1. "Casanova"--Knapsack, Silver Sweepstakes (1995):
Knapsack was a solid, mid-90s, pop punk band that was on Alias Records. Their songs tend to run together. However, their formula works for me. This song sounds like the rest, which is not a bad thing. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
2. "Night Creatures"--Superchunk, Tossing Seeds (Singles, 89-91) (1991):
In case I have not made it clear before, Superchunk is my all-time favorite band. This song is a cover of an 80s punk band, the Flys. I have never heard the original. This singles compilation is a good mix of Superchunk's early songs plus four covers. I love Superchunk, but this song is just SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "Broken Face"--Pixies, Surfer Rosa (1988):
I love this song. I came on board with the Pixies with Doolittle but quickly caught up with Surfer Rosa and the Come On Pilgrim ep. This album was produced by Steve Albini, and pretty much any song off of it would be SHUFFLE GOLD!!
4. "Don't Talk to Strangers"--Rick Springfield, Rick Springfield: Greatest Hits (1989):
Dammit, Mark! (my "friend" who I hold responsible for me owning this song) This song is ruining a perfectly good shuffle. 80s cheese "to the max." I have to admit that I owned Working Class Dog on vinyl as a kid, but it is shameful that this song is on my ipod. As catchy as it may be, it is completely inexcusable for this song to follow the Pixies in a shuffle. SHUFFLE KILLER.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Week of September 24, 2012
1. "Delirious"--Prince, 1999 (1982):
As a teenager who gravitated mostly toward hard rock, I could not deny the power of Prince when this album came out. I was fascinated by him. I eventually saw him live, and he is an amazing live performer. Not as big as the big singles on this album but still a great song. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
2. "Blank Expression"--Samiam, Samiam (1990):
A pop punk band that was peers with the likes of Green Day, NOFX, et. al., these guys never broke very big. I love this album. It was their debut record and is solid all the way through. A good song but not one of the best from the album. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "Chem Trails"--No Age, Everything in Between (2010):
A relatively recent find for me. I discovered them via Bob Mould. He is a big fan and speaks of them in a lot of his interviews. He played with them live a few times and always champions their music. They are a two-piece. I only own this album and find it to be hit or miss. This song is one of the better ones. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
4. Rend It-- Fugazi, Fugazi Live Series, Volume 9: Detroit, Michigan, 9-4-93:
I have been on a Fugazi bender the last week, so this song hits the shuffle at the perfect time. I just re-watched Instrument (for the 5th or 6th time??), the documentary on the band that I had on VHS and recently purchased on DVD. Still one of the best bands that I have ever seen live. These live albums capture them well. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "The Back of Love"--Echo & the Bunnymen, Killing Moon: The Best of Echo & the Bunnymen (2007):
I picked up this awesome, 2-disc set last year in a used bin. I was never a big enough fan to own any of their albums, but this best of was a perfect find for me. This song is a good example of one that I wish I had heard originally. It may have made me a bigger fan. Great song and SHUFFLE GOLD!!
As a teenager who gravitated mostly toward hard rock, I could not deny the power of Prince when this album came out. I was fascinated by him. I eventually saw him live, and he is an amazing live performer. Not as big as the big singles on this album but still a great song. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
2. "Blank Expression"--Samiam, Samiam (1990):
A pop punk band that was peers with the likes of Green Day, NOFX, et. al., these guys never broke very big. I love this album. It was their debut record and is solid all the way through. A good song but not one of the best from the album. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "Chem Trails"--No Age, Everything in Between (2010):
A relatively recent find for me. I discovered them via Bob Mould. He is a big fan and speaks of them in a lot of his interviews. He played with them live a few times and always champions their music. They are a two-piece. I only own this album and find it to be hit or miss. This song is one of the better ones. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
4. Rend It-- Fugazi, Fugazi Live Series, Volume 9: Detroit, Michigan, 9-4-93:
I have been on a Fugazi bender the last week, so this song hits the shuffle at the perfect time. I just re-watched Instrument (for the 5th or 6th time??), the documentary on the band that I had on VHS and recently purchased on DVD. Still one of the best bands that I have ever seen live. These live albums capture them well. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "The Back of Love"--Echo & the Bunnymen, Killing Moon: The Best of Echo & the Bunnymen (2007):
I picked up this awesome, 2-disc set last year in a used bin. I was never a big enough fan to own any of their albums, but this best of was a perfect find for me. This song is a good example of one that I wish I had heard originally. It may have made me a bigger fan. Great song and SHUFFLE GOLD!!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Week of September 17, 2012
1. "Storm Front"--Billy Joel, Storm Front (1989):
I was pretty much done with Billy Joel by this point. I saw him live for The Bridge tour, and he was great. This album had the "We Didn't Start the Fire" single, which was decent but not nearly as strong as early Joel stuff. This song is not so good but provides no shame. MEH.
2. "Minority"--Green Day, Warning (2000):
From Billy Joel to Billy Joe. I am a fan of Green Day. I saw them many times in small venues before they became megastars. They have a series of new albums coming out in the next few months, and I am looking forward to them. I do not know this album as well as their others, but this is one of the better songs off of this album. Definitely SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "The House Wins"--OK Go, Oh No (2005):
Just an okay song off of a great album. These guys always make great videos (though there is not one for this song--not one of the singles) and had several songs off of this album that were strong. Though not as awesome as other songs on this album, it is still a pretty solid tune. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
4. "Unchained"--Van Halen, Fair Warning (1981):
I may have to shut the shuffle down for this week after this song. My Van Halen fanaticism is no secret, and this song is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE VH song of all time. When I saw them live for the first time--my first concert ever--they opened with this song. When I got my first tape deck for my car, this was the first song played as loud as possible. There is not much else to say. I know that my rules are to only kill the shuffle with a "shuffle shame," but this song is a rule changer. Nothing can follow this song this week. The ultimate SHUFFLE GOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was pretty much done with Billy Joel by this point. I saw him live for The Bridge tour, and he was great. This album had the "We Didn't Start the Fire" single, which was decent but not nearly as strong as early Joel stuff. This song is not so good but provides no shame. MEH.
2. "Minority"--Green Day, Warning (2000):
From Billy Joel to Billy Joe. I am a fan of Green Day. I saw them many times in small venues before they became megastars. They have a series of new albums coming out in the next few months, and I am looking forward to them. I do not know this album as well as their others, but this is one of the better songs off of this album. Definitely SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
3. "The House Wins"--OK Go, Oh No (2005):
Just an okay song off of a great album. These guys always make great videos (though there is not one for this song--not one of the singles) and had several songs off of this album that were strong. Though not as awesome as other songs on this album, it is still a pretty solid tune. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
4. "Unchained"--Van Halen, Fair Warning (1981):
I may have to shut the shuffle down for this week after this song. My Van Halen fanaticism is no secret, and this song is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE VH song of all time. When I saw them live for the first time--my first concert ever--they opened with this song. When I got my first tape deck for my car, this was the first song played as loud as possible. There is not much else to say. I know that my rules are to only kill the shuffle with a "shuffle shame," but this song is a rule changer. Nothing can follow this song this week. The ultimate SHUFFLE GOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Week of September 10, 2012
1. "Return to Dust"--Bob Mould, District Line (2008):
Perfect start to this week's shuffle. Bob Mould released his first solo album in three years last week. It is called Silver Age, and I highly recommend it to any Husker Du or Sugar fans. It is very reminiscent of Sugar's Copper Blue. As for this particular song, it is one of the best songs on this 2008 release. The album itself does not hold together as well for me from start to finish, but this song is a great track. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
2. "Conduit for Sale"--Pavement, Slanted and Enchanted (1992):
I never got Pavement. Most people who like the music I like, really love Pavement, but it never clicked for me. Ultimately, I guess I need a little more melody or a little more of a pop sensibility. I cannot quite put my finger on what does not click for me. MEH.
3. "Slick"--Sugar, Copper Blue (1992):
Weird stuff happening on the shuffle! Mention this album in number 1 and BOOM, a song comes up. Plus, there is a crazy 1992 vibe going here. This album is one of my all-time, deserted island, top 5 albums. It is excellent from start to finish. This song is a "deep cut" but still SHUFFLE GOLD!!
Skip: Yo Yo Ma came up playing Bach's "Cello Suite #1 In G, BWV 1007 - 6. Gigue." It is excellent, but the classical music does not really fit the spirit of the blog here.
4. "Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby"--The Rolling Stones, Forty Licks (Disc 1) (2002):
An earlier Stones song on this amazing compilation/greatest hits set. I don't know this song very well, but it is solid 60s era Stones. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
5. "Cool Places"--Sparks & Jane Wiedlin, Valley Girl Soundtrack 2 (1994?):
An awesome movie with a pretty solid soundtrack. This second soundtrack was Rhino Records trying to cash in with more obscure songs. This song was not on the original soundtrack for a reason. MILD SHAME.
Perfect start to this week's shuffle. Bob Mould released his first solo album in three years last week. It is called Silver Age, and I highly recommend it to any Husker Du or Sugar fans. It is very reminiscent of Sugar's Copper Blue. As for this particular song, it is one of the best songs on this 2008 release. The album itself does not hold together as well for me from start to finish, but this song is a great track. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
2. "Conduit for Sale"--Pavement, Slanted and Enchanted (1992):
I never got Pavement. Most people who like the music I like, really love Pavement, but it never clicked for me. Ultimately, I guess I need a little more melody or a little more of a pop sensibility. I cannot quite put my finger on what does not click for me. MEH.
3. "Slick"--Sugar, Copper Blue (1992):
Weird stuff happening on the shuffle! Mention this album in number 1 and BOOM, a song comes up. Plus, there is a crazy 1992 vibe going here. This album is one of my all-time, deserted island, top 5 albums. It is excellent from start to finish. This song is a "deep cut" but still SHUFFLE GOLD!!
Skip: Yo Yo Ma came up playing Bach's "Cello Suite #1 In G, BWV 1007 - 6. Gigue." It is excellent, but the classical music does not really fit the spirit of the blog here.
4. "Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby"--The Rolling Stones, Forty Licks (Disc 1) (2002):
An earlier Stones song on this amazing compilation/greatest hits set. I don't know this song very well, but it is solid 60s era Stones. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
5. "Cool Places"--Sparks & Jane Wiedlin, Valley Girl Soundtrack 2 (1994?):
An awesome movie with a pretty solid soundtrack. This second soundtrack was Rhino Records trying to cash in with more obscure songs. This song was not on the original soundtrack for a reason. MILD SHAME.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Week of September 3, 2012
1. "Anyway"--The Lemonheads, Lick (1989):
Lick was the first Lemonheads album that I ever heard. When I was in college, I DJ'ed at the radio station and played their music there. This song is a solid track on the album, but I do not think it is one of Evan Dando's songs. I believe the singer of this song, Ben Deily, left after this album. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
2. "Punchdrunk Lovesick Singalong"--Radiohead, My Iron Lung (1994):
This EP was released before The Bends, which is my favorite Radiohead album. I do not know this song at all. I can see how it might be a bridge into that next album but it is not fully realized for me. MEH.
3. "Communion"--Boy Wonder, Your Progress Our Destruction (1994):
I think this is the first DotZit Records release to make it on the blog. My two good friends, Todd and Rob, started this label to put out some Texas punk rock. This album was a 12 inch split vinyl between Boy Wonder and another Texas band called Gut. Boy Wonder was great live. I am still in touch with Jud, the singer/guitarist of this three piece. They played maybe a year or two after this split album came out, and it was great while it lasted. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
4. "East Harlem"--Beirut, The Rip Tide (2011):
My good friend Chase hooked me up with this band. They are an indie band from Santa Fe, NM and seem to have gotten a lot of attention in the indie music world when this album came out. I honestly have not given it enough listens to judge. In general, it may be background music for me. For now, until I can get some more listens, MEH.
5. "Rock With You"--Michael Jackson, Off The Wall (1979):
I owned this album on 8-track tape when I was a kid. I believe I still have it somewhere. I loved this album, which was before the MJ explosion (and weirdness) that happened after Thriller. I will always love the songs off of this album. It was a big part of my early, eclectic music collection and sat in my giant 8-track tape carrying case along with AC/DC, Kenny Rogers, and Pink Floyd. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
Lick was the first Lemonheads album that I ever heard. When I was in college, I DJ'ed at the radio station and played their music there. This song is a solid track on the album, but I do not think it is one of Evan Dando's songs. I believe the singer of this song, Ben Deily, left after this album. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
2. "Punchdrunk Lovesick Singalong"--Radiohead, My Iron Lung (1994):
This EP was released before The Bends, which is my favorite Radiohead album. I do not know this song at all. I can see how it might be a bridge into that next album but it is not fully realized for me. MEH.
3. "Communion"--Boy Wonder, Your Progress Our Destruction (1994):
I think this is the first DotZit Records release to make it on the blog. My two good friends, Todd and Rob, started this label to put out some Texas punk rock. This album was a 12 inch split vinyl between Boy Wonder and another Texas band called Gut. Boy Wonder was great live. I am still in touch with Jud, the singer/guitarist of this three piece. They played maybe a year or two after this split album came out, and it was great while it lasted. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
4. "East Harlem"--Beirut, The Rip Tide (2011):
My good friend Chase hooked me up with this band. They are an indie band from Santa Fe, NM and seem to have gotten a lot of attention in the indie music world when this album came out. I honestly have not given it enough listens to judge. In general, it may be background music for me. For now, until I can get some more listens, MEH.
5. "Rock With You"--Michael Jackson, Off The Wall (1979):
I owned this album on 8-track tape when I was a kid. I believe I still have it somewhere. I loved this album, which was before the MJ explosion (and weirdness) that happened after Thriller. I will always love the songs off of this album. It was a big part of my early, eclectic music collection and sat in my giant 8-track tape carrying case along with AC/DC, Kenny Rogers, and Pink Floyd. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Week of August 27, 2012: Back from Summer Break
1. "Right in Two"--Tool, 10,000 Days (2006):
I am not sure why I have this whole Tool album on my ipod. It is a good example of how I tend to pick up whole albums instead of just singles. Actually, this is one of their later albums and does not even contain the one song by Tool that I love, which is "Sober." I appreciate their talent and their love of Bill Hicks. However, I have never had the patience for their long, brooding songs that have intermittent bursts of rock. MEH.
2. "Oh, Darling!"--The Beatles, Abbey Road (1969):
I am fairly open about my ambivalence towards the Beatles. They are, of course, amazing. However, I consider their music to be from the generation before me. I understand that without them, most of the music I love would not exist. I own all of their music because I should. But, ultimately, the Beatles do little for me. They are a radio band for me. A good song from a great album, but for me, MEH.
3. "Bury Me"--Dwight Yoakam, dwightyoakamacoustic.net (2000):
I like Dwight Yoakam as a rule but do not know this album or song too well. Not doing a lot for me right now. MEH.
4. "My Drug Buddy"--The Lemonheads, It's A Shame About Ray (1992):
I was a Lemonheads fan before this album came out. I thought that they were broken up and done, and then this album came out. With the help of a cover of "Mrs. Robinson" that was not on the original pressing of this album, the Lemonheads started getting major attention. This song features Juliana Hatfield's background vocals. I still listen to this album often. It is solid from start to finish and pure SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "Rock Me Tonite"--Billy Squier, Absolute Hits (2005):
Billy Squier always takes me back to jr. high. This song came out later and suffers from the infamous video in which Billy prances around among pastel sheets and scarves. At least that's how I remember it. Not really a rockin' video, but I still dig the song. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
I am not sure why I have this whole Tool album on my ipod. It is a good example of how I tend to pick up whole albums instead of just singles. Actually, this is one of their later albums and does not even contain the one song by Tool that I love, which is "Sober." I appreciate their talent and their love of Bill Hicks. However, I have never had the patience for their long, brooding songs that have intermittent bursts of rock. MEH.
2. "Oh, Darling!"--The Beatles, Abbey Road (1969):
I am fairly open about my ambivalence towards the Beatles. They are, of course, amazing. However, I consider their music to be from the generation before me. I understand that without them, most of the music I love would not exist. I own all of their music because I should. But, ultimately, the Beatles do little for me. They are a radio band for me. A good song from a great album, but for me, MEH.
3. "Bury Me"--Dwight Yoakam, dwightyoakamacoustic.net (2000):
I like Dwight Yoakam as a rule but do not know this album or song too well. Not doing a lot for me right now. MEH.
4. "My Drug Buddy"--The Lemonheads, It's A Shame About Ray (1992):
I was a Lemonheads fan before this album came out. I thought that they were broken up and done, and then this album came out. With the help of a cover of "Mrs. Robinson" that was not on the original pressing of this album, the Lemonheads started getting major attention. This song features Juliana Hatfield's background vocals. I still listen to this album often. It is solid from start to finish and pure SHUFFLE GOLD!!
5. "Rock Me Tonite"--Billy Squier, Absolute Hits (2005):
Billy Squier always takes me back to jr. high. This song came out later and suffers from the infamous video in which Billy prances around among pastel sheets and scarves. At least that's how I remember it. Not really a rockin' video, but I still dig the song. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Week of June 4, 2012
1. "I Touch Roses"--Book of Love, Book of Love:
Woof. This song is a tough one. It is not my bag for sure, but I did kind of dig it when I was in high school--kind of a closet, guilty pleasure. I'm no Dance Randy, but I do have this song on my ipod on purpose. I'm going to own it but with MILD SHAME.
2. "House of Pain"--Van Halen, Dressed to Kill (Live Bootleg):
Even though this song did not show up on an album until 1984, it is one of Van Halen's oldest songs, as evidenced by its appearance on this 1977 live bootleg. A lot of the songs on this bootleg recording sound like crap, but this one sounds decent--it still has some sound quality issues but is better than a lot of the others. This version is definitely more raw than the studio version, in some ways it is much better with a little harder edge to it. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
3. "A Straighter Line"--Eleven Hundred Springs, Bandwagon:
Eleven Hundred Springs is a country band out of the Dallas area. They play the older style country, rather than the over-produced Nashville style. I have not listened to it enough to be a fan, but my friends back in TX say they are legit. NO SHAME.
4. "Rings On Her Fingers"--The Smithereens, 2011:
The Smithereens put out their first full-length studio album in since 1999 last year. It's solid Smithereens music with only 1 or 2 standouts. I really liked the Smithereens first two albums and kind of half followed them after the early 90s. NO SHAME.
5. "Quiet Night"--The Mother Truckers, Let's All Go To Bed:
For awhile, this was my friend Danny's favorite band in Austin. They play country/rock crossover stuff and are apparently incredible live. I have three of their albums but have not given them enough attention. Solid stuff and NO SHAME (Also, check out "Dynamite").
Woof. This song is a tough one. It is not my bag for sure, but I did kind of dig it when I was in high school--kind of a closet, guilty pleasure. I'm no Dance Randy, but I do have this song on my ipod on purpose. I'm going to own it but with MILD SHAME.
2. "House of Pain"--Van Halen, Dressed to Kill (Live Bootleg):
Even though this song did not show up on an album until 1984, it is one of Van Halen's oldest songs, as evidenced by its appearance on this 1977 live bootleg. A lot of the songs on this bootleg recording sound like crap, but this one sounds decent--it still has some sound quality issues but is better than a lot of the others. This version is definitely more raw than the studio version, in some ways it is much better with a little harder edge to it. SHUFFLE GOLD!!
3. "A Straighter Line"--Eleven Hundred Springs, Bandwagon:
Eleven Hundred Springs is a country band out of the Dallas area. They play the older style country, rather than the over-produced Nashville style. I have not listened to it enough to be a fan, but my friends back in TX say they are legit. NO SHAME.
4. "Rings On Her Fingers"--The Smithereens, 2011:
The Smithereens put out their first full-length studio album in since 1999 last year. It's solid Smithereens music with only 1 or 2 standouts. I really liked the Smithereens first two albums and kind of half followed them after the early 90s. NO SHAME.
5. "Quiet Night"--The Mother Truckers, Let's All Go To Bed:
For awhile, this was my friend Danny's favorite band in Austin. They play country/rock crossover stuff and are apparently incredible live. I have three of their albums but have not given them enough attention. Solid stuff and NO SHAME (Also, check out "Dynamite").
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