Staying Home for the Holidays

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.