Direct from Somewhere

No. 499 - "Drifting, Falling" by The Ocean Blue

2010-11-24T21:36:00.002-05:00

No. 499 - "Drifting, Falling" by The Ocean Blue -- third single off Hershey, PA band's debut self-titled album is a modern rock classic from 1990

Chart Status - peaked at No. 10 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks.

PCI - little to none. The band toured relentlessly through 1994 and continue to play shows and intermittenly release EPs through their website, http://www.theoceanblue.com/. Many are surprised to learn the band is not English, despite the clear influences of the Smiths, New Order, and Echo & the Bunnymen. The thing about this song is that its simple melody and lilting vocal line gets me everytime. Perfect slice of alterna-pop.

No. 500 - "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley

2010-11-24T21:33:00.001-05:00

No. 500 - "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley -- a slice of late 80s pop soul music that later became an internet sensation due to the advent of You Tube and the now infamous gag of "Rickrolling".

Chart Status - Astley hit No. 1 in 25 countries including the U.S. in March 1988.

Pop Culture Impact (PCI) - A throwaway pop track with an infectious groove that somehow managed to find a way to the top of the US charts in 1988 inbetween George Michael and Michael Jackson. With the advent of YouTube, Astley's greatest song and its famously bad video were used in a 2008 April Fool's prank by the company, now known as "Rickrolling". YouTube users seeking out content were re-directed to Astley's video all day long and the prank has continued to this day. The pentultimate moment though may have been the 2008 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade which was 'rickrolled' by Astley and Cartoon Network, who had Astley appear and perform the track on its float. Video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL-hNMJvcyI

Presenting the Top 500 Songs I Think You Should Know

2010-09-14T14:52:00.000-04:00

After reading through the Rolling Stone Top 500 Songs of All-Time, I convinced myself that I too could craft a list of 500 songs, and thus the Top 500 Songs I Think You Should Know was born. To be considered for the list, I limited myself to only songs released after my date of birth, which was late in August 1978.

After settling on a start date, the real decision had to be made -- what would my criteria be? After much deliberation, I decided on a subjectively objective test that takes into account many things such as whether a song charted, how long it charted, its longevity and durability, and of course, pop culture signifcance. It took me approxiamtely three months to compile my list and the work done generated such intense discussions with my wife, that she joined me in this challenge, albeit her list was capped at 200 songs.

What I learned from this is I do not listen to a lot of country, but I do like and appreciate rap more than I would have throught. My Top 200 would be competitive with anything Rolling Stone, NME or another music mag put together, and my final 300 gets more subjective than objective, but again, I think I have compelling arguments for everything.

So, enough with the discourse, let the list begin, in reverse order, and ten at a time. Enjoy!

"Why don't we try..."

2009-08-21T23:05:00.003-04:00

Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe have this amazing ability to blow my mind with each successive album. Sure, they had the one let down album, Bilingual, which despite its incoherent presentation, still holds the classic Red Letter Day, was not horrible. Neil Tennant is the one singer I've seen live who sounds the same live as on CD. His voice remains amazing as does his writing, twenty plus years later.

One of my favorites is So Hard, off 1990's Behaviour. Here's an extended dance mix for your enjoyment.

So Hard (Extended Dance Mix)

A is for Aquaman: The Search for Arthur Joseph Curry

2008-09-06T09:55:00.015-04:00

Over one year later, I return like the phoenix rising from the ashes. Now a father to a beautiful baby girl, my private time reduced to minutes from what had been hours. After deep thought on how best to use this space, I have decided on themed mixes, and since I read comics not novels, why not induldge both my loves - comics and music. Beginning with this mix, A is for Aquaman: The Search for Arthur Joseph Curry, I will bring you mixes named for some of my favorite characters from the DC Universe on a regular basis. As the title might imply, every song on this mix will begin with the letter "A". Consider it a primer on songs I like/love/enjoy that begin with the letter A. The mixes are designed to be listened to straight through, much like a mix tape, so I'll include a .rar download with every song at the bottom. For those of you that prefer selecting only a few songs, I'll include single links for each song. So without further explanation or rumination, I give you...... A is for Aquaman: The Search for Arthur Joseph Curry Another Journey By Train - The Cure Apartment Story - The National Alive - Pete Yorn Acquiesce - Oasis All That I Need - Electronic Asleep From Day - Chemical Brothers Another Breakfast With You - Ladytron All the Umbrellas in London - Magnetic Fields All These Things That I've Done - The Killers Anyone Out There - Duran Duran Alex Chilton - The Replacements Always Tomorrow - Bob Mould All Cats Are Grey - The Cure Awake - BRMC Angels and Devils - Echo and the Bunnymen Anti-Western - Camera Obscura Arthur - Ian McCulloch As It Is When It Was - New Order Download the entire mix here. Aquaman is currently in semi-retirement and appearing in no current DC Comics monthly. Rumors continue to abound about his return. For more on Aquaman, see: The Aquaman Shrine DC Comics

"Girls whose tensions just kill you"

2007-09-06T19:33:00.001-04:00

Thanks to satellite radio I have once again been able to hear more and more new music. One of the bands that I discovered and really enjoy is Asobi Seksu, a Japanese band from New York. Their 2006 album Citrus is a welcome exploration of shoegazer 17 years after the peek of bands like My Bloody Valentine, Ride, and Catherine Wheel. "Strings" is a great track that blends everything I like about the band -- great guitars, blissed out lyrics -- in two languages nonetheless -- and an intoxicating feeling.

Strings - Asobi Seksu

"I touched you at the soundcheck "

2007-09-06T19:21:00.000-04:00

I saw Morrissey for the very first time in 1997 with a young band named Elcka. On this tour, Moz teased the audience with a handful of Smiths' tracks, nothing like today when he plays several classic tracks a night. Prior to the show, I was warned not to expect any Smiths songs, but in fact, got two, one of which is a personal favorite. "Paint a Vulgar Picture" off Strangeways Here We Come is one of the last great Smiths tracks recorded. Listening to it today takes me back to so many places -- junior year of high school (my first big Smiths exposure) and then again to that first Moz show in Philadelphia.

Paint a Vulgar Picture - The Smiths

"Hey Girl I thought we were the right combination"

2007-09-04T21:01:00.000-04:00

Since I am focused on the 80s tonight, here's another classic remix from the 80s vault. This time we'll check out a Razormaid medley, specifically "The Poison Arrow Medley" by ABC. You know you remember the Gold Lame suit worn by front man Martin Fry in the video, but I'd like to think it was the song that scored with the public. After their initial success, the band scored hits with "Be Near Me", "When Smokey Sings", and "The Look of Love". This eleven minute plus medley captures the very best of ABC in a great club mix. Enjoy! By the way, Fry still wears the Gold Lame suit when touring....

The Poison Arrow Medley (Razormaid) - ABC

"In your dress, I confess, you’re the source of light."

2007-09-04T20:36:00.000-04:00

Perhaps the best retro 80s song of the last ten years, Hugh Grant's toungue-in-cheek song, "Pop Goes My Heart" from the movie, Music & Lyrics, is a blissful listen. At this point, I am still not sure what is better -- the Wham-like video for the tune that is available on You Tube or the song itself, comprabale to anything in the Wham or Kajagoogoo catalog. Had it really been released in 1984, it would have been huge with the ladies and on the dance floor as the beat is perfect and the lyrics, witty and carefree. If you have not heard it yet, you need to listen to this briliant tune. Better yet, check out the video on You Tube, you'll thank me later.

Pop Goes My Heart - Pop featuring Hugh Grant

"Che Guevara and Debussy to a disco beat"

2007-08-29T21:11:00.000-04:00

Perhaps my favorite Pet Shop Boys track, 1988s "Left to My Own Devices", off the very dance oriented Introspective is a beautiful mixing of disco, pop, and classical music. The lyrical story of one man's day, Neil Tenant shows his full range from the mid-section talking-singing routine to the vocal acrobatics of the chorus on this one. I love so many of the lines in this song, it was hard picking just one for the title of this post. Chris Lowe adeptly creates a true sonic masterpiece that fits the lyrics to a "T". The best version, in my opinion, is the 11 minute, 28 second "Disco Remix" found on the 12" and some CD singles.

Left to My Own Devices (Disco Remix) - Pet Shop Boys

"Call me Doctor Frankenstein of London"

2007-08-27T20:56:00.000-04:00

1997 saw U.K. band Catherine Wheel release their fourth full length album, Adam and Eve, a stunning collection of songs. After starting with the shoegazer sound of their debut, Ferment, and its follow up, Chrome, the band moved to a heavier sound for Happy Days and then surprisingly to a very lush amost Pink Floyd-like, acoustic tinged, harmonic laden sound with A&E. The album resonated with critics, long-time fans, and not too many other people. It was even praised by one of the men responsible for the album of the year in 1997, Thom Yorke, who has said Catherine Wheel were/is a band that should have made it huge. Perhaps the finest single ever released by the Wheel, "Ma Solituda", featured the spectacular b-side, "Paranoia". It is a brilliant haunting track and features one of my favorite opening lines, the title of this post, "Call me Doctor Frankenstein of London". I urge you to check out the Wheel, if not for me, do it for your yourself.

Paranoia - Catherine Wheel

"We leave it all so far away one thing is sure we shouldn't stay"

2007-08-27T20:31:00.000-04:00

As the 80s turned to the 90s, Duran Duran watched the ranks dwindle to three - LeBon, Rhodes and John Taylor - and their popularity drop like a brick in a pond. Augmented by new "permanent" member Warren Cuccurullo, formerly of LA band Missing Persons, and drummer extraodinaire Sterling Campbell, Duran Duran released the first single off their upcoming album Liberty to a very muted reception. The track, "Violence of Summer (Love's Taking Over)", features a brilliant piano opening that kicks into a bass-heavy club track with LeBon's familiar voice appearing older and more mature than the band's earlier work. The single and the album tanked. Perhaps the band wore out its welcome, apparent by the fact that a mere three years later they were topping the charts again, but I actually love this single, this album, and the transition. Who cares if John Taylor only remembers the drugs from this time, he still made brilliant music, didn't he?

Violence of Summer (Love's Taking Over) - Duran Duran

"Come, armageddon! come!"

2007-08-25T09:05:00.000-04:00

1992 saw a Democrat return to the White House for the first time in 12 years, Mike Tyson went to jail, Kurt and Courtney got married, and 10,000 Maniacs released an EP entitled "Few and Far Between". Off their album Our Time in Eden, "Few and Far Between" was a solid single, but what made the EP was the inclusion of several covers. The first cover is of Morrissey's classic "Every Day is Like Sunday". Natalie's voice soars on this interesting take and the band captures the winsome feeling Moz created with the original.

Every Day is Like Sunday - 10,000 Maniacs

"There's space for us to shake, and hey, I like this tune"

2007-08-22T22:04:00.000-04:00

Blissful indie-rock melodies straight out of Norway that makes you want to swing. Kings of Convenience released Riot on an Empty Street in 2004 to critical praise and delivered one of the more memorable indie-pop rock moments of the year with the catchy "I'd Rather Dance with You". The song and accompanying video remain favorites of mine to this day. Be sure to check out more from the Kings, the best thing from the Nordic region since a-Ha.

I'd Rather Dance with You - Kings of Convenience

"Where I want my words said and no one wants to listen though"

2007-08-21T21:24:00.000-04:00

1987's Some Kind of Wonderful was the last great teen movie of the 1980s. The soundtrack was a blissful concoction of "B" - bands, with the exception of The Jesus and Mary Chain, that was put together by uber-producer Stephen Hague (New Order, Pet Shop Boys, etc.) Of the great songs collected for this soundtrack, Furniture's "Brilliant Mind" is one of my favorites. It has a, well, brilliant sense of urgency and warmth, much like a relationship at the start. Sadly, Furniture did not procude many more songs and eventually called it a day in the early 90s. But this song is a lasting reminder of their ability to craft a brilliant tune.

Brilliant Mind - Furniture

"Welcome Back, Frank"

2007-08-21T21:06:00.000-04:00

Since I'm posting an instrumental upon my return to blogging, I figured I would quote the title of one of my favorite comics, "The Punisher:Marvel Knights". So I have been a little busy at work, foreclosures are up....my brother moved in for a few weeks....and other family matters have taken precedence...but tonight I return, and I promise, more good things will come and on a regular basis. Tonight, in celebration of the upcoming Cure shows I will attend, here's a look back to Lost Wishes, the instrumentals from the Wish studio sessions. Tonight, check out "The Three Sisters", a song that I only wish had lyrics.....

The Three Sisters - The Cure

"Line of force from heaven, a tear in a stranger's eye"

2007-07-26T21:35:00.000-04:00

There is something very unique about the last time a band plays a song live. In 1985, New Order essentially stopped playing tracks off Movement, their first album. A personal favorite, "ICB", was played for the last time on December 13, 1985 at the Salle Du Baron in Orleans, France. By 1986, New Order stopped going back to Movement and started concentrating on the singles and their more recent albums we all know and love. But Movement is a key album as it represents the transition from Joy Division to New Order.

ICB (12/13/85 Live) - New Order

"They crowded up to Lenin with their noses worn off"

2007-07-26T20:25:00.000-04:00

R.E.M. recently completed a five night stand in Dublin, where they publicly worked on new material for their upcoming album and also shared some old classics. While the new material is very good and sounds better than anything on the last two albums, let's focus on the older tracks. One of my top five all-time R.E.M. tracks made an appearance on July 4th and it was cracking. "Harborcoat" captures the timeless appeal of old R.E.M. -- somewhat unintelligble lyrics, jangly roots rock feel, and Stipe's timeless voice.

Harborcoat (7/4/07 Live) - R.E.M.

"And its true that I stole your lighter"

2007-07-25T21:57:00.000-04:00

When Liz Phair hit the scene, she was a sultry girl with a dirty mouth and dirtier mind that played a skillful guitar. Her songs were devastating and cut right to the heart. 1993's Exile on Guyville, a witty play on the Stones' Exile on Main Street, is a brilliant debut album that features several classic indie rock songs, including "Fuck and Run", "Never Said", and my favorite "Divorce Song". Take a listen and bask in a performer at the start of a creative peak that lasted three solid albums.

Divorce Song - Liz Phair

"Win the beating heart the prize"

2007-07-24T21:36:00.000-04:00

With Bob Mould working away on his next solo release, I find myseld getting progressively more anxious for it to see the light of day. 2005s Body of Song revealed a revitalized Mould deftly incorporating electronic elements with his classic alt-rock sound, or as one friend said "Sugar as if it were mixed by the Pet Shop Boys". The album and subsequent tour found Bob rocking out with a great band and revisiting old classics from Husker Du, Sugar, and his early solo days. Check out "Beating Heart the Prize", a brilliant track from this album and a great example of how Bob is really expanding his sound.

Beating Heart the Prize - Bob Mould

"Don't set fire to the fire escape"

2007-07-23T21:32:00.000-04:00

Perhaps the hippest band going today, The Editors are now on their second album and have increasingly improved. The first song of theirs I actually heard and really liked was "Heads in Bags". Off Rarities, which was released in 2005, "Heads in Bags" captures the essence of the Editors at their finest. If you like it, be sure to check out The End has a Start, the new album which is fantastic.

Heads in Bags - The Editors

"When it comes crashing down and it hurts inside"

2007-07-23T21:06:00.000-04:00

1983 - a revolution takes place and one man ascends to the throne as the hero of boys everywhere, his name, Hulk Hogan -- his theme song, "Real American" by Rck Derringer and featuring Cyndi Lauper. Hogan was the embodiment of everything I loved about wrestling as a kid -- a hero, a face, and a man to believe in. He almost always won, and even if he lost, he won next week. Listen again to the theme song that shook Pontiac Silverdome to its core after he won Wrestlemania III. Today, he is the one man who could save wrestling, post Chris Benoit.

Real American - Rick Derringer

"There's not much time left today"

2007-07-21T18:31:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the Rascal Flatts cover version, one of my favorite early 90s gems got a reprieve in the last year or so, Tom Cochrane's brilliant slice of Canadian rock, "Life is a Highway". Ask anyone old enough to remember the summer of 1992, this song was everywhere. Catchy, upbeat, and sing-along lyrics make it one of my top ten Songs of Summer. Travel back with Tom, seeing as how many of us never travelled past 1992 with him.

Life is a Highway - Tom Cochrane

"You played yourself to death in me"

2007-07-20T21:06:00.000-04:00

Classic 90s band which should have made it, Failure could have made it and in my opinion should have. Ken Andrews wrote brilliant songs and was lucky enough to have the best James Bond intro video since 1984s A View to a Kill. "Stuck on You" is one of my favorite songs from the mid 90s - a mid tempo rocker with heart and soul. Here is a live version from the Whiskey in LA.

Stuck on You (Live) - Failure

"I'm confused that things are gettin' hectic"

2007-07-20T18:29:00.000-04:00

This is for J. on the left coast, who recently asked me where all the Razormaid remixes are coming from. In reply, "I cannot reveal my sources, but the move to the middle of the state has been plentiful." In 1991, Dutch duo L.A. Style released the techno classic "James Brown is Dead". Here in its glory is the Razormaid Remix. Enjoy!

James Brown is Dead (Razormaid Remix) - L.A. Style

"I've been now sauntering out and down the path sometime"

2007-07-19T21:33:00.000-04:00

Perhaps some of the best remixes from the 80s were of songs of Duran Duran's first three albums, specifically the "Night Versions" of several classic tracks. If you listen to any album from the 80s, perhaps the deepest album of them all is Rio, which has 7 songs that could have been singles, and all seven probably could have topped the charts. My favorite remix from this era, the Night Version of "New Religion", which is my favorite DD song off Rio.

New Religion (Night Version) - Duran Duran

"But I change whenever you're around"

2007-07-19T21:21:00.000-04:00

Since I moved to Central PA, I've been re-evaluating bands from this region, and I keep coming back to the brilliance that is The Ocean Blue. Tight songs, brilliant rhythms, great vocals, and witty lyrics, plus they like the bands I like -- New Order, the Smiths, Echo and the Bunnymen. 1996 saw the band release its last major label album, See The Ocean Blue. The slow burning "Whenever You're Around" was the lead single, and remains one of my favorite tracks from the band.

Whenever You're Around - The Ocean Blue

"I can see right through you, baby, you're a nuclear bomb"

2007-07-19T21:09:00.000-04:00

During his mid-90s hiatus from New Order, Bernard Sumner released two Electronic albums with Johnny Marr. Curiously enough though, his best vocal performance may have been for a then struggling band from Manchester known as Sub Sub. Formerly a very dance oriented group, Sub Sub transformed into a great rock band, and eventually changed names to the Doves. "This Time I'm Not Wrong" represents their transition from techno to guitars, and surprisingly sounds very similar to their first hit, "Catch the Sun".

This Time I'm Not Wrong - Sub Sub featuring Bernard Sumner

"Hands off she's mine, until the end of time"

2007-07-16T20:04:00.000-04:00

The English Beat, as they are known in the US, was a wonderful mix of black and white, rock and ska. Their debut album I Just Can't Stop It featured five brilliant singles, including the classic political statement "Stand Down Margaret" and the twitchy "Mirror in the Bathroom", which is brilliantly used in the 1997 film Grosse Point Blank. Check out the excellent "Hands Off She's Mine", which brilliantly captures the Beat sound in a brisk 3 minutes.

Hands Off She's Mine - The Beat

"Caught up in our own barbed wire"

2007-07-16T19:10:00.000-04:00

While some of the members of Duran Duran were off making an album with the "Voice" a/k/a Robert Palmer, Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes and Roger Taylor spent some time recording an album under the name Arcadia. Their album So Red The Rose featured the Top 10 US and UK single "Election Day". My favorite off the album though is "Goodbye is Forever". LeBon's voice is simply fantastic and Taylor/Rhodes create some timeless music on the album.

Goodbye is Forever - Arcadia

"If you need a friend..."

2007-07-11T21:51:00.001-04:00

Only one post tonight, as I am pretty tired. Reintroduced to a younger audience by Napolean Dynamite, When In Rome's "The Promise" is one of the most quintessential 80s songs. It was used superbly in the prom scene, and hearing it today, actually reminds me of my own Junior Prom, since the after-party was at a friend's house, and this single was on her jukebox. Check out this brilliant remix of "The Promise" and go back to 80s.

The Promise (Razormaid Remix) - When In Rome

"Nothing you can sing that can't be sung"

2007-07-10T21:15:00.000-04:00

New Jersey's own synth-pop treasure Anything Box released its debut album Peace in 1990. It featured the classic synth track that any club kid of the early 90s should remember "Living in Oblivion". The band captured a combination of early Depeche Mode, Erasure, and Yaz in a perfectly blended conconction. Following up on the success of Peace, the band went away to record their follow up Worth in 1991. It never saw the light of day until 2001 thanks to the wonderful people at Sony Records. The album is a breathtaking piece of work from a band clicking on all cylinders. Check out "World Without Love" and their cover of the Beatles "All You Need is Love" to see what I mean.

World Without Love - Anything Box

All You Need is Love - Anything Box

"Let me see you stripped down to the bone"

2007-07-10T21:01:00.000-04:00

Black Celebration is perhaps my favorite Depeche Mode album. It has such great songs on it, including my favorite DM song, "But Not Tonight". For some reason, DM songs make for great remixes. Just look at all of their early singles and even the more recent singles, awesome remixes. Going back to Black Celebration, check out the Razormaid Remix for "Stripped", which is probably one of my favorite Razormaid remixes as it really is a deconstruction of the song, rebuilding it around the drum beat.

Stripped (Razormaid Remix) - Depeche Mode

"This wrinkle in time, I can't give it no credit"

2007-07-09T19:47:00.001-04:00

The Pixies. Black Francis. Frank Black. Brilliant. I saw Frank Black for the first time in person at David Bowie's 50th Birthday Party in MSG, and remember thinking, "How awesome is this!!" The first time I heard Frank Black, sometime in the early 90s, and it was definitely "Wave of Mutilation" by the Pixies. A college radio staple, Frank stepped away from the Pixies as we all know to pursue a solo career. The first music video of his solo career that I saw was for "Headache" of the album Teenager of the Year. How can anyone forgot Frank cutting through a massive Tylenol with a chainsaw. Love it!

Headache - Frank Black

"Love is so confusing there's no peace of mind"

2007-07-09T19:31:00.000-04:00

It seems people really like interesting remixes of 80s songs, and as things go, I have a lot of DJ remixes from my college radio days and through various mixed I collected over the years. Tonight's remix of choice, the Razormaid Remix of Blondie's "Heart of Glass". A classic by any standards, Debbie Harry and the boys pulled out all the stops with this track. Brilliant breathless lyrics, swooning keyboards, and a killer beat. Enjoy these six minutes of bliss.

Heart of Glass (Razormaid Remix) - Blondie

"She shadows me in the mirror"

2007-07-07T22:25:00.000-04:00

My first Cars CD was the Greatest Hits, and I remember when I got it thinking, "Man, I am really going to get into this band." Regretfully, I never really made it further than the Greatest Hits. The albums that I have listened to have truthfully been defined by the singles for me, with the exception of their debut album. The aptly titled The Cars features the brilliant "All Mixed Up", which is an instant classic of keyboards, drums, and harmonized vocals. For the younger folk, you may know the song thanks to Red House Painters dramatic re-working, which was also featured in a Gap ad campaign. Check the original...

All Mixed Up - The Cars (WMA format)

"She's flying in the face of fashion now"

2007-07-07T22:12:00.000-04:00

I was working on a brief this afternoon listening to the iPod on shuffle and came across a track I had kind of forgotten I had -- it can be tough when you over 7,000 songs on your iPod. Julian Cope's 1987 classic "World Shut Your Mouth" is off his third solo album Saint Julian and features a more accessible pop sensibility then previous albums. In recent years, this song has seen continued airplay thanks to VH1 Classic, which often runs the video, and Sirius Radio channel First Wave, which plays the song at least three times a day. If you haven't heard it recently, maybe you should listen again.

World Shut Your Mouth - Julian Cope

"I was delayed, I was way-laid"

2007-07-06T21:51:00.001-04:00

This will be short. I heard this on WXPN out of Philadelphia the other day and was absolutely blown away. I did not know what to think. Was it blasphemy or brilliance? I couldn't tell, since we are talking about my favorite Smiths single, "Stop Me If You Think That You Heard This One Before". Check out Mark Ronson's hip-hop cover, which features Daniel Merriweather. Let me know what you think - I still can't make up my mind...

Stop Me - Mark Ronson featuring Daniel Merriweather

"Heartwrecker, heartwrecker, make me delight"

2007-07-06T21:33:00.000-04:00

One of the more overlooked Bowie albums of the 70s is Station to Station. My favorite song, "Stay", appears twice on the 1991 rerelease, including the incredible live version. "Stay" features the brilliant Carlos Alomar on guitar and features one of his best performances. On a whole, this album is often remembered, or not in Bowie's case, as the record made while David was knee deep in cocaine. But truly, the album serves as a forerunner to the Berlin trilogy as it is the first Bowie album to prominently feature synths and electronic rhythms.

Stay (Live) - David Bowie

"Everything around here makes your pretty head spin"

2007-07-06T21:21:00.000-04:00

For those of you that thought they were no more, you are gravely mistaken. Reunited since 1999, the greatest Scandinavian 80s band, a-Ha, has released four albums in the last eight years, including a brilliant live album. Their most recent release Analogue led to their highest charting single in the UK in years. "Cosy Prisons" is a slow burner that grows into a wicked track that features some nifty synth work and great lyrics. Check out a-Ha again, and remember how great they were and still are.

Cosy Prisons - a-Ha

"I couldn't ever bring myself to hate you as I'd like"

2007-07-05T20:03:00.000-04:00

The arrival of Madchester saw the jaw-dropping rise of the unheralded Stone Roses. After toiling for years in various forms unsuccessfully, the band finally clicked with the times - ecstasy, dancing, partying - along with the Happy Mondays, they were an embodiment of the times. My personal favorite, "I am the Resurrection", is an 8 minute epic with an incredible jam closing out the song, almost Greatful Dead meets Pink Floyd.

I am the Resurrection - The Stone Roses

"Heart like a wheel, Changing in time beating colder steel"

2007-07-03T23:15:00.000-04:00

I've always enjoyed the Human League and their distinct brand of electro-pop. From the catchy synchopated beats of "Don't You Want Me" to the lavish synth melody of "Human". One of the best songs delivered by the League in the late 80s is "Heart Like a Wheel", a rollicking synthpop classic that features a polished, classic vocal performance from Phil. Check out the Razormaid remix of "Heart Like a Wheel" and dance around the room when you put it on.

Heart Like a Wheel (Razormaid Remix) - Human League

"A dream of sweet illusion"

2007-07-02T21:50:00.000-04:00

Before "Wayne's World", Queen were the soundtrack to the movies of my youth - Flash Gordon, Highlander, and Iron Eagle. Each of them spectacularly cheesy in their own special way. It's funny because today I still hear "Flash Gordon" every time Tom Gordon enters a game for the Phillies (note: not often now as he is on the DL). Of the songs recorded for these various cinematic treats, I think the best utilized song is "One Vision" from Iron Eagle. Revel in the Extended Mix and remember the days when Louis Gossett, Jr. was a bad ass.

One Vision (Extended Mix) - Queen

"Welcome to the lions den"

2007-07-02T21:39:00.000-04:00

One of the albums from the early 80s that I truly enjoy is the U.S. debut from Madness. From the catchy first single "Our House" to the swoony romanticism "It Must be Love". But my favorite track on the ablum is probably the mischievous "House of Fun". Nothing like a song about boys being boys as they come of age. Take a trip back to the lions den...

House of Fun - Madness

"Phoney Beatlemania has bitten the dust"

2007-07-02T21:23:00.000-04:00

I stumbled across this band and this version of The Clash classic "London Calling". From what I can discern, Captain Tractor are akin to the Barenaked Ladies, who when I was in high school were fun, and play what amounts to folksy drinking songs. So I guess I'll go with a cross between the Pogues and the Barenaked Ladies. Absolutely weird, but unbelievably catchy.

London Calling - Captain Tractor

"Oh Elise it doesn't matter what you do"

2007-06-28T21:32:00.000-04:00

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.

A Letter to Elise (12" Extended Version) - The Cure

"As soon as I get my head round you"

2007-06-28T18:50:00.000-04:00

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.

Head On (Coachella 2007) - Jesus and Mary Chain

Just Like Honey (Coachella 2007) - Jesus and Mary Chain

All Things (Coachella 2007) - Jesus and Mary Chain

"I wondered out in the world for years"

2007-06-27T21:32:00.000-04:00

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.

The Whole of the Moon - The Waterboys

"I'm walking around like an arm decoration"

2007-06-26T21:17:00.000-04:00

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".

Wonderful - Adam Ant

Vampires - Adam Ant

"Perhaps someone you know, could sparkle and shine"

2007-06-25T23:07:00.000-04:00

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!

Pure - The Lightning Seeds

"The time is right to kill your fears"

2007-06-25T22:53:00.001-04:00

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".

Bitter Tears(Live 5/8/93) - INXS

"I'm only young and young in love"

2007-06-22T22:16:00.000-04:00

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.

Last Train to Satansville - Swervedriver

"If I could buy my reasoning"

2007-06-22T21:57:00.000-04:00

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.

It's My Life (Class-X 15 Remix) - Talk Talk

"They put a hot wire to my head"

2007-06-22T15:42:00.000-04:00

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.

Rise - P.i.L.

"I got a heart like crime"

2007-06-20T20:48:00.000-04:00

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...

Shock - Psychedelic Furs

"You wait until your time comes round again "

2007-06-20T20:23:00.000-04:00

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

"When the light gets into your heart, baby"

2007-06-19T21:08:00.000-04:00

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.

Don't You (Forget About Me) (Live at the Ahoy, Rotterdam 12/3/85) - Simple Minds

"Is it down to the lake I fear?"

2007-06-19T20:53:00.000-04:00

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".

Love Plus One (Extended Remix) - Haircut 100

"Like painted kites, those days and nights - went flyin by"

2007-06-18T21:12:00.001-04:00

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.

The Summer Wind - Fun Lovin' Criminals featuring Ian McCulloch

"No hope, no harm, just another false alarm"

2007-06-18T20:59:00.000-04:00

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.

Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me - Low

"Like a car broke down in the rain"

2007-06-17T16:31:00.000-04:00

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.

Postcards from Paradise - Flesh for Lulu

"I've never been too good with names"

2007-06-17T16:16:00.001-04:00

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.

It's a Shame about Ray (Acoustic) - Evan Dando

*** Note: I took the above photo at a 2006 show in Philadelphia ***

"Waving with a last vanilla smile"

2007-06-15T21:58:00.000-04:00

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.

Lament (Glastonbury 6/23/1990) - The Cure

"Heaven, a gateway of hope"

2007-06-15T21:49:00.000-04:00

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".

Temptation (Live 6/21/1982) - New Order

"We're the plastic poseurs and prostitutes"

2007-06-15T18:44:00.000-04:00

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.

Shameless - Pet Shop Boys

"Mary sticks her tongue out, it's a sign"

2007-06-15T18:32:00.000-04:00

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.

Show Me Mary (XFM Radio Session) - Catherine Wheel

Kill Rhythm (XFM Radio Session) - Catherine Wheel

"And you hear the gathering sounds"

2007-06-14T21:14:00.000-04:00

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!

Sound (Live from SDSU) - James

"She's just like you and me, but she's homeless"

2007-06-14T20:22:00.000-04:00

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".

Gypsy Woman - David Byrne

"Someone like you, selfish it's true"

2007-06-14T19:36:00.000-04:00

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.

Selfish (That Pop Mix) - The Other Two

"This is the room, the start of it all"

2007-06-13T19:29:00.000-04:00

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.

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)".

Naive Melody (This must be the place) - Mysteries of Life

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.

Major Tom (Razormaid Remix) - Peter Schilling

More to came later...