11/04/2009

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

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