Death Cab For Cutie - "The New Year"

Here is a song for the new year. I would add more.... if I was up for it. Happy new year everybody.

Romeo Void - "Never Say Never"

'Romeo Void' could easily fit in the 'one hit wonder' category, one would think, because most people would remember them for the classic new wave song "Never Say Never" released in 1982. But they actually had another single "A Girl in Trouble (Is a Temporary Thing)" that was their biggest selling song. However, we will leave that one for another day. "Never Say Never" is the song I remember them by. The lead singer Debora Lyall sang her lyrics with oodles of sexual energy... over the top of a post-punk/disco beat. They signed with Columbia Records not long after this. But they were dropped after just two albums, reportedly, because of Debora Lyall's weight. That raises a question... has anything changed? I personally think the world has changed for the better, since then.

The Lemonheads - "If I Could Talk, I'd Tell You"

The Lemonheads released "If I Could Talk, I'd Tell You" as one of three singles from their 1996 album 'Car Button Cloth.' "If I Could Talk I'd Tell You" was co-written with Vaselines leader Eugene Kelly. I love the opening line... "Half past 9, quarter to ten, 10:15, and we're coming around again" not because of anything deep and meaningful, more the drugged-out slacker tone of it... and also because it is about the only line that is comprehensible.



(Lyrics)

[verse1]
Half past 9, quarter to ten
10:15, and we're coming around again
hold off, are we going soft?
Flushed my Zoloft, and we're comin' around again
Found out, and i almost drowned
Walked back down, and we're coming around again

[Chorus:]
If I could talk I'd tell you
If I could smile I'd let you know
You are far and away
My most imaginary friend

[Repeat Chorus]
Khmer Rhouge, and genocide qua
Your place or mein kempf, now i'm givin' the dog a bone
slight hunch, without the vaguest clue
to keep the blood balanced, now we're coming around again
half past 9, quarter two,
10:15, and we're comin' around again

[Chorus:]
If I could talk I'd tell you
If I could smile I'd let you know
You are far and away
My most imaginary friend

[Chorus:]
If I could talk I'd tell you
If I could smile I'd let you know
You are far and away
My most imaginary friend

Chris Clark - "From Head To Toe"

Chris Clark was a blonde Los Angeles born singer that managed to get signed to Motown. At 17 she auditioned with the Etta James song "All I could do was cry" and her take was enough for Motown producer Hal Davis to send the acetate to Berry Gordy, which led to a trip to Detroit to sing it live to the Motown boss. At this particular audition Berry Gordy asked to accompany her on keyboards, but was met with her reply of "It is a tricky arrangement and you would find it too difficult." That was met with strange looks from Gordy. He got her to sing the song to all the Motown hierarchy including Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland and Smokey Robinson and each time she declined his help on keyboards. She obviously wasn't aware, at the time, that Berry Gordy had actually written the song. However, he must've taken it well because he signed her up and she was suddenly in a studio with the legendary Holland's and Lamont. In 1966 she took part in the Motown Christmas shows that were held at The Fox Theatre in Detroit. The audience reaction every time they saw her pretty white face, in the build-up film reel, was unpleasant jeering. Stevie Wonder and others had even told her not to go on stage. In the end, Berry Gordy got her to start her routine from behind the stage and by the time she appeared on stage the audience had warmed to her. Her debut album 'Soul Sounds' came out a year later in 1967 but unfortunately had little impact. It was an overlooked gem going by the songs I have heard from it, all those years later. The follow-up album 'CC Rides Again' from 1969 was also neglected. She ended up working in management at Motown and was vice-president of Motown Productions at the time she left and moved to Arizona in 1989.

Beethoven's 5th Symphony (Trilogy)

Part 1, Beethoven
I know I don't need to explain Beethoven or his 5th Symphony. But the video is worth viewing for the cleverness of this sketch, to the music of Beethoven's 5th Symphony, featuring Sid Caesar and Nanette Fabray from the 1950's.

Argument to Beethoven's 5th


Part 2, 70's Disco
Walter Murphy released his single "A Fifth of Beethoven" at the peak of the Disco era in 1976. It was a disco instrumental adaptation of the first movement of Beethoven's 5th Symphony. This was way before the sampling, looping and cut and paste techniques that are now common. So for that reason alone, what he did was groundbreaking and very effective. It was also featured on the 'Saturday Night Fever' soundtrack.



Part 3, 00's R&B
Robin Thicke released "When I Get You Alone" under the name 'Thicke' in 2002 and it became a Top 10 hit in New Zealand and charted well elsewhere, although, it didn't chart at all in the USA. The reason it is on this blog, as part of this trilogy, if you don't know already, is because he sampled Walter Murphy's "A Fifth of Beethoven," practically in full, with his vocal track added over the top. However, he manages to make it his own. Nice to see a song given another life and then that adaptation of the song also given another life.

Demetri Martin - "shoe size"

Still doing the Christmas thing so haven't got regular access to the internet.... so here is a comedy interlude by the great Demetri Martin.

Pop Mechanix - "Jumping out a Window"

Pop Mechanix were a kiwi post-punk band from 1979 through to 1988. Although, upon their move to Australia, they were slapped with a lawsuit over the use of their name by Aussie band 'Popular Mechanics.' They lost and subsequently changed their name to 'NZ Pop' and 'Zoo' shortly after that. They had a couple of hits "Now" and "Jumping out a Window". The latter was their biggest hit and was produced by Split Enz's Eddie Raynor. "Jumping out a Window" is a new wave classic with an explosive chorus. It may sound very much like it's 1981 but, at the same time, it's timeless.

Blonde Redhead & Devestations - "When The Road Runs Out"

'Blonde Redhead' must have increased their fan base with the brilliant album '23' from 2007. It was their seventh, but first self-produced album. They may have been a bit directionless in the studio but the result was stunning. But what was to follow was one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs I have ever heard. They contributed to the Red Hot Organization's compilation album 'Dark Was the Night' in 2009 with "When The Road Runs Out" and what a stunner. It is actually a collaboration with Aussie band 'Devastations' but Blonde Redhead vocalist Kazu Makino gets the full attention from me. Fractured beauty.

M83 - "We Own the Sky"

M83 formed in 2001 as a duo featuring Anthony Gonzalez and Nicolas Fromageau. But after the departure of Fromageau it is now a solo project for Gonzalez, with a few guests. The Frenchman has created a bit of a buzz with the latest album ' Hurry Up, We're Dreaming' released in October. To many people that album may have been the first time they had heard of M83,but five albums were released prior and one of them 'Saturdays = Youth' featured "We Own the Sky" as the fourth single. The album was full of teenage nostalgia, particularly the 80's and "We Own the Sky" captures that feel... but with a modern take. A little bit like 'Air France' and that batch of current electronica acts with a nostalgic slant.

DIRTY BEACHES - "Lord Knows Best"

'Dirty Beaches' is a vehicle for Taiwan born, Canadian based, musician Alex Zhang Hungtai. His soundscapes are dark with a retro feel, which could easily soundtrack the films of Jim Jarmusch or particularly David Lynch's 'Wild at Heart., "Lord Knows Best" is a slow crooning number with delicate piano... but the dark side still dominates with the distortion and low-fi cinematic vibe that is at odds with the delicateness. But, then again, 'Dirty Beaches' are far from conventional.

Lucinda Williams' - "Little Rock Star"

The video posted by someone on youtube (which I have embedded) assumes Kurt Cobain is the inspiration behind "Little Rock Star"
and it seems plausible. However, Lucinda Williams has stated that she got the idea after reading an article about Pete Doherty... and that, kind of, makes more sense. Considering it is about the excessive lifestyle of the upcoming rock star and how easily they throw it all away.... as we have already seen many do. It could also have a personal perspective from her formative years. The album 'Little Honey' was her, so called, happy album... the demons were gone but the album didn't suffer as much as expected because of that. The added bonus on this album was the backing vocals by Susanna Hoffs and Matthew Sweet. Lucinda Williams is fantastic live and she is playing Auckland's town hall again early next year. I won't be missing that one.

Juliana Hatfield Three - "My Sister"

My favourite Juliana Hatfield song would have to be "My Sister" from her album 'Become What You Are' released in 1993. It probably resonated with a lot of young people regarding their relationship with their older sister... from the bitchy moments to being taken to your first rock concert. Still a great sounding radio song now. Gorgeous!



"My Sister" Lyrics

My sister... my sister... my sister.

I hate my sister, she’s such a bit*h.
She acts as if she doesn’t even know that I exist.
But I would do anything to let her know I care.
But I am only talking to myself ’cos she isn’t there.

My sister, I love my sister, she’s the best.
She’s cooler than any other girl that I have ever met.
She had the greatest band, she had the greatest guy.
She’s good at everything and doesn’t even try.

She’s got a wall around her nobody can climb.
She lets her ladder down for those who really shine.
I tried to scale it, but to me she’s blind.
So I lit a firecracker, went off in my eye.

I miss my sister, why’d she go ?
She’s the one who would have taken me
To my first all-ages show.
It was the violent femmes and the del fuegos,
Before they had a record out. before they went gold,
And started to grow.

I miss my sister. I miss my sister.
I miss my sister. I really miss her.

Elk City - "Cherries in the Snow"

Elk City are so underrated I am sure even the most hardened Bitter FM listener would not know the band behind the 'Elk City' songs they hear on the radio. But what a find... this band led by singer Renee LoBue are a secret you may want to keep to yourself. The 2007 album 'New Believers' featured so many great pop moments and "Cherries in the Snow" is one of the more upbeat and catchy numbers that could have taken them to a wider audience... if only anyone had actually heard of them.

New Order - "Perfect Kiss"

I am quite sure all the Bitter FM listeners, and music lovers, would already know everything about the iconic indie band 'New Order' ....so, other than stating the fact that they rose from the ashes of 'Joy Division', let's move on. "Perfect Kiss" displays all the essential New Order attributes... a, Peter Hook's brilliant bass, which he plays like a guitar, more rhythmic and higher up the scale. b, Bernard Sumner's vocal performance is as we would expect.... not great, but their songs are not written for a showman or diva. c, Gillian Gilbert's keyboard playing on this song is sublime... there are so many 'stop work', 'down tools', 'stop listening to the person talking to you' and 'stay stopped when the lights turn green' synth moments in this song. d, Stephen Morris, well you can't fault his percussion programming and keyboard performance here.
I got to see them live in Auckland a couple of times... and both times they made us wait, and then when on stage, they never said a word to the audience. Fucking brilliant! - the last thing we want to hear from rock stars is a false statement about how great we are or how great our country is.

Fran Healy - "As It Comes"

Fran Healy made his name as the main man behind Scottish band 'Travis' and after six albums with Travis, he released his debut solo album 'Wreckorder' in 2010. I know most people would expect another Travis like album and maybe it is. However, when I first heard "As It Comes" it certainly left a lasting impression on me and I never would have guessed it was Fran Healy, or Travis. "As It Comes" is about an old couple in their 80's and the expression of his love to her... but not until it is too late.



"As It Comes" Lyrics

We used to look at each other
But now we look at the past
We used to go out for dinner
And feed the ducks in the park
You say that I could be thinner
I say retract that remark
And I'm loving you each day
As it comes
I'll never let you be lonely
As long as you're by my side
You say you'd leave me if only
Another tear in the eye
Another funeral parlour
I'll have to get a new tie
And I'm loving you each day
As it comes
Time has come
Time has come and gone
And all I've done comes undone
Done
Da-da-done
As I lie here beside you
With Jack Frost in the air
You look like an angel
With that net in your hair
I kiss you so softly
But you're no longer there
Now I'm taking every day
As it comes

PNC - "Slow Motion" ft Jordache and Tom from Homebrew

NZ rap possibly peaked in the mid 2000's and while there are a lot more artists releasing rap music now, there are plenty of wannabes muddying the waters. PNC is definitely not in the wannabe category. He is now three albums into his career and countless guest spots. The new album 'Man on Wire' has a few others guesting, including Jordache and Tom Scott from the great Kiwi hip hop band Homebrew. On "Slow Motion" they are reminiscing about their younger days of drinking too much.... over some excellent hip-hop beats. So grab a Lion Red and sit back and enjoy.

Pete Yorn - "For Nancy ('Cos It Already Is)"

Pete Yorn released his debut album 'musicforthemorningafter' in 2001 and the second of three singles from the album was "For Nancy ('Cos It Already Is)." The album was an impressive debut and it is surprising he hasn't become a huge star on the strength of it. Although, for us, it is probably better he didn't completely cross over to the mainstream. This album is full of songs that could have improved commercial radio if given the chance.... actually, Bitter FM has always benefited from some Pete Yorn on a regular basis. On "For Nancy ('Cos It Already Is)" Pete Yorn has taken the quiet/loud style of The Pixies and Nirvana to a modern rock/pop audience with great results.

Alex Winston - "Sister Wife"

Alex Winston is a Detroit born singer-songwriter with a quirkiness that should keep the mainstream audience away, but at the same time, she could interest the fans of Florence and the Machine. She is a multi-instrumentalist and she plays all the instruments on the "Sister Wife" EP. "Sister Wife" is possibly about bigamy, or, at least, a reference about a partner having an affair... going by the opening chorus line "Hey there sister wife / Get the hell out it's my night / You don't know the way to his heart like I do." The video has a couple of 'Carrie' moments, some flying toilet toast and.... best you just have a look. Quirky pop at it's very best.

Kate Bush/Utah Saints - Cloudbusting/Something Good

"Cloudbusting" was the second single from Kate Bush's 1985 album 'Hounds of Love.' The inspiration for the song came after she had read "A Book of Dreams" a memoir by Peter Reich about his relationship with his father Wilhelm Reich, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. Wilhelm Reich built cloudbusting machines (or rainmaking machines) made of hollow pipes inserted into water and pointed in the direction of the clouds. The video features Donald sutherland as Wilhelm Reich and covers the cloudbusting period and his arrest by the FBI.



Leeds dance/house music duo 'Utah Saints' released "Something Good" as a single in 1992. The song features a vocal sample from Kate Bush's "Cloudbusting" and that sample "I just know that something good is going to happen" is the basis of the song. A new interpretation that out-charted the original. They even added some bits from the "Cloudbusting" video into their own video. So Kate Bush's inspiration from a memoir resulted in what became the inspiration for a dance music duo.