Artist: Billy Joel
Song: Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)
Year: 1977
Album: The Stranger
This song is about every second generation immigrant who works endless hours to provide for a family, while sacrificing the family bonds. More hours turns into more money. More money turns into moving to the suburbs. Moving to the suburbs turns into working harder. Working harder turns into health problems. That all leads to the collapse of the "American Dream".
My impressions of this song when I was a kid, were the ack-ack-ack-ack-acks. I could always recognize the song, from an early age, by that and the upbeat tempo at the beginning. I've always been a fan of Billy Joel, even when it wasn't fashionable.
You have to admire a guy who quits while he is ahead. So far, he hasn't gone back on his word to make any new albums. He is touring quite a bit, but the new pop music hasn't hit him... yet. I'm sure that in time, it will hit again. You can't go for that long without enjoying what you do. Inspiration hits at inopportune times.
I do miss his songs. I can remember getting a little excited each time he would release an album of new material. The public would digest it and the critics would tear it apart. His songs were catchy and some still hold true today. The sounds may be a little dated, but there is something left in those songs. Why else would a musical be made from these songs?
Lyrics:
Anthony works in the grocery store,
Saving his pennies for Sunday.
Momma Leoni left a note on the door,
She said, "Sonny, move out to the country."
But working too hard can give you a heart attack-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack!
You oughtta know by now...
Who needs a house out in Hackensack?
Is that all you get for your money?
And it seems such a waste of time,
If that's what it's all about...
Momma, if that's moving up, then I'm moving out!
Sergeant O'Leary is walking the beat,
At night, he becomes a bartender;
He works at Mr. Cacciatorre's down on Sullivan Street,
Across from the medical center,
And he's trading in his Chevy for a Cadillac-ack-ack-ack-ack-ack!
You oughtta know by now...
If he can't drive with a broken back,
At least he can polish the fenders.
And it seems such a waste of time,
If that's what it's all about...
Momma, if that's moving up, then I'm moving out!
You should never argue with a crazy my-my-my-my-my-mind!
You oughtta know by now...
You can pay Uncle Sam with the overtime;
Is that all you get for your money?
And if that's what you have in mind,
Yeah, if that's what you're all about...
Good luck moving up, cause I'm moving out!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Desert Rose - Sting
Artist: Sting
Song: Desert Rose
Year: 1999
Album: Brand New Day
I think my attraction to Eastern music came from two places. The band Queen and Indian food. I won't go out of my way for world music, but I won't turn it off when I hear it. I feel the same way about Sting. I'm not a huge fan of his, nor am I a huge fan of the Police. I do like a lot of songs from both though.
I will on the other hand, step over your mother to get to some Indian food. I was introduced to that by an ex and I have loved it ever since. I was afraid of the unknown in that area. What stopped my fears? And Indian buffet. This way I could sample everything and not be committed to anything. I'll just say that I've loved just about everything that I've sampled, except for the foods that incorporated something that I didn't already like. Seafood and mushrooms come to mind.
Like most people, my first wide exposure of this song was through car commercials. I didn't think much of the song at first, but after hearing it a few times, it grew on me. Sting had an album that no one would listen to, so his manager licensed songs to commercials. The tactic worked and this album sold like hotcakes. It also proved to be a lucrative business model for Moby.
Now that I'm writing about these things, I have to alter a previous line slightly. My first exposure to Eastern music was through George Harrison. This made the entire music scene palatable from an early age. I enjoy hearing artists branch out a bit more from their normal comfort zone. It makes for some of the most interesting pieces of music.
Lyrics:
I dream of rain
I dream of gardens in the desert sand
I wake in pain
I dream of love as time runs through my hand
I dream of fire
Those dreams are tied to a horse that will never tire
And in the flames
Her shadows play in the shape of a man's desire
This desert rose
Each of her veils, a secret promise
This desert flower
No sweet perfume ever tortured me more than this
And as she turns
This way she moves in the logic of all my dreams
This fire burns
I realise that nothing's as it seems
I dream of rain
I dream of gardens in the desert sand
I wake in pain
I dream of love as time runs through my hand
I dream of rain
I lift my gaze to empty skies above
I close my eyes, this rare perfume
Is the sweet intoxication of her love
I dream of rain
I dream of gardens in the desert sand
I wake in pain
I dream of love as time runs through my hand
Sweet desert rose
Each of her veils, a secret promise
This desert flower
No sweet perfume ever tortured me more than this
Sweet desert rose
This memory of Eden haunts us all
This desert flower, this rare perfume
Is the sweet intoxication of the fall
Song: Desert Rose
Year: 1999
Album: Brand New Day
I think my attraction to Eastern music came from two places. The band Queen and Indian food. I won't go out of my way for world music, but I won't turn it off when I hear it. I feel the same way about Sting. I'm not a huge fan of his, nor am I a huge fan of the Police. I do like a lot of songs from both though.
I will on the other hand, step over your mother to get to some Indian food. I was introduced to that by an ex and I have loved it ever since. I was afraid of the unknown in that area. What stopped my fears? And Indian buffet. This way I could sample everything and not be committed to anything. I'll just say that I've loved just about everything that I've sampled, except for the foods that incorporated something that I didn't already like. Seafood and mushrooms come to mind.
Like most people, my first wide exposure of this song was through car commercials. I didn't think much of the song at first, but after hearing it a few times, it grew on me. Sting had an album that no one would listen to, so his manager licensed songs to commercials. The tactic worked and this album sold like hotcakes. It also proved to be a lucrative business model for Moby.
Now that I'm writing about these things, I have to alter a previous line slightly. My first exposure to Eastern music was through George Harrison. This made the entire music scene palatable from an early age. I enjoy hearing artists branch out a bit more from their normal comfort zone. It makes for some of the most interesting pieces of music.
Lyrics:
I dream of rain
I dream of gardens in the desert sand
I wake in pain
I dream of love as time runs through my hand
I dream of fire
Those dreams are tied to a horse that will never tire
And in the flames
Her shadows play in the shape of a man's desire
This desert rose
Each of her veils, a secret promise
This desert flower
No sweet perfume ever tortured me more than this
And as she turns
This way she moves in the logic of all my dreams
This fire burns
I realise that nothing's as it seems
I dream of rain
I dream of gardens in the desert sand
I wake in pain
I dream of love as time runs through my hand
I dream of rain
I lift my gaze to empty skies above
I close my eyes, this rare perfume
Is the sweet intoxication of her love
I dream of rain
I dream of gardens in the desert sand
I wake in pain
I dream of love as time runs through my hand
Sweet desert rose
Each of her veils, a secret promise
This desert flower
No sweet perfume ever tortured me more than this
Sweet desert rose
This memory of Eden haunts us all
This desert flower, this rare perfume
Is the sweet intoxication of the fall
Monday, December 29, 2008
Chopsticks - Liz Phair
Artist: Liz Phair
Song: Chopsticks
Year: 1994
Album: Whip-Smart
In Chicago, Liz Phair was the indie queen. She was the critical darling and underdog to champion for. Her songs were a confessional before that sort of thing was popular. She is also her own worst enemy.
Just when things were getting ready to explode for her in the career department, Liz gets a serious bout of stage fright. It became so bad that she ended up doing virtually no publicity performances for the album. Her career, that was so promising, became stale and old news.
Despite mainstream press, the album was great. Despite Liz's phobias, the album was a success too. I was hungry for more of Liz Phair, but her releases got stranger and further spread out. Soon, she was releasing an album about her experiences as a mother. It was good, but not what we were quite expecting.
To pick this song as the opener did two things. It gave a nice throwback to her first album and it prepared the listener for the eye opening listening pleasure that was awaiting them. Liz wasn't trying to shock anyone with this song of confession. She almost seems bored or sedated throughout the song. It is meant to be a peek into her everyday, mundane life.
Lyrics:
I met him at a party and he told me how to drive him home
He said he liked to do it backwards and I said that's just fine with me
That way we can fuck and watch TV
It was 4 am and the light was grey like it always is in paperbacks
He asked if I liked playing jacks
I told him that I was good to sixes but all hell brook loose after that
I told him that I knew Julia Roberts when I was 12 at summer camp
We didn't say anything after that
I dropped him off and drove on home
'Cause secretly I'm timid
Song: Chopsticks
Year: 1994
Album: Whip-Smart
In Chicago, Liz Phair was the indie queen. She was the critical darling and underdog to champion for. Her songs were a confessional before that sort of thing was popular. She is also her own worst enemy.
Just when things were getting ready to explode for her in the career department, Liz gets a serious bout of stage fright. It became so bad that she ended up doing virtually no publicity performances for the album. Her career, that was so promising, became stale and old news.
Despite mainstream press, the album was great. Despite Liz's phobias, the album was a success too. I was hungry for more of Liz Phair, but her releases got stranger and further spread out. Soon, she was releasing an album about her experiences as a mother. It was good, but not what we were quite expecting.
To pick this song as the opener did two things. It gave a nice throwback to her first album and it prepared the listener for the eye opening listening pleasure that was awaiting them. Liz wasn't trying to shock anyone with this song of confession. She almost seems bored or sedated throughout the song. It is meant to be a peek into her everyday, mundane life.
Lyrics:
I met him at a party and he told me how to drive him home
He said he liked to do it backwards and I said that's just fine with me
That way we can fuck and watch TV
It was 4 am and the light was grey like it always is in paperbacks
He asked if I liked playing jacks
I told him that I was good to sixes but all hell brook loose after that
I told him that I knew Julia Roberts when I was 12 at summer camp
We didn't say anything after that
I dropped him off and drove on home
'Cause secretly I'm timid
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Ten Years Gone - Led Zeppelin
Artist: Led Zeppelin
Song: Ten Years Gone
Year: 1975
Album: Physical Graffiti
This song was originally intended to be an instrumental, but Robert Plant added lyrics about a girlfriend that made him choose between her and his music, ten years earlier. Some say this is just a variation on an unreleased song called "Swan Song", and is not a separate song.
Most of the songs on this album run together for me. Probably because this album is very hard to digest at once and the songs are of great length. The songs sound all in a similar vein to me, but that is just my opinion. I know the songs well, but if I am listening to the songs in the background, I can tell it's only from this album until I put my concentration on the particular song.
I was finally able to see this song performed live, when I saw Jimmy Page play with the Black Crowes. It was spectacular to see it performed live. The Black Crowes did an amazing job playing along side Jimmy Page. I say Page tour with Robert Plant and they left this song off the set list.
I never got to see Led Zeppelin tour. I can see video of it, but it's just not the same. To experience the full brunt of Zeppelin's force, you must see them live. Sadly, this will never be. It came close in recent years with Jason Bonham filling in for his father, but without Robert Plant touring, it will just be another pale comparison.
Lyrics:
Then, as it was, then again it will be
and though the course may change sometimes
rivers always reach the sea
Blind skies of fortune, each have separate ways
On the wings of maybe, downing birds of prey
Kinda makes me feel sometimes, didn't have to go
but as the eagle leaves the nest, he's got so far to go
Changes fill my time
Baby, that's alright with me
In the midst, I think of you and how it used to be
Did you ever really need somebody and really need 'em bad
Did you ever really want somebody, the best love you ever had
Do you ever remember me, baby, did it feel so good
'cause it was just the first time, and you knew you would
Do the eyes not sparkle, senses growing keen
Taste the love along the way, see your feathers preen
Kinda makes me feel sometimes, didn't have to go
We are eagles of one lair, the nest is in our soul
Vixen in my dreams, with great surprise to me
Never thought I'd see your face the way it used to be
Oh, darlin', oh, darlin', oh, oh darlin', hey-yeah, oh darlin'
I'm never gonna leave ya
Ten years gone, holdin' on, ten years gone
I'm never gonna leave ya
Ten years gone, holdin' on, ten years gone
Ten years gone, holdin' on, ten years gone
Ten years gone, holdin' on, yeah, yeah
I said
Ten years gone, holdin' on, ten years gone
I said, I'm never, I'm never, I'm never, oh, woo, yeah, yeah
Song: Ten Years Gone
Year: 1975
Album: Physical Graffiti
This song was originally intended to be an instrumental, but Robert Plant added lyrics about a girlfriend that made him choose between her and his music, ten years earlier. Some say this is just a variation on an unreleased song called "Swan Song", and is not a separate song.
Most of the songs on this album run together for me. Probably because this album is very hard to digest at once and the songs are of great length. The songs sound all in a similar vein to me, but that is just my opinion. I know the songs well, but if I am listening to the songs in the background, I can tell it's only from this album until I put my concentration on the particular song.
I was finally able to see this song performed live, when I saw Jimmy Page play with the Black Crowes. It was spectacular to see it performed live. The Black Crowes did an amazing job playing along side Jimmy Page. I say Page tour with Robert Plant and they left this song off the set list.
I never got to see Led Zeppelin tour. I can see video of it, but it's just not the same. To experience the full brunt of Zeppelin's force, you must see them live. Sadly, this will never be. It came close in recent years with Jason Bonham filling in for his father, but without Robert Plant touring, it will just be another pale comparison.
Lyrics:
Then, as it was, then again it will be
and though the course may change sometimes
rivers always reach the sea
Blind skies of fortune, each have separate ways
On the wings of maybe, downing birds of prey
Kinda makes me feel sometimes, didn't have to go
but as the eagle leaves the nest, he's got so far to go
Changes fill my time
Baby, that's alright with me
In the midst, I think of you and how it used to be
Did you ever really need somebody and really need 'em bad
Did you ever really want somebody, the best love you ever had
Do you ever remember me, baby, did it feel so good
'cause it was just the first time, and you knew you would
Do the eyes not sparkle, senses growing keen
Taste the love along the way, see your feathers preen
Kinda makes me feel sometimes, didn't have to go
We are eagles of one lair, the nest is in our soul
Vixen in my dreams, with great surprise to me
Never thought I'd see your face the way it used to be
Oh, darlin', oh, darlin', oh, oh darlin', hey-yeah, oh darlin'
I'm never gonna leave ya
Ten years gone, holdin' on, ten years gone
I'm never gonna leave ya
Ten years gone, holdin' on, ten years gone
Ten years gone, holdin' on, ten years gone
Ten years gone, holdin' on, yeah, yeah
I said
Ten years gone, holdin' on, ten years gone
I said, I'm never, I'm never, I'm never, oh, woo, yeah, yeah
Saturday, December 27, 2008
The Lumberjack Song - Monty Python
Artist: Monty Python
Song: The Lumberjack Song
Year: 1970
Album: Monty Python's Flying Circus
I'm always up for a good laugh and one of the best laughs that I can find is Monty Python. I guess it's the part of me that likes absurd thoughts. Still, there's something about a catchy, silly tune that I can't resist.
I suppose that it's all in the setup of the original sketch. I remember watching this sketch for the first time on the television show, Monty Python's Flying Circus. It featured a homicidal barber who wanted nothing more than to be a lumberjack. Of course, when the sketch turned to talk of lumberjacks, the whole thing turned 180 degrees.
This is as much a visual joke as it is an audible one. For one who has seen the sketch in numerous forms, I can see the disgusted looks on the lumberjack chorus. I can see the "best girl" by his side grow more disappointed with each line. It makes for a great all around treat.
There is something to pick out and enjoy for every age group. The silly sing song chorus can delight children, while the older crowd can snicker about the talk of a cross dressing lumberjack. I'm sure that they're out there and I wonder how they feel about this song. I feel hilarious whenever I hear this.
Lyrics:
I'm a lumberjack
And I'm ok
I sleep all night and I work all day
(He's a lumberjack
And he's ok
He sleeps all night and he works all day)
I cut down trees
I eat my lunch
I go to the lavatry'
On Wednesdays I go shopping
and have buttered scones for tea
(He cuts down trees
He eats his lunch
He goes to the lavatry'
On Wednesdays He goes shopping
and has buttered scones for tea
I cut down trees)
I'm a lumberjack
And I'm ok
I sleep all night and I work all day
I cut down trees
I skip and jump
I like to press wild flowers
I put on womens' clothing and hang around in bars
(He cuts down trees
He skips and jumps
He likes to press wild flowers
He puts on womens' clothing and hang around in bars?)
I'm a lumberjack
And I'm ok
I sleep all night and I work all day
I cut down trees
I wear high heels
Suspendies' and a bra
I wish I'd been a girly
Just like my dear pa-pa
(He cuts down trees
He wears high heels?)
(He's a lumberjack
And he's ok
He sleeps all night and he works all day
He sleeps all night and he works all day)
Song: The Lumberjack Song
Year: 1970
Album: Monty Python's Flying Circus
I'm always up for a good laugh and one of the best laughs that I can find is Monty Python. I guess it's the part of me that likes absurd thoughts. Still, there's something about a catchy, silly tune that I can't resist.
I suppose that it's all in the setup of the original sketch. I remember watching this sketch for the first time on the television show, Monty Python's Flying Circus. It featured a homicidal barber who wanted nothing more than to be a lumberjack. Of course, when the sketch turned to talk of lumberjacks, the whole thing turned 180 degrees.
This is as much a visual joke as it is an audible one. For one who has seen the sketch in numerous forms, I can see the disgusted looks on the lumberjack chorus. I can see the "best girl" by his side grow more disappointed with each line. It makes for a great all around treat.
There is something to pick out and enjoy for every age group. The silly sing song chorus can delight children, while the older crowd can snicker about the talk of a cross dressing lumberjack. I'm sure that they're out there and I wonder how they feel about this song. I feel hilarious whenever I hear this.
Lyrics:
I'm a lumberjack
And I'm ok
I sleep all night and I work all day
(He's a lumberjack
And he's ok
He sleeps all night and he works all day)
I cut down trees
I eat my lunch
I go to the lavatry'
On Wednesdays I go shopping
and have buttered scones for tea
(He cuts down trees
He eats his lunch
He goes to the lavatry'
On Wednesdays He goes shopping
and has buttered scones for tea
I cut down trees)
I'm a lumberjack
And I'm ok
I sleep all night and I work all day
I cut down trees
I skip and jump
I like to press wild flowers
I put on womens' clothing and hang around in bars
(He cuts down trees
He skips and jumps
He likes to press wild flowers
He puts on womens' clothing and hang around in bars?)
I'm a lumberjack
And I'm ok
I sleep all night and I work all day
I cut down trees
I wear high heels
Suspendies' and a bra
I wish I'd been a girly
Just like my dear pa-pa
(He cuts down trees
He wears high heels?)
(He's a lumberjack
And he's ok
He sleeps all night and he works all day
He sleeps all night and he works all day)
Friday, December 26, 2008
Old Dan Tucker - Bruce Springsteen
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Song: Old Dan Tucker
Year: 2006
Album: We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
This is the only album by Bruce Springsteen consisting entirely of material that he did not write himself. These songs were written or made popular by folk artist Pete Seeger. The entire album is a breath of fresh air. Most of the songs have secret political influences, but the songs are both catchy and fun.
"Old Dan Tucker" dates back to at least 1843. It is theorized that the song became popular by word of mouth, with no actual lyrics written down. There are several different versions of the song floating around, which may be a result of its origins.
While it may seem that Bruce is branching out by including folk songs in his repertoire, he has been in this particular vein of music for awhile. As he has gotten older, his music has gravitated towards the folk side of music. If not in practice, then in theory. The only branching out Bruce is doing is releasing an entire album's worth of music that was not written by him.
"Old Dan Tucker" has its charms. The end result is an energetic performance that culminates in smiles for the artist and the listener. Bruce is letting us in on the joy of performing, rather than sharing another painful memory or rite of passage. In a way, these songs are a rite of passage. These songs are handed down from generation to generation. Now it is someone else's turn.
Lyrics:
One, two, three, four
Now old Dan Tucker was a fine old man
Washed his face in a fryin' pan
Combed his hair with a wagon wheel
And died with a toothache in his heel
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Now old Dan Tucker come to town
Riding a billy goat, leading a hound
The hound dog barked and the billy goat jumped
And landed old Tucker on a stump
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Now old Dan Tucker got drunk and fell
In the fire and kicked up holy hell
A red-hot coal got in his shoe
And oh my Lord the ashes flew
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Come on!
Let it go!
Now Old Dan Tucker come to town
Swinging them ladies all round
First to the right then to the left
Then to the gal that he loved best
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Song: Old Dan Tucker
Year: 2006
Album: We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
This is the only album by Bruce Springsteen consisting entirely of material that he did not write himself. These songs were written or made popular by folk artist Pete Seeger. The entire album is a breath of fresh air. Most of the songs have secret political influences, but the songs are both catchy and fun.
"Old Dan Tucker" dates back to at least 1843. It is theorized that the song became popular by word of mouth, with no actual lyrics written down. There are several different versions of the song floating around, which may be a result of its origins.
While it may seem that Bruce is branching out by including folk songs in his repertoire, he has been in this particular vein of music for awhile. As he has gotten older, his music has gravitated towards the folk side of music. If not in practice, then in theory. The only branching out Bruce is doing is releasing an entire album's worth of music that was not written by him.
"Old Dan Tucker" has its charms. The end result is an energetic performance that culminates in smiles for the artist and the listener. Bruce is letting us in on the joy of performing, rather than sharing another painful memory or rite of passage. In a way, these songs are a rite of passage. These songs are handed down from generation to generation. Now it is someone else's turn.
Lyrics:
One, two, three, four
Now old Dan Tucker was a fine old man
Washed his face in a fryin' pan
Combed his hair with a wagon wheel
And died with a toothache in his heel
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Now old Dan Tucker come to town
Riding a billy goat, leading a hound
The hound dog barked and the billy goat jumped
And landed old Tucker on a stump
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Now old Dan Tucker got drunk and fell
In the fire and kicked up holy hell
A red-hot coal got in his shoe
And oh my Lord the ashes flew
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Come on!
Let it go!
Now Old Dan Tucker come to town
Swinging them ladies all round
First to the right then to the left
Then to the gal that he loved best
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Get out the way old Dan Tucker
You're too late to get your supper
Thursday, December 25, 2008
The Night Santa Went Crazy - "Weird Al" Yankovic
Artist: "Weird Al" Yankovic
Song: The Night Santa Went Crazy
Year: 1996
Album: Bad Hair Day
I've always enjoyed twisted Christmas tales and songs. This is one of my more recent favorites. Enjoy and happy holidays!
Lyrics:
Down in the workshop all the elves were making toys
For the good Gentile girls and the good Gentile boys
When the boss busted in, nearly scared 'em half to death
Had a rifle in his hands and cheap whiskey on his breath
From his beard to his boots he was covered in ammo
Like a big fat drunk disgruntled Yuletide Rambo
And he smiled as he said, with a twinkle in his eye,
"Merry Christmas to all - now you're all gonna die!"
The night Santa went crazy
The night Saint Nick went insane
Realized he'd been getting the raw deal
Something finally must've snapped in his brain
Well the workshop is gone now, he decided to bomb it
Everywhere you'll find pieces of Cupid and Comet
Then he tied up his helpers and he held the elves hostage
And he ground up poor Rudolph into reindeer sausage!
He got Dancer and Prancer with and old German Luger
And he slashed up Dasher just like Freddy Krueger
Then he picked up a flamethrower and he barbecued Blitzen
Then he took a big bite and said "It tastes just like chicken!"
The night Santa went crazy
The night Kris Kringle went nuts
Now you can't hardly walk around the North Pole
Without stepping in reindeer guts
There's the National Guard and the FBI
There's a van from the Eyewitness News
And helicopters circling 'round in the sky
Now the bullets keep flying the body count's rising
And everyone's dying to know
Oh Santa, why?
My, my, my, my - you used to be such a jolly guy.
Yes, Virginia, now Santa's doing time
In a Federal prison for his infamous crime
Hey little friend now, don't you cry no more tears
He'll be out with good behavior in seven hundred more years!
(Alternate verse used in concert)
Yes, Virginia, now Santa Claus is dead
A guy from the SWAT team blew a hole through his head
Yes, little friend, that's his brains on the floor
Guess you won't have the fat guy to kick around anymore
Now Vixen's in therapy and Donner's still nervous
And the elves all got jobs working for the postal service
And they say Mrs. Claus she's on the phone every night
With a lawyer negotiating the movie rights
(They talk about)
The night Santa went crazy
The night Saint Nicholas flipped
Broke his back for some milk and cookies
sounds to me like he was tired of getting gypped
The night Santa went crazy
The night Saint Nick went insane
Realized he'd been getting a raw deal
Something finally must've snapped in his brain
Something finally must've snapped in his brain
Tell ya something finally must've snapped in his brain.
Song: The Night Santa Went Crazy
Year: 1996
Album: Bad Hair Day
I've always enjoyed twisted Christmas tales and songs. This is one of my more recent favorites. Enjoy and happy holidays!
Lyrics:
Down in the workshop all the elves were making toys
For the good Gentile girls and the good Gentile boys
When the boss busted in, nearly scared 'em half to death
Had a rifle in his hands and cheap whiskey on his breath
From his beard to his boots he was covered in ammo
Like a big fat drunk disgruntled Yuletide Rambo
And he smiled as he said, with a twinkle in his eye,
"Merry Christmas to all - now you're all gonna die!"
The night Santa went crazy
The night Saint Nick went insane
Realized he'd been getting the raw deal
Something finally must've snapped in his brain
Well the workshop is gone now, he decided to bomb it
Everywhere you'll find pieces of Cupid and Comet
Then he tied up his helpers and he held the elves hostage
And he ground up poor Rudolph into reindeer sausage!
He got Dancer and Prancer with and old German Luger
And he slashed up Dasher just like Freddy Krueger
Then he picked up a flamethrower and he barbecued Blitzen
Then he took a big bite and said "It tastes just like chicken!"
The night Santa went crazy
The night Kris Kringle went nuts
Now you can't hardly walk around the North Pole
Without stepping in reindeer guts
There's the National Guard and the FBI
There's a van from the Eyewitness News
And helicopters circling 'round in the sky
Now the bullets keep flying the body count's rising
And everyone's dying to know
Oh Santa, why?
My, my, my, my - you used to be such a jolly guy.
Yes, Virginia, now Santa's doing time
In a Federal prison for his infamous crime
Hey little friend now, don't you cry no more tears
He'll be out with good behavior in seven hundred more years!
(Alternate verse used in concert)
Yes, Virginia, now Santa Claus is dead
A guy from the SWAT team blew a hole through his head
Yes, little friend, that's his brains on the floor
Guess you won't have the fat guy to kick around anymore
Now Vixen's in therapy and Donner's still nervous
And the elves all got jobs working for the postal service
And they say Mrs. Claus she's on the phone every night
With a lawyer negotiating the movie rights
(They talk about)
The night Santa went crazy
The night Saint Nicholas flipped
Broke his back for some milk and cookies
sounds to me like he was tired of getting gypped
The night Santa went crazy
The night Saint Nick went insane
Realized he'd been getting a raw deal
Something finally must've snapped in his brain
Something finally must've snapped in his brain
Tell ya something finally must've snapped in his brain.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Friends In Low Places - Garth Brooks
Artist: Garth Brooks
Song: Friends In Low Places
Year: 1990
Album: No Fences
I make no apologies for liking this song. It's fun and easy to sing with a group. I hear it at almost every karaoke function that I attend. I hear it at every wedding, which is why it will not be heard at mine. I don't hear Garth Brooks apologizing either.
I started hearing this in the early nineties. I was farthest away from country music at that point in my life, which is why it doesn't enter too much into my daily listening habits. I was into rock, blues, comedy and the occasional classic country back then. I hated the direction that country music was turning. It was beginning to sound like pop music with a twang. Something that hasn't changed.
I like it when the country artist of today can record a song in the vein of yesterday's classics. Something that tells a story and doesn't sound like it was produced in a studio. Garth Brooks songs are usually in the style of the masters, especially his early songs. "Friends In Low Places" is from his second album.
Of course, Garth Brooks ushered in all that is wrong with country music today. The grit is gone, replaced by spray on mud for the suburban soccer mom's SUV. The gloss is there, like overpolished silver. It just isn't the same music. Garth Brooks is one of the last performers to embrace the old style. He is also one of the first to embrace the newer style. It's a contradiction that boggles my mind sometimes.
Lyrics:
Blame it all on my roots, I showed up in boots
And ruined your black tie affair.
Last one to know, last one to show
I was the last one you thought you'd see there
And I saw the surprise, and the fear in his eyes
When I took his glass of champagne
And I toasted you, said "Honey we may be through,
But you'll never hear me complain...
'Cause I've got friends in low places
Where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases
My blues away, and I'll be OK.
And I'm not big on social graces
Think I'll slip on down to the oasis
So I've got friends in low places!
Well, I guess I was wrong,
I just don't belong
But then, I've been there before
Everything's alright, I'll just say goodnight
and I'll show myself to the door
Hey, I didn't mean to cause a big scene
Just give me an hour and then,
Well I'll be as high as that ivory tower
that you're living in
'Cause I've got friends in low places
Where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases
My blues away, and I'll be OK.
And I'm not big on social graces
Think I'll slip on down to the oasis
So I've got friends in low places!
Song: Friends In Low Places
Year: 1990
Album: No Fences
I make no apologies for liking this song. It's fun and easy to sing with a group. I hear it at almost every karaoke function that I attend. I hear it at every wedding, which is why it will not be heard at mine. I don't hear Garth Brooks apologizing either.
I started hearing this in the early nineties. I was farthest away from country music at that point in my life, which is why it doesn't enter too much into my daily listening habits. I was into rock, blues, comedy and the occasional classic country back then. I hated the direction that country music was turning. It was beginning to sound like pop music with a twang. Something that hasn't changed.
I like it when the country artist of today can record a song in the vein of yesterday's classics. Something that tells a story and doesn't sound like it was produced in a studio. Garth Brooks songs are usually in the style of the masters, especially his early songs. "Friends In Low Places" is from his second album.
Of course, Garth Brooks ushered in all that is wrong with country music today. The grit is gone, replaced by spray on mud for the suburban soccer mom's SUV. The gloss is there, like overpolished silver. It just isn't the same music. Garth Brooks is one of the last performers to embrace the old style. He is also one of the first to embrace the newer style. It's a contradiction that boggles my mind sometimes.
Lyrics:
Blame it all on my roots, I showed up in boots
And ruined your black tie affair.
Last one to know, last one to show
I was the last one you thought you'd see there
And I saw the surprise, and the fear in his eyes
When I took his glass of champagne
And I toasted you, said "Honey we may be through,
But you'll never hear me complain...
'Cause I've got friends in low places
Where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases
My blues away, and I'll be OK.
And I'm not big on social graces
Think I'll slip on down to the oasis
So I've got friends in low places!
Well, I guess I was wrong,
I just don't belong
But then, I've been there before
Everything's alright, I'll just say goodnight
and I'll show myself to the door
Hey, I didn't mean to cause a big scene
Just give me an hour and then,
Well I'll be as high as that ivory tower
that you're living in
'Cause I've got friends in low places
Where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases
My blues away, and I'll be OK.
And I'm not big on social graces
Think I'll slip on down to the oasis
So I've got friends in low places!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Divine Hammer - The Breeders
Artist: The Breeders
Song: Divine Hammer
Year: 1993
Album: Last Splash
I first encountered the Breeders on a local video show called JBTV. I saw the video for "Cannonball" and put the song and the band on my list. This is how we did things in the days before everyone had access to the internet. We used to make lists with actual pencil and paper. What a stone age 1993 was!
I picked up the "Cannonball" single and was happy with that, when I couldn't find a copy of the album anywhere for a decent price. Had I picked up the album, I would have experienced the joy of "Divine Hammer" a little bit earlier. Instead, it wouldn't be until the summer of 1994 that I stumbled upon it.
"Divine Hammer" was buried somewhere in the setlist of the Breeders timeslot at the Lollapalooza stop in Tinley Park, Illinois that year. The crowd reacted very favorably to it and I was rocking out to it on the lawn. While the entire album is great, "Divine Hammer" was set in unfortunate circumstances.
"Cannonball" was the lead single and it was a runaway success. That is what hooked me into the Breeders. "Divine Hammer" got lost in the shuffle. It was released without much fanfare and the video didn't have the same energy as "Cannonball" did. I still have fond memories of the lead single, but "Divine Hammer" has worked its way into my heart.
Lyrics:
I'm just looking
just looking for a way around
it disappears this near
you're the rod I'm water
I'm just looking for the divine hammer
one divine hammer
one divine hammer
I'm just looking for one divine hammer
I'd bang it all day
oh the carpenter goes bang
bang bang
I'm just looking for one divine hammer
one divine hammer
one divine hammer
I'm just looking for a faith
waiting to be followed
it disappears this near
you're the rod I'm water
I'm just looking for one divine hammer
one divine hammer
divine hammer
Song: Divine Hammer
Year: 1993
Album: Last Splash
I first encountered the Breeders on a local video show called JBTV. I saw the video for "Cannonball" and put the song and the band on my list. This is how we did things in the days before everyone had access to the internet. We used to make lists with actual pencil and paper. What a stone age 1993 was!
I picked up the "Cannonball" single and was happy with that, when I couldn't find a copy of the album anywhere for a decent price. Had I picked up the album, I would have experienced the joy of "Divine Hammer" a little bit earlier. Instead, it wouldn't be until the summer of 1994 that I stumbled upon it.
"Divine Hammer" was buried somewhere in the setlist of the Breeders timeslot at the Lollapalooza stop in Tinley Park, Illinois that year. The crowd reacted very favorably to it and I was rocking out to it on the lawn. While the entire album is great, "Divine Hammer" was set in unfortunate circumstances.
"Cannonball" was the lead single and it was a runaway success. That is what hooked me into the Breeders. "Divine Hammer" got lost in the shuffle. It was released without much fanfare and the video didn't have the same energy as "Cannonball" did. I still have fond memories of the lead single, but "Divine Hammer" has worked its way into my heart.
Lyrics:
I'm just looking
just looking for a way around
it disappears this near
you're the rod I'm water
I'm just looking for the divine hammer
one divine hammer
one divine hammer
I'm just looking for one divine hammer
I'd bang it all day
oh the carpenter goes bang
bang bang
I'm just looking for one divine hammer
one divine hammer
one divine hammer
I'm just looking for a faith
waiting to be followed
it disappears this near
you're the rod I'm water
I'm just looking for one divine hammer
one divine hammer
divine hammer
Monday, December 22, 2008
Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain - Willie Nelson
Artist: Willie Nelson
Song: Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
Year: 1975
Album: Red Headed Stranger
I can listen to almost anything that Willie Nelson puts out. He's just that good. Willie has a singing voice that is very pleasing to my ears. I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it is. I think it might be the nonchalant attitude and ease that Willie puts into every recording.
He has always given off an old country vibe. So it should come as no surprise that his first number one came from a 1945 song. The record company did not want to release this as a single, but somehow it was released and became one of Willie's signature songs.
This marked a turning point for country music. A solid new direction was laid out with roots in the past and a an eye toward the future. This album is the reason country is so popular today. Almost everything that came after this album was made because of Red Headed Stranger.
This spawned the country artists that we listen to today. Garth Brooks may get all the glory for turning country into pop, but Willie Nelson paved the way for that to happen. Without Willie's contributions from this album, country may have been a lost art form. Without this song, there would be no country fad in the late seventies and early eighties.
Lyrics:
In the twilight glow I see her
Blue eyes crying in the rain
When we kissed goodbye and parted
I knew we'd never meet again
Love is like a dying ember
And only memories remain
And through the ages I'll remember
Blue eyes crying in the rain.
Someday when we meet up yonder
We'll stroll hand in hand again
In the land that knows no parting
For blue eyes crying in the rain.
Song: Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain
Year: 1975
Album: Red Headed Stranger
I can listen to almost anything that Willie Nelson puts out. He's just that good. Willie has a singing voice that is very pleasing to my ears. I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it is. I think it might be the nonchalant attitude and ease that Willie puts into every recording.
He has always given off an old country vibe. So it should come as no surprise that his first number one came from a 1945 song. The record company did not want to release this as a single, but somehow it was released and became one of Willie's signature songs.
This marked a turning point for country music. A solid new direction was laid out with roots in the past and a an eye toward the future. This album is the reason country is so popular today. Almost everything that came after this album was made because of Red Headed Stranger.
This spawned the country artists that we listen to today. Garth Brooks may get all the glory for turning country into pop, but Willie Nelson paved the way for that to happen. Without Willie's contributions from this album, country may have been a lost art form. Without this song, there would be no country fad in the late seventies and early eighties.
Lyrics:
In the twilight glow I see her
Blue eyes crying in the rain
When we kissed goodbye and parted
I knew we'd never meet again
Love is like a dying ember
And only memories remain
And through the ages I'll remember
Blue eyes crying in the rain.
Someday when we meet up yonder
We'll stroll hand in hand again
In the land that knows no parting
For blue eyes crying in the rain.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Aqualung - Jethro Tull
Artist: Jethro Tull
Song: Aqualung
Year: 1971
Album: Aqualung
This song brings back memories of high school. I would sometimes bring a pocket radio with headphones to school. I would listen to the classic rock station while walking to and from school. It was usually a half hour walk each way, so I was able to listen to quite a bit of programming.
As a freshman, I think the station was on a Jethro Tull kick. I would hear "Aqualung", "Locomotive Breath" or "Bungle In The Jungle" at least once a day. One of those and Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" would be played every school day.
I liked the unique song structure of "Aqualung", but what captured my attention as a rapidly growing teen was the line about the frilly panties. Hormones can run wild in teens and I was no exception. Thankfully, the song was much more memorable than that.
It had been just slightly over a year since Jethro Tull's grammy win for best metal album. I had come to the realization that the win wasn't Jethro Tull's fault. It was whoever voted. I made my peace with Metallica losing to Jethro Tull a long time ago. Life too short to hold grudges and to deprive yourself of good music.
Lyrics:
Sitting on a park bench
eyeing little girls with bad intent.
Snot running down his nose
greasy fingers smearing shabby clothes.
Hey, Aqualung!
Drying in the cold sun
Watching as the frilly panties run.
Hey Aqualung!
Feeling like a dead duck
spitting out pieces of his broken luck.
Whoa, Aqualung!
Sun streaking cold
an old man wandering lonely.
Taking time
the only way he knows.
Neck hurting bad,
as he bends to pick a dog-end
he goes down to the bog
and warms his feet.
Feeling alone
the army's up the road
salvation à la mode and
a cup of tea.
Aqualung my friend
don't you start away uneasy
you poor old sod, you see, it's only me.
Do you still remember
December's foggy freeze
when the ice that
clings onto your beard was
screaming agony.
And you snatch your rattling last breaths
with deep-sea-diver sounds,
and the flowers bloom like
madness in the spring.
Sun streaking cold
an old man wandering lonely.
Taking time
the only way he knows.
Neck hurting bad,
as he bends to pick a dog-end
he goes down to the bog
and warms his feet.
Feeling alone
the army's up the road
salvation à la mode and
a cup of tea.
Aqualung my friend
don't you start away uneasy
you poor old sod, you see, it's only me.
[Guitar Solo]
Aqualung my friend
don't you start away uneasy
you poor old sod, you see, it's only me.
Sitting on a park bench
eyeing little girls with bad intent.
Snot running down his nose
greasy fingers smearing shabby clothes.
Hey Aqualung!
Drying in the cold sun
Watching as the frilly panties run.
Hey, Aqualung!
Feeling like a dead duck
spitting out pieces of his broken luck.
Hey, Aqualung!
Whoa, Aqualung!
Song: Aqualung
Year: 1971
Album: Aqualung
This song brings back memories of high school. I would sometimes bring a pocket radio with headphones to school. I would listen to the classic rock station while walking to and from school. It was usually a half hour walk each way, so I was able to listen to quite a bit of programming.
As a freshman, I think the station was on a Jethro Tull kick. I would hear "Aqualung", "Locomotive Breath" or "Bungle In The Jungle" at least once a day. One of those and Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" would be played every school day.
I liked the unique song structure of "Aqualung", but what captured my attention as a rapidly growing teen was the line about the frilly panties. Hormones can run wild in teens and I was no exception. Thankfully, the song was much more memorable than that.
It had been just slightly over a year since Jethro Tull's grammy win for best metal album. I had come to the realization that the win wasn't Jethro Tull's fault. It was whoever voted. I made my peace with Metallica losing to Jethro Tull a long time ago. Life too short to hold grudges and to deprive yourself of good music.
Lyrics:
Sitting on a park bench
eyeing little girls with bad intent.
Snot running down his nose
greasy fingers smearing shabby clothes.
Hey, Aqualung!
Drying in the cold sun
Watching as the frilly panties run.
Hey Aqualung!
Feeling like a dead duck
spitting out pieces of his broken luck.
Whoa, Aqualung!
Sun streaking cold
an old man wandering lonely.
Taking time
the only way he knows.
Neck hurting bad,
as he bends to pick a dog-end
he goes down to the bog
and warms his feet.
Feeling alone
the army's up the road
salvation à la mode and
a cup of tea.
Aqualung my friend
don't you start away uneasy
you poor old sod, you see, it's only me.
Do you still remember
December's foggy freeze
when the ice that
clings onto your beard was
screaming agony.
And you snatch your rattling last breaths
with deep-sea-diver sounds,
and the flowers bloom like
madness in the spring.
Sun streaking cold
an old man wandering lonely.
Taking time
the only way he knows.
Neck hurting bad,
as he bends to pick a dog-end
he goes down to the bog
and warms his feet.
Feeling alone
the army's up the road
salvation à la mode and
a cup of tea.
Aqualung my friend
don't you start away uneasy
you poor old sod, you see, it's only me.
[Guitar Solo]
Aqualung my friend
don't you start away uneasy
you poor old sod, you see, it's only me.
Sitting on a park bench
eyeing little girls with bad intent.
Snot running down his nose
greasy fingers smearing shabby clothes.
Hey Aqualung!
Drying in the cold sun
Watching as the frilly panties run.
Hey, Aqualung!
Feeling like a dead duck
spitting out pieces of his broken luck.
Hey, Aqualung!
Whoa, Aqualung!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
All My Life - Foo Fighters
Artist: Foo Fighters
Song: All My Life
Year: 2002
Album: One By One
After a string of singles that were middle of the road type crowd pleasers, Dave Grohl came back with this rocking single to kick off the One By One album. With that he brought me back into the fold. There wasn't anything wrong with the mainstream singles that Foo Fighters were churning out, but the rocking of the first album is what hooked me.
They started to stray from that formula on the second album, but it worked really well for that project. The Colour And The Shape is probably my favorite Foo Fighters album, as a whole album. One By One was a return of sorts, to that initial fury.
The one thing that instantly hooked me on this song is something that doesn't actually exist. I misheard the lyrics during my first few listens. At the end of the song, when Dave is screaming, it sounded like he said, "Dead, dead, and I'm on to the next." Instead of "dead", Dave was screaming "done." That works too, but I will always feel partial to my initial reaction.
"All My Life" is a return to glory and a breakaway of the past. When Nirvana released their last single in 2002, "All My Life" knocked it off the top of the charts. While Nirvana's single was released at the wrong time, the Foo Fighters single was released right on time.
Lyrics:
All my life I've been searching for something
Something never comes never leads to nothing
Nothing satisfies but I'm getting close
Closer to the prize at the end of the rope
All night long I dream of the day
When it comes around then it's taken away
Leaves me with the feeling that I feel the most
The feeling comes to life when I see your ghost
Come down don't you resist
You have such a delicate wrist
And if I give it a twist
Something to hold when I lose my breath
Will I find something in that
So give me just what I need
Another reason to bleed
ONE BY ONE hidden up my sleeve
ONE BY ONE hidden up my sleeve
Hey don't let it go to waste
I love it but I hate the taste
Weight keeping me down [x2]
Will I find a believer
Another one who believes
Another one to deceive
Over and over down on my knees
If I get any closer
And if you open up wide
And if you let me inside
On and on I've got nothing to hide
On and on I've got nothing to hide
Hey don't let it go to waste
I love it but I hate the taste
Weight keeping me down [x2]
All my life I've been searching for something
Something never comes never leads to nothing
Nothing satisfies but I'm getting close
Closer to the prize at the end of the rope
All night long I dream of the day
When it comes around then it's taken away
Leaves me with the feeling that I feel the most
The feeling comes to life when I see your ghost
And I'm done, done and I'm on to the next one
[x8, then x4 but yelling]
Hey don't let it go to waste
I love it but I hate the taste
Weight keeping me down [x2]
[yelling]
Done done and on to the next one
Done I'm done and I'm
On to the next.
Song: All My Life
Year: 2002
Album: One By One
After a string of singles that were middle of the road type crowd pleasers, Dave Grohl came back with this rocking single to kick off the One By One album. With that he brought me back into the fold. There wasn't anything wrong with the mainstream singles that Foo Fighters were churning out, but the rocking of the first album is what hooked me.
They started to stray from that formula on the second album, but it worked really well for that project. The Colour And The Shape is probably my favorite Foo Fighters album, as a whole album. One By One was a return of sorts, to that initial fury.
The one thing that instantly hooked me on this song is something that doesn't actually exist. I misheard the lyrics during my first few listens. At the end of the song, when Dave is screaming, it sounded like he said, "Dead, dead, and I'm on to the next." Instead of "dead", Dave was screaming "done." That works too, but I will always feel partial to my initial reaction.
"All My Life" is a return to glory and a breakaway of the past. When Nirvana released their last single in 2002, "All My Life" knocked it off the top of the charts. While Nirvana's single was released at the wrong time, the Foo Fighters single was released right on time.
Lyrics:
All my life I've been searching for something
Something never comes never leads to nothing
Nothing satisfies but I'm getting close
Closer to the prize at the end of the rope
All night long I dream of the day
When it comes around then it's taken away
Leaves me with the feeling that I feel the most
The feeling comes to life when I see your ghost
Come down don't you resist
You have such a delicate wrist
And if I give it a twist
Something to hold when I lose my breath
Will I find something in that
So give me just what I need
Another reason to bleed
ONE BY ONE hidden up my sleeve
ONE BY ONE hidden up my sleeve
Hey don't let it go to waste
I love it but I hate the taste
Weight keeping me down [x2]
Will I find a believer
Another one who believes
Another one to deceive
Over and over down on my knees
If I get any closer
And if you open up wide
And if you let me inside
On and on I've got nothing to hide
On and on I've got nothing to hide
Hey don't let it go to waste
I love it but I hate the taste
Weight keeping me down [x2]
All my life I've been searching for something
Something never comes never leads to nothing
Nothing satisfies but I'm getting close
Closer to the prize at the end of the rope
All night long I dream of the day
When it comes around then it's taken away
Leaves me with the feeling that I feel the most
The feeling comes to life when I see your ghost
And I'm done, done and I'm on to the next one
[x8, then x4 but yelling]
Hey don't let it go to waste
I love it but I hate the taste
Weight keeping me down [x2]
[yelling]
Done done and on to the next one
Done I'm done and I'm
On to the next.
Friday, December 19, 2008
The National Anthem - Radiohead
Artist: Radiohead
Song: The National Anthem
Year: 2000
Album: Kid A
It's not so much the lyrics that make the song, it's the way they become part of the song itself. It changes from a simple bass line into a Charles Mingus style free jazz number. The brass section actually mimics the main riff of the song. It sounds like a controlled chaos that will unhinge at any given moment.
This song has become the standard opener for Radiohead concerts. It sets the perfect tone for the show ahead. This feels like the night will hold anything. A new, vital experience will await the listener upon arrival.
I remember the first day that I listened to Kid A, in its entirety. I was heading to a Humanities class on a Saturday morning. I took that class for credit and for the subject matter. I took it on a Saturday because the class was condensed. It only took eight Saturdays and I was given full credit.
The car ride home featured this album. I enjoyed the experience of the album so much, that I took a drive, instead of going home. This way, I was able to listen to all the incredible new sounds. I wasn't the biggest fan of Radiohead, but this album and many that followed, spoke to me in a new light. I even went back and relistened to their older albums with new ears.
Lyrics:
Everyone
Everyone around here
Everyone is so near
What's going on?
What's going on?
Everyone
Everyone is so near
Everyone has got the fear
It's holding on
It's holding on
It's holding on
It's holding on
It's holding on
Song: The National Anthem
Year: 2000
Album: Kid A
It's not so much the lyrics that make the song, it's the way they become part of the song itself. It changes from a simple bass line into a Charles Mingus style free jazz number. The brass section actually mimics the main riff of the song. It sounds like a controlled chaos that will unhinge at any given moment.
This song has become the standard opener for Radiohead concerts. It sets the perfect tone for the show ahead. This feels like the night will hold anything. A new, vital experience will await the listener upon arrival.
I remember the first day that I listened to Kid A, in its entirety. I was heading to a Humanities class on a Saturday morning. I took that class for credit and for the subject matter. I took it on a Saturday because the class was condensed. It only took eight Saturdays and I was given full credit.
The car ride home featured this album. I enjoyed the experience of the album so much, that I took a drive, instead of going home. This way, I was able to listen to all the incredible new sounds. I wasn't the biggest fan of Radiohead, but this album and many that followed, spoke to me in a new light. I even went back and relistened to their older albums with new ears.
Lyrics:
Everyone
Everyone around here
Everyone is so near
What's going on?
What's going on?
Everyone
Everyone is so near
Everyone has got the fear
It's holding on
It's holding on
It's holding on
It's holding on
It's holding on
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Three Stars - Tommy Dee
Artist: Tommy Dee
Song: Three Stars
Year: 1959
Album: Three Stars single
Tommy Dee (a.k.a. Tommy Donaldson) was a DJ in California, just starting out, when news of the plane crash reached the masses. Within weeks, a Tommy wrote a tribute song which was recorded by Eddie Cochran. Another version was recorded by Tommy himself, along with Carol Kay and the Teen-Aires.
Eddie's version was not released until many years after his own death. He was very close friend with Ritchie Valens and was very distraught while recording his version. Tommy's song was released as a tribute in April 1959. His version of the song became the definitive version marking this tragedy.
People who were born after the crash associate Don McLean's "American Pie" with the plane crash of Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, J.P. Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson. Those who were alive and aware at the time of the crash will tell you that this is the definitive tribute song.
Would the song be as popular if the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens weren't on the plane? That almost happened. J.P. Richardson asked for Waylon Jennings seat, since he had developed a flu on tour. Ritchie Valens won his seat in a coin toss before departing for the airport. Guitar player Tommy Allsup lost to Valens. Buddy Holly was the only one assured of the terrible fate, as he chartered the plane.
Lyrics:
Look up in the sky
Up toward the north
There are three little stars
Brightly shining forth
They're shining so bright from heaven above
Gee we're gonna miss you,
Everybody sends their love
On the left stand Ritchie Valens
A young boy just seventeen
Just beginning to realize
And explore his teenage dreams
Why did God call him oh so far away
Maybe to help some boy or girl
Who might have gone astray
With his star shining in the dark
On a lonely night to light the path
And show the way, the way that's right
Gee we're gonna miss you,
Everybody sends their love
On the right stands Buddy Holly
With a shy grin upon his face
Funny how you always seem to notice
That one little curl out of place
Not many people really knew Buddy
Or understood how he felt
But just a song from his lips
Would make the coldest hearts melt
Buddy's singing for God now, His chorus in the sky
Buddy holly we'll always remember you
With tears in our eyes
Gee we're gonna miss you,
Everybody sends their love
In the middle stands a stout man
The big Bopper is his name
Now God has called him
Perhaps to new fortune and fame
He wore a big Stetson hat
And sort of rambled up to the mike
How can we ever forget those wonderful words
"You know, well I might"
Song: Three Stars
Year: 1959
Album: Three Stars single
Tommy Dee (a.k.a. Tommy Donaldson) was a DJ in California, just starting out, when news of the plane crash reached the masses. Within weeks, a Tommy wrote a tribute song which was recorded by Eddie Cochran. Another version was recorded by Tommy himself, along with Carol Kay and the Teen-Aires.
Eddie's version was not released until many years after his own death. He was very close friend with Ritchie Valens and was very distraught while recording his version. Tommy's song was released as a tribute in April 1959. His version of the song became the definitive version marking this tragedy.
People who were born after the crash associate Don McLean's "American Pie" with the plane crash of Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, J.P. Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson. Those who were alive and aware at the time of the crash will tell you that this is the definitive tribute song.
Would the song be as popular if the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens weren't on the plane? That almost happened. J.P. Richardson asked for Waylon Jennings seat, since he had developed a flu on tour. Ritchie Valens won his seat in a coin toss before departing for the airport. Guitar player Tommy Allsup lost to Valens. Buddy Holly was the only one assured of the terrible fate, as he chartered the plane.
Lyrics:
Look up in the sky
Up toward the north
There are three little stars
Brightly shining forth
They're shining so bright from heaven above
Gee we're gonna miss you,
Everybody sends their love
On the left stand Ritchie Valens
A young boy just seventeen
Just beginning to realize
And explore his teenage dreams
Why did God call him oh so far away
Maybe to help some boy or girl
Who might have gone astray
With his star shining in the dark
On a lonely night to light the path
And show the way, the way that's right
Gee we're gonna miss you,
Everybody sends their love
On the right stands Buddy Holly
With a shy grin upon his face
Funny how you always seem to notice
That one little curl out of place
Not many people really knew Buddy
Or understood how he felt
But just a song from his lips
Would make the coldest hearts melt
Buddy's singing for God now, His chorus in the sky
Buddy holly we'll always remember you
With tears in our eyes
Gee we're gonna miss you,
Everybody sends their love
In the middle stands a stout man
The big Bopper is his name
Now God has called him
Perhaps to new fortune and fame
He wore a big Stetson hat
And sort of rambled up to the mike
How can we ever forget those wonderful words
"You know, well I might"
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Down Under - Men At Work
Artist: Men At Work
Song: Down Under
Year: 1981
Album: Business As Usual
I can remember my mom tracking down this album when "Down Under" hit big in the states. The whole album was pretty decent, but the two songs that are heavily played are the most remembered today.
I used to stare at that yellow album cover for hours, trying to see every little detail. I wondered if the answers to many questions were in there. What was a Vegemite sandwich? What was he singing after the tempt me line? Was it the land of lemply? Who or what was lemply?
As I grew older, I found out the answers to those questions and more. I came to appreciate just how special songs like this truly are. It's not often that every member in a household likes a song, but that was the case with this one. There was something that was infectious with the song. It got a hold of you and wouldn't let go for awhile.
The video is the most memorable part of the song for me. It was played over and over again on MTV, in the early eighties. I appreciated the tongue in cheek way of the video, even as a kid. The characters seemed a little over the top, but not overdone. I was hooked from the time the van stopped in the desert.
Lyrics:
Traveling in a fried-out Kombi
On a hippie trail, head full of zombie
I met a strange lady, she made me nervous
She took me in and gave me breakfast
And she said:
"Do you come from a land down under
Where women glow and men plunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder
You better run, you better take cover."
Buying bread from a man in Brussels
He was six foot four and full of muscle
I said, "Do you speak-a my language?"
He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich
And he said:
"I come from a land down under
Where beer does flow and men chunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder
You better run, you better take cover."
Lying in a den in Bombay
Slack jaw, not much to say
I said to the man, "Are you trying to tempt me?
Because I come from the land of plenty."
And he said:
"Oh! Do you come from a land down under (oh yeah yeah)
Where women glow and men plunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder
You better run, you better take cover."
Song: Down Under
Year: 1981
Album: Business As Usual
I can remember my mom tracking down this album when "Down Under" hit big in the states. The whole album was pretty decent, but the two songs that are heavily played are the most remembered today.
I used to stare at that yellow album cover for hours, trying to see every little detail. I wondered if the answers to many questions were in there. What was a Vegemite sandwich? What was he singing after the tempt me line? Was it the land of lemply? Who or what was lemply?
As I grew older, I found out the answers to those questions and more. I came to appreciate just how special songs like this truly are. It's not often that every member in a household likes a song, but that was the case with this one. There was something that was infectious with the song. It got a hold of you and wouldn't let go for awhile.
The video is the most memorable part of the song for me. It was played over and over again on MTV, in the early eighties. I appreciated the tongue in cheek way of the video, even as a kid. The characters seemed a little over the top, but not overdone. I was hooked from the time the van stopped in the desert.
Lyrics:
Traveling in a fried-out Kombi
On a hippie trail, head full of zombie
I met a strange lady, she made me nervous
She took me in and gave me breakfast
And she said:
"Do you come from a land down under
Where women glow and men plunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder
You better run, you better take cover."
Buying bread from a man in Brussels
He was six foot four and full of muscle
I said, "Do you speak-a my language?"
He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich
And he said:
"I come from a land down under
Where beer does flow and men chunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder
You better run, you better take cover."
Lying in a den in Bombay
Slack jaw, not much to say
I said to the man, "Are you trying to tempt me?
Because I come from the land of plenty."
And he said:
"Oh! Do you come from a land down under (oh yeah yeah)
Where women glow and men plunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder
You better run, you better take cover."
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Common People - William Shatner
Artist: William Shatner
Song: Common People
Year: 2004
Album: Has Been
Yes. It's true. I have a William Shatner song on the iPod. I like his musical efforts. But this requires no alibi. No excuses. This song plain rocks. It has become the definitive version of "Common People". Far exceeding Pulp's original version.
I thought I'd have myself a good laugh when I picked up Shatner's new album. I "get" the Transformed Man album. I know exactly what he was trying to do. Still, his renditions of pop songs always made me smile and chuckle. This is not one of those moments. It makes me smile, but in a respectable sort of way.
Shatner's lyrical style actually enhances the song. It works for the indie alterna-rock sound of the song. After nearly forty years, he found a style that compliments his vocal styling. I was simply amazed. People still fall silent to Shatner when I play this song, but it is out of awe instead of speechlessness.
I would welcome another album full of William Shatner. I think the world has finally caught up with him. As long as he doesn't cover any Beatles song, he should be fine. Maybe he should leave that to Leonard Nimoy.
Lyrics:
She came from Greece,
she had a thirst for knowledge.
She studied sculpture at Saint Martin's College.
That's where I caught her eye.
She told me that her Dad was loaded.
I said, in that case I'll have a rum and coca-cola.
She said fine, and in thirty seconds time she said,
I want to live like common people.
I want to do whatever common people do.
I want to sleep with common people.
I want to sleep with common people, like you.
Well, what else could I do?
I said, I'll see what I can do.
I took her to a supermarket.
I don't know why, but I had to
start it somewhere, so it started there.
I said, pretend you've got no money.
She just laughed, and said
oh you're so funny. I said, yeah?
Well, I can't see anyone else smiling in here.
Are you sure you want to live like common people?
You want to see whatever common people see?
You want to sleep with common people?
You want to sleep with common people, like me?
But, she didn't understand,
[Jackson]
She just smiled and held my hand.
Rent a flat above a shop.
Cut your hair and get a job.
Smoke some fags and play some pool.
Pretend you never went to school.
But still, you'll never get it right.
When you're lying in bed at night
watching roaches climb the wall,
if you called your Dad he could stop it all.
Yeah.
[Shatner]
You'll never live like common people
You'll never do whatever common people do.
You'll never fail like common people.
You'll never watch your life slide out of view,
and dance and drink and screw
[Jackson and Shatner]
because there's nothing else to do.
[Shatner and Chorus]
Sing along with the common people.
Sing along, and it might just get you thru.'
[Chorus]
Laugh along with the common people.
[Shatner and Chorus]
Laugh along, even though they're laughing at you
[Shatner]
and the stupid things that you do
'cause you think that poor is cool.
[Jackson]
Like a dog lying in a corner,
they'll bite you and never warn you.
Look out.
[Shatner]
They'll tear your insides out
'cause everybody hates a tourist.
[Jackson]
'Cause Everybody hates a tourist,
especially one who thinks
it's all such a laugh.
[Shatner]
Yeah, and the chip stains' grease
will come out in the bath.
[Shatner and Jackson]
You will never understand
how it feels to live your life
with no meaning or control
and with nowhere left to go.
You're amazed that they exist
and they burn so bright,
while you can only wonder why.
Rent a flat above a shop.
Cut your hair and get a job.
Smoke some fags and play some pool.
Pretend you never went to school.
But still, you'll never get it right.
'Cause When you're lying in bed at night
[Shatner]
watching roaches climb the wall,
if you called your Dad he could stop it all.
Yeah.
You'll never live like common people
[Shatner and Jackson]
You'll never do what common people do.
You'll never fail like common people.
You'll never watch your life slide out of view
and dance and drink and screw
because there's nothing else to do.
[Chorus]
I want to sing with common people, like you.
I want to sing with common people, like you.
I want to sing with common people, like you.
Song: Common People
Year: 2004
Album: Has Been
Yes. It's true. I have a William Shatner song on the iPod. I like his musical efforts. But this requires no alibi. No excuses. This song plain rocks. It has become the definitive version of "Common People". Far exceeding Pulp's original version.
I thought I'd have myself a good laugh when I picked up Shatner's new album. I "get" the Transformed Man album. I know exactly what he was trying to do. Still, his renditions of pop songs always made me smile and chuckle. This is not one of those moments. It makes me smile, but in a respectable sort of way.
Shatner's lyrical style actually enhances the song. It works for the indie alterna-rock sound of the song. After nearly forty years, he found a style that compliments his vocal styling. I was simply amazed. People still fall silent to Shatner when I play this song, but it is out of awe instead of speechlessness.
I would welcome another album full of William Shatner. I think the world has finally caught up with him. As long as he doesn't cover any Beatles song, he should be fine. Maybe he should leave that to Leonard Nimoy.
Lyrics:
She came from Greece,
she had a thirst for knowledge.
She studied sculpture at Saint Martin's College.
That's where I caught her eye.
She told me that her Dad was loaded.
I said, in that case I'll have a rum and coca-cola.
She said fine, and in thirty seconds time she said,
I want to live like common people.
I want to do whatever common people do.
I want to sleep with common people.
I want to sleep with common people, like you.
Well, what else could I do?
I said, I'll see what I can do.
I took her to a supermarket.
I don't know why, but I had to
start it somewhere, so it started there.
I said, pretend you've got no money.
She just laughed, and said
oh you're so funny. I said, yeah?
Well, I can't see anyone else smiling in here.
Are you sure you want to live like common people?
You want to see whatever common people see?
You want to sleep with common people?
You want to sleep with common people, like me?
But, she didn't understand,
[Jackson]
She just smiled and held my hand.
Rent a flat above a shop.
Cut your hair and get a job.
Smoke some fags and play some pool.
Pretend you never went to school.
But still, you'll never get it right.
When you're lying in bed at night
watching roaches climb the wall,
if you called your Dad he could stop it all.
Yeah.
[Shatner]
You'll never live like common people
You'll never do whatever common people do.
You'll never fail like common people.
You'll never watch your life slide out of view,
and dance and drink and screw
[Jackson and Shatner]
because there's nothing else to do.
[Shatner and Chorus]
Sing along with the common people.
Sing along, and it might just get you thru.'
[Chorus]
Laugh along with the common people.
[Shatner and Chorus]
Laugh along, even though they're laughing at you
[Shatner]
and the stupid things that you do
'cause you think that poor is cool.
[Jackson]
Like a dog lying in a corner,
they'll bite you and never warn you.
Look out.
[Shatner]
They'll tear your insides out
'cause everybody hates a tourist.
[Jackson]
'Cause Everybody hates a tourist,
especially one who thinks
it's all such a laugh.
[Shatner]
Yeah, and the chip stains' grease
will come out in the bath.
[Shatner and Jackson]
You will never understand
how it feels to live your life
with no meaning or control
and with nowhere left to go.
You're amazed that they exist
and they burn so bright,
while you can only wonder why.
Rent a flat above a shop.
Cut your hair and get a job.
Smoke some fags and play some pool.
Pretend you never went to school.
But still, you'll never get it right.
'Cause When you're lying in bed at night
[Shatner]
watching roaches climb the wall,
if you called your Dad he could stop it all.
Yeah.
You'll never live like common people
[Shatner and Jackson]
You'll never do what common people do.
You'll never fail like common people.
You'll never watch your life slide out of view
and dance and drink and screw
because there's nothing else to do.
[Chorus]
I want to sing with common people, like you.
I want to sing with common people, like you.
I want to sing with common people, like you.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Cheatin' In The Next Room - ZZ Hill
Artist: ZZ Hill
Song: Cheatin' In The Next Room
Year: 1982
Album: Down Home Blues
ISP issues have delayed this song, but no longer. I can't remember when I first heard this song, but I can remember knowing it when I stumbled upon it earlier this year. I was listening to the blues station on Music Choice, when this came on.
I instantly recognized it, but couldn't for the life of me know why. It hit into the top 20, when it was released. I suppose that it was on the radio at that point. I'm sure that I heard it riding in the car somewhere.
From a very young age, I always could pick out music wherever I heard it. It didn't matter if it was soft or if there was other noise surrounding it. My ears picked up on the music. That's probably why I have so many memories associated with music.
When I did a little research into Z.Z. Hill, I found out that he died of a heart attack after a serious car accident in 1984. I love the sound of his voice. It's like the blues met soul music and made it funky. I'm sure that if Z.Z. had lived past the age of 48, he would have made it bigger than he did. He is only a footnote now, but even footnotes deserve the spotlight occasionally.
Lyrics:
Cheatin’ in the next room
Making plans to meet him soon
Talking softly on the telephone
Making plans to meet him somewhere alone
The love is no longer there
The woman of his heart no longer cares
It’s best to call it quits and go your separate ways
Playing that cheating game only leads to hurt and pain
And cause each other unhappy days
Cheatin’ in the next room (Cheatin’ in the next room)
Making plans to meet him soon
Talking softly on the telephone
Making plans to go out and do wrong
Cheatin’ in the next room
Making plans to meet him soon
Plotting on the telephone
Making plans to go out and do wrong
Your kisses and your love making
You’ve been faking, you’ve been faking
I’ve been going along with you hoping you could still make it
Even though it might hurt me, I just can’t be a fool
I’d rather step on my own heart and break it than to be used
(Cheatin’ in the next room) Cheatin’ in the next room
Making plans to meet him soon
Talking softly on the telephone
Making plans to be alone
Cheatin’ in the next room
Making plans to be with him soon
Talking softly on the telephone
That’s alright, I’ll soon be gone
I know you’re cheatin’ in the next room
Making plans to be with him soon
Talking softly on the telephone
That’s alright, I’ll soon be gone
Song: Cheatin' In The Next Room
Year: 1982
Album: Down Home Blues
ISP issues have delayed this song, but no longer. I can't remember when I first heard this song, but I can remember knowing it when I stumbled upon it earlier this year. I was listening to the blues station on Music Choice, when this came on.
I instantly recognized it, but couldn't for the life of me know why. It hit into the top 20, when it was released. I suppose that it was on the radio at that point. I'm sure that I heard it riding in the car somewhere.
From a very young age, I always could pick out music wherever I heard it. It didn't matter if it was soft or if there was other noise surrounding it. My ears picked up on the music. That's probably why I have so many memories associated with music.
When I did a little research into Z.Z. Hill, I found out that he died of a heart attack after a serious car accident in 1984. I love the sound of his voice. It's like the blues met soul music and made it funky. I'm sure that if Z.Z. had lived past the age of 48, he would have made it bigger than he did. He is only a footnote now, but even footnotes deserve the spotlight occasionally.
Lyrics:
Cheatin’ in the next room
Making plans to meet him soon
Talking softly on the telephone
Making plans to meet him somewhere alone
The love is no longer there
The woman of his heart no longer cares
It’s best to call it quits and go your separate ways
Playing that cheating game only leads to hurt and pain
And cause each other unhappy days
Cheatin’ in the next room (Cheatin’ in the next room)
Making plans to meet him soon
Talking softly on the telephone
Making plans to go out and do wrong
Cheatin’ in the next room
Making plans to meet him soon
Plotting on the telephone
Making plans to go out and do wrong
Your kisses and your love making
You’ve been faking, you’ve been faking
I’ve been going along with you hoping you could still make it
Even though it might hurt me, I just can’t be a fool
I’d rather step on my own heart and break it than to be used
(Cheatin’ in the next room) Cheatin’ in the next room
Making plans to meet him soon
Talking softly on the telephone
Making plans to be alone
Cheatin’ in the next room
Making plans to be with him soon
Talking softly on the telephone
That’s alright, I’ll soon be gone
I know you’re cheatin’ in the next room
Making plans to be with him soon
Talking softly on the telephone
That’s alright, I’ll soon be gone
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The Show Must Go On - Queen
Artist: Queen
Song: The Show Must Go On
Year: 1991
Album: Innuendo
This song really picked up steam in early 1992. Due to Freddie Mercury's declining health, a proper video could not be made for the song. It is comprised of clips and outtakes from previous Queen and Freddie Mercury solo videos. After Freddie's death, this song became a symbol of his attitude and gave comfort to his legions of fans.
Initially, it was said that the band did not know of Freddie's health issues. If you look at clips in this video of Queen's last video shoot, it is very apparent that something is ailing Mercury. Queen has leaked out information since then that made it clear that everyone close to Freddie knew what was going on.
Thanks to the track order on the Classic Queen compilation album, I cannot listen to this song without first hearing "Who Wants To Live Forever" and vice-versa. Those two songs give a fitting end to Freddie and leave the listener with hope. "The Show Must Go On" is said to have gained popularity as a funeral song. I can believe that.
Every member of Queen worked on this song. There are part contributed to every member. This was the last song on the last album that was released when Freddie Mercury was still alive. It is poetic justice that this song would feature Queen on the credits. The band was more than just Freddie Mercury or Brian May or Roger Taylor or John Deacon. What made Queen into the band that it became was the ability for all four members to make important contributions.
Lyrics:
Empty spaces - what are we living for
Abandoned places - I guess we know the score
On and on, does anybody know what we are looking for...
Another hero, another mindless crime
Behind the curtain, in the pantomime
Hold the line, does anybody want to take it anymore
The show must go on
The show must go on, yeah
Inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on
Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance
Another heartache, another failed romance
On and on, does anybody know what we are living for ?
I guess I'm learning (I'm learning learning learning)
I must be warmer now
I'll soon be turning (turning turning turning)
Round the corner now
Outside the dawn is breaking
But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free
The show must go on
The show must go on, yeah yeah
Ooh, inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on
Yeah yeah, whoa wo oh oh
My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
Fairytales of yesterday will grow but never die
I can fly - my friends
The show must go on (go on, go on, go on) yeah yeah
The show must go on (go on, go on, go on)
I'll face it with a grin
I'm never giving in
On - with the show
Ooh, I'll top the bill, I'll overkill
I have to find the will to carry on
On with the show
On with the show
The show - the show must go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on
Song: The Show Must Go On
Year: 1991
Album: Innuendo
This song really picked up steam in early 1992. Due to Freddie Mercury's declining health, a proper video could not be made for the song. It is comprised of clips and outtakes from previous Queen and Freddie Mercury solo videos. After Freddie's death, this song became a symbol of his attitude and gave comfort to his legions of fans.
Initially, it was said that the band did not know of Freddie's health issues. If you look at clips in this video of Queen's last video shoot, it is very apparent that something is ailing Mercury. Queen has leaked out information since then that made it clear that everyone close to Freddie knew what was going on.
Thanks to the track order on the Classic Queen compilation album, I cannot listen to this song without first hearing "Who Wants To Live Forever" and vice-versa. Those two songs give a fitting end to Freddie and leave the listener with hope. "The Show Must Go On" is said to have gained popularity as a funeral song. I can believe that.
Every member of Queen worked on this song. There are part contributed to every member. This was the last song on the last album that was released when Freddie Mercury was still alive. It is poetic justice that this song would feature Queen on the credits. The band was more than just Freddie Mercury or Brian May or Roger Taylor or John Deacon. What made Queen into the band that it became was the ability for all four members to make important contributions.
Lyrics:
Empty spaces - what are we living for
Abandoned places - I guess we know the score
On and on, does anybody know what we are looking for...
Another hero, another mindless crime
Behind the curtain, in the pantomime
Hold the line, does anybody want to take it anymore
The show must go on
The show must go on, yeah
Inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on
Whatever happens, I'll leave it all to chance
Another heartache, another failed romance
On and on, does anybody know what we are living for ?
I guess I'm learning (I'm learning learning learning)
I must be warmer now
I'll soon be turning (turning turning turning)
Round the corner now
Outside the dawn is breaking
But inside in the dark I'm aching to be free
The show must go on
The show must go on, yeah yeah
Ooh, inside my heart is breaking
My make-up may be flaking
But my smile still stays on
Yeah yeah, whoa wo oh oh
My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
Fairytales of yesterday will grow but never die
I can fly - my friends
The show must go on (go on, go on, go on) yeah yeah
The show must go on (go on, go on, go on)
I'll face it with a grin
I'm never giving in
On - with the show
Ooh, I'll top the bill, I'll overkill
I have to find the will to carry on
On with the show
On with the show
The show - the show must go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on
Go on, go on
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Cryptorchid - Marilyn Manson
Artist: Marilyn Manson
Song: Cryptorchid
Year: 1996
Album: Antichrist Superstar
This album would show the band Marilyn Manson at the peak of its music. The band would have more commercial success after this album, but the original fan base would never be stronger. The album and its themes hit the shelves at the perfect time. Alternative music fans were looking for something different to sink their teeth into and Marilyn Manson was more than happy to oblige.
I saw Marilyn Manson three different times on the touring for this album. The first time was the best. It was at the Riviera in Chicago, in October 1996. It was small and intimate. The mosh pit was awesome. The crowd hung on every word that Brian Warner said and sang. One of the highlights was "Cryptorchid" being played. It was really a showcase for Stephen Bier, better known by the stage name Madonna Wayne Gacy. This was his song and it showed when the spotlight fell on him during the keyboard solo.
The second time I saw them, in April 1997, was a little worse. The show itself was decent, but the venue was not. I saw this show in Normal, Illinois at a college. I thought of the irony of the town's name the second I purchased the tickets. The crowd was not into the show and the atmosphere suffered for it.
The third show was in the summer of 1997, in East Troy, Wisconsin at Alpine Valley. They were playing Ozzfest. The band was completely out of its element there. Marilyn Manson played in the afternoon sun, in an outdoor venue. The crowd that was there for the Black Sabbath reunion hated the Marilyn Manson. The crowd started throwing chunks of sod, and anything else they could find, up on stage. The set was cut short to a few songs and they stormed off stage.
Lyrics:
Each time I make my mother cry
An angel dies and falls from heaven
When the boy is still a worm
It's hard to learn the number seven
But when they get to you
It's the first thing that they do
Each time I look outside my mother dies
I feel my back is changing shape
When the worm consumes the boy
It's never ever considered rape
When they get to you
It's the first thing that they do
Prick your finger, it is done
The moon has now eclipsed the sun
The angel has spread his wings
The time has come for bitter things
Prick your finger, it is done
The moon has now eclipsed the sun
The angel has spread his wings
The time has come for bitter things
Prick your finger, it is done
The moon has now eclipsed the sun
The angel has spread his wings
The time has come for bitter things
Prick your finger, it is done
The moon has now eclipsed the sun
The angel has spread his wings
The time has come for bitter things
Prick your finger, it is done
The moon has now eclipsed the sun
The angel has spread his wings
The time has come for bitter things
Song: Cryptorchid
Year: 1996
Album: Antichrist Superstar
This album would show the band Marilyn Manson at the peak of its music. The band would have more commercial success after this album, but the original fan base would never be stronger. The album and its themes hit the shelves at the perfect time. Alternative music fans were looking for something different to sink their teeth into and Marilyn Manson was more than happy to oblige.
I saw Marilyn Manson three different times on the touring for this album. The first time was the best. It was at the Riviera in Chicago, in October 1996. It was small and intimate. The mosh pit was awesome. The crowd hung on every word that Brian Warner said and sang. One of the highlights was "Cryptorchid" being played. It was really a showcase for Stephen Bier, better known by the stage name Madonna Wayne Gacy. This was his song and it showed when the spotlight fell on him during the keyboard solo.
The second time I saw them, in April 1997, was a little worse. The show itself was decent, but the venue was not. I saw this show in Normal, Illinois at a college. I thought of the irony of the town's name the second I purchased the tickets. The crowd was not into the show and the atmosphere suffered for it.
The third show was in the summer of 1997, in East Troy, Wisconsin at Alpine Valley. They were playing Ozzfest. The band was completely out of its element there. Marilyn Manson played in the afternoon sun, in an outdoor venue. The crowd that was there for the Black Sabbath reunion hated the Marilyn Manson. The crowd started throwing chunks of sod, and anything else they could find, up on stage. The set was cut short to a few songs and they stormed off stage.
Lyrics:
Each time I make my mother cry
An angel dies and falls from heaven
When the boy is still a worm
It's hard to learn the number seven
But when they get to you
It's the first thing that they do
Each time I look outside my mother dies
I feel my back is changing shape
When the worm consumes the boy
It's never ever considered rape
When they get to you
It's the first thing that they do
Prick your finger, it is done
The moon has now eclipsed the sun
The angel has spread his wings
The time has come for bitter things
Prick your finger, it is done
The moon has now eclipsed the sun
The angel has spread his wings
The time has come for bitter things
Prick your finger, it is done
The moon has now eclipsed the sun
The angel has spread his wings
The time has come for bitter things
Prick your finger, it is done
The moon has now eclipsed the sun
The angel has spread his wings
The time has come for bitter things
Prick your finger, it is done
The moon has now eclipsed the sun
The angel has spread his wings
The time has come for bitter things
Friday, December 12, 2008
Spinning Wheel - Blood, Sweat & Tears
Artist: Blood, Sweat & Tears
Song: Spinning Wheel
Year: 1969
Album: Blood, Sweat & Tears
If you listen to familiar songs, really listen, you can get past the familiarity and get to the core of the song. Sure, this is a song of the psychadelic age, but it is also a song cautioning people not to get caught up in that scene because everything comes full circle.
I guess that's one of the reasons why this song always reminded me of an old fashioned merry-go-round. The kind where you ride the horses, not the school playground economy model. The song reminded me of a carnival atmosphere that didn't jive with the late sixties. It seemed more in tune with turn of the twentieth century settings.
"Spinning Wheel" came off the band's second album featuring the second lead singer, David Clayton-Thomas, who also wrote this pop gem. Blood, Sweat & Tears played Woodstock this year. I think that this album was the apex of their career. Most of that had to do with other issues besides the music. The music was fine, but the band's involvement with the State Department (in order to smooth over David Clayton-Thomas' visa) led to ridicule from most of their peers in 1970.
Most reviews of their third album focused on their cooperation with the government. Some didn't even mention the music. As a result, sales suffered and the band wanted to switch directions. This led to David Clayton-Thomas to leave the band. He returns and disappears several times after his initial departure. The current band tours, but features no original members.
Lyrics:
What goes up, must come down
Spinning wheel got to go round
Talkin' 'bout your troubles, it's a cryin' sin
Ride a painted pony, let the spinning wheel spin
You got no money and you, you got no home
Spinning wheel, all alone
Talkin' 'bout your troubles and you, you never learn
Ride a painted pony, let the spinning wheel turn
Did you find a directing sign on the straight and narrow highway?
Would you mind a reflecting sign?
Just let it shine within your mind
And show you the colors that are real
Someone is waiting just for you
Spinning wheel spinning true
Drop all your troubles by the riverside
Catch a painted pony on the spinning wheel ride
Ha!
Someone's waiting just for you
Spinning wheel spinning true
Drop all your troubles by the riverside
Ride a painted pony, let the spinning wheel fly
Song: Spinning Wheel
Year: 1969
Album: Blood, Sweat & Tears
If you listen to familiar songs, really listen, you can get past the familiarity and get to the core of the song. Sure, this is a song of the psychadelic age, but it is also a song cautioning people not to get caught up in that scene because everything comes full circle.
I guess that's one of the reasons why this song always reminded me of an old fashioned merry-go-round. The kind where you ride the horses, not the school playground economy model. The song reminded me of a carnival atmosphere that didn't jive with the late sixties. It seemed more in tune with turn of the twentieth century settings.
"Spinning Wheel" came off the band's second album featuring the second lead singer, David Clayton-Thomas, who also wrote this pop gem. Blood, Sweat & Tears played Woodstock this year. I think that this album was the apex of their career. Most of that had to do with other issues besides the music. The music was fine, but the band's involvement with the State Department (in order to smooth over David Clayton-Thomas' visa) led to ridicule from most of their peers in 1970.
Most reviews of their third album focused on their cooperation with the government. Some didn't even mention the music. As a result, sales suffered and the band wanted to switch directions. This led to David Clayton-Thomas to leave the band. He returns and disappears several times after his initial departure. The current band tours, but features no original members.
Lyrics:
What goes up, must come down
Spinning wheel got to go round
Talkin' 'bout your troubles, it's a cryin' sin
Ride a painted pony, let the spinning wheel spin
You got no money and you, you got no home
Spinning wheel, all alone
Talkin' 'bout your troubles and you, you never learn
Ride a painted pony, let the spinning wheel turn
Did you find a directing sign on the straight and narrow highway?
Would you mind a reflecting sign?
Just let it shine within your mind
And show you the colors that are real
Someone is waiting just for you
Spinning wheel spinning true
Drop all your troubles by the riverside
Catch a painted pony on the spinning wheel ride
Ha!
Someone's waiting just for you
Spinning wheel spinning true
Drop all your troubles by the riverside
Ride a painted pony, let the spinning wheel fly
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Footsteps - Pearl Jam
Artist: Pearl Jam
Song: Footsteps
Year: 1992
Album: Jeremy single
This is the third and final song in the mamasan trilogy. The first song is "Alive". The second song is "Once" and "Footsteps" completes the story arc. The first song is about the burdens of a fatherless child, who looks exactly like his father, to his mother. The child cannot deal with those extra issues. Eventually, he becomes a serial killer, as illustrated in "Once". "Footsteps" deals with his execution.
The style for this song is perfect. The original song was just an acoustic guitar. Harmonica was added to later versions of the song. It echoed the loneliness and isolation of an inmate awaiting his execution. You can feel the conflict inside the character by his thoughts and his regrets and his misplaced anger.
"Footsteps" was propelled the argument that Pearl Jam's b sides were sometimes better than the album tracks. "Yellow Ledbetter" would be the ultimate argument of that statement. I loved this song in the early nineties. Mostly because it was almost like my own secret Pearl Jam song. No one except the true fans knew about this stuff. And if the others did, they didn't bother to listen to it. This was a treat for the fans.
I think that this still holds true today. Pearl Jam litters their singles with quality b sides that could make wonderful albums on their own. The rest of the world has caught up to the fans with the release of Lost Dogs. It contains b sides and unreleased gems from throughout Pearl Jam's career. And yes, it contains this song. Now that the secret is out, I still feel that it my own special Pearl Jam treat.
Lyrics:
Don't even think about reachin' me
I won't be home
Don't even think about stoppin' by
Don't think of me at all
I did, what I had to do
If there was a reason, it was you...
Don't even think of gettin' inside
Voices in my head, voices
I got scratches, all over my arms
One for each day, since I fell apart
I did, what I had to do
If there was a reason, it was you...
Footsteps in the hall, it was you, you
Pictures on my test, it was you
It was you...
I did, what I had to do
And if there was a reason
Oh, there wasn't no reason, no
And if, there's something you'd like to do
Just let me continue, to blame you
Footsteps in the hall, it was you, you
Pictures on my chest, it was you, you
Song: Footsteps
Year: 1992
Album: Jeremy single
This is the third and final song in the mamasan trilogy. The first song is "Alive". The second song is "Once" and "Footsteps" completes the story arc. The first song is about the burdens of a fatherless child, who looks exactly like his father, to his mother. The child cannot deal with those extra issues. Eventually, he becomes a serial killer, as illustrated in "Once". "Footsteps" deals with his execution.
The style for this song is perfect. The original song was just an acoustic guitar. Harmonica was added to later versions of the song. It echoed the loneliness and isolation of an inmate awaiting his execution. You can feel the conflict inside the character by his thoughts and his regrets and his misplaced anger.
"Footsteps" was propelled the argument that Pearl Jam's b sides were sometimes better than the album tracks. "Yellow Ledbetter" would be the ultimate argument of that statement. I loved this song in the early nineties. Mostly because it was almost like my own secret Pearl Jam song. No one except the true fans knew about this stuff. And if the others did, they didn't bother to listen to it. This was a treat for the fans.
I think that this still holds true today. Pearl Jam litters their singles with quality b sides that could make wonderful albums on their own. The rest of the world has caught up to the fans with the release of Lost Dogs. It contains b sides and unreleased gems from throughout Pearl Jam's career. And yes, it contains this song. Now that the secret is out, I still feel that it my own special Pearl Jam treat.
Lyrics:
Don't even think about reachin' me
I won't be home
Don't even think about stoppin' by
Don't think of me at all
I did, what I had to do
If there was a reason, it was you...
Don't even think of gettin' inside
Voices in my head, voices
I got scratches, all over my arms
One for each day, since I fell apart
I did, what I had to do
If there was a reason, it was you...
Footsteps in the hall, it was you, you
Pictures on my test, it was you
It was you...
I did, what I had to do
And if there was a reason
Oh, there wasn't no reason, no
And if, there's something you'd like to do
Just let me continue, to blame you
Footsteps in the hall, it was you, you
Pictures on my chest, it was you, you
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
When Doves Cry - Prince
Artist: Prince
Song: When Doves Cry
Year: 1984
Album: Purple Rain
Since when does a "dance" song not have a bass line? Since almost never, but this Prince song is the exception to that rule. I could mention the iconic video, but why bother. You are not going to see it. Prince (or his management) deletes and/or mutes every video that is put up on YouTube featuring Prince. Isn't that kind of sad?
I can see disabling the embedding feature, but to deliberately sabotage videos on YouTube is pretty low. This is no way to gain fans. It almost seems that Prince's entire career is based upon pissing the fans off and making his music virtually inaccessible to the average fan. That is, unless you pay him for the privilege of being in his fan club. They get exclusives that no one else gets.
I can remember listening to "When Doves Cry" when I was a kid. I thought the structure of the song was funky. It had a catchy beat, but I couldn't figure out why it did. I think the images for the video helped out tremendously. For someone so dependent on visuals, isn't it strange that Prince's policy is to destroy all web based streaming content of his videos?
I love Prince's songs. I have never run into a really bad Prince song. The only thing that I don't like about it is Prince's ability to shoot himself in his tiny little foot. The fans deserve better treatment. The music is revolutionized. The artist is not.
Lyrics:
Dig if you will a picture
Of you and I engaged in a kiss
The sweat of your body covers me
Can you my darling,
Can you picture this?
Dream if you can a courtyard
An ocean of violets in bloom
Animals strike curious poses
They feel the heat,
The heat between me and you
How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world so cold? (A world so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father, too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (She's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like when doves CRY!!!
Touch if you will my stomach
Feel how it trembles inside
You've got the butterflies all tied up
Don't make me chase you
Even doves have pride
How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world so cold? (A world so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father, too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (She's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like when doves CRY!!!
How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world so cold? (A world so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father, too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (She's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves CRY!!!
There are no YouTube videos of Prince music videos or songs.
Song: When Doves Cry
Year: 1984
Album: Purple Rain
Since when does a "dance" song not have a bass line? Since almost never, but this Prince song is the exception to that rule. I could mention the iconic video, but why bother. You are not going to see it. Prince (or his management) deletes and/or mutes every video that is put up on YouTube featuring Prince. Isn't that kind of sad?
I can see disabling the embedding feature, but to deliberately sabotage videos on YouTube is pretty low. This is no way to gain fans. It almost seems that Prince's entire career is based upon pissing the fans off and making his music virtually inaccessible to the average fan. That is, unless you pay him for the privilege of being in his fan club. They get exclusives that no one else gets.
I can remember listening to "When Doves Cry" when I was a kid. I thought the structure of the song was funky. It had a catchy beat, but I couldn't figure out why it did. I think the images for the video helped out tremendously. For someone so dependent on visuals, isn't it strange that Prince's policy is to destroy all web based streaming content of his videos?
I love Prince's songs. I have never run into a really bad Prince song. The only thing that I don't like about it is Prince's ability to shoot himself in his tiny little foot. The fans deserve better treatment. The music is revolutionized. The artist is not.
Lyrics:
Dig if you will a picture
Of you and I engaged in a kiss
The sweat of your body covers me
Can you my darling,
Can you picture this?
Dream if you can a courtyard
An ocean of violets in bloom
Animals strike curious poses
They feel the heat,
The heat between me and you
How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world so cold? (A world so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father, too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (She's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like when doves CRY!!!
Touch if you will my stomach
Feel how it trembles inside
You've got the butterflies all tied up
Don't make me chase you
Even doves have pride
How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world so cold? (A world so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father, too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (She's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like when doves CRY!!!
How can you just leave me standing?
Alone in a world so cold? (A world so cold)
Maybe I'm just too demanding
Maybe I'm just like my father, too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother
She's never satisfied (She's never satisfied)
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like
When doves CRY!!!
There are no YouTube videos of Prince music videos or songs.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Stephanie Knows Who - Love
Artist: Love
Song: Stephanie Knows Who
Year: 1967
Album: De Capo
Anyone who was anyone in the sixties knew about Arthur Lee's band, Love. The Doors wanted to be Love. They are on record as saying they would be happy if they could make an album that sounded half as good as a Love record. The Rolling Stones drew inspiration for the song, "She's A Rainbow" from another one of Love's songs.
Today, the band is largely forgotten. I never hear radio play Love. I never hear anyone talk about Love. That's a shame. Love is a once in a lifetime type of band. They inspired so many to do so much. We all owe a large debt of gratitude to this band. Without them, many of the songs and artists that we know and love would not exist.
De Capo would be a transition record of sorts. Love was starting to evolve past the sound of their first album, but had not quite advanced to the state of their third album. Although this album, and most of its songs, are critically acclaimed, the album can become a bit uneven.
The first half of the album recalls Love's first album. The second half prepares the listener for the broader spectrum of the upcoming third album, which is said to be Love's best. I cannot figure out a reason for a band like Love to ride so high in the late sixties, only to be relatively unknown in the present day. Most good bands are rediscovered later on. Let's hope this happens with Love.
Lyrics:
What's in your life, dear Stephanie
What's in your life for me
Aches and pains they cloud your sight
But tired you did you said you did
What can I say, dear Stephanie
Who shall I next inform
Of love and poetry that you bring
Your eyes, your hair, your everything
Yeah
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
Come on, come on, come on, come on
What am I now, dear Stephanie
Am I you in disguise
The words they come so naturally
I save them all for Stephanie, yeah
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Hey, all right
Talk to me all the time
From A to Z and in between
Say it sweet all the time
All the time, yeah ...
Song: Stephanie Knows Who
Year: 1967
Album: De Capo
Anyone who was anyone in the sixties knew about Arthur Lee's band, Love. The Doors wanted to be Love. They are on record as saying they would be happy if they could make an album that sounded half as good as a Love record. The Rolling Stones drew inspiration for the song, "She's A Rainbow" from another one of Love's songs.
Today, the band is largely forgotten. I never hear radio play Love. I never hear anyone talk about Love. That's a shame. Love is a once in a lifetime type of band. They inspired so many to do so much. We all owe a large debt of gratitude to this band. Without them, many of the songs and artists that we know and love would not exist.
De Capo would be a transition record of sorts. Love was starting to evolve past the sound of their first album, but had not quite advanced to the state of their third album. Although this album, and most of its songs, are critically acclaimed, the album can become a bit uneven.
The first half of the album recalls Love's first album. The second half prepares the listener for the broader spectrum of the upcoming third album, which is said to be Love's best. I cannot figure out a reason for a band like Love to ride so high in the late sixties, only to be relatively unknown in the present day. Most good bands are rediscovered later on. Let's hope this happens with Love.
Lyrics:
What's in your life, dear Stephanie
What's in your life for me
Aches and pains they cloud your sight
But tired you did you said you did
What can I say, dear Stephanie
Who shall I next inform
Of love and poetry that you bring
Your eyes, your hair, your everything
Yeah
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
Come on, come on, come on, come on
What am I now, dear Stephanie
Am I you in disguise
The words they come so naturally
I save them all for Stephanie, yeah
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
Come on, come on, come on, come on
Hey, all right
Talk to me all the time
From A to Z and in between
Say it sweet all the time
All the time, yeah ...
Monday, December 8, 2008
Walk - Pantera
Artist: Pantera
Song: Walk
Year: 1992
Album: Vulgar Display Of Power
I can't believe that four years have passed since the death of Darrell Abbott. He was better known as Dimebag Darrell, the amazing guitarist for Damageplan and Pantera. The Abbot brothers defined the sound of Pantera. From their glam beginnings to their cowboy heavy metal, they were the core. Of course Phil Anselmo's vocals pushed the vision into the limelight.
Pantera worked as a whole. When tensions split the band, the resulting projects never had the same life. Pantera was unique and special. It will never happen again. For years, I have associated December 8th with the birth of Jim Morrison and the death of John Lennon. Each have their own important place in rock history, but Dimebag Darrell should not be forgotten so easily. Like Lennon, he was murdered by a gun. Unlike Lennon, Darrell Abbott was playing on stage at the time.
"Walk" was the song that catapulted Pantera into the mainstream. It has a simple and effective guitar riff and a chanting chorus. It's just the type of song to whip a crowd into a frenzy. This was usually the song that started the mosh pits at a Pantera concert.
I was privileged enough to see Pantera twice. The first time was with White Zombie at Rosemont Horizon, which has since changed names. The second was at the Aragon Ballroom. Rosemont was a barn. The crowd ate Pantera up though. It was an enjoyable experience. The Aragon show was one of the best concerts I've ever seen. This crowd was there to see Pantera. There were no posers in the crowd. It was pure Pantera fans wall to wall in the venue. I am lucky to have seen that one.
Lyrics:
Can't you see I'm easily bothered by persistence?
One step from lashing out at you
You want in to get under my skin and call yourself a friend
I've got more friends like you, what do I do?
Is there no standard anymore?
What it takes who I am where I've been belong
You can't be something you're not
Be yourself, by yourself, stay away from me
A lesson learned in life, known from the dawn of time
Re-spect, walk
What do you say?
Re-spect, walk
Are you talkin' to me?
Are you talkin' to me?
Run your mouth when I'm not around, it's easy to achieve
You cry to weak friends that sympathize
Can you hear the violins playing your song?
Those same friends tell me your every word
Is there no standard anymore?
What it takes who I am where I've been belong
You can't be something you're not
Be yourself, by yourself, stay away from me
A lesson learned in life, known from the dawn of time
Re-spect, walk
What do you say?
Re-spect, walk
Are you talkin' to me?
Re-spect, walk
What do you say?
Re-spect, walk
Are you talkin' to me?
Are you talkin' to me?
No way punk!
Re-spect, walk
What do you say?
Re-spect, walk
Are you talkin' to me?
Re-spect, walk
What do you say?
Re-spect, walk
Are you talkin' to me?
Are you talkin' to me?
Walk on home boy.
Song: Walk
Year: 1992
Album: Vulgar Display Of Power
I can't believe that four years have passed since the death of Darrell Abbott. He was better known as Dimebag Darrell, the amazing guitarist for Damageplan and Pantera. The Abbot brothers defined the sound of Pantera. From their glam beginnings to their cowboy heavy metal, they were the core. Of course Phil Anselmo's vocals pushed the vision into the limelight.
Pantera worked as a whole. When tensions split the band, the resulting projects never had the same life. Pantera was unique and special. It will never happen again. For years, I have associated December 8th with the birth of Jim Morrison and the death of John Lennon. Each have their own important place in rock history, but Dimebag Darrell should not be forgotten so easily. Like Lennon, he was murdered by a gun. Unlike Lennon, Darrell Abbott was playing on stage at the time.
"Walk" was the song that catapulted Pantera into the mainstream. It has a simple and effective guitar riff and a chanting chorus. It's just the type of song to whip a crowd into a frenzy. This was usually the song that started the mosh pits at a Pantera concert.
I was privileged enough to see Pantera twice. The first time was with White Zombie at Rosemont Horizon, which has since changed names. The second was at the Aragon Ballroom. Rosemont was a barn. The crowd ate Pantera up though. It was an enjoyable experience. The Aragon show was one of the best concerts I've ever seen. This crowd was there to see Pantera. There were no posers in the crowd. It was pure Pantera fans wall to wall in the venue. I am lucky to have seen that one.
Lyrics:
Can't you see I'm easily bothered by persistence?
One step from lashing out at you
You want in to get under my skin and call yourself a friend
I've got more friends like you, what do I do?
Is there no standard anymore?
What it takes who I am where I've been belong
You can't be something you're not
Be yourself, by yourself, stay away from me
A lesson learned in life, known from the dawn of time
Re-spect, walk
What do you say?
Re-spect, walk
Are you talkin' to me?
Are you talkin' to me?
Run your mouth when I'm not around, it's easy to achieve
You cry to weak friends that sympathize
Can you hear the violins playing your song?
Those same friends tell me your every word
Is there no standard anymore?
What it takes who I am where I've been belong
You can't be something you're not
Be yourself, by yourself, stay away from me
A lesson learned in life, known from the dawn of time
Re-spect, walk
What do you say?
Re-spect, walk
Are you talkin' to me?
Re-spect, walk
What do you say?
Re-spect, walk
Are you talkin' to me?
Are you talkin' to me?
No way punk!
Re-spect, walk
What do you say?
Re-spect, walk
Are you talkin' to me?
Re-spect, walk
What do you say?
Re-spect, walk
Are you talkin' to me?
Are you talkin' to me?
Walk on home boy.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
I'm Super - Big Gay Al
Artist: Big Gay Al
Song: I'm Super
Year: 1999
Album: South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut
While I've been busy today, I haven't forgotten about the once a day format on this site. I'll keep it brief.
This song always cheers me up. I love the entire movie. It has catchy and risque songs. There some toe tapping fun! I loved the juxtaposition of Big Gay Al singing at a military show. Brilliant!
Enjoy the song from the movie with clips from The Dark Knight. It actually fits in an eerie sort of way.
Lyrics:
Bombs are flying
People are dying
Children are crying
Politicians are lying too.
Cancer is killing
Texaco's spilling
The whole world's gone to hell
But how are you?
I'm super
Thanks for asking
All things considered
I couldn't be better I must say
I'm feeling super
No, nothing bugs me
Everything is super when you're
Don't you think I look cute in this hat
I'm so sorry
Mr. Cripple
But I just can't feel too bad for you right now.
Because I'm feeling
So insanely super
That even the fact that you can't walk
Can't bring me down
[Background singers:]
He's super
Thanks for asking
All things considered
He couldn't be better he must say
[Big Gay Al:]
I'm super
No, nothing bugs me
Everything is super when you're
Don't you think I look cute in this hat
These little pants, this matching tie
That I got at Vogue
I'm super
[Background singers:]
In the barracks and the trenches as well
[Big Gay Al:]
Stick 'em up.
[Background singers:]
Big Gay Al says do ask do tell
[Big Gay Al:]
Skittles
[Background singers:]
Yes he's super and he's proud to be gay
[Big Gay Al:]
OK
[Background singers:]
Everything is super when you're gay!
When you're gay!
Song: I'm Super
Year: 1999
Album: South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut
While I've been busy today, I haven't forgotten about the once a day format on this site. I'll keep it brief.
This song always cheers me up. I love the entire movie. It has catchy and risque songs. There some toe tapping fun! I loved the juxtaposition of Big Gay Al singing at a military show. Brilliant!
Enjoy the song from the movie with clips from The Dark Knight. It actually fits in an eerie sort of way.
Lyrics:
Bombs are flying
People are dying
Children are crying
Politicians are lying too.
Cancer is killing
Texaco's spilling
The whole world's gone to hell
But how are you?
I'm super
Thanks for asking
All things considered
I couldn't be better I must say
I'm feeling super
No, nothing bugs me
Everything is super when you're
Don't you think I look cute in this hat
I'm so sorry
Mr. Cripple
But I just can't feel too bad for you right now.
Because I'm feeling
So insanely super
That even the fact that you can't walk
Can't bring me down
[Background singers:]
He's super
Thanks for asking
All things considered
He couldn't be better he must say
[Big Gay Al:]
I'm super
No, nothing bugs me
Everything is super when you're
Don't you think I look cute in this hat
These little pants, this matching tie
That I got at Vogue
I'm super
[Background singers:]
In the barracks and the trenches as well
[Big Gay Al:]
Stick 'em up.
[Background singers:]
Big Gay Al says do ask do tell
[Big Gay Al:]
Skittles
[Background singers:]
Yes he's super and he's proud to be gay
[Big Gay Al:]
OK
[Background singers:]
Everything is super when you're gay!
When you're gay!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Ty Cobb - Soundgarden
Artist: Soundgarden
Song: Ty Cobb
Year: 1996
Album: Down On The Upside
The fourth single from Down On The Upside was "Ty Cobb". It remains the last burst of energy from the now defunct band Soundgarden. Originally titled. "Hot Rod Death Toll", the song was renamed "Ty Cobb" because it reminded bassist and co-writer Ben Shepard of the ballplayer Ty Cobb.
I was privileged enough to see Soundgarden on the 1996 Lollapalooza tour. They were there at the insistance of Metallica. They performed right before Metallica each night. I saw the show at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds in Illinois. Let's just say the people of Pecatonica were not ready for people traveling from all over the state to converge on their little town. It's out of the way and the signs are practically hidden from the main road.
By the time Soundgarden came on, the sun was making the last of its presence known. After a day of hot sun with no shade and very little refreshment, I was ready to call it quits. I still had a three to four hour drive ahead of me. Soundgarden gave it their all and when "Ty Cobb" came on, the crowd ate it up and moshed their brains out.
When Metallica went on, I had a raging headache from sun exposure and dehydration. There was water available for close to $5 a bottle. That's steep today, but in 1996, it was highway robbery. The next year Lollapalooza returned to Tinley Park and then it disappeared for almost a decade. I have fond memories of that day, but I don't ever want a repeat of that day. I didn't get home until 4:30 in the morning and my day of driving and concert going started 23 hours earlier. Still, I'm happy I went.
Lyrics:
I'm sittin' in a magic hat with smoke and mirrors and tire rubber fires
Watch me disappear
What made it slow you down?
Sucking on a ball and chain
Another motherfucker goes down the drain
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Just add it up (To the hot rod death toll)
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Just add it up (To the hot rod death toll)
Sick in the head, sick in the mouth
And I don't hear a word you say
Not a bit and I don't give a shit
I got the glass, I got the steel
I got everything
And now I need is your head on a stake
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Just add it up (To the hot rod death toll)
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Just add it all up (To the hot rod death toll)
Hard headed fuck you all (Hard headed)
Hard headed fuck you all (Hard headed)
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Just add it up (To the hot rod death toll)
(To the hot rod death toll)
(To the hot rod death toll)
(To the hot rod death toll)
(To the hot rod death toll)
Song: Ty Cobb
Year: 1996
Album: Down On The Upside
The fourth single from Down On The Upside was "Ty Cobb". It remains the last burst of energy from the now defunct band Soundgarden. Originally titled. "Hot Rod Death Toll", the song was renamed "Ty Cobb" because it reminded bassist and co-writer Ben Shepard of the ballplayer Ty Cobb.
I was privileged enough to see Soundgarden on the 1996 Lollapalooza tour. They were there at the insistance of Metallica. They performed right before Metallica each night. I saw the show at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds in Illinois. Let's just say the people of Pecatonica were not ready for people traveling from all over the state to converge on their little town. It's out of the way and the signs are practically hidden from the main road.
By the time Soundgarden came on, the sun was making the last of its presence known. After a day of hot sun with no shade and very little refreshment, I was ready to call it quits. I still had a three to four hour drive ahead of me. Soundgarden gave it their all and when "Ty Cobb" came on, the crowd ate it up and moshed their brains out.
When Metallica went on, I had a raging headache from sun exposure and dehydration. There was water available for close to $5 a bottle. That's steep today, but in 1996, it was highway robbery. The next year Lollapalooza returned to Tinley Park and then it disappeared for almost a decade. I have fond memories of that day, but I don't ever want a repeat of that day. I didn't get home until 4:30 in the morning and my day of driving and concert going started 23 hours earlier. Still, I'm happy I went.
Lyrics:
I'm sittin' in a magic hat with smoke and mirrors and tire rubber fires
Watch me disappear
What made it slow you down?
Sucking on a ball and chain
Another motherfucker goes down the drain
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Just add it up (To the hot rod death toll)
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Just add it up (To the hot rod death toll)
Sick in the head, sick in the mouth
And I don't hear a word you say
Not a bit and I don't give a shit
I got the glass, I got the steel
I got everything
And now I need is your head on a stake
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Just add it up (To the hot rod death toll)
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Just add it all up (To the hot rod death toll)
Hard headed fuck you all (Hard headed)
Hard headed fuck you all (Hard headed)
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Hard headed fuck you all
Just add it up (To the hot rod death toll)
(To the hot rod death toll)
(To the hot rod death toll)
(To the hot rod death toll)
(To the hot rod death toll)
Friday, December 5, 2008
Icky Thump - White Stripes
Artist: White Stripes
Song: Icky Thump
Year: 2007
Album: Icky Thump
"Icky Thump" is a bit of a departure and a revival for the White Stripes. It marks a return to politically themed songs. It also features a radical movement towards a different sound, while still retaining their signature sound. This is a song of maturity for Jack and Meg White.
The song deals with the topic of immigration. In the video, Jack easily crosses the border into Mexico, only to face the same problems that Mexican immigrants face when coming into the United States. He is forced to work for essentially slave labor until he can make it back into the United States.
The addition of other instruments and other sounds is a welcome change. I think Jack's other musical ventures are finally impacting the White Stripes. That could be a wonderful thing. The changes in this song are particularly pleasant. The synthesizer snake charmer solos are an interesting add to the song.
The lyrics seem to be more stream-of-consciousness based. It makes for a different style of song that is constructed uniquely from the rest of the catalogue. Change is not always good, but Jack has found the right path to move forward.
Lyrics:
Yah-hee, icky thump,
Who'd thunk?
Sittin' drunk on a wagon to Mexico.
Ah, well, what a chump,
Well, my head got a bump when I hit it on the radio.
Redhead señorita looking dead came and said,
"Need a bed?", en español.
I said, "Gimme drink of water,
I'm gonna sing around the colla'
And I don't need a microphone."
Icky thump with a lump in my throat,
Grabbed my coat and I was freakin',
I was ready to go.
And I swear besides the hair,
She had one white eye,
One black stare,
Lookin' up, lyin' there.
On the stand near her hand was a candy cane,
Black rum, sugar cane, dry ice, something strange.
La, la, la, la, la, la, la...
La, la, la, la, la, la, la...
White Americans what nothin better to do
Why don't ya kick yourself out, you're
an immigrant too.
Who's using who?
What should we do?
Well, you can't be a pimp and a prostitute, too.
Icky thump, handcuffed to a bunk, robbed blind,
Looked around and there was nobody else.
Left alone, I hit myself with a stone,
Went home and learned how to clean up after myself.
Song: Icky Thump
Year: 2007
Album: Icky Thump
"Icky Thump" is a bit of a departure and a revival for the White Stripes. It marks a return to politically themed songs. It also features a radical movement towards a different sound, while still retaining their signature sound. This is a song of maturity for Jack and Meg White.
The song deals with the topic of immigration. In the video, Jack easily crosses the border into Mexico, only to face the same problems that Mexican immigrants face when coming into the United States. He is forced to work for essentially slave labor until he can make it back into the United States.
The addition of other instruments and other sounds is a welcome change. I think Jack's other musical ventures are finally impacting the White Stripes. That could be a wonderful thing. The changes in this song are particularly pleasant. The synthesizer snake charmer solos are an interesting add to the song.
The lyrics seem to be more stream-of-consciousness based. It makes for a different style of song that is constructed uniquely from the rest of the catalogue. Change is not always good, but Jack has found the right path to move forward.
Lyrics:
Yah-hee, icky thump,
Who'd thunk?
Sittin' drunk on a wagon to Mexico.
Ah, well, what a chump,
Well, my head got a bump when I hit it on the radio.
Redhead señorita looking dead came and said,
"Need a bed?", en español.
I said, "Gimme drink of water,
I'm gonna sing around the colla'
And I don't need a microphone."
Icky thump with a lump in my throat,
Grabbed my coat and I was freakin',
I was ready to go.
And I swear besides the hair,
She had one white eye,
One black stare,
Lookin' up, lyin' there.
On the stand near her hand was a candy cane,
Black rum, sugar cane, dry ice, something strange.
La, la, la, la, la, la, la...
La, la, la, la, la, la, la...
White Americans what nothin better to do
Why don't ya kick yourself out, you're
an immigrant too.
Who's using who?
What should we do?
Well, you can't be a pimp and a prostitute, too.
Icky thump, handcuffed to a bunk, robbed blind,
Looked around and there was nobody else.
Left alone, I hit myself with a stone,
Went home and learned how to clean up after myself.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Shot In The Dark - Ozzy Osbourne
Artist: Ozzy Obsourne
Song: Shot In The Dark
Year: 1986
Album: The Ultimate Sin
This album is full of legal troubles. This song is one of the hot bed issues. The "writer" of the song, Phil Soussan, seems to have stolen the song from his previous band, Wildlife. It would be one thing if he had actually written the original version but Steve and Chris Overland, of Wildlife, actually wrote the original piece.
This was Ozzy's biggest solo hit and a concert favorite. Ozzy reportedly found out about the original version in 1992 and immediately stopped playing the song in concert. This was also Ozzy's best selling album, up to that point. After the 1995 reissue, the album has not been reprinted, unlike the rest of the catalogue.
"Shot In The Dark" is a pretty standard hit from the mid-eighties metal scene. It's a decent song and I can definitely see why it was a hit back then. It's catchy and has a good melody. Pair that with a video that was played all over MTV and you've got a good size hit on your hands.
The video is pretty laughable today. A girls night out on the town. The girls all have the high hair and the requisite denim and leather outfits. The driver, while obviously female, reminds me of Axl Rose from that period. They're bored and see an Ozzy billboard, so they find themselves at his concert. Then a girl is possessed by the music. Ozzy is in his chunky grandmother perm phase and the Overland brothers still haven't seen a penny to my knowledge.
Lyrics:
Out on the streets I'm stalking the night
I can hear my heavy breathing
Paid for the kill, but it doesn't seem right
Something there I can't believe in
Voices are calling from inside my head
I can hear them, I can hear them
Vanishing memories of things that were said
They can't try to hurt me now
But a shot in the dark
One step away from you
Just a shot in the dark
Always creeping up on you
All right
Taught by the powers that preach over me
I can hear their empty reasons
I wouldn't listen, I learned how to fight
I opened up my mind to treason
But just like the wounded, and when it's too late
They'll remember, they'll surrender
Never a care for the people who hate
Underestimate me now
But a shot in the dark
One step away from you
Just a shot in the dark
Nothing that you can do
Just a shot in the dark
Always creeping up on you
All right
But just like the wounded, and when it's too late
They'll remember, they'll surrender
Never a care for the people who hate
Underestimate me now
But a shot in the dark
One step away from you
Just a shot in the dark
Nothing that you can do
Just a shot in the dark
Always creeping up on you
All right
Just a shot in the dark
Just a shot in the dark
Just a shot in the dark
Just a shot in the dark
Song: Shot In The Dark
Year: 1986
Album: The Ultimate Sin
This album is full of legal troubles. This song is one of the hot bed issues. The "writer" of the song, Phil Soussan, seems to have stolen the song from his previous band, Wildlife. It would be one thing if he had actually written the original version but Steve and Chris Overland, of Wildlife, actually wrote the original piece.
This was Ozzy's biggest solo hit and a concert favorite. Ozzy reportedly found out about the original version in 1992 and immediately stopped playing the song in concert. This was also Ozzy's best selling album, up to that point. After the 1995 reissue, the album has not been reprinted, unlike the rest of the catalogue.
"Shot In The Dark" is a pretty standard hit from the mid-eighties metal scene. It's a decent song and I can definitely see why it was a hit back then. It's catchy and has a good melody. Pair that with a video that was played all over MTV and you've got a good size hit on your hands.
The video is pretty laughable today. A girls night out on the town. The girls all have the high hair and the requisite denim and leather outfits. The driver, while obviously female, reminds me of Axl Rose from that period. They're bored and see an Ozzy billboard, so they find themselves at his concert. Then a girl is possessed by the music. Ozzy is in his chunky grandmother perm phase and the Overland brothers still haven't seen a penny to my knowledge.
Lyrics:
Out on the streets I'm stalking the night
I can hear my heavy breathing
Paid for the kill, but it doesn't seem right
Something there I can't believe in
Voices are calling from inside my head
I can hear them, I can hear them
Vanishing memories of things that were said
They can't try to hurt me now
But a shot in the dark
One step away from you
Just a shot in the dark
Always creeping up on you
All right
Taught by the powers that preach over me
I can hear their empty reasons
I wouldn't listen, I learned how to fight
I opened up my mind to treason
But just like the wounded, and when it's too late
They'll remember, they'll surrender
Never a care for the people who hate
Underestimate me now
But a shot in the dark
One step away from you
Just a shot in the dark
Nothing that you can do
Just a shot in the dark
Always creeping up on you
All right
But just like the wounded, and when it's too late
They'll remember, they'll surrender
Never a care for the people who hate
Underestimate me now
But a shot in the dark
One step away from you
Just a shot in the dark
Nothing that you can do
Just a shot in the dark
Always creeping up on you
All right
Just a shot in the dark
Just a shot in the dark
Just a shot in the dark
Just a shot in the dark
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Dead Skin Mask - Slayer
Artist: Slayer
Song: Dead Skin Mask
Year: 1990
Album: Seasons In The Abyss
Before you dismiss Slayer, take the time to actually listen to their music. You will find that each song has been meticulously created to be a unique experience. There are no repeated licks. There are no repeated lyrics. There are the horrors of real life laid out in song.
The horrors of war. The reality of serial killers. The underside of human existence is present in these songs. It's a reality that we cannot face, but one that we must face. The tales told in Slayer songs are ones of reality. They are gritty stories that recall horrible things and make each one sound delicate and somehow bursting with a strange beauty.
"Dead Skin Mask" tells us the story of Ed Gein. Ed was a serial killer in Wisconsin and spawned the fictional inspirations of Norman Bates, Jame (Buffalo Bill) Gumb (from Silence Of The Lambs) and Leatherface. While Ed Gein would make his mark on popular culture, Slayer would strip away the mythos and present a more morbid tale.
The music for "Dead Skin Mask" is mood appropriate. It mimics the feeling of childhood innocence and creates a sinister tone around that. The build up to the end is just right. The end of the songs features a release. Almost as if you are following Ed Gein until his luck runs out.
Lyrics:
How I've waited for you to come
I've been here all alone
Now that you've arrived
Please stay a while
And I promise I won't keep you long
I'll keep you forever
Graze the skin with my finger tips
The brush of dead cold flesh pacifies [sings "appease"] the
means
Provoking images delicate features so smooth
A pleasant fragrance in the light of the moon
Dance with the dead in my dreams
Listen to their hallowed screams
The dead have taken my soul
Temptation's lost all control
Simple smiles elude psychotic eyes
Lose all mind control rationale declines
Empty eyes enslave the creations
Of placid faces and lifeless pageants
In the depths of a mind insane
Fantasy and reality are the same
Graze the skin with my finger tips
The brush of dead warm flesh pacifies the means
Incised members ornaments on my being
Adulating the skin before me
Simple smiles elude psychotic eyes
Lose all mind control rationale declines
Empty eyes enslave the creations
Of placid faces and lifeless pageants
Dance with the dead in my dreams (Hello? Hello Mr Gein?)
Listen to their hollowed screams (Mr Gein?)
The dead have taken my soul (Lemme out of here Mr Gein)
Temptation's lost all control (Mr Gein? I don't wanna play anymore Mr Gein)
(Dance with the dead in my dreams (Mr Gein, it's not any fun anymore,)
Listen to their hollowed screams (I don't want to play anymore Mr Gein)
The dead have taken my soul (Mr Gein? Lemme out of here Mr Gein
Temptation's lost all control) (Lemme out, LEMMMMEEE OOUUUUUUTTT!!)
Song: Dead Skin Mask
Year: 1990
Album: Seasons In The Abyss
Before you dismiss Slayer, take the time to actually listen to their music. You will find that each song has been meticulously created to be a unique experience. There are no repeated licks. There are no repeated lyrics. There are the horrors of real life laid out in song.
The horrors of war. The reality of serial killers. The underside of human existence is present in these songs. It's a reality that we cannot face, but one that we must face. The tales told in Slayer songs are ones of reality. They are gritty stories that recall horrible things and make each one sound delicate and somehow bursting with a strange beauty.
"Dead Skin Mask" tells us the story of Ed Gein. Ed was a serial killer in Wisconsin and spawned the fictional inspirations of Norman Bates, Jame (Buffalo Bill) Gumb (from Silence Of The Lambs) and Leatherface. While Ed Gein would make his mark on popular culture, Slayer would strip away the mythos and present a more morbid tale.
The music for "Dead Skin Mask" is mood appropriate. It mimics the feeling of childhood innocence and creates a sinister tone around that. The build up to the end is just right. The end of the songs features a release. Almost as if you are following Ed Gein until his luck runs out.
Lyrics:
How I've waited for you to come
I've been here all alone
Now that you've arrived
Please stay a while
And I promise I won't keep you long
I'll keep you forever
Graze the skin with my finger tips
The brush of dead cold flesh pacifies [sings "appease"] the
means
Provoking images delicate features so smooth
A pleasant fragrance in the light of the moon
Dance with the dead in my dreams
Listen to their hallowed screams
The dead have taken my soul
Temptation's lost all control
Simple smiles elude psychotic eyes
Lose all mind control rationale declines
Empty eyes enslave the creations
Of placid faces and lifeless pageants
In the depths of a mind insane
Fantasy and reality are the same
Graze the skin with my finger tips
The brush of dead warm flesh pacifies the means
Incised members ornaments on my being
Adulating the skin before me
Simple smiles elude psychotic eyes
Lose all mind control rationale declines
Empty eyes enslave the creations
Of placid faces and lifeless pageants
Dance with the dead in my dreams (Hello? Hello Mr Gein?)
Listen to their hollowed screams (Mr Gein?)
The dead have taken my soul (Lemme out of here Mr Gein)
Temptation's lost all control (Mr Gein? I don't wanna play anymore Mr Gein)
(Dance with the dead in my dreams (Mr Gein, it's not any fun anymore,)
Listen to their hollowed screams (I don't want to play anymore Mr Gein)
The dead have taken my soul (Mr Gein? Lemme out of here Mr Gein
Temptation's lost all control) (Lemme out, LEMMMMEEE OOUUUUUUTTT!!)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Crazy - Aerosmith
Artist: Aerosmith
Song: Crazy
Year: 1993
Album: Get A Grip
As soon as I picked up this album in 1993, I could pick out the five singles. I think it was more of a formula back then. This was the one questionable song. My friends thought I was nuts. They said it was good, but not single worthy. Fear not, I assured them. This would be a single.
I was right and they mysteriously forget the conversation ever took place. That's fine by me. I'm just happy that my ear was able to pick the singles out. I guess I missed out on an opportunity to be an A&R man. Oh well.
This was one of the trio of videos starring Alicia Silverstone. I appreciated the effort that Aerosmith took to hook in the MTV generation. That strategy wouldn't work now. There's no cohesive way to watch videos. MTV is all reality shows and VH1 is all pop culture countdowns and reality shows. I miss turning on the television and vegging out to videos for a few hours.
I would say that this is the last smash album by Aerosmith. At least exposure-wise. This album was everywhere. You know it's bad when an album track shows up in a Jim Carrey movie before he was "Jim Carrey", movie star. The thing I remember most of all about this video is the runaway tractor and the farmboy picking his nose in the car. Those seemed "Crazy", even for the video.
Lyrics:
Come 'ere baby
You know you drive me up the wall
The way you make good for all the nasty tricks you pull
Seems like we're makin' up more than we're makin' love
And it always seems you've got something on your mind
Other than me
Girl, you gotta change your crazy ways - you hear me
Say you're leavin' on the seven thirty train
And that you're heading out to hollywood
Girl, you've been givin' me that line so many times
It kinda gets that feelin' bad looks good
That kinda lovin' turns a man to a slave
That kinda lovin' sends a man right to his grave
I go crazy, crazy, baby, i go crazy
You turn it on - then you're gone
Yeah you drive me crazy, crazy, crazy for you baby
What can i do, honey
I feel like the color blue
You're packin' up your stuff
And and talkin' like it's tough
And tryin' to tell me
That it's time to go
But i know you ain't wearin' nothin' underneath that
Overcoat and that it's all a show
That kinda lovin' makes me wanna pull down the shade,
Yeah
That kinda lovin' yeah, now i'm never gonna be the same
I go crazy, crazy, baby, i go crazy
You turn it on - then you're gone
Yeah you drive me crazy, crazy, crazy for you baby
What can i do, honey
I feel like the color blue
I'm losing my mind
Girl, 'cause i'm goin' crazy
I need your love, honey, yeah
I need your love
I go crazy, crazy, baby, i go crazy
You turn it on - then you're gone
Yeah you drive me crazy, crazy, crazy for you baby
What can i do, honey
I feel like the color blue
Song: Crazy
Year: 1993
Album: Get A Grip
As soon as I picked up this album in 1993, I could pick out the five singles. I think it was more of a formula back then. This was the one questionable song. My friends thought I was nuts. They said it was good, but not single worthy. Fear not, I assured them. This would be a single.
I was right and they mysteriously forget the conversation ever took place. That's fine by me. I'm just happy that my ear was able to pick the singles out. I guess I missed out on an opportunity to be an A&R man. Oh well.
This was one of the trio of videos starring Alicia Silverstone. I appreciated the effort that Aerosmith took to hook in the MTV generation. That strategy wouldn't work now. There's no cohesive way to watch videos. MTV is all reality shows and VH1 is all pop culture countdowns and reality shows. I miss turning on the television and vegging out to videos for a few hours.
I would say that this is the last smash album by Aerosmith. At least exposure-wise. This album was everywhere. You know it's bad when an album track shows up in a Jim Carrey movie before he was "Jim Carrey", movie star. The thing I remember most of all about this video is the runaway tractor and the farmboy picking his nose in the car. Those seemed "Crazy", even for the video.
Lyrics:
Come 'ere baby
You know you drive me up the wall
The way you make good for all the nasty tricks you pull
Seems like we're makin' up more than we're makin' love
And it always seems you've got something on your mind
Other than me
Girl, you gotta change your crazy ways - you hear me
Say you're leavin' on the seven thirty train
And that you're heading out to hollywood
Girl, you've been givin' me that line so many times
It kinda gets that feelin' bad looks good
That kinda lovin' turns a man to a slave
That kinda lovin' sends a man right to his grave
I go crazy, crazy, baby, i go crazy
You turn it on - then you're gone
Yeah you drive me crazy, crazy, crazy for you baby
What can i do, honey
I feel like the color blue
You're packin' up your stuff
And and talkin' like it's tough
And tryin' to tell me
That it's time to go
But i know you ain't wearin' nothin' underneath that
Overcoat and that it's all a show
That kinda lovin' makes me wanna pull down the shade,
Yeah
That kinda lovin' yeah, now i'm never gonna be the same
I go crazy, crazy, baby, i go crazy
You turn it on - then you're gone
Yeah you drive me crazy, crazy, crazy for you baby
What can i do, honey
I feel like the color blue
I'm losing my mind
Girl, 'cause i'm goin' crazy
I need your love, honey, yeah
I need your love
I go crazy, crazy, baby, i go crazy
You turn it on - then you're gone
Yeah you drive me crazy, crazy, crazy for you baby
What can i do, honey
I feel like the color blue
Monday, December 1, 2008
Blues Never Fade Away - Elton John
Artist: Elton John
Song: Blues Never Fade Away
Year: 2006
Album: The Captain & The Kid
Bernie Taupin and Elton John write and record beautiful songs. Most of their recent work have had a lot of meaning behind the lyrics. Since they have been around for four decades, each has seen their share of loss. Most of the losses they've had to deal with have been losses that we have had to endure as well. Though, I would imagine, they were a lot closer to the people that we've all lost in the during their careers.
All of the people mentioned or hinted at are real people that Bernie and Elton knew. They have been victims of AIDS or murder. There are so many people that fit the vague descriptions in the lyrics that memories of many celebrities and victims that were thrown into the spotlight appear through my mind when I hear this song.
Elton John songs lost their way in the nineties. Too much focus was on Disney soundtracks and quick cash that Elton did not seem relevant anymore. He became the old man singing the generic love songs. Thankfully, that image has washed away with the last few albums. He won't regain his old status as the hottest ticket in town, but he has become the elder statesman instead of the crooning old man.
Songs like this one show me that there is a lot left in Bernie and Elton's bag of tricks. There is still things to be said and music left to write. I'm just hoping that another soft rock bonanza doesn't pitfall the boys. That would be a tragedy.
Lyrics:
He wasn't famous but I sure did love him
I've got his picture in a little frame
He lost his life to a big disease before it even had a name
But there's so many more and I've lost count
The hows and whys aren't important now
All that matters is they came around
And brightened up our lives
She was twenty one with her life ahead
You don't need to know her name
She breathed her last on the cold stone floor of a Hollywood arcade
But fate's right hand isn't always just
Puts a lot of pressure on your faith and trust
She was just a little girl, ain't that enough
To rage against the day
And how did we get so lucky
Targets on the rifle range
Who makes the call and who gets to choose
Who gets to win and who gets to lose
It's like a rolling dice in the belly of the blues
And blues never fade away
Hey hey hey, colors run when the rain falls
But blues never fade away
He shone so bright with a lust for life
Like the Sun King that he was
His passions hung upon his walls and were printed onto cloth
And for reasons I never understood
About the choices made between the bad and good
I've tried to figure out why
The pain never goes away
And how did we get so lucky
Targets on the rifle range
Who makes the call and who gets to choose
Who gets to win and who gets to lose
It's like a rolling dice in the belly of the blues
And blues never fade away
Hey hey hey, colors run when the rain falls
But blues never fade away
And there's marble markers and little white crosses
Along the beaten path
And I've spread their ashes on the wind
And I miss John Lennon's laugh
And how did we get so lucky
Targets on the rifle range
Who makes the call and who gets to choose
Who gets to win and who gets to lose
It's like a rolling dice in the belly of the blues
And blues never fade away
Hey hey hey, colors run when the rain falls
But blues never fade away
Song: Blues Never Fade Away
Year: 2006
Album: The Captain & The Kid
Bernie Taupin and Elton John write and record beautiful songs. Most of their recent work have had a lot of meaning behind the lyrics. Since they have been around for four decades, each has seen their share of loss. Most of the losses they've had to deal with have been losses that we have had to endure as well. Though, I would imagine, they were a lot closer to the people that we've all lost in the during their careers.
All of the people mentioned or hinted at are real people that Bernie and Elton knew. They have been victims of AIDS or murder. There are so many people that fit the vague descriptions in the lyrics that memories of many celebrities and victims that were thrown into the spotlight appear through my mind when I hear this song.
Elton John songs lost their way in the nineties. Too much focus was on Disney soundtracks and quick cash that Elton did not seem relevant anymore. He became the old man singing the generic love songs. Thankfully, that image has washed away with the last few albums. He won't regain his old status as the hottest ticket in town, but he has become the elder statesman instead of the crooning old man.
Songs like this one show me that there is a lot left in Bernie and Elton's bag of tricks. There is still things to be said and music left to write. I'm just hoping that another soft rock bonanza doesn't pitfall the boys. That would be a tragedy.
Lyrics:
He wasn't famous but I sure did love him
I've got his picture in a little frame
He lost his life to a big disease before it even had a name
But there's so many more and I've lost count
The hows and whys aren't important now
All that matters is they came around
And brightened up our lives
She was twenty one with her life ahead
You don't need to know her name
She breathed her last on the cold stone floor of a Hollywood arcade
But fate's right hand isn't always just
Puts a lot of pressure on your faith and trust
She was just a little girl, ain't that enough
To rage against the day
And how did we get so lucky
Targets on the rifle range
Who makes the call and who gets to choose
Who gets to win and who gets to lose
It's like a rolling dice in the belly of the blues
And blues never fade away
Hey hey hey, colors run when the rain falls
But blues never fade away
He shone so bright with a lust for life
Like the Sun King that he was
His passions hung upon his walls and were printed onto cloth
And for reasons I never understood
About the choices made between the bad and good
I've tried to figure out why
The pain never goes away
And how did we get so lucky
Targets on the rifle range
Who makes the call and who gets to choose
Who gets to win and who gets to lose
It's like a rolling dice in the belly of the blues
And blues never fade away
Hey hey hey, colors run when the rain falls
But blues never fade away
And there's marble markers and little white crosses
Along the beaten path
And I've spread their ashes on the wind
And I miss John Lennon's laugh
And how did we get so lucky
Targets on the rifle range
Who makes the call and who gets to choose
Who gets to win and who gets to lose
It's like a rolling dice in the belly of the blues
And blues never fade away
Hey hey hey, colors run when the rain falls
But blues never fade away
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