I put Toad the Wet Sprocket’s album “Fear” on in the car for the ride home from work and it was so good, like putting on an old jacket that still fits, and is so comfortable and familiar. I remembered all the words to all the songs. Listening to this song took me back to 1991 when I had my first boom box and could finally listen to the radio in the privacy of my own room (instead of in the living room where I always had to share with one of my siblings or turn it down). Good times indeed!
Freezepop is well named. They are totally frivolous electric pop. Even the band members describe their music as “sweet and cold and fruity and plastic-y”. Indeed they are like the tasty treat they are named after. You either love them or you hate them. I think both are delicious but in large quantities your teeth or ears may ache!
For me Fiona Apple’s “Tidal” is an autumnal album. Something about that crisp air, the melancholy of summer and vacation being over, and the sun setting earlier and earlier, reminds me of her innocence lost and despondent lyrics. The feeling is strengthened by the soulful bluesy quality of many of her songs. I find her to be thoughtful and passionate, but without joy in this album. The perfect soundtrack to remembering good times with old friends or old flames who are long gone. Bittersweet.
Although it is still August, it is a cool, crisp, and cloudy autumn day here in my town. The weather is a preview of more to come, and I’ve been holding back on posting any Fiona up until this time when the feeling in the air was right. Like many of my “Must Own Albums” on the list, I am quite content to put this one on repeat and listen to each and every song. It has a level of quality I think Fiona has failed to match since.
Here are my 5 favorites from the album, with “Never Is a Promise” being my favorite.
I had to share this one because I love the video for this song. There are very few lyrics to the song, but the video really conveys a full story. It is an excellent analogy between being stuck in a bad relationship and being part of an insect collection. Either way you’re pinned.
The other night, G and I and a couple friends were just sitting around talking about and playing music for hours on end. It was like high school all over again, saying stuff like… “Oh man you have to hear this song!” … “What you’ve never heard of them?” … “If you only hear one album it has to be this one.” … “Now now, let me explain why I like them.” …
It was awesome because there is just so much music and no one has heard everything. I would say I know a lot, but considering there have been between 10,000 and 40,000 albums released each year since 1990 (so let’s guess somewhere about half a million albums in the past 20 years), there is no way I or anyone could have heard it all. Even if you discard any music that you do not love, there are still songs and albums out there that you would probably love if you knew they existed. I suppose certain DJs or people in the music industry may come close to “knowing it all”, but there is too much. So hearing of new music from your friends is the best way to find new music for yourself, and that is what we did for hours on end.
Of the many artists, songs, and albums we discussed (and that are all still swimming in my head), this one came up and I’m way overdue for posting a Red Hot Chili Peppers song, so here it is!
Are you an 80s fan? You think you heard it all right? Well I bet most of you do not know this gem of 1980s New Wave/Synthpop from Spain! (Yes the 80s occurred in other countries too!)
If you like the original, operatic pop singer Sarah Brightman did a pretty sweet cover of it in 2000.
It is a still morning. Crisp air hints at the coming of the autumn and winter to come. The sky is grey, yet bright. This rendition of Pie Jesu (a hymn usually included in the Roman Catholic mass for the deceased) sounds out through the windows and doors. It is ghostly, yet calming, somber and beautiful.
With summer coming to a close, and no vacation on the horizon, I am back to work at my day job. A cog in the machine of corporate America. Turning the wheels of progress for the future… blah blah blah. We (human race) could be doing so much better were it not for greed. This song reminds me of that 1950s post-industrial corporate mentality of perfectly progressing plastic people and places. Poppycock! Faster, easier, and cheaper are not always better.
When I first heard this song back in 2005 I became obsessed. The “chorus” is totally addictive. I was craving it this morning, perhaps due to the touch of autumn in the air, and I first heard it in autumn. I don’t know about everyone else, but I crave certain artists during certain seasons and frequently it is tied only to when I first heard them. Anyone else have that experience?
My Aunt is a huge fan of the musical “A Chorus” line. She has seen it something like 6 times on Broadway, and several other non-Broadway productions. Crazy. G and I had an opportunity to see a local production with her last week. I thought it was alright, some songs better than others. Some parts better than others. Aside from “One” which everyone knows whether they know it or not, this song “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three” was particularly entertaining and funny. I’m sure a lot of people know this song as “Tits and Ass”.
The recording above is of the original Broadway cast from 1975, with Pamela Blair singing. I actually think the performance of the song we saw last week was better, probably just because it was live.
Thanks to my friend LK, I was reminded of Joseph Arthur. I like this song of his in particular, though I have only heard a few of his songs from his many albums. I remember this one from the movie Saved!
Listen on Blip.fm!