Temple of the Dog - "Hunger Strike"

'Temple of the Dog' were a grunge supergroup from Seattle featuring Chris Cornell (of Soundgarden), Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament (both ex-members of Mother Love Bone and Pearl Jam thereafter), Mike McCready (a friend of Stone Gossard at the time, and Pearl Jam lead guitarist thereafter), drummer Matt Cameron (he also became a member of Pearl Jam) and Eddie Vedder (Lead singer of Pearl Jam, of course). Although, this was before most of them had become so well known.
'Temple of the Dog' originally started as a tribute to Chris Cornell's friend Andrew Wood, the lead singer of Mother Love Bone, who died of an overdose. The idea was to release a tribute single with the other members of 'Mother Love Bone' and it grew to a self titled album released in 1991. "Hunger Strike," a duet between Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder became the biggest hit, and the best known song from the album. Eddie Vedder had gone to Seattle from San Diego for an audition as the singer of Mookie Blaylock (which eventually became Pearl Jam) and he was in the studio at the time of the recording.
Here is how Chris Cornell remembers it (Thanks to the Spin Magazine article 'Ten Past Ten' from 2001, by Eric Weisbard with Jessica Letkemann, Ann Powers, Chris Norris, William Van Meter, and Will Hermes.....
"I had pulled out "Hunger Strike" and I had this feeling it was just kind of gonna be filler, it didn't feel like a real song. Eddie was sitting there kind of waiting for a [Mookie Blaylock] rehearsal and I was singing parts, and he kind of humbly—but with some balls—walked up to the mic and started singing the low parts for me because he saw it was kind of hard. We got through a couple choruses of him doing that and suddenly the light bulb came on in my head, this guy's voice is amazing for these low parts. History wrote itself after that, that became the single."

Unknown Mortal Orchestra - "Ffunny Ffrends"

Unknown Mortal Orchestra are a band from Portland and have recently released their self titled debut album on Fat Possum records. "Ffunny Ffrends" is a single from the album.

<<<<< rewind a few years...

Auckland band 'The Mint Chicks' win five awards in New Zealand for the album 'Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!' in 2007. They relocate to Porland in the USA. They release their third studio album 'Screens' in 2009. They release the 'Bad Buzz EP' in 2010. Their final concert was a chaotic affair... Singer Kody Nielson attacks his brother Ruban Nielson (guitarist) and also dismantles the drums, before storming off the stage. The Mint Chicks are no more. Kody joins Bic Runga as Kody & Bic in NZ. Ruban starts up 'Unknown Mortal Orchestra' back in Portland. 'Unknown Mortal Orchestra' release debut album in June.

>>>>> fast forward to present....

Now where was I, oh yeah, the single "Ffunny Ffrends"....which is Ffucking Ffantastic!

George Smilovici - "I'm Tuff" (1984)

Australian comedian George Smilovici had a number one hit in Australia and New Zealand with this single "I'm Tuff" in 1984. It was a great achievement for a comedy single to chart, but to hit the top of the charts, was something else. The video is the only thing here that seems a bit dated.... the comedy itself is timeless. I only have this on vinyl and it's a bit scratched to convert to digital... so the only time it gets played on air is a late night drunken live vinyl show... which is appropriate really.

REDTRACK - "Perfectly Fine Intellectual"

My first thought after hearing "Perfectly Fine Intellectual" by Redtrack was how much they reminded me of The Buzzcocks. They had the same thrash punk/new wave attitude... a young 2010 version, with a little Libertines and Arctic Monkeys thrown in. So it was no real surprise to find out that Pete Shelley from The Buzzcocks had produced the single "Pole Dancer" from their debut album 'Whole Town's Heart.' "Perfectly Fine Intellectual," another single from the debut, is a pulse-racing, lift-me-up indie/punk song that could save you buying another coffee. Aural caffeine!

The Fall - "Kurious Oranj"

In 1988 The Fall released an album titled 'I Am Kurious Oranj,' which came during a high period of their career, after previously releasing 'This Nation's Saving Grace' (1985), 'Bend Sinister' (1986) and 'The Frenz Experiment' (1988). But this album was an unlikely foray into ballet. No Mark E Smith and co didn't change careers, but they did provide the music to Michael Clark's ballet 'I Am Curious Orange.' It was more like a 'Fall' album than a soundtrack.... I would say it was more of a concept album. However, it was also performed live with the ballet at the time. The ballet was based on the 300th anniversary of William Of Orange's ascendancy to the English throne. I don't know too much about the ballet... but getting The Fall to write the music for it was a win/win scenario. Michael Clark got the perfect musical soundtrack and we got a fantastic album, once again, from The Fall.... regardless of any knowledge of the ballet.

Lana Del Rey - "Video Games"

Lana Del Rey is going to be a star... that much is true. It is the level of stardom that isn't so clear. If she stays indie-cool and self produces her music and videos, she will build on the buzz she has already created. If she goes with a major label and the corporate marketing machine gets behind her, she will be a huge star, but her credibility will be lost and she will end up no different to all the others... talent aside. She has already released an EP under her real name Lizzy Grant but has deleted it from all download stores. Her focus is obviously on her new Lana Del Rey persona and she has created a youtube buzz with her songs "Video Games" and "Blue Jeans," which will be released in October. The videos were produced by her... so no matter what is going on behind the scenes, she is currently quite independent. She is also creating more of a buzz by way of her mysteriousness... a long delay for the release of her first single (the aforementioned "Video Games" w/ "Blue Jeans"), the postponement of her first concert, which sold out in minutes, and her lack of media interviews (Pitchfork is about the only interview to date, with selective questions answered). She looks like a Hollywood star and that is the main area of her criticism on blogs etc. Okay, how about her music? "Video Games" is a retro, melancholy song with sparse orchestration (guitar, piano and strings), yet powerful vocals... as in low and sultry. Think, a young jazz singer from Lake Placid walking on to a 50's/60's movie set, with David Lynch directing, and you are close. You may need to open a window or two after listening to this. Yes, this song is my latest obsession. Pre-order this on iTunes, you will not regret it.



(Lyrics)
Swinging in the backyard
Pull up in your fast car
Whistling my name

Open up a beer
And you take it over here
And play a video game

I'm in his favorite sun dress
Watching me get undressed
Take that body downtown

I say you the bestest
Lean in for a big kiss
Put his favorite perfume on

Go play a video game

It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do
I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on earth with you
Tell me all the things you want to do
I heard that you like the bad girls
Honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
Baby now you do

Singing in the old bars
Swinging with the old stars
Living for the fame

Kissing in the blue dark
Playing pool and wild darts
Video games

He holds me in his big arms
Drunk and I am seeing stars
This is all I think of

Watching all our friends fall
In and out of Old Paul's
This is my idea of fun
Playing video games

It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do
I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on earth with you
Tell me all the things you want to do
I heard that you like the bad girls
Honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
Baby now you do

(Now you do)

It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do
I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on earth with you
Tell me all the things you want to do
I heard that you like the bad girls
Honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
Baby now you do

The Deer Tracks - "Fra Ro Raa / Ro Ra Fraa"

I don't know what is in the water (or vodka) in Sweden... but how do they produce interesting musical acts on such a regular basis? My latest favourite Swedish band, from a growing list, is 'The Deer Tracks.' A folk-electronica duo featuring David Lehnberg & Elin Lindfors. The musical soundscapes they create are sensational... from toy instruments to thumping techno beats... but otherwise, vocal-rich electronica at its hauntingly best. "Fra Ro Raa / Ro Ra Fraa" is from their latest album 'The Archer Trilogy Part 2' released just recently. Enchanting.

Washed Out/Widowspeak - "Wicked Game" (Chris Isaak Cover)

Washed Out - "Wicked Game"

A couple of indie bands each recorded a cover version of Chris Isaac's "Wicked Game"... for whatever reason. Chillwave artist 'Washed Out' very recently performed "Wicked Game" at a Sirius XMU Session. 'Washed Out' is a solo project for Georgian (State) artist Ernest Greene. On this great rendition of the Chris Isaac classic he is joined on vocals by his wife Blair.



Widowspeak - "Wicked Game"

Widowspeak are a New York trio with a 'Mazzy Star' presence... particularly through the vocal style of Molly Hamilton. They released their version of "Wicked Game" as a b-side to the "Gun Shy" single a few months ago. Molly Hamilton said she was watching the movie 'Wild at Heart' and after hearing the original version, she said "I wish I had written that song"... well Molly, you may not have written it, but you made it your own here. Sensational.

Harry Chapin - "W*O*L*D"

Harry Chapin's music may easily be thought of as AM radio fodder but he was a proficient story teller through song.... as we know with his big hit "Cat's in the Cradle." He started his musical career in the mid 60's while playing with his two brothers. In 1981, at the age of 38, he met his untimely death in a car accident. "W*O*L*D" was a hit single in 1974 from his album 'Short Stories.' It is about a radio DJ looking back at his career.. the highs of morning radio to the lows of night time talk shows around the country. The story is told through a phone call to his ex-wife and he reveals his sadness of the failed marriage as well as the despair of aging in an industry he loved.... all of this while trying to convince her, if not himself, how happy he was. A poignant tale of despair.



Lyrics

Hello Honey, it's me
What did you think when you heard me back on the radio?
What did the kids say when they knew it was their long lost daddy-o?
Remember how we listened to the radio
And I said `That's the place for me'
And how I got the job as an FM Jock the day you married me?
We were two kids and I was was into AM rock
But I just had to run around
It's been eight years since I left you babe
Let me tell you 'bout what's gone down
CHORUS
I am the morning DJ on W*O*L*D
Playing all the hits for you wherever you may be
The bright good-morning voice who's heard but never seen
Feeling all of forty-five going on fifteen
The drinking I did on my last big gig made my voice go low
They said that they liked the younger sound when they let me go
So I drifted on down to Tulsa, Oklahoma to do me a late night talk show
Now I worked my way back home again, via Boise, Idhao
That's how this business goes
CHORUS
I've been making extra money playing high school sock hops
I'm a big time guest MC
You should hear me talking to the little children
And listen what they say to me
Got a spot on the top of my head, begging for a new toupee
And a tire on my gut from sitting on my
But they're never gonna go away
Sometimes I get this crazy dream
That I just drive off in my car
But you can travel on ten thousand miles and still stay where you are
I've been thinking that I should quit disk jockeying
And start that record store
Maybe I could settle down if you'ld take me back once more
OK Honey, I see
I guess he's better than me
Sure, Old Girl, I understand
You don't have to worry, I'm such a happy man
W*O*L*D, W*O*L*D, W*O*L, W*O*L, W*O*L*D*D*D
I am the morning DJ on K*H*J
Playing all the hits for you Playing them night and day
The bright good morning voice who's heard but never seen
Feeling all of forty-five, going on fifteen
I am the morning DJ on W*O*L*D

Girl In A Coma - "BB"

Texas band 'Girl In A Coma' won me over with this song "BB" and also 'The Smiths' song reference "Girlfriend in a Coma" for their band name. They even supported Morrissey for part of his 2007 American tour. I a way, they are an enigma... here we have three Mexican/American girls, hugely influenced by The Smiths, signed to Joan Jett's Blackheart Records label. Though their Smiths influence comes through at times, their roots, and the Joan Jett connection often come through as well. A band to watch out for.

The Sing Songs - "Pamphlet Baby"

'The Sing Songs' are a Wellington twee/indie-pop band. No that's not quite right, how about, TWEE/indie-pop band... that's much better. "Pamphlet Baby" is a story about a young lady losing her baby and subsequently delivering pamphlets in the pram. How the hell could something like that sound so twee, you ask? Well take a listen... and enjoy the piss-take of a video.

The Robba - "Say Goodnight"

The Robba is an independent producer/singer-songwriter/rap MC from Auckland. He is the ultimate DIY music producer... everything from the instrumentation and vocals to the beats and video production. He already has a couple of self-released albums behind him and a van load of music videos on youtube. I've been playing The Robba music ever since he first sent some to the station. This song "Say Goodnight" being the most played, just ahead of "Bling King." The Robba often gives away his music at www.therobba.com and if you like what you hear, I suggest you buy some more... fair deal, I say.



The story of The Robba

R.E.M. - "Wall of Death"

R.E.M. released this Richard Thompson cover on the tribute album 'Beat the Retreat: Songs by Richard Thompson' in 1994. I will admit that I heard this cover before I ever heard the original, which is surprising because the original comes from his most critically acclaimed album 'Shoot Out the Lights' from 1982, which was a 'Richard and Linda Thompson' release... as a duo with his wife. Some people say it doesn't get close to the original, but if you take away prejudices and emotion, this is a fantastic recording regardless of its origins. R.E.M. had just released 'Automatic For the People' a couple of years earlier and 'Monster' the same year... so they recorded this, possibly, at their peak, and to me, it shows. Brilliant!

Babybird - "Bad Old Man"

Sheffield band 'Babybird' had a worldwide hit with the radio friendly "You're gorgeous" in 1996. What the world didn't expect was this song "Bad old man" a couple of years later. It was on the album "There's Something Going On" which was much darker than their previous album 'Ugly Beautiful.' The lyrics to "Bad Old Man" are unsettling and paint a picture of a Jerry Springer type b-list celebrity with psychotic violent behavior. But set to such beautiful baroque-pop music... it shouldn't work at all. But it does work. In fact, it's a work of genius.

David O'Doherty - "My Beefs" 2011

David O'Doherty is an Irish comedian with a comedy act that is backed by a miniature electric keyboard that he plays on stage. He lets out his inner 'Grumpy Old Man' frustrations, or beefs, every year in a perpetually updated version of his song "My Beefs."
Here is "My Beefs 2011" and do search out his beefs from previous years.

The Subliminals - Uh-oh!

The Subliminals were a Flying Nun band from the late 90's to early 00's, with an obvious nod to the Flying Nun bands of the 80's. While the Flying Nun label was still signing some new acts at the time, The Subliminals were probably the only one that truly reflected the label's past... and they were actually from Auckland, rather than the deep south of the early Flying Nun bands. Their debut album 'United State' was released in 2000. 'United State' was a powerful and solid album for all fans of New Zealand Alt-Rock. I would've loved a follow-up album... but that wasn't to be. Search out this album and I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

Moloko - "The Time Is Now"

Music rules... and this blog is all about great music. However, I will digress today because here in New Zealand we love a game called rugby and we are on the eve of hosting the Rugby World Cup 2011. Tomorrow it all kicks off and I am quite excited about it. It's been a long time coming... finding a song to celebrate that was quite easy, actually. I could get all sentimental and have an over emotional Saatchi and Saatchi moment.... or I could have the song that captures the moment perfectly... and that is "The Time Is Now" by Moloko.

British Sea Power - "Waving Flags"

'British Sea Power' are possibly the most underrated band in the UK. The Brighton based band formed in 2000 and have five albums behind them. Their third album 'Do You Like Rock Music?' may have had them in a quandary, do they go the Coldplay' or 'Snow Patrol' way, or continue down the 'Arcade Fire' route... luckily, they chose the latter and released a stunning album. I'm not actually saying that the thought of being another 'Coldplay' even entered their minds, however, the point I was making was that they could've pulled it off, had they turned down the guitars and up the charm and/or were signed to a major label. 'Do You Like Rock Music?' was a maritime themed album with a single "Waving Flags" that got a lot of radio play on Bitter FM. In fact, it may now be getting a lot more airplay because I think I will make it the 'unofficial' Bitter FM Rugby World Cup song.... well, nothing on Bitter FM is ever 'official.'



Rugby World Cup 2011 New Zealand... we are ready - we are excited.


Rugby isn't complete without a Haka.

The Sounds - "Painted By Numbers"

The Sounds are a Swedish band with a Blondie swagger and a Post-Punk/Dance-Rock sound. "Painted by Numbers" is from their second album 'Dying to Say This to You' from 2006. It definitely recreates an 80's synth-pop scene, but add the guitar hooks and also the lively vocals from Maja Ivarsson, and you have a modern classic.

The Bambi Molesters - "As the Dark Wave Swells"

This has been a favourite on Bitter FM for a while now. However, I didn't know much about the band themselves until now. I did know they are (obviously) a surf-rock band. I didn't know that 'As the Dark Wave Swells' was their eighth album. I did know that the title track is one of the coolest surf-rock instrumentals I've heard in a long time.

Simon Comber - "New Day" interactive music video demo

Simon Comber is an Auckland based singer/songwriter with a couple of albums under his belt. He has just released an EP 'The Right To Talk To Strangers' and is touring the country to promote it. The good news for us is that he has added Taupo to the tour itinerary. The new EP is a great set of songs with "New Day" leading the way. The song "New Day" has an interactive iPhone/iPad App video that can be downloaded for free at iTunes. It allows you to change the course of the video by rotating the iphone. Very cool indeed, but that shouldn't take away the strength of the song itself.

Girls -"Vomit"

After last year's impressive 'Broken Dreams Club' EP, which included the Bitter FM summer hit "Heartbreaker," and showed some maturity in their songwriting.... what I didn't expect was what was to follow that EP. The first single "Vomit" from their forthcoming album 'Father, Son, Holy Ghost' is nearly seven minutes of psych-rock with some Pink Floyd touches and even some gospel backing. Epic would be an understatement.