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.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
"If you need a friend..."
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.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
"Nothing you can sing that can't be sung"
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.
"Let me see you stripped down to the bone"
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.
Monday, July 9, 2007
"This wrinkle in time, I can't give it no credit"
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!
"Love is so confusing there's no peace of mind"
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.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
"She shadows me in the mirror"
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"
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.
Friday, July 6, 2007
"I was delayed, I was way-laid"
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...
"Heartwrecker, heartwrecker, make me delight"
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.
"Everything around here makes your pretty head spin"
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.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
"I couldn't ever bring myself to hate you as I'd like"
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.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
"Heart like a wheel, Changing in time beating colder steel"
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.
Monday, July 2, 2007
"A dream of sweet illusion"
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.
"Welcome to the lions den"
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...
"Phoney Beatlemania has bitten the dust"
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.
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.
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