This is the twenty-third installments of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"Mashed Potato Time" - Dee Dee Sharp Maltshop Memories: Jukebox Gems
Ooh, that new dance craze, The Mashed Potato! C'mon baby, let's shimmy to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" but we'll have to take our socks off, so we don't mark up the gym floor. Ahh, the 1950s, so quaint and darling!
"Breathless" - The Corrs In Blue
Did you know for a good few weeks, I thought this was a Shania Twain song. So embarrassing, I know, but finally a DJ did his job and mentioned who was singing it. But when I bought the CD at the Salvation Army a few years later, I learned why it sounded so Twain-y, it was produced by Shania's hubby/producer "Mutt" Lange. Makes sense now! That's why I prefer to own the CD instead of download, you get the CD booklet with all that interesting (at least to me) information.
"Lead Me On" - Amy Grant Lead Me On
Believe it or not, this is my favorite song of all time. I can't explain it, it's one of Amy's better tracks for sure and I do love me some Christian pop. But it's not what most people would expect. Maybe that's why I like it, to keep people guessing.
"When I Kissed The Teacher" - ABBA More Gold
This is an prime example of why the Swedes do pop music better than anybody else. The lyrics are ridiculous, but so catchy. Apparently the intent of kissing the teacher was to embarrass him, only instead they both realized they were in love? Mary Kay Letourneau, much?
"Doo Wop (That Thing)" - Lauryn Hill The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill
I've been in love with Lauryn Hill since I saw her in Sister Act 2, and I think The Fugees version of "Killing Me Softly" is almost as good as the Roberta Flack version. But it was in the car with my cousin Jen and her cassette of the Grammy Nominees that I first heard "Doo Wop (That Thing)" and I was amazed. It's just so funky and cool, and the lyrics were not the normal pop or R&B thing.
Showing posts with label 5 Songs On Shuffle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5 Songs On Shuffle. Show all posts
Monday, August 25, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle, Volume 22
This is the twenty-second installments of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"The Only Promise That Remains" - Reba McIntire/Justin Timberlake Reba Duets
This gorgeous Celtic love ballad, co-written by Mr Sexy back himself, is a departure for both artists. Justin is known for his hip-hop flavored pop hits, and Reba for her giant soaring ballads and catchy country-pop with a life lesson at the center. This is a simple, beautiful love song with Justin's soft falsetto harmonizing, but never overpowering, Reba's always-stunning vocals and a gentle guitar and string back-ground.
"LDN" - Lily Allen Alright, Still
Lily is riding her bike through my dream town, and sees what I would miss. Is that fancy looking couple actually a pimp/ho combo? Did nice young man just bash that old ladies over the head? And is that sunny Calypso music playing underneath a snarky lyric? Indeed.
"That Time" - Regina Spektor Begin to Hope
Regina reminiscences about the fun times: when she only ate tangerines for a month, when she would only read Shakespeare, when she and I would kiss anywhere except the mouth, when we broke and bummed cigs. Oh, and remember that time when I OD'd, for the second time? Yeah, fun times!
"Anytime You Like" - Robyn Robyn
Over a strange barely-there beat, Robyn waits to be told those three little words. You can tell her anytime you like...
"Marry Me" - St. Vincent Marry Me
Starting out like a lost Broadway tune, it gets quirky; and fast! She wants do what "married people do... what Mary and Joseph did, without the kid" over a strange drum and horn and piano beat.
"The Only Promise That Remains" - Reba McIntire/Justin Timberlake Reba Duets
This gorgeous Celtic love ballad, co-written by Mr Sexy back himself, is a departure for both artists. Justin is known for his hip-hop flavored pop hits, and Reba for her giant soaring ballads and catchy country-pop with a life lesson at the center. This is a simple, beautiful love song with Justin's soft falsetto harmonizing, but never overpowering, Reba's always-stunning vocals and a gentle guitar and string back-ground.
"LDN" - Lily Allen Alright, Still
Lily is riding her bike through my dream town, and sees what I would miss. Is that fancy looking couple actually a pimp/ho combo? Did nice young man just bash that old ladies over the head? And is that sunny Calypso music playing underneath a snarky lyric? Indeed.
"That Time" - Regina Spektor Begin to Hope
Regina reminiscences about the fun times: when she only ate tangerines for a month, when she would only read Shakespeare, when she and I would kiss anywhere except the mouth, when we broke and bummed cigs. Oh, and remember that time when I OD'd, for the second time? Yeah, fun times!
"Anytime You Like" - Robyn Robyn
Over a strange barely-there beat, Robyn waits to be told those three little words. You can tell her anytime you like...
"Marry Me" - St. Vincent Marry Me
Starting out like a lost Broadway tune, it gets quirky; and fast! She wants do what "married people do... what Mary and Joseph did, without the kid" over a strange drum and horn and piano beat.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Five Ten Songs On Shuffle, Volume 21
This is the twenty-first installments of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." Normally I’d put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play, but since I forgot one last week I'm doing ten songs. It's only fair!
"What I Like About You" - The Romantics The Modern Edge
Long before it was the theme to the unfortunate sitcom starring Amanda Bynes and Jenny Garth, this was a karaoke favorite and bouncy sing-along punk song. Despite the harmonica, which is my most hated instrument of all time, it's so darn fun to sing I had to have it on the 'Pod.
"Thriller" - Fall Out Boy Infinity On High
Ooh, Mr. Carter intros the best punk-pop band of the '00s! Can it get anymore celeb-centric? "Thriller" might share the title with a classic Micheal Jackson album/song/video but it's not quite the same. Almost as catchy, though.
"Streets Of Philadelphia" - Bettye LeVette Song Of America
Maybe you don't remember, but there was quite a bit of talk late last year about Janet Reno and her nephew-in-law curating this three disc collection of American music from the 1400s to the present, much of it performed by indie and folk artists. Bettye LeVette is a soul diva who was shut out of the industry as a young person in the 1970s, but has had two well reviewed discs come out in the past couple years. She brings even more emotion to this Bruce Springsteen hit, as you would expect from a big beautiful black woman.
"Love You I Do" - Jennifer Hudson Dreamgirls Motion Picture Soundtrack
Speaking of big beautiful black women, my Oscar-winning girl J.Hud sounds sooooo good in this song, written just for the film version of Dreamgirls. She has such a strong voice, perfect for this sunny Motown-biting love song.
"When In Rome" - Nickel Creek Reasons Why: The Very Best
This song was the whole reason I bought the best-of collection by the now-defunct alterna-bluegrass trio. With a writing scheme more REM than Soggy Bottom Boys, but capturing the tradition elements of fiddle and mandolin, a new sound was born. Without Nickel Creek, I don't think I could have appreciated new variations on acoustic music like Jay Brannan's stuff as much as I do.
"Anyone Else But You" - The Moldy Peaches Juno
The lo-fi acoustic sound is almost amateurish, but the sentiment and writing on this song is stellar. Just sweet but strange, just like Juno herself. And seriously, I just imported this CD from the disc I borrowed from the library this afternoon, and it's already popping up on random.
"Mississippi Goddam" - Nina Simone Verve Jazz Masters 17
After one of the many racial-related crimes in the south, Nina wrote this bitter song in response. A super-simple piano line underlines the deservedly venomous lyrics about the broken trust between African-Americans and the rest of the nation. "Everybody knows about Mississippi goddam!"
"An American Crime (End Credits)" Petra Haden, Composed By Alan Lazar An American Crime
Petra Haden is known for her a capella work, like her brilliant cover of "Don't Stop Believin'" from the Guilt By Association album. Alan Lazar takes her wordless vocals and layers them in an increasingly creepy way, building up like strings in a traditional score before breaking into a piano solo and then returning to the vocals. Seriously, one of the scariest scores I've heard in a long time.
"My Interpratation" - MIKA Life In Cartoon Motion
Not one of the best songs from his poppy debut disc, but still a serviceable adult-rock style pop song. I just unchecked from my iPod, I'm out of room and need to add some of my newer acquisitions.
"U + UR Hand" - Pink I'm Not Dead
Yeah, it's just a dirtier version of "Since U Been Gone" (Max Martin wrote both songs) but it's still a classic in the dirty-pop tradition. Also, the best masturbation song since "She Bop"
"What I Like About You" - The Romantics The Modern Edge
Long before it was the theme to the unfortunate sitcom starring Amanda Bynes and Jenny Garth, this was a karaoke favorite and bouncy sing-along punk song. Despite the harmonica, which is my most hated instrument of all time, it's so darn fun to sing I had to have it on the 'Pod.
"Thriller" - Fall Out Boy Infinity On High
Ooh, Mr. Carter intros the best punk-pop band of the '00s! Can it get anymore celeb-centric? "Thriller" might share the title with a classic Micheal Jackson album/song/video but it's not quite the same. Almost as catchy, though.
"Streets Of Philadelphia" - Bettye LeVette Song Of America
Maybe you don't remember, but there was quite a bit of talk late last year about Janet Reno and her nephew-in-law curating this three disc collection of American music from the 1400s to the present, much of it performed by indie and folk artists. Bettye LeVette is a soul diva who was shut out of the industry as a young person in the 1970s, but has had two well reviewed discs come out in the past couple years. She brings even more emotion to this Bruce Springsteen hit, as you would expect from a big beautiful black woman.
"Love You I Do" - Jennifer Hudson Dreamgirls Motion Picture Soundtrack
Speaking of big beautiful black women, my Oscar-winning girl J.Hud sounds sooooo good in this song, written just for the film version of Dreamgirls. She has such a strong voice, perfect for this sunny Motown-biting love song.
"When In Rome" - Nickel Creek Reasons Why: The Very Best
This song was the whole reason I bought the best-of collection by the now-defunct alterna-bluegrass trio. With a writing scheme more REM than Soggy Bottom Boys, but capturing the tradition elements of fiddle and mandolin, a new sound was born. Without Nickel Creek, I don't think I could have appreciated new variations on acoustic music like Jay Brannan's stuff as much as I do.
"Anyone Else But You" - The Moldy Peaches Juno
The lo-fi acoustic sound is almost amateurish, but the sentiment and writing on this song is stellar. Just sweet but strange, just like Juno herself. And seriously, I just imported this CD from the disc I borrowed from the library this afternoon, and it's already popping up on random.
"Mississippi Goddam" - Nina Simone Verve Jazz Masters 17
After one of the many racial-related crimes in the south, Nina wrote this bitter song in response. A super-simple piano line underlines the deservedly venomous lyrics about the broken trust between African-Americans and the rest of the nation. "Everybody knows about Mississippi goddam!"
"An American Crime (End Credits)" Petra Haden, Composed By Alan Lazar An American Crime
Petra Haden is known for her a capella work, like her brilliant cover of "Don't Stop Believin'" from the Guilt By Association album. Alan Lazar takes her wordless vocals and layers them in an increasingly creepy way, building up like strings in a traditional score before breaking into a piano solo and then returning to the vocals. Seriously, one of the scariest scores I've heard in a long time.
"My Interpratation" - MIKA Life In Cartoon Motion
Not one of the best songs from his poppy debut disc, but still a serviceable adult-rock style pop song. I just unchecked from my iPod, I'm out of room and need to add some of my newer acquisitions.
"U + UR Hand" - Pink I'm Not Dead
Yeah, it's just a dirtier version of "Since U Been Gone" (Max Martin wrote both songs) but it's still a classic in the dirty-pop tradition. Also, the best masturbation song since "She Bop"
Monday, July 14, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle, Volume 19
This is the nineteenth installments of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"Just Friends" - Amy Winehouse Back To Black
This ska flavored throwback track from Amy's otherwise brilliant Back to Black album is one of the weaker songs on the disc. But it's still got a good sound and the usual confessional lyrics.
"Break Anotha" - Blake Lewis Audio Day Dream
My future boyfriend and American Idol runner up Blake Lewis didn't actually want to record this song, the first single from his debut album. It doesn't fit well in with rest of the album, this track is a funky, brassy Maroon 5 rip off and the other songs are mostly airy electro-pop. Still a great white funk track.
"La Tortura" - Shakira feat Alejandro Sanz Fijacion Oral Vol 1
Just because it's not in English doesn't mean Americans ignored this hot Latin dance track. Perfect hipshaking music, even if I have no idea what the lyrics mean.
"Night Owl" - Carly Simon The Best Of Carly Simon
My theme song! OK, not really, but whenever I hear it I think back to the days when I used to stay up 'til the wee hours of the morning. Beyond that, it's kind of a silly song.
"No Pause" - Girl Talk Feed The Animals
This is actually one of my favorite tracks from the mash-up master's latest, starting with Missy Elliot's "Work It" layered over Nu Shooz "I Can't Wait" and ending with Eminiem's rap from "Shake That" over Yael Naim's gentle piano from the Mac Air ad.
"Just Friends" - Amy Winehouse Back To Black
This ska flavored throwback track from Amy's otherwise brilliant Back to Black album is one of the weaker songs on the disc. But it's still got a good sound and the usual confessional lyrics.
"Break Anotha" - Blake Lewis Audio Day Dream
My future boyfriend and American Idol runner up Blake Lewis didn't actually want to record this song, the first single from his debut album. It doesn't fit well in with rest of the album, this track is a funky, brassy Maroon 5 rip off and the other songs are mostly airy electro-pop. Still a great white funk track.
"La Tortura" - Shakira feat Alejandro Sanz Fijacion Oral Vol 1
Just because it's not in English doesn't mean Americans ignored this hot Latin dance track. Perfect hipshaking music, even if I have no idea what the lyrics mean.
"Night Owl" - Carly Simon The Best Of Carly Simon
My theme song! OK, not really, but whenever I hear it I think back to the days when I used to stay up 'til the wee hours of the morning. Beyond that, it's kind of a silly song.
"No Pause" - Girl Talk Feed The Animals
This is actually one of my favorite tracks from the mash-up master's latest, starting with Missy Elliot's "Work It" layered over Nu Shooz "I Can't Wait" and ending with Eminiem's rap from "Shake That" over Yael Naim's gentle piano from the Mac Air ad.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle, Vol. 18
This is the eighteenth installments of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"No One" - Alicia Keys No One - Single
I love this song so much, it was on my top songs list for last year. The strange synths, the piano line, the impassioned vocals all combined to create an intense pop record that sounds like nothing else on the radio.
"Super Trouper" - ABBA ABBA Gold
As you may recall, I saw Mamma Mia the other week, and was very pleased. Donna, the mother character sings this song with her two best friends and former band mates as a "reunion" of Donna & The Dynamos for the daughter bachelorette party. The song is just a fun pop song, and the super trouper referred to in the lyrics a type of lighting, not a law officer.
"We Are Broken" - Paramore Riot!
This power ballad from pop-punk grrl band Paramore is a very nice song, but almost forgettable. I enjoyed hearing it pop up on random, but don't really remember hearing it. It happens, they can't all be "Misery Business"
"Hurt" - Johnny Cash The Legend Of Johnny Cash
This is one of my favorite songs of all time, which I blogged about last December. It's so moving, almost painfully so, a man coming to terms with his mortality; and the loss of a loved one, of himself. The piano rises as the end, and it kills me. Hard to believe The Man In Black didn't even write it.
"Ur So Gay (Remix)" - Katy Perry Ur So Gay EP
In this hard techno remix of the sassy single from of-the-moment popster Katy Perry, the first three minutes consists of just the line "Ur so gay... boy" repeated over and over an obnoxious beat. You don't even get to the snark-tastic lines that make the original so fun, just the chorus. And the beat isn't the best to dance to! SKIP!
"No One" - Alicia Keys No One - Single
I love this song so much, it was on my top songs list for last year. The strange synths, the piano line, the impassioned vocals all combined to create an intense pop record that sounds like nothing else on the radio.
"Super Trouper" - ABBA ABBA Gold
As you may recall, I saw Mamma Mia the other week, and was very pleased. Donna, the mother character sings this song with her two best friends and former band mates as a "reunion" of Donna & The Dynamos for the daughter bachelorette party. The song is just a fun pop song, and the super trouper referred to in the lyrics a type of lighting, not a law officer.
"We Are Broken" - Paramore Riot!
This power ballad from pop-punk grrl band Paramore is a very nice song, but almost forgettable. I enjoyed hearing it pop up on random, but don't really remember hearing it. It happens, they can't all be "Misery Business"
"Hurt" - Johnny Cash The Legend Of Johnny Cash
This is one of my favorite songs of all time, which I blogged about last December. It's so moving, almost painfully so, a man coming to terms with his mortality; and the loss of a loved one, of himself. The piano rises as the end, and it kills me. Hard to believe The Man In Black didn't even write it.
"Ur So Gay (Remix)" - Katy Perry Ur So Gay EP
In this hard techno remix of the sassy single from of-the-moment popster Katy Perry, the first three minutes consists of just the line "Ur so gay... boy" repeated over and over an obnoxious beat. You don't even get to the snark-tastic lines that make the original so fun, just the chorus. And the beat isn't the best to dance to! SKIP!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle, Vol. 17
This is the seventeenth installments of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"Stop Me Medley (Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before/You Keep Me Hanging On)" - Mark Ronson feat. Daniel Merriweather Version
Mark Ronson's blend of sixties pop and modern beats fascinated me last year. Besides his own album, his production work on albums by Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse solidified his reputation as a whiz-kid producer. The medley of songs by The Smiths and The Supremes is awesome, the horns and beat make it funky, but also sweet and slow.
"Can't Complain" - Nickel Creek Reasons Why: The Very Best
In this passionate ballad, Chris Thile tells of going with a girl who his buddy stands up, then things get sour. They move in together, he cheats, but he told her "I could love her/I told her I could lie/so she can't complain"
"4 Minutes" - Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake 4 Minutes (Single)
The second this track was available for legal download, I was on it like white on rice. How could I resist the siren call of Madonna working with production master Timbaland on a brassy marching band beat, while getting an assist from my boyfriend Justin Timberlake. Mmmm... Justin Timberlake ::eyes glaze over:: Wait, where was I? Oh, this song rocks!
"Breaking Free" - Porter Block Guilt By Association
I have no idea who Porter Block are, but by covering the top ten single from Disney Channel sensation High School Musical, they have taken over my iPod. Who thought you could take a cheesy duet and turn it into a three minute modern rock jam? I'm guessing they are slightly embarrassed by this contribution to the Guilt By Association album of indie rock groups covering pop guilty pleasures, since they don't mention it on their official website. Be proud! You done good.
"Kiss Me" - Sixpence None The Richer Kiss Me/Love (Single)
This jangly bit of dreamy modern rock blew up after showing up on Dawson's Creek and She's All That. But Sixpence None The Richer started life as a Christian Rock band with minor hits, but a devoted following. But even a Christian Rock fanatic like me knew them best for "Kiss Me" and that's OK.
"Stop Me Medley (Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before/You Keep Me Hanging On)" - Mark Ronson feat. Daniel Merriweather Version
Mark Ronson's blend of sixties pop and modern beats fascinated me last year. Besides his own album, his production work on albums by Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse solidified his reputation as a whiz-kid producer. The medley of songs by The Smiths and The Supremes is awesome, the horns and beat make it funky, but also sweet and slow.
"Can't Complain" - Nickel Creek Reasons Why: The Very Best
In this passionate ballad, Chris Thile tells of going with a girl who his buddy stands up, then things get sour. They move in together, he cheats, but he told her "I could love her/I told her I could lie/so she can't complain"
"4 Minutes" - Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake 4 Minutes (Single)
The second this track was available for legal download, I was on it like white on rice. How could I resist the siren call of Madonna working with production master Timbaland on a brassy marching band beat, while getting an assist from my boyfriend Justin Timberlake. Mmmm... Justin Timberlake ::eyes glaze over:: Wait, where was I? Oh, this song rocks!
"Breaking Free" - Porter Block Guilt By Association
I have no idea who Porter Block are, but by covering the top ten single from Disney Channel sensation High School Musical, they have taken over my iPod. Who thought you could take a cheesy duet and turn it into a three minute modern rock jam? I'm guessing they are slightly embarrassed by this contribution to the Guilt By Association album of indie rock groups covering pop guilty pleasures, since they don't mention it on their official website. Be proud! You done good.
"Kiss Me" - Sixpence None The Richer Kiss Me/Love (Single)
This jangly bit of dreamy modern rock blew up after showing up on Dawson's Creek and She's All That. But Sixpence None The Richer started life as a Christian Rock band with minor hits, but a devoted following. But even a Christian Rock fanatic like me knew them best for "Kiss Me" and that's OK.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle Volume 16
This is the sixteenth installments of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"Summertime" - Nina Simone Trouble On My Mind
This jazzy interpretation of the Gershwin classic has one of the longest instrumental intros of any song on my iPod. The vocals don't start until about halfway through the song. It has a more free form style than her version on Verve Jazz Masters 17 disc, or the Billie Holiday, Sandi Patty or Fantasia versions that are also on my iPod. I do love me some jazz standards!
"Lucky Star" - Madonna The Immaculate Collection
One of the Material Girl's earliest hits, "Lucky Star" is just post-disco fun. Bubblegummy and sweet, it just makes you want to bop around the kitchen while you do the dishes or sing along at the top of your lungs in the car. While she has had better pop hits, this one started it all and I must give my props.
"Stronger" - Britney Spears Greatest Hits: My Perogative
Not one of my favorites among Brit's pop hits, but an OK girl power/breakup song. I much prefer Kanye's Stronger to Britney's, though.
"Big Girls Don't Cry" - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Malt Shop Memories: Save The Last Dance [Disc 1]
I just downloaded this box set on my iTunes this afternoon. I borrowed it from my Grammy, cause I don't have enough old school music in my iPod, and that just won't do. I listened to the oldies stations a lot as a teenager, and I have no patience for those who dislike the "old junk." The boy bands of today couldn't have happened with out the blueprint of groups like this, the "indie" rock scene takes a lot from the garage bands of the sixties. As Solomon said in, "There is no new thing under the sun."
"The Lighthouses Tale" - Nickel Creek Reasons Why: The Very Best
This is a sad bluegrass ballad, which tells the tale of lighthouse keeper meets girl, girl falls for keeper, girl dies at sea, keeper jumps off lighthouse. I love the more non-traditional bluegrass-meets-alternative songs of Nickel Creek, but there is nothing wrong with something more traditional and folksy.
Monday, June 16, 2008
5 10 Songs on Shuffle - Volume 14/15
This is the fourteenth & fifteenth installments of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play. Since I didn't post last week I'm doing a double post this week, called Five Ten Songs On Shuffle.
"A Deeper Love" - Aretha Franklin Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit Soundtrack
This is actually my favorite movie of all time, mostly due to Lauryn Hill's amazing version of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and the stupid/funny opening Vegas number. This song is a dance track which was produced by '90s superproducers C & C Music Factory. It's fun to dance to, but nothing more than that.
"She's Not Me" - Madonna Hard Candy
This is the longest track of the new Madonna album, produced by the Neptunes and featuring funky basswork from Prince protege Wendy Melvoin. It's a funktified disco track about a girl who tries inmitate Madge while stealing her man. Perfect for a rollerdisco!
"A Foggy Day" - Sandi Patty Together
I borrowed this album from the library when I was 19, and learned the glories of the Gershwin brothers masterful creations. Gospel superstar's Sandi Patty and Kathy Trocolli performed standards on the disc, Patty did mostly compsitions by the Gershwin's and Trocolli did songs performed by Judy Garland as well as a few duets and original jazz songs. While my favorite Ira Gershwin lyrics are from "The Man I Love" I do enjoy this one to. It's makes me want to move to London even more than I usually do.
"Smell Like Teen Spirit" - Nirvana Nevermind
One of the most iconic tracks from the most iconic album by the iconic grunge band. I may be a pop fan through and through, but who can deny the power and emotion behind the vocals, despite the fact the lyrics make no sense, and the title was an insult about smelling like chick deoderant. The guitars and drums and vocals combine on a serious pop record dressed in grungy flannel. Seriously, if Kelly Rowland loves it, why can't I?
"No" - Shakira Fijicion Oral Vol. One
The English language Volume Two may have yeilded the monster hit "Hips Don't Lie" but on this disc one finds pop tracks worth hearing like the original Spanish version of the minor hit "Don't Bother" and this gorgous acoustic ballad. I have no idea what Shakira is saying on the follow up single to "La Tortura" but her vocals convey enough emotion and power to let you know something painful is happening. I really love this song.
"Must Have Done Something Right" - Relient K Five Score And Seven Years Ago
The first single from the latest studio album by the Ohio natives, it's not one of my favorites from the album. It's a little cheesy, but with a catchy Sound Of Music-quoting chorus. The rest of the album is better.
"Immigrant Song" - Led Zeppelin Early Days: Best Of Led Zeppelin Vol. 1
I'm not much of a classic rock fan, but the opening riff is so memorable you almost have to have this song on your iPod. So I do.
"Stuntin' Like A Black Rock" - Birdman & Lil' Wayne vs Black Rock The Hood Internet Mixtape Vol. 1
Black Rock provide a funky garage-pop backing to Birdman and Lil' Wayne's boastful raps that put me in mind of Nancy Sintatra as a thug. Don't ask, my mind goes places it shouldn't when the music is bumping.
"Crash And Burn Girl" - Robyn Robyn
"I should write a song about you/and all the shit you do" is the opening line of this track off Robyn's stellar pop record, current front-runner for my album of the year. So Robyn does write a song about a girl who fucks up her love life over and over again, but not without admitting: "Everytime you mess it up like that I see myself in you"
"Gimme More" - Britney Spears Blackout
It's Britney, bitch! The comeback single from the pop-diva-cum-tabloid-baby zigs with quirky synth lines, zags with vocoded vocals and a beat to cause gaysted club boys and girls to lose their shirt and grind on the nearest pole. You want more? I've give you more!
"A Deeper Love" - Aretha Franklin Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit Soundtrack
This is actually my favorite movie of all time, mostly due to Lauryn Hill's amazing version of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and the stupid/funny opening Vegas number. This song is a dance track which was produced by '90s superproducers C & C Music Factory. It's fun to dance to, but nothing more than that.
"She's Not Me" - Madonna Hard Candy
This is the longest track of the new Madonna album, produced by the Neptunes and featuring funky basswork from Prince protege Wendy Melvoin. It's a funktified disco track about a girl who tries inmitate Madge while stealing her man. Perfect for a rollerdisco!
"A Foggy Day" - Sandi Patty Together
I borrowed this album from the library when I was 19, and learned the glories of the Gershwin brothers masterful creations. Gospel superstar's Sandi Patty and Kathy Trocolli performed standards on the disc, Patty did mostly compsitions by the Gershwin's and Trocolli did songs performed by Judy Garland as well as a few duets and original jazz songs. While my favorite Ira Gershwin lyrics are from "The Man I Love" I do enjoy this one to. It's makes me want to move to London even more than I usually do.
"Smell Like Teen Spirit" - Nirvana Nevermind
One of the most iconic tracks from the most iconic album by the iconic grunge band. I may be a pop fan through and through, but who can deny the power and emotion behind the vocals, despite the fact the lyrics make no sense, and the title was an insult about smelling like chick deoderant. The guitars and drums and vocals combine on a serious pop record dressed in grungy flannel. Seriously, if Kelly Rowland loves it, why can't I?
"No" - Shakira Fijicion Oral Vol. One
The English language Volume Two may have yeilded the monster hit "Hips Don't Lie" but on this disc one finds pop tracks worth hearing like the original Spanish version of the minor hit "Don't Bother" and this gorgous acoustic ballad. I have no idea what Shakira is saying on the follow up single to "La Tortura" but her vocals convey enough emotion and power to let you know something painful is happening. I really love this song.
"Must Have Done Something Right" - Relient K Five Score And Seven Years Ago
The first single from the latest studio album by the Ohio natives, it's not one of my favorites from the album. It's a little cheesy, but with a catchy Sound Of Music-quoting chorus. The rest of the album is better.
"Immigrant Song" - Led Zeppelin Early Days: Best Of Led Zeppelin Vol. 1
I'm not much of a classic rock fan, but the opening riff is so memorable you almost have to have this song on your iPod. So I do.
"Stuntin' Like A Black Rock" - Birdman & Lil' Wayne vs Black Rock The Hood Internet Mixtape Vol. 1
Black Rock provide a funky garage-pop backing to Birdman and Lil' Wayne's boastful raps that put me in mind of Nancy Sintatra as a thug. Don't ask, my mind goes places it shouldn't when the music is bumping.
"Crash And Burn Girl" - Robyn Robyn
"I should write a song about you/and all the shit you do" is the opening line of this track off Robyn's stellar pop record, current front-runner for my album of the year. So Robyn does write a song about a girl who fucks up her love life over and over again, but not without admitting: "Everytime you mess it up like that I see myself in you"
"Gimme More" - Britney Spears Blackout
It's Britney, bitch! The comeback single from the pop-diva-cum-tabloid-baby zigs with quirky synth lines, zags with vocoded vocals and a beat to cause gaysted club boys and girls to lose their shirt and grind on the nearest pole. You want more? I've give you more!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle - Vol. 12
This is the twelth installment of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"That Time" - Regina Spektor Begin To Hope
Opening with a funny little guitar riff and a bizarre lyric reminiscing about time Regina tried to save a pigeon with a broken wing, or when she only ate tangerines, or only smoked Camel cigarettes. Then it get serious, when the topic of the two drug overdoses comes up. Classic Regina Spektor, crazy and sweet and scary all rolled into one.
"Mr. Brightside" - The Killers Hot Fuss
I started to fall in love with The Killers after "Somebody Told Me" hit, with the gender-bender lyrics, hooky chorus and synth-heavy rock sound. But "Mr. Brightside" was a new-wave revelation, a tale of falling for a hooker dressed up in a New Romantics wash. They sounded like my British boyfriends in Franz Ferdinand, but they are Yanks from Vegas, baby.
"Pretty In Pink" - The Psychedelic Furs The Modern Edge
Real new wave from the soundtrack to the only John Hughes film I've never seen. I'm pretty sure I own it, but I've never sat down a watched it. I've seen Breakfast Club five-hundred times, so that almost makes up for it. Almost.
"Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" - Fall Out Boy Infinity On High
Emo-pop kings quote Mike Nichols' Closer on a Babyface-produced hit that features Kim Kardashian in the video. It's like six degrees of separation in one song! Plus, the song rocks.
"You've Got A Friend" - Carole King Tapestry
My sister Rachel loves Tapestry so much, she has it on CD, plus two vinyl copies. It's just one of the greatest albums of all time! While "You've Got A Friend" is a nice song, and I do prefer Carole's version to James Taylor's, my favorites are "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and "I Feel the Earth Move." There is just something so honest in Carole's voice, and her songwriting is brilliant. I remember watching the kids TV specials she sang on, "Chicken Soup With Rice" and that one where the kid only said "I don't care!" until he got eaten by a lion. They were off the chain...
"That Time" - Regina Spektor Begin To Hope
Opening with a funny little guitar riff and a bizarre lyric reminiscing about time Regina tried to save a pigeon with a broken wing, or when she only ate tangerines, or only smoked Camel cigarettes. Then it get serious, when the topic of the two drug overdoses comes up. Classic Regina Spektor, crazy and sweet and scary all rolled into one.
"Mr. Brightside" - The Killers Hot Fuss
I started to fall in love with The Killers after "Somebody Told Me" hit, with the gender-bender lyrics, hooky chorus and synth-heavy rock sound. But "Mr. Brightside" was a new-wave revelation, a tale of falling for a hooker dressed up in a New Romantics wash. They sounded like my British boyfriends in Franz Ferdinand, but they are Yanks from Vegas, baby.
"Pretty In Pink" - The Psychedelic Furs The Modern Edge
Real new wave from the soundtrack to the only John Hughes film I've never seen. I'm pretty sure I own it, but I've never sat down a watched it. I've seen Breakfast Club five-hundred times, so that almost makes up for it. Almost.
"Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" - Fall Out Boy Infinity On High
Emo-pop kings quote Mike Nichols' Closer on a Babyface-produced hit that features Kim Kardashian in the video. It's like six degrees of separation in one song! Plus, the song rocks.
"You've Got A Friend" - Carole King Tapestry
My sister Rachel loves Tapestry so much, she has it on CD, plus two vinyl copies. It's just one of the greatest albums of all time! While "You've Got A Friend" is a nice song, and I do prefer Carole's version to James Taylor's, my favorites are "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and "I Feel the Earth Move." There is just something so honest in Carole's voice, and her songwriting is brilliant. I remember watching the kids TV specials she sang on, "Chicken Soup With Rice" and that one where the kid only said "I don't care!" until he got eaten by a lion. They were off the chain...
Monday, May 19, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle Vol. 11
This is the eleventh installment of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"Last Request" - Paulo Nutini These Streets
A gorgeous and bluesy torch song from the Scottish import who should have a career like fellow Scot Rod Stewart, minus the "Great American Songbook" years. The single mix is better than the album cut, but you can't go wrong with lyrics like "I know I can't except that we're going no where/but one last time lets go there/lay down beside me"
"Carbon Monoxide" - Regina Spektor Soviet Kitsch
This is not one of my favorites from Regina's first major label LP, in fact I often get it confused with "Sailor Song" another goofy piano song from that disc. But Regina's shit is better than most people's gold. She has a nice song that closes the latest Chronicles Of Narnia film which is really weird, since Imogen Heap had a song in the last Narnia film and I bought both of their albums on the same day. Coincidence?
"No More Drama" - Mary J. Blige No More Drama
The Queen of hip-hop/soul makes the most brilliant sampling choice in hip-hop history. Utilizing the piano theme from sudsy TV daytime drama The Young And The Restless as the backdrop to song about freeing oneself from drama, ironic and hot. Plus the choir breaking loose with a cry of "No! More! Drama!" at the end would be fly on any track.
"Set Fire To The Third Bar" - Snow Patrol feat. Martha Wainwright Eyes Open
Snow Patrol's lead vocalist Gary Lightbody and sister-of-Rufus/daughter-of-Loudon Martha Wainwright duet on my second favorite Snow Patrol song. It's one of those duets where both sing simultaneously, creating a strange harmony over a slightly creepy music bed, with pianos and guitars dueling for the spot light. The lyrics are haunting in their beauty: "Miles from where you are/I lie down on the cold ground/and I pray that something picks me up/and sets me down in your warm heart"
"Knock 'Em Out" - Lily Allen Alright, Still
A funny song from the bratty Brit, lampooning barfly girls and rude boys hitting on each other and making up excuses for not passing out their digits. "Yeah, I'm pregnant/I'm gonna have a baby in about six months/I've gotta go, my house is on fire/I have herpes"
"Last Request" - Paulo Nutini These Streets
A gorgeous and bluesy torch song from the Scottish import who should have a career like fellow Scot Rod Stewart, minus the "Great American Songbook" years. The single mix is better than the album cut, but you can't go wrong with lyrics like "I know I can't except that we're going no where/but one last time lets go there/lay down beside me"
"Carbon Monoxide" - Regina Spektor Soviet Kitsch
This is not one of my favorites from Regina's first major label LP, in fact I often get it confused with "Sailor Song" another goofy piano song from that disc. But Regina's shit is better than most people's gold. She has a nice song that closes the latest Chronicles Of Narnia film which is really weird, since Imogen Heap had a song in the last Narnia film and I bought both of their albums on the same day. Coincidence?
"No More Drama" - Mary J. Blige No More Drama
The Queen of hip-hop/soul makes the most brilliant sampling choice in hip-hop history. Utilizing the piano theme from sudsy TV daytime drama The Young And The Restless as the backdrop to song about freeing oneself from drama, ironic and hot. Plus the choir breaking loose with a cry of "No! More! Drama!" at the end would be fly on any track.
"Set Fire To The Third Bar" - Snow Patrol feat. Martha Wainwright Eyes Open
Snow Patrol's lead vocalist Gary Lightbody and sister-of-Rufus/daughter-of-Loudon Martha Wainwright duet on my second favorite Snow Patrol song. It's one of those duets where both sing simultaneously, creating a strange harmony over a slightly creepy music bed, with pianos and guitars dueling for the spot light. The lyrics are haunting in their beauty: "Miles from where you are/I lie down on the cold ground/and I pray that something picks me up/and sets me down in your warm heart"
"Knock 'Em Out" - Lily Allen Alright, Still
A funny song from the bratty Brit, lampooning barfly girls and rude boys hitting on each other and making up excuses for not passing out their digits. "Yeah, I'm pregnant/I'm gonna have a baby in about six months/I've gotta go, my house is on fire/I have herpes"
Monday, May 12, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle, Vol. 10
This is the tenth installment of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"Like A Star" - Corrine Bailey Rae Corrine Bailey Rae
Corrine Bailey Rae's debut CD is a little sleep inducing, and this song is a bit sleepy as well. It doesn't have the light as air summery pop sound of the first single "Girl, Put Your Records On" but it does have a smooth sound that works well in certain circumstances. But it is really slow.
"Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" - Lauryn Hill The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill's first post-Fugees solo record took him a bucket of Grammys, and little wonder. The album features brilliant r&b songs like "That Thing" and tender ballads like "To Zion" as well as throwback sounds like this Frankie Valli cover. Lauryn should have been a '60s pop diva, her covers are stunning, besides this and "Killing Me Softly" she also does "First Time Ever I Saw You Face" live and it kills.
"Girlfriend" - Avril Lavigne Girlfriend [Single]
This sassy punk-pop (emphasis on pop) hit from last year is insanely catchy and has just enough grit to keep it from being too bubblegummy. A perfect sing-a-long chorus cements this as a pop classic.
"Music Is The Victim" - Scissor Sisters Scissor Sisters
Another "5 Songs" post, another Scissor Sisters song. I love this one, too. It has a hot opening line: "I left my heart in San Fransisco/At some motherfuckin' disco" and the usual Sister formula of seventies coke-rock guitars, dancefloor ready beats and dirty pop lyrics. If music is the victim, then so am I.
"Take It Off" - The Donnas Spend The Night
Y'all know I love some chick-rock, right? Heavy guitars, sassy vocals and hooky choruses, I'm not sure why The Donnas were never bigger than they were. This is one of their few hits, from their Atlantic debut album. They parted ways with the label after a second disc failed to yield any major radio play either. They are currently promoting an independent record, Bitchin'.
"Like A Star" - Corrine Bailey Rae Corrine Bailey Rae
Corrine Bailey Rae's debut CD is a little sleep inducing, and this song is a bit sleepy as well. It doesn't have the light as air summery pop sound of the first single "Girl, Put Your Records On" but it does have a smooth sound that works well in certain circumstances. But it is really slow.
"Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" - Lauryn Hill The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill's first post-Fugees solo record took him a bucket of Grammys, and little wonder. The album features brilliant r&b songs like "That Thing" and tender ballads like "To Zion" as well as throwback sounds like this Frankie Valli cover. Lauryn should have been a '60s pop diva, her covers are stunning, besides this and "Killing Me Softly" she also does "First Time Ever I Saw You Face" live and it kills.
"Girlfriend" - Avril Lavigne Girlfriend [Single]
This sassy punk-pop (emphasis on pop) hit from last year is insanely catchy and has just enough grit to keep it from being too bubblegummy. A perfect sing-a-long chorus cements this as a pop classic.
"Music Is The Victim" - Scissor Sisters Scissor Sisters
Another "5 Songs" post, another Scissor Sisters song. I love this one, too. It has a hot opening line: "I left my heart in San Fransisco/At some motherfuckin' disco" and the usual Sister formula of seventies coke-rock guitars, dancefloor ready beats and dirty pop lyrics. If music is the victim, then so am I.
"Take It Off" - The Donnas Spend The Night
Y'all know I love some chick-rock, right? Heavy guitars, sassy vocals and hooky choruses, I'm not sure why The Donnas were never bigger than they were. This is one of their few hits, from their Atlantic debut album. They parted ways with the label after a second disc failed to yield any major radio play either. They are currently promoting an independent record, Bitchin'.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle, Vol. 9
This is the ninth installment of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"Big Rock Candy Mountain" - Harry McClintock O Brother, Where Art Thou?
A vintage song about a hobo's paradise, from the Grammy winner for Album of the Year. The album is an amazing collection of Americana. Kind of silly.
"Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" - Madonna Hard Candy
Seriously, I just reviewed this album in my last post. Timbaland recreates the creepy/sexy score he perfected on Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me A River" to highlight Madonna's tale of a possessed lover. One of the best tracks from the new Madonna album.
"Chips Ahoy!" - The Hold Steady This Is Next Volume 1
I'm not really a big fan of this indie-rock tune. I didn't even know I had it on my iPod. It's about horse racing and having a good time, but it seems overly noisy. "How am I supposed to know if you're high if you won't even dance" is crappy "cool" songwriting at it's worst.
"Good Life" - Kanye West feat T-Pain Graduation
Really, is this just an updated "Big Rock Candy Mountain"? Kanye bites a line from 50 Cent, brags (a lot!) and loves the girls that "ain't on TV cause they got more ass than the models." T-Pain vocodes his way through, as usual.
"Love Me Or Hate Me" - Lady Sovereign Public Warning
The biggest midget in the game thanks you for the love with the best sing-along chorus in rap for years: "Love me or hate me/it's still an obsession/Love me or hate me/That is the question/If you love me/Thank you/If you hate me/fuck you" She's just an average British lass with a potty mouth. "I can't dance and I really can't sing/I can only do one thing and that's be Lady Sovereign" And we love your for it...
"Big Rock Candy Mountain" - Harry McClintock O Brother, Where Art Thou?
A vintage song about a hobo's paradise, from the Grammy winner for Album of the Year. The album is an amazing collection of Americana. Kind of silly.
"Devil Wouldn't Recognize You" - Madonna Hard Candy
Seriously, I just reviewed this album in my last post. Timbaland recreates the creepy/sexy score he perfected on Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me A River" to highlight Madonna's tale of a possessed lover. One of the best tracks from the new Madonna album.
"Chips Ahoy!" - The Hold Steady This Is Next Volume 1
I'm not really a big fan of this indie-rock tune. I didn't even know I had it on my iPod. It's about horse racing and having a good time, but it seems overly noisy. "How am I supposed to know if you're high if you won't even dance" is crappy "cool" songwriting at it's worst.
"Good Life" - Kanye West feat T-Pain Graduation
Really, is this just an updated "Big Rock Candy Mountain"? Kanye bites a line from 50 Cent, brags (a lot!) and loves the girls that "ain't on TV cause they got more ass than the models." T-Pain vocodes his way through, as usual.
"Love Me Or Hate Me" - Lady Sovereign Public Warning
The biggest midget in the game thanks you for the love with the best sing-along chorus in rap for years: "Love me or hate me/it's still an obsession/Love me or hate me/That is the question/If you love me/Thank you/If you hate me/fuck you" She's just an average British lass with a potty mouth. "I can't dance and I really can't sing/I can only do one thing and that's be Lady Sovereign" And we love your for it...
Monday, April 28, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle, Vol. 8
This is the eighth installment of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"Almost Lover" - A Fine Frenzy One Cell In The Sea
This heartbreaking song is from solo act A Fine Frenzy, whose poetic lyrics bite into me every time I hear this song. "I cannot go to the ocean/I cannot drive the streets at night/I cannot wake up in the morning/Without you on my mind" and "Now your gone and I'm haunted/and I'll bet you are just fine/Do I make it that easy to walk right in and out of my life" are painful lyrics that any victim of heartache will indentify with.
"Snatch The Crystal Cat Back - Khia vs Dan Deacon" - The Hood Internet Mixtape Volume One
The Khia track is the absolute filthiest thing on my iPod. Lyrics like "I should have never let you s*** this p****/F*** this p****/Thugs love this p*****" and "You'll never find another b**** with a p**** good as mine/That's better than this/Gets more wetter than this" and "D*** for days/and your head so good and you d*** so strong/make a b**** wanna s*** and f*** you all night long" would make Howard Stern blush. And I kinda know all the words, and will sing along to it in the car. Yeah, I'm that whore...
"Mamma Mia" - ABBA ABBA Gold
Aw snap, you know ABBA is my jam! And I just saw the trailer for the movie version of the Broadway show of the same name this weekend, plus someone sang it at kareoke last week, so I am in a ABBA kinda mood. I always put ABBA Gold on when I want a pick me up, just poppy goodness.
"See-Line Woman" - Nina Simone Verve Masters 17
I am obsessed with Nina Simone, I first heard "Black Is The Color Of My True Loves Hair" about 5 years ago and fell in love. This is a jauntier track about a dancer and/or whore who casts a spell over every man. Feist later remade/sampled this song as "Sea Lion Woman" on The Reminder.
"Here (In Your Arms)" - Hellogoodbye Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!
Hellogoodbye confuse me. Are they an pop-punk/emo band who can bang out a dancefloor anthem like this one, or techno-lords who dabble in emoland? Buying this album didn't help me decide, it's a lot of both. But's all good, this track never fails to get my body moving on the dancefloor, and the lyrcis are emotastic.
"Almost Lover" - A Fine Frenzy One Cell In The Sea
This heartbreaking song is from solo act A Fine Frenzy, whose poetic lyrics bite into me every time I hear this song. "I cannot go to the ocean/I cannot drive the streets at night/I cannot wake up in the morning/Without you on my mind" and "Now your gone and I'm haunted/and I'll bet you are just fine/Do I make it that easy to walk right in and out of my life" are painful lyrics that any victim of heartache will indentify with.
"Snatch The Crystal Cat Back - Khia vs Dan Deacon" - The Hood Internet Mixtape Volume One
The Khia track is the absolute filthiest thing on my iPod. Lyrics like "I should have never let you s*** this p****/F*** this p****/Thugs love this p*****" and "You'll never find another b**** with a p**** good as mine/That's better than this/Gets more wetter than this" and "D*** for days/and your head so good and you d*** so strong/make a b**** wanna s*** and f*** you all night long" would make Howard Stern blush. And I kinda know all the words, and will sing along to it in the car. Yeah, I'm that whore...
"Mamma Mia" - ABBA ABBA Gold
Aw snap, you know ABBA is my jam! And I just saw the trailer for the movie version of the Broadway show of the same name this weekend, plus someone sang it at kareoke last week, so I am in a ABBA kinda mood. I always put ABBA Gold on when I want a pick me up, just poppy goodness.
"See-Line Woman" - Nina Simone Verve Masters 17
I am obsessed with Nina Simone, I first heard "Black Is The Color Of My True Loves Hair" about 5 years ago and fell in love. This is a jauntier track about a dancer and/or whore who casts a spell over every man. Feist later remade/sampled this song as "Sea Lion Woman" on The Reminder.
"Here (In Your Arms)" - Hellogoodbye Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!
Hellogoodbye confuse me. Are they an pop-punk/emo band who can bang out a dancefloor anthem like this one, or techno-lords who dabble in emoland? Buying this album didn't help me decide, it's a lot of both. But's all good, this track never fails to get my body moving on the dancefloor, and the lyrcis are emotastic.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle Vol. 7
Here is the seventh installment of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"Believe" - Cher Believe
OK, let break it down. Gay men love Cher, it's just a fact of life. I don't love every Cher song, but who can resist dancing to this club track? Funny story behind how I got this CD. My sister Rachel babysat for my cousin's son when this CD came out. My cousin had gotten this CD and didn't like it I guess, since she gave it to Rachel as a bonus. Rachel must've played it way too much while at my cousin's house, cause one day I was playing it and my cousin came running out and just very angrily turned it off, she had heard it way too much. I think I then stole it from Rachel, but she's really not a Cher kind of person she may have just given it to me.
"I'm Into Something Good" - Earl-Jean One Kiss Can Lead To Another: Girl Groups Lost & Found [Disc Two]
This boxed set of rare singles, minor hits and flops alike, from the hey-day of girl group fever is awesome. For a pop fan, these are the cream of the crop, songs that are hooky, full of harmonies and sing-along choruses, but not overplayed. Plus, it features rare tracks by stars like Dolly Parton, Cher, Twiggy, The Supremes, The Ronnettes and complete unknowns alike. And the packaging is delicious, it's a black and white hatbox, with each CD in a case that looks like a makeup compact and an almost 200 page liner note book designed like a vintage diary. This is the original version of the Herman's Hermits hit, sung by the lead singer of the Cookies. Just bouncy pop fun, like I love.
"Getting Into You" - Relient K Two Lefts Don't Make A Right... But Three Do
I always describe Relient K as a "the Ohio snark-punk-poppers," but this is not a snarky song. It's a sweet description of love between God and man, and man for his fellow man. Relient K is the only band to have three full albums on my iPod at all times. Definitely my favorite emo band.
"Know My Name" Blake Lewis feat. Lupe Fiasco Audio Day Dream
Supposedly written about Natalie Portman, this tale of celeb crushes is one of the many stand outs on American Idol runner up Blake Lewis's debut album. And while I still am miffed over his possibly homophobic comment in Blender, this album is a hot electropop collection. And after his interview over at Electroqueer, I'm thinking I may have misjudged Blake. Of course, his hotness may just be clouding my judgement, I'd love a slice of his moist delicious Cake. (AI shippers know what I'm talkin' 'bout!)
"Filthy/Gorgeous" - Scissor Sisters Scissor Sisters
My iPod is a British gay club kid, it is official. I've only done seven of these Five Songs On Shuffle blogs, and this is the third track to pop up from the Scissor Sisters' debut album. This is tied with "Tits On the Radio" for my favorite track, I do love some really dirty pop music. Electronica with a bouncy vibe, and the lyrics are, well, filthy and gorgeous.
"Believe" - Cher Believe
OK, let break it down. Gay men love Cher, it's just a fact of life. I don't love every Cher song, but who can resist dancing to this club track? Funny story behind how I got this CD. My sister Rachel babysat for my cousin's son when this CD came out. My cousin had gotten this CD and didn't like it I guess, since she gave it to Rachel as a bonus. Rachel must've played it way too much while at my cousin's house, cause one day I was playing it and my cousin came running out and just very angrily turned it off, she had heard it way too much. I think I then stole it from Rachel, but she's really not a Cher kind of person she may have just given it to me.
"I'm Into Something Good" - Earl-Jean One Kiss Can Lead To Another: Girl Groups Lost & Found [Disc Two]
This boxed set of rare singles, minor hits and flops alike, from the hey-day of girl group fever is awesome. For a pop fan, these are the cream of the crop, songs that are hooky, full of harmonies and sing-along choruses, but not overplayed. Plus, it features rare tracks by stars like Dolly Parton, Cher, Twiggy, The Supremes, The Ronnettes and complete unknowns alike. And the packaging is delicious, it's a black and white hatbox, with each CD in a case that looks like a makeup compact and an almost 200 page liner note book designed like a vintage diary. This is the original version of the Herman's Hermits hit, sung by the lead singer of the Cookies. Just bouncy pop fun, like I love.
"Getting Into You" - Relient K Two Lefts Don't Make A Right... But Three Do
I always describe Relient K as a "the Ohio snark-punk-poppers," but this is not a snarky song. It's a sweet description of love between God and man, and man for his fellow man. Relient K is the only band to have three full albums on my iPod at all times. Definitely my favorite emo band.
"Know My Name" Blake Lewis feat. Lupe Fiasco Audio Day Dream
Supposedly written about Natalie Portman, this tale of celeb crushes is one of the many stand outs on American Idol runner up Blake Lewis's debut album. And while I still am miffed over his possibly homophobic comment in Blender, this album is a hot electropop collection. And after his interview over at Electroqueer, I'm thinking I may have misjudged Blake. Of course, his hotness may just be clouding my judgement, I'd love a slice of his moist delicious Cake. (AI shippers know what I'm talkin' 'bout!)
"Filthy/Gorgeous" - Scissor Sisters Scissor Sisters
My iPod is a British gay club kid, it is official. I've only done seven of these Five Songs On Shuffle blogs, and this is the third track to pop up from the Scissor Sisters' debut album. This is tied with "Tits On the Radio" for my favorite track, I do love some really dirty pop music. Electronica with a bouncy vibe, and the lyrics are, well, filthy and gorgeous.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle Vol 6
Here is the sixth installment of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"Weapon of Choice" - Fatboy Slim Fired Up 2
I do love some Fatboy, and this song is no exception. Techno that sounds like it's played with real instruments, with a heavily distorted vocal that you can barely understand before launching into a nonsense chorus of "you can go with this/or you can go with that/or you can go with us" repeated makes it kind of fun to dance to. Like Christopher Walken did in the memorable video.
"100 Years" - Five For Fighting I Hurt Myself Today (Walmart Mixtape)
Yeah, I'm a sap. I love this song, I love the message of "live for today." But to keep this from getting too sugary, it's time to drop one of my pet peeves into the mix. I hate when "bands" are actually just one person. Stage names are fine, but when that name is makes it sound like a five-piece band it irks me. I know it's totally irrational, but there you go. See also: A Fine Frenzy, Nine Inch Nails.
"That's That Whirlwind - Snoop Dogg feat. R Kelly vs Archetecture in Helsinki" - The Hood Internet Mixtape Volume One
How many Hood Internet mashups are on my iPod anyway? This is not one of my favorites, but it does have a goofy charm.
"Should Have Known" - Robyn Robyn
One of the few tracks on Robyn's amazing self-titled album (that will finally see the light of day in the US this month) that I don't love with the passion of a thousand suns. It's a pretty good pop/R&B hybrid, but after the disco brilliance of "Every Heartbeat" the hip-hop kiss-offs of "Konichiwa Bitches" and "Handle Me" and quiet heartbreak of "Eclipse" it was bound to pale.
"Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)" - Mika Life In Cartoon Motion
This is the song that made every critic say "Oh Mika's just like Freddie Mercury!" I do like it, it's a poppy hug around the ladies who aren't afraid to lunch. Fun!
"Weapon of Choice" - Fatboy Slim Fired Up 2
I do love some Fatboy, and this song is no exception. Techno that sounds like it's played with real instruments, with a heavily distorted vocal that you can barely understand before launching into a nonsense chorus of "you can go with this/or you can go with that/or you can go with us" repeated makes it kind of fun to dance to. Like Christopher Walken did in the memorable video.
"100 Years" - Five For Fighting I Hurt Myself Today (Walmart Mixtape)
Yeah, I'm a sap. I love this song, I love the message of "live for today." But to keep this from getting too sugary, it's time to drop one of my pet peeves into the mix. I hate when "bands" are actually just one person. Stage names are fine, but when that name is makes it sound like a five-piece band it irks me. I know it's totally irrational, but there you go. See also: A Fine Frenzy, Nine Inch Nails.
"That's That Whirlwind - Snoop Dogg feat. R Kelly vs Archetecture in Helsinki" - The Hood Internet Mixtape Volume One
How many Hood Internet mashups are on my iPod anyway? This is not one of my favorites, but it does have a goofy charm.
"Should Have Known" - Robyn Robyn
One of the few tracks on Robyn's amazing self-titled album (that will finally see the light of day in the US this month) that I don't love with the passion of a thousand suns. It's a pretty good pop/R&B hybrid, but after the disco brilliance of "Every Heartbeat" the hip-hop kiss-offs of "Konichiwa Bitches" and "Handle Me" and quiet heartbreak of "Eclipse" it was bound to pale.
"Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)" - Mika Life In Cartoon Motion
This is the song that made every critic say "Oh Mika's just like Freddie Mercury!" I do like it, it's a poppy hug around the ladies who aren't afraid to lunch. Fun!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle Vol. 5
Here is the fifth installment of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"Girls Just Wanna Fixx Up - Dizzee Rascals vs Cyndi Lauper" - The Hood Internet The Hood Internet Mix Tape Volume One
My absolute favorite mashup of all time, the sub-Caribbean beat of Lauper's grrrl-power anthem is the perfect foil to the barely intelligible rhymes of England's craziest rapper. Hottest shit evs.
"Hand In My Pocket" - Alanis Morissette Jagged Little Pill Acoustic
It took me a second to realize that this was the acoustic version of this song, the original was pretty low key, too. I bought this CD for my sister Rachel as a Christmas gift. She had heard it on Rhapsody's Listening Party, and fell in love with it. She didn't buy it at the time, and I finally tracked a copy down at Best Buy last year. I thought I was finding the perfect gift, turns out she bought me an iPod, which really is the perfect gift for me. It was a good Christmas.
"Dance, Dance" - Fall Out Boy From Under The Cork Tree
I love the lines "Why don't you show me a little bit of spark you've been saving for his mattress, love?" and "I only want sympathy in the form of you crawling into bed with me." Those who blast emos for poor writing skills should step off. The bass on this is insane, too.
"La Isla Bonita" - Madonna The Immaculate Collection
I really don't like this song. I love Madonna, but this one has terrible lyrics, a really dated Latin guitar and a Muzak quality to it. Like it should only be played at tanning salons and tiki bars.
"Satellite [Acoustic]" - Mika Life In Cartoon Motion [Best Buy Exclusive Tracks]
This is a cover of Dave Matthews Band's "Satellite." I have never heard DMB's original, so I don't know if it's a good cover or not, I do like this version. It was an exclusive track for the Best Buy version of Mika's stellar debut album. It's poppy, but simple. Much better than the other bonus track, an acoustic take on his single "Love Today" which suffers from too much bombast. The original had plenty of it, too, but in the acoustic setting it sounds like an audition tape for a Broadway musical.
"Girls Just Wanna Fixx Up - Dizzee Rascals vs Cyndi Lauper" - The Hood Internet The Hood Internet Mix Tape Volume One
My absolute favorite mashup of all time, the sub-Caribbean beat of Lauper's grrrl-power anthem is the perfect foil to the barely intelligible rhymes of England's craziest rapper. Hottest shit evs.
"Hand In My Pocket" - Alanis Morissette Jagged Little Pill Acoustic
It took me a second to realize that this was the acoustic version of this song, the original was pretty low key, too. I bought this CD for my sister Rachel as a Christmas gift. She had heard it on Rhapsody's Listening Party, and fell in love with it. She didn't buy it at the time, and I finally tracked a copy down at Best Buy last year. I thought I was finding the perfect gift, turns out she bought me an iPod, which really is the perfect gift for me. It was a good Christmas.
"Dance, Dance" - Fall Out Boy From Under The Cork Tree
I love the lines "Why don't you show me a little bit of spark you've been saving for his mattress, love?" and "I only want sympathy in the form of you crawling into bed with me." Those who blast emos for poor writing skills should step off. The bass on this is insane, too.
"La Isla Bonita" - Madonna The Immaculate Collection
I really don't like this song. I love Madonna, but this one has terrible lyrics, a really dated Latin guitar and a Muzak quality to it. Like it should only be played at tanning salons and tiki bars.
"Satellite [Acoustic]" - Mika Life In Cartoon Motion [Best Buy Exclusive Tracks]
This is a cover of Dave Matthews Band's "Satellite." I have never heard DMB's original, so I don't know if it's a good cover or not, I do like this version. It was an exclusive track for the Best Buy version of Mika's stellar debut album. It's poppy, but simple. Much better than the other bonus track, an acoustic take on his single "Love Today" which suffers from too much bombast. The original had plenty of it, too, but in the acoustic setting it sounds like an audition tape for a Broadway musical.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Five Songs On Shuffle, Vol. 4
It's late, I know, but here is the fourth installment of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"New Shoes" - Paulo Nutini These Streets
A minor hit for the Scottish pop-rocker. I loved it, not just because of my natural affinity for footwear, but because it's catchy as hell. And so true! "Hey, I put some new shoes on and suddenly every thing's right" is the way I always feel. There is no better feeling then putting on some hot new Chucks in a funky design, or a pair of sweet black sport fusion casuals with a contrasting white stripe. Well, maybe there is, but it still ranks pretty high.
"Like A Prayer" - Madonna The Immaculate Collection
The original album mix is far superior to this one from Madonna's greatest hits collection. The choir has a weird breakdown at about the 4:23 mark, the guitars are not as strong. However, it still remains one of my favorite songs of all time.
"Strange Fruit (Tricky Remix)" - Billie Holiday Necessary Beats: The Mix Tape
"Strange Fruit" makes me angry. It boils my blood to know the inconceivable evil man can visit on his fellow man. (I also have the original version as well as a version by Nina Simone on my iPod.) This remix is bizarre, spare and haunting with harp-like guitar plucking and a strange horn and random electric guitar for the beat, it doesn't have the same emotional impact, but it's not a club banger either. But when I do my updated Top Twenty Songs Of All Time, this song will be on it. No other song stirs such emotions: bitter sadness, vengeful anger, a hopeful optimism that one day we will just all get along. Racism is the ugliest thing, we must never forget just how ugly it can get.
"Stay (I Missed You)" - Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories Stay (I Missed You) [CD Single]
I love this song, I think it my also end up in my top twenty. The simplicity of the arrangement, the emotional vocal, the heartbreaking lyrics, all combine to make a perfect indie-pop single. Heartbreak is a painful thing, but also a inspiration.
"Laura" - Scissor Sisters Scissor Sisters
I must love the Scissor Sisters, this is the second time one of their songs have popped up on my five songs on shuffle series. This isn't one of my favorites of their songs (that would be "Tits On The Radio" and "Take Your Mama Out") but I do love the kiss off line "This'll be the last time I ever do your hair" Oh, snap!
"New Shoes" - Paulo Nutini These Streets
A minor hit for the Scottish pop-rocker. I loved it, not just because of my natural affinity for footwear, but because it's catchy as hell. And so true! "Hey, I put some new shoes on and suddenly every thing's right" is the way I always feel. There is no better feeling then putting on some hot new Chucks in a funky design, or a pair of sweet black sport fusion casuals with a contrasting white stripe. Well, maybe there is, but it still ranks pretty high.
"Like A Prayer" - Madonna The Immaculate Collection
The original album mix is far superior to this one from Madonna's greatest hits collection. The choir has a weird breakdown at about the 4:23 mark, the guitars are not as strong. However, it still remains one of my favorite songs of all time.
"Strange Fruit (Tricky Remix)" - Billie Holiday Necessary Beats: The Mix Tape
"Strange Fruit" makes me angry. It boils my blood to know the inconceivable evil man can visit on his fellow man. (I also have the original version as well as a version by Nina Simone on my iPod.) This remix is bizarre, spare and haunting with harp-like guitar plucking and a strange horn and random electric guitar for the beat, it doesn't have the same emotional impact, but it's not a club banger either. But when I do my updated Top Twenty Songs Of All Time, this song will be on it. No other song stirs such emotions: bitter sadness, vengeful anger, a hopeful optimism that one day we will just all get along. Racism is the ugliest thing, we must never forget just how ugly it can get.
"Stay (I Missed You)" - Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories Stay (I Missed You) [CD Single]
I love this song, I think it my also end up in my top twenty. The simplicity of the arrangement, the emotional vocal, the heartbreaking lyrics, all combine to make a perfect indie-pop single. Heartbreak is a painful thing, but also a inspiration.
"Laura" - Scissor Sisters Scissor Sisters
I must love the Scissor Sisters, this is the second time one of their songs have popped up on my five songs on shuffle series. This isn't one of my favorites of their songs (that would be "Tits On The Radio" and "Take Your Mama Out") but I do love the kiss off line "This'll be the last time I ever do your hair" Oh, snap!
Monday, March 24, 2008
5 Songs On Shuffle Vol. 3
This is the third installment of my weekly blog entry series "5 Songs On Shuffle." I’ll put my iTunes on shuffle and blog about the first five songs that play.
"The Blood Song" - Kirk Franklin feat. Donnie McClurkin, Crystal Lewis & Jaci Velasquez The Rebirth Of Kirk Franklin
I grew up listening to almost exclusively Christian music, but my parents were more into the inspirational pop sounds but I loved the hip-hop, techno and r&b flavored gospel, too. Kirk Franklin was one of my favorites, and this is one of his best. "The Blood Song" calls people of every color and denomination together, because it doesn't matter what color you are, "as long as His blood was red." A great song for the Easter season with two of my other favorites joining in, Crystal Lewis (who also collaborated on Franklin's "Lean on Me") and Latin superstar Jaci Velasquez.
"Dear Mr. Gable/You Made Me Love You" - Judy Garland Over The Rainbow
Who doesn't love Judy Garland? Before she amazed us with her stunning turn in "The Wizard Of Oz" she appeared in "The Broadway Melody Of 1938" singing this sweet song of fandom to matinee idol Clark Gable.
"Something More" - Ginny Owens Blueprint EP
Ginny Owens burst onto the Christian music scene during the Lilith Fair years, where female singer/songwriters were all the rage. Her blindness made her a unique figure, but never overshadowed her lovely songs. On this acoustic EP, produced by old-school Christian star Margaret Becker, her lyrics are brought even further to the forefront in a jazz-flavored coffeehouse setting. One of my favorite gospel albums.
"Fake Your Way To The Top" - Eddie Murphy & Cast Dreamgirls Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Not one of my favorites from this Broadway-smash-turned-movie-musical, but a solid performance from Eddie Murphy, who often times grates in his recent films, but impressed me a great deal in "Dreamgirls." It's no "And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going" but still fun.
"Losing My Religion" - Suzie McNeill Rock Star: INXS Performance
Covering my favorite REM song for the CBS reality series, Suzie McNeill vaulted her way into a tie for my favorite to front Aussie dance-rockers INXS. She didn't win, but she did go on to impress me with her cover of "Bohemian Rhapsody." I'm still bummed "Rock Star" hasn't returned, it was like "American Idol," only cooler.
"The Blood Song" - Kirk Franklin feat. Donnie McClurkin, Crystal Lewis & Jaci Velasquez The Rebirth Of Kirk Franklin
I grew up listening to almost exclusively Christian music, but my parents were more into the inspirational pop sounds but I loved the hip-hop, techno and r&b flavored gospel, too. Kirk Franklin was one of my favorites, and this is one of his best. "The Blood Song" calls people of every color and denomination together, because it doesn't matter what color you are, "as long as His blood was red." A great song for the Easter season with two of my other favorites joining in, Crystal Lewis (who also collaborated on Franklin's "Lean on Me") and Latin superstar Jaci Velasquez.
"Dear Mr. Gable/You Made Me Love You" - Judy Garland Over The Rainbow
Who doesn't love Judy Garland? Before she amazed us with her stunning turn in "The Wizard Of Oz" she appeared in "The Broadway Melody Of 1938" singing this sweet song of fandom to matinee idol Clark Gable.
"Something More" - Ginny Owens Blueprint EP
Ginny Owens burst onto the Christian music scene during the Lilith Fair years, where female singer/songwriters were all the rage. Her blindness made her a unique figure, but never overshadowed her lovely songs. On this acoustic EP, produced by old-school Christian star Margaret Becker, her lyrics are brought even further to the forefront in a jazz-flavored coffeehouse setting. One of my favorite gospel albums.
"Fake Your Way To The Top" - Eddie Murphy & Cast Dreamgirls Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Not one of my favorites from this Broadway-smash-turned-movie-musical, but a solid performance from Eddie Murphy, who often times grates in his recent films, but impressed me a great deal in "Dreamgirls." It's no "And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going" but still fun.
"Losing My Religion" - Suzie McNeill Rock Star: INXS Performance
Covering my favorite REM song for the CBS reality series, Suzie McNeill vaulted her way into a tie for my favorite to front Aussie dance-rockers INXS. She didn't win, but she did go on to impress me with her cover of "Bohemian Rhapsody." I'm still bummed "Rock Star" hasn't returned, it was like "American Idol," only cooler.
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