Still in the hotel. I told Cootiebug today, "It's starting to feel like 'Sid and Nancy' except there's no heroin and we're at the Hampton instead of the Chelsea."
Allegedly, in three weeks, we'll be home.
Can I reiterate we've been here since November?
Okay, then.
And the FSOTD is...
Closing Time-- Semisonic
I know who I want to take me home.
Hell's Shovel-- Cutthroat Shamrock
By the gods, I can't get this song out of my head! I absolutely friggin' love it. What'chu gonna do?
Florida-- Modest Mouse
Still like this one. It popped into my head, and I know not why. Welcome to the entire point of my blog.
New Girl Now-- Honeymoon Suite
Do you know why nobody remembers this '80's band? They're Canadian. They aren't on some shitty reality show on VH1. And their music was actually pretty good. "I've got a new girl now and she's a lot like you." Take that, random bimbo!
Hairshirt-- REM
From (in my opinion) the last great REM album, this song brings to mind some kind of weird mandolin innocence mixed with the gritty intensities of forensics. "Run a carbon black test on my jaw." Yeah, I know what he means, but ewwww. Hang this hairshirt on the highest rung.
Moneymaker-- Rilo Kiley
And sometimes, my brain hates me. When it plays this song, it wants to me to put on a wet suit, shove an English cucumber up my arse and hang myself from the closet rod.
Lullabye of Broadway-- Ethel Merman
What.
The.
Fuck.
Eastern Bloc-- Thomas Dolby
This is the sequel to the song that rolled through my head next...
Europa and the Pirate Twins-- Thomas Dolby
Can we get some love for Thomas Dolby, please? And can my brain get some applause for absolute creativity? A doubleshot of Dolby for me? Thank you. Thank you so much. When people talk about musical pioneers and don't talk about Thomas Dolby, they do the universe an injustice. Yeah, it's new wave, but it still holds up today, quite strongly.
Don't Pass Me By-- The Beatles
This song shows up more than I really want it to. So what strange hold does this band have on me? How did they become some kind of emotional support system for me? I'm really beginning to believe that with the consistent playing of this song and "Across the Universe," The Beatles are the security blanket of the Mental Jukebox.
You need some Dolby. You need it right now. We'll be the pirate twins again.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
Best of 2007 in no real order.
Sorry posting is still sporadic. I'm not back in the house yet and the computers here at the lovely Hampton Inns and Suites are close to dial-up speed... whenever they're available. When I get big I'm gonna get a laptop. When I get real big.
Anyway... I know you're all waiting with bated breath (which is kind of disgusting, when you think about it, which I don't suggest you do) to know my favorite music of last year. Well, okay then!
Favorite Albums
Icky Thump-- The White Stripes
Thank you, Jack White, for making your guitar sound like a bagpipe in more than one song on this album, but particularly the title track. That song gives me a full on Big Country woody. Thank you, Meg White, for the most boring sex tape to hit the internet ever. Guess it's all a two-count for you, eh, Meg? Thank you more for your drumming on "Rag and Bone," which makes me want to snap my steering wheel with glee whenever I hear it while driving.
Grinderman
I think maybe three other people in the world liked this album. The rest of the world is missing out. Nick Cave is still a mad genius and this album drips mad genius sex. Plus, it's all feedback squeaky and I like that.
nine inch nails-- Year Zero
My one sentence review of this album since the day I found it in the stall has been this: It's almost like "With Teeth" never happened. Thank you, Trent Reznor, for not sucking anymore.
Radiohead-- In Rainbows
It was free. Thanks, guys.
Arcade Fire-- Neon Bible
This is my favorite album of the year. I listen to this like christians listen praise and worship albums. I raise my hands up and sway-- not good in the middle of traffic. Imagine never getting tired of a gourmet dinner. That's what listening to this album repeatedly is like. It is sweeping, majestic and terrifying. And Canadian, to boot, eh? If you don't own this yet, why not? It won't hurt. And it may help.
Favorite Singles
Harder Better Faster Stronger (live)-- Daft Punk
The logical sequel to Neil Young's "Sample and Hold," this may be the best thing to come from France since Monica Bellucci. Did I spell her name right? Does it matter? Have you seen her? Damn. Anyway. Great song and the live version has a tremendous urgency to it that Kanye couldn't dream of putting forth. Our work is never over.
Is There A Ghost-- Band of Horses
I usually have a hard time figuring out song lyrics, but not with this tune, with only two lines to remember... and they're coherent! Thanks, guys!
No Cars Go-- Arcade Fire
This sounds like the marching band from Goth High meets Dexy's Midnight Runners and, instead of fighting, they create a nursery rhyme. Oh, happy day! So catchy, so good.
Survivalism-- nine inch nails
Trent is angry and snarling again. He's mad at everybody. He hates the President and in Trent's Amerikkka, there are more sheep than citizens. This song will either wake you up or make you turn off the radio. No in-betweeners. I hope it makes you wake up.
The Heinrich Manuever-- Interpol
And here's my favorite single of the year. It is snotty and mean, but rolls on this fantastic new wave riff that Brandon Flowers is still kicking himself in the mustache for not writing. I don't dance, but when I hear this song, I'm dancing on the inside. It makes me happy in that good old Joy Division way. Oh, shit, did I just admit that Joy Division makes me happy. Gods, I am not well.
Special mention goes to Jeff Tweedy's cover of "Simple Twist of Fate" and the Mars Volta's "Wax Simulacra." Opposite ends of the spectrum, same result: chills.
And now, for your video, I'd like to present to you everyfuckingthing that went wrong with the music business in 2007.
Happy New Year.
Merry Meet.
Anyway... I know you're all waiting with bated breath (which is kind of disgusting, when you think about it, which I don't suggest you do) to know my favorite music of last year. Well, okay then!
Favorite Albums
Icky Thump-- The White Stripes
Thank you, Jack White, for making your guitar sound like a bagpipe in more than one song on this album, but particularly the title track. That song gives me a full on Big Country woody. Thank you, Meg White, for the most boring sex tape to hit the internet ever. Guess it's all a two-count for you, eh, Meg? Thank you more for your drumming on "Rag and Bone," which makes me want to snap my steering wheel with glee whenever I hear it while driving.
Grinderman
I think maybe three other people in the world liked this album. The rest of the world is missing out. Nick Cave is still a mad genius and this album drips mad genius sex. Plus, it's all feedback squeaky and I like that.
nine inch nails-- Year Zero
My one sentence review of this album since the day I found it in the stall has been this: It's almost like "With Teeth" never happened. Thank you, Trent Reznor, for not sucking anymore.
Radiohead-- In Rainbows
It was free. Thanks, guys.
Arcade Fire-- Neon Bible
This is my favorite album of the year. I listen to this like christians listen praise and worship albums. I raise my hands up and sway-- not good in the middle of traffic. Imagine never getting tired of a gourmet dinner. That's what listening to this album repeatedly is like. It is sweeping, majestic and terrifying. And Canadian, to boot, eh? If you don't own this yet, why not? It won't hurt. And it may help.
Favorite Singles
Harder Better Faster Stronger (live)-- Daft Punk
The logical sequel to Neil Young's "Sample and Hold," this may be the best thing to come from France since Monica Bellucci. Did I spell her name right? Does it matter? Have you seen her? Damn. Anyway. Great song and the live version has a tremendous urgency to it that Kanye couldn't dream of putting forth. Our work is never over.
Is There A Ghost-- Band of Horses
I usually have a hard time figuring out song lyrics, but not with this tune, with only two lines to remember... and they're coherent! Thanks, guys!
No Cars Go-- Arcade Fire
This sounds like the marching band from Goth High meets Dexy's Midnight Runners and, instead of fighting, they create a nursery rhyme. Oh, happy day! So catchy, so good.
Survivalism-- nine inch nails
Trent is angry and snarling again. He's mad at everybody. He hates the President and in Trent's Amerikkka, there are more sheep than citizens. This song will either wake you up or make you turn off the radio. No in-betweeners. I hope it makes you wake up.
The Heinrich Manuever-- Interpol
And here's my favorite single of the year. It is snotty and mean, but rolls on this fantastic new wave riff that Brandon Flowers is still kicking himself in the mustache for not writing. I don't dance, but when I hear this song, I'm dancing on the inside. It makes me happy in that good old Joy Division way. Oh, shit, did I just admit that Joy Division makes me happy. Gods, I am not well.
Special mention goes to Jeff Tweedy's cover of "Simple Twist of Fate" and the Mars Volta's "Wax Simulacra." Opposite ends of the spectrum, same result: chills.
And now, for your video, I'd like to present to you everyfuckingthing that went wrong with the music business in 2007.
Happy New Year.
Merry Meet.
Monday, December 24, 2007
The Mental Jukebox Tuesday 12.25.7
Even if you don't celebrate Christmas or don't particularly enjoy Christmas music, "you" in this case meaning me, there are still some holiday tunes worth mentioning. And while "Jingle Bells" may not stick in my head, here are the Christmas songs you can find in rotation here on the Mental Jukebox.
Christmas in Hollis-- Run-DMC
Not only is this song used in one of my favorite holiday movies, "Die Hard," but it happens to bump just as hard as it did back in the day. A poignant reflection of holidays past, present and future, this early hip-hop holiday classic mentions collard greens without any hint of irony. Kudos for that.
Here It Is Christmas Time-- The Old 97's
Oh, come on. It's cute. And it has clever wordplay. And it makes you totally want to wrap the whole band up in some kind of soft goateed cowboy hat. "You" in this case meaning you.
Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy-- Buck Owens
While exemplifying the Bakersfield sound at its peak, this song is truly frightening. Think of it as the birth of so many phobias. An Oedipal complex, perhaps an Electra complex, too... an unbreakable connexion between Christmas trees and foreplay... perhaps some confusion-- if Santa looks like Daddy, why the hell does he want me to sit on his lap, "me" in this case meaning me? And if I tell Mommy "what I know," will I get in trouble? Dammit! Now I'm a transvestite and I fucking hate Christmas, "I'm" in this case meaning someone I made up.
I Want A Mistress for Christmas-- AC/DC
And I hope you went shopping.
Favorite Holiday song of all time? Easy.
Here's Fairytale of New York by the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl. Enjoy it, you maggots, you cheap lousy faggots.
And may your gods, whomever they are, bless you, every one.
Christmas in Hollis-- Run-DMC
Not only is this song used in one of my favorite holiday movies, "Die Hard," but it happens to bump just as hard as it did back in the day. A poignant reflection of holidays past, present and future, this early hip-hop holiday classic mentions collard greens without any hint of irony. Kudos for that.
Here It Is Christmas Time-- The Old 97's
Oh, come on. It's cute. And it has clever wordplay. And it makes you totally want to wrap the whole band up in some kind of soft goateed cowboy hat. "You" in this case meaning you.
Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy-- Buck Owens
While exemplifying the Bakersfield sound at its peak, this song is truly frightening. Think of it as the birth of so many phobias. An Oedipal complex, perhaps an Electra complex, too... an unbreakable connexion between Christmas trees and foreplay... perhaps some confusion-- if Santa looks like Daddy, why the hell does he want me to sit on his lap, "me" in this case meaning me? And if I tell Mommy "what I know," will I get in trouble? Dammit! Now I'm a transvestite and I fucking hate Christmas, "I'm" in this case meaning someone I made up.
I Want A Mistress for Christmas-- AC/DC
And I hope you went shopping.
Favorite Holiday song of all time? Easy.
Here's Fairytale of New York by the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl. Enjoy it, you maggots, you cheap lousy faggots.
And may your gods, whomever they are, bless you, every one.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Triple digits are of the awesome.
We finally broke 100 hits here at the old Mental Jukebox! Thanks to all of you for reading.
Hi, mom.
For the love of all that is holy (or unholy, as the case may be), link to us. Comment us. Talk about us behind our backs. Help get the word out. The more the merrier... for my ego! Right? Right!
Hi, mom.
For the love of all that is holy (or unholy, as the case may be), link to us. Comment us. Talk about us behind our backs. Help get the word out. The more the merrier... for my ego! Right? Right!
The Mental Jukebox Thursday 12.20.07
This is actually only a partial list because I am a doofus. I left my list at work, right there on my desk, with a big friggin' PostIt note on the cover that says, "Take this with you!" So, with the exception of the FSOTD (First Song of the Day)and maybe two others, these are all songs from tonight.
Soon We'll Be Living In The Future-- Straylight Run
I don't wanna like it! It's all catchy and pseudo-profound with overtones of Motion City Soundtrack! Yeah, it rocks a lot.
Yakety Sax-- Boots Randolph
If you're an old fart like me, you're thinking Benny Hill. If you're my kid, you're thinking Stewie's sexy party. Both are equally correct.
Here It Is Christmas Time-- Old 97's
One of the best Christmas songs ever? Don't know. But it's climbing up my list.
You're the One That I Want-- John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
I don't know, man. I just don't know.
All the Things That Go To Make Heaven and Earth-- The New Pornographers
Neko Case is in this band. 'nuff said.
Honky Tonk Man-- Dwight Yoakum
Really, who doesn't love Dwight Yoakum? Who is willing to look me in the eye and say they don't love Dwight Yoakum? That's what I thought.
Jesus Just Left Chicago-- ZZ Top
Dwight Yoakum could kick Billy Gibbons' ass. Amazing war-beard notwithstanding.
Burn Down the Malls-- Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper
These guys were the rockabilly Matt Taibbi of the '80's. Go no further than "I Saw Jesus At McDonald's At Midnight" for a life-changing experience.
Montana-- Frank Zappa
When Frank says, "I'm gonna buy me a horse/Just about this big," you know just how big he means. Yippee-ki-yo-ki-yay.
I was at West Town Mall until almost eleven o'clock tonight. Four fucking hours in the madness and the stink. Take it away, Mojo and Skid...
Soon We'll Be Living In The Future-- Straylight Run
I don't wanna like it! It's all catchy and pseudo-profound with overtones of Motion City Soundtrack! Yeah, it rocks a lot.
Yakety Sax-- Boots Randolph
If you're an old fart like me, you're thinking Benny Hill. If you're my kid, you're thinking Stewie's sexy party. Both are equally correct.
Here It Is Christmas Time-- Old 97's
One of the best Christmas songs ever? Don't know. But it's climbing up my list.
You're the One That I Want-- John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
I don't know, man. I just don't know.
All the Things That Go To Make Heaven and Earth-- The New Pornographers
Neko Case is in this band. 'nuff said.
Honky Tonk Man-- Dwight Yoakum
Really, who doesn't love Dwight Yoakum? Who is willing to look me in the eye and say they don't love Dwight Yoakum? That's what I thought.
Jesus Just Left Chicago-- ZZ Top
Dwight Yoakum could kick Billy Gibbons' ass. Amazing war-beard notwithstanding.
Burn Down the Malls-- Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper
These guys were the rockabilly Matt Taibbi of the '80's. Go no further than "I Saw Jesus At McDonald's At Midnight" for a life-changing experience.
Montana-- Frank Zappa
When Frank says, "I'm gonna buy me a horse/Just about this big," you know just how big he means. Yippee-ki-yo-ki-yay.
I was at West Town Mall until almost eleven o'clock tonight. Four fucking hours in the madness and the stink. Take it away, Mojo and Skid...
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The Mental Jukebox-- Wednesday 12.12.7
My apologies to all four of you who read this for the late post.
Gemini Dream-- The Moody Blues
Windowsill-- Arcade Fire
Breakfast in America-- Supertramp
Major Tom (Coming Home)-- Peter Schilling
At A Medium Pace-- Adam Sandler
Los Angeles-- X
Whatever, Wherever-- Shakira
And I know I fucked up the title of that Shakira song and you'll just have to forgive me for not caring a whit. It's Shakira. The presence of her music in my head is unwelcome and proof that my brain wants to kill me.
Something To Fall Back On-- Todd Rundgren
Human-- Human League
Eat The Rich-- Aerosmith
Sweet Leaf-- Black Sabbath
Who Are The Brain Police?-- Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention
Punk used to mean something. In my poor little head, it still does.
Gemini Dream-- The Moody Blues
Windowsill-- Arcade Fire
Breakfast in America-- Supertramp
Major Tom (Coming Home)-- Peter Schilling
At A Medium Pace-- Adam Sandler
Los Angeles-- X
Whatever, Wherever-- Shakira
And I know I fucked up the title of that Shakira song and you'll just have to forgive me for not caring a whit. It's Shakira. The presence of her music in my head is unwelcome and proof that my brain wants to kill me.
Something To Fall Back On-- Todd Rundgren
Human-- Human League
Eat The Rich-- Aerosmith
Sweet Leaf-- Black Sabbath
Who Are The Brain Police?-- Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention
Punk used to mean something. In my poor little head, it still does.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Mental Jukebox-- Tuesday 12.11.7
Still haven't been able to go back home since the fire and blogging seems to help take my mind off that. So here is the first post-house fire edition of The Mental Jukebox.
And, looking back over that, apparently one of the things I lost in the fire was the ability to write a decent lead. Are you still here? Even after that?
Masochist.
Right then. On we go.
FSOTD Honours go to...
Jane-- Jefferson Starship
She's playing a game. She's playing a game. She's playing a game. She's playing a gaaaaaaame. Ooof.
Hot Kiss-- Juliette and the Licks
Okay. WUTK played that song this morning. However, I had been thinking of the video before the song came on. Before I was in the truck. Earlier in the day. When I was showering. Juliette Lewis. Crazy. Hot. Crazy hot.
Do Ya Think I'm Sexy-- Revolting Cocks
Don't Believe the Hype-- Public Enemy
Kickapoo-- Tenacious D
Cut Your Hair-- Pavement
On A Plain-- Nirvana
That Nirvana song was in my head for a good hour and a half. Just the last fading bits of the chorus. The "ooh-ooh" started to echo after a while.
Heartbreaker-- Led Zeppelin
And not "Livin' Lovin' Maid." They are not the same song. Check your album listing for further details, thank you very much.
And now, today's disco mystery... the line is, "...but I never get the chance/cuz all I do is dance/my mama says my brains are in my feet."
That explains the migraines, but doesn't tell me what the song is or who it is by. I have the distinct feeling the band is Chic, but I cannot verify that. Anyone want to do a brother a solid and name that tune?
Phantom Limb-- The Shins
You ever listen to the Shins? It'll change your life.
Tick Tick Boom-- The Hives
You ever listen to the Hives? It'll make you wish you were listening to the Shins.
Hell's Shovel-- Cutthroat Shamrock
Local boys do wonderful things with beer and a stand-up bass. The closest thing KnoxVegas will get to a Flogging Molly appearance.
Jesus Chrysler Drives A Dodge-- Screaming Blue Messiahs
Freedom Rock-- Frank Black
You have no idea how badly I wanted to post that Screaming Blue Messiahs video, but I could not find one. And I couldn't post the Juliette and the Licks video because I'm feeling all possessive and stalkeriffic.
So here's Al Jourgenson, Chris Connelly and some zombie strippers.
Kick ass.
And, looking back over that, apparently one of the things I lost in the fire was the ability to write a decent lead. Are you still here? Even after that?
Masochist.
Right then. On we go.
FSOTD Honours go to...
Jane-- Jefferson Starship
She's playing a game. She's playing a game. She's playing a game. She's playing a gaaaaaaame. Ooof.
Hot Kiss-- Juliette and the Licks
Okay. WUTK played that song this morning. However, I had been thinking of the video before the song came on. Before I was in the truck. Earlier in the day. When I was showering. Juliette Lewis. Crazy. Hot. Crazy hot.
Do Ya Think I'm Sexy-- Revolting Cocks
Don't Believe the Hype-- Public Enemy
Kickapoo-- Tenacious D
Cut Your Hair-- Pavement
On A Plain-- Nirvana
That Nirvana song was in my head for a good hour and a half. Just the last fading bits of the chorus. The "ooh-ooh" started to echo after a while.
Heartbreaker-- Led Zeppelin
And not "Livin' Lovin' Maid." They are not the same song. Check your album listing for further details, thank you very much.
And now, today's disco mystery... the line is, "...but I never get the chance/cuz all I do is dance/my mama says my brains are in my feet."
That explains the migraines, but doesn't tell me what the song is or who it is by. I have the distinct feeling the band is Chic, but I cannot verify that. Anyone want to do a brother a solid and name that tune?
Phantom Limb-- The Shins
You ever listen to the Shins? It'll change your life.
Tick Tick Boom-- The Hives
You ever listen to the Hives? It'll make you wish you were listening to the Shins.
Hell's Shovel-- Cutthroat Shamrock
Local boys do wonderful things with beer and a stand-up bass. The closest thing KnoxVegas will get to a Flogging Molly appearance.
Jesus Chrysler Drives A Dodge-- Screaming Blue Messiahs
Freedom Rock-- Frank Black
You have no idea how badly I wanted to post that Screaming Blue Messiahs video, but I could not find one. And I couldn't post the Juliette and the Licks video because I'm feeling all possessive and stalkeriffic.
So here's Al Jourgenson, Chris Connelly and some zombie strippers.
Kick ass.
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