John McCrea's laid back vocal stylings and ripping guitar riffs...is...well awesome. Plus melodica! Cake songs always have a few odd ball musical tweaks. Great song, maybe an even better video.
Album - Fashion Nugget
Song - The Distance
Date - 10-15-96
Status - Acquired - Way Acquired
Something about lead singer John McCrea's laid back vocal stylings and ripping guitar riffs...is...well awesome. Plus melodica! Cake songs always have a few odd ball musical tweaks. Great song, maybe an even better video.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
DAMN I'M PRETTY
Artist - Terence Trent D'Arby
Album - Introducing The Hardline According to Terrence Trent D'Arby
Song - Wishing Well
Date - 1987
State - Not Acquired
Going way back to middle school for this one. We may have all ended up in flannels, but we started out in tight rolled acid wash jeans, and don't you forget it.
In many ways Wishing Well seems very 80's, very produced, very synth, but D'Arby teases something totally unique out of it. Something that's unique, that defines uniqueness.
Album - Introducing The Hardline According to Terrence Trent D'Arby
Song - Wishing Well
Date - 1987
State - Not Acquired
Going way back to middle school for this one. We may have all ended up in flannels, but we started out in tight rolled acid wash jeans, and don't you forget it.
In many ways Wishing Well seems very 80's, very produced, very synth, but D'Arby teases something totally unique out of it. Something that's unique, that defines uniqueness.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
SO GOOFIE / SO SERIOUS / SO WHAT
Artist - Green Day
Album - Dookie (duh)
Song - She
Date - 5-5-95
Status - Acquired
Dookie is one of those albums no one wants to take seriously, but you just have to. Somehow it feels like a joke, but no, its not a joke, it just doesn't care what other people think.
"She" is a surprisingly earnest call to self-actualization. If there was theme to my teenage years it was that "Darren ole' boy you have to self-actualize". Seriously, bull-shit and $20 words aside, that is what being a teenager is about, going from a child to an adult that we all hope thinks about things for themselves. If banging your head and screaming at a punk rock concert helps get you there, then get on board and self actualize my man.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
A WHOLE NEW FREAK
Artist - Adina Howard
Album - Do You Wanna Ride?
Song - Freak Like Me
Date - 1-25-95
Status - Aquired
Freak like me stands out for two reasons. One would be the Hip-Hop influenced backing track. The trend in R&B had been towards the more up-beat, danceable sounds of New Jack Swing. In comparison Freak's sound is heavily influenced by G-Funk and the work of Doctor Dre. It's slow, its slinky. Its not a song to dance to. Its a song to bob your head (and likely several other body parts) to.
Second, its sexual, aggressively so. Howard, and many other female R&B singers and rappers in the mid 90's actively (and appealing to young men who buy records) adopted blatantly sexual imagery that had previously been the domain of men.
Was this good or bad for relationships between the sexes? That's not really the point? The point is, she's a freak, and she's looking for a freak who can bump-bump to the early morn' and really when you're eighteen its hard to see though that to anything else. Even at 28 and 38 the song still has that affect.
Album - Do You Wanna Ride?
Song - Freak Like Me
Date - 1-25-95
Status - Aquired
Freak like me stands out for two reasons. One would be the Hip-Hop influenced backing track. The trend in R&B had been towards the more up-beat, danceable sounds of New Jack Swing. In comparison Freak's sound is heavily influenced by G-Funk and the work of Doctor Dre. It's slow, its slinky. Its not a song to dance to. Its a song to bob your head (and likely several other body parts) to.
Second, its sexual, aggressively so. Howard, and many other female R&B singers and rappers in the mid 90's actively (and appealing to young men who buy records) adopted blatantly sexual imagery that had previously been the domain of men.
Was this good or bad for relationships between the sexes? That's not really the point? The point is, she's a freak, and she's looking for a freak who can bump-bump to the early morn' and really when you're eighteen its hard to see though that to anything else. Even at 28 and 38 the song still has that affect.
Monday, September 3, 2012
ALTERNATIVE TO ALTERNATIVE
Artest - The The
Album - Dusk
Song - Love is Stronger than Death
Date - June 1993
Status - Not Acquired
Record companies generally like songs about whipping your hair and videos full lithe young women, not songs about death accompanied by videos which graphically depict the onset of death. Not really a foot tapper kind of thing. then in the early 90's weird, self-aware bands with strange names and deep thoughtful songs seamed to find a broader audience at that time. There wasn't anything big and horrible going on in the world. It just seemed like a lot of people where tired of all the smiling and wanted the freedom to be serious even if all there needs had been provided for. The The fits the bill nicely. Love is Stronger than Death is wise, melancholy and honest. Its about the meaning of life, but yeah, you can still tap your foot to it.
Album - Dusk
Song - Love is Stronger than Death
Date - June 1993
Status - Not Acquired
Record companies generally like songs about whipping your hair and videos full lithe young women, not songs about death accompanied by videos which graphically depict the onset of death. Not really a foot tapper kind of thing. then in the early 90's weird, self-aware bands with strange names and deep thoughtful songs seamed to find a broader audience at that time. There wasn't anything big and horrible going on in the world. It just seemed like a lot of people where tired of all the smiling and wanted the freedom to be serious even if all there needs had been provided for. The The fits the bill nicely. Love is Stronger than Death is wise, melancholy and honest. Its about the meaning of life, but yeah, you can still tap your foot to it.
Friday, August 31, 2012
SATURDAY IN THE PARK
Artist - De La Soul
Album - De La Soul is Dead
Song - A Roller Skating Jam "Named Saturdays"
Date - 3-5-91
Status - Procured
De La unveiled pioneering sampling techniques on their debut album "Three Feet High and Rising", but Three Feet still sounds merely like a more complex version of the collage aesthetic then dominant in Hip Hop. On their follow-up album "De La Soul is Dead", they managed to take those techniques and create more sophisticated, integrated tracks that deemphasize the individualness of each sampled sound to create a comprehensive whole. This represented a major shift for Hip-Hop and would become the dominant aesthetic goal of DJ's throughout the 90's.
De La Soul's first draft of fame was a bitter one. Thematically "Saturday" was a radio friendly up-beat song on an otherwise darker album, but technically the backing track is a perfect example of the new highs De La had reached in the studio.
Also, Q-TIP ALERT! That dude was everywhere, and he cuts it up on this track.
And one more thing. Listen for the weird growl at the end of the last chorus. Only De La.
Album - De La Soul is Dead
Song - A Roller Skating Jam "Named Saturdays"
Date - 3-5-91
Status - Procured
De La unveiled pioneering sampling techniques on their debut album "Three Feet High and Rising", but Three Feet still sounds merely like a more complex version of the collage aesthetic then dominant in Hip Hop. On their follow-up album "De La Soul is Dead", they managed to take those techniques and create more sophisticated, integrated tracks that deemphasize the individualness of each sampled sound to create a comprehensive whole. This represented a major shift for Hip-Hop and would become the dominant aesthetic goal of DJ's throughout the 90's.
De La Soul's first draft of fame was a bitter one. Thematically "Saturday" was a radio friendly up-beat song on an otherwise darker album, but technically the backing track is a perfect example of the new highs De La had reached in the studio.
Also, Q-TIP ALERT! That dude was everywhere, and he cuts it up on this track.
And one more thing. Listen for the weird growl at the end of the last chorus. Only De La.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
SOME DAYS I SIT AND WISH I WAS A KID AGAIN
Artist - Ahmad
Album - Ahmad
Song - Back in the Day
Date - 3/31//94
Status - Acquired
Ahmad's delivery sounds strange today, but the scratchy, nasal voice was somewhat popular in the early to mid 90's with groups like the Pharcyde featuring it.
Back in the Day is just a cool, west coast jam. Ahmad was 18, as he says in the song, when he recorded it. There's something telling about youth in that fact. An understanding of the worlds impermanence is just beginning to emerge, but the profoundness of that fact hasn't set in yet. but its cool, almost 15 years later its still a great song to listen to while sitting on the front porch drinking a cold one and catching up with old friends.
Album - Ahmad
Song - Back in the Day
Date - 3/31//94
Status - Acquired
Ahmad's delivery sounds strange today, but the scratchy, nasal voice was somewhat popular in the early to mid 90's with groups like the Pharcyde featuring it.
Back in the Day is just a cool, west coast jam. Ahmad was 18, as he says in the song, when he recorded it. There's something telling about youth in that fact. An understanding of the worlds impermanence is just beginning to emerge, but the profoundness of that fact hasn't set in yet. but its cool, almost 15 years later its still a great song to listen to while sitting on the front porch drinking a cold one and catching up with old friends.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
L.A. FACE WITH THE OAKLAND BOOTY
Artist - Sir Mix A Lot
Album - Mack Daddy
Song - Baby Got Back
Date - 2/27/92
Status - Not Acquired
This man, this Sir Mix A Lot lives by one principal. If you are going to go there, go ALL the way there. Do not apologize. Do not attempt to appease. In fact scream it from the mountain top. That's why Baby Got Back opens with "I like big butts and I cannot lie." Everything after this is pretty much an elaboration or variation on the same theme.
And the Video. the video? Oh the video...what doesn't it do.
-open with a close up of Sir Mix A Lot, crane out to reveal that he's standing a giant butt-
-cut to a spring expanding on the word "sprung"
Done, you had me with "Giant Butt" fill in the remaining three minutes in a similar manner and call me when its done.
And oh the splash said song and video made.
Done, you had me with "Giant Butt" fill in the remaining three minutes in a similar manner and call me when its done.
And oh the splash said song and video made.
-The song and video where decried for objectifying women
-The song was then praised for supporting and Afro-Centric view of female beauty
-The video was banned from MTV
-The video was then played only after 9:00 on MTV
The song went to #1, Sir Mix A Lot made a lot of money, and we all learned a little about the value of a fully formed keester, and I think America is a better place for it.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
ADVENTURES IN COOL LADY LOVING
Artist: LL Cool J
Album: Mama Said Knock You Out
Song: Around The Way Gil
Date: 11/8/90
Status: Not Acquired
LL didn't invent the Slow Jam, he perfected it. He also perfected the art of making up a term and then making it a real term because he's LL, and he has that power. No one had any idea what an "around the way girl" was or that we wanted one until LL told us.
If you have the means, and you can find it, we highly recommend you check out the full video. Watching LL in his natural environment is a sight to behold. Also, the video strongly suggests that 5'2 white chick in baggy overalls could qualify as an around the way girl. LL is truly a visionary.
Album: Mama Said Knock You Out
Song: Around The Way Gil
Date: 11/8/90
Status: Not Acquired
LL didn't invent the Slow Jam, he perfected it. He also perfected the art of making up a term and then making it a real term because he's LL, and he has that power. No one had any idea what an "around the way girl" was or that we wanted one until LL told us.
If you have the means, and you can find it, we highly recommend you check out the full video. Watching LL in his natural environment is a sight to behold. Also, the video strongly suggests that 5'2 white chick in baggy overalls could qualify as an around the way girl. LL is truly a visionary.
Monday, August 27, 2012
SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING IS SO ROCK
Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Album: One Hot Minute
Song: Aeroplane
Date: 3/1/96
Status: Not Acquired
One Hot Minute is a great Album, but its a weird fit with the rest of the Chili Pepper catalog, or at least it felt that way at the time. A song like Aeroplane still sounds great, but it sounds more like a Chili Pepper side project.
There are some really quite moments, like the opening guitar work, which are really pleasing, but what really carries the song is the sing-along quality of the lyrics and the repeated "That Mother Fucker, Always Spiked with Pain". Most of us assumed it was a song about depression, drug use, and inspiration, things Kiedis knows a lot about, but something about the hook made the themes seem more universal than that. Getting a little older, getting into and on with college you begin to realize that pain and joy are inextricably linked.
Friday, August 24, 2012
I'M NOT SURE IF "GAZ" IS REALLY A NAME, AT LEAST NOT IN ENGLISH
Artist - Supergrass
Album - Should Coco
Song - Alright
Date - 7-3-95
England in the mid 90's was churning out amazing pop bands almost daily. Supergrass was one of them. They never did achieve the commercial heights of bands like Blur and Oasis in the United States, but they were every bit as successful musically. True to the Britpop ethos of the time "Alright" strongly resembles work by British Invasion groups such as the Kinks. Just a fun song that slags off youth culture while at the same time being the perfect song for the start a lost weekend.
Album - Should Coco
Song - Alright
Date - 7-3-95
England in the mid 90's was churning out amazing pop bands almost daily. Supergrass was one of them. They never did achieve the commercial heights of bands like Blur and Oasis in the United States, but they were every bit as successful musically. True to the Britpop ethos of the time "Alright" strongly resembles work by British Invasion groups such as the Kinks. Just a fun song that slags off youth culture while at the same time being the perfect song for the start a lost weekend.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
I REALLY CAN'T THINK OF A BETTER WAY TO SPEND A TUESDAY
Artist - Sheryl Crow
Album - Tuesday Night Music Club
Song - All I Wanna Do
Date - 10-1-94
Album - Tuesday Night Music Club
Song - All I Wanna Do
Date - 10-1-94
I have a confession to make. I love a good beer buzz early in the morning. There are few things I like to do more on a day off than hole up in a dark bar next to a gleaming picture frame window, throw a cold ones back, go home, make love and have a good nap. Its so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend it.
All I Wanna Do was a break through hit for Crow. The "fun" ladened chorus obscures the truly degenerate characters in the narrative. I love a good pop song that everyone loves but no one realizes is actually pretty filthy, like a bar in daylight.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
IS THIS A SAD SONG?
Artist - Bare Naked Ladies
Album - Stunt
Song - Alcohol
Date - 7-7-98
To be young and in college is to know the joys and sorrows of alcohol. The source of and solution to all of life's problems. Thanks Homer J. The Ladies had a talent for crafting pop songs that at first appear to be fun and happy but are really big old bummers. A great pop music tradition. This song never does settle out between a true condemnation of party culture and a bitter sweet homage to youth and folly, and that's what keeps pulling me back in.
Album - Stunt
Song - Alcohol
Date - 7-7-98
To be young and in college is to know the joys and sorrows of alcohol. The source of and solution to all of life's problems. Thanks Homer J. The Ladies had a talent for crafting pop songs that at first appear to be fun and happy but are really big old bummers. A great pop music tradition. This song never does settle out between a true condemnation of party culture and a bitter sweet homage to youth and folly, and that's what keeps pulling me back in.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
SOME ONE ONCE SAID THAT ALL PROTEST SONGS BECOME POP SONGS
Artist - Public Enemy
Album - Fear of a Black Planet
Song - 911 is a Joke
Date - 3-22-90
It should be hard to like a group like Public Enemy when you grow up in a community that is 98% white and even more republican, but damn if those kids didn't go crazy for this in middle school. Great music plus conviction is very appealing.
Album - Fear of a Black Planet
Song - 911 is a Joke
Date - 3-22-90
It should be hard to like a group like Public Enemy when you grow up in a community that is 98% white and even more republican, but damn if those kids didn't go crazy for this in middle school. Great music plus conviction is very appealing.
Monday, August 20, 2012
TWO SIDES TO THE COIN
Artist - Liz Phair
Album - Exile in Guyville
Song - 6'1"
Date - 6-2-93
I started listening to Phair latter in life, after I'd married. If I'd listened to her as a teenager I think my ears would have burned off. Yes there is the frank, explicit and unromanticized expression of a woman's sexuality, but there was also a strength expressed in songs like Phair's 6'-1"
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Origins
Like all new things, this blog owes its existence to a
moment of disappointment. I was in Jacksonville Florida. It was December 2006.
Jacksonville Florida is not the same as Miami, or Orlando Florida, especially
in December. It feels more like North Carolina than Florida. Cold and rainy. Freshly
out of Graduate school I was in Jacksonville for a football game. Approaching
30, me and some of my college buddies decided to make a long lost weekend of
it. One of many lost hurrahs.
Getting off the air plane I was buoyant. We were going to
drink hard, eat well, and smoke plenty of weed and maybe make it to the game on time. I'd rented a car for the weekend.
A real treat. Grad school had left me relatively broke. At the time, I was
driving an '87 Volvo station wagon with no A/C and a broken radio. As I pulled
out of the lot in a 2005 Ford Torus, it was the most luxury I could afford, I
cranked up the A/C zipped up my sweater and turned on the radio.
The Torus had satilite radio.
I hadn't had a working radio in three years. This was something I need
to explore. I began flipping through the stations; Country, Punk, Easy
listening, Jazz, Classic Jazz, 70's...hello...I know just the thing. I flipped
through until the dial read "90's" and cranked the tunes even loader.
My enthusiasm quickly turned to confusion and anger. Technically these songs were recorded in the 90's, but
somehow the failed to capture a certain nintiesness.
Three days later I was on my way home, nursing a hangover.
What would a survey of 90's music sound like. Music that was not just chronologically
90's but spiritually 90's. That is this
blogs goal; a subjective survey of the music of our youth.