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.
Showing posts with label rock and roll. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rock and roll. Show all posts
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
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.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Mental Jukebox-- Tuesday 11.27.7
This was the day that would not end. It just went on and on, my friends. And on a day when I really needed to hear Across the Universe, it didn't show up at all. Thanks, Mental Jukebox. Thanks a lot.
Here's what did play. It's a shorter list than yesterday's list, which is probably a good thing. Or bad. It depends on how much you enjoy the blog, I suppose.
It's A Sin-- Pet Shop Boys
Again, you can always count on the first song of the day to be totally out of left field... I think maybe the FSOTD is a remnant from the last dream you had before waking. Geez... enough kosmic debris for you? Next, I'll be asking koans. Sorry. On we go.
Little Boxes-- Pete Seeger
That one is your fault, Ebenezer. All you.
What's Left of Me-- Nick Lachey
WHY? WHY? WHY? Not the song I needed to hear when the phones are ringing off the hook at work, because when I hear it, I want to be underlit, cry just a little, make a fist and pull it slowly down in front of my face to show you my manly pain. And it needs to be raining. Inside. On my phone. "Sorry," I say to the guy on the phone as I make another fist, "I can't talk right now. It's raining inside and my heart is breaking. Let me connect you to Customer Service."
I Get Around-- The Beach Boys
Signals Over the Air-- Thursday
I know I'm headed towards 40 and I'm not supposed to like Thursday.
I like Thursday.
All The Kids Are Right-- Local H
You're Wrong-- NOFX
Lost Without Your Love-- Bread
If you're old enough to remember not only the band, but the people hosting the television show this clip is taken from, you shouldn't like Thursday. But I hope you do. And I hope you'll comment me. It makes me happy.
Here's what did play. It's a shorter list than yesterday's list, which is probably a good thing. Or bad. It depends on how much you enjoy the blog, I suppose.
It's A Sin-- Pet Shop Boys
Again, you can always count on the first song of the day to be totally out of left field... I think maybe the FSOTD is a remnant from the last dream you had before waking. Geez... enough kosmic debris for you? Next, I'll be asking koans. Sorry. On we go.
Little Boxes-- Pete Seeger
That one is your fault, Ebenezer. All you.
What's Left of Me-- Nick Lachey
WHY? WHY? WHY? Not the song I needed to hear when the phones are ringing off the hook at work, because when I hear it, I want to be underlit, cry just a little, make a fist and pull it slowly down in front of my face to show you my manly pain. And it needs to be raining. Inside. On my phone. "Sorry," I say to the guy on the phone as I make another fist, "I can't talk right now. It's raining inside and my heart is breaking. Let me connect you to Customer Service."
I Get Around-- The Beach Boys
Signals Over the Air-- Thursday
I know I'm headed towards 40 and I'm not supposed to like Thursday.
I like Thursday.
All The Kids Are Right-- Local H
You're Wrong-- NOFX
Lost Without Your Love-- Bread
If you're old enough to remember not only the band, but the people hosting the television show this clip is taken from, you shouldn't like Thursday. But I hope you do. And I hope you'll comment me. It makes me happy.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Mental Jukebox-- Saturday 11.24.7
That's right, no Jukebox for Friday. There were songs playing in my head but I was too busy engaging in holidalarity to list them as I normally do.
Today, however, is back to business as usual.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas-- Perry Como, I think
No kidding. First song I heard this morning, as soon as I woke up. That filled me with a sense of foreboding. Impending doom. Sweater vests.
Go Now-- Moody Blues
Obviously a hold over from a couple of days ago. When my dad is here, I always think of the Moody Blues.
Gravity Kills-- ABC
Balls to the Wall-- Accept
Again with the Accept! Maybe in my head, something is gearing up for an Accept vs. Scorpions grudgematch.
Goodbye, Earl-- Dixie Chicks
In Bloom-- Nirvana
Horse With No Name-- America
Home Again-- Oingo Boingo
Ah... Home Again... that's a good childhood memory. The music has real tension and urgency, while lyrically there's a hopelessness and slavishness remeniscent of and arguably superior to Synchronicity II.
And check out the hot video! Something is going to happen!
Wait... no, it's not.
There's a possibility of a thing...
No.
Just listen to the song.
Today, however, is back to business as usual.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas-- Perry Como, I think
No kidding. First song I heard this morning, as soon as I woke up. That filled me with a sense of foreboding. Impending doom. Sweater vests.
Go Now-- Moody Blues
Obviously a hold over from a couple of days ago. When my dad is here, I always think of the Moody Blues.
Gravity Kills-- ABC
Balls to the Wall-- Accept
Again with the Accept! Maybe in my head, something is gearing up for an Accept vs. Scorpions grudgematch.
Goodbye, Earl-- Dixie Chicks
In Bloom-- Nirvana
Horse With No Name-- America
Home Again-- Oingo Boingo
Ah... Home Again... that's a good childhood memory. The music has real tension and urgency, while lyrically there's a hopelessness and slavishness remeniscent of and arguably superior to Synchronicity II.
And check out the hot video! Something is going to happen!
Wait... no, it's not.
There's a possibility of a thing...
No.
Just listen to the song.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The Mental Jukebox-- Thanksgiving edition
If you celebrated this holiday, I really hope you had a good one. Mine was strictly of the awesome. My folks came down from Kentucky to eat with us. We hung out, watched three movies, drank copious amounts of alcohol and ate a lot of food. Good times, good times... the likes of which we haven't had for quite a while.
I cooked everything and my list is really short, but for a holiday, the fact that I even have a list at all is sort of impressive, don't you think?
Legend of a Mind-- Moody Blues
27 Jennifers-- Mike Doughty
In The Valley of Dying Stars-- Superdrag
These Things-- She Wants Revenge
I don't understand why The Beatles and the Rolling Stones get all the glory while bands like The Who and The Moody Blues go underappreciated and practically unnoticed. Here's a classic track from the Moodies, complete with ruffly shirt fronts.
I cooked everything and my list is really short, but for a holiday, the fact that I even have a list at all is sort of impressive, don't you think?
Legend of a Mind-- Moody Blues
27 Jennifers-- Mike Doughty
In The Valley of Dying Stars-- Superdrag
These Things-- She Wants Revenge
I don't understand why The Beatles and the Rolling Stones get all the glory while bands like The Who and The Moody Blues go underappreciated and practically unnoticed. Here's a classic track from the Moodies, complete with ruffly shirt fronts.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The Mental Jukebox-- Wednesday 11.21.7
By the time you read this, it will be Thanksgiving. I hope you're enjoying yours. Maybe your head is filled with sounds of the season, music of the holidays! Or maybe it's filled with yams. Either answer is acceptable.
All the Gold in California-- Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers
Why was this the song I woke up to? Was I having a Members Only dream? I was so scared this morning when that was playing on the MJ.
O! Valencia-- The Decemberists
99 Problems-- Jay-Z
Clocks-- Smashing Pumpkins
Fireworks-- Animal Collective
Almost as much fun to yodel as "Hocus Pocus."
Almost.
Hangar 18-- Megadeth
God Shuffled His Feet-- Crash Test Dummies
Moneymaker-- Rilo Kiley
Every indie guy I know is in love with Jenny Watson. I don't see the appeal. Amy Winehouse? Now that's the girl for me.
Yikes.
American Heavy Metal Weekend-- Circle Jerks
Simultaneously a slap at hair metal of the '80's and The Who's "Sister Disco." Good stuff. Harsh and biting. It's by the Circle Jerks; what, it's gonna be cute?
Hey, this week I've got a guest lister! He is my kid, The Boy! Here's what went through The Boy's mind today. Songwise, that is.
Hangar 18-- Megadeth
One-- Metallica
The Trooper-- Iron Maiden
Once In A Lifetime-- Dragonforce
Bulls On Parade-- Rage Against the Machine
Chop Suey!-- System Of A Down
Holiday In Cambodia-- Dead Kennedys
AEnima-- Tool
You can tell he's mine, all right. And here's the video for the song that showed up in both of our lists. Cue Art Bell... and the girl with the Aqua Net!
All the Gold in California-- Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers
Why was this the song I woke up to? Was I having a Members Only dream? I was so scared this morning when that was playing on the MJ.
O! Valencia-- The Decemberists
99 Problems-- Jay-Z
Clocks-- Smashing Pumpkins
Fireworks-- Animal Collective
Almost as much fun to yodel as "Hocus Pocus."
Almost.
Hangar 18-- Megadeth
God Shuffled His Feet-- Crash Test Dummies
Moneymaker-- Rilo Kiley
Every indie guy I know is in love with Jenny Watson. I don't see the appeal. Amy Winehouse? Now that's the girl for me.
Yikes.
American Heavy Metal Weekend-- Circle Jerks
Simultaneously a slap at hair metal of the '80's and The Who's "Sister Disco." Good stuff. Harsh and biting. It's by the Circle Jerks; what, it's gonna be cute?
Hey, this week I've got a guest lister! He is my kid, The Boy! Here's what went through The Boy's mind today. Songwise, that is.
Hangar 18-- Megadeth
One-- Metallica
The Trooper-- Iron Maiden
Once In A Lifetime-- Dragonforce
Bulls On Parade-- Rage Against the Machine
Chop Suey!-- System Of A Down
Holiday In Cambodia-- Dead Kennedys
AEnima-- Tool
You can tell he's mine, all right. And here's the video for the song that showed up in both of our lists. Cue Art Bell... and the girl with the Aqua Net!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The Mental Jukebox-- Tuesday 11.20.7
There may be some progress being made here! Remember, one of the main goals of this whole experiment was to engage in some self-analysis and there may actually be a couple of patterns emerging. Let's go to the leader board, Ed!
Complicated-- Avril Lavigne
Florida-- Modest Mouse
This is the second day in a row that Florida has been in heavy rotation. It is very possible that I need a vacation. Kind of anti-climactic for a revelation, I realize, but I'm relatively new at this. Cut me some slack.
Stitches-- Orgy
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme-- Black Flag
Kiss Them For Me-- Siouxsie and the Banshees
Too Much Is Enough-- The Raisins
I know it's almost not fair to keep bringing up this Cincinnati band from my youth, but if you're aware that most of this band ended up becoming The Bears, featuring Adrian Belew on vocals and guitar, it makes it all worthwhile. This song is from the Raisins studio album, which my dad mastered.
Growing Up-- blink-182
Circles-- Soul Coughing
Balls to the Wall-- Accept
And how we got from Mike Doughty immediately to German heavy metal, I can't answer for you.
Disappointed-- Public Image, Ltd.
Over My Head-- King's X
Across the Universe-- Beatles
Across the Universe has proven itself to be my Moment of Zen. Whenever I am stressed out or facing an abrupt change of plans in my day, the chorus of this song instantly runs through my head. It is my calmer. It does the job wonderfully. When I hear the line, "Nothing's gonna change my world," I feel better. How sappy is that? And no, I haven't seen the movie yet. That's why Knoxville has a dollar theatre. Pay eight bucks for that? Hmmph. I can wait that shit out.
Universally Speaking-- Red Hot Chili Peppers
Universe trifecta in play.
Hot Fun in the Summertime-- Sly and the Family Stone
Universe trifecta-- fail.
And now the first ever MENTAL JUKEBOX VIDEO DOUBLE SHOT OF HAPPY! And that's enough of that.
There isn't an official video for Florida, so here's almost three minutes of Mega Man.
There is an official video for Circles, but I like this one way better. Of course, the crazy M. Doughty scat-singing breakdown is missing, but on the upside, you don't have to look at M. Doughty. I know it, I know it.
Complicated-- Avril Lavigne
Florida-- Modest Mouse
This is the second day in a row that Florida has been in heavy rotation. It is very possible that I need a vacation. Kind of anti-climactic for a revelation, I realize, but I'm relatively new at this. Cut me some slack.
Stitches-- Orgy
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme-- Black Flag
Kiss Them For Me-- Siouxsie and the Banshees
Too Much Is Enough-- The Raisins
I know it's almost not fair to keep bringing up this Cincinnati band from my youth, but if you're aware that most of this band ended up becoming The Bears, featuring Adrian Belew on vocals and guitar, it makes it all worthwhile. This song is from the Raisins studio album, which my dad mastered.
Growing Up-- blink-182
Circles-- Soul Coughing
Balls to the Wall-- Accept
And how we got from Mike Doughty immediately to German heavy metal, I can't answer for you.
Disappointed-- Public Image, Ltd.
Over My Head-- King's X
Across the Universe-- Beatles
Across the Universe has proven itself to be my Moment of Zen. Whenever I am stressed out or facing an abrupt change of plans in my day, the chorus of this song instantly runs through my head. It is my calmer. It does the job wonderfully. When I hear the line, "Nothing's gonna change my world," I feel better. How sappy is that? And no, I haven't seen the movie yet. That's why Knoxville has a dollar theatre. Pay eight bucks for that? Hmmph. I can wait that shit out.
Universally Speaking-- Red Hot Chili Peppers
Universe trifecta in play.
Hot Fun in the Summertime-- Sly and the Family Stone
Universe trifecta-- fail.
And now the first ever MENTAL JUKEBOX VIDEO DOUBLE SHOT OF HAPPY! And that's enough of that.
There isn't an official video for Florida, so here's almost three minutes of Mega Man.
There is an official video for Circles, but I like this one way better. Of course, the crazy M. Doughty scat-singing breakdown is missing, but on the upside, you don't have to look at M. Doughty. I know it, I know it.
Monday, November 19, 2007
The Mental Jukebox-- Monday 11.19.07
Mondays always scatter me and send my brain into weird directions. It's like I'm trying to avoid the fact that it is Monday and I kind of go into hiding, like Newt in "Aliens." And that makes sense when you look at today's list. There are some hidden songs in there, songs hidden even more deeply than usual. These are the kind of songs that mostly come at night.
Mostly.
Florida-- Modest Mouse
The Becoming-- nine inch nails
Party All the Time-- Eddie Murphy w/Rick James
Powerline-- Husker Du
Dr. Robert (which I know is a Beatles tune, but I was hearing a cover version of it by legendary Cincinnati band...)-- The Raisins
Electric Barbarella-- Duran Duran
Happy-- Judybats
Fell Off A Mountain-- Big Bam Boo
Kosciusko-- Midnight Oil
Rag and Bone-- White Stripes
1,2,3,4-- Feist
I love Duran Duran. I always have.
See if you can guess where this is going.
Mostly.
Florida-- Modest Mouse
The Becoming-- nine inch nails
Party All the Time-- Eddie Murphy w/Rick James
Powerline-- Husker Du
Dr. Robert (which I know is a Beatles tune, but I was hearing a cover version of it by legendary Cincinnati band...)-- The Raisins
Electric Barbarella-- Duran Duran
Happy-- Judybats
Fell Off A Mountain-- Big Bam Boo
Kosciusko-- Midnight Oil
Rag and Bone-- White Stripes
1,2,3,4-- Feist
I love Duran Duran. I always have.
See if you can guess where this is going.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
The Mental Jukebox-- Sunday 11.18.7
Once again, no real pattern to these, but some songs came screaming out of left field to run themselves to death in my head. Want one? Here. Take it.
Pets-- Porno for Pyros
Gimme Three Steps-- Lynyrd Skynyrd
Fake Plastic Trees-- Radiohead
Home by the Sea-- Genesis
Brick-- Ben Folds Five
Sample and Hold-- Neil Young
On the Offensive-- From Autumn to Ashes
He's So Gay-- Frank Zappa
Without A Trace-- Soul Asylum
In the eighties, the best way to alienate your record company was by doing something like this. I really liked it then. I still like it. But I understand why most people didn't.
Pets-- Porno for Pyros
Gimme Three Steps-- Lynyrd Skynyrd
Fake Plastic Trees-- Radiohead
Home by the Sea-- Genesis
Brick-- Ben Folds Five
Sample and Hold-- Neil Young
On the Offensive-- From Autumn to Ashes
He's So Gay-- Frank Zappa
Without A Trace-- Soul Asylum
In the eighties, the best way to alienate your record company was by doing something like this. I really liked it then. I still like it. But I understand why most people didn't.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Saturday-- 11.17.7
On weekends, the Mental Jukebox doesn't go to eleven nearly as much. There are so many other sounds filling my head! I've got The Boy on weekends and we're running here, going there, playing this game, setting a car on fire, you know. The usual. So for a song to make it through where I can hear it on a weekend, it's gotta be either fairly spectacular... or spectacularly annoying. I think I have a little of both on today's admittedly short list.
Fire Maple Song-- Everclear
All I Need-- Jack Wagner
Is There A Ghost?-- Band of Horses
Good To See You-- Pinback
Going Nowhere Slow-- Bloodhound Gang
Smalltown Boy-- Bronski Beat
You Crack Me Up-- Huey Lewis and the News
I don't know why, after being absent from my head for more than twenty years, Jimmy Somerville would show back up...
Fire Maple Song-- Everclear
All I Need-- Jack Wagner
Is There A Ghost?-- Band of Horses
Good To See You-- Pinback
Going Nowhere Slow-- Bloodhound Gang
Smalltown Boy-- Bronski Beat
You Crack Me Up-- Huey Lewis and the News
I don't know why, after being absent from my head for more than twenty years, Jimmy Somerville would show back up...
Friday, November 16, 2007
Friday-- 11.16.7
Today's themes seem to be heartbreak and absurdity. The two are often not far removed.
Lovin' That Girl (Is Too Hard On A Man)-- Scott Miller and the Commonwealth
Stay Together For The Kids-- blink-182
Where Do Broken Hearts Go?-- Is that Whitney Houston? I think it's Whitney Houston. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
Possum Kingdom-- Toadies
Bomb--Bush (and there's two words that taste great together, eh?)
Original Prankster-- The Offspring
Is There Something I Should Know?-- Duran Duran
Solfeggio-- The Nairobi Trio
The Trooper-- Iron Maiden
Crazy Train-- Ozzy Osbourne
In My Life-- Beatles
Winning the War-- 'til tuesday
Actually recorded by Maxwell, Robert, His Harp and Orchestra (at least that's how it reads on allmusic), this song is being performed by Ernie Kovacs, Edie Adams and Jack Lemmon (the tall one with the drumsticks)as the Nairobi Trio on The Ernie Kovacs Show from back in the day. This bit had a strong impact on me as a child. I hope it scars you, too. In a good way, I mean. Totally in a good way.
Lovin' That Girl (Is Too Hard On A Man)-- Scott Miller and the Commonwealth
Stay Together For The Kids-- blink-182
Where Do Broken Hearts Go?-- Is that Whitney Houston? I think it's Whitney Houston. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.
Possum Kingdom-- Toadies
Bomb--Bush (and there's two words that taste great together, eh?)
Original Prankster-- The Offspring
Is There Something I Should Know?-- Duran Duran
Solfeggio-- The Nairobi Trio
The Trooper-- Iron Maiden
Crazy Train-- Ozzy Osbourne
In My Life-- Beatles
Winning the War-- 'til tuesday
Actually recorded by Maxwell, Robert, His Harp and Orchestra (at least that's how it reads on allmusic), this song is being performed by Ernie Kovacs, Edie Adams and Jack Lemmon (the tall one with the drumsticks)as the Nairobi Trio on The Ernie Kovacs Show from back in the day. This bit had a strong impact on me as a child. I hope it scars you, too. In a good way, I mean. Totally in a good way.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Thursday-- 11.15.7
There's a wide spectrum of music here. Personally, I fear madness. Possibly brought on by syphilis. Spirochettes. They eat your brain, you know.
If there is a song on this list you've never heard, don't leave it at that! Find it and listen to it. That's what music is there for. Broaden your horizons and have a little fun.
Generator-- Foo Fighters
The Down Boys-- Warrant
It's Not For Me To Say-- Johnny Mathis
Allentown-- Billy Joel
Makin' It-- David Naughton
The Finer Things-- Steve Winwood
Less Talk, More Rokk-- Freezepop
I Hate My Frickin' ISP-- Todd Rundgren
Buenos Aires-- Golden Palominos
Level 4 of the video game Parappa the Rapper. The level where Parappa has to make the seafood cake and he's watching the celebrity chef on TV. The celebrity chef who is a chicken. Remember? "Crack, crack, the egg into the bowl/Cheep, cheep, cheep's the name of my soul." Okay. Never mind.
Cable Car (Over My Head)-- The Fray (Damn you, Grey's Anatomy, for aligning yourself with this song so that I think I hear it in every single episode!)
I Got Id-- Pearl Jam
Carol of the Bells-- Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Come and Get Your Love-- Redbone
This guy said, "I'm take a great song and make a video for it, using nothing but the most random-ass pictures I can find. Most of them from National Geographic. They will have nothing to do with love, except maybe for the part where the song mentions love, and you can see the guy in the chair with two dogs. That might work."
If there is a song on this list you've never heard, don't leave it at that! Find it and listen to it. That's what music is there for. Broaden your horizons and have a little fun.
Generator-- Foo Fighters
The Down Boys-- Warrant
It's Not For Me To Say-- Johnny Mathis
Allentown-- Billy Joel
Makin' It-- David Naughton
The Finer Things-- Steve Winwood
Less Talk, More Rokk-- Freezepop
I Hate My Frickin' ISP-- Todd Rundgren
Buenos Aires-- Golden Palominos
Level 4 of the video game Parappa the Rapper. The level where Parappa has to make the seafood cake and he's watching the celebrity chef on TV. The celebrity chef who is a chicken. Remember? "Crack, crack, the egg into the bowl/Cheep, cheep, cheep's the name of my soul." Okay. Never mind.
Cable Car (Over My Head)-- The Fray (Damn you, Grey's Anatomy, for aligning yourself with this song so that I think I hear it in every single episode!)
I Got Id-- Pearl Jam
Carol of the Bells-- Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Come and Get Your Love-- Redbone
This guy said, "I'm take a great song and make a video for it, using nothing but the most random-ass pictures I can find. Most of them from National Geographic. They will have nothing to do with love, except maybe for the part where the song mentions love, and you can see the guy in the chair with two dogs. That might work."
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