The Letter B

I am not a huge sports fan but I really like the concept of a band singing songs about baseball. Not to mention that this band is composed of some decent song writers. Most notable Peter Buck of R.E.M. fame. I posted this song not because I am a Twins fan but I am a fan of Craig Finn (The Hold Steady) who lends his vocals on this tune. I'd say this is a must for a sports/music fan. No three strikes here, this is a home run all the way.
The Baseball Project - Don't Call Them Twinkies

I don't know exactly what to say about this song. I love the laid back feel and the lyrics remind me of those old 60's girl groups. You know, the smitten girl gushing about her boy. The song is pretty rocking and swimming in a sea of reverb goodness.
Best Coast - When I'm With You

Buddy Guy is one of the great blues legends, although this isn't sad sounding as one might think. This is a biting dark gritty song meant to be blasted on a stereo with lots of bass. I can't help to think how the song has a sort of Hendrix vibe to it. Every rapper can claim dirty south, but this would be my definition for sure.
Buddy Guy - Baby Please Don't Leave Me

How about something a little less heavy and more happy? This song reminds me of every feel good family friendly movie I have seen. It mostly reminds me of the movie Race The Sun. This song was not in the movie, it did feature Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root. I think it could have fit right in perfectly though. This song will make you want to go somewhere with palm trees or on a Safari. Seems fitting since the band is from Zimbabwe.
Bhundu Boys - Hatisi Tose

80's hair metal will never die, and I am glad. Break out the male eyeliner, spandex or skin tight leather (your pick) and hot guitar licks. Let the cheese begin!
Big Bang Babies - Shes My Candy Girl

"I get by with a little help from my friends..."

Today's post is brought to you by the the letter J, as in Jake. Since I have been lame with my posting habits lately I an pleased to present a guest RopBop post!! I also want to send a big thank you to him for taking the time to do this. He's got a lot more going on than I do. Much appreciated, man! With that said let's check out his jams!

First off is a flashback from the vault. Being only a casual follower of music, I’ve generally depended on more knowledgeable friends for new tunes. This song by The National was part of RopBop’s inaugural post. (Check the archives on the right.) Only recently have I discovered the Kent District Library, and without getting too much into the benefits of taxpayer-funded public services, I’ll only say that the library is the best place in the world. In addition to all of the children's books and Star Wars graphic novels one could ever want to check out, it’s also allowed me to listen to all of the music I’ve always wanted to, but have been too cheap/broke to purchase--in this case, The National’s “Alligator”. Good stuff!

The National- Mr. November

If any of you out there have small children, you’ll know how rare it is to find kids’ music that parents can enjoy, too. Yeah, some of you may like Raffi, but I hope you keep that to yourselves. “If You Ever See An Owl..." however, is a staple of my ipod rotation. I discovered these guys while listening to Pandora a couple years ago by recognizing the singer’s voice from The Get Up Kids’ version of “Close To Me”--a cover song RopBop-worthy in it’s own right--which was made known to me courtesy of Brad.
The Terrible Twos - Old Man Miller (not from album)

Back when we were living on Paddock Ave., Brad and I also had a musical goldmine next door named Dice. There among the treasures unearthed was that of Dinosaur Jr. Screaming guitar solos rule, and the last three minutes of this song understatedly wail.
Dinosaur Jr - Pick Me Up

This is my cousins’ band (as in both singers, Max and Rory) and their inclusion here is more than just a nepotic plug. I really, really like this album. It’s got a double entendre title, a few subtle Wilco, Pearl Jam, and Ishmael references, and a strong social conscience that makes me re-evaluate my existence every time I listen to it. Keep it up, BDR, and check it out, readers.

Big Dudee Roo - Michigan


I hope you all enjoyed my post, and I hope Brad will invite me back, because I got more songs! Thanks, Brad! And Happy Easter, everyone.

This is probably going to be one of the weirdest videos you have ever seen. Let me put it right out there, this video has a lot of penises in it, you don't actually see full frontal male nudity but there boners and drawn penis. However it should have them considering what the song is about. In a nut shell (pun intended), it's about a boy who doesn't want to go through with the Xhosa ritual of becoming a man. I can't say I blame him since it involves cutting off your foreskin with at the age of 18. Not only that but they don't use clean tools. If this ritual is not done then said male is not considered a man, and you are looked down upon. The video is about how the dude does not want to be a man, he wants to stay an "evil boy for life". There is an interview with the band here. I suggest checking it out it's super interesting. Now about the band, or should I say South African rave-hip hop group, Die Antwoord. I seriously can't even describe the band, they are like aliens from another planet to me. I do know I love the music and delivery. If you can't understand half of what they are saying don't feel go crazy trying to. The lyrics switch between Afrikaans, Xhosa, and English. I think the part I like best about this band is that I don't understand them. When I say that I mean that as a whole. They confuse me. I love them but I'm not quite sure why yet. Did I mention you can stream thier new album on their website?

VIDEO NOT SAFE FOR WORK




I also suggest checking out some of their past projects..
Max Normal.TV - You Look Stupid

One of the reasons I love Ozzy, meaningful slow songs. I never knew this gem existed.


This is amazing tripped out animation. The music isn't bad either.


Titus Andronicus are the new emo. The lyrics are filled with depressing and dark lyrics. The music is hard, gritty and filled with frustrated anger. Where was this band when I was 16?
Titus Andronicus - A More Perfect Union

Just a cool song I came across.
Baxter Durry - Oscar Brown

Do you like hockey? Do you like monkeys? Do you like silly songs about monkeys playing hockey? If you do push play. If not, then you take life way to seriously. Lighten up you sourpuss.
The Zambonis - Hockey Monkey

Favorite line of this song "If I were a tree I'd give you wood." Hey, The post started with penises, so it only seems fitting to end with penis joke.
Forest City Lovers - If I were A Tree

New Graphic = New Post

Just because I wanted to show off the new RopBop logo! Not only did I do that but I fixed the scrunchedness of the page. My words have room to breathe and Youtube videos don't overlap. Huzzah! I also added what I like to call the "Give Some Props" bar at the bottom of the posts. All you have to do is click it and you can link right to the post!

I wanted to make sure someone sees this...


Ahhh might as well make this a whole post...
The step brother of Imogen Heap, musically speaking of course. By me saying front man for Sigur Ros, should explain why you might want to listen to this.
Jonsi - Go Do

I decided to start working out...again.
Lightning Dust - I Knew

Sounds like these dudes have been listening to a lot of Rolling Stones records. I like it. Michigan and London natives in this group.
Deadstring Brothers - Can't Make Through The Night

This is just insane.
Weed Diamond - Snowmelt

I like covers of indie electro dance bands by semi unknown female R&B singers. Especially when they are really good covers.
Duffy - Ready For The Floor (Hot Chip Cover)

I am down with the sickness.

I have come down with some sort of sickness. Lets just say there are a lot of leaking fluids, movie watching, and sleeping. Since I have slept for about 12 hours and can not sleep anymore (I'm sure I'll fall into la la land once these pills kick in) I decided to make a playlist. It's pretty hard to find songs about being sick. I guess it's not something to be joyous about.

Ry Cooder - Feelin' Bad Blues

Yourself And The Air - Sick Days

Unrest - So So Sick

Mudhoney - Touch Me I'm Sick

Eels - Novocaine For The Soul

Non-Prophets - The Cure

Richard Cheese - Down With The Sickness

Wonderful words, this dude has so many great songs about love it was hard to chose.
Daniel Johnston - Without Love

Karen O can sing this to me anytime.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Hysteric (Acoustic Version)

An oldie but goodie
Clyde McPhatter And The Drifters - Honey Love

Get down while gettin' down
Detroit Grand Pubahs - Sandwiches

Ain't no shame, everybody does it.
Nobunny - Do The Fuck Yourself

....and one for that person that didn't reciprocate
Magnetic Fields - I'm Sorry I Love You

If you are sitting in your room crying from loneliness, listen to this it will make you feel better. See I told you this guy has awesome songs.
Daniel Johnston - True Love Will Find You In The End

One Hundredth Post!

Today marks the 100th post at Ropbop. When I first started this blog I wasn't really expecting it to grow into what it has. Not saying that it's blown up to epic proportions, but I am happy with the little growth spurt it has had in the last year. I want to thank each and every person who takes time out of their day to check it out. You reading this blog is what keeps me coming back to write more. So thanks for the motivation, the nice comments, and help. With that being said I think it's time to try and phase out a new stage of Ropbop. I would love it if anyone wants to join and write along with me. I can't pay you anything but if you want to do a guest post or write about your favorite songs every now and then, let me know. I'd love it. All you have to do is e-mail me at Ropbopblog@yahoo.com. I might be doing a podcast in the future as well. I guarantee it won't be super professional. That's pretty much it. I hate doing this but if you think someone might dig my blog please send them this way.

100 Post Mix A.K.A. muzk 4 muzk luvrs.
01. The Hold Steady - Certain Songs
02. Okkervil River - Unless It Kicks
03. J. Roddy Walston and The Business - Uh Oh Rock & Roll
04. Freddie King - Blues Band Shuffle
05. Lenlow - Do Your Thing To The Music
06. The Explosions - Hip Drop Pt.1
07. Atmosphere - Party for the Fight to Write
08. LCD Soundsystem - Dance Yrself Clean
09. Supergrass - Pumping On Your Stereo
10. Rancid - Radio
11. Bouncing Souls - Sing Along Forever
12. The Ramones - Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio?
13. Queen - Rock It
14. The Promise Ring - Make Me A Mixed Tape
15. Check out the big brain on Brad
16. Mando Diao - Dance With Somebody
17. The Mountain Goats - Dance Music
18. The Knocks - When You've Got Music
19. The Heptones - Get In The Groove (Studio One - Swing Easy)
20. Sublime - Boss DJ (Acoustic)
21. Ian Hunter - Old Records Never Die

Get The Mix Here
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