Picked up a ticket to see the Cure at MSG in New York the other day. I think this may be the last go around, so I will be going twice. I'll be taking the wife to her first Cure show in Philadelphia. Having seen the band 4 times prior to this tour, I am looking forward to the new spin on songs that can be expected with a four piece band. With Porl back, I can only hope for some more nuggets from yesteryear. Since I'll be away for the weekend, enjoy this 12" Extended Version of "A Letter to Elise", the best single off 1992s Wish. Be sure to see the Cure this fall.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
"Oh Elise it doesn't matter what you do"
Picked up a ticket to see the Cure at MSG in New York the other day. I think this may be the last go around, so I will be going twice. I'll be taking the wife to her first Cure show in Philadelphia. Having seen the band 4 times prior to this tour, I am looking forward to the new spin on songs that can be expected with a four piece band. With Porl back, I can only hope for some more nuggets from yesteryear. Since I'll be away for the weekend, enjoy this 12" Extended Version of "A Letter to Elise", the best single off 1992s Wish. Be sure to see the Cure this fall.
"As soon as I get my head round you"
I could not be happier that the Jesus and Mary Chain have returned. So many bands are currently profiting off the sound that they forged in the 80s and 90s. Their comeback performance at this year's Coachella Music and Arts Festival was blistering, and quite happily, included a new song. Check out "Head On", which is perhaps my favorite JAMC single, from Coachella 2007. As an added bonus, I've thrown "Just Like Honey" and the brand new "All Things" from the show as well.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
"I wondered out in the world for years"
Growing up in Syracuse, NY, I often found myself being exposed to great music years after its initial release. A great example of this is The Waterboys. In the early 90s, I got into World Party when Bang! was released and slowly started exploring their back catalog. It wasn't until the late 90s that I discovered the beauty of The Waterboys. The first song I ever heard by them, actually I saw the video, was "The Whole of the Moon". I still get chills listening to this rousing anthem.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
"I'm walking around like an arm decoration"
Spring of 1995. I remember Junior Prom and a comeback single from Adam Ant, "Wonderful". Ant's last album to date, Wonderful was the perfect mix of Beatlesesque psychedelia and 80s "Ant"ics. The lead single made girls swoon and, for guys, had that perfect mix of heartfelt romanticism streaked by a jaded perspective on life. On a whole, the album is a great collection songs, many co-written by brilliant guitarist Marco Pirroni. Take a listen to the single, "Wonderful", and a brilliant album track, "Vampires".
Monday, June 25, 2007
"Perhaps someone you know, could sparkle and shine"
The late 80s and early 90s saw some fine music coming out of England - Catherine Wheel, Slowdive, Ride, etc., but one of the bands I feel was criminally overlooked in the US was Ian Broudie's Lightning Seeds. 1990's Cloudcuckooland provided one of the best singles of the year and one of the catchiest debuts by any artist of the last 20 years in my opinion. "Pure" is the perfect blend of psychedelic pop with snythpop sensibilities and a touch of folk romanticism thrown in for good measure. Enjoy a classic!
"The time is right to kill your fears"
Looking back, I remember being captivated by INXS as a live band during the late 80s and early 90s. Specifically, I recall several performances in support of Kick, X, and later Welcome to Wherever You Are (one of my first purchases through BMG). Michael was a mesmerizing front man and the band have always been fabulous. On May 8, 1993, INXS played at Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airfield to an adoring crowd and delivered a blistering set. One of the highlights for me, "Bitter Tears".
Friday, June 22, 2007
"I'm only young and young in love"
Two years ago on my birthday, I hit up the Kyber in Philadelphia with a close friend to see Adam Franklin of Swervedriver. The show was acoustic and one hundred percent mindblowing. "Last Train to Satansville" off Mezcal Head is truly a majestic track in the post-punk, shoegazer, indie rock sense that prevailed in the early 1990s. At the show in Philadelphia, I got to meet and drink with Adam. He is truly a gifted musician, storyteller, and performer. Take a listen to "Last Train to Satansville" to see what I mean.
"If I could buy my reasoning"
Known by most kids now as that song covered by Gwen and the boys in No Doubt, "It's My Life" was one of the reasons I first got into Talk Talk. I remember the music video, very wildlife, and the great vocal performance by Mark Hollis. Couple that with brilliant lyrics and a band reaching its creative peak and "It's My Life" is a classic 80s anthem. Listen to the Class-X 15 remix, which takes the song in some new directions and builds upon the atomosphere already created by the band.
"They put a hot wire to my head"
After leaving the Pistols, John Lydon moved on to Public Image, Ltd., or if you prefer PiL. What amazes me is that the man who so tastefully sneered, "I am an anarchist", moved forward from punk and delivered some incredible post-punk and even, dare I say it, alt-rock tunes. "Rise" is perhaps my favorite as it features Lydon's distinctive vocals set to a gorgeuos, swooning late 80s alt-dance track. Listening to the song again, it is like the Cure and Smiths recorded a song in 1988 and gave it up to a legend for the vocals.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
"I got a heart like crime"
Having seen the Psychedelic Furs four times since they decided to get back together for some mindless touring that has resulted in roughly 3 new songs, I wanted to look back in time. Specifically, I listened to Midnight to Midnight today while I worked away at my desk. After listening to the album, I looked at the so-called "greatest hits" collection and determined this album was grossly under represented. Yes, "Heartbreak Beat" is the classic tune off this album, but my favorite has to "Shock". This is one of those tracks that just gets me going. I wish they would play it live today...
"You wait until your time comes round again "
Back when Factory Records was dominating Manchester, a little band found its way to Statik Records, which had a deal with Virgin, which susbequently cost the band a chance in the independent charts. The Chameleons UK released Script of the Bridge in 1983, which in my opinion is a criminally overlooked album. Listening to it today, you can see it's impact and importance on bands of today like Interpol and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Listen to "View from a Hill" and "Second Skin" to hear the sound of many of today's bands, twenty plus years ago.
View from a Hill - The Chameleons UK
Second Skin - The Chameleons UK
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
"When the light gets into your heart, baby"
Nine minutes and two seconds. Live in Rotterdam. December 3, 1985. Simple Minds deliver a mind blowing version of their biggest hit to date, "Don't You (Forget About Me)" from the "The Breakfast Club" soundtrack. The band are in top form and the song just goes off. That is all I can really say.
"Is it down to the lake I fear?"
Loafing through my cds for something good to post today, I came across my copy of Haircut 100's Pelican West. Moving can be difficult, it took my weeks to even find some of my discs. But honestly, back to Haircut 100, sure they looked goofy, but the tunes were absolutely great. I love the precussion and feeling I get everytime I listen to "Love Plus One". Just listen to horns dance around this track. Enjoy this Extended Remix of "Love Plus One".
Monday, June 18, 2007
"Like painted kites, those days and nights - went flyin by"
The Fun Lovin' Criminals had a big hit with "Scooby Snacks" back in the mid 1990s, which landed them an opening spot on U2's bloated Pop Tour in 1997. One year later, back with a new album 100% Columbian, the boys spent a little time with Ian McCulloch of Echo & The Bunnymen. FLC appeared on Echo's 1997 album What are You Going to Do with Your Life? and McCulloch lent his golden pipes to a cover of Frank Sinatra's classic "The Summer Wind", the b-side to 1998's "Big Night Out". Tell me Mac is not the Sinatra of our times. Go ahead I dare you.
"No hope, no harm, just another false alarm"
Later this week the wife and I will be heading down to Columbia, MD to see Wilco, but to be honest, I am more excited to see Low. Don't get me wrong I like Wilco a great deal, but I really have a soft spot for Low, which began with their cover of Joy Division's "Transmission". I know some poeple have not enjoyed their more recent albums, but I think Drums and Guns is excellent. But instead of sharing something off that album, I thought I'd share their awesome cover of The Smiths' "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me". I get chills everytime I listen to this version.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
"Like a car broke down in the rain"
As a big fan of John Hughes' films, I always enjoyed the great soundtracks that came with the film. "Pretty in Pink", "She's Having a Baby", and "Some Kind of Wonderful" are probably my three favorites. The one band these soundtracks introduced me to was Flesh for Lulu, whose "I Go Crazy" is featured skillfully in "Some Kind of Wonderful". Watching the film 15 years later, I tracked down a copy of Long Live the New Flesh and loved it. Check out "Postcards from Paradise", which was later covered by Paul Westerberg on 1993s 14 Songs.
"I've never been too good with names"
I was 14 when I first heard the Lemonheads version of "Luka". Since I lived in Upstate NY and did not know any good record shops, I ended up buying "It's a Shame about Ray" at the old Camelot Music and loved all 30 some odd minutes of it. My favorite song was initially the rockin' cover of "Mrs. Robinson", but I eventually fell in love with "Rudderless" and the title track. Listen to this excellent acoustic version of Evan playing "It's a Shame about Ray" on April 16, 1993.
*** Note: I took the above photo at a 2006 show in Philadelphia ***
Friday, June 15, 2007
"Waving with a last vanilla smile"
Played nine times live in the history of the Cure, "Lament" is an absolute gem. Robert Smith reportedly recorded the original version by himself during one of the first periods when the Cure were alledgely broken up. This live version from Glastonbury in 1990 is spectacular, as is the sound quality of the recording.
"Heaven, a gateway of hope"
1982 saw the emergence of a new sound from New Order. It was embodied in "Everything Gone Green" and later in "Temptation". "Temptation" would go on to be one of the most endearing New Order songs, their most played live song, and an anthem. June 21, 1982, New Order play Bologna, Italy during their European Tour. The first song of the night, "Temptation".
"We're the plastic poseurs and prostitutes"
Shameless. A wonderful 15 year old commentary on those addicted to their 15 mintues of fame and the people that follow every move they make from the Pet Shop Boys.
"Mary sticks her tongue out, it's a sign"
XFM Radio out of the UK always had some great studio sessions during the 1990s, much like John Peel, they seemed to get the best artists either on their way up or at their peak. Catherine Wheel, one of my favorite bands, dropped in 1993 for the release of Chrome. In 1995, some of that session found its way onto the "Way Down" single. "Show Me Mary" is an infectious rocker that shows off Rob Dickinson's inate ability to craft a great song. As an added bonus, I'll include "Kill Rhythm" from the same session.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
"And you hear the gathering sounds"
Several years ago my mom got this live mix cd from L'Oreal hair products and gave it to me. I was astounded by the fact that it actually had live tracks from several good bands. My favorite track on the little 8 track cd is James' "Sound", live from the San Diego State University Open Air Theater. They put no date on this cd, but I think it is safe to guess 1992. Anyone with info let me know. Hope you enjoy!
"She's just like you and me, but she's homeless"
1994 saw David Byrne return to a more rock-oriented sound for his self-titled album. During the tour for that album, David played several classic Talking Heads songs, including "Love Goes to Building on Fire", which was a highlight for me when I saw him in Syracuse. With the album came two singles, the radio friendly Talking Heads-like "Angels" and "Back in the Box". The second single included a dazzling cover of Crystal Waters' "Gypsy Woman".
"Someone like you, selfish it's true"
During the "shortest" New Order hiatus, Bernard Sumner had Electronic with Johnny Marr. Peter Hook had Revenge, his "heavy" alt-rock-dance machine. Gillian Gilbert and Stephen Morris, well, they had each other and scored a modest hit in the UK with "Tasty Fish". The follow-up single "Selfish" was released in the US and the CD Single included several great remixes. One of them, That Pop Mix, is a great summery dance song. Perfect for this time of season.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
"This is the room, the start of it all"
Quoting Ian Curtis of Joy Division, so begins my musicblog. Quick and simple, I plan on sharing good music that I like and think some of you might like too. Hopefully, I'll give you stuff every day, but I with work who knows if that will happen, but I'll do my best.
More to came later...
I'll kick things off with a great cover from Indiana's indie rock couple, The Mysteries of Life.
While working in college radio in the late 90s, I got loads of free cds from both major label artists and independents. Beating The Arcade Fire to the punch about 10 years ago or so, Mysteries of Life recorded this cool version of The Talking Heads "Naive Melody (This must be the place)".
The first remix I'll share is the Razormaid Remix of Peter Schilling's classic revisiting of David Bowie's Major Tom from "Space Oddesy". This eight minute remix of "Major Tom" is sure to bring back the memories of this great song from the early 80s and represents the more classic remix, one that uniquely extends the song but also preserves the core of the song.
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