A RopBop Christmas

Earlier today I had the idea of making posts for the next 5 day until Christmas. I had all the music picked and some blurbs written about the songs. However as I got more an more into it there were just so many songs I wanted to pick. So I decided to just make it a mix and call it my Christmas gift to you. I tried to keep interesting with some classics, some lesser known stuff and some favorites of mine. I am trying something new with the mixes. Instead of posting each individual track I am putting it into a .zip file. so you need to have something that can unzip it. Sort of like taking off a coat. If you have problems or can't unzip it but really want the mix let me know and I'll figure something out. I hope everyone has a safe and rockin' holiday. Merry Christmas and God bless!

A Rop Bop Christmas Mix 2009

01.Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters - White Christmas
02.Louis Armstrong - Cool Yule
03.The Ronnettes - Frosty The Snowman
04.The Blenders - You Trimmed My Christmas Tree
05.Beach Boys - Little Saint Nick
06.Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
07.The Flat Duo Jets - It's Christmas Time (Hey We're Gonna Rock)
08.Billy Childish & The Musicians Of The British Empire - Dear Santa Claus
09.Fleshtones - Run, Rudolph, Run!
10.The Dollyrots - Santa Baby
11.Benji Cossa - Silver Bells
12.Bruce Springsteen - Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
13.The Raveonettes - The Christmas Song
14.The Be Good Tanyas - Rudy
15.Al Green - Silent Night
16.Wynton Marsalis - Twas The Night Before Christmas
17.Phantasmic feat. Tess Wiley & Her Orchestra- -Come On Ring Those Bells
18.Eels - Everythings Going To Be Cool This Christmas
19.Death Cab For Cutie - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
20.Five Iron Frenzy - You Gotta Get Up It's Christmas Morning
21.Queen - Thanks God It's Christmas
22.New Kids On The Block - Funky Funky Xmas
23.Martin Sexton - Holly Jolly Christmas
24.Gary Hoey - Joy To the World

Click Here To Download: A Rop Bop Christmas 2009

Dance like a fool, Cry like a man, Rock out like a creep

"Pssst...we can see your balls."
I consider myself pretty open minded when it comes to music. Sure I listen to a lot of indie rock and folk but I am also a big fan of anything that makes me want to dance like a fool. The 70's dance meets 90's electro beat of Ten Strikes by O'Spada make me want to break out the roller skates and mirrored ball. The soulful and sassy chick vocals will make you want to break out your inner diva. What would be the male version of diva? A devo? That seems fitting. Clear some space before you listen to this song, cause you'll be a movin'.
Recommended Additional Track: Time(35bag Remix)
O'Spada - Ten Strikes(Radio Edit)

The fingers move across every number, letter, and symbol again and again. Some in the form of communication. Others nonsensical and profane, but instead used as a release. There is no hate in my voice and the blood in these veins do not boil. A tick white fog of confusion that this knife can't cut through. Coughing up questions, spill onto the ground in disarray. Sift though the mess, hoping to find clarity. All the signs are beginning to point one way. Next exit, stage left even. This road is to blinding. Minds are weary and hope is fading. So I'm sleeping in this town, you know the name, look up the number. Then a song. Recommended Additional Track: You Ain't Goin' Nowhere (Bob Dylan cover)
Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová - When Your Minds Made Up

This is one I have been sitting on for a while. I actually believe I posted a video of the Local Natives some time ago, perhaps in a cover post. I remember the video being of them preforming live and there was a guy playing a tree. I'm sure you can find it on Youtube. I'd look for a link but I am lazy. Besides where is the thrill of the hunt if you are fed from the hand. From that video and this song you should be able to come to the conclusion that this band knows how to use their percussion. I love the subtle ticka-ticka-ticka-ticka-tick in this song. If it weren't for the awesome vocal harmony I would say it is what makes the song. Recommended Additional Track: Stranger Things
Local Natives - Airplanes

This song is hardcore, and I don't mean in the chugging guitars and screaming vocals way, in fact it's quite the opposite. The type of hardcore I am talking about is telling it like it is with brutal honesty. This is probably one of the happiest, and fun to sing along with, tales of adultery you might have ever heard. On a side not if you have never heard the funky ska driven antics of Fishbone I would suggest checking them out. Recommended Additional Track: Party At Ground Zero
Fishbone - Lyin' Ass Bitch

The other night I decided to take a break from my internet addiction and move from one box to the other box. Yes, I took some time to chill and watch some TV, actually it was On Demand (my other addiction) and I ended up on the music channel. I have long been out of touch with the music video scene. Once VH1 and MTV became the inverse of what it originally stood for I gave up. I bypassed the music videos and I found a little nugget of goodness called ConcerTV. ConcerTV is exactly that, bands preforming live. Most of the segments are 20 minutes to an hour but it's a lot of fun to see a band preform live from the comfort of your living room. Truth be told I'd rather be there, but it's not a good idea to show up to a concert in only boxer shorts toting a pint of ice cream at 3AM. In addition to the more popular acts (U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, ZZ Top)there is a plethora of underground acts as well. The first band I chose to watch is a punk band called The Dwarves. Back when I was in my punk phase this band was the subject of much discussion between my best friend and I. They definitely have that fuck you punk rock attitude but also a very raunchy and immature side. Sort of like a room of 15 year old boys. Most of their albums would not be able to be sold in stores due to their offensive album covers. Although most of the songs are downright dirty, their music is raw and fun. This is one of the more mild songs that always makes me laugh. I thought it would be a good song to follow a song promoting monogamy. Note: The pic above is guitarist for The Dwarves, HeWhoCannotBeNamed. If your wondering if he always only wears that revealing outfit the answer is yes. "Ewww, you're creepy." Recommended Additional Song: How It's Done
The Dwarves - Everybodies Girl

Now lets get serious. Recommended Additional Track: Return Of The B-Boy
Mr. Lif - What About Us?

Theme: None

"Word up, G!"
This song by the Forecast was on the radio for about two seconds, which I don't even think is enough time to even call it a one hit wonder, which is a shame. This song is what makes listening to the radio good. It's catchy, it's easy to learn, and it is clean and crisp. The band definitely falls into that emo sub genre with a sound similar to fellow band such as The Get Up Kids and Braid. They also make great use of two and three part male/female harmonies. The Forecast might have been a little to emo sounding for the masses, but I'll take these Peoria, Illinois rockers over a Nickelback (puke) song any day of the week. The albums In the Shadow of Two Gunmen and Late Night Conversations are great sounding and should be given a chance for any fan of emo music.
The Forecast - And We All Return To Our Roots

Herman Dune is not a single guy. Actually the band started out as a trio back in 1991 with Siblings André and David-Ivar Herman Düne(guitars and vocals) and original drummer Omé, now replaced by Néman Herman Düne (drums and sometimes backing vocals). The band has since become a duo as André had left the band and gone to do solo work under the name of Stanley Brinks. The bands sound has been described as anti-folk. However if I would label them anything would say they crank out some pretty catchy acoustic indie pop. The band has a very obvious playful side in both lyrics and music. I am sure it would be a delight to see this band preform live. A small factoid, the band was invited and played a live christmas session at the house of the legendary John Peel. Pretty big deal I'd say. I have been a fan for a while now and hope you will be to.
Herman Dune - Try to Think About Me (Don't You Worry A Bit)

Dolores O'Riordan really needs no introduction at all. You might not recognize her name but you'll for sure recognize her voice. Dolores was the lead singer for the oh so popular alternative band the Cranberries who just reunited this year and are touring now. I had no idea that O'Riordan had solo stuff out until this past week when I found this track. As I listened to it for the first time I had no clue who she was and I thought "Man, this sounds so familiar!" I couldn't put mt finger on it right away and it took a few listens for me to figure it out. When I found out who it was I broke out my old Cranberries CD's and gave them a spin. I can't say I love her voice, but it's definitely distinct and something different from the norm. I really like it in small doses, but I couldn't listen to it for hours on end. Either way this song is pretty.
Dolores O'Riordan - Stupid

(January 8, 1815) a largely symbolic but still significant engagement which ended the War of 1812. On December 23, one day before the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, Gen. Andrew Jackson, commanding a force made up of army regulars, New Orleans's free blacks, three state militias, and the pirates of Barataria, tried to fend off the British. The British, who were trying to relieve military pressure on Canada and improve their status during peace negotiations, attacked on January 8. American artillery shelled the British, who suffered 2, 400 casualties, while the Americans lost only seventy men. That, my friends, called, in the words of Charlie, "Going America All Over Everybodys Ass." I'm not one to condone war at all, but that is a pretty interesting story. Every interesting story needs an interesting song. Who better to make one than the long standing country-folk-rock veterans The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Even if you don't like country this song is great fun to listen to.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - The Battle Of New Orleans

I had a really hard time deciding which 30h!3 song to post so I am going to post two of my favorites. Both are by no means the usual indie-never-to-be-played-on-the-radio songs usually found here. These songs are energetic, fun and, "like, totally for the TRL generation." The lyrics are on the immature side and insanely catchy. It's the kind of songs that you will get in your head and you say "Good lord, why won't it go away!" but secretly you love it. The one saving grace is KiD CuDi spitting on one of the songs. That dude is the shizznit, and Katy Perry is cute. Not sure if that makes the song better but, ya know.
3oh!3 - Don't Trust Me feat. KiD CuDi (Remix)
3oh!3 - Starstrukk (Featuring Katy Perry)

under the COVERS

Once again I am doing a theme post, which there have been a lot of lately. I promise I'll get back to just going random soon. I am going to do another "Cover Songs" post. I am a cover freak and I have a lot of them in my collection. I was inspired to do this because of a conversation about O.D.B. with a friend. She said anyone who covers O.D.B. has to be good. I'd have to agree with her. So here are more recognizable covers rather than the usual obscure music. Hope you dig it!

I am once again going to throw up my white flag of surrender to the kings of coolness by posting another Justin Timberlake song. If you have been following for a while you know I am an in the closet fan of really insanely popular radio friendly tunes. I don't hide it here so much, but if you asked me in real life I would totally deny it. However I'll admit that I like the covers. This little ditty by Tender Forever, is strummed on, what I believe to be, a ukulele. I love the lyrics to this song. This song almost makes me want to go out and buy a Justin Timberlake CD. Must...resist....urge.
Tender Forever - My Love (Justin Timberlake Cover)

I don't know a lot about Alica Keys, but I do know that whenever I see her on TV I don't change the channel. She's an amazing performer. I always wished I could play the piano. She plays the piano, right? It's obvious that I have only seen her twice and I have never heard her perform this song. Guess what I am going to do as soon as I am done writing this? This cover has quickly made it's way to the top of my most played list. I have never heard anything from The Honorary Title as well. I guess I have some homework to do.
The Honorary Title - No One (Alica Keys Cover)

I am also not a fan of The Maine or Akon (well with the exception of Smack That). They just never really appealed to my taste of music. I'm not a modern R&B enthusiast I don't go to the clubs anymore. Now I'd rather throw on some Otis Redding or Solomon Burke and get down. As much as I loved pop punk back in the day, I can't really stomach it anymore. I have tons of old CD's that just sit on the shelf because they are too emo. Although my music pallet might have grown up, my love for the immature has not. This is one of the greatest songs about falling in love with a stripper you can find.
The Maine - I Want To Love You (Akon Cover)

Since I mentioned soul singers and getting down, lets take a listen to one of the super sexy songs of Marvin Gaye. Hot Chip are Grammy nominated a electropop group who have been making music since 2000. They have gain critical acclaim for their amazing music videos, and let me tell you they are definitely worth checking out. Before you go off exploring though give a listen to this amazing glitchy cover of Sexual Healing. I can't say it's as sexy as the original, but I'd like to think it would be sexy in a future where computers rule everything.
Hot Chip - Sexual Healing (Marvin Gaye Cover)

Another future sounding song. I have no idea why I sat on this song when I did my M.J. post 5 months ago because this cover is absolutely killer. I really can't say more than that. If you want cool points when you make a mix CD. This song would be it.
Discovery - I Want You Back (Jackson 5 Cover)

Marty McFly: Time circuits on. Flux Capacitor... fluxxing. Engine running. All right! Jump in the time machine and lets go from a future of computers to a simpler past. Alvin Robinson came up in the New Orleans R&B and Soul scene in the mid-60's. His career didn't last more than a few years but he did manage to cut a few popular singles. This is a B side from his first hit 45, which both songs were covers. Although this one was not as popular as the A side single "Down Home Girl", this song is a classic. If you want to read more about him head on over to the awesome Funky 16 Corners blog. You may already have heard the Peggy Lees sexed up origianl, but I always loved this song and wished there was a male version. Frankly isn't a very manly song to begin with but there is no denying it's greatness.
Alvin Robinson - Fever (Peggy Lee Cover)

The First time I heard Seven Nation Army I felt like a total badass! I loved the punch in the gut drums or Meg and the buzz saw guitar stylings of Jack. The lyrics scream "Don't mess with me" as if it feel out of the mouth of Shaft himself. I was very impressed with this cover. Nostalgia 77 maintains the songs toughness but adds a jazzy smooth hip hop texture with soulful vocals that you can tell are mustered from the toes of Ms. Russell. Feel it!
Nostalgia 77 Feat. Alice Russell - Seven Nation Army (White Stripes Cover)

Super Sweet "delivering upon my word for a friend" Bonus Song
Say Anything - I Got Your Money (O.D.B.)

Sit on this!

Today I was going through my iTunes purging some of the nasties out of my music collection and it occurred to me there are a lot of great songs that I have been sitting on for some time. I'm sure at one time or another I had them in the ol' "Songs For RopBop" playlist but somehow they grew legs and got out. I fixed that though with my saw I call "tagging". You can come to expect some really good stuff in the next coming months. I bring you 6 tunes that I think are worthy for your listening pleasure.

I have had this song for at least 3 years. Basia has since blown up a little more fame wise. I think I saw one of her songs featured on MTV's website. I don't really like that but I am glad she is getting some exposure cause she deserves it. The Pilgriming Vine starts out as a nice jangly acoustic song with Bulats pretty and shakey vocals dripping over like honey but ends in an almost Renaissance fair feel with fluttering flutes, flowing strings and marching drums. I always think about the video for "Saftey Dance", the part where they are all dancing around the pole,when I hear this song.
Basia Bulat - The Pilgriming Vine

Final Fantasy can only be described by one word and that is bittersweet. Final Fantasy is pretty much the solo project of Owen Pallett, who is a regular touring member of The Hidden Cameras and The Arcade Fire. He has a talent of not only singing the sound of tragedy but playing it as well with strings. Final Fantasy songs are great to have on as background music while doing important things like homework, or paying bills. I find it keeps me calm and fits my sad mood as I am giving away my money.
Final Fantasy - Took You Two Years To Win My Heart

If you have never heard of the Wrens it's because they have had nothing but bad luck when it comes to record labels. The band had a long span of 7 years in between releasing albums, and it's not because they suck either. This band is, in my opinion so so so underrated. Which also makes me love them even more as a music geek, you know the less known the cooler they are. Label issues aside this band makes nothing short of amazing indie-pop melodies with superb harmonization. The band knows how to go from quirky to intimate without missing a beat in between. I highly highly recommend going to a local record shop, and I'm not talking Best Buy, and asking them to get you a copy of Medowlands. This song is not on it, it's from an out of print album, but it's just as good.
The Wrens - I've Made Enough Friends

I don't know a lot about Kevin Devine. I know that he was in a band called the Miricle of 86, before he decided to go at it on his own. I know he's got red hair. I am pretty sure he's toured with Bright Eyes. What I do know is that this song has a chilled out tone and a really good beat. It kind of reminds me of how I feel when I wake up in the morning. When you have that "Ugh, I'm up. I should get up, but I do I really have to?" sort of feeling. Throw this tune on as you roll your bag of bones out of bed, it might make it a little easier.
Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band - Another Bag Of Bones

This stoney little number was one of my staple songs of this summer. It has a sort of lazy muggy heat feel to it.
The Papercuts - The Void

A darkened musty basement lit with strings of christmas lights. Thrift store furniture that doesn't match. Boys with glasses, black t-shirts, sideburns and straight leg jeans. Girls with scarves, little hippie purses, knee high socks, and arty prints. The room is loud with laughter and talking and in the air there is that smell of beer and cigarettes. There is a stage at the end barley lit except for a few blacklights and neon green signs. There is a bald man with a well kept beard wearing stereo headphones hunched over a sampler. Two gigantic speakers sit at his side. The music starts and the crowd watches, slightly apprehensive about breaking their conversations. Some yell over the music, others go up the stairs, most though slowly make way to the front drinks in hand, dancing begins....
Dan Deacon - Snookered
The crowd goes wild....

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Like a diamond hanging from your neck, you shine in my eyes. Like a field of flowers, you are planted in me. Just like the rush of the ocean, you're music to my ears. If the stars I wished upon fell to earth, they would burn in the shape of love. You have a mind like the blackness of space, wondrous, unknown and one many would die to explore. This is beauty and beauty is you.

Today I thought I would take on the theme of beauty. Really beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So I don't expect everyone to love these songs as much as I do.

The reason I pick this song as a beautiful song is not because of its music, although it has a sweet beat, but more for the words of the song. I am a huge fan of poetry, I may not get it all but I still love to read it. This song is pure poetry in the best form that poetry should be displayed in. In fact a lot of Aesop Rock's older songs are pretty much poems set to words.
Aesop Rock - Daylight

Flashpap'r was a local band I was fortunate enough to see perform live many years ago. This song is probably one not everyone will enjoy, it's a little emo and whiny, but, I had to include it. The music is rings with a soft melancholy sting section with a simply strummed guitar that sometimes seems to wander off every now and then making the song seem perfect yet not too perfect. I think the best part is how the song blooms with each build up and then deflates at the end. I could see a time lapsed video of the life of a flower going along with this song. Easily a song that can be played cranked up or at a low volume and still sounds great.
Flashpap'r - White Flowers (No Longer Available)

I do not speak french at all but this is seriously one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. If you have ever seen the movie "Rushmore" you may recognize this song. I tried to get a translation of the lyrics from off of the web, but I had no luck. I did come across a forum topic that gave a pretty good description for what the song was about and loosely translated lyrics. Yves Montand has such smooth silky vocals and plays a lighter than air twinkling piano. Listening to this song is the equivalent of feeling the softest thing in the world.
Yves Montand - Rue St Vincent

Phoenix has been around for a long time now but recently has gained a lot of notoriety with it's recent release Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. The band takes a lot of influence from the 80's electro rock genre, which means you can dance most of their stuff. And I do. However they also create moody landscapes that are nothing short of amazing. This is one of my favorite tracks by them. I highly suggest watching the sun set or rise to this song, as the title points out.
Phoenix - Love Like A Sunset

I can't say that I have ever been a big Jeff Buckley fan. From the little I have heard I wasn't that impressed with, maybe I never gave him a fighting chance. The one thing that did really impress me though were his lyrics. Especially to the song Hallelujah. I am sure everyone has heard this at some point in their life and if not you NEED to listen to this song. Part of my bias could also be that the first time I heard it, it was sung by the golden chords of one Mr. Rufus Wainwright. I get chills every time I hear it.
Rufus Wainwright - Hallelujah (Jeff Buckley cover)

Remember to hold hands while driving.

In my life there is always one place I can be assured that I will have music on no matter what. I use it as a sound booth where I belt out lyrics at the top of my lungs. I use it as a drum kit where I tap out the beats or go air drums, depending on the situation. I also pretend like I know how to play guitar chords or piano keys in this place. No, it's not the bathroom of the local Denny's, although that would be the such a rad situation to walk in on, the place I am referring to is my car. As with almost everybody, except those who listen to talk radio (I still love you), I go rockstar in the car when I am by myself. It's one of those places where one can truly see just how dorky they are. Have you ever had it where you see someone singing at the top of their lungs or smacking the crap out of their steering wheel while on the road. It's HILARIOUS! Although as much as you laugh at someone, you can be damn sure someone has laughed at you. You know what though? I am not about to quit. There is something about cruising the blacktop by yourself and having your favorite song blaring while, if your like me, you sing your heart out. It's fun and I say keep doing it people! So today I decided to make this post about music tunes you can drive with. Some are for singing, others are for speeding on the highway. If you read this I demand you post a favorite in the car song in the comments section at the bottom of this post. Seriously if you don't your car won't start, it told me!

I'm going to start out with one I love to sing along with. It has great lyrics, it chugs along like a train. Listen to that pedal steel guitar it sounds just like a train whistle. It reminds me of older Johnny Cash, meets The stones bar room piano rockers, meets Dylan-esque lyrics.
Bright Eyes - Another Travelin' Song

I posted a song a while ago by a remixer/mashup artist named Bearbot back in July who did a mash up of this song and the Lil' Wayne song Stuntin'. That mash up is an amazing song and I highly recommend you look it up (unfortunately I no longer have it up). However My Only Swerving is an great tune all by itself. The song is completely instrumental, and pretty simple but it carries such a carefree spirit with it. It's got twinkly guitars, spacey sound effects, and a cat like guitar that seems to meow. It's got breakdowns and a beautiful ending that includes orchestral strings. Perfect song for day or night time driving.
El Ten Eleven - My Only Swerving

This is my back roads, small town song. The type of song you want to hear as your passing cornfields or driving down that dusty gravel road and you don't have any Bruce Springsteen available. Note: this isn't like Bruce but it could fit nicely with him on a mix. I also like it for a short drive through a bustling town. the lyrics reflect on life and hard times reminiscent of the blue collar working man. The music as snappy and busy. Got to love any song with a stand up bass.
Baby Teeth - Looking For A Road (No Longer Available)

So it's 5pm and your flying down the highway with the craziest drivers who you'd swear are auditioning for a part in the next Fast And The furious movie. The lanes are packed and it feels like the Daytona 500, one wrong move and there will be serious repercussions. Your super aware and your adrenaline is rushing and it's sort of awesome! Or perhaps your the one who is the crazy risk taker who laughs in the faces of the meek doing the speed limit. Throw on this hard rockin' electro tune with sugary female vocals and I guarantee you'll be going ten miles over by the time the song is done. Just watch out for the popo. Edit: So I just found the Teddybears myspace page and they have a totally different but equally awesome version of this song there.
Teddybears - Yours To Keep (Feat. Neneh Cherry) (No Longer Available)

Nothing sucks more than being in stuck in traffic. Stop and go, construction, those people who decide to wait until the last second to get over when there were signs miles back the lane was closed. It can be maddening. This tune is perfect for being stuck. The vocals are crazy and all over the place. they would compliment frustrated groans and sporadic yelling. The music is jerky and perfect for alternating feet between the gas and break. Just remember if it gets you too riled up, you might want to find that talk radio station.
Born Ruffians - Barnacle Goose

This post is not going to be all about driving. A while back there was an episode of This American Life that touched on the subject of music, mixtapes and love. Of course my ears perked up and I heard this interesting story. The journalist, a big music fan, was asked by a friend to come up with a mixtape for his girlfriend. However he didn't want it filled with songs about love because A.) he wasn't sure he was in "love" yet. He liked her a LOT. However wasn't sure if they were at that stage. and B.)He didn't want her to get scared by the tape and lose her. However he did want her to know that there were strong feelings and that he cared about her. The journalist set out on her quest but had trouble finding the right songs. Most of them were just too mushy. I'm a guy who likes mushy but I started to think about the situation and I could only think of one song that was the perfect. Not only is this one of my favorite Beatles songs, it's one of my favorite songs period. It's easy to miss the genius of this song in how it doesn't say to much and it doesn't say to little. Which is rare to find in a pop song based on love and relationships. Most are either all about being in love (which is good) or about being (sad because of love). I just thought that was an interesting thing to think about. I also brought it up because there is a certain someone who I think I would like to hold hand with.
P.J. Pacifico - I Want To Hold Your Hand (Beatles Cover)

Instead of doing my usual post of songs I am going to go in a little bit of a different direction with this post. I am going o throw out a couple of really neat music related sites I have happened to stumble upon while navigating the deep dark never ending abyss that is the internet. So grab you hard hat with a light mount and follow me as we go exploring.

Allmusic.com
I have to say that with out this site, you the reader, would more than likely have to listen to me babble about stupid trivial things in my boring ass life. Like my music organization process , my favorite M&M color and why, or the countless things I am pining over daily on a daily basis. Believe me you don't want to hear about any of that, It's about as interesting as watching paint dry, besides that is what my other blog or facebook are for. So to at least keep the few followers I do have I jump on the ol' Allmusic and do some homework and get some juicy tidbits to make it look like I know what I am talking about. The site is an encyclopedia of any band that you can name, well almost any. It features biographies, discographies, song listes and samples, credits and even awards. Not only that but it hosts extras like a list for new releases that come out each week, an awesome album of the day feature, album reviews up the wazoo, and tons more. The thing I love most about it is it's all linked, sort of like Wikipedia, only more creditable. This is a must visit for any music geek.

www.songmeanings.net
Have you ever listened to a song and had either of these problems? A.) The mush mouthed singer is slurring the words so bad that you swear he must have had 20 beers before recording. Of course you HAVE to know the lyrics because if you sing it wrong in front of someone who knows the correct words they will make a point to call you out in the most non discrete way possible. B.) In an effort to be artsy fartsy the songwriter thought it would be a great idea to confuse the hell out of any one who tried to understand what his "cryptic" and "mysterious" song was about. With the help of Song Meanings you can now be brave to belt out those words and be the callee instead of the called out. Then after that you can console the or put on the finishing move, by dropping some behind the music science. Although before doing all that you may want to know that this is all user generated A.K.A. not 100% accurate. However it is nice to see what others think and more than a few times there is a general consensus or someone read an interview where the band explained what the song was about. Just be careful you might come to find out your favorite song, that you thought was about love, was actually about a hot dog the songwriter had that day.

www.yhbtm.com
YHBTM stands for You Have Bad Taste In Music. This site is more for something to laugh at than it is useful. I have a little story to tell before I go into this further. I recently got hooked on Yahoo Answers. If yo don't know what that is it's basic question and answer service (someone posts a question, users answer said question, after a certain time an answer gets voted as the best.) Anyway I love to go on there and suggest new music to people, you know try and broaden musical horizons and what not. However I'm not the only one who suggests things and I almost always see recommendations like Fallout Boy, The Jonas Brothers, Nickleback, or Miley Cyrus. I will admit I do like a song or two by some of those artists, well by Fall out boy anyway. On the whole I loathe tend to loathe cookie cutter bands and people who don't at least try to listen to something other than what the radio plays. That is just part of my musical snobbery though. I don't ever tell people that they have bad taste in music though, I'll just leave it to this guy. He's got a bigger pair than me.

goodblimey.com
In the last year or so I have seen a huge increase in the popularity of mashups. For those not in the know of what a mash up is think of it like this. You have two potatoes, each of them represents a song. You have a kitchen masher, thats the DJ. Put the songs into a pot, let the DJ mash them up and the outcome is a delicious, more often than not danceable, mix of the two songs. It's not always an easy task to accomplish. I have heard really nasty mashups that make me want spew out of my ears, and I have heard really good mashups that leave me salivating for more. Well fear not because Colin Murray The host of BBC1's "The Black Hole" show has been kind enough to archive over 2,000 great mashups and put them in an online player. Definitely something you can break out at your next party and impress your guests.
from just the few I listened to my personal favorite is George Harrison VS Jackson 5 - I Want Pitty. Just a heads up. You might want to click on the link to open it up in a separate window as I had a little issue with the player on the main page. Besides you should just have it on a separate window and put that sucker on random while surfing, or doing house work.

tofuhut.blogspot.com
Last, but not certainly not least is a site where I first learned what a music blog was. The Tofu Hut is a huge list of music blogs that is pretty well categorized. I might be shooting myself in the foot by listing this site but since I was just talking about how I was all for expanding musical horizons it would be plain selfish not to post this link. I am going to tell you straight out, there are a million better music blogs than mine and I could never compare to them. All I ask is that you don't forget to stop by the ol' RopBop. I mean, where else are you going to read how I sort my music by genre and then alphabetize it, or how my favorite M&M color is Green, because that is my favorite color in general or how I want a slider phone with a keyboard? ...oh yeah, thats right, facebook.

I hope you enjoyed this change of scenery and at least found something to waste an hour or two with. If you liked it leave me a comment or shoot me an e-mail. If I get a good response I'll try to add more posts like this in the future along with the regular posts.

Since I have a lot of free time on my hands I do a lot of riding the waves of data and I read an article about this new teaching tool called Flocabulary. It's a learning tool that uses hip hop as a form of retention. They take subjects such as math, english, history and science put them into really well crafted rap songs. Vocabulary is aimed at grades 5-8 and, as cheezy as it all sounds, the rap songs are actually very good. Not only do they cover subjects like Martin Luther King, environmental studies, and vocabulary words but they cover SAT words and classic poetry like Poe and Shakespeare. The article I found was about the rap song they did for Edgar Allen Poe's The Cask of Amontillado. The rap is almost word for word. Check it out.
Dillon Maurer - The Cask of Amontillado (Poe) (No Longer Available)

In my last post I mentioned a site that was home to a slew of mashups. I am a fiend for mashups and those are all really good mashups but every now and then you come across a real stinker. I decided I need to raise my nose a little bit and turn on the arrogance a bit and show what the differences are between a good mashup and a bad mashup. Well thankfully I kept a few around, I don't know why, Maybe I was unconsciously expecting to do a post like this. Well at least I can get them out of my iTunes now. First one we have is Hotel California In The Fire And Flames. At first I thought this was an awesome mashup idea until I heard it. I love both of these songs (Dragonforce - Through The Fire And Flames and The Eagles - Hotel California) but it just doesn't fit right. The vocals match in the beginning but come the chorus it gets disjointed big time. Just not a good idea to put a super fast song musically with a mellow vocal song. Bleh.
Dragonforce vs The Eagles - Hotel California In The Fire And Flames (No Longer Available)

The other bad mashup I'd like to post is Called Queen Of Da Club which features pits 50 Cent's In Da Club with ABBA's Dancing Queen. Right off the bat you should be able to tell that this is going to be like watching a train wreck. Dancing Queen is a bad song to begin with. I'll give it a little credit because I like it in the same way I like those so bad it's good movies. The only reason to play it is really for comedic purposes. The other very valid point is that it's against the G code to ever listen to this song. In fact I am pretty sure if you are caught listening to this song and you claim any affiliation with the word "Gangsta" you are entitled to an army style soap and pillow case party. Go ahead play this at your next dance party and see how quickly the floor clears. It might be useful for when you want everyone to go home. I don't know why you would want to check these out but they are MTV mashups. That probably will explain everything.
50 Cent vs ABBA - Queen Of Da Club

Lets take a listen to some good mashups shall we?
This is a great mix and I love how it transitions so smoothly from Satisfaction to Spirit Of Radio. then You have the killer vocals of Annie Lennox on Little Bird that just make the song shine like a diamond in the sun. If you like this head on over to Go Home Productions for more.
GHP - Annie Lennox vs. Rolling Stones - Annie's Stoned Rush

This one is a little more pop that what I am used to but I am a huge fan of Tom Petty and I wanted to hear what this song was all about. I really dig the Beyonce lyrics even if they are a little lame. Not because of the meaning behind it, believe me I am all for treating a lady right, but this is a total chick song. However that is the genius of this song come in. You have a song about a boy who breaks hearts and then you have a song about a girl who is thinking "If I were in his shoes..." The traded off vocals make this song so superb but the acoustics of Tom and the vocals of B really bring it all home. Check out DJ Earworm's site for more great mashes.
DJ Earworm - Beyonce vs Tom Petty - If I was a Free Falling Boy

For the past week I have been with out a car. I had a little run in with a telephone pole, actually it was more like a back in. I was at a friends house, which is a new house and I was not used to his driveway. His driveway is a split driveway with a telephone pole and small curb around it. To make a long story short, I was backing out at night and did not remember there was a pole and it put a good sized dent in my drivers side door and ripped on my rear view mirror. Just to answer you question no I was not drunk. So I had to get it fixed. My family, as great as they are, had been nice enough to rescue me a few time to get me out of the house. I was at my sisters one day, and at the end of my hang out time she was kind enough to drive me back to my apartment. Of course I brought my phone with me and even though I had it in my hands I somehow set it down and left without it. I say my goodbyes and walk to the door and then realize that I don't have my phone on me. I look to see if my sister has left the driveway yet just in time to see her tail lights disappear behind a building. I instantly panic and think "Oh I will just call her and tell her to turn around." A second later I come to the conclusion that, the scenario would be great if I had my phone! I once again panic and my feet start to run without me even knowing what is going on. Here I am in the middle of downtown running as fast as I can down the sidewalk waving my arms looking like a crazy person. Thankfully downtown where I live has plenty of stop signs and I didn't have to chase her down to far. I caught up with her huffing and puffing like I was in cardiac arrest while both my Sister and Nephew are cracking up. I am so glad I caught her because without my phone I would have had now way to know when my car was done.
Sunset Rubdown - You Go On Ahead (Trumpet Trumpet II)

Debbie Gibson vs Nature, Heartsongs, and twangin' with the folk

I listen to a podcast of a radio morning show out of Philadelphia. I am sure I have mentioned it before but it's called The Preston And Steve Show on 93.3 WMMR and it is by far one of my favorite shows. They constantly are interviewing big name celebs and what not but I learned something awesome from them a few days ago. Steve, the funniest morning show personality ever, is a huge movie fan. One day he was surfing youtube and found this trailer for a movie called Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus. If the name sounds like a hilariously bad title for a movie you are most certainly correct just check out this trailer.

In fact it's one of those so bad it's good type of movies...well for most anyway. The kicker of this movie though is what floored me, and I didn't catch it right away. One of the lead characters in the film is one miss Deborah Gibson. No, your eyes did not deceive you, I said Deborah, Used to be Debbie, Gibson. The same singer who had a tremendous following in the 80's with such albums as Out Of The Blue and Electric Youth. The morning show got a chance to interview her and she was so nice and self-deprecating when it came to the movie. She explained that she knew it was not going to be a academy award winner but got money and a little bit of an acting career going. I have yet to see this movie but I am pretty sure you can watch it on youtube. Just be warned it's really really bad. Another cool bit of info on her is that she has perfect pitch. That means she can hear a note and tell you exactly what note is being played. She also mentioned that she does not need instruments around her when composing music, she can hear it in her head. Which I think is so neat. She also got a nod, if you want to call it that, from Weezer on their Red album (this is the best song from the album and a great all around album at that). The song is called Heart Songs and the lyric goes something like this Debbie Gibson, tell me that you think we're all alone. If you think about it Debbie didn't sing "I Think We're Alone Now". It was Tiffany. Deborah also explained that she gets it all the time where fans confuse her with Tiffany. Lame! Well Debbie, I'm not one of them cause you and me, we're staying together. P.S. Weezer has a new CD out called Raditude and you can get a fancy Weezer Snuggie to boot. Deborah Gibson also has put out some albums since the 80's and they don't come with a Snuggie but come on it's Debbie Gibson, she's gorgeous!
Weezer - Heart Songs

A few days ago I went mix crazy and made a few mix CD's for some friends of mine and just some for personal use. The first mix was for a friends birthday which I can't talk much about because she might read this and I have yet to give her the mix. Which means I can't post the tracklist or a song from the mix just yet...Ok maybe just one. This song is for sure going to be in my "Soundtrack To Brads Life Mix" just as a joke of course.
The Dollyrots - Because I'm Awesome

The second mix I made was for my own collection. I was going through my music collection and I came across this old tape I made in the 90's called Love Songs In The Key Of Punk. The name is pretty obvious what the mix was but it had The Dead Milkmen's "Punk Rock Girl", Goldfinger's "Here In Your Bedroom" and The Mr. T Experience song "You're The Only One" among others. I realized that I didn't have many "love songs" in my collection. I have a lot of songs about love in general but nothing about truly being in love. So I did some searching and I found some GREAT tunes. Here are some of my favorites.

This song will give you the shivers...haha
The Shivers - Beauty

"But I would never kiss anyone, who doesn't burn me like the sun" WOW!
Jens Lekman - And I Remember Every Kiss

Nice falling for you type of song.
Lykke Li - Little Bit

Other honorable mentions..
Lamb - Gorecki
Yo La Tengo - Autumn Sweater
The Knife - Heartbeats
6ths - You You You You You
The Velvet Underground & Nico - I'll Be Your Mirror

The other mix I made was titled "Folk You! A Musical Journey Into Indie Country With Brad" At first it was just a random song mix for a friend then after listening to it I noticed that it was a lot of folk, country and blues sounding stuff. You know it had that twang factor. So I decided to scrap out the non twang songs and make a great mix for dusty roads and rockers on porches. I liked this mix so much I burned a copy for myself. Here is the full track list with a few songs you can listen to.

Lucero - What are You Willing To Lose?
The Low Anthem - The Horizon Is A Beltway
Kings Of Leon - Genius
Ryan Adams - To Be Young (Is to be sad, Is To Be High)
Frightened Rabbit - The Twist
Mumford And Sons - Roll Away Your Stone
The Avett Brothers - Colorshow
Eddie Rabbit - I Love A Rainy Night
JJ Cale - Fancy Dancer
The Old Crow Medicine Show - Wagon Wheel
Frank Turner - The Real Damage
Madeline - White Flag
Neva Dinova - Love From Below (No Longer Available, But This Is)
Dear Tick - Nebraska (Bruce Springsteen Cover)
The Mountain Goats - Thank You Mario But Our Princess Is In Another Castle
Neko Case - Star Witness
Loudon Wainwright III - Daughter
My Morning Jacket - Smokin' From Shootin'
The Tallest Man On Earth - I Won't Be Found

P.S. If you ever want to listen to a song that I mention but don't post this is always a good place to look.

Canadian TV, Tall Men, Sad Women, and a case of the crazies

"My name is DJ Lance Rock, and I like to dance."

I am a huge fan of the old Nickelodeon show The Adventures Of Pete And Pete. It's funny, it's weird, and it has those barely noticeable Canadian accents that I find so funny. The best part of the show is that it's got tons of cameos by musicians and celebrities like Gordon Gano (Violent Femmes), LL Cool J, Janeane Garofalo, David Roger Johansen (The New York Dolls), Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop (the Stooges) and Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) and tons more. Check it out for yourself, you'll be amazed. The reason I mention this is because Good ol' Nick has done it again with a show called Yo Gabba Gabba which is on Nick Jr. The show is created by Created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz. Jacobs is the lead singer for the punk ska band The Aquabats which is also a band Travis Barker played in before joining Blink 182. Yo Gabba Gabba is definitely one of the weirdest kids shows you will ever see, but it's roots are seeded deep into the indie music scene. It features regular guest segments like Mark's Magic Pictures, featuring Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo, The Royal Tenenbaums Score) and Biz's Beat of the Day, starring Biz Markie where he teaches kids how to beat box. Probably the best segment is the Super Music Friends Show which has seen artists like Hot Hot Heat, The Shins, The Ting Tings, Jimmy Eat World, The Roots, Low, Cornelius, Sean Kingston and many more. It also features celeb guests like Elijah Wood, Jack Black, Amy Sedaris, Andy Samberg, Amare Stoudemire, and Tony Hawk just to name a few. So I checked out my On Demand service and sure enough I had a chance to view an episode or two of the show. My verdict is this. The show is directed at kids and adults will more than likely feel like they should be on drugs while watching it (it's a strange show). However don't let that dissuade you it does teach kids valuable lessons like hygiene, and finding out what your talents are. It's something I could watch a few times with out going completely insane or dying of boredom. Go Nickelodeon. Unfortunately my efforts to find any more than of the songs from the show have proven a bust so far. I'm going to continue searching though and I'll let you know if I find any. In the mean time enjoy this song from The Shins that was on the show as well as the main title song for Pete And Pete.
The Shins - It's OK, Try Again

Polaris - Hey Sandy

The first time I really really listened to a Bob Dylan song was when I as messing around on the computer at my dad's old house. I had heard his songs before but I never paid much attention to the amazing lyrics. I remember that "I Want You" was the song that caught my ear and made me listen close to what Dylan was saying. Definitely not the best of his songs, and it's sort of annoying with those elongated u sounds. However it's always going to have a special meaning to me. It got me to further explore not only Dylan but also more the more poetic side of music. This cover by The Tallest Man On Earth is an excellent cover. It was recorded at his Daytrotter session. If you have not heard of The Tallest Man On Earth then I suggest you do so. It's great folk music that harnesses that jangly acoustic sound that Dylan had before he went electric. This song has been played so many times in the last week it's not even funny. I'm including one extra song that I should have posted 6 months ago. Check out the lyrics to The Gardener so creepy.
The Tallest Man On Earth - I Want You (Bob Dylan Cover)

The Tallest Man On Earth - The Gardener

Lets end this entry with some throw back tracks shall we?
I don't care what anyone says, I LOVE this song. I hadn't heard it in years until just recently. This is depressing rock at it's finest. Sorry Evanescence, Mazzy has you beat hands down.
Mazzy Star - Fade Into You

This was a song I should have included in my Halloween posts. It just wasn't creepy enough but, it sure is disturbing. I never had my tonsils taken out but I hope to God I never get this doctor. At least at the end he shows a little bedside manner, or maybe he's just looking for a reason to cause more pain. I love how it goes nuts on the chorus.
The Replacements - Tommy Gets His Tonsils Out

P.S. I am thinking about using wordpress. If anyone knows anything about it or has any good learning sites, please let me know.

Oh, the horror!!!

Happy Halloween all. Today we are going to celebrate this spooktacula holiday with a second helping of some bloody good tunes.

This is an oldie but a goodie. It reminds me a lot of pirates for some reason...ghost pirates....hmmm sounds like a Disney movie I once saw. Grab your jug of rum and a washboard and get to "yo-ho-hooOOooOo-ing"
Cab Calloway - The Ghost Of Smokey Joe


Remember when swing music came back from the dead for like two seconds just to fade away almost as quickly as it was brought to life? Was it a trend or was it some sort of black magic spell that was cast on the music scene? I always thought that those insane dance moves, although classy, could not have been done with out some sort of help.
The Atomic Fireballs - Man With The Hex

Will Smith where have you gone? I love Will Smith, but I hear that he joined the church of Scientology now. I thought he was crazy for battling aliens (ID4, M.I.B.), robots (I Robot) and, defending an empty New York City against mutated humans (I Am Legend). However I think that takes the cake. Don't worry I still love you, just don't go all Tom Cruise on us.
DJ Jazzy Jeff And The Fresh Prince - Nightmare On My Street

This is a creepy song. 'Nuff said.
Fever Ray - If I Had A Heart

When originally released (1973) in the UK a number of town councils imposed a complete ban on the showing of the film The Exorcist. This led to the bizarre spectacle of "Exorcist Bus Trips" where enterprising travel companies organized buses to take groups to the nearest town where the film was showing. Due to its controversial material, this movie was not available on video in the UK until 1999 when the British Board of Film Censors (BBFC) approved an uncut version. If you have never seen this movie I highly suggest seeing it. This one is truly scary, not like the "scary" movies you see now.
Tublar Bells - Exorcist Theme

I'll admit it there was a time when I listened to the Insane Clown Posse. I don't like to admit it but I will. In fact I was obsessed with The Great Melinko album for a good month or so. I think I just liked the horror/comedy gimmick they offered. Then I started to listen to good music, but I still throw them in once in a while for a good laugh both with them and at myself.
Insane Clown Posse - Boogie Woogie Wu

The Misfits are THE Halloween band. Enjoy your fright night and be safe out there. It's the scariest night of the year but nobody wants to end up with X's for eyes.
The Misfits - Spook City U.S.A.

Muhahaha

I love Halloween. In fact I think it is probably my favorite holiday next to Christmas. I decided to do some grave digging and resurrected some tunes that you can bump in the night to. So grab your ipod, turn out the lights and go investigate that noise in the woods...I'm sure it's nothing. Muhahahahahahah!

Oh and you should probably watch this before you leave.
WARNING: This video is pretty scary.


This classical piece has come to represent evil in so many movies and shows.
Carl Orff - Oh Fortuna

Michael Meyers favorite song.
John Carpenter - Halloween Main Title

Béla Lugosi was a stage and film actor well known for playing Dracula.
Bauhuas - Bela Lugosi's Dead

Whatever you do, don't fall asleep..
Charles Bernstein - Nightmare On Elm Street

EDIT: So I forgot to check the songs and it turns out the Voltaire song was not correct. It's really this song. Sorry my bad.
Zombina And the Skelletones - Zombie Hop

First heard this song on The X-Files Soundtrack and it has yet to leave my ipod.
Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds - Red Right Hand

Without this song shock rock might not exist. Raw emotion, and a cool history
Screamin' Jay Hawkins - I Put A Spell On You

This song creeped me out as a kid.
Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs - Little Red Riding Hood

Hilarious song about being in a relationship with a satanist. A must listen!
The Broken Family Band - Living In Sin (No Longer Available)


I'll throw more out in a few days when the ghosts and ghouls really come out, so check back soon.

Today is Sunday and I am a God fearin' man, so I decided it was time to unleash some fire and brimstone in the form of music. Now, I never claimed to be the most righteous clean person on the earth, and I never will be. I'm just a man. I don't preach, I don't force my beliefs on others, and I'm not a religious bible thumper who is here to judge you if you don't believe what I do. What I can attest to, is that I have witnessed miracles that I could not chalk up to plain luck. I believe that there is a heaven and a hell and a God above and if you want to know why I'll be more than glad to let you know. I can't really say I am any denomination because I don't think anyone has it right. If I am to be labeled anything, I am a follower of Jesus. Simple as that.

One of the best songs I have ever heard about the apocalypse...if there could really be a GOOD song about the end of the world.
Johnny Cash - When The Man Comes Around

Foot stompin' backwoods dirty blues.
Bloody Ol' Mule - Holy Ghost Power (No Longer Available)

I love soul singers and that guitar is so catchy.
Shirley Ann Lee - There's A Light

This is an interesting idea. I always wondered what happened thought that gap.
John Prine - Jesus The Missing Years

I have totally fallen in love with Regina Spektor. I the statement this song makes. Some people take God to seriously and, some people don't take him seriously enough.
Regina Spektor - Laugh With (Live)

This is just a plain good song.
Ry Cooder - Jesus Is On The Mainline

A "I'm going with him" song
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - I'll Be Glad

One of the more vague songs but I remember reading that Jim was listening to a lot of soul and gospel when writing Evil Urges.
My Morning Jacket - Look At You

Not a huge country fan but I always love every Buck song I hear. Maybe cause it's old country.
Buck Owens - Bring It To Jesus

Soulful gospel at it's best. Easy to sing along with.
Sister Wynona Carr - I Wanna Go To Heaven And Rest (No Longer Available, But This Is)

Got some gritty Jesus mojo goin' on right here.
Tom Waits - Jesus Gonna Be Here

This song makes me feel all happy and positive, as do most Matisyahu songs.
Matisyahu - Indestructible

I love story telling songs.
Emmylou Harris - Jerusalem Tomorrow

Picking up the slack

NOTE: This should have been posted a few weeks ago. I thought it had been but I was wrong.

The past 7 days in Brad's(thats me) life have not been so wonderful. It all started when I dropped $80 on a doctors visit because I don't have insurance, Just to have them tell me to take Suddafed and drink water. Something that could have probably been told to me over the phone. Then Friday night after a fun night with friends I accidentally side swiped a telephone pole while backing out of the driveway. I ended up denting the door pretty bad and ripping off my drivers side rear view mirror. Along with that I had my window down and I couldn't get it back up so I had a cold ride home. Luckily I was able to get it back up when I got home. Then on Monday I got all excited about a job offer only to discover it was not a lucrative opportunity I'm not interested in cold calling or selling door to door. Then I find out that for some reason that my resume has not been updated in 30 days, when I know I did it. I got proof. If that happens I get exited out of the program to go to school. I think I fixed that with a upset response though. Despite all this bullshitery I am still keeping a positive attitude on life. However I think I am definitely due for some good news. I just have to wait for it. If I was ever to have a theme song or back ground music like they have in movies, this song would be it. Thank you Mr. Knott for reminding me I'm not alone.
Mike Knott - Am I Winning Something

I can't elaborate, on the thoughts that congregate inside this cage, I can only hope to craft something accurate, let it spill out filling the lines of this white page, I count the fingers of reason, 1,2,3, trying to use logic and subtlety. However the heart runs rampant with this red blood, the skin is warm and feelings flood, every discovery is a puzzle piece put into place, as the picture grows so does the smile on that face. I'm just going to leave it at that and let this song do the talking.
Joe Christmas - Scrabble Girl

I have been obsessed with Lucero recently. I love the gravel like vocals of lead singer Ben Nichols that complements the honkey-tonk bar brawlin' punk rock induced music. Then once you add in the hard living, soft loving, rambling and gambling lyrics you have a perfect down home concoction. These boys make music perfect for a night on the porch with a whiskey bottle and a rocking chair. They recently released a new album called 1372 Overton Park. The band has included a newly added horn section that they are also taking on tour with them. I have yet to hear the album all the way through but from the songs I have heard and the buzz around the internets, it's a doozy. Sorry no horns here. Just awesome acoustic.
Ben Nichols Of Lucero - Hey Darlin' Do You Gamble(acoustic live)

I have no idea where I found this or who mixed this but I think they deserve a parade.
Carl Sagan (Feat. Stephen Hawking) - A Glorious Dawn

Just for fun lets listen to some Carly Simon reworked from her Daytrotter session.
Carly Simon - You're So Vain

I wanted to post this in my last post but I try not to fill each entry with a bunch of songs. I try to keep it at a minimum of 3-6. I have been thinking about slimming it back down to the normal 3 songs per post but I like doing this once a week or so. This song brings me straight into the 80's and reminds me of what was so great about the music of that time. It was cheezy and catchy. This could have been the sister song to Hey Mickey by Toni Basil. Only less annoyingly catchy.
Dragonette - Okay D0lore

I think my neighbor is trying to put the word chronic back into chronic. I constantly smell the aroma of him blazing it up. The dude must live in constant cloud of pot smoke. I don't mind the smell. I remember those days, however I was a little smarter when I smoked. I didn't smoke where someone else could smell it and call the cops if they so desired. Well actually...yeah I did, but I took the proper precautions. Towels, dryer sheets, deodorizing spray. Ahh, to be young and baked. This song goes out to him.
MC Chris - WiiD (Peanut Butter And Jelly Mix) (No Longer Available, But This Is)

The only time I ever saw The Stryder was at a local venue called the Intersection. It has since moved and become a college bar that still hosts good shows but it is not the hole in the wall dive bar that it used to be, and I miss it. there was the regular bar and tables but what made it really great in my opinion was the stage. Picture a cave, now above the entrance of that cave place an enormous big screen TV, and I mean enormous. There was a tiny stage nestled inside cave just big enough for a band to squeeze between the speaker stacks and crowd standing room of about 50 or so. It was loud as hell, hot as hell, and smelled of cigarettes and beer. It was paradise. Every single member of this band was all over that stage, with the exception of the drummer who was stationary for most of the set but, just as active. That show was one of those "I will always love music" moments.
Stryder - Intoxicated

A few weeks ago I decided to take a drive out to where we used to go camping seasonally with the family. I was shocked to find all sorts of new little suburbs and parking lots and gas stations where there used to be nothing or woods. I remember making forts and riding bikes through those trails in the woods. There was a time when they were just building a new housing area and they had a huge dirt hill/ sand pit. A bunch of us kids from the campground would go there and have massive sand fights. I remember this so well because one of the times I had brand new shoes that I wore out to the sand pit and I got them so dirty and muddy. My parents were pissed and made me spend the next day cleaning them with a tooth brush and bleach. It seriously took me 4 hours to get them clean. Now those memories are paved over and lived upon by someone who doesn't know the history. Sad.
Defiance, Ohio - Oh, Susquehanna!

I used to listen to a lot of top 40 pop and dance music back in the day. It wasn't until I started listening to punk music that I started to broaden my musical horizons. Even then I listened to straight punk for about 3 years. Going back to those old mixes before the punk phase sometimes gets a little embarrassing. I had the Quad city DJ's, SWV, Color Me Bad, etc. However one song that I will never deny that I love is The Ghost Town DJs song My Boo. I'm not sure why, it's super girly. I think I liked it most because it was the kind of song that didn't demand you dance to it. It almost said "If you don't dance you can sit and nod your head, it's all good." this isn't the original version and this one is way more danceable but I like it just as much as the original.
The American Dream Team - My Boo(Ghost Town Dj’s Cover)

Where are the wild things? Who's hitting on their boss? Does he really think that will redeem his cool points?

I want to see Where The Wild Things Are so bad! The movie looks great, and is going to have a kick ass soundtrack! In case you did not know or haven't figured it out Wake Up by The Arcade Fire is the music played in the trailer. With it's soaring epic sound it fits well with the movies visuals. Every time I see the trailer on TV or the internet I literally have to resist the urge to break out my Arcade Fire albums and listen to them until my CD player blows up or my ears bleed. Including the amazing trailer music you will also find that the soundtrack is done by composer Carter Burwell(Fargo, Velvet Goldmine, Twilight) and Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs‘. The songs are mostly credited to Karen O and the kids. The "kids" also consist of members of various indie bands including The Dead Weather/The Raconteurs Dean Fertita and Jack Lawrence, Liars Aaron Hemphill, The Bird and The Bee's Greg Kurstin as well as Deerhunters Bradford Cox. The soundtrack is available now and you can get it for pretty cheap on Amazon.
Arcade Fire - Wake Up

Karen O And The Kids - All Is Love

I woke up a few mornings ago feeling chilly as I rolled my bones out of bed. Then it happened again the next morning and the morning after that, In fact it happened every morning since. Fall is here my friends. I have to admit that fall is my favorite time of year. It's not sit-in-a-pool-of-your-sweat-burn-your-flesh-on-leather hot and it's not freeze-your-ass-off-while-chiseling-ice-off-your-windows cold either. I like spring too but most of the time it's allergy season therefore it loses. Fall is the perfect weather though. You got road trips, football games, and Halloween and nothing is better than slipping into a warm hoodie, getting a hot drink, and taking a walk on a fall day. While you are out and about looking at all the changing leaves or jumping in them why not jam out to this chilling little electro number.
Rollercoaster Project - Hoods Up (No Longer Available, But This Is)

Embarrassing fact #223 about Me: I like the TV show Glee. Not the manliest show to watch but seeing as how I am a fan of music I decided to give it a go and now I am addicted. The story seems pretty well grounded, hopefully it won't go all crazy and loose it's luster as we have seen with a lot of fox shows. I love the remakes of the songs and the dance numbers. I'm not a huge fan of dancing but it is entertaining. What grabs me the most is the singing. I don't know if it's the actual actors voices (I doubt it) but whoever is singing these songs they have AMAZING voices. The song selection is great too. Can't go wrong with Don't Stop Believin' or Somebody To Love. Unfortunately I can't find any youtube clips with video for those two songs but I did find this.
...and why don't guys watch this?!

As I always do after uncovering a hidden reputation ruining factoid I will try to redeem myself. How I will do that, is with jetpacks. Since after seeing the Rocketeer as a kid so many years ago I have always wanted a jetpack. As I am sure many of you have. Now that I am a little older I realize that having a jetpack would ultimately lead me to an early demise, or thousands of dollars in construction repair and hospital bills. The dream of having jetpacks was humorously crushed after watching George Michael on Arrested Development. Still I hope someday to see jetpacks used for travel, and so do the band We Were Promised Jetpacks. These Glasgow based guys have been around for a bit but I just recently got around to listening to them. This band exudes energy from every note they play. What I really love about this band is the noticeable accent and the stop on a dime ending. Apparently Glasgow is the city to watch for good music folks. Now if I only had a way that could get me there faster than a car and without having to deal with airport security...

We Were Promised Jetpacks - Ships With Holes Will Sink

I had to stop in the middle of writing this post because I had to go take another test in order to go back to school so I can take more tests. Funny how that all works out, huh? They always want to know what you know! It wasn't a hard test at all. It was more of an "answer these questions about jobs with like or dislike and then we will compile it all and give you an idea of what you might be good at" test. I came out with artistic careers and I.T. careers. I think both fit well. Good job test for telling me what I already know. The test isn't what this is about though. After that test I decided to get some food and pop into this store called Bumblebees near me that was hiring. It's a sort of second hand clothing store mostly catering to kids clothes and some adult clothes as well. I had a job with goodwill so I figured I might as well put my app in and see what happens. Even if it's not really what I am looking for it's a job! So I go to the register and there is a girl behind the counter. When she turns around I see one of the cutest blondes, I have seen in a while. I was, so caught off guard that I started to stutter for a second, probably looking like a complete idiot, until I finally get "Can I have an application?" out of my mouth. She laughs a little and tells me that she doesn't have any available because she forgot to copy the last application they had. I smile and I tell her "I know how that goes", she smiles back and says I should come back in a few days. I say alright and I stupidly stand there for a second. This is what goes through my mind. "Dude, hit on her, ask her out, be funny, but you might want to say something cause right now your just standing there looking at her and she is still looking at you. Oh wait....you just asked her for an application for a job. What if she's the boss? Bad Idea, still you should say something instead of looking like a goober." I looked down for a second and then said "I'll probably "buzz" by in a few days then." Just kidding. I didn't say that. Instead I said "Alright, I'll come back in a few days." I wish I had thought of that though, it would have been classic. I'll have to save that one for next time. On the way home I started thinking about writing a song called Potentially Hittin' On The Boss (Worst First Impression) then I'd remix it and call myself Business or Pleasure. I'm seriously going to think about doing this. It might be lame cause I have no musical ability but it'll be funny. I tried to see if there were any songs remotely similar to that idea, and all I could think of was a song by The Vandals called Cafe 405 which I will post. However while I was looking I came across another song that tickled my fancy. It doesn't have a lot to do with the situation but I think it's a flirtatious and unique song. So...on to the music.

The Vandals - Cafe 405

Kids On TV - We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off (Jermaine Stewart Cover)