Return After A 2-Year Hiatus

1.  “We Float” – PJ Harvey, Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea (2000):

This album is honestly probably the last album from PJ Harvey that I gave my full attention.  I started listening to her with her first two albums and was generally hooked. I just lost a little bit of momentum in the 2000s even though she has continued to put out great music.  Though not one of the album’s singles, this song represents the album and Harvey very well: “We float. Take Life as it comes.” SHUFFLE GOLD!

2. “Up For Breakfast” – Van Halen, The Best of Both Worlds (2004):

The Best of Both Worlds was Van Halen’s second greatest hits album.  Sammy Hagar came back on board to record three new songs that had not been released before. This song is one of those singles. As a hardcore VH fan, I was excited to get some new songs, but I was never in need of a greatest hits album.  I actually saw VH tour in 2004, presumably in support of this release.  EVH was in terrible shape, and it was the worst that I had ever seen them live, though I was excited that they were playing “Unchained” on that tour.  Maybe because it is a strange one-off song on a best-of album, but this tune is proof that, even for me, not all VH is shuffle gold, SHUFFLE GOODNESS.

3. “Sign of Love” – Aimee Mann, Ultimate Collection (2000):

I love Aimee Mann but truthfully do not know a ton of her music. I have this “best of” compilation to try and be better versed in her music but really only love a handful of her songs.  This song was originally released on the 1987 soundtrack for “Back to the Beach.” I did not see this seemingly terrible movie, but there is some great bands on its soundtrack, including Mann, Fishbone, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. As for Mann, most recently, I have loved her work with Ted Leo and their band Both.  I think she is a genius but just do not lock into all of her songs.  MEH.

4. “Arabella” – Arctic Monkeys, AM (2013):

Arctic Monkeys is one of the more popular bands that I have liked in the 2000s.  I believe I only have their debut album and this one from 2013. This song is one of my favorites off of this album. It has a bit of a slow burn with a killer chorus.  Great stuff and SHUFFLE GOLD!

5. “Caroline” – Jawbreaker, Etc. (2002):

Released a number of years after the band broke up, this album is a collection of b-sides and rarities from one of the Bay Area’s best. As someone who followed them in their heyday, I found it strange that they retroactively were labeled as an “emo” band.  They were always Bay Area punk for me. If you are not familiar, start with 24-hour Revenge Therapy and Bivouac.  Even as a b-side, “Caroline” is SHUFFLE GOLD!

Celebration of Malik Izaak Taylor, "Phife Dawg" (11/20/70 - 3/22/16)

To honor Phife Dawg, I am shuffling A Tribe Called Quest's The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders.  Consider all of the following SHUFFLE GOLD!!

1. "Scenario"--A Tribe Called Quest, The Low End Theory (1991):
I first heard A Tribe Called Quest as a college DJ.  I regularly played "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo" and "Bonita Applebum" from their first album, but this album blew things wide open for the group. This song is the third single off of this seminal A Tribe Called Quest album. Phife starts the first verse:
"Heyo, Bo knows this, (What?) and Bo knows that (What?)
But Bo don't know jack, cause Bo can't rap
Well what do you know, the Di-Dawg, is first up to bat
No batteries included, and no strings attached"

2. "Skypager"--A Tribe Called Quest, The Low End Theory (1991): 
Before cellphones, we had pagers.  This song is a deep cut on the album and provides an education on the uses of the "skypager." Phife's verse here focuses on the pager's use for booty calls. Like a lot of his rhymes, this one has a sports reference.
"If you get your high, then mine is next
The 'S' in skypage really stands for sex
Beeper's goin off like Don Trump gets checks
Keep my bases loaded like the New York Mets"

3.  "Steve Biko (Stir It Up)"--A Tribe Called Quest, Midnight Marauders (1993):
Well-established when this album came out, the first single "Award Tour" picked up where The Low End Theory left off, featuring Trugoy from De La Soul.  This song was a deeper cut but has one of Phife's more creative descriptions of himself:
"Hip hop scholar since being knee high to a duck
The height of Muggsy Bogues, complexion of a hockey puck
You better ask somebody on how we flip the script
Come to a Tribe show and watch the three kids rip"

4. "8 Million Stories"--A Tribe Called Quest, Midnight Marauders (1993): 
This song is particularly appropriate for this tribute to Phife as it mostly features him.  He strings several stories together through the first 2 verses, making it difficult to pull anything out of context. Keeping with the sports theme started above, here is a Knicks (John Starks) reference:
"Everybody knows I go to Georgia often
Got on the flight and I ended up in Boston
With all these trials and tribulations, yo, I've been affected
And to top it off, Starks got ejected"

5. "Jazz (We've Got)"--A Tribe Called Quest, The Low End Theory (1991):
The second single off of the album directly connects hip hop to jazz and demonstrates the signature sound of the group that has been so influential in the years since.  If you don't already have it, take Phife's advice and get this record:
"I sing, and chat, I do all of that
It's 1991 and I refuse to come wack
I take off my hat to other crews that tend to rock
But the Low End Theory's here, it's time to wreck shop
I got Tip and Shah, so whom shall I fear
Stop look and listen, but please don't stare
So jet to the store, and buy the LP
On Jive/RCA, cassettes and CD's"

Snow Day!

1.   “I’m Still in Love With You” – Al Green, Greatest Hits (1975):

My good friend Mark (see his blog here) is responsible for making sure that I have important R&B songs and artists. I love Al Green, but came to him so late in the game that the Greatest Hits are all that I know. If you don’t know Al Green, click the link and get started. SHUFFLE GOLD!

2. “Closedown” – The Cure, Disintegration (1988):

I have a much more personal relationship to The Cure, although I came to them a little late too.  I was too much of a rocker to appreciate The Cure until I got to college.  With the mainstream, I got on board with the Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me album and was fully versed by the time this album came out.  I saw Robert Smith and company live for the first time on this tour, and he blew me away with his guitar playing.  I was expecting a keyboard extravaganza, but got the full Robert Smith live experience with his many solos.  This is a great song and on a great album.  Quick pop culture note: at least one of the writers for the recent movie Ant Man is a fan, as they snuck the opening track of this album into the film in a funny, Siri phone moment.  SHUFFLE GOLD!

3. “Distance Comes in Droves” – Archers of Loaf, All The Nation’s Airports (1996):

Archers of Loaf is an indie band from North Carolina. They were originally on Alias Records, but recently (2012) re-released all of the albums on Merge Records.  Last year they released a live album from their brief tour supporting the re-release of their albums.  They were a great indie rock band. Lead singer Eric Bachmann continues as a great song writer through his solo work as well as his other project Crooked Fingers.  He is one of my favorite song writers. This song is not a favorite and not necessarily representative of my favorite song of the original “AOL.” SHUFFLE GOODNESS.

4. “Soulcraft”—Bad Brains, Quickness (1989):

An essential D.C. hardcore band, Bad Brains combined punk, metal, funk, and reggae.  This album was considered more “commercial” than some of their earlier, faster albums.  Although this album is supposedly more “commercial,” I recommend starting with their first album and this video of them playing CBGBs . Still, this song is SHUFFLE GOLD!

5. “Bombs Away” – Archers of Loaf, All The Nation’s Airports (1996):

The shuffle is a strange beast.  Not sure why we went back to this album so quickly. Strangely, this is the next song after “Distance Comes in Droves” above and is the last song on the album. It is certainly not indicative of a typical AOL song, as it is a piano instrumental, but an interesting way to end the album, and I suppose, this post. MEH.

Resurrecting the Blog

1. "I Don't Know" -- The Beastie Boys, Hello Nasty (1998):

As close to a ballad as you will get from the Beastie Boys, this song is definitely a deep cut on their fifth studio album. I love that I am bringing the blog back with this particular song since Adam Yauch sings it.  He was not featured enough when the blog honored him when he passed away. Miho Hatori from Cibo Matto adds a lot to the song with her backing vocals.SHUFFLE GOODNESS.

2. "Blood, Sex, and Booze" -- Green Day, Warning (2000):

The sixth studio album by Green Day came out while I was overseas so I missed any of its fanfare. I like the album, though, and this song is solid.  My favorite song off of the album is actually "Waiting," so this one will do as SHUFFLE GOODNESS.

3. "Good Morning Beautiful" -- The The, Mind Bomb (1989):

This album introduced me to The The and Matt Johnson.  This opening track struck  me as I was just beginning to pay attention to lyrics with social commentary.  This album is greatly under-rated, in my opinion. I was a college radio DJ at the time, and the album received a lot of attention in that world because Johnny Marr was joining the band.  Marr also toured with them, and I was able to attend the show in Austin.  Since I love telling this story, I cannot avoid name-dropping here.  I actually attended the show with a good friend from college and his childhood friend, Wes Anderson. Of course, this was before his career in film so I guess it does not count as a brush with fame.  This album is still my favorite from Matt Johnson, and I highly recommend it.  SHUFFLE GOLD! 

4. "Eyes on the Prize" -- M. Ward, Post-War (2006):

M. Ward is best known now for his work with Zooey Deschanel and She & Him.  While that is great work, his solo albums are much better for me.  Post-War is a great place to start with M. Ward's catalog. He has a very distinct guitar-playing style and voice.  SHUFFLE GOODNESS.

5. "Red Hood Came Home" -- Buke and Gase (formerly Buke and Gass), Riposte (2010):

I "discovered" Buke and Gase via NPR's Tiny Desk Concert Series.  These two folks make a huge sound with their voices and home-made instruments.  They both play hybrid instruments that Aron Sanchez makes. He plays the gass (guitar/bass).  She, Arone Dyer, plays the buke (a six-string former-baritone ukulele) and has a great voice.  Seeing them play live on NPR's video series had me sold.  They are definitely unique, but I highly recommend them. I would love to see them live but have not had the opportunity.  This album is their debut and a great place to start.  SHUFFLE GOLD!

Some British and Australians, but no Irish on this St. Patrick's Day Shuffle (maybe Doughty is Irish)

1. "Mr. Bitterness"--Soul Coughing, Ruby Vroom (1994):
I am a much bigger fan of Mike Doughty's solo work than I am of Soul Coughing. Based on the stories he tells in his memoir, I think he would be fine with that take. This album was their debut, and there are some good tunes on here. I like "Janine" best. To be honest, I don't remember this song at all, and it is not doing a lot for me at the moment. MEH.

2. "Tenderness"--General Public, Just Can't Get Enough: New Wave Hits of The 80s, Vol 14. (1995):
When I was actually living in the 80s, I was a hard rockin' teenager, so General Public was not in my wheelhouse. This compilation serves nostalgic purposes for guys like me who ultimately had to acknowledge that these were good songs. This song was one of the group's top 40 hits and was featured in a couple of John Hughes movies, so I ultimately gave in. I would not say that all the songs on these compilations are my bag, but I do dig this one. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.

3. "Glass"--Joy Division, Heart and Soul [Disc 3] (2001):
This box set is awesome! I will admit that I like the story of Joy Division better than I like most of their songs. The two movies (the documentary and biopic) that came out in 2007 really fed my fire, so my friend Rogelio hooked me up with this box set. The bass lines are always amazing, and this song is no exception. SHUFFLE GOODNESS.

4. "Return"--The Cure, Wild Mood Swings (1996):
From their 10th studio album, this song is pretty standard Robert Smith, pop goodness.  He worked in a lot of horns on this one. The album is considered one of the least well-received Cure albums, and I think that is with good reason. Most of the supporting players had left after Wish.  I love a lot of Cure albums but just do not know this one very well.  This song is upbeat but not one I would ever choose to listen to. MEH.

5. "Out that Door"--Hoodoo Gurus, Blow Your Cool! (1987):
The opening track on this Australian band's 3rd album is one of the strongest on the album.  I'm surprised it was not one of the singles.  The Hoodoo Gurus consistently had at least 3 standout tracks on each of their albums. I saw them live in 1991, and they were great!  They played the set they wanted to play and then just took requests from the audience for the last quarter of the show.  It was excellent!  If you do not know this band, this song is a great entry. SHUFFLE GOLD!!

Winter Olympics Special: 5 Golds!!

1. "Little Fern"--Portastatic, Score! 20 Years of Merge Records, Volume 13: Mindy Kaling (2009):
A quick reminder that Portastatic is the side project of Superchunk front-man and Merge co-founder Mac McCaughan. This song was originally released on the 2005 album Bright Ideas.  It appears here on the 2009, 20 year anniversary subscription box set from Merge Records on an album curated by actress, Mindy Kaling.  Bright Ideas is my favorite Portastatic album, and I actually got to see them live in Houston on this tour.  It was a nice live fix for me since Superchunk was on hiatus. It was a bittersweet night as the Astros were eliminated from their one and only world series appearance.  They did not play this song but it is still definitely SHUFFLE GOLD!!

2. "Revelations"--Superchunk, Foolish (1993):
A deep cut from this album that featured "Driveway to Driveway" and "The First Part."  Superchunk made their network television debut on Conan with "The First Part."  The album gets a lot of attention because it came out after Mac and Laura (bassist and other Merge co-founder) broke up as a couple.  Whatever the context, it is an excellent album and this song holds up as SHUFFLE GOLD!!

3. "Me, Myself, and I"--De La Soul, 3 Feet High and Rising (1989):
I had listened to a fair share of rap up to this point (Run D.M.C., Public Enemy, et al), but this album blew my doors off. It was a completely different approach with built-in inside jokes and a different type of consciousness. It led me to Tribe Called Quest, the Jungle Brothers, and other Native Tongue groups.  For me, there is not a better hip hop single than this song. Another SHUFFLE GOLD!!

4. "Living Loving Maid"--Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin II (1969):
"Don't tell me you've never gotten the Led out!!??" (--Dewey from School of Rock). As a hard rock kid, it was inevitable for me to go through a Zeppelin stage.  I had obviously heard them on the radio, but I remember in jr. high getting a hold of my step sister's records. She had Zoso (IV) on vinyl, and needless to say I was hooked.  I would never say I was a super fan, but I had time periods where I would have Zeppelin on heavy rotation.  They always resonated better with me than the Stones or the Beatles.   This was the second single off of this album and is most definitely worthy of SHUFFLE GOLD!!

5. "The Breadman"--Superchunk, Tossing Seeds (Singles 89-91) (1991):
I seriously did not rig this shuffle!! This album was Superchunk's first compilation. It was a later purchase for me as I tended to focus on buying the studio albums.  This song is a solid early single. It is not one of my all-time favorites but it clearly qualifies as classic Superchunk. History is made as all 5 rate as SHUFFLE GOLD!!

"Let's Start with Jr. High"

1. "Get it Hot"--AC/DC, Highway to Hell (1979):
A deep cut off of Bon Scott's final album before his death.  My step-brother was big into AC/DC, and I listened to a lot of radio, so the hits from this album were in my head at a young age.  A year later, when I was in 5th or 6th grade, I bought Back in Black on 8-track.  I did not listen to much AC/DC after that album because I realized over time that I much preferred the Bon Scott era.  This song is not as strong as the album's singles but solid nonetheless and definitely SHUFFLE GOODNESS.

2. "All Night Long"--Billy Squier, Signs of Life (1984) :
I am always amazed at how the shuffle somehow locks into a particular time period. Apparently, this part of the shuffle is focusing on my jr. high days.  Billy Squier was a solid radio guy for me, and I purchased Emotions in Motion on cassette in 8th grade.  This single came a bit later. I never bought this album but picked up the single in a nostalgic fit at some point recently.  I do dig this song but would not consider it gold for Squier, just solid SHUFFLE GOODNESS.

3.  "If It Wasn't For Me"--Roger Wallace, It's About Time (2007):
 We just took a turn to the old style country of Roger Wallace, an Austin musician who is keeping the old sound alive.   Similar in some ways to Dale Watson, Wallace has some great music.  I prefer his album The Lowdown. This album is his most recent; he seems to be more focused on playing live and touring than recording here lately.  This song is a pretty good taste of his sound and is definitely SHUFFLE GOODNESS.

4. "Rainy Streets"--Superchunk, Here's to Shutting Up (2001):
As I have made abundantly clear in the past, I have no objectivity when it comes to Superchunk.  I will admit that this song is not necessarily one of my all-time favorites, but it is an excellent song and definitely one of my favorites off of this particular album.  Technically, the version that popped up is from Clambake Series, Volume 1: Acoustic In-Stores East and West, which is exactly as the title suggests--stripped down versions of the songs as they play them in record stores.  I do prefer the studio version, but this song does lend itself to the acoustic set well. SHUFFLE GOLD!!

5. "Little Golden Age"--Wolf Parade, Expo 86 (2010):
Wolf Parade is new for me, even though they are broken up at this point. This album appears to be their last studio release. I was drawn to them because lead singer Dan Boeckner is the co-songwriter for Divine Fits with Britt Daniel from Spoon.  Wolf Parade clearly carries a lot of his sound that I have heard in Divine Fits. I have not listened to them much and am still processing this album, but this song is solid SHUFFLE GOODNESS.