tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34716330914112111172024-03-18T19:54:41.459-07:00F-MeasureLess Than Timely Music Reviews and Commentary.Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.comBlogger394125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-79877827550622703232024-01-28T20:21:00.000-08:002024-01-29T13:31:35.954-08:00Pink Floyd - "Animals" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rN58cdQqeLHCOnWF9EB3JEZn7KTxi-P_KNWsyitOPWnxPPU1y2kXLTswCCWhznz0DdURkVFWmsjX1p4LYFPhZDVFDQIvYe5RlaPQ-e1Mpc2akjkOGTrBvm4Snd3wlD-ay9RyYaZCf4d-trlNacu7WN5d0V_sO54reoK4dvQFdbF7q8E32RWkw9VzJfOo/s300/Pink_Floyd-Animals-Frontal.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rN58cdQqeLHCOnWF9EB3JEZn7KTxi-P_KNWsyitOPWnxPPU1y2kXLTswCCWhznz0DdURkVFWmsjX1p4LYFPhZDVFDQIvYe5RlaPQ-e1Mpc2akjkOGTrBvm4Snd3wlD-ay9RyYaZCf4d-trlNacu7WN5d0V_sO54reoK4dvQFdbF7q8E32RWkw9VzJfOo/w320-h320/Pink_Floyd-Animals-Frontal.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>I listened to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Floyd">Pink Floyd</a>'s 1977 LP "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animals_(Pink_Floyd_album)">Animals</a>" this weekend, something that I'm not sure I've done in 25+ years. I certainly listened to it enough during and immediately after college, but it was an LP I never acquired on vinyl or CD. Despite not having listened to it in so long, it's an LP that I think of frequently. More on that later.</p><p>To begin, it's arguably Pink Floyd's most "forgotten" LP, if normalized for the status of the band at the time. Sandwiched between landmarks of 1973's "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Side_of_the_Moon">Dark Side of the Moon</a>" and 1979's "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wall">The Wall</a>", and even 1975's slightly lesser masterpiece "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wish_You_Were_Here_(Pink_Floyd_album)">Wish You Were Here</a>", with no singles released and song running times of "1:24", "17:04", "11:28", "10:20", and "1:24", "Animals" is a singularity in their canon. You could make an argument for "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obscured_by_Clouds">Obscured by Clouds</a>" or "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/More_(soundtrack)">More</a>", but those were movie soundtracks and probably should not count. Even "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atom_Heart_Mother">Atom Heart Mother</a>" had radio-friendly"Fat Old Sun", and "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meddle">Meddle</a>" had concert favorite "One of These Days". Maybe "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ummagumma">Ummagumma</a>"? But it doesn't feel right to compare Pink Floyd ca. 1969 to Pink Floyd ca. 1977 -- they were two very different bands in the space of about 8 years. </p><p>This not to say the LP was not consequential -- in addition to providing an iconic cover (for example, see <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Orb">The Orb</a>'s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_93">1993 tribute</a>), did <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Orb">well on the charts</a>, and generally had a cultural impact, if for no other reason than its associated tour providing the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animals_(Pink_Floyd_album)#Tour">inspiration for "The Wall"</a>.* It's just this: when's the last time <i>you</i> listened to this LP? Even though you probably <i>also</i> quite like it? </p><p>Why do I think of "Animals" more than I listen to it? The reason is a theory that I hope to pursue further in future posts: "Animals" is the kind of LP that rounds out and strengthens a band's discography. While every band wants to have a run of "Dark Side of the Moon", "Wish You Were Here", and "The Wall", most bands need more "Animals". And you know who has released several "Animals"-level LPs? <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiohead">Radiohead</a>. Not to belabor the Pink Floyd -- Radiohead analogy too much, but I would argue that their last three LPs, "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Rainbows">In Rainbows</a>", "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King_of_Limbs">The King of Limbs</a>", and "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Moon_Shaped_Pool">A Moon-Shaped Pool</a>", are all "Animals"-quality: important LPs that round out and strengthen the Radiohead discography, while still being obscured by LPs like "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bends_(album)">The Bends</a>", "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OK_Computer">OK Computer</a>", and "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kid_A">Kid A</a>". Think about it. </p><p><br /></p><p>Standout songs: All, but with special mention to "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QA30qkRYy8">Dogs</a>". (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4KQae9oMWs">Full LP</a>)</p><p>Skip 'em songs: none.</p><p>Final Score: 9/10</p><p><br /></p><p>* Also, the lyrics give us a preview of "The Wall": It's the same "stone" in both "<a href="https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/pinkfloyd/dogs.html">Dogs</a>" ("Who was dragged down by the stone") and "<a href="https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/pinkfloyd/heyyou.html">Hey You</a>" ("Hey you, would you help me to carry the stone?").</p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-26534029874763543902024-01-07T20:38:00.000-08:002024-01-07T20:38:18.093-08:00Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs - Live KEXP 2023-03-25<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rage_Against_the_Machine" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1976" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUzl_dTH765HeYFj0EiYcyM7FGakV_SLWi3njZslAzJaSAitrnhcvm-v8pShV6w2_l4hldzT20oZfvVLSd5WwztIab6RJ5Mvybxoew8lMLOX62LyGwyFF5jl1WIWOlx3p3xqxnToI_h6ldap13T0x2WPWuzSxtBkksuHb1uTVacWIpANpvhsx49q7U6tZ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-07%20at%2010.34.53%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This is for Terry, who recently turned us all on to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigs_Pigs_Pigs_Pigs_Pigs_Pigs_Pigs">Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs</a> (aka Pigs x7) a UK metal band that he's seen in concert (just once, I believe). They straddle the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoner_metal">stoner</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doom_metal">doom</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_rock">psychedelic</a> genres, and like all such bands, they have a significant sonic debt to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Sabbath">Black Sabbath</a> (though on their second track, "Big Rig", there's also a definite <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rage_Against_the_Machine">Rage Against the Machine</a> influence). I've yet to explore their full discography, but I've certainly liked what I've heard so far. KEXP concerts are always excellent, and this one does not disappoint. I don't see any nearby shows on the <a href="https://www.pigsx7.com/shows">schedule</a> now, but hopefully this will change in the future. </p>
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Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-44279253200276107832024-01-01T13:57:00.000-08:002024-01-01T13:57:53.648-08:00The Moody Blues - "Go Now"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvWR4eNwxfCNxhV9i7ZI1b9PmlsmE1LIjtD8gE0mzvbYFvjruKeJOja-GU9vnQu_W2Cg-nef2o5ZyAQY8H-VngnlnHDevyyVTpV4DIy8MchV__9LqWqjrcNPfYV781GNPAfhgKh3cv6_cCHrwpxSVm_gdgVGzo0ST4xyUesvSXbwAeGEbyAP0fTPMLUOf/s600/R-5703440-1400393062-5645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="598" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvWR4eNwxfCNxhV9i7ZI1b9PmlsmE1LIjtD8gE0mzvbYFvjruKeJOja-GU9vnQu_W2Cg-nef2o5ZyAQY8H-VngnlnHDevyyVTpV4DIy8MchV__9LqWqjrcNPfYV781GNPAfhgKh3cv6_cCHrwpxSVm_gdgVGzo0ST4xyUesvSXbwAeGEbyAP0fTPMLUOf/w200-h200/R-5703440-1400393062-5645.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denny_Laine">Denny Laine</a>, co-founder of both <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Moody_Blues">The Moody Blues</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_McCartney_and_Wings">Wings</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/dec/06/denny-laine-obituary">died last month</a>. Most people consider Wings as just a Paul McCartney solo project, and that's mostly true, but few realize that Laine was a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_McCartney_and_Wings#Members">constant member of the band</a> (along with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_McCartney">Linda</a>), pretty much from start to finish. In addition to other <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denny_Laine#Solo_career">various projects</a>, Laine was also a member of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger_Baker%27s_Air_Force">Ginger Baker's Air Force</a>. <p></p><p>Although he left before what we now consider the "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Moody_Blues#Classic_years,_1967–1974">classic lineup</a>" of The Moody Blues, he did sing lead on the "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_Now">Go Now</a>", which wasn't their first single, but probably their earliest single that still gets airplay today. It was only today that I learned that "Go Now" is actually a cover of a song originally recorded by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessie_Banks">Bessie Banks</a>, with her version predating the The Moody Blues version by a few months. Normally I credit the original artist, but The Moody Blues version is a great way to remember Denny. </p><p>The Moody Blues - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2L3UzM_FfE">Go Now</a>"</p><p>Wings - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMee_r95Nfs">Go Now</a>" (live, 1976)</p><p>Bessie Banks - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prlWGe2EHro">Go Now</a>" </p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-20671052378199751842023-12-30T09:47:00.000-08:002023-12-30T14:11:26.329-08:00Angels of Light - "I Pity the Poor Immigrant" <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNjvOjlxaHnT627H-2Vh9z7YK7vBfgUftKfQ9RpZB8FwhtrE6llfKAwsHTRG87n2lqcQK8tQLZwIxs7EeQLc4J2erHlHXPr0QslXeA7n1TWUuE5BR2qHCyYwiy05_shCiba7Uely07qV6Rwyn6Riu0yWEaJRey5Sxq1ojKarcEvybQFPb1WwayQAlUJs5/s316/Akron_Family_&_Angels_of_Light.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNjvOjlxaHnT627H-2Vh9z7YK7vBfgUftKfQ9RpZB8FwhtrE6llfKAwsHTRG87n2lqcQK8tQLZwIxs7EeQLc4J2erHlHXPr0QslXeA7n1TWUuE5BR2qHCyYwiy05_shCiba7Uely07qV6Rwyn6Riu0yWEaJRey5Sxq1ojKarcEvybQFPb1WwayQAlUJs5/w200-h200/Akron_Family_&_Angels_of_Light.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Almost three years ago, <a href="https://twitter.com/earthtomiles">Miles Seaton</a>, a founding member of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akron/Family">Akron/Family</a>, <a href="https://pitchfork.com/news/akronfamilys-miles-seaton-has-died-at-41/">died in a car accident</a>. I learned of Akron/Family, one of the coolest bands you've never heard of, from <a href="https://twitter.com/squealermusic">Butch Lazorchak</a> during one of our many musical exchanges. I struggle to define Akron/Family, but imagine <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortoise_(band)">Tortoise</a> and other <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-rock">post-rock</a> bands, channeling <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smile_(The_Beach_Boys_album)">1967-era</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Wilson">Brian Wilson</a>. <p></p><p>My favorite LP of theirs is the "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akron_/_Family_%26_Angels_of_Light">Akron/Family & Angels of Light</a>". The story behind this LP is a little complicated: it's a split LP, ostensibly between two bands: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akron/Family">Akron/Family</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angels_of_Light">Angels of Light</a>, but Akron/Family plays on all the Angels of Light tracks. </p><p>Angels of Light is the neofolk persona of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Gira">Michael Gira</a>, founder of the noise rock band <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swans_(band)">The Swans</a>. I'm a big fan of The Swans and have several of their LPs, but did not know about Angels of Light until Butch turned me onto them. Michael Gira runs his own record label, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_God_Records">Young God Records</a>, and was the first to sign and promote Akron/Family, with Akron/Family serving as the backing band for many Angels of Lights releases. </p><p>The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lgpAXTzYkbaEXpZTj0EPGZ0wGxptL5G8o">full LP</a> deserves its own review (see the <a href="https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/189-akronfamily-angels-of-light/">Pitchfork review</a>: "...Gira's fatherly measuredness is a nice foil to Akron's hyperkinetic mini-opera..."), but for the moment I'll just spotlight their cover of Bob Dylan's "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Pity_the_Poor_Immigrant">I Pity the Poor Immigrant</a>", from his 1967 LP "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wesley_Harding">John Wesley Harding</a>". I'm a sucker for obscure Dylan covers, as well as Gira's drawling baritone. </p><p>For the moment, Akron/Family is defunct, and Seaton's death might keep it that way. Fortunately, they left a significant discography to explore. </p><p>Angels of Light (with Akron/Family) - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX0Bg-WlSVc&list=OLAK5uy_lgpAXTzYkbaEXpZTj0EPGZ0wGxptL5G8o&index=8">I Pity the Poor Immigrant</a>"</p><p>Bob Dylan - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RJ_HsMfBfE">I Pity the Poor Immigrant</a>" (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYl3f7glxhE">live 1976</a>, with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Baez">Joan Baez</a>)</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span jsname="YS01Ge"></span></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span jsname="YS01Ge"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Cruz#Early_life_and_family">I</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikki_Haley#Early_life_and_education">pity</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Jindal#Early_life_and_education">the</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Rubio#Early_life_and_education">poor</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melania_Trump#Early_life,_family,_and_education">immigrant</a></span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Whose strength is spent in vain</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Whose heaven is like ironsides</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Whose tears are like rain</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span jsname="YS01Ge">And who eats but is not satisfied</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Who hears but does not see</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span jsname="YS01Ge">Who falls in love with wealth itself</span><br aria-hidden="true" /><span jsname="YS01Ge">And turns his back on me</span></span></blockquote><p><br /></p><p> </p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span jsname="YS01Ge"></span></span><p></p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-25696609428949800362023-12-26T18:13:00.000-08:002023-12-26T18:13:38.139-08:00The Boomtown Rats - "Rat Trap"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJifO0yq-VmLKRmnui4IBELtW18SJY8-wpOMzCZkcI_t9t5W8ImuHy0VS5Yvd2r50ZCb0PdIG2DW0_2hLcXHr3Oze-DrIAwNBO0dEn72A3Zah3KcFRBlxEmnuLPumIUdJU9flLLvEKdCY8cgMkEJ8pZp_M1o5w-U6mG5DANaNMM8HrR-wWm1aSVE8CS89U/s300/Rat_Trap_(single).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJifO0yq-VmLKRmnui4IBELtW18SJY8-wpOMzCZkcI_t9t5W8ImuHy0VS5Yvd2r50ZCb0PdIG2DW0_2hLcXHr3Oze-DrIAwNBO0dEn72A3Zah3KcFRBlxEmnuLPumIUdJU9flLLvEKdCY8cgMkEJ8pZp_M1o5w-U6mG5DANaNMM8HrR-wWm1aSVE8CS89U/s16000/Rat_Trap_(single).jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garry_Roberts">Garry Roberts</a>, the lead guitarist and co-founder of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boomtown_Rats">The Boomtown Rats</a>, <a href="https://www.guitarworld.com/news/garry-roberts-founding-guitarist-of-the-boomtown-rats-dies-aged-72">died</a> just over a year ago. The Boomtown Rats were never really big in the US, but I recall a couple of their videos from the early days of MTV. Their biggest hit, in the US anyway, was "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Don%27t_Like_Mondays">I Don't Like Mondays</a>", which is a fine song. <p></p><p>But I'd rather remember Roberts & company for their 1978 single "Rat Trap", from their second LP "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Tonic_for_the_Troops">A Tonic for the Troops</a>". "Rat Trap" is credited as the first "punk / new wave" single to hit #1 on the UK singles chart. Which is of note, but is it really punk / new wave? To my ear, this sounds like it would be at home on Bruce Springsteen's 1975 LP "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Born_to_Run">Born to Run</a>". I don't even mean that as a criticism, just an observation that saxophone, the <a href="https://genius.com/The-boomtown-rats-rat-trap-lyrics">storytelling</a>, the song length -- this doesn't sound remotely "new wave" to me, much less "punk". </p><p>Regardless, it's a great song, and Garry Roberts was an instrumental part of the band construction and sound. The US audience is more familiar with frontman <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Geldof">Bob Geldof</a>, from his role in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Aid">Live Aid</a>, and playing the role of "Pink" the movie "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Floyd_–_The_Wall">Pink Floyd -- The Wall</a>". </p><p><br /></p><p>The Boomtown Rats - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CFh2gkZmwg">Rat Trap</a>" (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R66ZUnl9WM">Live Aid, 1985-07-13</a>)</p><p>Bonus link - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yteMugRAc0">I Don't Like Mondays</a>" </p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-16562987971129977142023-12-18T23:06:00.000-08:002023-12-18T23:06:47.681-08:00The Pogues - Live at the Town and Country Club (1988-03-17)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1U180f27aiH_gc-EPur6Aw4EbU78-I6JUPpwoNRqqqAy7IngWkWAxVmBaPaaL3mZRfmQiNBude9xWalK5WihUHM7cC2ZrT9zLt_EOJM8B9Cx3WBnmY7QaR8V5u1zqjes0h3MDFtYbL7hLHnx9yfKA8DzGHrEj94hVFDBhjTxOZo-nJFKt1PEvrXeVj6e/s1472/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-19%20at%201.00.27%20AM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1472" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1U180f27aiH_gc-EPur6Aw4EbU78-I6JUPpwoNRqqqAy7IngWkWAxVmBaPaaL3mZRfmQiNBude9xWalK5WihUHM7cC2ZrT9zLt_EOJM8B9Cx3WBnmY7QaR8V5u1zqjes0h3MDFtYbL7hLHnx9yfKA8DzGHrEj94hVFDBhjTxOZo-nJFKt1PEvrXeVj6e/w400-h271/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-19%20at%201.00.27%20AM.png" width="400" /></a><span></span></div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shane_MacGowan">Shane MacGowan</a>, best known as the frontman for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pogues">The Pogue</a>s, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-67546785">died a few weeks ago</a>. If you <a href="https://themessenger.com/entertainment/victoria-clarke-recalls-shane-macgowan-doing-100-tabs-of-acid-in-a-day">know anything</a> about Shane MacGowan, you're probably surprised he made it to 65. <p></p><p>I first learned of The Pogues in my final year of college, courtesy of my roommates (I can't recall if it was Jason, Frey, or Terry -- perhaps all of them). With their (then) unique blend of Irish folk and punk, their LPs were in heavy rotation at our house on Wharton Street. Only later in life was I able to understand what they were doing as an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pogues#cite_note-nationality-1">Irish/UK</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folk_punk">equivalent</a> of what, for example, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violent_Femmes">Violent Femmes</a> were doing in the US. </p><p>To mark Shane's passing, I turn to their 1988 video release, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyG89NspDQQ">Live at The Town & Country Club London 1988</a>", of a St. Patrick's Day concert, featuring collaborations with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Strummer">Joe Strummer</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Earle">Steve Earle</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirsty_MacColl">Kirsty MacColl</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynval_Golding">Lynval Golding</a>, and others. The video was edited down to about an hour, but the <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-pogues/1988/town-and-country-club-london-england-13d1155d.html">setlist for the full concert</a> makes me hopeful that and extended release could happen in the future. </p><p>Aside from an occasional reunion, The Pogues haven't been active since 2014. But in 1988, just a year or two before my discovery of them, The Pogues were at their height. </p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uyG89NspDQQ?si=Lfp6a0mxe7ZkM1Ma" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<p>MacColl (2000), Stummer (2002), guitarist <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/pogues-guitarist-philip-chevron-dies-following-long-battle-with-cancer-8867252.html">Philip Chevron</a> (2013), bassist <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/shane-macgowan-twitter-celtic-hampshire-england-b2141646.html">Daryl Hunt</a> (2022), and now MacGowan (2023) -- all featured in the 1988 video -- have sadly all passed. This single concert may be the greatest collection of artists you've never (or barely) heard of. </p><p></p>
<blockquote><p>You were handsome<br>You were pretty<br>Queen of New York City<br>When the band finished playing<br>They howled out for more<br>Sinatra was swinging<br>All the drunks they were singing<br>We kissed on a corner<br>Then danced through the night</p></blockquote><p></p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-17520319984121696062023-09-27T00:05:00.000-07:002023-09-27T05:03:33.070-07:00Brandi Carlile - "The Story" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eDCLbRpIKAGRvQI45en3sukndtLbLf-ATh0VbeNAZ7CINwwCOMqwTlfA9fWRG8eEWF-XKKygRSnZ54dPjCOuNDuoJ1LZVI9iZvlhILv0NpNO_IFdM2CPR8LsoKAlcNrsrsv9cNkUoitMYytdu-4uwTB2KlaiMt5GwUiGv7HGh08t3euZq4WjFMJE6qg2/s338/Brandi_Carlile_the_story.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="338" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eDCLbRpIKAGRvQI45en3sukndtLbLf-ATh0VbeNAZ7CINwwCOMqwTlfA9fWRG8eEWF-XKKygRSnZ54dPjCOuNDuoJ1LZVI9iZvlhILv0NpNO_IFdM2CPR8LsoKAlcNrsrsv9cNkUoitMYytdu-4uwTB2KlaiMt5GwUiGv7HGh08t3euZq4WjFMJE6qg2/w200-h175/Brandi_Carlile_the_story.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div>Happy birthday Danette!</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year I broke with tradition and picked out a birthday song for her that she actually liked, instead of my usual manner of picking a song that makes me think of her (which she may or may not like). This year, I'm returning to form, since I think Danette is mostly ambivalent about Brandi Carlile. </div><div><br /></div><div>Despite it being a breakthrough hit in 2007, somehow I was unaware of "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Story_(Brandi_Carlile_song)">The Story</a>", the title track from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandi_Carlile">Brandi Carlile</a>'s <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Story_(Brandi_Carlile_album)">second LP</a>, until she perfomed it on SNL, December 10, 2022. I guess I was generally aware of her and her work, enough to know that she was well respected in the folk / alt-country genres, and had worked with legends like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/While_I%27m_Livin%27">Tanya Tucker</a>. But the SNL version of "The Story" was a revelation for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>It begins simply enough as a conventional ballad:</div><div><br /></div>
<div> <i>All of these lines across my face</i></div>
<div> <i>Tell you the story of who I am</i></div>
<div> <i>So many stories of where I've been</i></div>
<div> <i>And how I got to where I am</i></div>
<div> <i>But these stories don't mean anything</i></div>
<div> <i>When you've got no one to tell them to</i></div>
<div> <i>It's true, I was made for you</i></div>
<div><i><br /></i></div>
<div> <i>I climbed across the mountain tops</i></div><div><br /></div>
<div>Hello, this is where song really interesting. Carlile breaks from the ballad format, and with a sense of urgency, cranks the "alt-country" knob from "country" to "alt":</div><div><br /></div>
<div> <i>Swam all across the ocean blue</i></div>
<div> <i>I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules</i></div>
<div> <i>But baby, I broke them all for you</i></div>
<div> <i>Oh, because even when I was flat broke</i></div>
<div> <i>You made me feel like a million bucks</i></div>
<div> <i>You do, and I was made for you</i></div><div><br /></div>
<div>At the instrumental break, we see her switch from an acoustic to an electric guitar, and the band then proceeds to build tension (1:46 -- 2:10), making me lean forward in my seat, then they knock out a frantic 25 seconds (2:10 -- 2:35) that pays homage to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_Youth">Sonic Youth</a>, before returning to a mostly a cappella stanza:</div><div><br /></div>
<div> <i>You see the smile that's on my mouth</i></div>
<div> <i>It's hiding the words that don't come out</i></div>
<div> <i>And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed</i></div>
<div> <i>They don't know my head is a mess</i></div>
<div> <i>No, they don't know who I really am</i></div>
<div> <i>And they don't know what I've been through like you do</i></div>
<div> <i>And I was made for you</i></div><div><br /></div>
<div>Turning back up the volume and with male back-up vocals providing white noise, they've now set up a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loudquietloud">loud-quiet-loud</a> progression that would make the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixies_(band)">Pixies</a> proud:</div><div><br /></div>
<div> <i>All of these lines across my face</i></div>
<div> <i>Tell you the story of who I am</i></div>
<div> <i>So many stories of where I've been</i></div>
<div> <i>And how I got to where I am</i></div>
<div> <i>Oh, but these stories don't mean anything</i></div>
<div> <i>When you've got no one to tell them to</i></div>
<div> <i>It's true, I was made for you</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>
<div> <i>Oh, yeah, well it's true that I was made for you</i></div>
<div><br /></div><div>I'm a sucker for story telling songs, so how could I not love this poignant meta-story? Carlile was only 26 when she released this song, which is nearly the amount of time that Danette and I have been together. Borrowing from what she and I often say about Pink Floyd and "Time" -- at such a young age, how do you write a song with <a href="https://genius.com/4380087">so much insight</a> to lived experience? </div><div><br /></div><div>Like Danette, this song has aged well. Like Danette, my attraction to this song was immediate and visceral. Like Danette, this song reflects the story of who I am. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Story: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9nUHnqpHJM">live on SNL 2022-12-10</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8pQLtHTPaI">studio version</a>, cover by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1aDRSN11s0">Dolly Parton</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Bonus link: the <a href="https://americansongwriter.com/meaning-behind-brandi-carliles-breakthrough-hit-the-story/">backstory</a> on the "The Story"</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YJY-6asSt0o8Q6BHC4SGC4fpf3G6VxP-uByzX_Unp80x348eLYtI3b96JMV1zPssM94kPq7NI3rnPjPMzq8u9zRNbi9bsoOe4hNyxT4oTeUDb80A_TvuxxUtzPAzR1HnUU2tXxtYChh_ydXY-rsQMUvkSa4TKhqtEqmH1ewuLC8-67nYxZuLtjbHlzHv/s4032/IMG_0262.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YJY-6asSt0o8Q6BHC4SGC4fpf3G6VxP-uByzX_Unp80x348eLYtI3b96JMV1zPssM94kPq7NI3rnPjPMzq8u9zRNbi9bsoOe4hNyxT4oTeUDb80A_TvuxxUtzPAzR1HnUU2tXxtYChh_ydXY-rsQMUvkSa4TKhqtEqmH1ewuLC8-67nYxZuLtjbHlzHv/w200-h150/IMG_0262.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCBOcbXHCEDoNdWhK7yKX1_t1anN_OBnAtmteHjvTnTJds6cWtGI6YKnFbE7xC9voyh9FnijjE-twgcwlsxZfohIaeudN1sknzzq-lj9pLumLEQX6ts_KVlsmruEwUIbMH-IZ3xcd_pBhmVDPK2p1REiJCidlmZgd8xinmonJpcy0lxDZRK3uO1AxSRNO/s4032/IMG_4219.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCBOcbXHCEDoNdWhK7yKX1_t1anN_OBnAtmteHjvTnTJds6cWtGI6YKnFbE7xC9voyh9FnijjE-twgcwlsxZfohIaeudN1sknzzq-lj9pLumLEQX6ts_KVlsmruEwUIbMH-IZ3xcd_pBhmVDPK2p1REiJCidlmZgd8xinmonJpcy0lxDZRK3uO1AxSRNO/w200-h150/IMG_4219.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPItEj3YtCeunySBMfFAEAwGQUTT4PiZna0QLZJL-35sU3PUjFG8BX-a93vuNlo5CBnd0w-h-GYuc3WOj-dK_sUtPkxpAinXh_p5vWVqH8HJZsiwiJZ1VNr89X4eXKxu74S7enbmo6465YY1XaoCSQjiDmeL7ZlnqWZy62ZAOUYdc3ec41PiM2Nl4fkN77/s1617/IMG_1343.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="1170" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPItEj3YtCeunySBMfFAEAwGQUTT4PiZna0QLZJL-35sU3PUjFG8BX-a93vuNlo5CBnd0w-h-GYuc3WOj-dK_sUtPkxpAinXh_p5vWVqH8HJZsiwiJZ1VNr89X4eXKxu74S7enbmo6465YY1XaoCSQjiDmeL7ZlnqWZy62ZAOUYdc3ec41PiM2Nl4fkN77/w145-h200/IMG_1343.png" width="145" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJM8rF2bYx7C45G8RXIYdZ993Gqi7omuzBVKv9lcwsyBZdi5-gZEBX0sg_NmKqjxeq0v2ENplwxpki3r6DvYWK7iyvszOp9D9iR5HvPBQRGcnOyVohoM-Y6_P54K8Njtz1y_MLlm-mcgRHzAdX4NTMeMhHMWRzUuw-Xw0bR8G3C6fTZTNDGdxYRSWSKiw/s4032/IMG_1405.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJM8rF2bYx7C45G8RXIYdZ993Gqi7omuzBVKv9lcwsyBZdi5-gZEBX0sg_NmKqjxeq0v2ENplwxpki3r6DvYWK7iyvszOp9D9iR5HvPBQRGcnOyVohoM-Y6_P54K8Njtz1y_MLlm-mcgRHzAdX4NTMeMhHMWRzUuw-Xw0bR8G3C6fTZTNDGdxYRSWSKiw/w200-h150/IMG_1405.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_S75-0GdOLv8DXGx3s4Ux8ZFMdN_6lfa0nejpvzjY0yNDoNKk2uai71GpSGv5iYlyTAIF8jupefqzCfsfgZKrrPkR9tgzdM8g6pwJoQ6do-zA01nhIoersxzmBisokfw-AytkvW0gENlW-E_uYckqYVBot-Uv7WXXcEGdU1o7twHgcGYdgqOAmLvbNsBd/s2048/IMG_2317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_S75-0GdOLv8DXGx3s4Ux8ZFMdN_6lfa0nejpvzjY0yNDoNKk2uai71GpSGv5iYlyTAIF8jupefqzCfsfgZKrrPkR9tgzdM8g6pwJoQ6do-zA01nhIoersxzmBisokfw-AytkvW0gENlW-E_uYckqYVBot-Uv7WXXcEGdU1o7twHgcGYdgqOAmLvbNsBd/w150-h200/IMG_2317.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Previous birthday songs:<br />
2022: Plastic Bertrand - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2022/09/plastic-bertrand-ca-plane-pour-moi.html" style="color: #aa77aa; text-decoration: none;">Ça plane pour moi</a>" <br />2021: Adam and the Ants - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2021/09/adam-and-ants-christian-dor-forgotten.html" style="color: #aa77aa; text-decoration: none;">Christian D'or</a>" <br />2020: Walk Off The Earth - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2020/09/walk-off-earth-hard-rains-gonna-fall.html" style="color: #aa77aa; text-decoration: none;">A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall</a>"<br />2019: Nicki Minaj - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2019/09/nicki-minaj-monster-forgotten-song.html" style="color: #aa77aa; text-decoration: none;">Monster</a>"<br />2018: Bear Hands - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2018/09/bear-hands-giants-forgotten-song.html" style="color: #aa77aa; text-decoration: none;">Giants</a>" <br />2017: Alvvays - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2017/09/alvvays-archie-marry-me-song-remains.html" style="color: #aa77aa; text-decoration: none;">Archie, Marry Me</a>" <br />2016: Molly Hatchet - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2016/09/molly-hatchet-flirtin-with-disaster.html" style="color: #aa77aa; text-decoration: none;">Flirtin' With Disaster</a>" <br />2015: Avett Brothers - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2015/09/avett-brothers-kick-drum-heart-spotlight.html" style="color: #aa77aa; text-decoration: none;">Kick Drum Heart</a>"<br />2014: Ani DiFranco - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2014/09/ani-difranco-32-flavors-forgotten-song.html" style="color: #aa77aa; text-decoration: none;">32 Flavors</a>" <br />2013: The Green Pajamas - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-green-pajamas-kim-waitress.html" style="color: #aa77aa; text-decoration: none;">Kim the Waitress</a>"<br />2012: The Cure - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-cure-high-forgotten-song.html" style="color: #aa77aa; text-decoration: none;">High</a>"<br />2011: Blink 182 - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2011/09/blink-182-josie-forgotten-song.html" style="color: #aa77aa; text-decoration: none;">Josie</a>"<br />2010: Dead Milkmen - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2010/09/dead-milkmen-punk-rock-girl-forgotten.html" style="color: #aa77aa; text-decoration: none;">Punk Rock Girl</a>" Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-10272031963213100022023-08-27T08:51:00.001-07:002023-08-27T08:51:30.304-07:00Ashley O - On A Roll<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CLPuTL-d-X5vK068Lmi7Z0he3m6lOO4qSc_yG9enyVPZq063kzdx3RuDivYyw0YYs6hJiTkgHUc6xdVnXbaXDZDOjYq-nSbFFK1gf6fsREYI_KV53_5cwOePmOxobzomZ94_xeI3JmRB-oYn5UijlCG9MBcgnq5M3vOjQK101jfITUs9USr8JrYams1D/s600/ashley-o-on-a-roll.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CLPuTL-d-X5vK068Lmi7Z0he3m6lOO4qSc_yG9enyVPZq063kzdx3RuDivYyw0YYs6hJiTkgHUc6xdVnXbaXDZDOjYq-nSbFFK1gf6fsREYI_KV53_5cwOePmOxobzomZ94_xeI3JmRB-oYn5UijlCG9MBcgnq5M3vOjQK101jfITUs9USr8JrYams1D/w200-h200/ashley-o-on-a-roll.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Danette and I are late in watching </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Mirror" style="font-family: inherit;">Black Mirror</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, and we just recently watched the 2019 episode </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel,_Jack_and_Ashley_Too" style="font-family: inherit;">Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">", which featured <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miley_Cyrus">Miley Cyrus</a> playing a fictional </span>version<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannah_Montana_(character)" style="font-family: inherit;">herself</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (in a dystopian, sci-fi Black Mirror idiom, of course). In the </span>course<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of the episode, the "Ashley O" </span>character<span style="font-family: inherit;"> performed a cleverly rewritten, up-beat synth pop version of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Inch_Nails">Nine Inch Nail</a>'s "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_Like_a_Hole">Head Like A Hole</a>", retitled "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_a_Roll">On A Roll</a>". At the end of the episode, once her character has been freed and rebranded as "Ashley Fuckin O", she performs an actual cover of "Head Like a Hole". </span><div><span style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The full story of how this song and episode came to be, as well as Trent Reznor's reaction. are detailed in a </span><a href="https://www.gq.com/story/black-mirror-miley-cyrus-songs" style="font-family: inherit;">2019 GQ article</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. I particularly </span>enjoyed this episode because <span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember when "</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pretty_Hate_Machine" style="font-family: inherit;">Pretty Hate Machine</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">" came out in 1990 and the impact it had on popular music. Sure, there had been bands like </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_(band)" style="font-family: inherit;">Ministry</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skinny_Puppy" style="font-family: inherit;">Skinny Puppy</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godflesh" style="font-family: inherit;">Godflesh</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro-industrial" style="font-family: inherit;">etc</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">., but NiN was the first to have genuinely catchy songs and find a cross-over audience. They had popular impact, and when they were played on the radio/MTV, they sounded nothing like anyone that had been played before. Listening to "Pretty Hate Machine" now, it sounds relatively tame -- but that's not a not a knock against NiN, but rather a testament to Reznor's impact: the reason why "Pretty Hate Machine" sounds conventional <i>now</i> is because for the last 23 years, artists have strived to replicate, incorporate, and in some cases just straight rip-off their sound. That's real impact. That fact that "Head Like A Hole" was 1) chosen and 2)<i> works so well</i> for this "Hannah Montana-in-an-alternate-universe" episode is just further illustrates this point. Also, the song just simply rawks.</span><p></p></div><div><span style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></div><div><span >Ashley O - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTsW30Ur0sg">On A Roll</a>"</span></div><div><span>Ashley Fuckin O - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWcKNhueAIc">Head Like A Hole</a>"</span></div><div><span>Nine Inch Nails - "</span><span>Head Like A Hole" (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdFaadxJl4g">studio</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOVW938sr0k">live 2013</a>)</span></div>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-72241446642851999532023-08-26T12:42:00.001-07:002023-08-26T12:42:48.739-07:00The Specials - "Enjoy Yourself" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRsjjDmq26yrhax5mrPUCuw_j9Tj08ImXHcViPP35spbDbqjCfB4rRjTGCrZ9NXDFVuZ-fRkbCLH-Hp5TkjNNjTlxOKTpLqc3m3GEWcvdWfbyybo_rFzb3RJFFc1Ml8ij5-KMcNmPs4EP4j9j4HFWMR8k3x2kWIoOG-6OmtTHkZESSmTdhLNYA-UbK0LW/s600/R-1224970-1460544129-6385.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="564" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRsjjDmq26yrhax5mrPUCuw_j9Tj08ImXHcViPP35spbDbqjCfB4rRjTGCrZ9NXDFVuZ-fRkbCLH-Hp5TkjNNjTlxOKTpLqc3m3GEWcvdWfbyybo_rFzb3RJFFc1Ml8ij5-KMcNmPs4EP4j9j4HFWMR8k3x2kWIoOG-6OmtTHkZESSmTdhLNYA-UbK0LW/w188-h200/R-1224970-1460544129-6385.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"Hello, Hi, I'm Terry, and I'm going to enjoy myself first."</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Hall_(singer)">Terry Hall</a>, lead singer of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Specials">The Specials</a>, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/12/20/1144313908/terry-hall-singer-with-ska-icons-the-specials-dies-at-63">died last December</a> of pancreatic cancer at age 63. First of all, 63 no longer seems that old. Second, I was pretty young when The Specials were at their height, and though some songs got airplay in the early days of MTV, it was not until I was much older that I <i>really</i> appreciated them. There were many good bands in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-tone_(music_genre)">ska revival / Two-Tone</a> genre, but The Specials were like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clash">The Clash</a> with respect to punk: other bands might be enjoyable, but they were <i>important, </i>and Terry Hall was a big part of the reason why. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Specials#Members">membership</a> of The Specials and their many permutations is a complex story, and certainly <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Dammers">Jerry Dammers</a> should receive most of the credit as the primary song writer, but to me, if it didn't have Terry, it wasn't The Specials. <p></p><div>While I've <a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Specials">mentioned The Specials</a> here many times, I have yet to review the LPs. I don't have time to really share all my thoughts about the two primary LPs from their classic lineup, but the short version is while their debut "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Specials_(album)">The Specials</a>" (1979) has <i>better individual songs</i>, I always thought their 1980 follow-up, "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/More_Specials">More Specials</a>", was a <i>better LP</i>, start-to-finish. It wasn't until researching this post that I discovered that genre-bending "More Specials" is credited with influencing 90s genres such as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lounge_music#Resurgence">lounge</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trip_hop">trip hop</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, if I'm not reviewing the entire LP, the obvious choice would be the opening/closing versions of the song about mortality, "Enjoy Yourself". I always enjoyed how it joyfully opened the LP, as well as the dirge-like reprise that closed the LP. What I did not know until recently is that this is a cover of a 1949 song, titled "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enjoy_Yourself_(It%27s_Later_than_You_Think)">Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think)</a>", first made famous by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Lombardo">Guy Lombardo</a>. Ok, technically, it's a cover of the slightly different version by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Buster">Prince Buster</a> as <a href="https://www.discogs.com/release/376335-Prince-Buster-Bartender-Enjoy-Yourself">a B-side in 1963</a> (and later released as an <a href="https://www.discogs.com/release/1224970-Prince-Buster-Enjoy-Your-Self-Creation">A-side</a>). Either way, all versions of this song are enjoyable and clearly timeless. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Apparently, The Specials had been <a href="https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-specials-terry-hall-dies-aged-63-cause-tributes-3369212">planning to work on a new LP</a>, but I guess that won't happen now. I'll eventually review "The Specials" and "More Specials", but until then you can appreciate the unexpected story of their sophomore LP's opening and closing song. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div></div><blockquote><div>Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think </div><div>Enjoy yourself, while you're still in the pink</div><div>The years go by, as quickly as you wink </div><div>Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think</div></blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>The Specials: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6liD8TdlJFA">Enjoy Yourself</a>" (studio), "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz3Jo9Vi7Do">Enjoy Yourself (reprise)</a>", "Enjoy Yourself" (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA2-6ZlOXeg">live 1</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t2spzlgCAI">live 2</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Prince Buster: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iibpewIA_ik">Enjoy Yourself</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE8FATuziSc">Madness / Enjoy Yourself</a>" (live)</div><div><br /></div><div>Guy Lombardo: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hxfS8d94SQ">Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think)</a>"</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>While researching this article, I saw that original drummer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bradbury_(drummer)">John Bradbury</a> died in 2015. </div>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-89068835336899330082023-07-27T19:48:00.005-07:002023-07-27T20:00:53.599-07:00Electric Chairs - "Barbie Girl"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7M5gs0p59YgyUWIPlDRwiZgntI0BS-c6UFxAx4v5rGSf_ttgTRZRqNfg3Bm7nThK0AHbwE_SKqyZdn0KL4w6O0_NBwg17n5fKGRyw4mNp72ZwfcgBh9p1vkMloW5wM_-2HxWvr9tL9eWhfzEGYgSnojuu50w1ZODbcxLZtTFqQcwar6FdaSVfm8ty1qR/s600/electric-chairs-barbie-girl.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7M5gs0p59YgyUWIPlDRwiZgntI0BS-c6UFxAx4v5rGSf_ttgTRZRqNfg3Bm7nThK0AHbwE_SKqyZdn0KL4w6O0_NBwg17n5fKGRyw4mNp72ZwfcgBh9p1vkMloW5wM_-2HxWvr9tL9eWhfzEGYgSnojuu50w1ZODbcxLZtTFqQcwar6FdaSVfm8ty1qR/w200-h200/electric-chairs-barbie-girl.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>I haven't seen "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie_(film)">Barbie</a>", yet, anyway. I suppose it's too big to ignore, and I'm sure <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greta_Gerwig">Greta Gerwig</a> and company have done a good job, but I guess I'm more of an "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oppenheimer_(film)">Oppenheimer</a>" guy. I can only assume that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqua_(band)">Aqua</a>'s 1997 minor hit "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie_Girl">Barbie Girl</a>" is featured in the film. I got their debut LP. "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquarium_(Aqua_album)">Aquarium</a>", based on the strength of "Barbie Girl", but I can't remember the last time I listened to it. <div><br /></div><div>I'll assume you've heard Aqua's version of the song: it's fun and cute, while remaining subversive. But have you heard the cover by <a href="https://www.discogs.com/artist/43107-Electric-Chairs">Electric Chairs</a>? They released an <a href="https://www.discogs.com/release/58734-Electric-Chairs-Barbie-Girl-EP">EP in 2001</a> of different mixes of the song. I haven't seen that EP (there can't be many copies in existence), but I first heard this song on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Orb">The Orb</a>'s excellent "<a href="https://www.discogs.com/release/104571-The-Orb-Back-To-Mine">Back to Mine</a>" mix CD (check out the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_to_Mine">entire series</a>).</div><div><br /></div><div>The Electric Chairs version really brings out the disturbing, menacing, predatory element* that <i>is</i> present in the Aqua version, but a lot easier to miss. When Aqua sings "Come on, Barbie, let's go party", it sounds like a dismissive critique. When Electric Chairs sing "Come on, Barbie, let's go party", it's a threat. And when the beat comes in (~2:38), it is simultaneously super cheesy and awesome -- a plastic but fantastic copy of what a dance beat should sound like. </div><div><br /></div><div>Electric Chairs - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7bx53edlOA">Barbie Girl (TF Long Version)</a>"</div><div>Aqua - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyhrYis509A">Barbie Girl</a>" <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>* I was tempted to draw a parallel to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_Youth">Sonic Youth</a>'s cover of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Carpenters">The Carpenters</a>' "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y21VecIIdBI">Superstar</a>", but SY's cover changes the meaning of the song, inverting victim to predator. I think the Electric Chairs cover just emphasizes the scathing commentary that was lurking under Aqua's Europop veneer. </p></div>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-55680430584332097872023-07-26T19:13:00.005-07:002023-08-27T07:53:38.562-07:00Sinead O'Connor - "War" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaWw73wVe63cS2mIgN6kh2uQrsjXK2080fb1cypKSkMqgv1E8STKH4sWgHye7UD6K_zXhoQjJrq_JJtGVKirMOxoTLbaqn9igg7gRMGHHpEebzL6rnwanIlpVXxoHsdKspyYI6H-iu0ag2hXz9lk_08_SNS7OFCQJTY1turkjpAwwfcDn9UlFM_ZJGGKo/s1298/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-26%20at%209.37.24%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1298" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaWw73wVe63cS2mIgN6kh2uQrsjXK2080fb1cypKSkMqgv1E8STKH4sWgHye7UD6K_zXhoQjJrq_JJtGVKirMOxoTLbaqn9igg7gRMGHHpEebzL6rnwanIlpVXxoHsdKspyYI6H-iu0ag2hXz9lk_08_SNS7OFCQJTY1turkjpAwwfcDn9UlFM_ZJGGKo/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-07-26%20at%209.37.24%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>We found out today that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinéad_O%27Connor">Sinead O'Connor</a> <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/07/26/529671631/irish-singer-sinead-oconnor-has-died-at-56">died</a>. Probably best known for her cover of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_(musician)">Prince</a>'s "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_Compares_2_U">Nothing Compares 2 U</a>", if you weren't there, it's hard to convey just how big she was in the early 1990s -- right up until she became famous for her <i>other</i> cover: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Marley_%26_the_Wailers">Bob Marley and the Wailers</a>'s "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_(Bob_Marley_song)">War</a>".<p></p><p>I'm 95% certain I watched this <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/26/arts/music/sinead-oconnor-snl-pope.html">live in 1992 on SNL</a>, though it's possible that I watched later coverage of it and the mists of time have caused me to conflate source. The reaction was nearly universal revulsion, and it's safe to say this greatly curtailed a promising career. I wasn't offended, but I was surprised at her boldness and conviction. </p><p>And with the benefit of time, it should be clear to all her detractors from 31 years ago that <i>she was 100% right</i>. I don't recall child abuse in the Catholic Church being well-known at the time, but that started to change after her performance. There are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_sexual_abuse_cases">innumerable villains in the story</a>, but when you're the pope, the papal buck stops with you. </p><p>What I didn't know until today is that Bob Marley's original song, from the 1976 LP "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rastaman_Vibration">Rastaman Vibration</a>", is based on a 1963 speech to the UN by Ethiopia's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haile_Selassie_I_of_Ethiopia">Haile Selassie</a>:</p><p></p><blockquote>That until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned; That until there are no longer first-class and second-class citizens of any nation; That until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; That until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained; And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique and in South Africa in subhuman bondage have been toppled and destroyed; Until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding and tolerance and good-will; Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven; Until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary, and we know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil. </blockquote><p></p><p>Bob Marley adapted that speech into a song, and Sinead O'Connor adapted the song to be about <a href="https://www.stlyrics.com/songs/s/sineadoconnor3494/war1093250.html">child abuse</a>. She repeated the song (sans picture) at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_30th_Anniversary_Concert_Celebration">1992 Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Concert</a>. </p><p>Her SNL version starts off a little shaky and unsure, likely because she knows she's on the precipice of an act she can't undo, before it builds to its powerful conclusion. The best definition of bravery I've seen says it's not about "not being afraid", but rather "being afraid and doing what you have to do anyway." Sinead was brave, and she was right. </p><p>Sinead O'Connor -- War (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0VpfiMcPPA">1992 SNL</a>; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4fVxcT00Sc">1992 30th Bob Dylan Anniversary Concert</a>)</p><p>Bob Marley & The Wailers -- War (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XHEPoMNP0I">1976 LP version</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loFDn94oZJ0">live 1979</a>)</p><p><br /></p><p>N.B. It's also a nice reminder that if all you have is "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_(Bob_Marley_and_the_Wailers_album)">Legends</a>", which admittedly was standard issue when I was in college, you're missing out on Marley's overtly political canon. </p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-77803786539553660572023-05-29T21:31:00.004-07:002023-07-17T11:31:00.870-07:00Len - "Steal My Sunshine"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFa36aXOpExq4qaCGD0flwbfQ8JcdC95gCVsYOHGRz4Uuxt77z6WJuYfRCiOHVw3vhCyCXI-Ra__fbLs3vRObgLBkao50Un8Pc0VycwDDUC5UkpkEMcbwPQOsHyipKg1sqmb-OXLyO0vWYuV2yPaEOlLGYRTiPrlP3cZ6DbUdCQH3Dz4mA0ojBJn87ew/s297/StealMySunshine.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFa36aXOpExq4qaCGD0flwbfQ8JcdC95gCVsYOHGRz4Uuxt77z6WJuYfRCiOHVw3vhCyCXI-Ra__fbLs3vRObgLBkao50Un8Pc0VycwDDUC5UkpkEMcbwPQOsHyipKg1sqmb-OXLyO0vWYuV2yPaEOlLGYRTiPrlP3cZ6DbUdCQH3Dz4mA0ojBJn87ew/w200-h200/StealMySunshine.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>I've always liked <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Len_(band)">Len</a>'s 1999 hit single "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steal_My_Sunshine">Steal My Sunshine</a>", but I always considered it more of a guilty pleasure rather than a song I would end up writing about. It's fun, festive, infectious, has a nice groove, sounds like summer, and I just love how Sharon Costanzo sweetly sings "L-a-t-e-r that week". Her voice, contrasted with her brother's raspy vocals, helps craft Len's unique sound. It also blows my mind to think that this song came out <i>last century</i> -- it feels like last year. <p></p><p>I recently discovered, quite by accident, that there was a recent (2021) cover by LA band <a href="https://www.bikinitrill.com/about">Bikini Trill</a>, who seem to be channeling the same aesthetic and sound that Len did on this record some 20+ years prior. It's a fun cover, and Bikini Trill -- who were probably not yet in grade school when the original came out -- finds a new perspective on the song while still maintaining the essence of the original. </p><p>But what really blew my mind about "Steal My Sunshine" was recently learning the funky sample repeated throughout the song comes from the 10 second break in the 1976 song by the <a href="https://www.discogs.com/artist/48407-Andrea-True-Connection">Andrea True Connection</a>, "<a href="https://www.discogs.com/master/57685-Andrea-True-Connection-More-More-More">More, More, More</a>". I have a vague contemporary memory of this song from the 1970s, but I could not have told you that it was sung by former porn star (!) <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrea_True">Andrea True</a>, and I'm sad to say I did not recognize the sample from Steal My Sunshine until I learned of it from "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vESLBTf6UHc">Show Me the Sample</a>".</p><p>So summer is just about officially here, so it's time to dust off the Len version, the new Bikini Trill cover, as well as the source of the sample. If you don't immediately listen to all three songs, you'll miss a million miles of fun. Enjoy.</p><p>Len - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1fzJ_AYajA">Steal My Sunshine</a>"</p><p>Bikini Trill - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIZJ64-KzFQ">Steal My Sunshine</a>"</p><p>Andrea True - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ_QUh0lmj4">More, More, More</a>" (the break is 2:20--2:29 in this 3:11 radio edit); <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYWiBZlK_VE">6:16 LP & 12" version</a> (the break is 2:30--2:39 in this version, and then repeated at 5:20--5:29)</p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-40161960787308971502023-05-21T15:28:00.002-07:002023-05-29T21:56:42.809-07:00Julee Cruise - "Summer Kisses, Winter Tears"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzypDl8W9lq9-Dvn6II4o0fHKvLkPKSS7df1ENktEzWHnVhnitTR9sp1F76Xyh3ae_pdYEGymUyNJsUsXD7Q6vRbXO9RkKOLIciviDZD5-dEEq8Dt0LenylWFROironJKsTXfh_-dHaMcD9CzoYLSEmcT2S07xcEIqYp0uTCNAMdLtzr2ip152COR2Q/s300/julee-cruise-summer-kisses.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzypDl8W9lq9-Dvn6II4o0fHKvLkPKSS7df1ENktEzWHnVhnitTR9sp1F76Xyh3ae_pdYEGymUyNJsUsXD7Q6vRbXO9RkKOLIciviDZD5-dEEq8Dt0LenylWFROironJKsTXfh_-dHaMcD9CzoYLSEmcT2S07xcEIqYp0uTCNAMdLtzr2ip152COR2Q/w200-h200/julee-cruise-summer-kisses.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>It's been almost a year since her death, but somehow I failed to mark the <a href="https://pitchfork.com/news/julee-cruise-blue-velvet-and-twin-peaks-singer-dies-at-65/">passing</a> of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julee_Cruise">Julee Cruise</a>. I indirectly referenced it when I wrote of the <a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2023/01/soundtrack-from-twin-peaks-lp-review.html">death of Angelo Badalamenti</a>, but somehow I mistook sending a flurry of texts to my friends last year for actually writing about it. <p></p><p>Having covered Julee extensively in the past (<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2023/01/soundtrack-from-twin-peaks-lp-review.html">Twin Peaks</a>, <a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2019/03/julee-cruise-industrial-symphony-no-1.html">Industrial Symphony #1</a>, <a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2011/07/julee-cruise-floating-into-night-lp.html">Floating into the Night</a>), I'm not sure I have anything new to say. I have a fair amount of her <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julee_Cruise#Collaborations">later collaborations</a> (i.e., those not with Angelo Badalamenti and David Lynch), but instead I want to draw your attention to a cover of <a href="https://www.discogs.com/release/11981478-Elvis-Presley-With-The-Jordanaires-Elvis-By-Request">an Elvis song</a> she did for the "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2009/06/various-until-end-of-world-lp-review.html">Until the End of the World</a>" soundtrack, "<a href="https://www.discogs.com/master/5120-Julee-Cruise-Summer-Kisses-Winter-Tears">Summer Kisses, Winter Tears</a>". </p><p>I'm guessing it was recorded during the sessions for either "Floating into the Night" or maybe even "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Voice_of_Love_(Julee_Cruise_album)">The Voice of Love</a>". To the best of my knowledge, it never appeared on a Julee Cruise LP and the soundtrack is the only place to get it. </p><p>As I've mentioned before, Cruise was a titan in the dream pop genre and her discography is just too short. Unless there are some unreleased tracks sitting in a vault somewhere, this is it, so enjoy this excellent Elvis cover -- and bonus points for a cover of an obscure B-side too. </p><p>Julee Cruise - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYorfBP4oNg">Summer Kisses, Winter Tears</a>"</p><p>Elvis - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc1PYPZYy0c">Summer Kisses, Winter Tears</a>"</p><p><br /></p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-56025829890460969022023-01-18T19:26:00.003-08:002023-05-21T15:34:59.247-07:00Soundtrack from Twin Peaks (LP Review)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlON_3JF7VFaiz_Twi7cfQ6OXjIFGdKoH2N_X2nRvNxlwF0AWPi1tKbsrfkkZnEMLQPds2A9YD0tKjxslrGjSk9feiWijmos_j5mbPEKM_WN0G8nmfoJdXKEG9IbXWq5JIWCCDVI8VL9zLEuUdXhv9tnPSyf9RR7DSoHZwNJ6kRWM9c_NzCX8Aq4-GQ/s280/Soundtrack_From_Twin_Peaks.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="280" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlON_3JF7VFaiz_Twi7cfQ6OXjIFGdKoH2N_X2nRvNxlwF0AWPi1tKbsrfkkZnEMLQPds2A9YD0tKjxslrGjSk9feiWijmos_j5mbPEKM_WN0G8nmfoJdXKEG9IbXWq5JIWCCDVI8VL9zLEuUdXhv9tnPSyf9RR7DSoHZwNJ6kRWM9c_NzCX8Aq4-GQ/s1600/Soundtrack_From_Twin_Peaks.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelo_Badalamenti">Angelo Badalmenti</a>, soundtrack composer extraordinaire, <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2022/12/19/1144137378/the-fantasia-of-angelo-badalamenti-veil-piercing-composer">died last month</a>. You've probably never heard of him, but you probably have heard his music: in addition to doing nearly all of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Lynch">David Lynch</a>'s films, as well as other art films (e.g., <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_City_of_Lost_Children">The City of Lost Children</a>), he also did some mainstream films, like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Lampoon%27s_Christmas_Vacation">National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation</a>. He also composed the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYxNQiuarlI">opening theme</a> of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Despite these and his many other <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelo_Badalamenti#Collaborations">accomplishments</a>, he would be a favorite of mine if all he had ever done was collaborate with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julee_Cruise">Julee Cruise</a> and David Lynch in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Peaks">Twin Peaks</a> milieu. <p></p><p>I've long ago reviewed Julee Cruise's "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2011/07/julee-cruise-floating-into-night-lp.html">Floating into the Night</a>" LP; it is impossible for me to overstate how important that LP is for me. Not because of Twin Peaks -- I've never seen the TV series -- but because of the otherworldly soundscapes the three of them conjure, and the time and place where I first heard them. </p><p>To mark Badalamenti's passing, I thought about reviewing Cruise's 1993 LP "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Voice_of_Love_(Julee_Cruise_album)">The Voice of Love</a>", but then it occurred to me that I should showcase where their oeuvre gained significant public attention: the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soundtrack_from_Twin_Peaks">Twin Peaks soundtrack</a>, released in 1990. Since eight of the 11 songs are instrumentals (the other three feature Julee Cruise), it seems more fitting to commemorate Badalamenti with a mostly instrumental soundtrack. And to be fair: if this was the only LP that Badalamenti/Cruise/Lynch had created, it would be a standout. But as much as I like it, this LP is forever in the shadow of Julee Cruise's "Floating into the Night", released in 1989. They share a lot of material, both directly and derivatively (for example, "Twin Peaks Theme" is just an instrumental version of "Falling") and perhaps it's not fair to compare a proper LP to a soundtrack, but once you've heard "Floating into the Night" start to finish, you can't really go back. The feel is slightly different, with the soundtrack focusing slightly more on a cool jazz feel than "Floating into the Night", but the distinction is slight. </p><p>I think the Badalamenti/Cruise/Lynch collaboration came to an end in 1993, with pairs of them working together after that, but never the three of them again. And while it tempting to be greedy and wish they had done more together, we should celebrate what they did accomplish. </p><p>Standout songs: the ones with Julee Cruise, obviously: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKDetywgLb4">Falling</a>", "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_rlzdt6mJ4">Into the Night</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Waarb7uMg">The Nightingale</a>"; (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCh6jhpIiws">Full LP</a>)</p><p>Skip 'em songs: none</p><p>Final Score: 9/10</p><p><br /></p><p>(And yes, somehow I've failed to mark <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/06/10/1104158276/julee-cruise-obituary-twin-peaks-david-lynch-b52s">Julee Cruise's passing in June, 2022</a>. I'll rectify that <a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2023/05/julee-cruise-summer-kisses-winter-tears.html">soon</a>).</p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-32666566002395889582022-12-30T12:12:00.001-08:002023-01-01T09:25:59.626-08:00Fleetwood Mac - "Over My Head"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvt0L1J_DUvqI94kUQQ7qyJCgupqKH83YqAXSP-nCf1-uFHlzUWwgqdJti8yJOvuyv4FXEQegulWuFzy1EgkqUp3rQnPzuhDceGWcVE7qkTY4vYJWDT97dooMfvR_wiFZAu8RANkpumR_zbzAuRiErEogfMuK7EpOTYlxpGXl8hVKMxzxKdpP1uMpX0Q/s318/Over_My_Head_single.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="313" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvt0L1J_DUvqI94kUQQ7qyJCgupqKH83YqAXSP-nCf1-uFHlzUWwgqdJti8yJOvuyv4FXEQegulWuFzy1EgkqUp3rQnPzuhDceGWcVE7qkTY4vYJWDT97dooMfvR_wiFZAu8RANkpumR_zbzAuRiErEogfMuK7EpOTYlxpGXl8hVKMxzxKdpP1uMpX0Q/w197-h200/Over_My_Head_single.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_McVie">Christine McVie</a>, longtime member of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleetwood_Mac">Fleetwood Mac</a>, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63812952">died earlier this month</a>. As I've <a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2020/07/fleetwood-mac-black-magic-woman-song.html">discussed earlier</a>, most people don't recognize that Fleetwood Mac had released nine LPs prior to their 1975 LP "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleetwood_Mac_(1975_album)">Fleetwood Mac</a>", which was the first of their "classic" period, with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindsey_Buckingham">Lindsey Buckingham</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevie_Nicks">Stevie Nicks</a>. <p></p><p>Christine was actually a session musician with Fleetwood Mac from about 1968-1971, since she was then in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Shack">Chicken Shack</a> as well as releasing a solo LP. She became an official member in 1971, credited as a full member on 1971's "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_Games">Future Games</a>" LP. Prior to Fleetwood Mac, she also won the Melody Maker "best female vocalist" award in both <a href="https://goldduststevie.tumblr.com/post/148744477276/christine-at-the-melody-maker-pop-awards-in">1969</a> and 1970. </p><p>Of course, Fleetwood Mac really took off in 1975 with the addition of Buckingham & Nicks, effectively making Christine the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Harrison">George Harrison</a> of Fleetwood Mac: the <i>third</i> best songwriter in the group, while still being a songwriter that most other groups would love to have. </p><p>Of the various songs that Christine is credited with, my personal favorite is "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over_My_Head_(Fleetwood_Mac_song)">Over My Head</a>", from their <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleetwood_Mac_(1975_album)">1975 eponymous LP</a>. It's a mellow song, and reminds me a turbulent but exciting period for me in the spring of 1991. </p><p>I wonder what will happen with Fleetwood Mac. Of the three principal singers from the classic period, the recent past has only featured two. Assuming Buckingham and Nicks will never work together again, can Fleetwood Mac continue with only Nicks? </p><p>Fleetwood Mac - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXWia0TWAMM">Over My Head</a>"</p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-77143141116647593362022-12-25T14:11:00.000-08:002022-12-25T14:11:11.228-08:00Low - Live at Austin Community Television (ACTV) Main Studio (1996)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fjlhKW_aTCAG6kphfUv1W7PfgsoqICXqmBnZKqCa9131XYC15iuOhCSaK_0XXav4B20u-qXKgMjxMXbR0jaT90i467KOM0FLQxyIdVm21suVTPLy3gUmKpEjJ9PGOp_76YAArHok-5RGQeuTDS7bIjPkI_FZBTiJ3_CDgLA7MeS70IfrX3jwvNb1XQ/s1588/Screen%20Shot%202022-12-25%20at%202.35.31%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1588" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fjlhKW_aTCAG6kphfUv1W7PfgsoqICXqmBnZKqCa9131XYC15iuOhCSaK_0XXav4B20u-qXKgMjxMXbR0jaT90i467KOM0FLQxyIdVm21suVTPLy3gUmKpEjJ9PGOp_76YAArHok-5RGQeuTDS7bIjPkI_FZBTiJ3_CDgLA7MeS70IfrX3jwvNb1XQ/w400-h256/Screen%20Shot%202022-12-25%20at%202.35.31%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>Mimi Parker, the drummer for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_(band)">Low</a>, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/11/06/1134627763/mimi-parker-low-dead-band-slowcore">died last month</a>, after a battle with ovarian cancer. She and her husband Alan Sparhawk were the two main members of the long-running and genre-defining <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slowcore">slowcore</a> band Low. <p></p><p>I first learned of Low from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joy_Division">Joy Division</a> tribute LP "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Means_to_an_End:_The_Music_of_Joy_Division">A Means to an End</a>", where their cover of "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmission_(song)">Transmission</a>" was a standout among a strong LP. Based on my enjoyment of their track, I got several of their early LPs, although I don't have nearly enough of their <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_(band)#Discography">lengthy discography</a>. </p><p>Low's sparse, slow sound is perfect for contemplative late night listening. Mimi's three piece drum kit, as shown in the image above, is a nice metaphor for their minimalist, yet surprisingly large sound. This 1996 four song set, which includes "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7088HRmhNaE&t=444s">Transmission</a>", is a good example of their sound at the time. I don't know the exact date of this concert, but setlist.fm puts them in Austin on both <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/low/1996/emos-austin-tx-3bc2e464.html">1996-04-18</a> and <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/low/1996/maggie-maes-austin-tx-33c2e47d.html">1996-03-15</a>.</p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7088HRmhNaE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<p>Low had a <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonnyishh/status/1590983098686210048">number of different bassists</a> through the years, but Alan and Mimi were the constants. Even if Alan continues to make music, I'm not sure he can continue as "Low" without Mimi. </p><p>Bonus link: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nVrwzptNVc">Transmission</a>" (studio version), <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dBt3mJtgJc">original</a> (Joy Division)</p><p>PS -- Given <a href="https://twitter.com/lowtheband">Alan</a> a follow on Twitter; he's thoughtful and engaging.</p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-66649434197222405642022-11-25T10:38:00.002-08:002023-07-17T11:32:18.936-07:00Iron Maiden - "Live at the Rainbow" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQ2KSYoQ7dzNHJvfFrgl3MyadGeGGG2f_z3nc-mFWXUDfzwTg3B1zUPtrsDksUs8KW82wIbPct5TR97cy6vF56-Qnd_KM5Llkyp2bXbAZzO3lm2UXbOpZ4XfT3872AwbQ2OCP5zOovnFA/s329/iron-maiden-rainbow.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="197" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQ2KSYoQ7dzNHJvfFrgl3MyadGeGGG2f_z3nc-mFWXUDfzwTg3B1zUPtrsDksUs8KW82wIbPct5TR97cy6vF56-Qnd_KM5Llkyp2bXbAZzO3lm2UXbOpZ4XfT3872AwbQ2OCP5zOovnFA/s320/iron-maiden-rainbow.jpeg" /></a></div><div>Today's post is something that I barely remember from back in the day and was only reminded of it when I recently stumbled across it while browsing online: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Maiden">Iron Maiden</a>'s 1981 "video LP", "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_at_the_Rainbow">Live at the Rainbow</a>". I can't remember if Robert had this in HS -- maybe I just saw it for sale in a record store (remember those?) or in a video rental store (remember those too?!). Even the rectangular (i.e., "portrait") shape of the cover art reflects a VHS orientation. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've <a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2015/02/iron-maiden-iron-maiden-lp-review.html">earlier</a> proclaimed my love for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Di%27Anno">Paul Di'Anno</a>-era Iron Maiden, and since his tenure was brief, you have to appreciate the material you can find. Recorded at London's historic <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Theatre">Rainbow Theatre</a> on December 21, 1980 (during the sessions for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killers_(Iron_Maiden_album)">Killers</a>), guitarist <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrian_Smith">Adrian Smith</a> had just recently joined the band, replacing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Stratton">Dennis Stratton</a>. While Stratton was instrumental in the creation of the classic Iron Maiden "<a href="https://blabbermouth.net/news/dennis-stratton-says-he-introduced-harmony-guitar-style-to-iron-maiden-it-was-my-idea">harmony guitar</a>" sound, it really became what we know today when <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Iron_Maiden_band_members">Smith joined</a> up with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Murray_(musician)">Dave Murray</a>. Murray and Smith are arguably the best, most influential, and also <i>most recognizable</i> metal guitar duo. </div><div><br /></div><div>It turns out that the videos for "Wrathchild" and "Iron Maiden" (I especially remember this one) that populated the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_first_music_videos_aired_on_MTV">early days of MTV</a> were pulled from this concert. </div><div><br /></div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M1Y-EOnOilY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I've embedded the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1Y-EOnOilY">video as released</a> (~30 min) above, but the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1TPN0hawMU">full concert</a> (~76 minutes) is also available. </div><div><br /></div><div>The only live Di'Anno-era Maiden I had back in HS was their excellent but far-too-short EP "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maiden_Japan">Maiden in Japan</a>", so it was quite the unexpected pleasant surprise to (re-)discover this on Youtube. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-39698412693799070672022-11-24T09:55:00.000-08:002022-11-24T09:55:00.372-08:00Biz Markie - Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz (forgotten song)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSITB4A4efEE-E92L1yWMeOvO-euXofPQnyDtS5AyeBIj8BELb3YRMboO-uNiDe6IbxYioV0CRW7e11kDG0NkaGDwk-Mjgb17GlMqKiI7QFoUAScpwbTki8eRHXCeOejgQBFCilg4SlP0Wt55h0lfyaga2oXUHXs9K0zVZnwApil6wHJhntI2I-WGtxA/s598/biz-markie-make-the-music.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="598" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSITB4A4efEE-E92L1yWMeOvO-euXofPQnyDtS5AyeBIj8BELb3YRMboO-uNiDe6IbxYioV0CRW7e11kDG0NkaGDwk-Mjgb17GlMqKiI7QFoUAScpwbTki8eRHXCeOejgQBFCilg4SlP0Wt55h0lfyaga2oXUHXs9K0zVZnwApil6wHJhntI2I-WGtxA/w200-h200/biz-markie-make-the-music.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p>This July Marcel Theo Hall, aka <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biz_Markie">Biz Markie</a>, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/906659959/biz-markie-pioneering-beatboxer-and-just-a-friend-rapper-dies-at-57">died</a>. He was probably best known for his one big single, 1989's "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_a_Friend">Just a Friend</a>", which I covered long ago in my post about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddie_Scott">Freddie Scott</a> and "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2010/12/freddie-scott-you-got-what-i-need-song.html">(You) Got What I Need</a>". While I have unlimited love for "Just a Friend", Biz was so much more: once again demonstrating the difference between <i>centrality</i> and <i>popularity</i>. While he came across as a carefree clown, he was a serious rapper and DJ, well known for his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbB7sN2E2Bw">extensive record collection</a> and <a href="https://pitchfork.com/news/questlove-q-tip-bootsy-collins-flea-more-remember-biz-markie/">respected by his peers</a>. Luminaries such as <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNDvpRCub9U">The Beastie Boys knew this</a>, and included him on their records (e.g., cleverly transforming a Ted Nugent instrumental ("<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sBPSwO0vR8">Home Bound</a>") into a "real" song ("<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhg1rxU6NhU">The Biz vs. The Nuge</a>")). He was also a guest on DJ Kool's 1996 party anthem "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_Me_Clear_My_Throat">Let Me Clear My Throat</a>" (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnsqvz9iIlA">video</a>). </p><p>I'm choosing to remember Biz with an earlier song of his, "Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz", since it nicely features both his rapping and beatboxing. It can be found on his self-titled <a href="https://www.discogs.com/master/240219-Biz-Markie-The-Inhuman-Orchestra-Featuring-TJ-Swan-Make-The-Music-With-Your-Mouth-Biz">1986 EP</a> as well as his 1988 debut LP "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goin%27_Off">Goin' Off</a>".<br /></p><p>So don't feel guilty about enjoying "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aofoBrFNdg">Just a Friend</a>", but do take the time to explore some of his lesser-known canon. He was a big part of the classic hip hop sound, and there's a good chance he's among your favorite rapper's favorite rappers. <br /></p><p>"<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExDae9Hmfr4">Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz</a>"</p><p>Bonus links: Covid-era (2020-04-03) home DJ set: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecbyCKP5V2M">part 1</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYhshQYz0gs">part 2</a>.<br /></p><p></p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-42543520189645190562022-09-27T14:49:00.000-07:002022-09-27T14:49:35.470-07:00Plastic Bertrand - "Ça plane pour moi" (forgotten song)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGekM3aTGNXB7Gx-NExQQEWMWG816ISia0X_hPRP3q3SBoz4O00MJ0FLuDM7em7iBRheVaclUTFNkHanLxUU7UZTNFx7iXXXmJPYntmJuLJWbf94bTt7EZxNzumNMVTu4vEwgtrTxepmNjiiyNFHKwFKDECYz4sEhG1LyF6j9Wc9Xx7yrhCXLpxYGQg/s600/plastic-bertrand-ca-plane.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGekM3aTGNXB7Gx-NExQQEWMWG816ISia0X_hPRP3q3SBoz4O00MJ0FLuDM7em7iBRheVaclUTFNkHanLxUU7UZTNFx7iXXXmJPYntmJuLJWbf94bTt7EZxNzumNMVTu4vEwgtrTxepmNjiiyNFHKwFKDECYz4sEhG1LyF6j9Wc9Xx7yrhCXLpxYGQg/w200-h200/plastic-bertrand-ca-plane.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p>Normally I try to choose songs for Danette's birthday based on songs that make me think of her, not necessarily favorite songs of hers. This year, it's both: "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%87a_plane_pour_moi">Ça plane pour moi</a>", a song that she <i>really</i> enjoys -- to the point where it would be impossible for me to hear it and not think of her. <br /></p><p>The song is by Belgian artist Roger François Jouret, aka <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_Bertrand">Plastic Bertrand</a>, and was <a href="https://www.discogs.com/release/1792556-Plastic-Bertrand-Ca-Plane-Pour-Moi">released in 1977</a> on the LP "<a href="https://www.discogs.com/master/95766-Plastic-Bertrand-An-1">An 1</a>". I wish I could say that either of us were cool enough to know about French language punk songs in 1977, but it's only through us recently watching "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_Eve">Killing Eve</a>" that we first heard it. Killing Eve had a great soundtrack (check out this <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/24Ak1zFG78y0TY6zUJXHNF">Spotify list</a>), with many selections coming from the band <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unloved_(band)">Unloved</a> (of which <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Holmes_(musician)">David Holmes</a> is a member) but "Ça plane pour moi" was used only once (I think) and in that brief moment it managed to make quite an impression on Danette. She ordered the CD shortly thereafter and has played it a ton since then. </p><p>What does the song mean? Well, it's <a href="https://genius.com/Genius-english-translations-plastic-bertrand-ca-plane-pour-moi-english-translation-lyrics">mostly nonsense</a>, but the chorus does translate as:<br /></p><p></p><blockquote>It's all working out for me, it's all working out for me<br />It's all working out for me, me, me, me, me<br />It's all working out for me<br />Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh<br />It's all working out for me</blockquote><p></p><p>But after a long period of <a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2020/09/walk-off-earth-hard-rains-gonna-fall.html">life complications</a>, things both personal and professional <i>are actually</i> working out for her, so I guess the song is applicable. </p><p>Happy Birthday Danette -- "You are the King [Queen] of the <span class="ReferentFragmentdesktop__Highlight-sc-110r0d9-1 jAzSMw">Divan</span><span style="height: 0; opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; width: 0; z-index: -1;" tabindex="0"></span><span><span style="height: 0; opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; width: 0; z-index: -1;" tabindex="0"></span><span style="height: 0; opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; width: 0; z-index: -1;" tabindex="0"></span></span>!"</p><p><br /></p><p>Fun facts about the song:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It's not actually sung by Plastic Bertand, it's actually sung by producer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Deprijck" title="Lou Deprijck">Lou Deprijck</a>.</li><li>It has the same music as "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_Boy,_Jet_Girl" title="Jet Boy, Jet Girl">Jet Boy, Jet Girl</a>" by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elton_Motello" title="Elton Motello">Elton Motello</a> (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgbtLJyLDu8">vid</a>).<br /></li><li>Although arguably a novelty song, it was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%87a_plane_pour_moi#Reputation">good enough</a> for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Strummer" title="Joe Strummer">Joe Strummer</a>:
"Plastic Bertrand compressed into that three minutes a bloody good
record that will get any comatose person toe-tapping, you know what I
mean? By purist rules, it's not allowed to even mention Plastic
Bertrand. Yet, this record was probably a lot better than a lot of
so-called punk records." </li></ul><p>Plastic Bertrand - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agL9ftHYrRQ">Ça plane pour moi</a>" <br /></p><p> </p><p>Previous birthday songs:<br />
</p><p>2021: Adam and the Ants - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2021/09/adam-and-ants-christian-dor-forgotten.html">Christian D'or</a>" <br />2020: Walk Off The Earth - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2020/09/walk-off-earth-hard-rains-gonna-fall.html">A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall</a>"<br />2019: Nicki Minaj - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2019/09/nicki-minaj-monster-forgotten-song.html">Monster</a>"<br />
2018: Bear Hands - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2018/09/bear-hands-giants-forgotten-song.html">Giants</a>" <br />
2017: Alvvays - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2017/09/alvvays-archie-marry-me-song-remains.html">Archie, Marry Me</a>" <br />
2016: Molly Hatchet - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2016/09/molly-hatchet-flirtin-with-disaster.html">Flirtin' With Disaster</a>" <br />
2015: Avett Brothers - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2015/09/avett-brothers-kick-drum-heart-spotlight.html">Kick Drum Heart</a>"<br />
2014: Ani DiFranco - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2014/09/ani-difranco-32-flavors-forgotten-song.html">32 Flavors</a>" <br />
2013: The Green Pajamas - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-green-pajamas-kim-waitress.html">Kim the Waitress</a>"<br />
2012: The Cure - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-cure-high-forgotten-song.html">High</a>"<br />
2011: Blink 182 - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2011/09/blink-182-josie-forgotten-song.html">Josie</a>"<br />
2010: Dead Milkmen - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2010/09/dead-milkmen-punk-rock-girl-forgotten.html">Punk Rock Girl</a>" <br /></p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-90277058925334134922022-05-30T14:18:00.001-07:002022-05-30T14:18:42.238-07:00Depeche Mode - "Death's Door" (forgotten song)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPrAqmb8lZC4gMPQtjvZQjwXYLmfIyMilb9gRxfEerjaw0pYs_8zbKrzkkF1LwMOvY_HB9w5RFF8JQZLRvlceyrG4YJMVCO5vDmAkc9uspIhs4Px6x7k94LCpITLGFQnzZ40aE2AmP65nquQwvjRLvaRuBXjCBChoTZ6wQMVa-Sx5xZqKy0gJ_IiSJw/s600/depeche-mode-deaths-door.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="599" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPrAqmb8lZC4gMPQtjvZQjwXYLmfIyMilb9gRxfEerjaw0pYs_8zbKrzkkF1LwMOvY_HB9w5RFF8JQZLRvlceyrG4YJMVCO5vDmAkc9uspIhs4Px6x7k94LCpITLGFQnzZ40aE2AmP65nquQwvjRLvaRuBXjCBChoTZ6wQMVa-Sx5xZqKy0gJ_IiSJw/w200-h200/depeche-mode-deaths-door.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Fletcher_(musician)">Andy Fletcher</a>, a founding member of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depeche_Mode">Depeche Mode</a>, unexpectedly <a href="https://pitchfork.com/news/depeche-mode-andy-fletcher-dies-at-60/">died earlier this week</a>. As part of the founding trio of Depeche Mode, Fletcher received no songwriting credits and his <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Fletcher_(musician)#Role">role in the band</a> was that of business manager, spokesperson, and tie-breaker for creative disputes. As I've gotten older, I can better appreciate the role of someone like Andy in a creative endeavor. <div><br /></div><div>As a member of Generation X, it's impossible to not like Depeche Mode -- it was a constant soundtrack in high school, college, and beyond. While not to diminish the influence of their early work in their ongoing <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depeche_Mode_discography">discography</a>, for my money, it's hard to beat their three LP run of "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_for_the_Masses">Music for the Masses</a>" (1987), "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violator_(album)">Violator</a>" (1990), and "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songs_of_Faith_and_Devotion">Songs of Faith and Devotion</a>" (1993), all of which I plan to review here some day (tm). </div><div><br /></div><div>There are dozens of songs with which we could recognize Andy Fletcher's passing, but I will take overlooked "Death's Door", from the excellent 1992 Wim Wenders soundtrack "<a href="https://f-measure.blogspot.com/2009/06/various-until-end-of-world-lp-review.html">Until the End of the World</a>". Most of the soundtrack was original music, with some of the artists releasing the songs on later LPs. I don't think Depeche Mode ever released "Death's Door" on a regular studio LP, so other than <a href="https://www.discogs.com/master/21351-Depeche-Mode-Condemnation-Paris-Mix">B-sides</a> and a <a href="https://www.discogs.com/release/2547335-Depeche-Mode-Deaths-Door">single with remixes</a>, I think the soundtrack is the only place you can hear it. </div><div><p>Depeche Mode - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-_BPDG-CAA">Death's Door</a>"</p></div>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-5427023958262675182022-02-13T14:47:00.003-08:002022-02-13T14:48:18.850-08:00Cocteau Twins - "Cherry-Coloured Funk"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtaVFFn0pQ3hqxcALOYbQE7zqI2AJvCLQN-aY0nafR1YhMEqJv_kZpV867cmzfU9BlkdenBnoeMFS-sJkyh-jdlE5O-roSCwOH3FYnQKgIbYg9rUnQ_ayE3MhdOJ1Vw2h78yarDHAkUSe0o8nxtJNnDiTIWaTmbEzInehdeEbsApt1mKUCJ9OqGp71SA=s306" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="306" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtaVFFn0pQ3hqxcALOYbQE7zqI2AJvCLQN-aY0nafR1YhMEqJv_kZpV867cmzfU9BlkdenBnoeMFS-sJkyh-jdlE5O-roSCwOH3FYnQKgIbYg9rUnQ_ayE3MhdOJ1Vw2h78yarDHAkUSe0o8nxtJNnDiTIWaTmbEzInehdeEbsApt1mKUCJ9OqGp71SA=w200-h196" width="200" /></a></div>Super Bowl LVI begins in a few hours and I still haven't posted about the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Bowl_LV_halftime_show">halftime show for Super Bowl LV</a>. Life has kept me pretty busy and I've been way behind in my blogging, but now is a good a time as any to catch up. <p></p><p>Last year's halftime show was a bit unusual -- only one artist, no fans, no special guests, all due to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19">Covid-19</a>. The artist was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Weeknd">The Weeknd</a>, and the show was mostly well-received (e.g., these reviews in <a href="https://www.vox.com/culture/22271705/the-weeknd-super-bowl-halftime-show-blinding-lights-watch-full-video-performance">Vox</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/feb/07/the-weeknd-super-bowl-half-time-show-mood-lifting-pandemic-party-music">The Guardian</a>). Unfortunately, I'm mostly unfamiliar with his canon and with no guests or cover songs, for a long time I wasn't sure what my take would be on the show. Then later I found out he's a big fan of The Cocteau Twins*, going so far to name one his songs "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXbJ8-38yHw">Heaven or Las Vegas</a>" (after The Cocteau Twin's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven_or_Las_Vegas">1990 LP</a>) and to sample that LP's opening track, "Cherry-Coloured Funk", on his 2011 song "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPp5Ty9EE6k">The Knowing</a>". "The Knowing" wasn't on the setlist of the halftime show, but the 14 minute format limits how much artists can cover. </p><p>"Heaven or Las Vegas" is probably my favorite LP by the Cocteau Twins, and having been in recent heavy rotation as dinner music at the house, I need to properly review it sometime soon. The LP features three extraordinary songs, and "Cherry-Coloured Funk" is one of them. </p><p>I'll have a lot more to say about tonight's halftime show, but until then enjoy the Cocteau Twin's "Cherry-Coloured Funk" and last year's show.</p><p>Links: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rhadTURsrw">Super Bowl LV Halftime Show</a></p><p>Cocteau Twins: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbbUeLkZt74">Cherry-Coloured Funk</a>"</p><p>The Weeknd: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPp5Ty9EE6k">The Knowing</a>"</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>* "I've always had an admiration for the era before I was born. You can hear it as far back as my first mixtape that the '80s – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siouxsie_and_the_Banshees">Siouxsie and the Banshees</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocteau_Twins">Cocteau Twins</a> – play such a huge role in my sound." -- <i><a href="https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9348979/the-weeknd-interview-historic-chart-domination-exclusive/">Billboard</a></i>. </p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-62391639153536741342021-09-27T14:51:00.001-07:002021-09-27T15:13:23.852-07:00Adam and the Ants - "Christian D'or" (forgotten song) <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYn7nWEnvgOKG3_QCqDQNfG_JzBFCpmHL1XGUZWZbCyWRYHuYE3Din2BwUxOC7EsI3LK-BNQWtn8TVfg0LgSAErZ6xmCGJmMGDfsoOa49jHURgopgkIhVy_PexAoCtLF7trLjJpSJ8-7Yu/s315/adam-ant-b-side-babies.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYn7nWEnvgOKG3_QCqDQNfG_JzBFCpmHL1XGUZWZbCyWRYHuYE3Din2BwUxOC7EsI3LK-BNQWtn8TVfg0LgSAErZ6xmCGJmMGDfsoOa49jHURgopgkIhVy_PexAoCtLF7trLjJpSJ8-7Yu/w200-h200/adam-ant-b-side-babies.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<p></p><div class="ujudUb"><span>"I've got a fetish for you</span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span><span>A fetish for me</span> <br /></span></div><div class="ujudUb"><span>A fetish for coffee</span><br /><span>I've got a fetish for tea</span><br /><span>I've got a fetish for Brando</span><br /><span>A fetish for cats</span><br /><span>A fetish for ladies in Christian Dior hats"</span></div>
<p></p><p>For this year's birthday song for Danette, I'm choosing "Christian D'or", the B-side for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_and_the_Ants">Adam and the Ants</a>' 1981 single "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Charming_(Adam_and_the_Ants_song)">Prince Charming</a>". I'm not entirely sure what it <i>all</i> <a href="https://genius.com/Adam-ant-christian-dor-lyrics">means</a>, but it certainly fits within <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Ant">Adam Ant</a>'s hypersexualized fashionista oeuvre. Danette was a huge Adam and the Ants fan in HS and college, still enjoys them to this day, and certainly maintains a fetish for hats, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dior">Christian Dior</a> or otherwise.</p><p>Another reason why this is a fitting tribute is that Adam Ant, like many British artists of the period, always had a significant focus on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Ant_discography#Singles">non-LP singles</a> and high-quality <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B-side">B-sides</a>. In 1982 he released the "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_B-Sides_(EP)">B-Sides</a>" EP, and in 1994 he collected his B-sides and unreleased tracks into "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B-Side_Babies">B-Side Babies</a>". In fact, the Wikipedia article claims that "B-Sides" was the name of the band that would later become "The Ants". <a href="https://www.adam-ant.net/pc.html">This article</a> claims that "Christian D'or", then "Christian Dior", was originally written in 1978. <br /></p><p>Danette and I both have a collector's focus on the rare and unreleased, so it's fitting that B-sides like "Christian D'or" are still featured prominently in concert. In 2012 (!), <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/adam-ant/2012/the-norva-norfolk-va-6bddc6f2.html">Adam Ant played the Norva</a>, and we also got a <a href="https://feministforum.tumblr.com/post/32853979569/prince-charming-prince-charming-ridicule-is">picture of his set list</a> to prove it! It was a great concert and we'd definitely see him again if given the chance.</p><p>Hats? Well, Danette and I enjoy going to the Kentucky Derby, which we've done a handful of times. I think a big part of the appeal is Danette gets to play dress up and wear outrageous hats, hats in which she looks absolutely smashing.</p><p>Happy Birthday Danette!!!</p><p>Adam and the Ants - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_7rIxzcA8E">Christian D'or</a>" (studio) </p><p>Adam and the Ants - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ucmtGoHifQ">Christian D'or</a>" (live 1981) </p><p>Bonus link: Adam and the Ants - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p__WmyAE3g">Prince Charming</a>"<br /></p><p> <br /></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwqPAl9z13ayhkJivQ7YCKi-8Fw6zRzeOc9GY92J0ve2dLmnWp7__2DdQw8mVXiKfmgsSDgFoSzxAFoOHgQi1eDr9psAsc8Em9W7JWotkMoNYAYNXM-2Z16U3ytKxtY9c5MK0dA1SB4O9/s960/IMG_5258.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwqPAl9z13ayhkJivQ7YCKi-8Fw6zRzeOc9GY92J0ve2dLmnWp7__2DdQw8mVXiKfmgsSDgFoSzxAFoOHgQi1eDr9psAsc8Em9W7JWotkMoNYAYNXM-2Z16U3ytKxtY9c5MK0dA1SB4O9/s320/IMG_5258.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentucky Oaks, 2015-05-01</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5HN9T5cG5McG2btmev60YDvQjirNrkbBuSoEJQZ8EUgEMlqqJ4GIQDtMzv0325z8Ey3MUE4Ub3l6bYiL16sS1uvpcHY6l6JwXXQ5wFoKE4-BWcQywqOInWm-xWCTj5OOVuGdNtI2BoU3/s960/IMG_5257.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5HN9T5cG5McG2btmev60YDvQjirNrkbBuSoEJQZ8EUgEMlqqJ4GIQDtMzv0325z8Ey3MUE4Ub3l6bYiL16sS1uvpcHY6l6JwXXQ5wFoKE4-BWcQywqOInWm-xWCTj5OOVuGdNtI2BoU3/s320/IMG_5257.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentucky Derby, 2015-05-02</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHiAjeHVsleHTFblvQF-B6nN5vkp0MqeVv3PR4o5-yQ-9fyBk2Ppp7MSWHIX9gtNBRWBHp1HBhoDZjQDqTdDTX9tMYROkrQk47CMm_Dpx20Hq5GGVLZOO9xFegphe4svDurmG4hgTw8co/s1280/kentucky-oaks-2016.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHiAjeHVsleHTFblvQF-B6nN5vkp0MqeVv3PR4o5-yQ-9fyBk2Ppp7MSWHIX9gtNBRWBHp1HBhoDZjQDqTdDTX9tMYROkrQk47CMm_Dpx20Hq5GGVLZOO9xFegphe4svDurmG4hgTw8co/s320/kentucky-oaks-2016.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentucky Oaks, 2016-05-01<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXG5DnSczkxfmSGObSJzPdTE2dsNITYKk_hqLE3Q5CdLWf22rYn08Afox8IcGM_f9C6pcar3LLi1cLFQ9S6LZe9YqpJoK0stqAMvdDlcvnvhQT9Ehare_O7cB5Q_mjskWlThJnDYBXCs8I/s2048/IMG_6628.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXG5DnSczkxfmSGObSJzPdTE2dsNITYKk_hqLE3Q5CdLWf22rYn08Afox8IcGM_f9C6pcar3LLi1cLFQ9S6LZe9YqpJoK0stqAMvdDlcvnvhQT9Ehare_O7cB5Q_mjskWlThJnDYBXCs8I/s320/IMG_6628.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentucky Oaks, 2016-05-01</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg909oSC-3iFckwJx28Ge-8vmaj8N5XvBW4jQY7yzskAGn_2wpFs6-cTDeb6Sap5L3c6N6ZasGwQMkiIuOCZN5PcudxWDO3Xigkv1Zi2hDBaMOaYIPKVAK_uviIJqfo6LOArUoyBEklKjIp/s1024/IMG_6632.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg909oSC-3iFckwJx28Ge-8vmaj8N5XvBW4jQY7yzskAGn_2wpFs6-cTDeb6Sap5L3c6N6ZasGwQMkiIuOCZN5PcudxWDO3Xigkv1Zi2hDBaMOaYIPKVAK_uviIJqfo6LOArUoyBEklKjIp/s320/IMG_6632.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentucky Oaks, 2016-05-01</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrVNdwkIExOoSJFQw3PegeyDjWuj1-q_c_faXrsuZR9HXVAUFTYdwBZYp0fs7KzmALmRn2q_Pxkb63TukH8owMFNJxrroaXpFJUf96Dekub3ttd-gn92ptF1kRvk81FTw0EgbuATtaxzA/s1280/kentucky-derby-2016.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrVNdwkIExOoSJFQw3PegeyDjWuj1-q_c_faXrsuZR9HXVAUFTYdwBZYp0fs7KzmALmRn2q_Pxkb63TukH8owMFNJxrroaXpFJUf96Dekub3ttd-gn92ptF1kRvk81FTw0EgbuATtaxzA/s320/kentucky-derby-2016.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentucky Derby, 2016-05-02<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRDD1frvtgPuartu8UQkMo3mHxh0nmQ1mx9Obkr0DCuG49NkAhGlpd1tT8O2I_0Y4A-F4SzSTjFIRBs19u0hhA2gFzhb4jHSCKK-ZctToqaMv1gSz-1jKzyqIJIsCbC1llMPJFxpDmIHE/s1280/kentucky-derby-2017.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRDD1frvtgPuartu8UQkMo3mHxh0nmQ1mx9Obkr0DCuG49NkAhGlpd1tT8O2I_0Y4A-F4SzSTjFIRBs19u0hhA2gFzhb4jHSCKK-ZctToqaMv1gSz-1jKzyqIJIsCbC1llMPJFxpDmIHE/s320/kentucky-derby-2017.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kentucky Derby, 2017-05-06<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ixY20B8HHHBbW6JII2pdXG638puiLKAEUNQwWEW6kDSQIf-BLIs48LMI9wvlt69HRDl5_n_y7VX9Y3v4uBXWklLm7oxbdb-er0jEtwlxh9Fz2wiG__Eus3smWMf1eYxKYPA4dt56RYx9/s311/kentucky-derby-2017-hats-zoom.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="311" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ixY20B8HHHBbW6JII2pdXG638puiLKAEUNQwWEW6kDSQIf-BLIs48LMI9wvlt69HRDl5_n_y7VX9Y3v4uBXWklLm7oxbdb-er0jEtwlxh9Fz2wiG__Eus3smWMf1eYxKYPA4dt56RYx9/s0/kentucky-derby-2017-hats-zoom.jpeg" width="311" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonnie inspecting the hats, since you're not allowed to choose your hats <i>before</i> arriving in KY (zoomed in from prior pic)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-conEUNN5K_S237KbRVWLEJRqOm_nKK5VTShrAv4AJ3rvQnMIVmX2paNyQ8dOtwnry9EY0tX2PQv1yYVB_FmQsjeqjrSTcR-5C8775b-uX2MzJSWjLlI6jSRKQ2FZVlL-vMEWnt31stQv/s1280/adam-ant-setlist-norfolk-2012-10-03.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-conEUNN5K_S237KbRVWLEJRqOm_nKK5VTShrAv4AJ3rvQnMIVmX2paNyQ8dOtwnry9EY0tX2PQv1yYVB_FmQsjeqjrSTcR-5C8775b-uX2MzJSWjLlI6jSRKQ2FZVlL-vMEWnt31stQv/w320-h213/adam-ant-setlist-norfolk-2012-10-03.jpeg" title="2012-10-03, Norfolk VA" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012-10-03, Norfolk VA<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjerVCmdRhyFS2SCuVVRKvlIRO4XuQ-T-5fIe-aBHKPBkHc2pMGeROU8nCuBdLwGln-y0t2hAsGxteRGTBGamhvPZuOVQSMh2u3IX6A-lJGwE3KnFr7bPbiIX5Nn-xhcEqfUpaGe2ID7BP/s960/IMG_5256.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjerVCmdRhyFS2SCuVVRKvlIRO4XuQ-T-5fIe-aBHKPBkHc2pMGeROU8nCuBdLwGln-y0t2hAsGxteRGTBGamhvPZuOVQSMh2u3IX6A-lJGwE3KnFr7bPbiIX5Nn-xhcEqfUpaGe2ID7BP/s320/IMG_5256.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've got a fetish for black<br />A fetish for green<br />A fetish for those arty magazines<br />I've got a fetish for blondes<br />I've got a fetish for blondes<br />I've got a fetish for blondes<br />A fetish for blonde haired girls <br />
I've got a fetish for blondes<br />
I've got a fetish for blondes<br />
I've got a fetish for blondes<br />
A fetish for brown haired girls<br />
</td></tr></tbody></table>
<br /><p></p><p>Previous birthday songs:<br />
</p><p>
2020: Walk Off The Earth - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2020/09/walk-off-earth-hard-rains-gonna-fall.html">A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall</a>"<br />2019: Nicki Minaj - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2019/09/nicki-minaj-monster-forgotten-song.html">Monster</a>"<br />
2018: Bear Hands - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2018/09/bear-hands-giants-forgotten-song.html">Giants</a>" <br />
2017: Alvvays - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2017/09/alvvays-archie-marry-me-song-remains.html">Archie, Marry Me</a>" <br />
2016: Molly Hatchet - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2016/09/molly-hatchet-flirtin-with-disaster.html">Flirtin' With Disaster</a>" <br />
2015: Avett Brothers - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2015/09/avett-brothers-kick-drum-heart-spotlight.html">Kick Drum Heart</a>"<br />
2014: Ani DiFranco - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2014/09/ani-difranco-32-flavors-forgotten-song.html">32 Flavors</a>" <br />
2013: The Green Pajamas - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-green-pajamas-kim-waitress.html">Kim the Waitress</a>"<br />
2012: The Cure - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-cure-high-forgotten-song.html">High</a>"<br />
2011: Blink 182 - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2011/09/blink-182-josie-forgotten-song.html">Josie</a>"<br />
2010: Dead Milkmen - "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2010/09/dead-milkmen-punk-rock-girl-forgotten.html">Punk Rock Girl</a>" </p><p> </p><p></p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-82337301736095713332021-07-18T14:15:00.002-07:002021-07-18T14:19:04.526-07:00Liz Phair - Live 2021-06-23 (concert)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtFjWQBsR2EdlW6aJUEcdVFTBfXIY_EpWZTbYaDtlSCjCWzH2cd1tTYt2BwgLawJd3rZW95bpuwu9K9bRmF4tZPIbmkiZnqSCbcgbEGdEsm-kSO4wetDlw7PDktqKLRtHryVhjtp7Lxjt/s2254/liz-phair-tiny-desk-2021-06-23.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="2254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWtFjWQBsR2EdlW6aJUEcdVFTBfXIY_EpWZTbYaDtlSCjCWzH2cd1tTYt2BwgLawJd3rZW95bpuwu9K9bRmF4tZPIbmkiZnqSCbcgbEGdEsm-kSO4wetDlw7PDktqKLRtHryVhjtp7Lxjt/s320/liz-phair-tiny-desk-2021-06-23.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Is it still a "Tiny Desk" concert if it's held on a quite large remote stage? </p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liz_Phair">Liz Phair</a>, promoting her most recent LP "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soberish">Soberish</a>", <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOG49BTdJLQ">appeared</a> last month on <a href="https://www.npr.org/series/tiny-desk-concerts/">NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series</a>. Because of the pandemic, they're calling them "home" concerts and leaving it to artists to choose their own venue. Liz apparently chose something slightly larger than the typical intimate, closed quarters that artists chose.</p><p>More importantly, she's got new material for the first time in 11 years. The first three songs, "Spanish Doors", "In There", and "The Game" are from "Soberish" and it's quite good -- certainly an improvement over 2003's "<a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2010/07/liz-phair-liz-phair-lp-review.html">Liz Phair</a>" and 2005's "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somebody%27s_Miracle">Somebodys' Miracle</a>". I don't have "Soberish" yet, but it's planned for my next bulk music purchase. The four song set closes with a good version of "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Never_Said">Never Said</a>" from her <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exile_in_Guyville">1993 debut LP</a>. </p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NOG49BTdJLQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>Be sure to also check out the advance singles from her new LP: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y15fNlscOHw">Spanish Doors</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgzPI1Cd73k">The Game</a>", "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4LcFHMjH9k">Hey Lou</a>", and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmm73a5jJB8">In There</a>". </p><p>Liz will be at the <a href="https://concerts.livenation.com/alanis-morissette-w-special-guest-garbage-virginia-beach-virginia-08-25-2021/event/01005778E3C357DD">Va Beach Amphitheater next month</a>. Our friend Michele is planning on going, but we'll probably sit this one out. First, we're still a bit covid-hesitant, and second she's opening for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alanis_Morissette">Alanis Morissette</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garbage_(band)">Garbage</a>. Nothing really against either of them, but... well, let's just say both should be opening for Liz. </p><p>Also a preview: some day I'm going to get around to presenting my argument that now, in the 21st century, "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whip-Smart">Whip Smart</a>" is actually a better LP to listen to than "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exile_in_Guyville">Exile in Guyville</a>". <br /></p><p>Finally, although April is long gone, I'm retroactively claiming this is a <a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/search/label/Women%27s%20History%20Month">Women's History Month post</a>.<br /></p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-42801201931433553262021-07-03T13:09:00.004-07:002023-07-17T11:29:20.373-07:00Blackalicious - "Paragraph President" (In Memoriam)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3thS8V0_uho6rdFuQFcqEZozf3mFLZEFP1HVAopOYva0vx4ZMo7t0xjrYTt6sDyd-DSRwGpt3_iJ_8KP250nmlatvfM5nlOwgxPa3pHN1IDB-pIi4WxhvjdIkcrJwzPHqgiCH8qtBssj2/s300/blackalicious-paragraph-president.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3thS8V0_uho6rdFuQFcqEZozf3mFLZEFP1HVAopOYva0vx4ZMo7t0xjrYTt6sDyd-DSRwGpt3_iJ_8KP250nmlatvfM5nlOwgxPa3pHN1IDB-pIi4WxhvjdIkcrJwzPHqgiCH8qtBssj2/w200-h150/blackalicious-paragraph-president.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>I've fallen behind on posting, but I'll restart by acknowledging the <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/blackalicious-rapper-gift-of-gab-dead-1189400/">passing of Timothy J. Parker</a>, AKA <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift_of_Gab_(rapper)">Gift of Gab</a>, best known as one-half of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackalicious">Blackalicious</a> and part of the influential <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quannum_Projects">Quannum Projects</a> collective. I could tell you that Gab had a voice, flow, and diction that put him head and shoulders above most other MCs, but you should instead read the tributes from <a href="https://twitter.com/djshadow/status/1408462316165681157">DJ Shadow</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQjJdO0p_-X/">Chief Xcel</a>, and the <a href="https://www.nme.com/news/music/tributes-paid-to-blackalicious-rapper-gift-of-gab-who-has-died-aged-50-2978697">many</a> <a href="https://www.theroot.com/wanna-battle-youll-be-baffled-at-the-stuff-stated-in-t-1847185196">others</a> that recognized his unique talents. <br /><p></p><p>I thought about highlighting "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mdhwMVaUyQ">Midnight in a Perfect World (Gab Mix)</a>" by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DJ_Shadow">DJ Shadow</a>, but I already used that EP to mark the <a href="http://f-measure.blogspot.com/2017/02/dj-shadow-midnight-in-perfect-world-lp.html">passing of David Axelrod</a> four years ago. I also thought about using "Alphabet Aerobics" (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvPnM2Q1nwU">studio</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxmmGToZlns">live 2016</a>), which you might remember from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKdV5FvXLuI">Daniel Radcliffe</a> turning in an impressive version of it on the Jimmy Fallon show many years ago. It's a great song, but verges on novelty and fails to capture the seriousness of Gift of Gab.<br /></p><p>Instead, I settled on "<a href="https://www.discogs.com/Blackalicious-Paragraph-President-Passion/release/1194312">Paragraph President</a>", a 2001 single from the 2002 Blackalicious LP "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blazing_Arrow">Blazing Arrow</a>". DJ Shadow featured the last half of this song (listed as "halfway home") on his 2004 LP "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live!_In_Tune_and_On_Time">Live! In Tune and On Time</a>". DJ Shadow was a guest producer for "Paragraph President", and once you listen to the combo of Gift of Gab and DJ Shadow, it will only make you regret they did not work together more often. <br /></p><p>Blackalicious - "<a href=" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqJNnZuhgdk">Paragraph President</a>"<br /></p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3471633091411211117.post-40962286966117754872021-02-28T14:50:00.000-08:002021-02-28T14:50:02.861-08:00The Supremes - "You Keep Me Hangin' On" (In Memoriam)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qkOSTKDEI4JmgaWZv-ACvhHCbRsg45mkxdMpHBpqtijBAznvRJKqe9885Tstg7hGol6yII3shwI82Elf2maS6OX2FbP52mW8ZcaCtR0FnQqL4pqJbDyFDa1lelm_OoMVvN5uQggxFk-V/s317/supremes-keep-me-hanging-on.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qkOSTKDEI4JmgaWZv-ACvhHCbRsg45mkxdMpHBpqtijBAznvRJKqe9885Tstg7hGol6yII3shwI82Elf2maS6OX2FbP52mW8ZcaCtR0FnQqL4pqJbDyFDa1lelm_OoMVvN5uQggxFk-V/w200-h200/supremes-keep-me-hanging-on.png" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Wilson_(singer)">Mary Wilson</a>, co-founder and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Supremes#Lineups">only continuous member</a> of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Supremes">The Supremes</a> from 1959-1977, <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/02/09/965713448/mary-wilson-founding-member-of-the-supremes-dies-at-76">died earlier this month</a>. Though I write about it infrequently here, I'm a big fan of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motown">Motown</a> (who isn't, really?), and The Supremes were one of the core elements of the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20190109-motown-the-music-that-changed-america">Motown</a> <a href="https://reverb.com/news/video-what-makes-motown-sound-like-motown">sound</a> (honorable mention to session musicians extraordinaire, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Funk_Brothers">The Funk Brothers</a>, as well as the incomparable songwriting team of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holland%E2%80%93Dozier%E2%80%93Holland">Holland-Dozier-Holland</a>). <p></p><p>I was going to mark Wilson's passing with my favorite track from The Supremes, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=495BNPUeq1A">Someday We'll Be Together</a>", but I was surprised to learn that Mary Wilson <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Someday_We%27ll_Be_Together">does not appear</a> on the studio recording. Instead, I'll choose the defiant "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Keep_Me_Hangin%27_On">You Keep Me Hangin' On</a>", which checks all the boxes: Mary Wilson (and co-founder <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Ballard">Florence Ballard</a>) appear, as do The Funk Brothers, and it's written by Holland-Dozier-Holland. </p><p><br /></p><p>Of course, this song has been <a href="https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/1305">covered</a> more times than I can count, but any <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_X">child of the 80s</a> will immediately recall <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Wilde">Kim Wilde</a>'s version. I'm also sneaking this in on the last day of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_History_Month">Black History Month</a>. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The Supremes - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3bjMtqpGBw">You Keep Me Hangin' On</a>" </p><p>Kim Wilde - "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3PWO9xbki8">You Keep Me Hangin' On</a>" <br /></p>Michael L. Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202853768741690867noreply@blogger.com0