1. "Clampdown"--The Clash, London Calling (1980):
This song is one of my all time favorites by the Clash, from one of my all time favorite albums. No album is better from start to finish than Londong Calling. Since we are so close to Christmas, I will reveal that at the top of my wish list this year is the newest box set from the Clash, Sound System. 100% SHUFFLE GOLD!!
2. "England's Dreaming"--Cornershop, SCORE! 20 Years of Merge Records, Volume 1: Peter Buck (2009):
Albums from this anniversary box set have come up before. This particular album was curated by Peter Buck. I was not familiar with this song or band before I received this CD. They were an indie British band, and Merge records released an album of theirs in 1995, which contained this song. It's a pretty solid tune. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "Europa and the Pirate Twins"--Thomas Dolby, The Golden Age of Wireless (1982):
This song is off of the same album that gave us one of my favorite 80s tunes, "She Blinded Me with Science." This song, however, does not do much for me. I was shocked that there is a video for this song. I don't remember it as a single. As much as I respect Thomas Dolby as a musician, I like his hit so much better than anything else I have heard from him that it warps my listening of his other work. Anyway, MEH on this one.
4. "Summertime Blues"--The Who, Live at Leeds (1970):
The Who cover the American classic on this live album. This single peaked at 38 on the UK charts and 27 on the US. Personally, I love this version as the Who definitely made it their own. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
5. "Friend of a Friend"--Foo Fighters, In Your Honor [Disc 2] (2005):
I'm a fan of the Foo Fighters. Dave Grohl has done an amazing job of establishing himself as his own artist above and beyond Nirvana. However, this song's acoustic guitar has a Nirvana vibe in the opening. If I remember correctly, this 2nd disc from the double album was mostly "softer" Foo songs. I am not as interested in these tunes. This song is not one that I am clamoring to hear over and over. MEH.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
End of Semester Shuffle
1. "Backward"--Quicksand, Manic Compression (1995):
The opening track on Quicksand's second and final album is awesome. Walter Schreifels is one of my top singer/songwriters with the number of great bands he has fronted (Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand, Rival Schools, et al). Quicksand has played a couple of reunion shows but there is no sign of them actually recording again. Rival Schools is pretty active, and I highly recommend their music. Like most songs on this album, "Backward" is absolutely SHUFFLE GOLD!!
2. "Desire"--Toad the Wet Sprocket, Coil (1997):
Toad the Wet Sprocket is one of those "I found them first" bands. My friends and I played songs from their album Pale on our college radio shows before they found a commercial audience with the album Fear. This album was a couple of albums later and had one song that received some commercial play, "Come Down." I actually like this album a lot, though I think the band went on hiatus shortly thereafter. As another 90s behind who is still doing the work, the band put out a new album just a couple of months ago, New Constellation. "Desire" is a solid Toad song and one of the stronger tracks on this album, fully SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "Lorelei"--Office of Future Plans, S/T (2011):
J. Robbins's (Jawbox, Burning Airlines, Channels) latest venture, Office of Future Plans is on Dischord Records and is absolutely amazing. This band is under the radar but is my favorite work of J.'s, second only to Jawbox. Gordon Withers plays cello, bringing a different feel to the band's post-punk, D.C. sound. This song is my favorite off of their self-titled album and is sweet, SHUFFLE GOLD!!
4. "Racehorses"--Wild Flag, S/T (2011):
This shuffle is a full 90s revival. Wild Flag is a super group of 90s musicians, most notably Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss of Sleater-Kinney, and Mary Timony of Helium. The album is on Merge Records, and the band made the rounds for a couple of years. Weiss just recently stated that the band basically has already run its course. This album is excellent from start to finish, and this song is a solid Brownstein track. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
5. "For Esme"--Jawbreaker, Live 4/30/96 (1999):
There are not too many better ways to end a 90s revival shuffle than a live Jawbreaker song. I believe this song is one of the non-studio songs that was on this live recording. While often labeled as an Emo band who existed before Emo was a label, I find the label a bit misleading. While Blake's lyrics may lend themselves to that label, I'm not sure the music fits. These guys considered themselves a Bay Area punk band. They were great live, and this song captures that. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
The opening track on Quicksand's second and final album is awesome. Walter Schreifels is one of my top singer/songwriters with the number of great bands he has fronted (Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand, Rival Schools, et al). Quicksand has played a couple of reunion shows but there is no sign of them actually recording again. Rival Schools is pretty active, and I highly recommend their music. Like most songs on this album, "Backward" is absolutely SHUFFLE GOLD!!
2. "Desire"--Toad the Wet Sprocket, Coil (1997):
Toad the Wet Sprocket is one of those "I found them first" bands. My friends and I played songs from their album Pale on our college radio shows before they found a commercial audience with the album Fear. This album was a couple of albums later and had one song that received some commercial play, "Come Down." I actually like this album a lot, though I think the band went on hiatus shortly thereafter. As another 90s behind who is still doing the work, the band put out a new album just a couple of months ago, New Constellation. "Desire" is a solid Toad song and one of the stronger tracks on this album, fully SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "Lorelei"--Office of Future Plans, S/T (2011):
J. Robbins's (Jawbox, Burning Airlines, Channels) latest venture, Office of Future Plans is on Dischord Records and is absolutely amazing. This band is under the radar but is my favorite work of J.'s, second only to Jawbox. Gordon Withers plays cello, bringing a different feel to the band's post-punk, D.C. sound. This song is my favorite off of their self-titled album and is sweet, SHUFFLE GOLD!!
4. "Racehorses"--Wild Flag, S/T (2011):
This shuffle is a full 90s revival. Wild Flag is a super group of 90s musicians, most notably Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss of Sleater-Kinney, and Mary Timony of Helium. The album is on Merge Records, and the band made the rounds for a couple of years. Weiss just recently stated that the band basically has already run its course. This album is excellent from start to finish, and this song is a solid Brownstein track. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
5. "For Esme"--Jawbreaker, Live 4/30/96 (1999):
There are not too many better ways to end a 90s revival shuffle than a live Jawbreaker song. I believe this song is one of the non-studio songs that was on this live recording. While often labeled as an Emo band who existed before Emo was a label, I find the label a bit misleading. While Blake's lyrics may lend themselves to that label, I'm not sure the music fits. These guys considered themselves a Bay Area punk band. They were great live, and this song captures that. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Celebration Post: 2 Year Anniversary of the BLOG!
1. "Fall on Me"--R.E.M., Life's Rich Pageant (1986):
Seeing R.E.M. live in 1987 literally changed my outlook on music and my musical taste. I was a casual, radio fan of R.E.M., liking songs like this one, "Can't Get There from Here," and "Driver 8." However, seeing them live engaged me with their music in a different way. I was a freshman in college, and they literally welcomed me to the world of "college music." Though I am not sure I can clearly define the term, for me it pointed to the whole world of music that was not on the radio that I knew existed but ignored. At the same time, I began working as an "alternate DJ" at the college, alternative radio station and realized that I needed to broaden my horizons. Even though this song is not one from their 1987 album, Document, it is one of those classic, radio songs that planted the seed for me and ultimately led to me exploring all of the band's other music. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
2. "Wavelengths"--Cymbals Eat Guitars, Lenses Alien (2011):
Cymbals Eat Guitars is one of my favorite new bands. This album is their sophomore effort. Though less edgy than their first, the maturity of the songs makes it a great record. The singer's voice and guitar playing are highlights. My friend, Kevin, turned me onto them. They are supposed to be amazing live, but I have yet to have the pleasure. Someday. This song is solid but not a favorite, SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "For Tension"--Superchunk, On the Mouth (1993):
The ipod must sense that this blog entry is a special one. On the Mouth is the first album that I bought by Superchunk and is the tour that I saw them on for the first time. I believe this is the last studio album that they released on Matador before releasing exclusively on their own label, Merge Records (now home to Spoon, Arcade Fire, Bob Mould, et. al.). "For Tension" is absolutely a highlight of this album and still on rotation in their live shows. 100% SHUFFLE GOLD!!
4. "The Apt."--Times New Viking, Rip It Off (2008):
Coincidentally, Times New Viking also moved from Matador to Merge. This album is their Matador release. The newer album that is on Merge Records, Dancer Ecquired (2011), is a much more accessible album for me. This song, like the rest of the album, is a little more noise rock than I usually like. MEH.
5. "Equinox (Unreleased John Coltrane Cover)"--Archers of Loaf, Vee Vee (Deluxe Remaster) (2012):
Originally released in 1995, this album received the remaster treatment and was released in 2012 by, once again, Merge Records. The remastered version contains b-sides and rare tracks, including this Coltrane cover. As an instrumental cover, it does not fit with a typical Archers song, but in celebration of an overall very strong anniversary shuffle with great bands across the board, Archers of Loaf has to at least get a SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
**NOTE: Though I am not posting as regularly as when the blog began two years ago, I still love this process and opportunity to write about music. Thanks for reading.
Seeing R.E.M. live in 1987 literally changed my outlook on music and my musical taste. I was a casual, radio fan of R.E.M., liking songs like this one, "Can't Get There from Here," and "Driver 8." However, seeing them live engaged me with their music in a different way. I was a freshman in college, and they literally welcomed me to the world of "college music." Though I am not sure I can clearly define the term, for me it pointed to the whole world of music that was not on the radio that I knew existed but ignored. At the same time, I began working as an "alternate DJ" at the college, alternative radio station and realized that I needed to broaden my horizons. Even though this song is not one from their 1987 album, Document, it is one of those classic, radio songs that planted the seed for me and ultimately led to me exploring all of the band's other music. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
2. "Wavelengths"--Cymbals Eat Guitars, Lenses Alien (2011):
Cymbals Eat Guitars is one of my favorite new bands. This album is their sophomore effort. Though less edgy than their first, the maturity of the songs makes it a great record. The singer's voice and guitar playing are highlights. My friend, Kevin, turned me onto them. They are supposed to be amazing live, but I have yet to have the pleasure. Someday. This song is solid but not a favorite, SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "For Tension"--Superchunk, On the Mouth (1993):
The ipod must sense that this blog entry is a special one. On the Mouth is the first album that I bought by Superchunk and is the tour that I saw them on for the first time. I believe this is the last studio album that they released on Matador before releasing exclusively on their own label, Merge Records (now home to Spoon, Arcade Fire, Bob Mould, et. al.). "For Tension" is absolutely a highlight of this album and still on rotation in their live shows. 100% SHUFFLE GOLD!!
4. "The Apt."--Times New Viking, Rip It Off (2008):
Coincidentally, Times New Viking also moved from Matador to Merge. This album is their Matador release. The newer album that is on Merge Records, Dancer Ecquired (2011), is a much more accessible album for me. This song, like the rest of the album, is a little more noise rock than I usually like. MEH.
5. "Equinox (Unreleased John Coltrane Cover)"--Archers of Loaf, Vee Vee (Deluxe Remaster) (2012):
Originally released in 1995, this album received the remaster treatment and was released in 2012 by, once again, Merge Records. The remastered version contains b-sides and rare tracks, including this Coltrane cover. As an instrumental cover, it does not fit with a typical Archers song, but in celebration of an overall very strong anniversary shuffle with great bands across the board, Archers of Loaf has to at least get a SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
**NOTE: Though I am not posting as regularly as when the blog began two years ago, I still love this process and opportunity to write about music. Thanks for reading.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Labor Day Shuffle
1. "Swerving"--Eleven Hundred Springs, Bandwagon (2004):
Eleven Hundred Springs are a country band from Texas. They play the older style country that I prefer over the current Nashville "country" that is on the radios. They are more similar to Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, etc. To be honest, my friend gave me this album, and I have not listened to it much. This song has the feel of an old country standard. It's just a MEH on this first listen. (sorry, no link)
2. "OK/No Way"--Mission of Burma, Vs (1982):
Mission of Burma is one of those bands that I feel like I should love. There is a chapter dedicated to them in one of my all time favorite books, Our Band Could Be your Life, and have a sound that I like. Ultimately, there are only a few songs that I really dig. I think with more listens, they could get some more rotation, but for now this song is another MEH.
3. "Edward Appleby (In Memoriam)"--Mark Mothersbaugh, Rushmore Soundtrack (1999):
Rushmore is my favorite Wes Anderson film. I like the way he uses music in his movies, and this soundtrack is awesome. Anderson worked with Mothersbaugh, who is also the frontman of Devo, on several of his movies. Quick namedrop: I actually met Anderson when we were in college. He is a friend of a friend, and we saw The The together in Austin in 1990. Anyway, anything on this soundtrack is at least SHUFFLE GOODNESS. (sorry, no link)
4. "Four Horseman"--The Clash, London Calling (1980):
This shuffle is picking up some momentum now. London Calling is one of my top 5, all-time favorite albums. Every song on it, including this one, is absolute SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "After the Last Laugh"--Archers of Loaf, White Trash Heroes (1998):
I am a big Eric Bachmann fan. Archers of Loaf was great. Unfortunately, I never saw them live. I have, however, seen Bachmann live playing as Crooked Fingers, which is his current musical outlet. He is a great songwriter. Merge Records recently re-released all of AOL's albums. This song is a deeper cut and definitely SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
Eleven Hundred Springs are a country band from Texas. They play the older style country that I prefer over the current Nashville "country" that is on the radios. They are more similar to Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, etc. To be honest, my friend gave me this album, and I have not listened to it much. This song has the feel of an old country standard. It's just a MEH on this first listen. (sorry, no link)
2. "OK/No Way"--Mission of Burma, Vs (1982):
Mission of Burma is one of those bands that I feel like I should love. There is a chapter dedicated to them in one of my all time favorite books, Our Band Could Be your Life, and have a sound that I like. Ultimately, there are only a few songs that I really dig. I think with more listens, they could get some more rotation, but for now this song is another MEH.
3. "Edward Appleby (In Memoriam)"--Mark Mothersbaugh, Rushmore Soundtrack (1999):
Rushmore is my favorite Wes Anderson film. I like the way he uses music in his movies, and this soundtrack is awesome. Anderson worked with Mothersbaugh, who is also the frontman of Devo, on several of his movies. Quick namedrop: I actually met Anderson when we were in college. He is a friend of a friend, and we saw The The together in Austin in 1990. Anyway, anything on this soundtrack is at least SHUFFLE GOODNESS. (sorry, no link)
4. "Four Horseman"--The Clash, London Calling (1980):
This shuffle is picking up some momentum now. London Calling is one of my top 5, all-time favorite albums. Every song on it, including this one, is absolute SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "After the Last Laugh"--Archers of Loaf, White Trash Heroes (1998):
I am a big Eric Bachmann fan. Archers of Loaf was great. Unfortunately, I never saw them live. I have, however, seen Bachmann live playing as Crooked Fingers, which is his current musical outlet. He is a great songwriter. Merge Records recently re-released all of AOL's albums. This song is a deeper cut and definitely SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Back to School Shuffle!
1. "Merry Go Round"--The Replacements, Don't You Know Who I Think I Was: The Best of the Replacements (2006):
Released on the Mats' last studio album in 1990, All Shook Down, this song is solid. It is the only song from that album to make this Best Of collection, which makes sense. There are too many great songs from earlier albums. Coincidentally, the Replacements are about to play 3 reunion shows in the next few months. It will be interesting to see how it goes. Paul Westerberg and Tommy Stinson are the only original members who will be playing live. There are lots of better songs, but this one is still a solid Westerberg tune and definitely SHUFFLE GOLD!!
2. "You're All I Need to Get By"--Marvin Gaye, Every Great Motown Hit (1983):
This duet with Tammi Terrell is one of 17 songs on this greatest hits compilation. According to Wikipedia it is Gaye's most successful duet, having topped at number 7 on the billboard charts in 1968. Admittedly it is not a song that I know at all but it is a great song, and any Marvin Gaye hit is always SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "Magazine Called Sunset"--Wilco, More Like the Moon EP (2003):
As mentioned before, I am not a huge Wilco fan. When Uncle Tupelo split, I leaned more towards Jay Farrar and Son Volt. However, I had the chance to see Wilco live on their Sky Blue Sky tour and was blown away. They were amazing live, thanks especially to Nels Cline and his amazing guitar playing. They played close to 30 songs, and this song was one of them. I tracked down most of their discography after that show. Though not a super fan, I am definitely a fan thanks to that live performance. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
4. "Hollywood Freaks"--Beck, Midnite Vultures (1999):
This album came out when I was living overseas. When I finally got a hold of it, I was obsessed. I loved every song. It is still my favorite Beck album. I have always found his albums to be hit or miss. This particular song is not one of the best, but the whole album holds together really well for me. I'm not sure how well it will age. It is definitely a bit silly ("Tootie Fruitie, Automatic Bazooty"), but I dig it. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "Freddie's Dead"--Curtis Mayfield, Get Down to the Funky Groove (1997):
This is a UK compilation with only 8 songs. I picked it up cheap somewhere around the time it came out. I knew some of Mayfield's other songs, such as "Pusherman" and "Superfly," (btw, this song is the opening track to the Super Fly soundtrack from 1972) but have to admit that I knew this song because of Fishbone. Their cover on Truth and Soul is awesome if you have not heard it. After their version, Mayfield's original is super mellow. I am a big Mayfield fan and this song is absolutely SHUFFLE GOLD!!
Released on the Mats' last studio album in 1990, All Shook Down, this song is solid. It is the only song from that album to make this Best Of collection, which makes sense. There are too many great songs from earlier albums. Coincidentally, the Replacements are about to play 3 reunion shows in the next few months. It will be interesting to see how it goes. Paul Westerberg and Tommy Stinson are the only original members who will be playing live. There are lots of better songs, but this one is still a solid Westerberg tune and definitely SHUFFLE GOLD!!
2. "You're All I Need to Get By"--Marvin Gaye, Every Great Motown Hit (1983):
This duet with Tammi Terrell is one of 17 songs on this greatest hits compilation. According to Wikipedia it is Gaye's most successful duet, having topped at number 7 on the billboard charts in 1968. Admittedly it is not a song that I know at all but it is a great song, and any Marvin Gaye hit is always SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "Magazine Called Sunset"--Wilco, More Like the Moon EP (2003):
As mentioned before, I am not a huge Wilco fan. When Uncle Tupelo split, I leaned more towards Jay Farrar and Son Volt. However, I had the chance to see Wilco live on their Sky Blue Sky tour and was blown away. They were amazing live, thanks especially to Nels Cline and his amazing guitar playing. They played close to 30 songs, and this song was one of them. I tracked down most of their discography after that show. Though not a super fan, I am definitely a fan thanks to that live performance. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
4. "Hollywood Freaks"--Beck, Midnite Vultures (1999):
This album came out when I was living overseas. When I finally got a hold of it, I was obsessed. I loved every song. It is still my favorite Beck album. I have always found his albums to be hit or miss. This particular song is not one of the best, but the whole album holds together really well for me. I'm not sure how well it will age. It is definitely a bit silly ("Tootie Fruitie, Automatic Bazooty"), but I dig it. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "Freddie's Dead"--Curtis Mayfield, Get Down to the Funky Groove (1997):
This is a UK compilation with only 8 songs. I picked it up cheap somewhere around the time it came out. I knew some of Mayfield's other songs, such as "Pusherman" and "Superfly," (btw, this song is the opening track to the Super Fly soundtrack from 1972) but have to admit that I knew this song because of Fishbone. Their cover on Truth and Soul is awesome if you have not heard it. After their version, Mayfield's original is super mellow. I am a big Mayfield fan and this song is absolutely SHUFFLE GOLD!!
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Reviving the Blog!
1. "Vibe and Stuff"--A Tribe Called Quest, The Low End Theory (1991):
A Tribe Called Quest are fully in my wheelhouse when it comes to rap and hip hop. In the late 80s and early 90s, I loved these guys and think this is their best album. This song is a deeper cut but solid. The recent documentary on the band, Beats, Rhymes, and Life, is on my to-see list. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
2. "What Gets Heard"--fiREHOSE, Live Totem Pole EP (1992):
Firehose (never to be confused with sorry rockers Firehouse) was 2/3 Minutemen and 1/3 Ed fromohio. They formed after the untimely death of D. Boon (singer/guitarist for the Minutemen). They put out some great albums. This live e.p. has several covers, including an awesome cover of the Superchunk classic "Slack Motherfucker." This song, however, is a Mike Watt original and sounds great! SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "Private Life"--The Pretenders, Pretenders (1979):
The debut album by the Pretenders is my favorite album of theirs. I prefer songs like "Precious" and "The Wait," which rock a bit harder. This song is a bit plodding for me, but Chrissie Hynde is awesome, and I think James Honeyman-Scott was as an excellent guitarist. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
4. "Wrong"--Archers of Loaf, Icky Mettle (1993):
The early 90s are representing very well on this particular shuffle. Archers of Loaf have had a bit of a revival in my collection as they recently remastered and re-released all of their albums on Merge Records. Eric Bachman's current band, Crooked Fingers, is also on heavy rotation in my household. As far as this song goes, it is absolutely one of my favorites from the band, not just from this album. So glad after this long hiatus from the blog to land some SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "The Breadman"--Superchunk, Tossing Seeds (Singles 89-91) (1991):
I could not have asked for a better shuffle for reviving the blog. Superchunk is my favorite band of all time, and I am thrilled to end the shuffle with this song. Though not technically a studio album, this compilation of singles is a strong introduction to the band's earliest material. Even though they are my favorite band, some songs are better than others. This one has to settle for SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
A Tribe Called Quest are fully in my wheelhouse when it comes to rap and hip hop. In the late 80s and early 90s, I loved these guys and think this is their best album. This song is a deeper cut but solid. The recent documentary on the band, Beats, Rhymes, and Life, is on my to-see list. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
2. "What Gets Heard"--fiREHOSE, Live Totem Pole EP (1992):
Firehose (never to be confused with sorry rockers Firehouse) was 2/3 Minutemen and 1/3 Ed fromohio. They formed after the untimely death of D. Boon (singer/guitarist for the Minutemen). They put out some great albums. This live e.p. has several covers, including an awesome cover of the Superchunk classic "Slack Motherfucker." This song, however, is a Mike Watt original and sounds great! SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "Private Life"--The Pretenders, Pretenders (1979):
The debut album by the Pretenders is my favorite album of theirs. I prefer songs like "Precious" and "The Wait," which rock a bit harder. This song is a bit plodding for me, but Chrissie Hynde is awesome, and I think James Honeyman-Scott was as an excellent guitarist. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
4. "Wrong"--Archers of Loaf, Icky Mettle (1993):
The early 90s are representing very well on this particular shuffle. Archers of Loaf have had a bit of a revival in my collection as they recently remastered and re-released all of their albums on Merge Records. Eric Bachman's current band, Crooked Fingers, is also on heavy rotation in my household. As far as this song goes, it is absolutely one of my favorites from the band, not just from this album. So glad after this long hiatus from the blog to land some SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "The Breadman"--Superchunk, Tossing Seeds (Singles 89-91) (1991):
I could not have asked for a better shuffle for reviving the blog. Superchunk is my favorite band of all time, and I am thrilled to end the shuffle with this song. Though not technically a studio album, this compilation of singles is a strong introduction to the band's earliest material. Even though they are my favorite band, some songs are better than others. This one has to settle for SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Truly RANDOM February Shuffle
1. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)"--Beyonce, I Am . . . Sasha Fierce (2008):
What can I say? It's a solid pop song. I'm not devouring Byonce's albums, but I do dig some songs, including some Destiny's Child. As a fellow Houstonian, it is cool to see someone from my hometown represent. I suppose it is appropriate that she pops up first as she is just coming off of her big Super Bowl appearance. It's on the ipod, so I am claiming it with MILD SHAME.
2. "Wake Up"--Rage Against the Machine, S/T (1992):
Not exactly a song that follows Beyonce well, but definitely more up my alley. A nice recovery by the ipod here. I have all of their albums, but this first one holds up best for me. This song is recognizable for all you Matrix fans, as the film closes with this during the credits. I don't listen to a ton of lyrics, but I have always enjoyed the Rage's lyrics. The band always works a sweet groove as well. Absolutely SHUFFLE GOLD!!
3. "Lightning Bulb"--Dinosaur Jr., Beyond (2007):
One of Lou's songs off of this "reunion" album. While J. put out several albums under name, the original lineup of J., Lou, and Murph reunited in 2005, and have been going strong ever since. They have already remained together longer than they did in the early years. Since 2007, they have put out 3 albums, matching their early output as a band. All of this is a very brief history of one of my favorite bands. I love Lou's solo work as well as his other band Sebadoh. He usually gets 2 songs on each Dinosaur album (because it is really J.'s band). On this particular album, this one is the weaker of the two. Regardless, still SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
4. "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)"--Billy Joel, The Stranger (1977):
This shuffle is playing out as one of the most random, but still cranking out good tunes. I love this Billy Joel song. This album had 4 top 25 hits, with this song reaching as high as #17. I'm partial to his work prior to 1983. I saw him live once, and he is an incredible performer. He was easily one of the best songwriters of the 1970s. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "Little Babies"--Sleater-Kinney, Dig Me Out (1997):
Sleater-Kinney is a band that was strongest in the late 1990s, right after I had good access to live shows. I would have loved to have seen them live. This is the only album of theirs that I own. I've meant to pick up others, but this one seems to fill my Sleater-Kinney needs. 2/3 of the band (Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss) is now in Wild Flag (Merge Records), while Corin Tucker now works under the name The Corin Tucker band. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
What can I say? It's a solid pop song. I'm not devouring Byonce's albums, but I do dig some songs, including some Destiny's Child. As a fellow Houstonian, it is cool to see someone from my hometown represent. I suppose it is appropriate that she pops up first as she is just coming off of her big Super Bowl appearance. It's on the ipod, so I am claiming it with MILD SHAME.
2. "Wake Up"--Rage Against the Machine, S/T (1992):
Not exactly a song that follows Beyonce well, but definitely more up my alley. A nice recovery by the ipod here. I have all of their albums, but this first one holds up best for me. This song is recognizable for all you Matrix fans, as the film closes with this during the credits. I don't listen to a ton of lyrics, but I have always enjoyed the Rage's lyrics. The band always works a sweet groove as well. Absolutely SHUFFLE GOLD!!
3. "Lightning Bulb"--Dinosaur Jr., Beyond (2007):
One of Lou's songs off of this "reunion" album. While J. put out several albums under name, the original lineup of J., Lou, and Murph reunited in 2005, and have been going strong ever since. They have already remained together longer than they did in the early years. Since 2007, they have put out 3 albums, matching their early output as a band. All of this is a very brief history of one of my favorite bands. I love Lou's solo work as well as his other band Sebadoh. He usually gets 2 songs on each Dinosaur album (because it is really J.'s band). On this particular album, this one is the weaker of the two. Regardless, still SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
4. "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)"--Billy Joel, The Stranger (1977):
This shuffle is playing out as one of the most random, but still cranking out good tunes. I love this Billy Joel song. This album had 4 top 25 hits, with this song reaching as high as #17. I'm partial to his work prior to 1983. I saw him live once, and he is an incredible performer. He was easily one of the best songwriters of the 1970s. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "Little Babies"--Sleater-Kinney, Dig Me Out (1997):
Sleater-Kinney is a band that was strongest in the late 1990s, right after I had good access to live shows. I would have loved to have seen them live. This is the only album of theirs that I own. I've meant to pick up others, but this one seems to fill my Sleater-Kinney needs. 2/3 of the band (Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss) is now in Wild Flag (Merge Records), while Corin Tucker now works under the name The Corin Tucker band. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Looks Like My College Radio Playlist (3 Golds!)
1. "I Just Want to See His Face"--The Rolling Stones, Exile on Main Street (1972):
I know that I should know this album better, but only know a few songs. This is not one of the songs that I know. It is a bluesy jam with a gospel vibe and definitely not my style. MEH.
2. "Out of Your Life"--Bob Mould, Black Sheets of Rain (1990):
One of the strongest songs off of Bob's second solo album. I was fully on the Bob bandwagon by the time this album came out. After a more acoustic first solo album (after the Husker Du) breakup, this album was a return to the electric rock. Bob just released Silver Age on Merge Records this past year, his strongest solo album in a long time. He will be on PBS's Austin City Limits later this month playing solo, Husker Du, and Sugar material. He is one of my all time favorite songwriters, and this song is definitely SHUFFLE GOLD!!
3. "The Big Parade"--10,000 Maniacs, Blind Man's Zoo (1989):
Like most of their early fans, I came on board with 10,000 Maniacs in 1987 with their album In My Tribe. However, I did not see them live until they toured for this album. I remember Natalie Merchant mesmerizing the crowd with her stage presence and dancing. The band did not have much presence, so she was really the show. This song is good but not one of my favorite tracks. The band was never the same when she left. I had pretty much lost interest about the time she moved on. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
4. "Sexy Mexican Maid"--Red Hot Chili Peppers (1989) Mother's Milk:
This shuffle is shaping up into one of my playlists when I was a DJ for my college radio station. I played at least 2 RHCPs songs on every show. Since they had not really broken into radio airplay, they were standards on college radio. This song was on heavy rotation as were several songs off of this album. This album was their first with John Frusciante on guitar, after the death of original guitarist Hillel Slovak. Recently, I have tried to remain a fan but am not terribly interested in the newer material. Whenever I hear their newer stuff, I just want to go back and listen to this album and the Uplift Mofo Party Plan. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "Fire"--The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Are You Experienced? (1967):
Amazing way to end this week's shuffle. Coincidentally, the RHCPs do a great cover of this song on Mother's Milk, which also got a lot of play from my college radio DJ days. If not my favorite Jimi Hendrix song, it is one of my top 3. One of the singles off of this amazing debut album and another SHUFFLE GOLD!!
I know that I should know this album better, but only know a few songs. This is not one of the songs that I know. It is a bluesy jam with a gospel vibe and definitely not my style. MEH.
2. "Out of Your Life"--Bob Mould, Black Sheets of Rain (1990):
One of the strongest songs off of Bob's second solo album. I was fully on the Bob bandwagon by the time this album came out. After a more acoustic first solo album (after the Husker Du) breakup, this album was a return to the electric rock. Bob just released Silver Age on Merge Records this past year, his strongest solo album in a long time. He will be on PBS's Austin City Limits later this month playing solo, Husker Du, and Sugar material. He is one of my all time favorite songwriters, and this song is definitely SHUFFLE GOLD!!
3. "The Big Parade"--10,000 Maniacs, Blind Man's Zoo (1989):
Like most of their early fans, I came on board with 10,000 Maniacs in 1987 with their album In My Tribe. However, I did not see them live until they toured for this album. I remember Natalie Merchant mesmerizing the crowd with her stage presence and dancing. The band did not have much presence, so she was really the show. This song is good but not one of my favorite tracks. The band was never the same when she left. I had pretty much lost interest about the time she moved on. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
4. "Sexy Mexican Maid"--Red Hot Chili Peppers (1989) Mother's Milk:
This shuffle is shaping up into one of my playlists when I was a DJ for my college radio station. I played at least 2 RHCPs songs on every show. Since they had not really broken into radio airplay, they were standards on college radio. This song was on heavy rotation as were several songs off of this album. This album was their first with John Frusciante on guitar, after the death of original guitarist Hillel Slovak. Recently, I have tried to remain a fan but am not terribly interested in the newer material. Whenever I hear their newer stuff, I just want to go back and listen to this album and the Uplift Mofo Party Plan. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "Fire"--The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Are You Experienced? (1967):
Amazing way to end this week's shuffle. Coincidentally, the RHCPs do a great cover of this song on Mother's Milk, which also got a lot of play from my college radio DJ days. If not my favorite Jimi Hendrix song, it is one of my top 3. One of the singles off of this amazing debut album and another SHUFFLE GOLD!!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Welcome to 2013!
1. "Motorist"--Jawbox, For Your Own Special Sweetheart (1994):
Jawbox is one of my all-time favorite bands. I saw them live multiple times in the 90s and love their music. J. Robbins, the lead singer/guitarist, is now leading Office of Future Plans, who put out a great debut album in 2011 on Dischord Records. I discovered Jawbox through Dischord and came on board with their second full-length album. This album is considered one of their better albums and was their first major label release. This song was inspired by the novel Crash, by J.G. Ballard. A great way to kick off 2013 and my return to the blog with SHUFFLE GOLD!!
2. "Predictable"--Avail, Satiate (1992):
My good friend Todd loved Avail and still loves them more than anyone I know. This song is off of their first album. It is not a real raging song but solid for sure. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "Stray Heart"--Green Day, Dos! (2012):
The second part of the most recent trilogy from Green Day, I am still in the process of digesting this album. But, let's be honest, Green Day is not really breaking new ground. They do their thing, and I dig it. I am more history with their older stuff and think of their newer stuff, it will be awhile before they match what they did with American Idiot, but SHUFFLE GOODNESS for sure.
4. "Plumbline"--Archers of Loaf, Seconds Before the Accident (live) (2000):
All of Archers of Loaf's catalog was just re-mastered and re-released by Merge Records last year. They were all packaged with bonus discs and are excellent. The one exception is this album. This was their last release, a live album recorded in 1998 at Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill, NC. This song is one of my favorite Archers song, though this live version is a bit slower than the studio version. Either way, definitely SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "Bodhisattva"--Steely Dan, A Decade of Steely Dan (1986):
Steely Dan was always a radio band for me that I knew but did not pay much attention to. However, while in college, a friend of mine shared this album with me, a greatest hits collection that brought me a greater appreciation of the Dan. I find this album to be great driving music. I definitely do not get all of the musical intricacies of the Dan's nerd rock, but I dig it. That being said, this song is not one of my favorites but is still absolutely SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
Jawbox is one of my all-time favorite bands. I saw them live multiple times in the 90s and love their music. J. Robbins, the lead singer/guitarist, is now leading Office of Future Plans, who put out a great debut album in 2011 on Dischord Records. I discovered Jawbox through Dischord and came on board with their second full-length album. This album is considered one of their better albums and was their first major label release. This song was inspired by the novel Crash, by J.G. Ballard. A great way to kick off 2013 and my return to the blog with SHUFFLE GOLD!!
2. "Predictable"--Avail, Satiate (1992):
My good friend Todd loved Avail and still loves them more than anyone I know. This song is off of their first album. It is not a real raging song but solid for sure. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "Stray Heart"--Green Day, Dos! (2012):
The second part of the most recent trilogy from Green Day, I am still in the process of digesting this album. But, let's be honest, Green Day is not really breaking new ground. They do their thing, and I dig it. I am more history with their older stuff and think of their newer stuff, it will be awhile before they match what they did with American Idiot, but SHUFFLE GOODNESS for sure.
4. "Plumbline"--Archers of Loaf, Seconds Before the Accident (live) (2000):
All of Archers of Loaf's catalog was just re-mastered and re-released by Merge Records last year. They were all packaged with bonus discs and are excellent. The one exception is this album. This was their last release, a live album recorded in 1998 at Cat's Cradle in Chapel Hill, NC. This song is one of my favorite Archers song, though this live version is a bit slower than the studio version. Either way, definitely SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "Bodhisattva"--Steely Dan, A Decade of Steely Dan (1986):
Steely Dan was always a radio band for me that I knew but did not pay much attention to. However, while in college, a friend of mine shared this album with me, a greatest hits collection that brought me a greater appreciation of the Dan. I find this album to be great driving music. I definitely do not get all of the musical intricacies of the Dan's nerd rock, but I dig it. That being said, this song is not one of my favorites but is still absolutely SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
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