Artist: Rob Zombie
Song: Dragula
Year: 1998
Album: Hellbilly Deluxe
This was a favorite to play when I would DJ at a vampire LARP. Anything with references to horror or goth were particularly popular. I can remember spinning this song almost every night that I worked. It was a huge hit when the club opened up and continued to be a favorite, until my last night there.
The video is a bit disjointed, but it looks fun. The band members seem to be having a wonderful time acting out horror fantasies and dressing in costumes. "Dragula" is a fun little song that gets a lot of play around Halloween.
The title is actually from the Munsters television show. "Dragula" was the family car. There are shots of a car similar to the family car in the video itself. That just makes the whole spectacle a bit more fun. You can see a flair for Rob Zombie's directing in each of his videos. He would hone that skill to make the leap to a successful movie director.
I'll play this song and many other on Halloween night to frighten the kids who come to the door. Usually, they aren't very frightened and they end up rocking out a little on the porch.
Lyrics:
(Spoken)Superstition, now add Jealousy.
Dead, I am the one Exterminating son
Slipping through the trees strangling the breeze
Dead I am the sky, watching angels cry
While they slowly turn, conquering the worm
Dig through the ditches
And burn through the witches
I slam in the back of my
Dragula!
Dig through the ditches
And Burn through the witches
I slam in the back of my
Dragula!
Dead I am the pool, spreading from the fool
Weak and what you need, nowhere as you bleed
Dead I am the rat, feast upon the cat
Tender is the fur, dying as you purr
Dig through the ditches
And burn through the witches
I slam in the back of my
Dragula!
Dig through the ditches
And burn through the witches
I slam in the back of my
Dragula!
Do it baby, Do it baby
Do it baby, Do it baby
Burn like an animal
Dead I am the life, dig into the skin
Knuckle crack the bone, 21 to win
Dead I am the dog, hound of hell you cry
Devil on your back, I can never die
Dig through the ditches
And burn through the witches
I slam in the back of my
Dragula!
Dig through the ditches
And burn through the witches
I slam in the back of my
Dragula!
Do it baby, Do it baby
Do it baby, Do it baby
Burn like an animal
Dig through the ditches
And burn through the witches
I slam in the back of my
Dragula!
Dig through the ditches
And burn through the witches
I slam in the back of my
Dragula!
Dig through the ditches
And burn through the witches
I slam in the back of my
Dragula!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Night Moves - Bob Seger
Artist: Bob Seger
Song: Night Moves
Year: 1976
Album: Night Moves
Ah, classic rock. It invites us into the lives of the average teenager. Scared, lonely and confused. Particularly about the opposite sex. This song is about a first time, a first love and generally all "first" things in the area of romance as a teenager.
Bob Seger has stated that this was based on his own experiences growing up. I tend to believe that. There is something genuine about the lyrics of "Night Moves" that lends a certain credence to the song. It paints a lovely picture of teenage angst and confusion in the sixties.
The tale is told with such grace, that you tend to forget that the song is about kids fooling around. Apparently, Bob Seger came out of a showing of the film American Graffiti inspired to write about his own teenage life. Thank you George Lucas for inspiring something other than a million Star Wars rip-offs.
Bob has a unique way of telling a story. He pulls you in with small details. They may seem meaningless at first, but when put together, it presents a rich tapestry of information, painting a Bob Seger classic.
Lyrics:
I was a little too tall could have used a few pounds
tight pants points hardly renown
she was a black-haired beauty with big dark eyes
points of her own settin way up high
way up firm and high
out past the cornfields where the woods got heavy
out in the backseat of my sixty chevy
workin on mysteries without any clues
workin on our night moves
tryin to make some frontpage drive-in news
workin on the night moves
in the summertime
mmm in the sweet summertime
we weren't in love, oh no far from it
we weren't searchin for some pie-in-the-sky summit
we were just young and restless and bored
livin by the sword
and we'd steal away every chance we could
to the backroom, to the alley, or the trusty woods
I used her, she used me, but neither one cared
we were gettin our share
workin on our night moves
tryin to lose the awkward teenage blues
workin on our night moves
mmm and it was summertime
mmm sweet summertime summertime
ohhh
wonderin
felt the lightning yeah
and we waited on on the thunder
waited on the thunder
I woke last night to the sound of thunder
how far off i sat and wondered
started humming a song from nineteen sixty two
aint it funny how the night moves
when just dont seem to have as much to lose
strange how the night moves
with autumn closing in
mmm
night moves
mmmm
night moves
yeah
I remember
oh sure remember the night moves
aint it funny how you remember
aint it funny how you remember
I remember I remember I remember I remember
oooohh ohh ohh
and we were workin
workin and practicin
workin and practicin all of the night moves
night moves
ooooh I remember
yeah yeah I remember
lord I remember lord I remember
Song: Night Moves
Year: 1976
Album: Night Moves
Ah, classic rock. It invites us into the lives of the average teenager. Scared, lonely and confused. Particularly about the opposite sex. This song is about a first time, a first love and generally all "first" things in the area of romance as a teenager.
Bob Seger has stated that this was based on his own experiences growing up. I tend to believe that. There is something genuine about the lyrics of "Night Moves" that lends a certain credence to the song. It paints a lovely picture of teenage angst and confusion in the sixties.
The tale is told with such grace, that you tend to forget that the song is about kids fooling around. Apparently, Bob Seger came out of a showing of the film American Graffiti inspired to write about his own teenage life. Thank you George Lucas for inspiring something other than a million Star Wars rip-offs.
Bob has a unique way of telling a story. He pulls you in with small details. They may seem meaningless at first, but when put together, it presents a rich tapestry of information, painting a Bob Seger classic.
Lyrics:
I was a little too tall could have used a few pounds
tight pants points hardly renown
she was a black-haired beauty with big dark eyes
points of her own settin way up high
way up firm and high
out past the cornfields where the woods got heavy
out in the backseat of my sixty chevy
workin on mysteries without any clues
workin on our night moves
tryin to make some frontpage drive-in news
workin on the night moves
in the summertime
mmm in the sweet summertime
we weren't in love, oh no far from it
we weren't searchin for some pie-in-the-sky summit
we were just young and restless and bored
livin by the sword
and we'd steal away every chance we could
to the backroom, to the alley, or the trusty woods
I used her, she used me, but neither one cared
we were gettin our share
workin on our night moves
tryin to lose the awkward teenage blues
workin on our night moves
mmm and it was summertime
mmm sweet summertime summertime
ohhh
wonderin
felt the lightning yeah
and we waited on on the thunder
waited on the thunder
I woke last night to the sound of thunder
how far off i sat and wondered
started humming a song from nineteen sixty two
aint it funny how the night moves
when just dont seem to have as much to lose
strange how the night moves
with autumn closing in
mmm
night moves
mmmm
night moves
yeah
I remember
oh sure remember the night moves
aint it funny how you remember
aint it funny how you remember
I remember I remember I remember I remember
oooohh ohh ohh
and we were workin
workin and practicin
workin and practicin all of the night moves
night moves
ooooh I remember
yeah yeah I remember
lord I remember lord I remember
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Shaman's Blues - The Doors
Artist: The Doors
Song: Shaman's Blues
Year: 1969
Album: The Soft Parade
This album has been a sore thumb in the history of the Doors. The Soft Parade breaks new exciting ground, but is a departure in the eyes of mant fans. When half the songs feature a horn section, there's something amiss. That doesn't stop this from being a great album though.
"Shaman's Blues" is one of the songs uneffected by the horn section. It's a gritty, straightforward piece of blues fluff that is catchy. It's easy to dismiss this song as another of Jim Morrison's psychobabble ramblings. I am a fan of Jim and his poetry, but let's face it, some of it was free association. I can put ten different things on paper, throw them into the air, and piece it back together with just as much gusto.
The ending of this song features different ramblings from studio outtakes tacked onto the song. It would be interesting to think that the word bridesmaid was in the actual written lyrics for the ending verse. Then again, it's not that far fetched to think that random word wouldn't have fallen out of Jim's mouth on a take.
I would categorize this as an early attempt at the blues that the band would perfect on the L.A. Woman album. There is wisdom in this piece, if you look hard enough. This song fits Jim's style to a tee. I'm very happy that this track didn't find a bunch of syrupy horns on it. That just makes it that much more powerful.
Lyrics:
There will never be
Another one like you
There will never be
Another one who can
Do the things you do, oh
Will you give another chance?
Will you try, little try?
Please stop and you remember
We were together, anyway, all right
And if you have a certain evenin'
You could lend to me
I'd give it all right back to you
A how it has to be with you
I know your moves and your mind
And your mind
And your mind
And your mind
And your mind
And your mind
And your mind
Will you stop and think and wonder?
Just what you'll see
Out on the train yard
Nursin' penitentiary
It's gone, I cry out long
Go head, brother
Did you stop it to consider?
How it will feel
Cold, grinded grizzly bear jaws
Hot on your heels
Do you often stop and whisper?
It's Saturday's shore
The whole world's a savior
Who could ever, ever, ever
Ever, ever, ever
Ask for more?
Do you remember?
Will you stop?
Will you stop?
The pain
And there will never be
Another one like you
There will never be
Another one who can
Do the things you do, oh
Will you give another chance?
Will you try, little try?
Please stop and you remember
We were together, anyway, all right
How you must of think and wondered
How I must feel
Out on the meadows
While you run the field
I'm alone for you
And I cry
The sweat, look at it
Optical promise
Heh, heh, heh
You'll be dead and in hell
Before I'm born
Sure thing
Brides maid
The only solution
Isn't it amazing?
Song: Shaman's Blues
Year: 1969
Album: The Soft Parade
This album has been a sore thumb in the history of the Doors. The Soft Parade breaks new exciting ground, but is a departure in the eyes of mant fans. When half the songs feature a horn section, there's something amiss. That doesn't stop this from being a great album though.
"Shaman's Blues" is one of the songs uneffected by the horn section. It's a gritty, straightforward piece of blues fluff that is catchy. It's easy to dismiss this song as another of Jim Morrison's psychobabble ramblings. I am a fan of Jim and his poetry, but let's face it, some of it was free association. I can put ten different things on paper, throw them into the air, and piece it back together with just as much gusto.
The ending of this song features different ramblings from studio outtakes tacked onto the song. It would be interesting to think that the word bridesmaid was in the actual written lyrics for the ending verse. Then again, it's not that far fetched to think that random word wouldn't have fallen out of Jim's mouth on a take.
I would categorize this as an early attempt at the blues that the band would perfect on the L.A. Woman album. There is wisdom in this piece, if you look hard enough. This song fits Jim's style to a tee. I'm very happy that this track didn't find a bunch of syrupy horns on it. That just makes it that much more powerful.
Lyrics:
There will never be
Another one like you
There will never be
Another one who can
Do the things you do, oh
Will you give another chance?
Will you try, little try?
Please stop and you remember
We were together, anyway, all right
And if you have a certain evenin'
You could lend to me
I'd give it all right back to you
A how it has to be with you
I know your moves and your mind
And your mind
And your mind
And your mind
And your mind
And your mind
And your mind
Will you stop and think and wonder?
Just what you'll see
Out on the train yard
Nursin' penitentiary
It's gone, I cry out long
Go head, brother
Did you stop it to consider?
How it will feel
Cold, grinded grizzly bear jaws
Hot on your heels
Do you often stop and whisper?
It's Saturday's shore
The whole world's a savior
Who could ever, ever, ever
Ever, ever, ever
Ask for more?
Do you remember?
Will you stop?
Will you stop?
The pain
And there will never be
Another one like you
There will never be
Another one who can
Do the things you do, oh
Will you give another chance?
Will you try, little try?
Please stop and you remember
We were together, anyway, all right
How you must of think and wondered
How I must feel
Out on the meadows
While you run the field
I'm alone for you
And I cry
The sweat, look at it
Optical promise
Heh, heh, heh
You'll be dead and in hell
Before I'm born
Sure thing
Brides maid
The only solution
Isn't it amazing?
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Chinese Democracy - Guns N' Roses
Artist: Guns N' Roses
Song: Chinese Democracy
Year: 2008
Album: Chinese Democracy
Almost eighteen years after their last album of original material was released, the new Guns N' Roses album will finally see the light of day. Can almost two decades of buildup live up to the expectations? Well, no. Realistically, it can't. There is absolutely no way that this album will match or exceed the hype surrounding it.
So, let's remove the hype machine for a minute. What's left from the first single? A seriously kick butt rock song. It touches close on industrial and metal, while retaining the GNR flair. It's not the best song out there, but it's not bad. It reminds me of the heavier moments on Use Your Illusion.
My first impressions of the song made me think of the Smashing Pumpkins, but then the familiar Axl wail reared it's ugly head. It's nice to hear Axl use his lower range, like on some of the best album tracks on Appetite For Destruction. The music still reminds me of the heavier moments of Machina from the Smashing Pumpkins though.
Still, I will get a free can of Dr. Pepper out of this release. I foolishly prepaid for this album, years ago, at Musicland. I will never see that money again, but I will try to get it from the legal owner of the Musicland name, TransWorld Entertainment. Since the album will only be offered at Best Buy locations, I feel that I am entitled to a refund. I won't hold my breath over that.
Lyrics:
It don't really matter
You'll find out for yourself
No, it don't really matter
I'm gonna leave this thing to somebody else
If they were missionaries
Real time visionaries
Sitting in a chinese stew
To view my disinfatuation
I know that I'm a classic case
Watch my disenchanted face
Blame it on the Falun Gong
They see the hand and you can't hold on now
Cause it would take a lot more hate than you
To stop the fascination
Even with an iron fist
All they've got to rule the nation
But all I got is precious time
It don't really matter
Guess I'll keep it to myself
No, it don't really matter
I guess you'll leave this thing to somebody else
Cause it would take a lot more time than you
Have got for masturbation
Even with your iron fist
All they've got to rule the nation
But all I got is precious time
All they've got to rule the nation
But all I got is precious time
It don't really matter
I guess you'll find out for yourself
No, it don't really matter
So you can hear it now from somebody else
You think you've got it all locked up inside
And if you beat 'em enough they'll die
It's like a walk in a park from a cell
And now you're keeping you're own kind in hell
And if you're Great Wall rocks blame your self
While they all reach out for your help
And we're out of time...
Song: Chinese Democracy
Year: 2008
Album: Chinese Democracy
Almost eighteen years after their last album of original material was released, the new Guns N' Roses album will finally see the light of day. Can almost two decades of buildup live up to the expectations? Well, no. Realistically, it can't. There is absolutely no way that this album will match or exceed the hype surrounding it.
So, let's remove the hype machine for a minute. What's left from the first single? A seriously kick butt rock song. It touches close on industrial and metal, while retaining the GNR flair. It's not the best song out there, but it's not bad. It reminds me of the heavier moments on Use Your Illusion.
My first impressions of the song made me think of the Smashing Pumpkins, but then the familiar Axl wail reared it's ugly head. It's nice to hear Axl use his lower range, like on some of the best album tracks on Appetite For Destruction. The music still reminds me of the heavier moments of Machina from the Smashing Pumpkins though.
Still, I will get a free can of Dr. Pepper out of this release. I foolishly prepaid for this album, years ago, at Musicland. I will never see that money again, but I will try to get it from the legal owner of the Musicland name, TransWorld Entertainment. Since the album will only be offered at Best Buy locations, I feel that I am entitled to a refund. I won't hold my breath over that.
Lyrics:
It don't really matter
You'll find out for yourself
No, it don't really matter
I'm gonna leave this thing to somebody else
If they were missionaries
Real time visionaries
Sitting in a chinese stew
To view my disinfatuation
I know that I'm a classic case
Watch my disenchanted face
Blame it on the Falun Gong
They see the hand and you can't hold on now
Cause it would take a lot more hate than you
To stop the fascination
Even with an iron fist
All they've got to rule the nation
But all I got is precious time
It don't really matter
Guess I'll keep it to myself
No, it don't really matter
I guess you'll leave this thing to somebody else
Cause it would take a lot more time than you
Have got for masturbation
Even with your iron fist
All they've got to rule the nation
But all I got is precious time
All they've got to rule the nation
But all I got is precious time
It don't really matter
I guess you'll find out for yourself
No, it don't really matter
So you can hear it now from somebody else
You think you've got it all locked up inside
And if you beat 'em enough they'll die
It's like a walk in a park from a cell
And now you're keeping you're own kind in hell
And if you're Great Wall rocks blame your self
While they all reach out for your help
And we're out of time...
Monday, October 27, 2008
Rock With You - Michael Jackson
Artist: Michael Jackson
Song: Rock With You
Year: 1979
Album: Off The Wall
Forget all the personal stories about Michael Jackson. Is he a creepy guy? Sure. Does his behavior seem odd? You betcha! Over the past two decades, we have let that dominate our thoughts about Michael Jackson. After years of self boycott, I started to play the old solo stuff. It still sounded great.
If one can listen to the music itself and not pass judgement on the singer himself, the music is still catchy and enjoyable. I don't care if he ever puts out another worthwhile album of music. This early solo stuff will more than make up for whatever studio enhanced feces he can spread among the masses today.
I doubt if he will ever be as popular as he was in the eighties. "Rock With You" was one of the beginning steps in his breakout solo career as an adult. This vibe is even being captured by Justin Timberlake for some of his recent solo hits. The music is still good. It's just the singer that went bad. I really didn't mean that to be punny, but whatever.
Give the old stuff a second chance. It may surprise you. I sure never thought I'd have Michael Jackson on my iPod, but some of his earlier stuff was just so damn catchy, it's hard not to include it. I've wrestled over the thought of having his music included, but in the end the music itself won me over.
Lyrics:
Girl, close your eyes
Let that rhythm get into you
Don't try to fight it
There ain't nothin' that you can do
Relax your mind
Lay back and groove with mine
You got to feel that heat
And we can ride the boogie
Share that beat of love
I wanna rock with you (all night)
Dance you into day (sunlight)
I wanna rock with you (all night)
We're gonna rock the night away
Out on the floor
There ain't nobody there but us
Girl, when you dance
There's a magic that must be love
Just take it slow
'Cause we got so far to go
When you feel that heat
And we're gonna ride the boogie
Share that beat of love
I wanna rock with you (all night)
Dance you into day (sunlight)
I wanna rock with you (all night)
We're gonna rock the night away
And when the groove is dead and gone... yeah
You know that love survives
So we can rock forever, on
I wanna rock with you
I wanna groove with you
I wanna rock with you
I wanna groove with you
I wanna rock (all night) with you girl (sunlight)
Rock with you, rock with you (yeah) (all night)
Dance the night away
I wanna rock with you (yeah) (all night)
Rock you into day (sunlight)
I wanna rock with you (all night)
Rock the night away
Feel the heat feel the beat (all night)
Rock you into day (sunlight)
I wanna rock (all night) - rock the night away
Song: Rock With You
Year: 1979
Album: Off The Wall
Forget all the personal stories about Michael Jackson. Is he a creepy guy? Sure. Does his behavior seem odd? You betcha! Over the past two decades, we have let that dominate our thoughts about Michael Jackson. After years of self boycott, I started to play the old solo stuff. It still sounded great.
If one can listen to the music itself and not pass judgement on the singer himself, the music is still catchy and enjoyable. I don't care if he ever puts out another worthwhile album of music. This early solo stuff will more than make up for whatever studio enhanced feces he can spread among the masses today.
I doubt if he will ever be as popular as he was in the eighties. "Rock With You" was one of the beginning steps in his breakout solo career as an adult. This vibe is even being captured by Justin Timberlake for some of his recent solo hits. The music is still good. It's just the singer that went bad. I really didn't mean that to be punny, but whatever.
Give the old stuff a second chance. It may surprise you. I sure never thought I'd have Michael Jackson on my iPod, but some of his earlier stuff was just so damn catchy, it's hard not to include it. I've wrestled over the thought of having his music included, but in the end the music itself won me over.
Lyrics:
Girl, close your eyes
Let that rhythm get into you
Don't try to fight it
There ain't nothin' that you can do
Relax your mind
Lay back and groove with mine
You got to feel that heat
And we can ride the boogie
Share that beat of love
I wanna rock with you (all night)
Dance you into day (sunlight)
I wanna rock with you (all night)
We're gonna rock the night away
Out on the floor
There ain't nobody there but us
Girl, when you dance
There's a magic that must be love
Just take it slow
'Cause we got so far to go
When you feel that heat
And we're gonna ride the boogie
Share that beat of love
I wanna rock with you (all night)
Dance you into day (sunlight)
I wanna rock with you (all night)
We're gonna rock the night away
And when the groove is dead and gone... yeah
You know that love survives
So we can rock forever, on
I wanna rock with you
I wanna groove with you
I wanna rock with you
I wanna groove with you
I wanna rock (all night) with you girl (sunlight)
Rock with you, rock with you (yeah) (all night)
Dance the night away
I wanna rock with you (yeah) (all night)
Rock you into day (sunlight)
I wanna rock with you (all night)
Rock the night away
Feel the heat feel the beat (all night)
Rock you into day (sunlight)
I wanna rock (all night) - rock the night away
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Space Oddity - David Bowie
Artist: David Bowie
Song: Space Oddity
Year: 1969
Album: Space Oddity
David Bowie is nothing, if not an opportunist. This song was made to be released when the Apollo moon landing was happening. Pretty shrewd on ol' David Jones' part. If the song had tanked, it would have been largely forgotten and David would have a boatload of cash.
Instead, the song is still in heavy rotation on the radio and in movies. I'll bet you that anytime a tourist is in a space shuttle simulator, they are thinking of this song. I know I even think of this song when I'm waiting for takeoff in an airplane.
The song is crafted beautifully. It shouldn't work as a song, but it captures the right mood. I think that if the song was released today, it would be forgotten. Because it was done at the precise right time, it is an instant classic that continues to be ingrained in our consciousness.
The video is from the same guy who made the Smurf animated video to Kenny Roger's Lucille. I think this video is a much better result.
Lyrics:
Ground Control to Major Tom
Ground Control to Major Tom
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on
Ground Control to Major Tom
Commencing countdown, engines on
Check ignition and may God's love be with you
Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five,
Four, Three, Two, One, Liftoff
This is Ground Control to Major Tom
You've really made the grade
And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear
Now it's time to leave the capsule if you dare
"This is Major Tom to Ground Control
I'm stepping through the door
And I'm floating in a most peculiar way
And the stars look very different today
For here
Am I sitting in a tin can
Far above the world
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do
Though I'm past one hundred thousand miles
I'm feeling very still
And I think my spaceship knows which way to go
Tell me wife I love her very much she knows"
Ground Control to Major Tom
Your circuit's dead, there's something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you....
"Here am I floating round my tin can
Far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do."
Song: Space Oddity
Year: 1969
Album: Space Oddity
David Bowie is nothing, if not an opportunist. This song was made to be released when the Apollo moon landing was happening. Pretty shrewd on ol' David Jones' part. If the song had tanked, it would have been largely forgotten and David would have a boatload of cash.
Instead, the song is still in heavy rotation on the radio and in movies. I'll bet you that anytime a tourist is in a space shuttle simulator, they are thinking of this song. I know I even think of this song when I'm waiting for takeoff in an airplane.
The song is crafted beautifully. It shouldn't work as a song, but it captures the right mood. I think that if the song was released today, it would be forgotten. Because it was done at the precise right time, it is an instant classic that continues to be ingrained in our consciousness.
The video is from the same guy who made the Smurf animated video to Kenny Roger's Lucille. I think this video is a much better result.
Lyrics:
Ground Control to Major Tom
Ground Control to Major Tom
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on
Ground Control to Major Tom
Commencing countdown, engines on
Check ignition and may God's love be with you
Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five,
Four, Three, Two, One, Liftoff
This is Ground Control to Major Tom
You've really made the grade
And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear
Now it's time to leave the capsule if you dare
"This is Major Tom to Ground Control
I'm stepping through the door
And I'm floating in a most peculiar way
And the stars look very different today
For here
Am I sitting in a tin can
Far above the world
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do
Though I'm past one hundred thousand miles
I'm feeling very still
And I think my spaceship knows which way to go
Tell me wife I love her very much she knows"
Ground Control to Major Tom
Your circuit's dead, there's something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you....
"Here am I floating round my tin can
Far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do."
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Lucille - Kenny Rogers
Artist: Kenny Rogers
Song: Lucille
Year: 1976
Album: Kenny Rogers
We get some good old fashioned country today. Kenny Rogers has been a secret favorite of mine since I was very young. I used to watch his movie, Six Pack, on cable about three times a week. Or so it seemed at times. This is when the three major movie channels would have the same movie on at the same time. I would flip between the three and catch the same line, in succession. the movies were usually ten seconds apart in airing.
Well, the stations have gotten much better at not doing that. I haven't caught anything that bad since the mid eighties. Thankfully, there's much more crap to fill the movie stations. Now everything is different, but there's still nothing worth watching.
Lucille is one of the songs that my friend does at karaoke. It's not the absolute best, but I've heard a lot worse. I love the story element to the song. That's what makes a great country song, in my opinion. You need striking visuals to get lost in or else you will get depressed by the subject matter.
For absolutely no reason, this song has been set to Smurf animation.
Lyrics:
In a bar in Toledo across from the depot
On a bar stool she took off her ring
I thought I'd get closer so I walked on over
I sat down and asked her name
When the drinks finally hit her
She said I'm no quitter but I finally quit livin' on dreams
I'm hungry for laughter and here ever after
I'm after whatever the other life brings
In the mirror I saw him and I closely watched him
I thought how he looked out of place
He came to the woman who sat there be-side me
He had a strange look on his face
The big hands were calloused he looked like a mountain
For a minute I thought I was dead
But he started shaking his big heart was breaking
He turned to the woman and said
You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille
With four hungry children and a crop in the field
I've had some bad times lived through some sad times
But this time your hurting won't heal
You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille.
After he left us I ordered more whisky
I thought how she'd made him look small
From the lights of the bar room
To a rented hotel room
We walked without talking at all
She was a beauty but when she came to me
She must have thought I'd lost my mind
I couldn't hold her 'cos the words that told her
Kept coming back time after time
You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille
With four hungry children and a crop in the field
I've had some bad times lived through some sad times
But this time your hurting won't heal
You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille.
Song: Lucille
Year: 1976
Album: Kenny Rogers
We get some good old fashioned country today. Kenny Rogers has been a secret favorite of mine since I was very young. I used to watch his movie, Six Pack, on cable about three times a week. Or so it seemed at times. This is when the three major movie channels would have the same movie on at the same time. I would flip between the three and catch the same line, in succession. the movies were usually ten seconds apart in airing.
Well, the stations have gotten much better at not doing that. I haven't caught anything that bad since the mid eighties. Thankfully, there's much more crap to fill the movie stations. Now everything is different, but there's still nothing worth watching.
Lucille is one of the songs that my friend does at karaoke. It's not the absolute best, but I've heard a lot worse. I love the story element to the song. That's what makes a great country song, in my opinion. You need striking visuals to get lost in or else you will get depressed by the subject matter.
For absolutely no reason, this song has been set to Smurf animation.
Lyrics:
In a bar in Toledo across from the depot
On a bar stool she took off her ring
I thought I'd get closer so I walked on over
I sat down and asked her name
When the drinks finally hit her
She said I'm no quitter but I finally quit livin' on dreams
I'm hungry for laughter and here ever after
I'm after whatever the other life brings
In the mirror I saw him and I closely watched him
I thought how he looked out of place
He came to the woman who sat there be-side me
He had a strange look on his face
The big hands were calloused he looked like a mountain
For a minute I thought I was dead
But he started shaking his big heart was breaking
He turned to the woman and said
You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille
With four hungry children and a crop in the field
I've had some bad times lived through some sad times
But this time your hurting won't heal
You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille.
After he left us I ordered more whisky
I thought how she'd made him look small
From the lights of the bar room
To a rented hotel room
We walked without talking at all
She was a beauty but when she came to me
She must have thought I'd lost my mind
I couldn't hold her 'cos the words that told her
Kept coming back time after time
You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille
With four hungry children and a crop in the field
I've had some bad times lived through some sad times
But this time your hurting won't heal
You picked a fine time to leave me Lucille.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Cuntry Boner - Puscifer
Artist: Puscifer
Song: Cuntry Boner
Year: 2007
Album: Cuntry Boner
Still not feeling the greatest, but the list continues. This is a song that my late uncle would appreciate. It's comedy. It's country-ish. It's sort of offensive. It's catchy. It's a side project of Maynard from Tool.
Lyrics:
Maynard:
Fucked Dolly Parton
Fucked Loretta Lynn
Fucked Barbara Mandrell
And fucked all of her kin
I've fucked Minnie Pearl
I fucked Elvis Presley's little girl
I fucked the Judds
Paz: You fucked the Judds?
Maynard: Hell yeah!
My cuntry boner, it won't go down
Maynard & Paz:
It won't go down, it won't go down
My cuntry boner won't go down
My boner, my boner, my boner won't go down
It won't go down, it won't go down
My cuntry boner, it won't go down
My cuntry boner, it won't go down
Paz:
I fucked Willie Nelson
I fucked him deep inside
I fucked Elvis Presley in the bathroom where he died
I fucked Dwight Yoakum
Maynard: Johnny Cash grabbed his ankles and he hollered when I poked him
Paz: I fucked the Judds!
Maynard: You fucked the Judds?
My cuntry boner, it won't go down
Group... sex (x3)
Our cuntry boners, they won't go down
Fucked Alabama
Fucked the Oak Ridge Boys
Fucked Randy Travis with a 12-inch plastic toy
I fucked the cast of Hee-Haw
I fucked Glen Campbell, fucked him on a see-saw
Kenny Rogers thought it crass
When I fucked his big white ass
I can't help it....
My cuntry boner, it won't go down
Song: Cuntry Boner
Year: 2007
Album: Cuntry Boner
Still not feeling the greatest, but the list continues. This is a song that my late uncle would appreciate. It's comedy. It's country-ish. It's sort of offensive. It's catchy. It's a side project of Maynard from Tool.
Lyrics:
Maynard:
Fucked Dolly Parton
Fucked Loretta Lynn
Fucked Barbara Mandrell
And fucked all of her kin
I've fucked Minnie Pearl
I fucked Elvis Presley's little girl
I fucked the Judds
Paz: You fucked the Judds?
Maynard: Hell yeah!
My cuntry boner, it won't go down
Maynard & Paz:
It won't go down, it won't go down
My cuntry boner won't go down
My boner, my boner, my boner won't go down
It won't go down, it won't go down
My cuntry boner, it won't go down
My cuntry boner, it won't go down
Paz:
I fucked Willie Nelson
I fucked him deep inside
I fucked Elvis Presley in the bathroom where he died
I fucked Dwight Yoakum
Maynard: Johnny Cash grabbed his ankles and he hollered when I poked him
Paz: I fucked the Judds!
Maynard: You fucked the Judds?
My cuntry boner, it won't go down
Group... sex (x3)
Our cuntry boners, they won't go down
Fucked Alabama
Fucked the Oak Ridge Boys
Fucked Randy Travis with a 12-inch plastic toy
I fucked the cast of Hee-Haw
I fucked Glen Campbell, fucked him on a see-saw
Kenny Rogers thought it crass
When I fucked his big white ass
I can't help it....
My cuntry boner, it won't go down
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Sick As A Dog - Aerosmith
Artist: Aerosmith
Song: Sick As A Dog
Year: 1976
Album: Rocks
This will be a very short post. I am extremely under the weather with some bug that been going around. This is the most energy that I've had in over 24 hours. I thought the song was appropriate enough to post. I literally feel "Sick As A Dog" today.
Lyrics:
Please, I just got to talk to you
Please, a getcha your head out of the loo
Please, and we're a long, long way from home
Please, you'd turn a young man's face to stone
Sick as a dog, what's your story
Sick as a dog, a cat got your tongue
Sick as a dog, you'll be sorry
Sick as a dog, you're really ain't that young
Please, you were much to my surprise
Please, you're the lady in disguise
Please, you're the only a friend I got
Please, you'll be the last to see me rot
Sick as a dog, what's your story
Sick as a dog, uum cat got your tongue
Sick as a dog, you'll be sorry
Sick as a dog, 'cause ya really ain't that young
Please, it's a shame you're so refined
Please, you was the last thing on my mind
Please, don't be late to take it light
Please, you're gonna bay into the night
Sick as a dog, what's your story
Sick as a dog, uum cat got your tongue
Sick as a dog, you'll be sorry
Sick as a dog, 'cause you really ain't so young
Take it light
Take it light
Take it light
Take it light
Say goodnight
Take it light
Song: Sick As A Dog
Year: 1976
Album: Rocks
This will be a very short post. I am extremely under the weather with some bug that been going around. This is the most energy that I've had in over 24 hours. I thought the song was appropriate enough to post. I literally feel "Sick As A Dog" today.
Lyrics:
Please, I just got to talk to you
Please, a getcha your head out of the loo
Please, and we're a long, long way from home
Please, you'd turn a young man's face to stone
Sick as a dog, what's your story
Sick as a dog, a cat got your tongue
Sick as a dog, you'll be sorry
Sick as a dog, you're really ain't that young
Please, you were much to my surprise
Please, you're the lady in disguise
Please, you're the only a friend I got
Please, you'll be the last to see me rot
Sick as a dog, what's your story
Sick as a dog, uum cat got your tongue
Sick as a dog, you'll be sorry
Sick as a dog, 'cause ya really ain't that young
Please, it's a shame you're so refined
Please, you was the last thing on my mind
Please, don't be late to take it light
Please, you're gonna bay into the night
Sick as a dog, what's your story
Sick as a dog, uum cat got your tongue
Sick as a dog, you'll be sorry
Sick as a dog, 'cause you really ain't so young
Take it light
Take it light
Take it light
Take it light
Say goodnight
Take it light
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
'B' Movie Box Car Blues - The Blues Brothers
Artist: The Blues Brothers
Song: 'B' Movie Box Car Blues
Year: 1978
Album: Briefcase Full Of Blues
This is one of the albums that was always on when I was growing up. My dad had it playing. My godfather had it playing. Everywhere I went, this album was on. It should come as no shock though. In 1978, John Belushi had the number one television show, the number one movie and the number one album. He was everywhere.
This is what started my love affair with all things John Belushi. I've sat through dreck because he made an appearance. I've discovered hidden gems because he was somewhere in the cast. This may be where John Belushi had the most power. I know it was his finest moments on vinyl.
The lasting effect of John Belushi is still felt today. Dan Aykroyd's career owes a great deal to their friendship. Chris Farley owed a great debt to Belushi. John's own brother Jim, owes a lot to the path that was left. John left a mark on this world that can still be felt. His work has had a positive influence on my life, since I was a little kid.
This song showcases just how good the Blues Brothers Band can be. The original song was pretty standard stuff. The band took that simple song and stretched as much as possible out of it, while still retaining the original feel. I love how the ending becomes a fast paced number featuring a part for most of the members to go buck wild.
Lyrics:
Caught a ride into South Dakota
With two girls in a light blue Desoto
One's name was Jane, the other was plain
But they both had racing motors
Next I caught a ride with a gamblers wife
Lay down, she had a brand new Rambler
She parked on the other side of town
She laid the Rambler down
She said she could dig if I'd knew her
Doing my best to get back to you
Ain't nothing I'd rather do
Look for me Sunday, gonna be there honey
Something special just for you
Special just for you
Made a truck stop, toothpick and water
Got a ride from a fruit pickers daughter
Drove her through the night, let the fruit just right
Said All I could eat for a quarter
Next, hopped a train with a hobo woman
Said she's from Texas too
The way that she did, what she did, when she did what she did to me
made me think of you
Hey honey made me think of you
Doing my best to get back to you
Ain't nothing I'd rather do
Look for me Sunday, gonna be there honey
Something special just for you
Special just for you
Hey honey something special just for you
Song: 'B' Movie Box Car Blues
Year: 1978
Album: Briefcase Full Of Blues
This is one of the albums that was always on when I was growing up. My dad had it playing. My godfather had it playing. Everywhere I went, this album was on. It should come as no shock though. In 1978, John Belushi had the number one television show, the number one movie and the number one album. He was everywhere.
This is what started my love affair with all things John Belushi. I've sat through dreck because he made an appearance. I've discovered hidden gems because he was somewhere in the cast. This may be where John Belushi had the most power. I know it was his finest moments on vinyl.
The lasting effect of John Belushi is still felt today. Dan Aykroyd's career owes a great deal to their friendship. Chris Farley owed a great debt to Belushi. John's own brother Jim, owes a lot to the path that was left. John left a mark on this world that can still be felt. His work has had a positive influence on my life, since I was a little kid.
This song showcases just how good the Blues Brothers Band can be. The original song was pretty standard stuff. The band took that simple song and stretched as much as possible out of it, while still retaining the original feel. I love how the ending becomes a fast paced number featuring a part for most of the members to go buck wild.
Lyrics:
Caught a ride into South Dakota
With two girls in a light blue Desoto
One's name was Jane, the other was plain
But they both had racing motors
Next I caught a ride with a gamblers wife
Lay down, she had a brand new Rambler
She parked on the other side of town
She laid the Rambler down
She said she could dig if I'd knew her
Doing my best to get back to you
Ain't nothing I'd rather do
Look for me Sunday, gonna be there honey
Something special just for you
Special just for you
Made a truck stop, toothpick and water
Got a ride from a fruit pickers daughter
Drove her through the night, let the fruit just right
Said All I could eat for a quarter
Next, hopped a train with a hobo woman
Said she's from Texas too
The way that she did, what she did, when she did what she did to me
made me think of you
Hey honey made me think of you
Doing my best to get back to you
Ain't nothing I'd rather do
Look for me Sunday, gonna be there honey
Something special just for you
Special just for you
Hey honey something special just for you
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Rearviewmirror - Pearl Jam
Artist: Pearl Jam
Song: Rearviewmirror
Year: 1993
Album: Vs.
This song is one of my all-time favorites. It just captured my mood perfectly when I first heard it. The overlying themes of the "Rearviewmirror" have nothing to do with me, but a few select lines and the music is what sold me on the song. It elevated its status from favorite to all-time favorite with one moment.
I was working an overnight job stocking at K-Mart in 1994. On Friday evenings, the K-Mart Radio Network would actually have a live DJ play music. They took requests from the different stores. No one at our store could ever find the number, so we were stuck with whatever was requested. That was fine with us because it meant that we wouldn't have to listen to the same 50 songs played over and over and over again. It took me years to appreciate "When My Guitar Gently Weeps" again because it looped so much.
K-Mart stopped doing this service for their employees sometime in 1995. I was among the last employees to actually hear it. One night, a coworker and I were shooting the breeze and talking about music, when "Rearviewmirror" came on. We were both ecstatic! We never dreamed this song would ever be played over the air. We listened carefully and they actually left the word fuck in the song. No bleeping. No muting. Everything was left in.
We were impressed. It didn't take much to make us happy back then. The work was so monotonous, that any ray of sunshine was magnified greatly. I never forgot that night and I will always love this song.
Lyrics:
I took a drive today
Time to emancipate
I guess it was the beatings made me wise
But I'm not about to give thanks or apologize
I couldn't breathe holdin' me down
Hand on my face kissin' the ground
Enmity gauged united by fear
'Posed to endure what I could not forgive...
I seem to look away
Wounds in the mirror waved
It wasn't my surface most defiled
Head at your feet fool to your crown
Fist on my plate, swallowed it down
Enmity gauged, united by fear
Tried to endure what I could not forgive
Saw things
Clearer
Once you, were in my...Rearview mirror...
I gather speed from you fucking with me
Once and for all I'm far away
I hardly believe, finally the shades...are raised...hey...
Saw things so much clearer
Once you, once you...
Rearview mirror
Saw things so much clearer
Once you...oh yeah...
Song: Rearviewmirror
Year: 1993
Album: Vs.
This song is one of my all-time favorites. It just captured my mood perfectly when I first heard it. The overlying themes of the "Rearviewmirror" have nothing to do with me, but a few select lines and the music is what sold me on the song. It elevated its status from favorite to all-time favorite with one moment.
I was working an overnight job stocking at K-Mart in 1994. On Friday evenings, the K-Mart Radio Network would actually have a live DJ play music. They took requests from the different stores. No one at our store could ever find the number, so we were stuck with whatever was requested. That was fine with us because it meant that we wouldn't have to listen to the same 50 songs played over and over and over again. It took me years to appreciate "When My Guitar Gently Weeps" again because it looped so much.
K-Mart stopped doing this service for their employees sometime in 1995. I was among the last employees to actually hear it. One night, a coworker and I were shooting the breeze and talking about music, when "Rearviewmirror" came on. We were both ecstatic! We never dreamed this song would ever be played over the air. We listened carefully and they actually left the word fuck in the song. No bleeping. No muting. Everything was left in.
We were impressed. It didn't take much to make us happy back then. The work was so monotonous, that any ray of sunshine was magnified greatly. I never forgot that night and I will always love this song.
Lyrics:
I took a drive today
Time to emancipate
I guess it was the beatings made me wise
But I'm not about to give thanks or apologize
I couldn't breathe holdin' me down
Hand on my face kissin' the ground
Enmity gauged united by fear
'Posed to endure what I could not forgive...
I seem to look away
Wounds in the mirror waved
It wasn't my surface most defiled
Head at your feet fool to your crown
Fist on my plate, swallowed it down
Enmity gauged, united by fear
Tried to endure what I could not forgive
Saw things
Clearer
Once you, were in my...Rearview mirror...
I gather speed from you fucking with me
Once and for all I'm far away
I hardly believe, finally the shades...are raised...hey...
Saw things so much clearer
Once you, once you...
Rearview mirror
Saw things so much clearer
Once you...oh yeah...
Monday, October 20, 2008
Jesus Just Left Chicago - ZZ Top
Artist: ZZ Top
Song: Jesus Just Left Chicago
Year: 1973
Album: Tres Hombres
My first exposure to ZZ Top was in the eighties, when the ZZ Top car would roar through a series of music videos. This was over a decade into their career. In a few years, the band will enter its sixth decade together. They started in 1969.
Before the MTV age made them megastars, they were winning fans through concerts and albums of hard rock, blues and boogie. This song comes from their third album. The same album that would spawn "La Grange" and a few other minor hits.
"Jesus Just Left Chicago" is a pretty straightforward blues number. It's very mellow, but easy to sit back and enjoy. What captured my attention first was the word Chicago in the title. I discovered this song on the radio in the middle of the night. One classic rock station around Chicago would play album tracks and B sides mixed in with the usual fare, on the overnight shift.
There's really no mistaking the ZZ Top sound. This was before all the synthesizers of the eighties. This was from a time when they played music for themselves, honoring the great musical heroes in their life.
Lyrics:
Jesus just left Chicago and he's bound for New Orleans.
Well now, Jesus just left Chicago and he's bound for New Orleans.
Yeah, yeah.
Workin' from one end to the other and all points in between.
Took a jump through Mississippi, well, muddy water turned to wine.
Took a jump through Mississippi, muddy water turned to wine.
Yeah, yeah.
Then out to California through the forests and the pines.
Ah, take me with you, Jesus.
You might not see him in person but he'll see you just the same.
You might not see him in person but he'll see you just the same.
Yeah, yeah.
You don't have to worry 'cause takin' care of business is his name.
Song: Jesus Just Left Chicago
Year: 1973
Album: Tres Hombres
My first exposure to ZZ Top was in the eighties, when the ZZ Top car would roar through a series of music videos. This was over a decade into their career. In a few years, the band will enter its sixth decade together. They started in 1969.
Before the MTV age made them megastars, they were winning fans through concerts and albums of hard rock, blues and boogie. This song comes from their third album. The same album that would spawn "La Grange" and a few other minor hits.
"Jesus Just Left Chicago" is a pretty straightforward blues number. It's very mellow, but easy to sit back and enjoy. What captured my attention first was the word Chicago in the title. I discovered this song on the radio in the middle of the night. One classic rock station around Chicago would play album tracks and B sides mixed in with the usual fare, on the overnight shift.
There's really no mistaking the ZZ Top sound. This was before all the synthesizers of the eighties. This was from a time when they played music for themselves, honoring the great musical heroes in their life.
Lyrics:
Jesus just left Chicago and he's bound for New Orleans.
Well now, Jesus just left Chicago and he's bound for New Orleans.
Yeah, yeah.
Workin' from one end to the other and all points in between.
Took a jump through Mississippi, well, muddy water turned to wine.
Took a jump through Mississippi, muddy water turned to wine.
Yeah, yeah.
Then out to California through the forests and the pines.
Ah, take me with you, Jesus.
You might not see him in person but he'll see you just the same.
You might not see him in person but he'll see you just the same.
Yeah, yeah.
You don't have to worry 'cause takin' care of business is his name.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
She Talks To Angels - The Black Crowes
Artist: The Black Crowes
Song: She Talks To Angels
Year: 1990
Album: Shake Your Moneymaker
"She Talks To Angels" is a surprising ballad hit for a very blues influenced band. Even though it really shouldn't, the song fits in perfectly with the vibe of the album and the mood of the band. Chris Robinson shows off his vocal chops in this sad, yet touching song.
When I first heard this song, I lumped it in with ballads from Slaughter and Mr. Big. It seemed everybody was coming out with ballads around that time. They all started to sound the same. "She Talks To Angels" separated itself from the rest of the pack, when I heard the acoustic version of the song. Stripped down, the song still had the raw power of the vocals and the sense of urgency and frailty in the lyrics.
Further cementing my love of this song, was the fact that the Black Crowes were the first band I ever saw perform live. They opened up for Aerosmith on their Pump tour in 1990. It was a rude awakening, having Chris Robinson's filthy mouth swear constantly during the set, with my mom and uncle sitting next to me. My uncle enjoyed it. My mom enjoyed it, except for the swearing. I just enjoyed it.
Since its release, "She Talks To Angels" has enjoyed a healthy secondary career. You can hear the song in everything from karaoke to video games. It's a song that I haven't grown tired of, mostly because it's that good.
Lyrics:
She never mentions the word addiction
In certain company.
Yes, she'll tell you she's an orphan
After you meet her family.
She paints her eyes as black as night now.
She pulls those shades down tight.
Yeah, she gives me a smile when the pain comes.
The pain gonna make everything alright.
Says she talks to angels.
They call her out by her name.
Oh yeah, she talks to angels.
Says they call her out by her name.
She keeps a lock of hair in her pocket.
She wears a cross around her neck.
The hair is from a little boy,
And the cross from someone she has not met, well, not yet
Says she talks to angels.
They call her out by her name.
Oh yeah, she talks to angels.
Says they call her out by her name.
She don't know no lover,
None that I ever seen.
Yeah, to her that ain't nothing
But to me it means, means everything.
She paints her eyes as black as night now.
Pulls those shades down tight.
There's a smile when the pain comes.
Pain's gonna make everything alright.
Says she talks to angels.
They call her out by her name.
Oh yeah, she talks to angels.
Says they call her out by her name.
Song: She Talks To Angels
Year: 1990
Album: Shake Your Moneymaker
"She Talks To Angels" is a surprising ballad hit for a very blues influenced band. Even though it really shouldn't, the song fits in perfectly with the vibe of the album and the mood of the band. Chris Robinson shows off his vocal chops in this sad, yet touching song.
When I first heard this song, I lumped it in with ballads from Slaughter and Mr. Big. It seemed everybody was coming out with ballads around that time. They all started to sound the same. "She Talks To Angels" separated itself from the rest of the pack, when I heard the acoustic version of the song. Stripped down, the song still had the raw power of the vocals and the sense of urgency and frailty in the lyrics.
Further cementing my love of this song, was the fact that the Black Crowes were the first band I ever saw perform live. They opened up for Aerosmith on their Pump tour in 1990. It was a rude awakening, having Chris Robinson's filthy mouth swear constantly during the set, with my mom and uncle sitting next to me. My uncle enjoyed it. My mom enjoyed it, except for the swearing. I just enjoyed it.
Since its release, "She Talks To Angels" has enjoyed a healthy secondary career. You can hear the song in everything from karaoke to video games. It's a song that I haven't grown tired of, mostly because it's that good.
Lyrics:
She never mentions the word addiction
In certain company.
Yes, she'll tell you she's an orphan
After you meet her family.
She paints her eyes as black as night now.
She pulls those shades down tight.
Yeah, she gives me a smile when the pain comes.
The pain gonna make everything alright.
Says she talks to angels.
They call her out by her name.
Oh yeah, she talks to angels.
Says they call her out by her name.
She keeps a lock of hair in her pocket.
She wears a cross around her neck.
The hair is from a little boy,
And the cross from someone she has not met, well, not yet
Says she talks to angels.
They call her out by her name.
Oh yeah, she talks to angels.
Says they call her out by her name.
She don't know no lover,
None that I ever seen.
Yeah, to her that ain't nothing
But to me it means, means everything.
She paints her eyes as black as night now.
Pulls those shades down tight.
There's a smile when the pain comes.
Pain's gonna make everything alright.
Says she talks to angels.
They call her out by her name.
Oh yeah, she talks to angels.
Says they call her out by her name.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
This Guitar (Can't Keep From Crying) - George Harrison
Artist: George Harrison
Song: This Guitar (Can't Keep From Crying)
Year: 1975
Album: Extra Texture (Read All About It)
This song was the first Beatles solo single not to reach the charts. It had to happen sometime, but I'm surprised that this was the song to achieve that accomplishment. It's not a bad song, by any stretch of the imagination. The song is catchy and a sequel of sorts to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" from the White Album.
It just happened to be a contractual obligation album. Maybe the public sensed that. Maybe the public was fed up with four different solo projects and wanted the Beatles to reunite and combine their efforts. Whatever the reason, the song tanked and was rarely heard from again.
I kept hearing this song on the Sunday morning Beatles shows around the Chicago area. It would pop up on the playlist maybe twice a year. Sometimes less than that. I heard it enough to recognize the song when it started, but infrequent enough not to really know it. The shows had the Beatles catalogue, each member's solo efforts and covers to showcase. Some tracks were lucky to get played once a year.
I started collecting George Harrison's albums, when I could find them at a bargain at used record stores. He was the easiest Beatle to collect, because most of his releases were straightforward. I picked the Extra Texture album up in 2004. I was going to school for massage therapy in the evening and spending my days working as an assistant for an elderly, disabled man. My time to listen to music was in the car. I popped the CD in and by the time the third track was finished, I had a new favorite to add to the collection.
Lyrics:
(one, two, three, four)
Found myself out on a limb
But I'm happier than I've ever been
But this guitar can't keep from crying
Learned to get up when I fall
Can even climb Rolling Stone walls
But this guitar can't keep from crying
This here guitar can feel quite sad
Can be high strung, sometimes get mad
Can't understand or deal with hate
Responds much better to love
I though by now you knew the score
But you missed the point just like before
And this guitar can't keep from crying
(This) guitar, it can't keep from crying
This guitar can't keep from crying
This here guitar can feel quite sad
Can be high strung, sometimes get mad
It can't understand or deal with hate
Responds much better to love
While you attack, create offence
I'll put it down to your ignorance
But this guitar it can't keep from crying
This guitar can't keep from crying
This guitar can't keep from crying
This guitar can't keep from crying
Song: This Guitar (Can't Keep From Crying)
Year: 1975
Album: Extra Texture (Read All About It)
This song was the first Beatles solo single not to reach the charts. It had to happen sometime, but I'm surprised that this was the song to achieve that accomplishment. It's not a bad song, by any stretch of the imagination. The song is catchy and a sequel of sorts to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" from the White Album.
It just happened to be a contractual obligation album. Maybe the public sensed that. Maybe the public was fed up with four different solo projects and wanted the Beatles to reunite and combine their efforts. Whatever the reason, the song tanked and was rarely heard from again.
I kept hearing this song on the Sunday morning Beatles shows around the Chicago area. It would pop up on the playlist maybe twice a year. Sometimes less than that. I heard it enough to recognize the song when it started, but infrequent enough not to really know it. The shows had the Beatles catalogue, each member's solo efforts and covers to showcase. Some tracks were lucky to get played once a year.
I started collecting George Harrison's albums, when I could find them at a bargain at used record stores. He was the easiest Beatle to collect, because most of his releases were straightforward. I picked the Extra Texture album up in 2004. I was going to school for massage therapy in the evening and spending my days working as an assistant for an elderly, disabled man. My time to listen to music was in the car. I popped the CD in and by the time the third track was finished, I had a new favorite to add to the collection.
Lyrics:
(one, two, three, four)
Found myself out on a limb
But I'm happier than I've ever been
But this guitar can't keep from crying
Learned to get up when I fall
Can even climb Rolling Stone walls
But this guitar can't keep from crying
This here guitar can feel quite sad
Can be high strung, sometimes get mad
Can't understand or deal with hate
Responds much better to love
I though by now you knew the score
But you missed the point just like before
And this guitar can't keep from crying
(This) guitar, it can't keep from crying
This guitar can't keep from crying
This here guitar can feel quite sad
Can be high strung, sometimes get mad
It can't understand or deal with hate
Responds much better to love
While you attack, create offence
I'll put it down to your ignorance
But this guitar it can't keep from crying
This guitar can't keep from crying
This guitar can't keep from crying
This guitar can't keep from crying
Friday, October 17, 2008
Flash's Theme - Queen
Artist: Queen
Song: Flash's Theme
Year: 1980
Album: Flash Gordon
This was a bad idea on so many levels, but it worked (for Queen anyway). The movie was so camp, that it was panned by almost everyone upon it's release. It has since developed an audience, but not enough to warrant a sequel (even though it was discussed). The only place that the film was a success was the United Kingdom. Queen and two of the top billed actors came out relatively unscathed from the experience. Those actors being Max von Sydow and Timothy Dalton.
The timing for the soundtrack release couldn't have been worse. It dropped first in the UK, on Monday, December 8, 1980. If that date sounds familiar, it should. Instead of people lining up for the new Queen album throughout the week, the world was preoccupied by the death of John Lennon. The world could care less about a soundtrack to a campy movie. The album wasn't released in the United States until February 1981, two months after the film had premiered.
Despite being attached to a box office bomb, and later a cult classic, Queen's soundtrack provided some memorable moments. This song was the single from the movie and it couldn't have been a wiser choice. The thumping bassline has been imitated countless times and is instantly memorable.
I can remember blasting this on a Walkman walking to school. Most of my friends would join in on the chorus part. If you can imagine a group of kids walking down the street shouting, "Flash! Ah! Ahhhhh!", then you can get a sense of what a treat the neighborhood had on some days.
Lyrics:
Flash - Ah - Saviour of the universe
Flash - Ah - He'll save ev'ry one of us
Seemingly there is no reason for these
Extraordinary intergalactical upsets (ha ha ha)
What's happening Flash?
Only Dr Hans Zarkov formerly at N A S A
Has provided any explanation
Flash - Ah - He's a miracle
This mornings unprecedented solar eclipse
Is no cause for alarm
Flash - Ah - King of the impossible
He's for ev'ry one of us
Stand for ev'ry one of us
He'll save with a mighty hand
Ev'ry man ev'ry woman ev'ry child
With a mighty Flash
General Kaka Flash Gordon approaching
What do you mean Flash Gordon approaching?
Open fire all weapons
Dispatch war rocket Ajax to bring back his body
Flash - Ah
Gordon's alive
Flash - Ah - He'll save ev'ry one of us
Just a man with a man's courage
He knows nothing but a man
But he can never fail
No one but the pure in heart
May find the golden grail oh oh oh oh
Flash Flash I love you
But we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth
Flash
Song: Flash's Theme
Year: 1980
Album: Flash Gordon
This was a bad idea on so many levels, but it worked (for Queen anyway). The movie was so camp, that it was panned by almost everyone upon it's release. It has since developed an audience, but not enough to warrant a sequel (even though it was discussed). The only place that the film was a success was the United Kingdom. Queen and two of the top billed actors came out relatively unscathed from the experience. Those actors being Max von Sydow and Timothy Dalton.
The timing for the soundtrack release couldn't have been worse. It dropped first in the UK, on Monday, December 8, 1980. If that date sounds familiar, it should. Instead of people lining up for the new Queen album throughout the week, the world was preoccupied by the death of John Lennon. The world could care less about a soundtrack to a campy movie. The album wasn't released in the United States until February 1981, two months after the film had premiered.
Despite being attached to a box office bomb, and later a cult classic, Queen's soundtrack provided some memorable moments. This song was the single from the movie and it couldn't have been a wiser choice. The thumping bassline has been imitated countless times and is instantly memorable.
I can remember blasting this on a Walkman walking to school. Most of my friends would join in on the chorus part. If you can imagine a group of kids walking down the street shouting, "Flash! Ah! Ahhhhh!", then you can get a sense of what a treat the neighborhood had on some days.
Lyrics:
Flash - Ah - Saviour of the universe
Flash - Ah - He'll save ev'ry one of us
Seemingly there is no reason for these
Extraordinary intergalactical upsets (ha ha ha)
What's happening Flash?
Only Dr Hans Zarkov formerly at N A S A
Has provided any explanation
Flash - Ah - He's a miracle
This mornings unprecedented solar eclipse
Is no cause for alarm
Flash - Ah - King of the impossible
He's for ev'ry one of us
Stand for ev'ry one of us
He'll save with a mighty hand
Ev'ry man ev'ry woman ev'ry child
With a mighty Flash
General Kaka Flash Gordon approaching
What do you mean Flash Gordon approaching?
Open fire all weapons
Dispatch war rocket Ajax to bring back his body
Flash - Ah
Gordon's alive
Flash - Ah - He'll save ev'ry one of us
Just a man with a man's courage
He knows nothing but a man
But he can never fail
No one but the pure in heart
May find the golden grail oh oh oh oh
Flash Flash I love you
But we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth
Flash
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly (Fond Of Each Other) - Willie Nelson
Artist: Willie Nelson
Song: Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly (Fond Of Each Other)
Year: 2006
Album: iTunes Download
Willie Nelson is one of my favorite country artists, even though he really hasn't been country in years. He's been just about everything else in the past twenty odd years though. I'm waiting for Willie's death metal album. I'm sure it will be a real hoot.
This song was available for download on Valentine's Day 2006. Willie and his band had been practicing this song as a lark since the eighties. He never thought it would see the light of day, except for the occasional play during rehearsals. That all changed when Brokeback Mountain came out and was a runaway hit.
Thinking that the song could capitalize on the movie and straddle the line between humor and seriousness, Willie released it. Most country stations refused to play it, but Willie's target audience ate it up. It got airplay on non-country stations and became a mainstream hit for the gay community. It also marked the first appearance of a Willie Nelson song on the top 100, since 1985. Willie is old enough to speak his mind on any subject and I think that he's earned the right to do that. We are all along for the ride.
I rather enjoy the upbeat and jovial mood of the song. I'm not gay, but many of my friends are. I haven't heard one complaint from them over this song. Willie is one of the artists that could sing the phone book and I would find it entertaining. Yet, no matter what genre or style he chooses, Willie makes the most of it. I always smile when this song pops up on the iPod.
Lyrics:
Well, there's many a strange impulse out on the plains of West Texas.
There's many a young boy who feels things he can't comprehend.
And a small town don't like it when somebody falls between sexes.
No, a small town don't like it when a cowboy has feelings for men.
And I believe to my soul that inside every man there's the feminine.
And inside every lady there's a deep manly voice loud and clear.
Well, a cowboy may brag about things that he's done with his women.
But the ones who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer.
Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other.
Say, what do you think all them saddles and boots was about?
And there's many a cowboy who don't understand the way that he feels for his brother.
And inside every cowboy there's a lady that'd love to slip out.
And there's always somebody who says what the others just whisper.
And mostly that someone's the first one to get shot down dead.
So when you talk to a cowboy don't treat him like he was a sister.
You can't fuck with a lady that's sleepin' in each cowboy's head.
Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other.
What did you think all them saddles and boots was about?
And there's many a cowboy who don't understand the way that he feels for his brother.
And inside every lady there's a cowboy who wants to come out.
And inside every cowboy there's a lady that'd love to slip out.
Song: Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly (Fond Of Each Other)
Year: 2006
Album: iTunes Download
Willie Nelson is one of my favorite country artists, even though he really hasn't been country in years. He's been just about everything else in the past twenty odd years though. I'm waiting for Willie's death metal album. I'm sure it will be a real hoot.
This song was available for download on Valentine's Day 2006. Willie and his band had been practicing this song as a lark since the eighties. He never thought it would see the light of day, except for the occasional play during rehearsals. That all changed when Brokeback Mountain came out and was a runaway hit.
Thinking that the song could capitalize on the movie and straddle the line between humor and seriousness, Willie released it. Most country stations refused to play it, but Willie's target audience ate it up. It got airplay on non-country stations and became a mainstream hit for the gay community. It also marked the first appearance of a Willie Nelson song on the top 100, since 1985. Willie is old enough to speak his mind on any subject and I think that he's earned the right to do that. We are all along for the ride.
I rather enjoy the upbeat and jovial mood of the song. I'm not gay, but many of my friends are. I haven't heard one complaint from them over this song. Willie is one of the artists that could sing the phone book and I would find it entertaining. Yet, no matter what genre or style he chooses, Willie makes the most of it. I always smile when this song pops up on the iPod.
Lyrics:
Well, there's many a strange impulse out on the plains of West Texas.
There's many a young boy who feels things he can't comprehend.
And a small town don't like it when somebody falls between sexes.
No, a small town don't like it when a cowboy has feelings for men.
And I believe to my soul that inside every man there's the feminine.
And inside every lady there's a deep manly voice loud and clear.
Well, a cowboy may brag about things that he's done with his women.
But the ones who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer.
Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other.
Say, what do you think all them saddles and boots was about?
And there's many a cowboy who don't understand the way that he feels for his brother.
And inside every cowboy there's a lady that'd love to slip out.
And there's always somebody who says what the others just whisper.
And mostly that someone's the first one to get shot down dead.
So when you talk to a cowboy don't treat him like he was a sister.
You can't fuck with a lady that's sleepin' in each cowboy's head.
Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other.
What did you think all them saddles and boots was about?
And there's many a cowboy who don't understand the way that he feels for his brother.
And inside every lady there's a cowboy who wants to come out.
And inside every cowboy there's a lady that'd love to slip out.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Here Comes My Girl - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Artist: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Song: Here Comes My Girl
Year: 1979
Album: Damn The Torpedoes
This song always reminds me of my fiancée. Everything in the world could be going wrong, but one thought of her and the problems start to melt away. I can imagine that can be applied to anyone of the feminine persuasion that you love. It could be a fiancée, a girlfriend, a wife, a daughter. Pretty much anyone that you would consider to be "yours" at the time.
I've always thought that this was a very underrated song from Tom Petty. It only hit as high as number 59 on the charts, but it's a damn good song. It captures a nonchalant attitude, but gives a purpose behind the attitude. My interpretation is that a female that you care about can make all your problems seem to disappear, but I'm sure that's not the only school of thought.
It almost seems as if Tom Petty is taking a page from the Isaac Hayes playbook. He seems to be slightly rapping during the song. He alternates that with periods of singing. This was his style of music though. The spoken word and sung parts of a song can be found in other songs from his catalogue.
Tom has a lazy way of speaking the verses in this song. It fits with the mood perfectly. It enhances the chorus parts, when he actually sings. This is a prime example of why Tom Petty became popular in the late seventies. This was something familiar and yet something new and exciting. A marriage of blues and rock with a twist of country thrown in for flavor. The perfect recipe.
Lyrics:
You know sometimes, I don't know why,
But this old town seems so hopeless.
Yeah, I ain't really sure, but it seems I remember the good times
Were just a little bit more in focus.
But when she puts her arms around me
I can somehow rise above it.
Yeah, man when I got that little girl standin' right by my side,
You know, I can tell the whole wide world to shove it, hey!
Here comes my girl. Here comes my girl.
Yeah, and she looks so right, she is all I need tonight.
Every now and then I down to the end of the day
And I have to stop and ask myself why I've done it.
It just seems so useless to have to work so hard
And nothin' ever really seems to come from it.
But then she looks me in the eye and says,
"We're gonna last forever."
And man, you know I can't begin to doubt it.
No, 'cause it just feels so good and so free and so right.
I know we ain't never goin' to change our minds about it - hey!
Here comes my girl. Here comes my girl.
Yeah, and she looks so right, she is all I need tonight. (Watch her walk.)
Every time it seems like there ain't nothin' left no more,
I find myself having to reach out and grab hold of something.
Yeah, I just catch myself waiting, wondering, worrying
About some silly little things that don't add up to nothin'.
But then she looks me in the eye and says,
"We're gonna last forever."
And man, you know I can't begin to doubt it.
No, 'cause it just feels so good and so free and so right.
I know we ain't never gonna' to change our minds about it - hey!
Here comes my girl. Here comes my girl.
Yeah, and she looks so right, she is all I need tonight.
Song: Here Comes My Girl
Year: 1979
Album: Damn The Torpedoes
This song always reminds me of my fiancée. Everything in the world could be going wrong, but one thought of her and the problems start to melt away. I can imagine that can be applied to anyone of the feminine persuasion that you love. It could be a fiancée, a girlfriend, a wife, a daughter. Pretty much anyone that you would consider to be "yours" at the time.
I've always thought that this was a very underrated song from Tom Petty. It only hit as high as number 59 on the charts, but it's a damn good song. It captures a nonchalant attitude, but gives a purpose behind the attitude. My interpretation is that a female that you care about can make all your problems seem to disappear, but I'm sure that's not the only school of thought.
It almost seems as if Tom Petty is taking a page from the Isaac Hayes playbook. He seems to be slightly rapping during the song. He alternates that with periods of singing. This was his style of music though. The spoken word and sung parts of a song can be found in other songs from his catalogue.
Tom has a lazy way of speaking the verses in this song. It fits with the mood perfectly. It enhances the chorus parts, when he actually sings. This is a prime example of why Tom Petty became popular in the late seventies. This was something familiar and yet something new and exciting. A marriage of blues and rock with a twist of country thrown in for flavor. The perfect recipe.
Lyrics:
You know sometimes, I don't know why,
But this old town seems so hopeless.
Yeah, I ain't really sure, but it seems I remember the good times
Were just a little bit more in focus.
But when she puts her arms around me
I can somehow rise above it.
Yeah, man when I got that little girl standin' right by my side,
You know, I can tell the whole wide world to shove it, hey!
Here comes my girl. Here comes my girl.
Yeah, and she looks so right, she is all I need tonight.
Every now and then I down to the end of the day
And I have to stop and ask myself why I've done it.
It just seems so useless to have to work so hard
And nothin' ever really seems to come from it.
But then she looks me in the eye and says,
"We're gonna last forever."
And man, you know I can't begin to doubt it.
No, 'cause it just feels so good and so free and so right.
I know we ain't never goin' to change our minds about it - hey!
Here comes my girl. Here comes my girl.
Yeah, and she looks so right, she is all I need tonight. (Watch her walk.)
Every time it seems like there ain't nothin' left no more,
I find myself having to reach out and grab hold of something.
Yeah, I just catch myself waiting, wondering, worrying
About some silly little things that don't add up to nothin'.
But then she looks me in the eye and says,
"We're gonna last forever."
And man, you know I can't begin to doubt it.
No, 'cause it just feels so good and so free and so right.
I know we ain't never gonna' to change our minds about it - hey!
Here comes my girl. Here comes my girl.
Yeah, and she looks so right, she is all I need tonight.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sundown - Gordon Lightfoot
Artist: Gordon Lightfoot
Song: Sundown
Year: 1974
Album: Sundown
"Sundown" came out two years before I was born. It is a song that has been around me ever since I can remember. It was (and still is) one of my dad's favorite songs. He would blast this in the house and blast in in the garage and blast it in his car. When he was younger, he would blast it on the headphones to the point where everyone around him could clearly make out each word. These were the old school headphones that cupped completely over the ear and was supposed to keep the sound from leaking out. Yeah, it was that loud.
Gordon has had his fair share of misfortune in his life and I think that this song is somewhat of a precursor to all that. Ironically, this was written about the woman who caused the most pain in Gordon's life. She would also cause a great deal of pain in my life and countless others. Her name was Cathy Smith. Eight years after this song was released, she would inject John Belushi with a fatal dose of speedballs (which is a mixture of cocaine and heroin) while he was passed out.
While the song deals with Lightfoot's affair with Smith, the song takes on a more sinister tone in the wake of the Belushi death. This is still one of my favorite Gordon Lightfoot songs, but if I am in a certain mood, it can be one of the worst because of the association.
"Sundown" is a very easygoing type of song. The lyrics seem to juxtapose the vibe of the song. That unbalanced combination lends a sense of urgency and importance to the song. It plays the balance just right to succeed as a song. You can feel a hopeful pain to the song.
Lyrics:
I can see her lyin' back in her satin dress
In a room where ya do what ya don't confess
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
She's been lookin' like a queen in a sailor's dream
And she don't always say what she really means
Sometimes I think it's a shame
When I get feelin' better when I'm feelin' no pain
Sometimes I think it's a shame
When I get feelin' better when I'm feelin' no pain
I can picture every move that a man could make
Getting lost in her lovin' is your first mistake
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
Sometimes I think it's a sin
When I feel like I'm winnin' when I'm losin again
I can see her lookin' fast in her faded jeans
She's a hard lovin' woman, got me feelin' mean
Sometimes I think it's a shame
When I get feelin' better when I'm feelin' no pain
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
Sometimes I think it's a sin
When I feel like I'm winnin' when I'm losin' again
Song: Sundown
Year: 1974
Album: Sundown
"Sundown" came out two years before I was born. It is a song that has been around me ever since I can remember. It was (and still is) one of my dad's favorite songs. He would blast this in the house and blast in in the garage and blast it in his car. When he was younger, he would blast it on the headphones to the point where everyone around him could clearly make out each word. These were the old school headphones that cupped completely over the ear and was supposed to keep the sound from leaking out. Yeah, it was that loud.
Gordon has had his fair share of misfortune in his life and I think that this song is somewhat of a precursor to all that. Ironically, this was written about the woman who caused the most pain in Gordon's life. She would also cause a great deal of pain in my life and countless others. Her name was Cathy Smith. Eight years after this song was released, she would inject John Belushi with a fatal dose of speedballs (which is a mixture of cocaine and heroin) while he was passed out.
While the song deals with Lightfoot's affair with Smith, the song takes on a more sinister tone in the wake of the Belushi death. This is still one of my favorite Gordon Lightfoot songs, but if I am in a certain mood, it can be one of the worst because of the association.
"Sundown" is a very easygoing type of song. The lyrics seem to juxtapose the vibe of the song. That unbalanced combination lends a sense of urgency and importance to the song. It plays the balance just right to succeed as a song. You can feel a hopeful pain to the song.
Lyrics:
I can see her lyin' back in her satin dress
In a room where ya do what ya don't confess
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
She's been lookin' like a queen in a sailor's dream
And she don't always say what she really means
Sometimes I think it's a shame
When I get feelin' better when I'm feelin' no pain
Sometimes I think it's a shame
When I get feelin' better when I'm feelin' no pain
I can picture every move that a man could make
Getting lost in her lovin' is your first mistake
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
Sometimes I think it's a sin
When I feel like I'm winnin' when I'm losin again
I can see her lookin' fast in her faded jeans
She's a hard lovin' woman, got me feelin' mean
Sometimes I think it's a shame
When I get feelin' better when I'm feelin' no pain
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
Sundown ya better take care
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
Sometimes I think it's a sin
When I feel like I'm winnin' when I'm losin' again
Monday, October 13, 2008
It's Tricky - Run DMC
Artist: Run DMC
Song: It's Tricky
Year: 1986
Album: Raising Hell
This was one of the most underrated songs in the mid-eighties. It almost never got played on the radio because of the other massive hits from this album. At least it never got played much in the Chicago area. I can't really say for other parts of the country or the world, for that matter. By the time "It's Tricky" was released as a single in 1987, the previous singles from the album dominated over this. Although "It's Tricky" did very well on the charts, so it must have been played more often elsewhere.
I can remember this album being a reward for successfully going through the anguish of getting a shot at the doctor's office. This was back when they used to do that sort of thing in the office and not at the hospital. I hated needles as a kid, so I usually had to be bribed to get me to go to the doctor's office willingly. I still don't care for needles, but I can tolerate them, if absolutely necessary.
Darryl McDaniels (DMC) reportedly drank to excess because he was living the lifestyle he thought he should portray with the music of Run DMC. I always took the positive messages from the music and applied them to my life. Stay in school, do your homework, respect your parents, don't do drugs, respect yourself, and many others. I was very impressionable at ten years old, and this album was one of the best influences at that time. It helped shape me into who I am today. I still hold those core values. I thought that if these famous superstars can live like that, I can too. I never heard about the troubles of Darryl McDaniels until much later in life. I'm very happy to hear that he is in a much better place.
"It's Tricky" is a kind of calling card to open the album up properly. It's the second song, but it feels like more of an introduction, than a song somewhere in the middle of side one.
Lyrics:
This speech is my recital, I think it's very vital
To rock a rhyme, that's right on time
It's Tricky is the title, here we go...
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...it's Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky)
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...Tr-tr-tr-tricky (Tricky) Trrrrrrrrrrricky
I met this little girlie, her hair was kinda curly
Went to her house and bust her out, I had to leave real early
These girls are really sleazy, all they just say is please me
Or spend some time and rock a rhyme, I said "It's not that easy"
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...(How is it D?) It's Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Trrrrrricky)
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...Tricky (Tricky) Tricky
In New York the people talk and try to make us rhyme
They really (hawk) but we just (walk) because we have no time
And in the city it's a pity cause we just can't hide
Tinted windows don't mean nothin', they know who's inside
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...(How is it D?) Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky)
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky) huh!
When I wake up people take up mostly all of my time
I'm not singin', phone keep ringin' cause I make up a rhyme
I'm not braggin', people naggin' cause they think I'm a star
Always tearin' what I'm wearin', I think they're goin' too far
A girl named Carol follows Daryll every gig we play
Then D dissed her and dismissed her, now she's jockin' Jay
I ain't lyin', girls be cryin' cause I'm on TV
They even bother my poor father cos he's down with me
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...(How is it?) Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky)
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...Tr-tr-tr-tr-tr-tricky (Tr-Tr-Tr-Tricky) Tr-tr-tr...
We are not thugs we don't use drugs but you assume on your own
They offer coke and lots of dope but we just leave it alone
It's like that y'all (y'all), but we don't quit
You keep on (rock!) shock! Cause this is it...
Song: It's Tricky
Year: 1986
Album: Raising Hell
This was one of the most underrated songs in the mid-eighties. It almost never got played on the radio because of the other massive hits from this album. At least it never got played much in the Chicago area. I can't really say for other parts of the country or the world, for that matter. By the time "It's Tricky" was released as a single in 1987, the previous singles from the album dominated over this. Although "It's Tricky" did very well on the charts, so it must have been played more often elsewhere.
I can remember this album being a reward for successfully going through the anguish of getting a shot at the doctor's office. This was back when they used to do that sort of thing in the office and not at the hospital. I hated needles as a kid, so I usually had to be bribed to get me to go to the doctor's office willingly. I still don't care for needles, but I can tolerate them, if absolutely necessary.
Darryl McDaniels (DMC) reportedly drank to excess because he was living the lifestyle he thought he should portray with the music of Run DMC. I always took the positive messages from the music and applied them to my life. Stay in school, do your homework, respect your parents, don't do drugs, respect yourself, and many others. I was very impressionable at ten years old, and this album was one of the best influences at that time. It helped shape me into who I am today. I still hold those core values. I thought that if these famous superstars can live like that, I can too. I never heard about the troubles of Darryl McDaniels until much later in life. I'm very happy to hear that he is in a much better place.
"It's Tricky" is a kind of calling card to open the album up properly. It's the second song, but it feels like more of an introduction, than a song somewhere in the middle of side one.
Lyrics:
This speech is my recital, I think it's very vital
To rock a rhyme, that's right on time
It's Tricky is the title, here we go...
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...it's Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky)
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...Tr-tr-tr-tricky (Tricky) Trrrrrrrrrrricky
I met this little girlie, her hair was kinda curly
Went to her house and bust her out, I had to leave real early
These girls are really sleazy, all they just say is please me
Or spend some time and rock a rhyme, I said "It's not that easy"
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...(How is it D?) It's Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Trrrrrricky)
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...Tricky (Tricky) Tricky
In New York the people talk and try to make us rhyme
They really (hawk) but we just (walk) because we have no time
And in the city it's a pity cause we just can't hide
Tinted windows don't mean nothin', they know who's inside
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...(How is it D?) Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky)
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky) huh!
When I wake up people take up mostly all of my time
I'm not singin', phone keep ringin' cause I make up a rhyme
I'm not braggin', people naggin' cause they think I'm a star
Always tearin' what I'm wearin', I think they're goin' too far
A girl named Carol follows Daryll every gig we play
Then D dissed her and dismissed her, now she's jockin' Jay
I ain't lyin', girls be cryin' cause I'm on TV
They even bother my poor father cos he's down with me
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...(How is it?) Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky)
It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's Tricky...Tr-tr-tr-tr-tr-tricky (Tr-Tr-Tr-Tricky) Tr-tr-tr...
We are not thugs we don't use drugs but you assume on your own
They offer coke and lots of dope but we just leave it alone
It's like that y'all (y'all), but we don't quit
You keep on (rock!) shock! Cause this is it...
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Angie - Rolling Stones
Artist: Rolling Stones
Song: Angie
Year: 1973
Album: Goats Head Soup
"Angie" is a song that I've always heard on the radio. I had no idea where it came from when I was younger. I was around ten years old, when I realized it was the Rolling Stones. Once I realized that, it seemed hard to believe that I couldn't peg the voice of Mick Jagger earlier.
Despite the downtrodden lyrics and angst-ridden tone, this song propelled the Rolling Stones into the world of ballads. Sure, they had done ballads before, but none captured the heart of the public like "Angie" did. For some reason, this particular song hit the right chord with the public and shot straight to number one. It even knocked Cher's "Half-Breed" out of the number one spot.
This song remains one of the more popular songs in the Rolling Stones catalogue. It has popped up on numerous compilations and live albums. I don't remember if they played this song when I saw them in concert in 1994, on the Voodoo Lounge tour, but I'm sure it snuck in there somewhere. They played every other hit that night, or so it seemed.
Besides being a radio staple since the mid-seventies, the song has endured countless covers from other artists. I particularly enjoy the Tori Amos cover, but that's just a personal preference. As long as the Stones can strut around on stage, I'm positive that this will be a part of their set. That's fine. It's wonderfully written and poignant.
Lyrics:
Angie, Angie, when will those clouds all disappear?
Angie, Angie, where will it lead us from here?
With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats
You can't say we're satisfied
But Angie, Angie, you can't say we never tried
Angie, you're beautiful, but ain't it time we said good-bye?
Angie, I still love you, remember all those nights we cried?
All the dreams we held so close seemed to all go up in smoke
Let me whisper in your ear:
Angie, Angie, where will it lead us from here?
Oh, Angie, don't you weep, all your kisses still taste sweet
I hate that sadness in your eyes
But Angie, Angie, ain't it time we said good-bye?
With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats
You can't say we're satisfied
But Angie, I still love you, baby
Ev'rywhere I look I see your eyes
There ain't a woman that comes close to you
Come on Baby, dry your eyes
But Angie, Angie, ain't it good to be alive?
Angie, Angie, they can't say we never tried
Song: Angie
Year: 1973
Album: Goats Head Soup
"Angie" is a song that I've always heard on the radio. I had no idea where it came from when I was younger. I was around ten years old, when I realized it was the Rolling Stones. Once I realized that, it seemed hard to believe that I couldn't peg the voice of Mick Jagger earlier.
Despite the downtrodden lyrics and angst-ridden tone, this song propelled the Rolling Stones into the world of ballads. Sure, they had done ballads before, but none captured the heart of the public like "Angie" did. For some reason, this particular song hit the right chord with the public and shot straight to number one. It even knocked Cher's "Half-Breed" out of the number one spot.
This song remains one of the more popular songs in the Rolling Stones catalogue. It has popped up on numerous compilations and live albums. I don't remember if they played this song when I saw them in concert in 1994, on the Voodoo Lounge tour, but I'm sure it snuck in there somewhere. They played every other hit that night, or so it seemed.
Besides being a radio staple since the mid-seventies, the song has endured countless covers from other artists. I particularly enjoy the Tori Amos cover, but that's just a personal preference. As long as the Stones can strut around on stage, I'm positive that this will be a part of their set. That's fine. It's wonderfully written and poignant.
Lyrics:
Angie, Angie, when will those clouds all disappear?
Angie, Angie, where will it lead us from here?
With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats
You can't say we're satisfied
But Angie, Angie, you can't say we never tried
Angie, you're beautiful, but ain't it time we said good-bye?
Angie, I still love you, remember all those nights we cried?
All the dreams we held so close seemed to all go up in smoke
Let me whisper in your ear:
Angie, Angie, where will it lead us from here?
Oh, Angie, don't you weep, all your kisses still taste sweet
I hate that sadness in your eyes
But Angie, Angie, ain't it time we said good-bye?
With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats
You can't say we're satisfied
But Angie, I still love you, baby
Ev'rywhere I look I see your eyes
There ain't a woman that comes close to you
Come on Baby, dry your eyes
But Angie, Angie, ain't it good to be alive?
Angie, Angie, they can't say we never tried
Saturday, October 11, 2008
I Turn My Camera On - Spoon
Artist: Spoon
Song: I Turn My Camera On
Year: 2005
Album: Gimme Fiction
This is one of those songs that gets in your head because of the thumping bassline. That is what makes the song instantly recognizable to me. I didn't know anything about Spoon or their major label struggles, but once I did, I admired the band even more.
The band must have gone through some dark times at the hands of Elektra Records. Being dropped from a major label only four months into a contract must be disheartening. Especially after the band was promised promotion that never came.
The band made the best of the situation by releasing a scathing concept single aimed at their former label and A&R man. The fact that Spoon stayed together long enough to score a radio hit is nothing less than remarkable. If they had called it quits after the Elektra debacle, then the world may have been robbed of this great song.
I can thank a local radio station, WXRT, for making me aware of this song. I have found a bunch of great songs that normally would pass me by, since I wasn't into the same scene that Spoon came from in 2005. The first time that I heard this song, I immediately stopped what I was doing to listen to it. That is the sign of a great song.
Lyrics:
I turn my camera on
I cut my fingers on the way
They way I'm slippin away
I turn my feelings off
Y'made me untouchable for life
And you wasn't polite
It hit me like a tom
You hit me like a tom
On on and on
When I turn my feelings on
I turn my feelings on inside
Feel like I'm gonna ignite
I saw them stars go off
I saw them stars go off at night
And they're looking alright
Keep on blowin up
Keep on blowin em off
Get up roll it out
Keep on showin em out
Y'hit me like a tom
It hit me like a tom
On and on a tom
I turn my camera on
I cut my fingers on the way
I feel me slippin away
I wipe my feelings off
Y'made me untouchable for life
And you wasn't polite
Y'hit me like a tom
I don't know where it's from
It hit me like a tom-tom
Here comes the flan
Song: I Turn My Camera On
Year: 2005
Album: Gimme Fiction
This is one of those songs that gets in your head because of the thumping bassline. That is what makes the song instantly recognizable to me. I didn't know anything about Spoon or their major label struggles, but once I did, I admired the band even more.
The band must have gone through some dark times at the hands of Elektra Records. Being dropped from a major label only four months into a contract must be disheartening. Especially after the band was promised promotion that never came.
The band made the best of the situation by releasing a scathing concept single aimed at their former label and A&R man. The fact that Spoon stayed together long enough to score a radio hit is nothing less than remarkable. If they had called it quits after the Elektra debacle, then the world may have been robbed of this great song.
I can thank a local radio station, WXRT, for making me aware of this song. I have found a bunch of great songs that normally would pass me by, since I wasn't into the same scene that Spoon came from in 2005. The first time that I heard this song, I immediately stopped what I was doing to listen to it. That is the sign of a great song.
Lyrics:
I turn my camera on
I cut my fingers on the way
They way I'm slippin away
I turn my feelings off
Y'made me untouchable for life
And you wasn't polite
It hit me like a tom
You hit me like a tom
On on and on
When I turn my feelings on
I turn my feelings on inside
Feel like I'm gonna ignite
I saw them stars go off
I saw them stars go off at night
And they're looking alright
Keep on blowin up
Keep on blowin em off
Get up roll it out
Keep on showin em out
Y'hit me like a tom
It hit me like a tom
On and on a tom
I turn my camera on
I cut my fingers on the way
I feel me slippin away
I wipe my feelings off
Y'made me untouchable for life
And you wasn't polite
Y'hit me like a tom
I don't know where it's from
It hit me like a tom-tom
Here comes the flan
Friday, October 10, 2008
Boom Boom (Let's Go Back To My Room - Paul Lekakis
Artist: Paul Lekakis
Song: Boom Boom (Let's Go Back To My Room)
Year: 1987
Album: Tattoo It
This song was originally released in 1987, but it didn't appear on an album until 1990. I remember sitting at the kitchen table, in a friend's house, when I first heard this on the radio. The song didn't really grab me, when I first heard it. This is a song that got stuck in my head for awhile. Because of that, the song grew on me.
After the few weeks of constant airplay, the song largely disappeared from radio and was an afterthought in my head. When I became a DJ for a local club in 1998, I thought of this song. The problem arose when I couldn't think of the title or the artist. As it turned out, I had the title all along, or at least part of it. I remembered Boom Boom Boom.
Armed with that information, I kept running into songs that I was already familiar with by artists like John Lee Hooker. It wasn't until I was killing time at 3AM in Walmart, where I actually got my first lead. I saw the song on a nightclubbing compilation of the eighties. The song title seemed right and the elements seemed right, but I wasn't sure about the artist. Paul Lekakis doesn't really sound like a man with a hit eighties dance song. He sounds more like a sensitive acoustic guitar playing seventies songwriter.
I purchased the compilation CD and played it when I got home. The first notes poured out of my speakers and it sounded right. Then, when Paul started to sing the first line, I knew it was the right song. Eleven years after the fact, I tracked down a song that had eluded me for almost as long.
Lyrics:
Hey baby I'd like to talk to you
How about coming back to my room for a little boom boom
You keep coming to me
I can dig your dynamite
Know the way you move
Get in the groove
You're driving me crazy, crazy for you
Second time you moved me
It's time for us to Boom Boom
You can come right close to me
And feel the burning fire
All the time you got me
It's fine for us to boom boom
If you see the spark in me
And feel my strong desire
Boom Boom Boom
Let's go back to my room
So we can do it all night
And you can make me feel right
Boom Boom Boom
Let's go back to my room
So we can do it all night
And you can make me feel right
Do the honor to me
Don't you know I like to bite
Get to the view
Closer to you
You're driving me crazy, crazy for you
Second time you moved me
It's time for us to Boom Boom
You can come right close to me
And feel the burning fire
All the time you got me
It's fine for us to boom boom
If you see the spark in me
And feel my strong desire
Boom Boom Boom
Let's go back to my room
So we can do it all night
And you can make me feel right
Boom Boom Boom
Let's go back to my room
So we can do it all night
And you can make me feel right
Song: Boom Boom (Let's Go Back To My Room)
Year: 1987
Album: Tattoo It
This song was originally released in 1987, but it didn't appear on an album until 1990. I remember sitting at the kitchen table, in a friend's house, when I first heard this on the radio. The song didn't really grab me, when I first heard it. This is a song that got stuck in my head for awhile. Because of that, the song grew on me.
After the few weeks of constant airplay, the song largely disappeared from radio and was an afterthought in my head. When I became a DJ for a local club in 1998, I thought of this song. The problem arose when I couldn't think of the title or the artist. As it turned out, I had the title all along, or at least part of it. I remembered Boom Boom Boom.
Armed with that information, I kept running into songs that I was already familiar with by artists like John Lee Hooker. It wasn't until I was killing time at 3AM in Walmart, where I actually got my first lead. I saw the song on a nightclubbing compilation of the eighties. The song title seemed right and the elements seemed right, but I wasn't sure about the artist. Paul Lekakis doesn't really sound like a man with a hit eighties dance song. He sounds more like a sensitive acoustic guitar playing seventies songwriter.
I purchased the compilation CD and played it when I got home. The first notes poured out of my speakers and it sounded right. Then, when Paul started to sing the first line, I knew it was the right song. Eleven years after the fact, I tracked down a song that had eluded me for almost as long.
Lyrics:
Hey baby I'd like to talk to you
How about coming back to my room for a little boom boom
You keep coming to me
I can dig your dynamite
Know the way you move
Get in the groove
You're driving me crazy, crazy for you
Second time you moved me
It's time for us to Boom Boom
You can come right close to me
And feel the burning fire
All the time you got me
It's fine for us to boom boom
If you see the spark in me
And feel my strong desire
Boom Boom Boom
Let's go back to my room
So we can do it all night
And you can make me feel right
Boom Boom Boom
Let's go back to my room
So we can do it all night
And you can make me feel right
Do the honor to me
Don't you know I like to bite
Get to the view
Closer to you
You're driving me crazy, crazy for you
Second time you moved me
It's time for us to Boom Boom
You can come right close to me
And feel the burning fire
All the time you got me
It's fine for us to boom boom
If you see the spark in me
And feel my strong desire
Boom Boom Boom
Let's go back to my room
So we can do it all night
And you can make me feel right
Boom Boom Boom
Let's go back to my room
So we can do it all night
And you can make me feel right
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Oh Well - Fleetwood Mac
Artist: Fleetwood Mac
Song: Oh Well
Year: 1969
Album: Then Play On
With the mainstream success of Fleetwood Mac, few people realize that the band had been releasing albums as Fleetwood Mac since 1967. Fleetwood Mac started out of one of the early lineups of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers. Fleetwood Mac's name came from a song that was recorded named after the musicians Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.
Mick Fleetwood remains the only member from the original lineup that is still a part of the group. John McVie was there from the beginning, but did not join the group until partway through the first year. Peter Green was the mastermind behind Fleetwood Mac. The band almost split up after his departure.
Despite Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham being so associated with Fleetwood Mac, they didn't join until the mid seventies. This was Peter Green's last album with Fleetwood Mac and the contributions are wonderful. "Oh Well" is a perfect predecessor to bands like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, mixing in prog rock with blues.
There is actually an error with this song. A few seconds of part one overlaps onto part two of the song. When they were released as one whole song, those few seconds loop again where the original cut was made. Most people don't even notice it. I never did until I read about it.
I often wonder what Fleetwood Mac would have been like had Peter Green not departed abruptly because of illness. Would they be as big as they are now? It's hard to tell. I think that Fleetwood Mac would have enjoyed continued success, but would have floated around the mainstream more. On the bright side, we may have been spared the painful "eighties moments" that came on the soft rock albums that littered that decade. But we would have been denied albums like Rumours and Tusk. It's a tough choice.
Lyrics:
I can't help about the shape I'm in
I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
Oh well
Now, when I talked to God I knew he'd understand
He said, Stick by my side and I'll be your guiding hand
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
Oh well
Song: Oh Well
Year: 1969
Album: Then Play On
With the mainstream success of Fleetwood Mac, few people realize that the band had been releasing albums as Fleetwood Mac since 1967. Fleetwood Mac started out of one of the early lineups of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers. Fleetwood Mac's name came from a song that was recorded named after the musicians Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.
Mick Fleetwood remains the only member from the original lineup that is still a part of the group. John McVie was there from the beginning, but did not join the group until partway through the first year. Peter Green was the mastermind behind Fleetwood Mac. The band almost split up after his departure.
Despite Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham being so associated with Fleetwood Mac, they didn't join until the mid seventies. This was Peter Green's last album with Fleetwood Mac and the contributions are wonderful. "Oh Well" is a perfect predecessor to bands like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, mixing in prog rock with blues.
There is actually an error with this song. A few seconds of part one overlaps onto part two of the song. When they were released as one whole song, those few seconds loop again where the original cut was made. Most people don't even notice it. I never did until I read about it.
I often wonder what Fleetwood Mac would have been like had Peter Green not departed abruptly because of illness. Would they be as big as they are now? It's hard to tell. I think that Fleetwood Mac would have enjoyed continued success, but would have floated around the mainstream more. On the bright side, we may have been spared the painful "eighties moments" that came on the soft rock albums that littered that decade. But we would have been denied albums like Rumours and Tusk. It's a tough choice.
Lyrics:
I can't help about the shape I'm in
I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
Oh well
Now, when I talked to God I knew he'd understand
He said, Stick by my side and I'll be your guiding hand
But don't ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
Oh well
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Seven Nation Army - White Stripes
Artist: White Stripes
Song: Seven Nation Army
Year: 2003
Album: Elephant
If the album White Blood Cells brought the White Stripes to the mainstream, Elephant established them. After I heard "Fell In Love With A Girl", I went back and dug out all the older White Stripes releases. They were surprisingly good. I guess it takes just one song to get noticed. If the rest of your stuff is decent, it will get resurrected.
"Seven Nation Army" was the lead single from Elephant. There was a buzz about this song that was very strong. After the first listen, I thought that it sounded a lot like the type of music that my friend and I make in the garage. It had a grimy sound, but was poppy and stayed in your head for days.
Meg isn't the best drummer in the world, but she also isn't trying to be. She is capable enough for what is required. That simplistic approach works for this song. The song itself is simplistic, but it's simple enough that it works.
I first heard this song on a long drive to a friend's house. I try to listen to most of my music while doing mundane things. It helps me determine if I like a song for the song or for the reputation. I can think of a few songs that I liked by reputation, but ended up not liking in the long run. This is definitely not one of those. This song has a catchy riff and a desirable melody. It's the opening that grabs you and never lets you go.
Lyrics:
I'm gonna fight 'em off
A seven nation army couldn't hold me back
They're gonna rip it off
Taking their time right behind my back
And I'm talking to myself at night
Because I can't forget
Back and forth through my mind
Behind a cigarette
And the message coming from my eyes
Says leave it alone
Don't want to hear about it
Every single one's got a story to tell
Everyone knows about it
From the Queen of England to the hounds of hell
And if I catch it coming back my way
I'm gonna serve it to you
And that ain't what you want to hear
But that's what I'll do
And a feeling coming from my bones
Says find a home
I'm going to Wichita
Far from this opera forevermore
I'm gonna work the straw
Make the sweat drip out of every pore
And I'm bleeding, and I'm bleeding, and I'm bleeding
Right before the lord
All the words are gonna bleed from me
And I will think no more
And the stains coming from my blood
tell me "go back home"
Song: Seven Nation Army
Year: 2003
Album: Elephant
If the album White Blood Cells brought the White Stripes to the mainstream, Elephant established them. After I heard "Fell In Love With A Girl", I went back and dug out all the older White Stripes releases. They were surprisingly good. I guess it takes just one song to get noticed. If the rest of your stuff is decent, it will get resurrected.
"Seven Nation Army" was the lead single from Elephant. There was a buzz about this song that was very strong. After the first listen, I thought that it sounded a lot like the type of music that my friend and I make in the garage. It had a grimy sound, but was poppy and stayed in your head for days.
Meg isn't the best drummer in the world, but she also isn't trying to be. She is capable enough for what is required. That simplistic approach works for this song. The song itself is simplistic, but it's simple enough that it works.
I first heard this song on a long drive to a friend's house. I try to listen to most of my music while doing mundane things. It helps me determine if I like a song for the song or for the reputation. I can think of a few songs that I liked by reputation, but ended up not liking in the long run. This is definitely not one of those. This song has a catchy riff and a desirable melody. It's the opening that grabs you and never lets you go.
Lyrics:
I'm gonna fight 'em off
A seven nation army couldn't hold me back
They're gonna rip it off
Taking their time right behind my back
And I'm talking to myself at night
Because I can't forget
Back and forth through my mind
Behind a cigarette
And the message coming from my eyes
Says leave it alone
Don't want to hear about it
Every single one's got a story to tell
Everyone knows about it
From the Queen of England to the hounds of hell
And if I catch it coming back my way
I'm gonna serve it to you
And that ain't what you want to hear
But that's what I'll do
And a feeling coming from my bones
Says find a home
I'm going to Wichita
Far from this opera forevermore
I'm gonna work the straw
Make the sweat drip out of every pore
And I'm bleeding, and I'm bleeding, and I'm bleeding
Right before the lord
All the words are gonna bleed from me
And I will think no more
And the stains coming from my blood
tell me "go back home"
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Hurricane - Bob Dylan
Artist: Bob Dylan
Song: Hurricane
Year: 1975
Album: Desire
While clocking in at over eight minutes, "Hurricane" became one of Bob Dylan's longest protest songs. The original recording had harsher lyrics accusing specific people of crimes they were not charged with. The record label forced Bob Dylan to overdub these specific lyrics. Since the lyrics were bleeding through onto other tracks of the song, Dylan had no choice but to rerecord this song. The result turned out faster and is the song that was eventually released.
This song has been accused of being one-sided. It is. Dylan used great artistic license with some of the facts of the case and neglected to mention anything about Rubin Carter's criminal past. Despite those shortcomings, the song elevated Rubin Carter's case into the public eye and probably helped in his eventual release in 1985.
I'm not one to speculate much about things without the facts. Either a triple murderer was released or an innocent man was imprisoned for roughly 20 years. This case is a showcase for what is wrong with the United States judicial system and how some people can exploit flaws in it.
Dylan has not performed this song since 1976, to my knowledge. Despite the sketchy details of the case and the artistic license provided on the song itself, the song is rather catchy. One would have to wonder if the song would have been as successful if the original version had been released. Whatever the case, this song goes by fast, in spite of its length. That's always the sign of a good song. One that seems to be about half the length and leaves you wanting a bit more.
Lyrics:
Pistol shots ring out in the barroom night
Enter Patty Valentine from the upper hall.
She sees the bartender in a pool of blood,
Cries out, "My God, they killed them all!"
Here comes the story of the Hurricane,
The man the authorities came to blame
For somethin' that he never done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.
Three bodies lyin' there does Patty see
And another man named Bello, movin' around mysteriously.
"I didn't do it," he says, and he throws up his hands
"I was only robbin' the register, I hope you understand.
I saw them leavin'," he says, and he stops
"One of us had better call up the cops."
And so Patty calls the cops
And they arrive on the scene with their red lights flashin'
In the hot New Jersey night.
Meanwhile, far away in another part of town
Rubin Carter and a couple of friends are drivin' around.
Number one contender for the middleweight crown
Had no idea what kinda shit was about to go down
When a cop pulled him over to the side of the road
Just like the time before and the time before that.
In Paterson that's just the way things go.
If you're black you might as well not show up on the street
'Less you wanna draw the heat.
Alfred Bello had a partner and he had a rap for the cops.
Him and Arthur Dexter Bradley were just out prowlin' around
He said, "I saw two men runnin' out, they looked like middleweights
They jumped into a white car with out-of-state plates."
And Miss Patty Valentine just nodded her head.
Cop said, "Wait a minute, boys, this one's not dead"
So they took him to the infirmary
And though this man could hardly see
They told him that he could identify the guilty men.
Four in the mornin' and they haul Rubin in,
Take him to the hospital and they bring him upstairs.
The wounded man looks up through his one dyin' eye
Says, "Wha'd you bring him in here for? He ain't the guy!"
Yes, here's the story of the Hurricane,
The man the authorities came to blame
For somethin' that he never done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.
Four months later, the ghettos are in flame,
Rubin's in South America, fightin' for his name
While Arthur Dexter Bradley's still in the robbery game
And the cops are puttin' the screws to him, lookin' for somebody to blame.
"Remember that murder that happened in a bar?"
"Remember you said you saw the getaway car?"
"You think you'd like to play ball with the law?"
"Think it might-a been that fighter that you saw runnin' that night?"
"Don't forget that you are white."
Arthur Dexter Bradley said, "I'm really not sure."
Cops said, "A poor boy like you could use a break
We got you for the motel job and we're talkin' to your friend Bello
Now you don't wanta have to go back to jail, be a nice fellow.
You'll be doin' society a favor.
That sonofabitch is brave and gettin' braver.
We want to put his ass in stir
We want to pin this triple murder on him
He ain't no Gentleman Jim."
Rubin could take a man out with just one punch
But he never did like to talk about it all that much.
It's my work, he'd say, and I do it for pay
And when it's over I'd just as soon go on my way
Up to some paradise
Where the trout streams flow and the air is nice
And ride a horse along a trail.
But then they took him to the jailhouse
Where they try to turn a man into a mouse.
All of Rubin's cards were marked in advance
The trial was a pig-circus, he never had a chance.
The judge made Rubin's witnesses drunkards from the slums
To the white folks who watched he was a revolutionary bum
And to the black folks he was just a crazy nigger.
No one doubted that he pulled the trigger.
And though they could not produce the gun,
The D.A. said he was the one who did the deed
And the all-white jury agreed.
Rubin Carter was falsely tried.
The crime was murder "one," guess who testified?
Bello and Bradley and they both baldly lied
And the newspapers, they all went along for the ride.
How can the life of such a man
Be in the palm of some fool's hand?
To see him obviously framed
Couldn't help but make me feel ashamed to live in a land
Where justice is a game.
Now all the criminals in their coats and their ties
Are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise
While Rubin sits like Buddha in a ten-foot cell
An innocent man in a living hell.
That's the story of the Hurricane,
But it won't be over till they clear his name
And give him back the time he's done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.
Song: Hurricane
Year: 1975
Album: Desire
While clocking in at over eight minutes, "Hurricane" became one of Bob Dylan's longest protest songs. The original recording had harsher lyrics accusing specific people of crimes they were not charged with. The record label forced Bob Dylan to overdub these specific lyrics. Since the lyrics were bleeding through onto other tracks of the song, Dylan had no choice but to rerecord this song. The result turned out faster and is the song that was eventually released.
This song has been accused of being one-sided. It is. Dylan used great artistic license with some of the facts of the case and neglected to mention anything about Rubin Carter's criminal past. Despite those shortcomings, the song elevated Rubin Carter's case into the public eye and probably helped in his eventual release in 1985.
I'm not one to speculate much about things without the facts. Either a triple murderer was released or an innocent man was imprisoned for roughly 20 years. This case is a showcase for what is wrong with the United States judicial system and how some people can exploit flaws in it.
Dylan has not performed this song since 1976, to my knowledge. Despite the sketchy details of the case and the artistic license provided on the song itself, the song is rather catchy. One would have to wonder if the song would have been as successful if the original version had been released. Whatever the case, this song goes by fast, in spite of its length. That's always the sign of a good song. One that seems to be about half the length and leaves you wanting a bit more.
Lyrics:
Pistol shots ring out in the barroom night
Enter Patty Valentine from the upper hall.
She sees the bartender in a pool of blood,
Cries out, "My God, they killed them all!"
Here comes the story of the Hurricane,
The man the authorities came to blame
For somethin' that he never done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.
Three bodies lyin' there does Patty see
And another man named Bello, movin' around mysteriously.
"I didn't do it," he says, and he throws up his hands
"I was only robbin' the register, I hope you understand.
I saw them leavin'," he says, and he stops
"One of us had better call up the cops."
And so Patty calls the cops
And they arrive on the scene with their red lights flashin'
In the hot New Jersey night.
Meanwhile, far away in another part of town
Rubin Carter and a couple of friends are drivin' around.
Number one contender for the middleweight crown
Had no idea what kinda shit was about to go down
When a cop pulled him over to the side of the road
Just like the time before and the time before that.
In Paterson that's just the way things go.
If you're black you might as well not show up on the street
'Less you wanna draw the heat.
Alfred Bello had a partner and he had a rap for the cops.
Him and Arthur Dexter Bradley were just out prowlin' around
He said, "I saw two men runnin' out, they looked like middleweights
They jumped into a white car with out-of-state plates."
And Miss Patty Valentine just nodded her head.
Cop said, "Wait a minute, boys, this one's not dead"
So they took him to the infirmary
And though this man could hardly see
They told him that he could identify the guilty men.
Four in the mornin' and they haul Rubin in,
Take him to the hospital and they bring him upstairs.
The wounded man looks up through his one dyin' eye
Says, "Wha'd you bring him in here for? He ain't the guy!"
Yes, here's the story of the Hurricane,
The man the authorities came to blame
For somethin' that he never done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.
Four months later, the ghettos are in flame,
Rubin's in South America, fightin' for his name
While Arthur Dexter Bradley's still in the robbery game
And the cops are puttin' the screws to him, lookin' for somebody to blame.
"Remember that murder that happened in a bar?"
"Remember you said you saw the getaway car?"
"You think you'd like to play ball with the law?"
"Think it might-a been that fighter that you saw runnin' that night?"
"Don't forget that you are white."
Arthur Dexter Bradley said, "I'm really not sure."
Cops said, "A poor boy like you could use a break
We got you for the motel job and we're talkin' to your friend Bello
Now you don't wanta have to go back to jail, be a nice fellow.
You'll be doin' society a favor.
That sonofabitch is brave and gettin' braver.
We want to put his ass in stir
We want to pin this triple murder on him
He ain't no Gentleman Jim."
Rubin could take a man out with just one punch
But he never did like to talk about it all that much.
It's my work, he'd say, and I do it for pay
And when it's over I'd just as soon go on my way
Up to some paradise
Where the trout streams flow and the air is nice
And ride a horse along a trail.
But then they took him to the jailhouse
Where they try to turn a man into a mouse.
All of Rubin's cards were marked in advance
The trial was a pig-circus, he never had a chance.
The judge made Rubin's witnesses drunkards from the slums
To the white folks who watched he was a revolutionary bum
And to the black folks he was just a crazy nigger.
No one doubted that he pulled the trigger.
And though they could not produce the gun,
The D.A. said he was the one who did the deed
And the all-white jury agreed.
Rubin Carter was falsely tried.
The crime was murder "one," guess who testified?
Bello and Bradley and they both baldly lied
And the newspapers, they all went along for the ride.
How can the life of such a man
Be in the palm of some fool's hand?
To see him obviously framed
Couldn't help but make me feel ashamed to live in a land
Where justice is a game.
Now all the criminals in their coats and their ties
Are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise
While Rubin sits like Buddha in a ten-foot cell
An innocent man in a living hell.
That's the story of the Hurricane,
But it won't be over till they clear his name
And give him back the time he's done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Cats Are Cunts - Triumph The Insult Comic Dog
Artist: Triumph The Insult Comic Dog
Song: Cats Are Cunts
Year: 2003
Album: Come Poop With Me
I first saw Triumph as an amusing puppet on Late Night With Conan O'Brien. I always thought that the skit was amusing, but never quite was laugh out loud. That changed around 2000. The more that Triumph was featured in skit, the more I enjoyed them.
I'm a huge SNL fan and both Robert Smigel and Conan O'Brien were writers on the show. This would seem to be right up my alley, even before it aired. Like most ideas that seem to be one note, I laugh and move on. For some reason, Triumph did not move on. This little puppet dog exploded.
2003 was the height of Triumph's popularity, at least in my estimation. So, when a CD full of songs and skits featuring Triumph and a few comic guest stars appeared, it was a no brainer for a pickup. This isn't an album that I can listen to all the time, but every once in awhile, the time will be perfect for a little pick me up.
When I first saw the title "Cats Are Cunts" on the album, I knew it would be very blue. I wasn't disappointed with that. It was an average song with the right amount of winks thrown in. What makes the song, is the appearance by Conan O'Brien. The deadpan delivery just sells the piece and the audience reaction is the icing on the cake.
Lyrics:
You know...
Dogs aren't clever
they eat their own dung
they whine like babies and sweat through their tongue
The big ones are stupid the small are high strung
but cats are cunts
You know..
Dogs are filthy
they get ticks and fleas
they drag their asses
and give Lyme disease
you have to train them,
pick up their crap on your knees
but cats are cunts
1, 2, 3..cats are cunts
cunts are cats
cats are cunts
cunts are cats
it’s easy to learn
so let’s all say that
cats are cunts
cunts are cats
cats are cunts
cunts are cats
so spread the word
through your own habitat
You know...
Dogs get rabies
they drool and they fart
they drink from toilets,they’re not very smart
they get worms but their better than their counterpart
cause cats are...
Excuse me
Hello, what's the problem here
Conan O'Brien, what do you want
This is my show!
My, my, my show!
What are you doing here?
Yes?
What the hell are you doing?!
I don't know. Singing a little ditty.
I have put up with you crap for years, but tonight you have crossed some kind of line. This is wrong.
Oooo, this is wrong. What would Letterman say?
This is clearly a crowd that expects more from you, Triumph. You have an audience of intelligent people here.
Hee hee hee hee.
Triumph, you could appeal to these people's higher nature.
Alright, what are you going to do about it?
I was listening backstage. I like the melody. I wrote some lyrics that I think speaks to the intelligence and humanity of this crowd tonight.
Heh, heh. Good luck.
You know...
People should live together in peace
Very nice
We wouldn't have war, famine or disease
Brothers and sisters should do as they please
But cats are cunts
Conan O'Brien ladies and gentleman! Conan O'Brien!
Alright!
1, 2, 3..cats are cunts
cunts are cats
cats are cunts
cunts are cats
it’s easy to learn
so let’s all say that
cats are cunts
cunts are cats
cats are cunts
cunts are cats
so spread the word
through your own habitat
Why do you think they call it pussy?
Cats are cunts!
Song: Cats Are Cunts
Year: 2003
Album: Come Poop With Me
I first saw Triumph as an amusing puppet on Late Night With Conan O'Brien. I always thought that the skit was amusing, but never quite was laugh out loud. That changed around 2000. The more that Triumph was featured in skit, the more I enjoyed them.
I'm a huge SNL fan and both Robert Smigel and Conan O'Brien were writers on the show. This would seem to be right up my alley, even before it aired. Like most ideas that seem to be one note, I laugh and move on. For some reason, Triumph did not move on. This little puppet dog exploded.
2003 was the height of Triumph's popularity, at least in my estimation. So, when a CD full of songs and skits featuring Triumph and a few comic guest stars appeared, it was a no brainer for a pickup. This isn't an album that I can listen to all the time, but every once in awhile, the time will be perfect for a little pick me up.
When I first saw the title "Cats Are Cunts" on the album, I knew it would be very blue. I wasn't disappointed with that. It was an average song with the right amount of winks thrown in. What makes the song, is the appearance by Conan O'Brien. The deadpan delivery just sells the piece and the audience reaction is the icing on the cake.
Lyrics:
You know...
Dogs aren't clever
they eat their own dung
they whine like babies and sweat through their tongue
The big ones are stupid the small are high strung
but cats are cunts
You know..
Dogs are filthy
they get ticks and fleas
they drag their asses
and give Lyme disease
you have to train them,
pick up their crap on your knees
but cats are cunts
1, 2, 3..cats are cunts
cunts are cats
cats are cunts
cunts are cats
it’s easy to learn
so let’s all say that
cats are cunts
cunts are cats
cats are cunts
cunts are cats
so spread the word
through your own habitat
You know...
Dogs get rabies
they drool and they fart
they drink from toilets,they’re not very smart
they get worms but their better than their counterpart
cause cats are...
Excuse me
Hello, what's the problem here
Conan O'Brien, what do you want
This is my show!
My, my, my show!
What are you doing here?
Yes?
What the hell are you doing?!
I don't know. Singing a little ditty.
I have put up with you crap for years, but tonight you have crossed some kind of line. This is wrong.
Oooo, this is wrong. What would Letterman say?
This is clearly a crowd that expects more from you, Triumph. You have an audience of intelligent people here.
Hee hee hee hee.
Triumph, you could appeal to these people's higher nature.
Alright, what are you going to do about it?
I was listening backstage. I like the melody. I wrote some lyrics that I think speaks to the intelligence and humanity of this crowd tonight.
Heh, heh. Good luck.
You know...
People should live together in peace
Very nice
We wouldn't have war, famine or disease
Brothers and sisters should do as they please
But cats are cunts
Conan O'Brien ladies and gentleman! Conan O'Brien!
Alright!
1, 2, 3..cats are cunts
cunts are cats
cats are cunts
cunts are cats
it’s easy to learn
so let’s all say that
cats are cunts
cunts are cats
cats are cunts
cunts are cats
so spread the word
through your own habitat
Why do you think they call it pussy?
Cats are cunts!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Day That Never Comes - Metallica
Artist: Metallica
Song: The Day That Never Comes
Year: 2008
Album: Death Magnetic
Metallica comes back with their boldest statement in years, but it's ultimately too late. There are great songs to be discovered on this album, but most of it is run of the mill Metallica. The focus seems to be on recapturing their older sound, which it does to a degree, but it never quite captures the same magic.
"The Day That Never Comes" is a decent song. It will be in my playlist from now on. It just lacks something that puts it over the top. The song starts off slow and ballad-like, like the Metallica of late. Then it degrades into an older style of Metallica. Thrashing guitars and poppy drums, which sound a little too tinny. The old growl of James Hetfield slowly creeps in toward then end, but it never fully emerges.
The beginning of the song is nothing special, but the last half of the song redeems it, in my eyes. My first taste of Metallica was the Ride The Lightning album. Despite what many think, Metallica has always gravitated towards the slow, melodic songs. The Kill 'Em All album would be the only album that doesn't really have a slower song.
The video for "The Day That Never Comes" is supposed to be a serious statement about the horrors of war. The video turns unintentionally funny in parts. A soldier drags a wounded soldier around like Linus drags around his blue blanket. The unharmed soldier also props up the wounded soldier against a military vehicle, only to see him slowly slump towards the ground and drool, when his attention is focused in another direction.
This song is not their best, but it certainly beats a lot of what's out there already.
Lyrics:
Born to push you around
Better just stay down
You pull away
He hits the flesh
You hit the ground
Mouth so full of lies
Tend to black your eyes
Just keep them closed
Keep praying
Just keep waiting
Waiting for the one
The day that never comes
When you stand up and feel the warmth
But the son shine never comes, no
No, the son shine never comes
Push you cross that line
Just stay down this time
Hide in yourself,
Crawl in yourself,
You’ll have your time
God I’ll make them pay
Take it back one day
I’ll end this day
I’ll splatter color on this gray
Waiting for the one,
The day that never comes
When you stand up and feel the warmth
But the son shine never comes
Love is a four-letter word
And never spoken here
Love is a four-letter word
Here in this prison
I suffer this no longer,
I’ll put an end to this I swear
This I swear
The son will shine
This I swear
This I swear
THIS I SWEAR!!!
Song: The Day That Never Comes
Year: 2008
Album: Death Magnetic
Metallica comes back with their boldest statement in years, but it's ultimately too late. There are great songs to be discovered on this album, but most of it is run of the mill Metallica. The focus seems to be on recapturing their older sound, which it does to a degree, but it never quite captures the same magic.
"The Day That Never Comes" is a decent song. It will be in my playlist from now on. It just lacks something that puts it over the top. The song starts off slow and ballad-like, like the Metallica of late. Then it degrades into an older style of Metallica. Thrashing guitars and poppy drums, which sound a little too tinny. The old growl of James Hetfield slowly creeps in toward then end, but it never fully emerges.
The beginning of the song is nothing special, but the last half of the song redeems it, in my eyes. My first taste of Metallica was the Ride The Lightning album. Despite what many think, Metallica has always gravitated towards the slow, melodic songs. The Kill 'Em All album would be the only album that doesn't really have a slower song.
The video for "The Day That Never Comes" is supposed to be a serious statement about the horrors of war. The video turns unintentionally funny in parts. A soldier drags a wounded soldier around like Linus drags around his blue blanket. The unharmed soldier also props up the wounded soldier against a military vehicle, only to see him slowly slump towards the ground and drool, when his attention is focused in another direction.
This song is not their best, but it certainly beats a lot of what's out there already.
Lyrics:
Born to push you around
Better just stay down
You pull away
He hits the flesh
You hit the ground
Mouth so full of lies
Tend to black your eyes
Just keep them closed
Keep praying
Just keep waiting
Waiting for the one
The day that never comes
When you stand up and feel the warmth
But the son shine never comes, no
No, the son shine never comes
Push you cross that line
Just stay down this time
Hide in yourself,
Crawl in yourself,
You’ll have your time
God I’ll make them pay
Take it back one day
I’ll end this day
I’ll splatter color on this gray
Waiting for the one,
The day that never comes
When you stand up and feel the warmth
But the son shine never comes
Love is a four-letter word
And never spoken here
Love is a four-letter word
Here in this prison
I suffer this no longer,
I’ll put an end to this I swear
This I swear
The son will shine
This I swear
This I swear
THIS I SWEAR!!!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Lightning Crashes - Live
Artist: Live
Song: Lightning Crashes
Year: 1994
Album: Throwing Copper
There's always been something special about this song. I think that it's in the buildup. The song starts out very simple and soft and gradually grows from there until the song is full blast screaming in your ear. Then, as the song ends, it abruptly falls back to the beginning vibe.
The climbing is so gradual that you don't realize that the song is rising towards a crescendo and ultimate climax. Ed Kowalczyk's voice is superb in this song. It strikes just the right balance. It certainly isn't weak and it doesn't belt out until tomorrow, like say Michael Bolton. The singer, not the office worker.
Although this was released in 1994, my memories of it are from 1995. It seemed to be all over the radio in early 1995. The first time I heard this song on the radio, I nearly stopped the car and pulled over. I could not believe that Live could do a song like this. It seemed so passionate and relevant.
The song's subject matter is unusual for a pop song, but you never know what's going to be popular. If you did, you'd see more careers that top the charts for more than a decade. The birth of a child and the death of a mother is a very serious and poignant subject for a song. I think that the lyrics give the song the extra power that it needs to pull this off.
I liked Live's other songs, but this song struck me with the right chord and possibly at the perfect moment. It captures a mood and a feeling that both optimistic and sad. I'm not saying that this would be the perfect song to play at a bittersweet occasion, but it might be better suited for the car ride home.
Lyrics:
lightning crashes, an old mother cries
her placenta falls to the floor
the angel opens her eyes
the confusion sets in
before the doctor can even close the door
lightning crashes, an old mother dies
her tensions fall to the floor
the angel closes her eyes
the confusion that was hers
belongs now to the baby down the hall
oh i can feel it coming back again
like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
forces pulling from the center of the earth i guess
i can feel it
i can feel it
lightning crashes a new mother cries
this moment she's been waiting for
the angel opens her eyes
pale blue coloured eyes
presents the circle
puts the glory out too high, high
oh i feel it coming back again
like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
forces moving from the center of the earth i guess
i can feel it
i can feel it
ooooh i
oooooh i
oooh i
i can feel it coming back again
like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
forces moving from the center of the earth i guess
i can feel it
i can feel it coming back again
like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
forces pulling from the center of the earth i guess
i can feel it
i can feel it coming back again
like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
forces pulling from the center of the earth i guess
i can feel it
i can feel it
i can feel it
Song: Lightning Crashes
Year: 1994
Album: Throwing Copper
There's always been something special about this song. I think that it's in the buildup. The song starts out very simple and soft and gradually grows from there until the song is full blast screaming in your ear. Then, as the song ends, it abruptly falls back to the beginning vibe.
The climbing is so gradual that you don't realize that the song is rising towards a crescendo and ultimate climax. Ed Kowalczyk's voice is superb in this song. It strikes just the right balance. It certainly isn't weak and it doesn't belt out until tomorrow, like say Michael Bolton. The singer, not the office worker.
Although this was released in 1994, my memories of it are from 1995. It seemed to be all over the radio in early 1995. The first time I heard this song on the radio, I nearly stopped the car and pulled over. I could not believe that Live could do a song like this. It seemed so passionate and relevant.
The song's subject matter is unusual for a pop song, but you never know what's going to be popular. If you did, you'd see more careers that top the charts for more than a decade. The birth of a child and the death of a mother is a very serious and poignant subject for a song. I think that the lyrics give the song the extra power that it needs to pull this off.
I liked Live's other songs, but this song struck me with the right chord and possibly at the perfect moment. It captures a mood and a feeling that both optimistic and sad. I'm not saying that this would be the perfect song to play at a bittersweet occasion, but it might be better suited for the car ride home.
Lyrics:
lightning crashes, an old mother cries
her placenta falls to the floor
the angel opens her eyes
the confusion sets in
before the doctor can even close the door
lightning crashes, an old mother dies
her tensions fall to the floor
the angel closes her eyes
the confusion that was hers
belongs now to the baby down the hall
oh i can feel it coming back again
like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
forces pulling from the center of the earth i guess
i can feel it
i can feel it
lightning crashes a new mother cries
this moment she's been waiting for
the angel opens her eyes
pale blue coloured eyes
presents the circle
puts the glory out too high, high
oh i feel it coming back again
like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
forces moving from the center of the earth i guess
i can feel it
i can feel it
ooooh i
oooooh i
oooh i
i can feel it coming back again
like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
forces moving from the center of the earth i guess
i can feel it
i can feel it coming back again
like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
forces pulling from the center of the earth i guess
i can feel it
i can feel it coming back again
like a rolling thunder chasing the wind
forces pulling from the center of the earth i guess
i can feel it
i can feel it
i can feel it
Friday, October 3, 2008
One More Minute - "Weird Al" Yankovic
Artist: "Weird Al" Yankovic
Song: One More Minute
Year: 1985
Album: Dare To Be Stupid
I've always been a huge fan of Weird Al. I always liked novelty songs and I would spend most Sunday nights listening to Dr. Demento. Sure, it's one thing to like Weird Al's parodies, but it's quite another to like his style parodies and originals. Sometimes they measure up to the parody songs and frequently they surpass them.
This song is an original in the style of doo wop. Supposedly, the song's origins started with a bad breakup. Whatever the origin, this is one of the best songs off of the Dare To Be Stupid album. That is an album that is pretty consistent in quality.
I was fortunate enough to see this song performed live in 1999. While the entire concert was a blast, Al outdid himself and walked into the audience during this song and started to interact with the crowd. It was a huge moment. My date and I had seats along the aisle and Al walked right past us. It was pretty thrilling.
Nothing could match the excitement after the concert though. We got to meet "Weird Al" Yankovic! He was as nice as you would expect him to be. Even though there was a line of people, Al took the time to speak with everyone in the line. Not just hellos and such, but an actual conversation. Ours lasted about 20 minutes! I'm sure I made a complete fool of myself, but that's OK. I got to meet an childhood idol of mine and was able to wrangle plenty of signed stuff.
Lyrics:
Aahh
Well I heard that you're leavin' (leavin')
Gonna leave me far behind (so far behind)
'Cause you found a brand new lover
You decided that I'm not your kind (aahh..)
So I pulled (I pulled) your name out (name out) of my Rolodex (oohh..)
And I tore all your pictures in two
And I burned down the malt shop where we used to go
Just because it reminds me of you (dippity dippity doo)
That's right (that's right) you ain't gonna see me cryin'
I'm glad (I'm glad) that you found somebody new
'Cause I'd rather spend eternity eating shards of broken glass
Than spend one more minute with you
I guess I might seem kinda bitter
You got me feeling down in the dumps
'Cause I'm stranded all alone in the gas station of love
And I have to use the self-service pumps
Oh, so honey, let me help you with that suitcase
You ain't (you ain't) gonna break my heart in two
'Cause I'd rather get a hundred thousand paper cuts on my face
Than spend one more minute with you
I'd rather rip out my intestines with a fork
Than watch you going out with other men
I'd rather slam my fingers in a door (yah)
Again and again and again and again and again
Oh, can't you see what I'm tryin' to say, Darlin...
I'd rather have my blood sucked out by leeches (leeches)
Shove an icepick under a toenail or two
I'd rather clean all the bathroom in Grand Central Station with my tongue
Than spend one more minute with you
Yes, I'd rather jump naked on a huge pile of thumbtacks
Or stick my nostrils together with crazy glue
I'd rather dive into a swimming pool filled with double-edged razor blades
Than spend one more minute with you
I'd rather rip my heart out of my ribcage with my bare hands
and then throw it on the floor and stomp on it 'till I die
Than spend one more minute with you
Song: One More Minute
Year: 1985
Album: Dare To Be Stupid
I've always been a huge fan of Weird Al. I always liked novelty songs and I would spend most Sunday nights listening to Dr. Demento. Sure, it's one thing to like Weird Al's parodies, but it's quite another to like his style parodies and originals. Sometimes they measure up to the parody songs and frequently they surpass them.
This song is an original in the style of doo wop. Supposedly, the song's origins started with a bad breakup. Whatever the origin, this is one of the best songs off of the Dare To Be Stupid album. That is an album that is pretty consistent in quality.
I was fortunate enough to see this song performed live in 1999. While the entire concert was a blast, Al outdid himself and walked into the audience during this song and started to interact with the crowd. It was a huge moment. My date and I had seats along the aisle and Al walked right past us. It was pretty thrilling.
Nothing could match the excitement after the concert though. We got to meet "Weird Al" Yankovic! He was as nice as you would expect him to be. Even though there was a line of people, Al took the time to speak with everyone in the line. Not just hellos and such, but an actual conversation. Ours lasted about 20 minutes! I'm sure I made a complete fool of myself, but that's OK. I got to meet an childhood idol of mine and was able to wrangle plenty of signed stuff.
Lyrics:
Aahh
Well I heard that you're leavin' (leavin')
Gonna leave me far behind (so far behind)
'Cause you found a brand new lover
You decided that I'm not your kind (aahh..)
So I pulled (I pulled) your name out (name out) of my Rolodex (oohh..)
And I tore all your pictures in two
And I burned down the malt shop where we used to go
Just because it reminds me of you (dippity dippity doo)
That's right (that's right) you ain't gonna see me cryin'
I'm glad (I'm glad) that you found somebody new
'Cause I'd rather spend eternity eating shards of broken glass
Than spend one more minute with you
I guess I might seem kinda bitter
You got me feeling down in the dumps
'Cause I'm stranded all alone in the gas station of love
And I have to use the self-service pumps
Oh, so honey, let me help you with that suitcase
You ain't (you ain't) gonna break my heart in two
'Cause I'd rather get a hundred thousand paper cuts on my face
Than spend one more minute with you
I'd rather rip out my intestines with a fork
Than watch you going out with other men
I'd rather slam my fingers in a door (yah)
Again and again and again and again and again
Oh, can't you see what I'm tryin' to say, Darlin...
I'd rather have my blood sucked out by leeches (leeches)
Shove an icepick under a toenail or two
I'd rather clean all the bathroom in Grand Central Station with my tongue
Than spend one more minute with you
Yes, I'd rather jump naked on a huge pile of thumbtacks
Or stick my nostrils together with crazy glue
I'd rather dive into a swimming pool filled with double-edged razor blades
Than spend one more minute with you
I'd rather rip my heart out of my ribcage with my bare hands
and then throw it on the floor and stomp on it 'till I die
Than spend one more minute with you
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