Week of October 31, 2011

1. "Slip"--Quicksand, Slip:

Quicksand was an awesome New York hardcore band. They were often compared to Helmet at the time. Quicksand introduced me to Walter Schreifels, previously of Gorilla Biscuits and currently of Rival Schools. He is a songwriter that I have followed ever since. This song is the title track off of Quicksand's first full length. I had this album on tape and played it regularly in the car when I was in grad school the first time, in 1993. Definitely one of the strongest tracks on the album and one that I continue to listen to. 3 weeks in, I am happy to label this song as the first example of SHUFFLE GOLD!

2. "Commerce, TX"--Ben Kweller, Sha Sha:

BK is a great singer/songwriter from TX. This song is one of the best off of his first solo, full-length. Since my friend Mark went to school in Commerce, I played this song for him to convince him of BK's greatness. Solid single and definitely NO SHAME.

3. "Eat for Two"--10,000 Maniacs, Blind Man's Zoo:

I saw the 10,000 Maniacs on this tour in the late 80s. This was my favorite single from this album. I discovered this band right after I became a huge R.E.M. fan in 1987. Because Michael Stipe sang on their In My Tribe album, I bought it and became a fan. Natalie Merchant was iconic when I was in college, so I have great memories of this band. NO SHAME.

4. "Stop Whispering"--Radiohead, Pablo Honey:

I am definitely a fan of Radiohead but could not get on board with this album. At the time, "Creep" was the only song that got any attention, and it was overplayed, in my opinion. Later albums got my attention, Ok Computer in particular. I don't know this song, but I tend to be a completer with bands that I like, so NO SHAME.

5. "Puzzle"--Lou Barlow, Emoh:

On my scale of heroic songwriters, Lou Barlow is up there. I am a huge Dinosaur Jr. fan, Sebadoh's Bakesale is one of my favorite albums, and his recent solo work as been amazing. This was his first solo album released on Merge Records, and this song was one of my favorite tracks off that album. Definitely another example of SHUFFLE GOLD!!

Week of October 24, 2011

1. "That Buckin' Song"--Robert Earl Keen, Walking Distance:

I like a lot of Robert Earl Keen's music. I have a soft spot for him since he is a fellow alum of my alma mater. His sense of humor often works in his music, but this song and the obvious, bad play on words is too corny for me. Just say the F-word, dude. MEH

2. "In Memory of Elizabeth"--Firehose, If'n:

Unfortunately too often confused with hair-rockers firehouse, Firehose is the 90's indie band made up of 2/3 of the Minutemen. They were a great live band, and Mike Watt is always solid. Though this song is a bit on the mellower side and does not do much for me, I feel NO SHAME.

3. "Promenade"--U2, The Unforgettable Fire:

Reminding me of my cassette listening days, this was the side A closer off of my favorite U2 album. Not a strong enough single to be shuffle gold, but absolutely NO SHAME.

4. "Jellyman Kelly"--James Taylor and The Kids, Songs from the Street: 35 Years of Music:

I am not a JT fan, but this song is fun to sing with the kids and is on an awesome compilation of music from Sesame Street. Though for my kids, this box set has tons of great music from great artists being accompanied by your favorite muppets, puppets, and happy PBS kids. Even JT elicits NO SHAME.

5. "Emancipated Minor"--Ani DiFranco, Red Letter Year:

I have seen Ani DiFranco live about 4 times over the past 15 years. She was always great live. I am not as familiar with her more recent albums, including this one. The song is pretty good. I need to give this album some more listens. NO SHAME

Week of October 17, 2011

1. "The Nurse (Live)"--The White Stripes, Glastonbury 2005:

I have never been a huge fan of the White Stripes and do not know this song very well. Of all of the "THE" bands from the early 2000s, The White Stripes were the most consistent until their recent breakup. NO SHAME.

2. "Nature"--India Arie, Acoustic Soul:

Arie's debut album was my wife's find in 2001 when we returned from overseas. I would not have known this song by name, but the album was in heavy rotation at that time. I like her later stuff, but this album seems the most solid. NO SHAME.

3. "Johnny, Are You Queer?"--Josie Cotton, Valley Girl Soundtrack:

Definitely got this song from my friend Mark. An awesome 80s movie that I have seen many, many times. The song is only good for reminding me of the movie and captures the era for quirky pop. MILD SHAME (not a shuffle killer)

4. "Time"--Ben Folds, Songs for Silverman:

Not my favorite Folds album, but I have been a fan since the Ben Folds Five days. Not a song that I would dial up on my own, but NO SHAME.

5. "Screaming at a Wall"--Minor Threat, Minor Threat: Complete Discography:

I came to Minor Threat via Fugazi. I am a big Ian MacKaye fan and am always happy when Minor Threat comes up on the shuffle. I was not into punk in high school in the mid-80s, so Fugazi was more my time. However, Minor Threat definitely defined the DC hardcore scene well, and this disc was a key part of my education for the 80s punk/hardcore that I missed. NO SHAME