Tracy Bonham - "Mother Mother"

"Mother Mother" was a hit for Tracy Bonham in 1996 from her debut album 'The Burdens of Being Upright'. "Mother Mother" is a great post-grunge moment from a classically-trained violinist and pianist, this time, with a guitar in hand. Although it had some mainstream success, it cannot be ignored by the fans of 'Hole' and Liz Phair etc. It is an angst-ridden phone call to her mother, and one thing is for sure, her mother will never ask her how she is, ever again. When she first says "just a phone call to ease your mind" it seems genuine... but not for long. Irony has never sounded so good.



(Lyrics)
Mother mother how's the family?
I'm just calling to say hello.
How's the weather? how's my father?
Am I lonely? heavens no.
Mother mother are ya listening? just a phone call to ease your mind.
Life is perfect, never better, distance making the heart grow fond.

When you sent me off to see the world,
were you scared that I might get hurt?
Would I try a little tobacco,
would I keep on hiking up my skirt?

I'm hungry,
I'm dirty,
I'm losing my mind...
Everything's fine!

I'm freezing,
I'm Starving,
I'm Bleeding death...
Everything's fine!

Yeah, I'm working, making money, I'm just starting to build a name.
I can feel it, around the corner, I could make it any day.
Mother mother can you hear me, sure I'm sober, sure I'm sane.
Life is perfect, never better, still your daughter, still the same.

If I tell you what you want to hear,
will it help you to sleep well at night?
Are you sure that I'm your perfect dear,
now just cuddle up and sleep tight.

I'm hungry,
I'm dirty,
I'm losing my mind...
Everything's fine!

I'm freezing,
I'm starving,
I'm bleeding to death...
Everything's fine!

I miss you,
I love you.

Sonic Youth - "Sugar Kane"

"Sugar Kane" is from Sonic Youth's 1992 album 'Dirty'. The album was produced by Butch Vig, the producer of Nirvana's 'Nevermind' album a year earlier. The record company expected great things with this album, after the success of 'Nevermind'. But, in the end, the first two singles "100%" and "Youth Against Fascism" didn't do as well as expected for them. The next single "Sugar Kane" is probably the best remembered song from the album, in general, and may have interested the grunge crowd, but also didn't sell that well. The main thing for me, is that Butch Vig didn't give the record company another 'Nevermind' or 'Gish' (Smashing Pumpkins) but he gave, us fans, another Sonic Youth masterpiece.

The Smiths - "Asleep"

"Goodnight, my angel, sleep tight." Mitch Winehouse 26 July 2011

Tinariwen - "Cler Achel"

Tinariwen are a Mali band that play a style known as Assouf, African Blues, Tamashek Guitar or Desert Guitar... but African Blues is probably the best description. "Cler Achel" is from their 2007 album 'Aman Iman'. Their previous album 'Amassakoul' gained a lot of international interest and 'Aman Iman' was the icing on the cake. The release of that album saw them being praised by famous musicians, from Robert Plant and Thom Yorke, to Brian Eno and Henry Rollins. One listen to "Cler Achel" and you'll realise what all the fuss was about. They easily fit in with Blues fans as much as World Music fans... and even Indie Rock fans. They play a lot of traditional instruments from the West African area, but it is the guitar playing that draws you in.

Sleeper - "Inbetweener"

This is possibly the only 'Sleeper' song I know.... I can't explain why I didn't explore any more of their music, on the strength of this song. "Inbetweener" came out in 1995 and was a hit in the UK. In fact, they had a string of UK hits along with three Top 10 albums. Louise Wener was the leading member and the male band members became known as "sleeperbloke's" for their anonymity because of the glamorous lead singer. Louise Wener turned to writing after the demise of Sleeper. She already has four novels and an autobiography under her belt. I've seen one of her novels at the Taupo library, but didn't borrow it... I can't explain that either.

The Upbeats - "Will Shatner"

"Will Shatner" by 'The Upbeats' could possibly be the first drum and bass song posted on this blog. The Upbeats are a Wellington drum and bass band consisting of Jeremy Glenn and Dylan Jones. It is from their 2007 album 'Nobody's Out There'. I don't know the William Shatner connection... but I do know the beats are stunning.

Keren Ann - "Lay Your Head Down"

Keren Ann is probably best described as an international singer-songwriter. She was born in Israel to Russian-Jewish and Dutch-Javanese parents. She also lived in the Netherlands and moved to France, with her family, at the age of 11. She started her musical career in France but was also based in New York for some time. "Lay Your Head Down" is from her self titled fifth album from 2007. It starts off slowly, handclaps included, and builds to a beautiful pop song. This album was the perfect follow up to the internationally acclaimed 'Nolita' album.

Dirty Three - "Better Go Home Now"

I remember seeing 'Dirty Three' at The Big Day Out years ago. We went into the Supertop (before it was the dance tent 'the Boiler Room') to see Chris Knox. However, the schedule may have been changed, but it was actually Dirty Three on stage, and they blew me away. The band is a unique instrumental trio consisting of Warren Ellis, Mick Turner and Jim White on violin, electric guitar and drums, respectively. The members have collaborated with many artists... Nick Cave, Cat Power and PJ Harvey, to name a few. "Better Go Home Now" is from their second and self titled album from 1995. Finally, all the young kids that were forced to learn the violin, had a new hero. Warren Ellis was making the violin cool again.

Martha Wainwright - "Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole"

Martha Wainwright is the daughter of Loudon Wainwright III and the late Kate McGarrigle and is the sister of Rufus Wainwright. The family may be famous musically, but are somewhat dysfunctional. Martha has stated that her parents had played out the end of their relationship in song and that is now the family's preferred form of communication. So that takes us to "Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole," the title track to her 2005 EP and also on her debut album later the same year. It is about her father... the father she didn't really have (she and Rufus lived in Canada with their mother and visited their father in America on summer holidays) and the title would suggest it is nothing more than a tirade against him... well it is that, but it is also a captivating acoustic song full of emotion. It is just another frank family conversation in song. Loudon had written a song called "I'd rather be lonely" when Martha was just 14 years old and years later she found out that it was about her... so that may be what inspired her to eventually write "Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole." Did I mention the family was dysfunctional?



Lyrics

Poetry is no place for a heart that's a whore
And I'm young & I'm strong
But I feel old & tired
Overfired

And I've been poked & stoked
It's all smoke, there's no more fire
Only desire
For you, whoever you are
For you, whoever you are

You say my time here has been some sort of joke
That I've been messing around
Some sort of incubating period
For when I really come around
I'm cracking up
And you have no idea

No idea how it feels to be on your own
In your own home
with the fucking phone
And the mother of gloom
In your bedroom
Standing over your head
With her hand in your head
With her hand in your head

I will not pretend
I will not put on a smile
I will not say I'm all right for you
When all I wanted was to be good
To do everything in truth
To do everything in truth

Oh I wish I wish I wish I was born a man
So I could learn how to stand up for myself
Like those guys with guitars
I've been watching in bars
Who've been stamping their feet to a different beat
To a different beat
To a different beat

I will not pretend
I will not put on a smile
I will not say I'm all right for you
When all I wanted was to be good
To do everything in truth
To do everything in truth

You bloody mother fucking asshole
Oh you bloody mother fucking asshole
Oh you bloody mother fucking asshole
Oh you bloody mother fucking asshole
Oh you bloody mother fucking asshole
Oh you bloody...

I will not pretend
I will not put on a smile
I will not say I'm all right for you
For you, whoever you are
For you, whoever you are
For you, whoever you are

Loudon Wainwright III - "Pretty Good Day"

Loudon Wainwright III is part of folk music royalty... not because of Loudon Wainwright I or II, who weren't famous musician's at all, as far as I know. But because of his 40 years of humourous folk releases, as the husband of Kate McGarrigle, and the father of Rufus and Martha Wainwright. "Pretty Good Day" is from his 1999 album 'Social Studies' and is a war song... but not the typical anti war song, as we know them. More an ode to the lives of people caught up in the war torn countries of the world,,, and remember this was before 9/11.



Lyrics

I slept through the night, I got through to the dawn
I flipped a switch and the light went on
I got out of bed and I put some clothes on
It’s a pretty good day so far

I turned the tap, there was cold there was hot
I put on my coat to go to the shop
I stepped outside, and I didn’t get shot
It’s a pretty good day so far

I didn’t hear any sirens or explosions
No murders coming in form those heavy guns
No UN tanks, I didn’t see one
It’s a pretty good day so far

No snipers in windows, taking a peak
No people panic, running scared through the streets
I didn’t see any bodies without arms, legs, or feet
It’s a pretty good day

There was plasma bandages and electricity
Food, wood, and water; and the air was smoke free
No camera crews from my TV

It was all such a strange sight to be home
Nobody was frightened, wounded, hungry, or cold
And the children seemed normal, they didn’t look old
It’s a pretty good day so far

I walked through a park, you would not believe it
There in the park, there were a few trees left
And on some branches, there were a few leaves

I slept through the night, got through to the dawn
I flipped the switch and the light went on
I wrote down my dream, I wrote this song
It’s a pretty good day so far

J Mascis - "Is It Done"

J Mascis is the main man behind Alt-Rock legends 'Dinosaur Jr.' The other members of Dinosaur Jr. are Lou Barlow (also of Sebadoh and The Folk Implosion) and Murph. They formed in the mid 80's and disbanded in the late 90's... and then reunited in 2005 and released a couple of albums thereafter. J Mascis has also been releasing albums under his own name, and with many side projects, for twenty years or so. His guitar sound is like an Alt-Rock Neil Young with added distortion. His latest solo album 'Several Shades of Why' is an acoustic album, his only previous acoustic album was 'Martin + Me' from 1996, which means he doesn't put down the electric guitar too often. But this album is proof that he can also write perfect Alt-Folk songs... "Is It Done" is one of them.

Grand Duchy - "Fort Wayne"

Unfortunitely 'Grand Duchy' may have slipped under the radar to a lot of 'Pixies' fans... however, this would not only keep 'Pixies' fans happy, but fans of all alternative rock. 'Grand Duchy' is a project for (Frank Black) Black Francis and his wife Violet Clark. They released their debut album 'Petits Fours' in 2009. It was one of my surprises of that year. Black Francis and Violet Clark work so well together and share the lead vocals throughout the album. They also played all the instruments themselves... including a synth pop aspect, courtesy of Violet Clark. There is everything a keen Black Francis and Pixies fan would expect as well. "Fort Wayne" was their first song (leaked on the internet) and was the template for a fantastic album to follow.

Cat Power - "Evolution"

"Evolution" was from Cat Power's 2003 album 'You Are Free' which featured Dave Grohl on drums and Eddie Vedder helps out on backing vocals. During this period, Chan Marshall aka 'Cat Power' was battling her demons, insecurities and alcohol. At the time, a Cat Power concert was like a lottery... a far cry from the time I saw her at The Powerstation in Auckland, when she was touring the 'Jukebox' album, a couple of years ago. Anyway, the release of 'You Are Free' was a return to original songs, after her covers album 'The Covers Record' in 2000. It was an exceptional album right from the opening track "I Don't Blame You," through to the centre piece "He War" and then through to the closing track "Evolution." By the way, "You Are Free" is actually a letter to Kurt Cobain, in song. That, and the guest appearances of Eddie Vedder and Dave Grohl could convince anyone unfamiliar with Cat Power, that this is a Grunge album.... but no it isn't. Eddie Vedder is on backing vocals for "Evolution" offering some baritone to Cat Power's beautiful voice. I won't even try to explain how much I love her voice. This is only one of so many examples... but a good one, indeed.

Jefferson Airplane -"White Rabbit"

The rise and fall of a rock band. (Trilogy)

Part 1, Jefferson Airplane
'Jefferson Airplane' were a sensational band from the San Francisco psychedelic rock scene of the late 60's. They ruled the rock festivals at the time... performing at Monterey (1967), Woodstock (1969) and Altamont (1969). They released their breakthrough second album 'Surrealistic Pillow' in 1967. They had just recruited new singer Grace Slick and she brought with her a couple of songs from her previous band 'The Great Society' and they both became hit singles. The first "Somebody to Love" was written by her brother-in-law. The second was "White Rabbit" which she had written herself. "White Rabbit" is one of the greatest psychedelic rock songs of all time. The lyrics seemed to be full of drug references and the hallucinatory effects of the psychedelic drugs of the 60's, and/or 'Alice in Wonderland' references.... probably a mixture of both. The vocal performance from Grace Slick is sublime.



Part 2, Jefferson Starship
A rebirth featuring some of the same members as Jefferson Airplane. 70's contemporary radio fodder... Look them up at your own risk.

Part 3, Starship
What the fuck! The first time I heard "We Built This City" it was the worst song I had ever heard and it still is. Written by Bernie Taupin and whoever... even Elton John would've told him to fuck off. What I can't understand is that Grace Slick actually agreed to sing it. There must have been a fucking door in the room when the song was presented to her.... so why the fuck didn't she use it, and slam it behind her? Sorry Grace, but this song is an unforgivable crime.

Lionrock - "In the End"

In a recent blog I had mentioned Bernard Herrmann, the acclaimed motion picture composer. He worked with all the top directors during his career... from Orson Welles to Martin Scorsese. But his most successful collaboration was with Alfred Hitchcock. The 'Psycho' soundtrack was his most daring, and definitely the most effective, of all his soundtracks. In 1998 the movie 'Psycho' was remade, for whatever reason, I don't know. However, the soundtrack for that remake was surprisingly good. Not only were there re-recordings of some of Bernard Hermann's score for the original film by Danny Elfman, there were also songs using samples from the original score. The most successful of the those was 'Lion Rock' with their song "In the End" featuring many recognisable samples from Bernard Herrmann's original score. A fantastic hybrid of classic Hollywood and modern electronica.



Theme from Original Soundtrack

DoubleHappys - "Needles and Plastic"

Well before 'Straightjacket Fits' Shayne Carter formed the band 'Bored Games' with his school mates Wayne Elsey, Fraser Batts, Jonathan Moore and Jeff Harford. They released an EP 'Who Killed Colonel Mustard' in 1982 on the Flying Nun label. We regularly play "Joe 90" from that EP on Bitter FM. Wayne Elsey had left the band to form 'The Stones.' In 1983 Carter and Elsey formed 'The DoubleHappys' after the demise of each of their bands. They added a drum machine, which didn't really work out for them and subsequently added a real drummer, a mate named John Collie. They released a double 7" single and an EP 'Cut it Out' before tragedy struck. During a tour in 1985, Wayne Elsey was killed in a freak accident, while traveling on a train from Auckland. Carter and Collie decided not to continue as 'The DoubleHappys' and they became 'Straightjacket Fits.' Flying Nun released a compilation album 'Nerves' in 1992, featuring the single and EP, together with some live tracks... essential for all fans of the Dunedin Sound and the Flying Nun label. The compilation is full of treasures like "Big Fat Elvis and, of course, "Needles and Plastic"... the quintessential DoubleHappys song. We know the greatness of Shayne Carter's musical career with 'Straightjacket Fits' and 'Dimmer'... well, this is where the peak started.

Tanita Tikaram - "Twist in my Sobriety"

"Twist in my Sobriety" was a hit in 1988 for Tanita Tikaram when she was just 19 years old. It was the second single from her debut album 'Ancient Heart.' She had already tasted success with the upbeat first single "Good Tradition"... although, in my opinion, "Good Tradition" hasn't aged as well as "Twist in my Sobriety." She has released seven albums since 'Ancient Heart', but most people wouldn't even be aware... other than her hard core fans, I suppose. I personally thought she had retired from the music scene not long after the first two albums. After releasing a song as great as "Twist in my Sobriety" she probably could've retired happily anyway. It was quite different to the standard late 80's mainstream music... who needs a synth when you have an oboe? An 80's treasure.

The Sound Of Arrows - "Magic"

'The Sound Of Arrows' are a Swedish electronic/dream-pop band featuring Stefan Storm and Oskar Gullstrand. They originally released "M.A.G.I.C" on their 2009 EP of the same name... and released it again as a single this year. "Magic" is a mini epic that even features a children's choir. This is only the start of something good.

Liam Finn - "Cold Feet"

Liam Finn released his new album 'FOMO' recently and the leading single "Cold Feet" is proof that the quality of his debut 'I'll Be Lightning' wasn't a one-off. "Cold Feet" is the perfect accompaniment to the cold Taupo winter that we are witnessing right now. Liam Finn showed his potential with 'Betchadupa' a few years back and here we are in 2011 with his second solo album and he has already surpassed the greatness that was then expected of him. What's next?.... oh, maybe just world domination.

Rosie Thomas - "Pretty Dress"

Rosie Thomas released her third album 'If Songs Could Be Held' in 2005. Her previous albums were said to be introspective... but she wasn't bitter like Alanis Morissette, she was ready to move on. Well, on this album not too much has changed. The introspective and delicate songs are still there. "Pretty Dress" is the hit single that wasn't to be... I'm a little bit thankful that commercial radio didn't pick it up and ruin it for us... but at the same time, I'm amazed that they ignored it. "Pretty Dress" may well be the prettiest song on the Sub Pop label's catalogue. It captivated me from the very first time I heard it and still does now. So maybe commercial radio wouldn't have ruined it for me... it may have just made it listenable for 4 minutes or so.

Angelo Badalamenti - "Twin Peaks Theme"

Angelo Badalamenti was the perfect person to compose the music for the Twin Peaks soundtrack after working with director David Lynch a year earlier on the Julee Cruise "Floating into the Night" album (David Lynch wrote the lyrics and Angelo Badalamenti wrote the music.) Just like the Julee Cruise album, this soundtrack was dark in many places and surreal in most places. Badalamenti is like the modern day Bernard Herrmann. I think the 'Twin Peaks' soundtrack is in the same league as Herrmann's 'Psycho' soundtrack.... they both create the atmosphere and mood of the movie/TV series they were written for. No TV series will ever have a director in the class of David Lynch and a composer as good as Angelo Badalamenti working together again... never, ever! These guys were television's Twin Peaks.

You Say Party - "Laura Palmer's Prom"

'You Say Party' shortened their name from 'You Say Party! We Say Die!' but nothing else has changed for this Canadian dance/punk band... they may be currently on a hiatus, but they are still one of the great bands of the dance/punk genre. "Laura Palmer's Prom" from their 2009 album 'XXXX' is a synth heavy song with an intro not too far from David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti's soundtrack to 'Twin Peaks' before it turns into their trademark indie dance sound. A great tribute to a great TV series.

The White Stripes - "My Doorbell"

The White Stripes may have called it a day... but they certainly made an impact over the 13 or so years they were together. I remember being blown away by "Hello Operator" and had to have the album, which was their second album 'De Stijl.' Two albums later and they were on top of the world... with good reason, I must add. However, for me it was the next album 'Get Behind Me Satan' that I got a little obsessive with. It was more acoustically and piano driven than their usual blues/garage/punk style on the previous albums. In fact, it is as far away from any previous album and what may have upset some fans, it is a treasure trove for others. "My Doobell" is a piano soul stomper that has Jack White going back to another era... one of the many fascinating surprises on this diverse album.

THE HERBALISER- "STREET KARMA"

London band 'The Herbaliser' were originally a big part of the legendary Ninja Tune label... until signing to !K7 in 2008. They have perfected their hip hop, jazz and soul/funk fusion over the years and are now one the best purveyors of the sound. "Street Karma (A Cautionary Tale)" is from their 2008 album 'Same As It Never Was' and features hip hop artist Jean Grae. It could be likened to a hip hop artist walking into a 70's blaxploitation movie soundtrack. There is definitely something here for jazz lovers and hip hop fans alike.

Jamie Woon - "Wayfaring Stranger" (Burial Remix)

I have to concede that every man and his dog (probably the cat, the budgie and at least one of the goldfish) has recorded a version of this traditional folk song. The version by Johnny Cash was possibly the first I had heard... or remember, at least. A little bit of trivia... if you played all the known recorded versions (in other words, the list from Wikipedia) back to back, it would take nearly five hours. Burl Ives was known as The Wayfaring Stranger... but I don't really want to go there. Jamie Woon is a young British singer/songwriter and producer and he released the Wayfaring Stranger EP in 2007. It was actually the 'Burial' remix from the EP that attracted my attention, though. It has the typically dark beats that you would expect from 'Burial' and I couldn't think of a better way to introduce a song, that is at least a couple of hundred years old, to a new generation.

Art Brut - "Lost Weekend"

Art Brut are back with a new album 'Brilliant! Tragic!' and this song "Lost Weekend" is the lead single. The album was, once again, produced by 'Pixies' legend Frank Black. The cd has a comic book edition, which, believe it or not, features a comic... with submissions from lead singer Eddie Argos' favourite artists. Which just confirms his love of comics, after the song "DC Comics & Chocolate Milkshake" on the previous album 'Art Brut Vs Satan.' The only difference here on "Lost Weekend" is that Eddie Argos is actually singing, rather than his usual spoken vocal style.... however, all the wit he possesses is still here by the truckload.