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)