Rhythm Bandits
By Junior Senior
This could technically also star in a "Band's I get an entirely unjustified amount of crap for liking" post (along with The Grates and others) but honestly, I don't know any other song that makes me want to dance more than this (with the possible exception of move your feet, also by this band).
Anyway, Junior Senior is kinda known as a gay/straight band, since one of them is gay and one of them is straight. Also, one of them is old and one is young, which I imagine with my Sherlock Holmes level of deduction, is where they got their name from. Which is which is obviously a mystery (except i would be money that the younger one is in fact Junior, and vice versa). Also, it's dancey, it's fun, and I'm not going to let the fact that channel 10 bought the rights and play their songs for every 'trendy' show they are putting on this year ruin it for me.
Also... Rhythm is a ridiculously hard word to spell.
Planet Of The Wolves
By GuitarWolf
This is my "I'm about to kick absolute ass" song. I seriously know no other song that is anywhere near as bad ass or as rockin' as this song is. Play it and run through it now with me:
First section: Long shot of a desert, it pans to some guy in the distance riding a motorcycle, every time a wolf howls its super imposed on the shots...
That first big chord: PLANT OF THE WOLVES is show in big bold letters on the screen...
That bit after the chord but before the rest of the song: I kick in some door and look bad ass.
The rest of the song: Ass kicking.
Underwater's Where The Action Is
By Kelley Stoltz
Ok ok.... Imagine this. The little mermaid (the movie) is remade, but with Muppets, and halfway through the movie there's some party in the middle of the sea. And a young Bob Dylan is there, capable of breathing and singing underwater without the need of any visible breathing apparatus. This would be the song he sung.
Honestly, I don't even know how this song got on my computer... I don't remember d'ling it. I know the boys wouldn't have d'led it and my sister had no idea who it was... It's like the happiest accident that ever happened.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
The lyrical stylings (err... covers) of Mr. Richard Cheese.
Welcome to the Jungle
As originally done by Guns and Roses
This song should surely be a staple of any good night out in Townsville, but please enjoy this slightly classier, less Mad-Cow-ier version of it. It's got everything that was good about the original, plus a horn section and cameos from all the old favorites such as "Jungle Boogie" and "The lion sleeps tonight".
I think this was probably the first song I heard by this guy, with the possible exception of "Down with the sickness" from the Dawn of the Dead soundtrack.
Been Caught Stealing
As originally done by Jane's Addiction
It was hard to pick what songs to put up with this lot, not only because he has so many awesome ones, but also because it's even better if you know the original song beforehand. I was considering doing a "before and after" thing where I put up the original and the cover but I have nowhere near the space needed for that kinda thing. The point I'm trying to slowly reach in this meandering paragraph, is that I'm pretty sure you know this song.
Also... Poor doggie.
Creep
As originally done by Radiohead
Mr. Cheese is also sometimes a little bit of a pain in the ass, in that he does a couple of versions of the same song (for some entirely unknown reason). Anyway, it's often a case that one has really crappy midi music, but awesome stage presence-y stuff and the other one has actual instruments. I'm pretty sure this one is the latter. Also, I know you don't know any Radiohead, but I'm pretty sure you'll know this one. If you don't, I'll send you the original sometime.
Don't worry about missing out on the other one, the best bits of it are all Radiohead jokes you probably wouldn't get at the moment. Maybe one day tho, when the time is right, I'll play it for you, and it will give you as much joy as it has given me.
Special Bonus Track!
The Theme from Friends
Originally by someone or other I dunno I can't be bothered looking it up on google.
Dear God. He makes it sound so sincere!
(Also, I think it was the Rembrandts).
As originally done by Guns and Roses
This song should surely be a staple of any good night out in Townsville, but please enjoy this slightly classier, less Mad-Cow-ier version of it. It's got everything that was good about the original, plus a horn section and cameos from all the old favorites such as "Jungle Boogie" and "The lion sleeps tonight".
I think this was probably the first song I heard by this guy, with the possible exception of "Down with the sickness" from the Dawn of the Dead soundtrack.
Been Caught Stealing
As originally done by Jane's Addiction
It was hard to pick what songs to put up with this lot, not only because he has so many awesome ones, but also because it's even better if you know the original song beforehand. I was considering doing a "before and after" thing where I put up the original and the cover but I have nowhere near the space needed for that kinda thing. The point I'm trying to slowly reach in this meandering paragraph, is that I'm pretty sure you know this song.
Also... Poor doggie.
Creep
As originally done by Radiohead
Mr. Cheese is also sometimes a little bit of a pain in the ass, in that he does a couple of versions of the same song (for some entirely unknown reason). Anyway, it's often a case that one has really crappy midi music, but awesome stage presence-y stuff and the other one has actual instruments. I'm pretty sure this one is the latter. Also, I know you don't know any Radiohead, but I'm pretty sure you'll know this one. If you don't, I'll send you the original sometime.
Don't worry about missing out on the other one, the best bits of it are all Radiohead jokes you probably wouldn't get at the moment. Maybe one day tho, when the time is right, I'll play it for you, and it will give you as much joy as it has given me.
Special Bonus Track!
The Theme from Friends
Originally by someone or other I dunno I can't be bothered looking it up on google.
Dear God. He makes it sound so sincere!
(Also, I think it was the Rembrandts).
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I didn't know what to pick so I just picked some songs. Uninspired, I know.
Decent Days and Nights
By The Futureheads
When I first heard this song I wasn't really a fan. I think they'd kinda came on the scene around the same time as Maximo Park and I my eyes couldn't really hold a candle to them. However... Cut to 2 weeks ago and something triggers in my head that reminds me of this song and BAM! I haven't been able to stop humming it even since. Their new song for their forth coming album "Beginning of the twist" is also rather awesome, but I haven't got a copy of that one yet.
The best line is "This is a brand new problem, a problem without any clues...." I bust out with it when James asks me a question... Just to piss him off.
Burn Faster
By Nine Black Alps
Nine Black Alps were the new Libertines for me. There first album was unbelievably awesome and it's a crying shame that hardly anybody listened to it. Their follow up album, which this song is from hasn't gripped me and shook me violently like the first one did, but this song has definitely grown on me.
The Kelly Affair
By Be Your Own Pet
I couldn't think of anything else so I just got something from the latest thing I got. I always thought this song was by Operator Please, and was a song about the Valley here in Brisbane. They are in fact from Nashville, Tennessee and therefore this is actually country music.
By The Futureheads
When I first heard this song I wasn't really a fan. I think they'd kinda came on the scene around the same time as Maximo Park and I my eyes couldn't really hold a candle to them. However... Cut to 2 weeks ago and something triggers in my head that reminds me of this song and BAM! I haven't been able to stop humming it even since. Their new song for their forth coming album "Beginning of the twist" is also rather awesome, but I haven't got a copy of that one yet.
The best line is "This is a brand new problem, a problem without any clues...." I bust out with it when James asks me a question... Just to piss him off.
Burn Faster
By Nine Black Alps
Nine Black Alps were the new Libertines for me. There first album was unbelievably awesome and it's a crying shame that hardly anybody listened to it. Their follow up album, which this song is from hasn't gripped me and shook me violently like the first one did, but this song has definitely grown on me.
The Kelly Affair
By Be Your Own Pet
I couldn't think of anything else so I just got something from the latest thing I got. I always thought this song was by Operator Please, and was a song about the Valley here in Brisbane. They are in fact from Nashville, Tennessee and therefore this is actually country music.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
God Save the Queen- More songs from Ol' Blighty
Only Lovers Left Alive
By The Long Blondes
The Long Blondes are the definition of (and indeed, the only band I can think of off the top of my head that says their style is) Glam Punk. To be honest, I don't really know all that much about this band. Originally, I thought they were an American band, their music kind of reminds me of 50's, down at the milk parlor, rock and roll... but they are in fact from Sheffield, England.
I was surprised to realise that I knew (and liked!) so many of the songs from their first album, but its not something I listen to often. But when I'm in the mood its a pretty solid effort.
Eddie's Gun
By The Kooks
EDDIE'S GUN IS 1 MINUTE AND 59 SECONDS OF PURE AWESOME. LIKE THIS DESCRIPTION, IT'S SHORT AND ROCKIN'.
The Coast Is Always Changing
By Maximo Park
Maximo Park are an unbelievably great band that I'm ashamed that I: a) Still haven't seen live, and b) Have waited this long to bring up (See also: The Hives , Belle & Sebastian et al...).
Anyway, picking just one song from their 2 albums was ridiculously tough, I really think I'll have to do a post just for them one day. Anyway, I eventually chose their first single simply because sometimes its good to start at the start and also because its fun to shout out along with the chorus. Especially when you are wearing headphones. And surrounded by strangers.
Special Bonus Track!
Chicken Payback
By The Bees
Eddie's gun is a tiny little song, so since I have a little extra space, I thought I might just chuck up this last song.
Whenever I hear this song, for some reason I think of a cooking montage where I'm dancing around the kitchen, performing different tasks and generally preparing dinner (well.. I also think of animals dancing and receiving money, but thats a little more obvious). ANYWAY, I've tried many a time to make my cooking montage fantasy a reality to this song, but theres not much decent food you can prepare in just over 3 minutes. Maybe one day...
By The Long Blondes
The Long Blondes are the definition of (and indeed, the only band I can think of off the top of my head that says their style is) Glam Punk. To be honest, I don't really know all that much about this band. Originally, I thought they were an American band, their music kind of reminds me of 50's, down at the milk parlor, rock and roll... but they are in fact from Sheffield, England.
I was surprised to realise that I knew (and liked!) so many of the songs from their first album, but its not something I listen to often. But when I'm in the mood its a pretty solid effort.
Eddie's Gun
By The Kooks
EDDIE'S GUN IS 1 MINUTE AND 59 SECONDS OF PURE AWESOME. LIKE THIS DESCRIPTION, IT'S SHORT AND ROCKIN'.
The Coast Is Always Changing
By Maximo Park
Maximo Park are an unbelievably great band that I'm ashamed that I: a) Still haven't seen live, and b) Have waited this long to bring up (See also: The Hives , Belle & Sebastian et al...).
Anyway, picking just one song from their 2 albums was ridiculously tough, I really think I'll have to do a post just for them one day. Anyway, I eventually chose their first single simply because sometimes its good to start at the start and also because its fun to shout out along with the chorus. Especially when you are wearing headphones. And surrounded by strangers.
Special Bonus Track!
Chicken Payback
By The Bees
Eddie's gun is a tiny little song, so since I have a little extra space, I thought I might just chuck up this last song.
Whenever I hear this song, for some reason I think of a cooking montage where I'm dancing around the kitchen, performing different tasks and generally preparing dinner (well.. I also think of animals dancing and receiving money, but thats a little more obvious). ANYWAY, I've tried many a time to make my cooking montage fantasy a reality to this song, but theres not much decent food you can prepare in just over 3 minutes. Maybe one day...
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Indie bands that it's mandatory to like, that I don't like, and why I don't, and why maybe I should.
Neighborhood #2 (Laika)
By Arcade Fire
You already have a whole bunch of Arcade Fire songs, but if I was going to point out one it would be this (which I think you don't have) and No Cars Go (which I think you might have).
Why I don't like them:
I dunno... they have a ridiculous amount of members for a start and they just kinda carry on, on stage, like they are just having a good time and getting lost in the music but I dunno, it always seems so kind of put on and contrived to me. But then again... I'm a gigantic cynic, coz we all know you can't have fun playing music... It's serious business dammit!
Anyway, they are also one of those indie bands of the time (admittedly, they may have started it) that feature warbling almost shouted male vocals that make a point of not being perfect. I mean, I love hearing vocals with character over what would be classed "perfect vocals" but I dunno it just seemed a little over the top.
Also, the first song I heard from them (Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)) bugged the hell out of me. And first impressions count.
Why I should maybe think again:
There are a few songs by them that I do like, and plus recently I heard Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) and found it to be one of the greatest and most touching songs I've ever heard.
Chicago
By Sufjan Stevens
Why I don't like him:
He's soooo ridiculously overhyped by the American music scene for a start. Plus, he's decided (a while ago, mind you) that he was going to do a project where he does an album for each of the states of the US while he travels around it. So far, he's made an album for Illinois and an album of songs that didn't weren't good enough to make it onto his Illinois album. At this rate, he should be finished his 51st state by the time he's 80.
I dunno.. I guess I just find him really pretentious. I think its a kind of thing where if you act pretentious enough and do something arty, people will assume that you must be some kind of genius and that they just don't get it, so they tell other people they get it to seem clever and it ends up snowballing until the original pretentious guy is some kind of demi-god. I assume all modern art is a little like that.
Also, I really hate his name. What kind of a parent calls there son Sufjan?
Why I should maybe think again:
As pretentious as he is, he does have a knack for making some beautiful music. I think it's probably a little unfair for me to hate his music just because he's a bit of a wanker when I make similar concessions for Australian artists (e.g. Tim Rodgers...). Still though, none of his other music has really stuck out (or even got that popular). He did do an excellent cover of a Joanie Mitchell song (Free man in Paris) for some cover CD that features some serious trumpet work, but two good songs in no way justifies the amount of hype he gets.
Dashboard
By Modest Mouse
Why I don't like them:
For a start, see the Arcade Fire section for warbling almost shouted male vocals, because Modest Mouse was another band leading the charge with that. I guess that was the major issue with this band. I didn't particularly get into the songs from the first album (the big ones were Float On and Ocean Breathes Salty) , although I would dance about to them while drunk, they weren't really that special. So yeah.. I guess thats about it for why I didn't like this band.. I just couldn't get why everyone else thought they were so good...
Why I should maybe think again:
...That was until I heard this song of course, which is a driving powerhouse that I defy anyone to not tap their feet along to. Not that any of the other songs on the album struck me that hard, with the possibility of Fire It Up being an exception, but this song almost makes up for it. Also, it has an awesome film clip about fishing.
By Arcade Fire
You already have a whole bunch of Arcade Fire songs, but if I was going to point out one it would be this (which I think you don't have) and No Cars Go (which I think you might have).
Why I don't like them:
I dunno... they have a ridiculous amount of members for a start and they just kinda carry on, on stage, like they are just having a good time and getting lost in the music but I dunno, it always seems so kind of put on and contrived to me. But then again... I'm a gigantic cynic, coz we all know you can't have fun playing music... It's serious business dammit!
Anyway, they are also one of those indie bands of the time (admittedly, they may have started it) that feature warbling almost shouted male vocals that make a point of not being perfect. I mean, I love hearing vocals with character over what would be classed "perfect vocals" but I dunno it just seemed a little over the top.
Also, the first song I heard from them (Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)) bugged the hell out of me. And first impressions count.
Why I should maybe think again:
There are a few songs by them that I do like, and plus recently I heard Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) and found it to be one of the greatest and most touching songs I've ever heard.
Chicago
By Sufjan Stevens
Why I don't like him:
He's soooo ridiculously overhyped by the American music scene for a start. Plus, he's decided (a while ago, mind you) that he was going to do a project where he does an album for each of the states of the US while he travels around it. So far, he's made an album for Illinois and an album of songs that didn't weren't good enough to make it onto his Illinois album. At this rate, he should be finished his 51st state by the time he's 80.
I dunno.. I guess I just find him really pretentious. I think its a kind of thing where if you act pretentious enough and do something arty, people will assume that you must be some kind of genius and that they just don't get it, so they tell other people they get it to seem clever and it ends up snowballing until the original pretentious guy is some kind of demi-god. I assume all modern art is a little like that.
Also, I really hate his name. What kind of a parent calls there son Sufjan?
Why I should maybe think again:
As pretentious as he is, he does have a knack for making some beautiful music. I think it's probably a little unfair for me to hate his music just because he's a bit of a wanker when I make similar concessions for Australian artists (e.g. Tim Rodgers...). Still though, none of his other music has really stuck out (or even got that popular). He did do an excellent cover of a Joanie Mitchell song (Free man in Paris) for some cover CD that features some serious trumpet work, but two good songs in no way justifies the amount of hype he gets.
Dashboard
By Modest Mouse
Why I don't like them:
For a start, see the Arcade Fire section for warbling almost shouted male vocals, because Modest Mouse was another band leading the charge with that. I guess that was the major issue with this band. I didn't particularly get into the songs from the first album (the big ones were Float On and Ocean Breathes Salty) , although I would dance about to them while drunk, they weren't really that special. So yeah.. I guess thats about it for why I didn't like this band.. I just couldn't get why everyone else thought they were so good...
Why I should maybe think again:
...That was until I heard this song of course, which is a driving powerhouse that I defy anyone to not tap their feet along to. Not that any of the other songs on the album struck me that hard, with the possibility of Fire It Up being an exception, but this song almost makes up for it. Also, it has an awesome film clip about fishing.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Good Friday Special! - Men with long hair and possibly facial hair who died too young.
Can't Make A Sound
By Elliot Smith
Probably the man with the least facial hair on this list today. Elliot Smith died age 34 from 2 (supposedly self inflicted) stab wounds. It's a terrible shame that the world lost such a great song writer, but listening to his music you could kind of see it coming. There are so many good songs by him that its hard to narrow it down to just one (I might send you some more later) but today I've chosen this one because I really like the build up towards the end.
Long Hot Summer Night
By Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix is the Black Jesus of the guitar. Jimi died age 28 of suspicious circumstances (also possibly self inflicted). Still though, his legacy still lives on today with anyone who plays guitar. I chose this song, out of the massive amount of his other good songs because its currently my favorite one at the moment and its also a little more hopeful and up beat than the other ones one the list today. Of course, its a little less relevant since we are no longer in summer at the moment, but who cares...
Last Goodbye
By Jeff Buckley
If I have never played you this song, then I feel I have failed as a man because this is the kind of song you play to a girl that then leads on to making out. It's the kind of song I'd sing on at a karaoke bar or on Australian Idol to try and impress all the indie girls, except then I'd have to be compared to Jeff Buckley and eventually lose massive face for being a pale imitation.
Anyway, I've had this song for aaaaages. Like, when I first moved to Townsville ages. It's always been one of the greatest songs I've ever heard. A lot of Jeff's other songs are also great, he wasn't as prolific as Elliot Smith, but his songs are still as important to modern music, if not more so. He died aged 31 from an accidental drowning. I guess it just doesn't pay to be a great singer songwriter...
By Elliot Smith
Probably the man with the least facial hair on this list today. Elliot Smith died age 34 from 2 (supposedly self inflicted) stab wounds. It's a terrible shame that the world lost such a great song writer, but listening to his music you could kind of see it coming. There are so many good songs by him that its hard to narrow it down to just one (I might send you some more later) but today I've chosen this one because I really like the build up towards the end.
Long Hot Summer Night
By Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix is the Black Jesus of the guitar. Jimi died age 28 of suspicious circumstances (also possibly self inflicted). Still though, his legacy still lives on today with anyone who plays guitar. I chose this song, out of the massive amount of his other good songs because its currently my favorite one at the moment and its also a little more hopeful and up beat than the other ones one the list today. Of course, its a little less relevant since we are no longer in summer at the moment, but who cares...
Last Goodbye
By Jeff Buckley
If I have never played you this song, then I feel I have failed as a man because this is the kind of song you play to a girl that then leads on to making out. It's the kind of song I'd sing on at a karaoke bar or on Australian Idol to try and impress all the indie girls, except then I'd have to be compared to Jeff Buckley and eventually lose massive face for being a pale imitation.
Anyway, I've had this song for aaaaages. Like, when I first moved to Townsville ages. It's always been one of the greatest songs I've ever heard. A lot of Jeff's other songs are also great, he wasn't as prolific as Elliot Smith, but his songs are still as important to modern music, if not more so. He died aged 31 from an accidental drowning. I guess it just doesn't pay to be a great singer songwriter...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Girl Pianists FTW
Dirty Business
By The Dresden Dolls
Once upon a time I had the chance to see the Dresden Dolls live, but I think to get in you had to dress up mime style and plus I found out about it a little too late, and there was no guarantee I'd get in anyway. Plus there was no chance of anyone else I knew wanting to go. All those factors added up and I never went. I kind of wish I did go tho, since I really actually like their stuff. But I guess thats a lesson learnt right there. I shoulda known, I always have a soft spot for piano heavy music.
Samson
By Regina Specktor
You've probably already heard "Fidelity" and "On The Radio" (and possibly her cover of John Lennon's "Real Love") but they aren't piano-y enough for this post. Also, I've been pulling too many songs you already know the last couple of posts, so its time to get a little more obscure. This one is off of her first (and only I think) album "Begin To Hope". Regina's got an amazing voice but you can never really tell if some of her stuff is real or edited, but this is a relatively stripped back and sweet song, probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite from the album.
I Don't Blame You
By Cat Power
This has always been one of my favorite songs, from the first time I heard it ages ago, but it wasn't until recently I remembered to actually get it. I've never seen her live, but reviews of her live shows vary greatly. Sometimes shes unbelievable and sometimes shes total crap. Apparently she once just walked out on a show once in Sydney because she wasn't getting into it. A lot of people think this song is about the way she feels about playing live and having to follow a tour schedule. Some times, she just doesn't want to play.... and I don't blame her.
If, for some reason, I'm ever doing like a version on Triple J, this is the song I wanna do...
Special Encore!:
Girl Anachronism
By The Dresden Dolls
I had a little extra space this week, so I thought I might just put up an extra song. There are so many bands I've put up so far where 1 song doesn't do them justice. I mean, eventually I'll get around to putting some more up in other posts or something, but still.... Too much good music!
Anyway, I've already talked a little about the Dresdens... So I'd just like to point you to the film clip for this song. Listening to this song theres a lot to take in but it never hit me until I saw the film clip how furious the drumming in this song is. Seriously, that guys a freak. It's like his torso doesn't move but his arms just go wild. There should be more of it.
By The Dresden Dolls
Once upon a time I had the chance to see the Dresden Dolls live, but I think to get in you had to dress up mime style and plus I found out about it a little too late, and there was no guarantee I'd get in anyway. Plus there was no chance of anyone else I knew wanting to go. All those factors added up and I never went. I kind of wish I did go tho, since I really actually like their stuff. But I guess thats a lesson learnt right there. I shoulda known, I always have a soft spot for piano heavy music.
Samson
By Regina Specktor
You've probably already heard "Fidelity" and "On The Radio" (and possibly her cover of John Lennon's "Real Love") but they aren't piano-y enough for this post. Also, I've been pulling too many songs you already know the last couple of posts, so its time to get a little more obscure. This one is off of her first (and only I think) album "Begin To Hope". Regina's got an amazing voice but you can never really tell if some of her stuff is real or edited, but this is a relatively stripped back and sweet song, probably my 2nd or 3rd favorite from the album.
I Don't Blame You
By Cat Power
This has always been one of my favorite songs, from the first time I heard it ages ago, but it wasn't until recently I remembered to actually get it. I've never seen her live, but reviews of her live shows vary greatly. Sometimes shes unbelievable and sometimes shes total crap. Apparently she once just walked out on a show once in Sydney because she wasn't getting into it. A lot of people think this song is about the way she feels about playing live and having to follow a tour schedule. Some times, she just doesn't want to play.... and I don't blame her.
If, for some reason, I'm ever doing like a version on Triple J, this is the song I wanna do...
Special Encore!:
Girl Anachronism
By The Dresden Dolls
I had a little extra space this week, so I thought I might just put up an extra song. There are so many bands I've put up so far where 1 song doesn't do them justice. I mean, eventually I'll get around to putting some more up in other posts or something, but still.... Too much good music!
Anyway, I've already talked a little about the Dresdens... So I'd just like to point you to the film clip for this song. Listening to this song theres a lot to take in but it never hit me until I saw the film clip how furious the drumming in this song is. Seriously, that guys a freak. It's like his torso doesn't move but his arms just go wild. There should be more of it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
