Andrew Jackson (20) and Franklin D. Roosevelt (10)

Hello, it's been a few weeks since I have posted anything and it feels good to be back. I had some downtime. So where was I? First of all there was all the Christmas craziness. I got a lot of clothes, gift cards, candy and food. It was a pretty good Christmas. Spent quality time with the fam, rocked some guitar hero with the brother in law and nephews, had a cupcake fight with my sister and step sister, and watched A Christmas Story about 5 times. The week between Christmas and New Years I didn't do much. I had no money to do anything and there wasn't much to do. I visited friends a few times but mostly laid back. New years was great. My friend and his wife came up from VA. I had not seen them in a year, maybe longer. So for the first 6 days of the new year it was one night of drinking, one night back home. Good times. However I managed to pick up a nasty cold. Not good times. I was down for a week and I am still not 100% over it, I'm feeling a lot better though. So anywho, happy 2010. Here's to a better year, a better decade, and better tunes.
Cornelius - 2010

Harlem Shakes - Strictly Game

Scene 24
Setup: Two lovers get into a car crash. One survives, one tragically passes away. The deceased becomes a ghost, but bound by love, can not pass into the afterlife until his lover dies as well. The living lover ends up living for years, she grieves for a long time but eventually moves on and falls in love with another. The ghost is not angry, or heartbroken just sad and jealous. A bittersweet feeling.
Scene: Dark moonlight room. Big window open and silky drapes blowing softly in the night air. Bedroom: hardwood floors, minimal decor, night stand, lamp, 4 post bed. Man and woman (living wife and new lover) holding each other, embracing, fast asleep. In front of the window ghostly figure stars down at the couple. Eerily misty and see through, Features barley recognizable yet face shows sadness and longing. Song starts (Arch Angel by Burial) Flash backs of their (ghost and womans) time spent together, As song progresses flashbacks get more rapid and man slowly starts to fade more and more in each flashback. New relationship (new lover and woman) flashbacks from ghosts perspective start to slowly replace old flashbacks intertwined with haunting ghost like images. Ex. New relationship passionate love making followed by ghost thrashing around trying to throw things off the walls and smash things, inside view of heartbeats etc. Anger, passion, love, sadness, longing. This is dance music for sad ghosts.
Burial - Arch Angel

With each movement you can hear the squeaks of tightly pulled leather expanding and retracting. The steady rhythm of clop clop clop clop flows from his heavy rugged footsteps. Those clothes were made to take a beating, and by the look of things they have seen their fair share of smoky bar room brawls.With pounds of metal, chrome and power between his legs, he flicks the kickstand with with a steel toe, and with one fluid stomp he brings the the bike to life. There is the initial pur and with a twist of the wrist the roar of a lion. He rides off into the night. The motor screaming out for miles, like an invisible beast ready to kill.
Kings Of The Sun - Black Leather

I discovered this band by surfing the butthole of the internet that is known as 4chan. Every now and then a golden nugget is bound to come out and in this case, the gold turd is called Black Lab. Okay so actually they aren't crappy at all. Alright I promise I'll stop with the poop jokes. This song is full of radio quality goodness. However it's not a song that I would get annoyed with hearing over and over again. I could see how some might not like it but it's better than Creed. So I guess you could say they're the shit. Sorry couldn't help myself.
Black Lab - See The Sun

Sorry no updates have been made. First there was Christmas going ons, then New Years and my friends from the east coast came to visit so I hung out with them. Now I am, as Disturbed would say, "Down With The Sickness". The wicked sickness to boot. I'll update once again as soon as I my immune system becomes the big game hunter it should be and takes down this rhino virus.

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....