Múm - "Green Grass Of Tunnel"

"Green Grass Of Tunnel" is a single from Icelandic band Múm released prior to (and was included on) their album 'Finally We Are No One' from 2002. The songs were created while working in a lighthouse and the inspiration was influential once they got into the studio.... even to the extent of the video here for "Green Grass Of Tunnel" which features a lighthouse.

Benjamin Schoos feat. Laetitia Sadier - "Je ne vois que vous"

Benjamin Schoos is a Belgian born musician/producer who finally got around to releasing his debut album 'China Man vs China Girl' just recently. This track "Je ne vois que vous" caught my attention because of the guest vocalist, Laetitia Sadier, of Stereolab fame. Even if Cliff Richard had a song with Laetitia Sadier, I would be interested... Stereolab were one of the greatest bands of the last couple of decades. While the Laetitia Sadier performance here is as good as expected, the song itself is better than expected. The album is now a must after also finding out that it was inspired by Jean Claude Vannier, who was the orchestral arranger on Serge Gainsbourg's 'Histoire de Melody Nelson' album. Sacré bleu!!!

Cold Specks - "Blank Maps"

Cold Specks is the moniker for Canadian musician Al Spx. Now based in London, she released her debut album 'I Predict a Graceful Expulsion' earlier in the year on Mute Records. A very recent purchase by me and it will, no doubt, be somewhere near the top when I put together the top albums of 2012 show... to be aired real soon. 'I Predict a Graceful Expulsion' is a stunning debut that is engaging from start to finish. I accept that it does have a degree of 'sameness' throughout the album but still manages to stay interesting. As opposed to, say, Tame Impala's 'Lonerism' which starts off like the psychedelic Beatles album you wish they recorded... but over time it feels too much the same and the interest is lost. Sorry Tame Impala fans, but I am just trying to explain why I can like one over the other, when they have similar attributes. Her songwriting influences started with The Strokes and included Alan Lomax's early field recordings to Tom Waits and even Smog. After an English record producer heard a CD she had recorded and distributed to friends, she was asked to move to the UK and record with him. Interestingly, she agreed but had to delay because she had dropped out of college but hadn't told her parents... she was leaving every morning but hanging out at malls etc. I'm sure her parents forgive her now, although, even her non musical name Al Spx is a pseudonym, so maybe there are some issues... but that's not our business. Her soulful voice is an integral part of her sound... a powerful instrument that draws you in and her band respect that. She describes her sound as Doom Soul and I certainly can't argue with that. "Blank Maps" has been banned on some American radio for the line in the chorus "I am, I am, a goddamn believer" - blasphemous or ironic? who cares... it's fucking brilliant. Get this Cold Specks album and "I predict a grateful experience".

Good "Taupo Times"

It has been an enjoyable but busy holiday so far but I will be back tomorrow posting a song a day... and all of them feature on the extensive Bitter FM playlists. In the meantime though, I would like to thank a journalist from our local newspaper 'Taupo Times' for her support regarding the promotion of concerts and for supporting the arts in general. So thanks Libby and all the best with your new venture in Wellington.

Here is a video she created... it's a nice tribute to the people of this great little town.

Rilo Kiley - Xmas Cake

Here you go, have some Xmas cake from Bitter FM. Merry Xmas.

Psapp - "Monster Song"

Psapp are a London pop/electronica band (although, more pop than electronica) with a penchant for toy instruments (commonly referred to as Toytronica, a genre which they may have invented). "The Monster Song" is from their third album 'The Camel's Back' released in 2008. It is an uplifting catchy song with a great vocal performance by Galia Durant. Although the lyrics and the promotional video are much darker, the listener could be forgiven for not noticing... it just sounds too bright to even pick up on the darkness.
"The Monster Song" has become a Bitter FM standard.

R.E.M. - "It's the end of the world as we know it" (acoustic)

Tomorrow is the 21st of December, 2012. Do you have any idea what that means? To a lot of people, December 21, 2012 is huge. Everyone I work with has been talking about it and some of them are getting very anxious. The anticipation is everywhere I look. Yes, you guessed it, December 21, 2012 is the end of work for the year and the start of the summer holidays.

XTC - "Your Dictionary"

'Apple Venus Volume 1' was an album of distinction... 12 albums after their debut. It was very orchestral with it's chamber pop moments and sometimes Beach Boys sounding with the high harmonies, noticeable here in parts of "Your Dictionary". One thing about "Your Dictionary" is very clear... it's a divorce song like no other.



Lyrics

H-A-T-E
Is that how you spell love in your dictionary
K-I-C-K
Pronounced as kind
F-U-C-K
Is that how you spell friend in your dictionary
Black on black
A guidebook for the blind

Well now that I can see my eyes won't weep
Now that I can hear your song sounds cheap
Now that I can talk all your corn I'll reap
I'm not so sure that Joey wed a Virgin Mary
There are no words for me inside your dictionary

S-L-A-P
Is that how you spell kiss in your dictionary
C-O-L-D
Pronounced as care
S-H-I-T
Is that how you spelt me in your dictionary
Four-eyed fool
You led 'round everywhere

Now that I can see it's the queens new clothes
Now that I can hear all your poison prose
Now that I can talk with my tongue unfroze
I'm not so sure of Santa or the buck-tooth fairy
There are no words for me inside your dictionary

Now your laughter has a hollow ring
But the hollow ring has no finger in
So let's close the book and let the day begin
And our marriage be undone

De La Soul - "The Magic Number"

As hip-hop was developing during the 80's (Public Enemy aside) it was all drum machines, scratching, plenty of sampling (commonly without permission) and the rapping was predominantly boasting. In 1989 De La Soul added a bit of colour to the genre. Their debut '3 Feet High and Rising' was welcomed by all music lovers. They were like a modern reincarnation of hippies... they even created a concept called "D.A.I.S.Y. Age" which was a theme throughout the album. "The Magic Number" was my pick from the album at the time. "The Magic Number" was based on the Bob Dorough song "Three Is a Magic Number" recorded for the American educational children's TV show Schoolhouse Rock!
If any maths teachers are using this song in the classroom - I hope it's the De La Soul version.



Schoolhouse Rock "Three is a Magic Number"
Actually, I have changed my mind. Every maths teacher should play this song in the classroom and then the music teacher should play De La Soul's "The Magic Number" to show them how music progresses over time.

The Prodigy - "Ghost Town"

"Ghost Town" by The Specials is a Bitter FM favourite from way back... the kind of song that you absolutely never tire of. In other words, it's a fucking classic... and that means "don't try to cover it under any circumstances. Well one slipped through the net and changed the rules completely. The new rules are as follows... "Ghost Town" can only be covered by one artist or band. That artist or band shall be 'The Prodigy'- no exceptions. The Prodigy succeeded because they kept the song very much as we know it and they just turned everything up a few notches, except the vocals. More of an updated instrumental. Not as essential as the original but being forgiven is high enough praise.

Miss Li - "Shoot Me"

"Shoot Me" is from Swedish singer songwriter Miss Li's 'Beats & Bruises' album from 2011. It's a slow melodic number with the piano and reverb drums totally in control... well, until the vocals come in and steal the show.

Grand Rapids ~ "Never Be Without You"

Ben King formed Grand Rapids after the demise of Goldenhorse and that resulted in some sensational pop moments. In fact, "Never Be Without You" is a perfect radio pop song.... does that mean it got played on commercial radio? Probably not.

Talking Heads - "Psycho Killer"

Here is some hard evidence that David Byrne was one of the greatest live performers in the history of rock music. My first, and only, live Talking Heads experience was at the Sweetwaters festival a long time ago. Not really knowing what to expect as a live act - we were blown away. As luck would have it, they released a concert movie 'Stop Making Sense' not long after... so I got to experience it all again and again and again.

Thao & Mirah - "Little Cup" (Live on KEXP)

The news of a collaboration album by Thao and Mirah was too good to be true. When the album 'Thao & Mirah' was released in 2011 it kind of lived up to expectations. I suppose I expected them to collaborate with the songwriting but it seemed to be more of an album of contributions from each of them... although, I am not complaining about the end result. The album was produced by Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs, who had released the brilliant 'Whokill' album around the same time as this. Mirah's "Little Cup" is a quietly sung gem of a song. Her vocals are stunning... check your credit card because you may want to download her back catalogue.

The Dave Brubeck Quartet - "Take Five"

The news of Dave Brubeck's death may have prompted millions of people around the world to dig out their old 'Take Five' LP and give it another spin. Even if he is to be remembered for only one song, rather than a lifetime of jazz releases, he would still have to be proud. So if you didn't dig out your old record... here is "Take Five" for you to enjoy once again.

Kid Loco - "Cocaine Diana"

French producer/DJ/musician Kid Loco (Jean-Yves Prieur) made a name for himself as a trip-hop master... particularly after the release of his second album 'A Grand Love Story' in 1997. On his fourth album 'Kill Your Darlings' he added some pop song components to his trip-hop bag of tricks. On the opener "Cocaine Diana" he let his fans know what to expect straight away. The strumming guitar and the vocals from Tim Keegan sounded much more indie pop than downbeat... not so much a radical change but more a brilliant collaboration.

Hannah Cohen - "Don't Say"

A recent discovery here at Bitter FM is Hannah Cohen, an American singer/songwriter. After moving to New York from San Francisco as a teenager she started modeling for artists and photographers until taking up photography. From there she moved on to music. Teaching herself to play guitar and writing her own songs... eventually releasing her debut album 'Child Bride' earlier this year. The first single from the album was "Don't Say" which starts off like French For Rabbits' "Claimed By the Sea" with the haunting acoustic guitar and by the time the slow chorus rolls by... we are reminded of Emilíana Torrini's 'Fisherman's Woman' album. A very impressive debut.

Mutton Birds - "A Thing Well Made"

Don McGlashan has always been a great story teller through song and "A Thing Well Made" is no exception. While it seems subtle, nothing more than a fictional tale of a Christchurch sports store owner going through his day. At one stage even admiring the firearms to the point of imagining the craftsman holding the finished product with a high degree of satisfaction. Finishing with the dispatching of the mail orders... particularly an AK47 to a collector down the line. If you are still with me, yeah, not too fascinating at all. However, the so-called collector (while not named) was David Gray from a small seaside town of Aramoana, near Dunedin. David Gray was the perpetrator of New Zealand's worst massacre. He killed 13 people after a dispute with a neighbour in 1990. A very dark moment in our history. While the song is from a very different perspective... it is still chilling.

Loopa Scava - "A Hot Day"

Two producers release a trip-hop, new-jazz, down tempo classic. Greek producer Ilias Mimilidis a.k.a. Loopa Scava recorded his debut album 'Up and Down' in 2008 with fellow Greek born producer Giorgos Bratanis a.k.a. Cayetano. I discovered the album opener "A Hot Day" from a compilation and a mild obsession became a craving for more. In other words, just another day in the life of this music lover... but certainly A Hot Day!

Randy Newman - "Short People"

Down in Wellington today was the world premier of 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.' So we could have something old and traditional to celebrate, or even something 'new age' to set the tone. But this is much more suitable, don't you think?

Alt-J - "Something Good"

English indie band Alt-J (named after the Mac shortcut for the Greek letter Delta) impressed many critics with the release of their debut album 'An Awesome Wave' a few months ago. The album also won the prestigious Mercury prize. "Something Good" has plenty of melody and as many ideas going on. Definitely no Ctrl-Alt-Del on their keyboard.

Kindness - "Anyone Can Fall In Love"

How to take a tragic 80's song that came out of the 'Eastenders' theme song - with added lyrics and sung by a cast member, Anita Dobson... and make it your own?

Lesson 1. Do what 'Kindness' has done... you probably won't even recognise it.



The original by Anita Dobson


Eastenders Theme

The Sound - "Missiles"

This is a rare repeat song on this blog. For obvious reasons I thought it needs another posting. Good song, bad reason.

Moby - "Study War"

Sometimes a simple song can express more than an editorial, a rant, or a lengthy discussion.....

Metallica - "One"

With the help of the movie clips from 'Johnny Got His Gun' Metallica's "One" turned non metal fans on to metal. They didn't use the movie clips as a way to enhance the power of the song, the association was very close and therefore credible. The theme of the song is based on the anti-war novel 'Johnny Got His Gun' by Dalton Trumbo. The novel was about a soldier trapped inside his own body after losing his limbs, eyes, ears, teeth and tongue in a blast. Dalton Trumbo directed the movie adaptation of his own novel more than 30 years after it was first published. Put everything together and what we have here is a fucking great song with a fascinating video, kind of by default.

Olivia Broadfield - "Don't Cry"

English pop-electronic artist Olivia Broadfield released her debut album 'Eyes Wide Open' in 2009 and "Don't Cry" was the first single. "Don't Cry" is a mellow singer/songwriter style pop song that unexpectedly gets the effects/beats treatment at about quarter time. Why wait to be remixed... just do all the tweaking the first time. Not a bad introduction at all.

Grand Duchy - "Lovesick"

Grand Duchy is a project featuring former Pixies man Black Francis and his wife Violet Clark. I have already posted one of their songs on here so I won't repeat myself (please look them up under the the artists list 'labels' for a bit more info). "Lovesick" features Violet on vocals, except for Black Francis asking her what she is wearing. This is my favourite song off their underrated debut album 'Petits Fours' from 2009. Maybe some Pixies fans are too precious to accept this as credible... but they are missing out on something quite special.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "Red Right Hand"

There are too many great Nick Cave songs to have an actual favourite but "Red Right Hand" would have to be in the top 5. The title is apparently from a line in a John Milton poem "Paradise Lost." Red Right Hand is from Nick Cave's brilliant 'Let Love In' album, which also features another classic "Nobody's Baby Now" but I might leave that for another day. Anyway, as I have said before, I know I am preaching to the converted... so basically nothing more needs to be said.

Demetri Martin

It must be time for some more comedy from Demetri Martin.

CC:Stand-Up
Get More: Jokes,Jokes of the Day,Funny Jokes

Perfect Sense (Trilogy)

1, Sight
I watched a fascinating movie on the Rialto channel called 'Perfect Sense' about an outbreak of an epidemic that robs people of their sensory perceptions. The protagonists, played by Eva Green and Ewan McGregor, start a relationship as the first cases of the worldwide epidemic emerge. As their relationship progresses, so does the chaos around them. Basically it is a love story set in the most extraordinary circumstances.



2, Hearing
I've raved on about Max Richter before on this blog... so it was an added bonus to find out he wrote the (score) soundtrack. Subtle at times and powerful at others - Max Richter will always make a great film even better.



3, Taste
While we are on the subject of Max Richter the composer, you may know that he decided on a musical project recently. It wasn't a big project, it was a fucking huge project. Recomposing Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' is a big call indeed and one that I think he managed to pull off. Some purists may have another opinion, but it was certainly done with respect and in good taste. It made Perfect Sense.

Straitjacket Fits - "So Long Marianne"

This great Leonard Cohen song has been covered by so many artists over the years and my favourite has always been Straitjacket Fits' 1988 version from their debut album Hail. In fact it was their only cover over the three albums they released. Unmistakably Leonard Cohen in song and unmistakably Straitjacket Fits in sound. Choice Bro!

Demis Roussos - "Forever and Ever"

Demis Roussos was a big star in the 70's. After originally being part of the Greek prog-rock group 'Aphrodite's Child' which also featured Vangelis, Demis Roussos started his solo career in the early 70's. He peaked internationally in 1973 with the hit singles "My Friend the Wind" and "Forever and Ever." It is easy to think that these days with social network sites from Myspace through to Facebook, and Youtube, we are in a unique position where anything is possible. But here is proof that it was the same back in the 70's (or any time) if the timing is right. Here was someone with the appearance of a Greek caveman, wearing a colourful kaftan as casually as the women of the day, with a voice somewhere between Pavarotti and Feargal Sharkey (a recent observation by me) who made the big time... singing MOR ballads. Funny that.



A Remix of "Forever and Ever"

Street Chant - "Frail Girls"

"Frail Girls" is from Street Chant's double A-side single with "Salad Daze" - which is available on purple vinyl for only $8.00 at the Arch Hill Store (click on link below - come on, you know you want to)... perfect for any cool record collection. This trio should be huge, but somehow I get the feeling they don't give a fuck.

Don't call me Shirley

It's Monday night, it's late, so all I've got is a classic one-liner.... surely not!

Angelo Badalamenti - "Audrey's Dance"

Twin Peaks was, by far, the greatest television series of it's time. The soundtrack by Angelo Badalamenti and David Lynch was a big part of it's appeal. It certainly added to the surrealism that David Lynch's direction had already created. "Audrey's Dance" is a cool jazz number that set a different mood altogether.



The "Audrey's Dance" scene

Belle and Sebastian - "I Want the World To Stop"

Here is a live version of Belle and Sebastian's "I Want the World To Stop" taken from their 'Write About Love' TV show. The TV or televisual release was to promote the album 'Write About Love' prior to it's release in 2010. This is a perfect example of why they are the flag bearers of indie/twee pop.

The Eversons - "Marriage"

Here is a great idea for the next engagement party you get invited to. Don't bother with the traditional set of wine glasses. Give them the unconventional gift of a CD... not some cheesy romantic album, definitely not. It has to be 'Summer Feeling' by The Eversons. If they seem disappointed or slightly bemused - tell them you bought it because the album contains the greatest marriage song ever written. You will be very popular again... who knows, they may even slot it in between some tenors and a diva. Spread the love.

Beck - "The New Pollution"

"The New Pollution" is another moment of wonder from Beck's 'Odelay' album. The retro-modern sound he produced with old samples and current day beats seemed effortless from a guy that was at his creative peak. Confirmed by the success of the added saxophone, which quite often fails in popular music, in my opinion. Everything he touched then was genius... don't believe me? Well you better check out the video that he directed which is every bit as good as the song.

Wheat - "I met a girl"

Massachusetts indie-pop band 'Wheat' released their third album 'Per Second, Per Second, Per Second ... Every Second' in 2003 and it was decidedly catchier than their previous 'Hope and Adams' album. Newly signed to a major label, they reversed the indie/pop scale to pop/indie here on their biggest hit "I Met a Girl" with their reputations still intact (although, their hardcore fans might have a different opinion). I heard they recently reformed and refused to play this song live... My uneducated guess on all things 'Wheat' is that "I Met a Girl" symbolizes their bad major label experience. But hey, we can still enjoy it. "I met a girl I'd like to know better - but I'm already with someone"... oh, what a dilemma.



These guys have a similar dilemma
Flight Of The Conchords - "I met a girl (over there)"

Fresh Meat

The casserole is almost ready... bon appetit.

Ruby - "Paraffin"

Ruby were a duo featuring Lesley Rankine and producer Mark Walk. Their debut album 'Salt Peter' was released in 1995 and it featured the dark, yet beautiful, trip-hop/industrial single "Paraffin." In "Paraffin" you can sense a lot of feeling and expression in Lesley's voice. However, it wasn't quite the angry song I thought it was. It turns out, after some research, that "Paraffin" is actually about the smell of body fluids during sex. How about that!

3 generations of a bass line

1st Generation: The Horace Silver Quintet - "Song For My Father" (1964)

Horace Silver's classic Blue Note release "Song For My Father" from 1964 had a memorable opening bass piano line that became legendary. Actually, the complete song is 7 minutes of jazz bliss. He was known more as a hard bop artist but there are definitely some bossa-nova touches here. A wonderful tribute to his father.



2nd Generation: Steely Dan - "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" (1974)

Steely Dan's biggest hit "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" opened with the aforementioned bass piano line of Horace Silver's. The song goes in a very different direction thereafter, but the opening notes are memorable, once again.



3rd Generation: Us3 - "Eleven Long Years" (1993)

Here is Horace Silver's famous bass piano line taken in another direction again on "Eleven Long Years" by the rap/jazz band Us3. They released their debut album 'Hand on the Torch' in 1993. It was a Blue Note label remix project that set the stage for many jazz/hip-hop hybrids to follow... but not many reached the heights of this album. Although, it must be said that Miles Davis had successfully merged the two genres when he worked with hip-hop artists for his 'Doo-Bop' album recorded in 1991 and posthumously released in 1992 (and that will be the subject of a future blog post). Maybe that was where Us3 got their inspiration from.

Jacqueline Taieb - "7 heure du matin"

Jacqueline Taieb's classic 1967 ye-ye hit "7 heure du matin" is a great example of that genre at it's peak during the 60's. A sweet and sexy song with a touch of innocence. In fact, the reason I love 60's French music could be summed up in this song alone. "7 heure du matin" is like an encyclopedia of 60's pop culture all wrapped up in just over 2 minutes. It's about a mademoiselle waking up at 7am and fantasising about Paul McCartney helping her do her study... with a riff from The Who, typical ye-ye and British beat happening and some 60's garage rock going on... and all this before breakfast.

Etienne de Crecy - "3 day weekend"

It has been such a great long weekend.... what it really needs is a soundtrack by Etienne de Crecy.
Done.

Jason Lytle - "Dept. Of Disappearance"

"Dept. Of Disappearance" is the title track from Jason Lytle's, just released, second solo album. After the demise of his former band 'Grandaddy' (and before, if you include Grandaddy's 'Summer, it's gone') he has revealed some raw emotions through his songs. The emotions varying from disappointment to bitterness. But to the average fan of Grandaddy, his solo albums fill the gap perfectly... like they are another Grandaddy release. The bleakness is still present on "Dept. Of Disappearance" but the musical landscape is always brighter than the subject might convey. Whether it be Grandaddy or Jason Lytle solo, this fan has never been disappointed.

Lee Dorsey - "Working In a Coal Mine"

I have been busy, although, not from working in a coal mine, but from work and play over the last few days. It is now Labour weekend in New Zealand so I will be back posting some great songs on this blog. Here is a song for the workers... on Labour Weekend.

Boo'sey Tuesday.

Boo Radleys - "Wake Up Boo!"



Great Boo's Up

Grant McLennan - "Easy Come, Easy Go"

Former 'Go-Betweens' member Grant McLennan released a fantastic debut solo album 'Watershed' in 1991. It is surprising to hear that the sales didn't match the critical praise it received. It was played at every party or BBQ I went to in those days... we all seemed to have a copy. The album is full of gems that followed on from the where the Go-Betweens left off. Grant McLennan was more pop sounding than his Go-Betweens co-founder Robert Forster - which peaked on their album '16 Lovers Lane' through to his debut solo. "Easy Come, Easy Go" is a jangly pop song that warmed up a few BBQ's back in the early 90's.
Sadly, he died of a heart attack in 2006... but his music will live on forever.

First Aid Kit - "The Lion's Roar" Live on Soundcheck

I've posted an earlier song by 'First Aid Kit' on this blog after their impressive debut album 'The Black & The Blue' from 2010. The release of their follow up album 'The Lion's Roar' has been the coming-of-age for these young Swedish siblings. An album of maturity way past their years... as I have probably stated many times - but this time it is an even stronger case. Traditional folk sensibilities and perfect harmonies are just two of the ingredients that make 'First aid Kit' the best folk band you will hear in 2012... and beyond.

Dabrye - "The Lish"

Dabrye is a musical project for Michigan electronic musician Tadd Mullinix. "The Lish" is from the debut Dabrye album 'One/Three' from 2001. Plenty of beeps, blips and whirring.... for a laid back sunday or party warmer. Cool electronica for any occasion.

Rumer - "On My Way Home"

Recently I've been listening to a lot of blue-eyed soul from artists old and new. One from the new stable is Rumer. Her debut album 'Seasons Of My Soul' from 2010 was a mixture of classic soul and easy listening pop. She can bring to mind everyone from Dusty Springfield (the queen of blue-eyed soul), Carole King, Karen carpenter and Laura Nyro... which isn't a bad thing. "On My Way Home" is more on the easy listening side - but it's her soulful voice that won me over. Mainstream but without being bland. A suitable analogy for "On My Way Home" would be "It's like a Big Mac but without the cheese".

Bernard Herrmann - "Twisted Nerve"

Bernard Herrmann was the master of the horror movie score and soundtrack. He was Alfred Hitchcock's go-to man and very much sought after during his long career. "Twisted Nerve" was a lesser known horror/thriller directed by Roy Boulting - in a similar style to Hitchcock. This classic British horror from 1968 impressed, not only for it's strong performances from Hywel Bennett and the grown-up Hayley Mills, but for Bernard Herrmann's whistling theme. The tune is heard throughout the movie as part of the score and is also whistled by the lead character. Quentin Tarantino paid tribute when he had a character whistle it in Kill Bill. So after all this time the film may be remembered more for it's theme than anything else.



A whistling scene from Twisted Nerve

The Prodigy vs. Moby - "Natural Bitch"

Even if you are not a fan of mash-ups - you can not deny the fact that this one works so well. It is a mash-up of Moby's "Natural Blues" and The Prodigy's "Smack My Bitch Up" and they meld together brilliantly. In fact, so much so, that it could easily get played at a party or club and go unnoticed as a mash-up... but one thing is for sure, the dance floor would be packed.



Moby - "Natural Blues"



Vera Hall - "Trouble So Hard"

This is where Moby got the sample for "Natural Blues." Probably Moby's easiest song because of the quality of the sample but he deserves credit for what he did and for bringing this great artist to a much wider audience. "Trouble So Hard" was originally from the field recordings of father and son ethnomusicologist team John and Alan Lomax.



The Prodigy - "Smack My Bitch Up" NSFW

Here is the original (uncensored) video of The Prodigy "Smack My Bitch Up" and I urge you NOT to watch this at work. It wasn't shown on many music channels when released... although former NZ music channel Max TV didn't have a problem playing it occasionally. It has a twist, at the end, greater than 'The Sixth Sense.'


The Prodigy - Smack My Bitch Up on MUZU.TV.

Japandroids - "The House That Heaven Built"

Japandroids are one of the loudest 2-piece bands around. The Canadian duo released their second album 'Celebration Rock' a few months ago. The first single "The House That Heaven Built" is a shouty rock-punk anthem - a style that they have made their own. Like the album itself, "The House That Heaven Built" is positive. They are having so much fun... anyone who tries to bring them down can "go to hell."

The Smiths - "How Soon Is Now"

The last post was possibly the most annoying song of the 80's - so today we will counter that with possibly the greatest song of the 80's "How Soon Is Now" by The Smiths.


the smiths - how soon is now.. by robertjgunn

The intro to "How Soon Is Now" was sampled in the song "Hippychick" by English dance-pop band Soho in 1990.

Soho - "Hippychick"

Joe Dolce - "Shaddap You Face"

Here is the most annoying song of the 80's. If you haven't heard it you will soon know what I mean. If you have heard it... think very hard before you click play.

The Libertines - "Can't Stand Me Now"

The Libertines could've ruled the indie-rock world... in fact, they did rule the UK for a short time. But it all went wrong and we all know why. Pete Doherty's drug habit just got a bit too much for fellow lead member Carl Barat and their relationship was at a real low point while recording their self titled second album. However, that album produced some of their best songs like "Campaign Of Hate" and "Can't Stand Me Now", which was about their strained relationship. The band inevitably dissolved and Doherty formed 'Babyshambles' while Barat started 'Dirty Pretty Things' both with moderate success. Oh, what could've been!

Fiona Apple - "Every Single Night"

I was sure Fiona Apple's third album 'Extraordinary Machine' was untouchable and while I looked forward to her follow up - I didn't expect her to match it. Well, I was so wrong. The album is as impressive as the title is long. Known now as 'The Idler wheel' but the full title is 'The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do.' Her quirkiness, if anything, has increased over the years... and here is a great example "Every Single Night" or two examples if you count the video.

Miriam Clancy - The Best

Miriam Clancy is New Zealand's best kept secret. Her debut album 'Lucky One' in 2006 was practically unnoticed and her second album 'Magnetic' suffered much the same in 2009. However, those that did notice either of them would be, I assume, quite happy that they kept it as their little secret. But fuck that, let's tell the world about Miriam Clancy. Her latest single "The Best" may be a good, if belated, place to start.

Sherbet - "Howzat"

Just watching some cricket and not getting much else done. Here is a quick, in between innings, post. Aussie band Sherbet had a big hit with "Howzat" in 1976. It is not exactly a cricket song but it does have a cricket title - so that's good enough for me.

Isaac Hayes - "Shaft"

Isaac Hayes was many things in his brilliant career... he was the Soul Man, the Black Moses, the deep bass vocalist, the Bacharach cover artist (but not like any of the others), the king of Blaxploitation, the actor and the voice of Chef on South Park. But best of all he was the man behind "Shaft" - one of the greatest movie themes ever and one that still sounds great today, while it also defines that 70's blaxploitation period.

The Golden Palominos - "Victim"

The Golden Palominos enlisted New York Spoken-word artist Nicole Blackman for their 1996 album 'Dead Inside' and the result was something quite different to their previous albums. The opening track "Victim" is the most powerful song I play on Bitter FM... not in terms of the volume but in terms of the poetry/lyrics. This is a chilling first person account from a victim of an abduction. I could go on forever with adjectives like 'harrowing' or 'disturbing' but it's much better to let the song do the talking. One thing is guaranteed - you will be moved.

The Smiths - "Bigmouth Strikes Again"

There are so many reasons to love "Bigmouth Strikes Again" by The Smiths. Here are five of them.

1, The opening lines are priceless... "Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking
When I said I'd like to smash every tooth In your head

Oh ... sweetness, sweetness, I was only joking
When I said by rights you should be Bludgeoned in your bed"

2, The Joan of Arc references... "Now I know how Joan of Arc felt
As the flames rose to her roman nose
And her hearing aid started to melt"

3, Morrissey's self-deprecating chorus "Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race"

4, Johnny Marr's guitar(as always)

5, It is from one of the greatest albums ever 'The Queen Is Dead' released in 1986.

I won't bore you with the other 95 reasons.

The Mynabirds - "Generals"

'The Mynabirds' are a musical project led by former 'Bright Eyes' touring member Laura Burhenn. 'Generals' is their second album and it's name comes from a photo with the title "Generals of the Daughters of the American Revolution" by Richard Avedon. And that kind of sums up the concept of the album. It is part protest, part political and definitely pays tribute to the women who stood up against their oppression. The title track "Generals" is a melting pot of genres - 80's retro, blues, indie rock - to name a few. With lyrics such as... “Callin’ all my generals, my daughters, my revolutionists” you get a clear idea about the theme of the album, as mentioned earlier. This would've been the perfect song to be posted on Women's Suffrage Day (19th September)... only a few days late.

Bob Dylan - "Scarlet Town"

Bob Dylan's 35th album 'Tempest' was released recently and I'm happy to say, as you probably already know, he is still on a roll. Okay, it's not quite another 'Highway 61 Revisited' or 'Blonde On Blonde' but it is up there with 'Time Out Of Mind', in my opinion. On "Scarlet Town" Bob Dylan has added banjo and fiddle to the acoustic guitar and piano. It has such a beautiful melody and even the late period Dylan croaky vocals add to the beauty. He is one of the very few veteran rock stars that doesn't live off the past... he is much more about the present. Legend!!

Sigur Ros - "Agaetis Byrjun"

In 2006 Sigur Ros went back home to Iceland for a summer tour. The unannounced homecoming tour was made into a film, 'Heima' (at home), which was released in 2007. The double DVD is a must-have for any Sigur Ros fan... or music fan. Quality music is best described in two words... Sigur Ros.

Tom Verlaine - "Yonki Time"

True fans of 'Television' more than likely progressed on to some of Tom Verlaine's solo material. However, his self titled debut solo album may have been overlooked by some of them... it's never too late to make amends. The album was released in 1979 and I bought it 2nd hand sometime in the 80's. I didn't know what to expect - but was blown away. This album had everything... some inevitable 'Television' moments, definitely some Velvet Underground influences coming through, and some great Tom Verlaine guitar, which was very much expected and relished. I still play this LP a lot and I am now asking myself why I haven't downloaded a digital version. I love every song passionately and most of them bring back 80's memories instantly. "Yonki Time" is probably the closest to a throw-away song... but not filler - just a bit of fun. It starts off sounding like Lou Reed and then it turns into something you've never heard before. From when I first heard Yonki Time, to this day, if I get asked "what time is it?" I always feel like shouting out "It's Yonki Time"... and occasionally I do.

Steve Harley - "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)"

Steve Harley had his biggest hit in 1975 with "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" from the album 'The Best Years of Our Lives' - It was released under the band name Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel. The stop-start song structure gives it a lot of drive and highlights the beauty of the melody. Glam rock at it's very best.

TEEN - "Better"

TEEN are a new band from New York. Former member of 'Here We Go Magic' Teeny Lieberson, set up her own band with a couple of sisters and a couple of friends. Their debut album 'In Limbo' was released recently... but we had a bit of a taster earlier in the form of "Better" and let's hope the album matches the brilliance of that song. "Better" has an 80's keyboard riff that is more than a little hypnotic. Somehow "Better" sounds as modern as it sounds retro. They "do it better than anybody else" yeah.

Rhys Darby - "Transformers"

Another busy night. Tomorrow I will be back with another piece of musical genius. But for now... have yourself a bit of a laugh.

School Of Seven Bells - "The Night"

New York band 'School Of Seven Bells' invited budding film makers to submit a video for their song "The Night" and the winning entry may have introduced us to a future star. 'The Night' is a beautiful ghostly song from School Of Seven Bells and not a bad place to start for anyone unfamiliar with the band.

I have pasted the introduction of the winning video by the band from their website...

This video really stood out for us in a big way. While there were so many amazing submissions, this one really did what music videos do best. It found a particular nuance in the song, and expanded upon it in a way that only the visual medium can. In a sense, being left behind makes children out of all of us. The conflict of the loneliness that suddenly comes over us in that situation, combined with the ecstasy of finally feeling free, is a really tough thing to capture, and we were so happy to see it brought to life in such a beautiful way. The casting is unbelievable! Not only is the resemblance incredible, the emotion in this girl's face is beyond her years, and her performance nearly had us both in tears the first time we watched it together. I'm not sure I'll hear the night again without imagining this girl either dancing her heart out, tormented and trapped in a corner, or casting a dark spell over whoever left her there alone. It's exactly what this song is meant to look like.
(taken from School Of Seven Bells website http://sviib.com)

Fast Crew - "Suburbia Streets"

Fast Crew were a bit like South Auckland's version of Black Eyed Peas. Dane Rumble's alter ego Kid Deft was a key member before he had the image change. "Suburbia Streets" was their 4th single and the only one that has survived the evolution of the Bitter FM playlists. It is the performance from Rebecca (Becks) that steals the show... like a beautiful vocal crescendo. While Fast Crew are now practically long forgotten, this song should keep their flame burning for a little while longer.

Wonderwall in 4 parts

The movie 'Wonderwall' was released in 1968. The soundtrack was by George Harrison. The soundtrack was obviously the inspiration behind Noel Gallagher's song of the same name. One of the many connections between Oasis and The Beatles.



Noel Gallagher writes "Wonderwall" and Oasis release it in 1995. It becomes a worldwide hit... also topping the charts here in New Zealand.



Cat Power's beautiful version brings it to aching proportions.



Ryan Adams' version consistently moves people... Noel Gallagher is one such person.

Dinosaur Jr. - "Watch The Corners"

Luckily Dinosaur Jr. haven't strayed much from their grungy Neil Young guitar based alt rock beginnings, which was some time in the 80's. So for that reason, there are two camps... Camp A, every song they release is a classic. Camp B, every song sounds the same. So here is another classic from Dinosaur Jr... oh, unless you are in fucking Camp B!

Phantogram - "Don't Move"

"Don't Move" is an uplifting trip-hop/pop song from Phantogram's 2011 EP 'Nightlife.' It has all that is expected from Phantogram but with horn samples and a great vocal loop throughout. At the right moment, this song is as satisfying as music gets... aural candy for a sweet tooth.



Live version below



For Your Information (or FYI for the tweens)...
A Phantogram is a 2D image made to look like a 3D image. Like cricket ground sponsor logos and the time lapse video example below.

GOTAN PROJECT - "La Gloria"

Who took Tango to the club dancefloor? Gotan Project, that's who! Oh, you want proof? Well, I have it right here.

THE GUILT - A Short Film by David Victori ...

Here is the film that won youtube's Your Film Festival.



The finalists in Venice for the announcement.

Miranda Lee Richards - "The Long Goodbye"

Miranda Lee Richards is a Californian musician who was taught how to play guitar by Kirk Hammett from Metallica. The least surprising part though, was that he taught her to play Mazzy Star songs... an influence that carried through to her debut album 'The Herethereafter' released in 2001. She sang with 'The Brian Jonestown Massacre' for a short time before she recorded her debut. The album is an indie folk gem. "The Long Goodbye" features sweet strings, melodic vocals and acoustic guitar, and some slide guitar to seal the deal. Sweet as!

Denis Leary - "Asshole"

When I took on this daily song blog I knew there would be times when I would struggle to deliver. And that is what is happening at the moment. Due to a lot of things going on rather than a shortage of songs to share... because that will never be a problem. Anyway, I made a promise that I'm not keeping... so I suppose that makes me an asshole.

Erlend Øye - Sheltered Life (The Youngsters Remix)

Erlend Øye is a Norwegian musician who first came to my attention as one half of the indie-folk duo Kings of Convenience. He transformed into an electronica artist with his solo releases and continued that style through to his next band 'The Whitest Boy alive'. However, over time they moved away from electronica and back to where he had started. I bought his solo EP/CD Single (when I used to buy CD's) 'Sheltered Life' and it featured a few remixes of "Sheltered Life" and the one that gets most airtime on Bitter FM is The Youngsters Remix. Bergen brilliance.

The History of Pan!c - "The Chase"

The History of Pan!c is a musical project for Detroit multi-instrumentalist Gerald Roesser... a member of Pas/Cal previously. "The Chase" explores the classic boy meets girl but this time the complications are diverted after a mature conversation about what may, or may not, happen next... quite simple really. Well, not quite, it still ends up as complicated as ever and with a high degree of disappointment. They say the fun is in the chase.... but only if you succeed. The female vocals are by Leah Diehl from the band 'Lightning Love'.

Amy Rigby - "Are We Ever Gonna Have Sex Again?"

"Are We Ever Gonna Have Sex Again?" is from Amy Rigby's 2003 album 'Til the Wheels Fall Off' and it is a great example of the sense of humour she brings to her songwriting. Quite often her songs are from the perspective of the struggling solo mother. This time she explores life from the opposite side... where it turned from x-rated to domesticated. Brilliant!

"Are We Ever Gonna Have Sex Again?" Live

Are We Ever Gonna Have Sex Again?

Lyrics to Are We Ever Gonna Have Sex Again? :
Life's become a great big list

Of things to do and buy and fix

At night we pass out before ten

Are we ever gonna have sex again?



I looked for your id today

Seemed that id had gone away

Ain't been used since who knows when

Are we ever gonna have sex again?



We used to be triple x rated

Look at us now, so domesticated



What happened to babe and stud?

Too much KFC and Bud

I shout it out into the wind

Are we ever gonna have sex again?



Come here baby, scratch my itch

Or I'll show you one mean ass bitch

I'm so tired of acting Zen

Are we ever gonna have sex again?



Screw making love

It's way too ambitious

Let's get down on the rug

After you finish the dishes



Not now hon, the eggs are frying

But you get extra points for trying

Maybe I can squeeze you in

Between the PTA and CNN

Are we ever gonna have sex again?
---

The Velvet Underground - "Some Kind of Love"

Sorry, haven't got time to give you my thoughts on this song. Other than the fact it is another great song from one of the greatest and most influential bands ever. Catch ya later.

Pussy Riot (Trilogy)

(1) The crime
An element of blasphemy without a doubt... but it isn't any more than a radical punk band doing what radical punk bands do.



(2) The sentence
WTF?



(3) The support
Bjork Dedicates "Declare Independence" To Pussy Riot

Norman Gunston interviews Mohammad Ali

Remember Norman Gunston? He can adequately fill in for my lack of time to post a song today.

The Legendary Stardust Cowboy - "Paralyzed"

Years ago I got a book from the library called 'Songs in the Key of Z' by Irwin Chusid and it opened up a world of outsider music and artists that I (mostly) hadn't heard of. It was years later before I even got to hear some of the artists. For a start, the companion CD's were not available in NZ, and downloading wasn't an option back then. Now if I got another chance to read the book I could stream the music as I'm reading about it... you can't knock new technology. Ever since I started Bitter FM an outsider music show was on the cards. However, a guest DJ known as Uncle Muz, put together a show that was perfect. It covered all the artists and it was clear a lot of his interest also came from reading Irwin Chusid's book. One such artist was The Legendary Stardust Cowboy. His song "Paralyzed" just has to be heard.



David Bowie explains his affection and where the name Ziggy Stardust came from.



The other legend Irwin Chusid talking about the book and some of the artists.

Dirty Projectors - "Gun Has No Trigger"

Dirty Projectors released their seventh album 'Swing Lo Magellan' recently and the first single "Gun Has No Trigger" didn't do much for me after the first listen. They have always been a bit of an enigma to me, songs like "Stillness Is the Move" blowing me away, and then not warming so much to other material. "Gun Has No Trigger" as mentioned earlier, was like another song of theirs that I didn't quite get... well, until a couple of listens later, when I more than got it. In fact, I couldn't get enough of it. Maybe I've just been too impatient with them in the past. The album will be the real test and I suspect that they will win me over.

Bjork - "I love to love" (1976)

All I can say about this is... thank god they didn't have those reality 'got talent' or 'idol' shows back in 1976. She may never have recovered from some has-been diva or pseudo celebrity telling her what they thought of this performance. Although, the more I think about, she probably would have attacked one of them, even at that young age. This recording actually got her signed to record a solo album a year later... but there is no surprise that it would be no more than novelty value today. By the time she was in the band 'The Sugarcubes' her real talent was apparent.



Below - Bjork says something like "I am very religious - but I have my own religion"... That sounds like the Bjork we know today.

Anna Coddington - "Bolt"

The Olympics have taken over this blog - so here is just one more Olympics themed blog post and then I'll move on. Usain Bolt won the 200m to complete the double. Is this guy amazing or what? There should be a song about him! Well there is... it's called "Bolt" and it is by Anna Coddington. She wrote it after the 2008 Olympics when she had become a little bit obsessed with Usain Bolt (like most of us). The song is from the perspective of his girlfriend (although she had no idea if he even had one) sitting back in Jamaica while he becomes the superstar he now is. She is so proud of him, but at the same time, fearful of his success effecting their relationship.



Lyrics

BOLT

Run, run, he runs very fast
He wins, wins every race
He turns around before the finish line
to watch the others cry

He prays to God, thinks of his sweetheart
He left sitting under palm trees
She looks up and sees a strong wind
and she thinks of

him

Run, run but don’t leave me
My life is not easy
I want the best for you
but I have dreams too
Why can’t we both win?

She’s so proud it breaks her both ways
Her whole life she ached for him
To dream big and live the good life,
but live it by my side

Run, run but don’t leave me
My life is not easy
I want the best for you
but I have dreams too
Why can’t we both win?

Go the Fuck to Sleep - Read by Samuel L. Jackson

Okay, too many late nights watching the Olympics. Tonight I'm going to get some sleep. All I need is a good book... maybe an audiobook. Here's one read by Samuel L. Jackson... looks interesting enough. It's obviously more for kids but it will do.

Usain Bolt sings some Bob Marley with James McOnie

The Olympic games from the other side of the world = Sleep deprivation and unfinished jobs... but I'm not complaining. Here is a quick post that combines the Olympics with a little bit of Bob Marley from the fastest man in the world.

NANCY SINATRA - "Sugar Town"

One of the best Nancy Sinatra songs that doesn't feature Lee Hazlewood. Although, he did write and produce it. Probably the greatest LSD song recorded and one that would've been quite risque in 1966, you would think... well, it seems the record company were none the wiser. I shu shu shu, shu shu shu shushushu sure love this song.

From Scratch - "GUNG HO 1,2,3d"

From Scratch were an avant garde performance band. They use home made instruments which are primarily percussion based and here on "Gung Ho 1, 2, 3d" they chose PVC pipes as the prominent instrument - along with drums and chimes. The gung ho in the title was derived from the slogan of the 'Chinese Industrial Cooperative Society' meaning "Work Together".... the triangle in a circle was a gung ho symbol and From Scratch recreated that with their live performances. "Gung Ho 1, 2, 3d" was originally released in 1983 and was performed by Geoff Chapple, Philip Dadson, Wayne Laird and Don McGlashan. It would be great to see a reunion tour at some stage... who knows? maybe Plumbing World would even choose to sponsor it.

Shed Seven - "Going For Gold"

It has been a long time coming - but we finally got our first gold medal at the London Olympics. Hopefully we can emulate that effort with another one or two in the rowing tomorrow night. Where ever you are reading this from, I hope your Olympic team are doing you proud as well.

John Cage - 4'33"

John Cage was an American experimental composer and was an important avant-garde figure in the 20th century. Possibly best known now for his composition 4'33" from 1952. It is a three movement piece for any instrument or combination of instruments. Okay, I'm not going to break this down too much. Basically, it is three pieces of silence over the combined time of four minutes and thirty three seconds. I had never actually heard a performance of this until now... is that an oxymoron?

Mr Wright - "The Moon And The Stars"

Kevin Wright released his second album 'Star Time' under the Mr Wright name in 1999. It was released on the Le Grand Magistery label and I think it was a compilation from the label that introduced me to this song "The Moon And The Stars" from the album. It is typical of the Le Grand Magistery sound. The lounge baroque pop arrangements but on this one there are some elements of Euro-style Bossa Nova coming through. Enchantingly nice.

Rachmaninov/Eric Carmen - "Piano concerto No.2 (Adagio sostenuto)"/All By Myself

Rachmaninov composed his Piano Concerto No. 2 between 1900 and 1901 and 75 years later a hit song from Eric Carmen "All By Myself" was based on a melody from that concerto. In fact, Eric Carmen had written the piano solo first (which is part of the full version of the hit song) and then after listening to his favourite composer, Rachmaninov, he decided to incorporate the beautiful melody, we all now know, into the song. Not quite finished yet, he went back to the first few notes of the chorus of "Let's Pretend" from his previous band 'The Raspberries' for the chorus of "All By Myself" but that is much more subtle than the borrowed Rachmaninov melody. He even used a Rachmaninov melody for his follow up solo hit "Never Gonna To Fall In Love Again." If you have ever heard the full version of "All By Myself" other than the edited single, you would've guessed that he was classically trained. That is why I respected him more than his AM radio/power ballad peers. This connection also got me to seek out some Rachmaninov music years later.




"All By Myself" - Eric Carmen



"Let's Pretend" - The Raspberries

I Monster - "The Best"

The Olympic games are suddenly upon us and here is the unofficial unofficial song of the 2012 London Olympics. Tina Turner's anthem "Simply the Best" yes, the one heard at every sports stadium, has had a much needed makeover by I Monster. Gold medal performance.

Memphis Minnie - "When The Levee Breaks"

Memphis Minnie recorded this blues classic "When The Levee Breaks" in 1929 with her husband Kansas Joe McCoy. They wrote it about the Great Mississippi Flood a couple of years earlier. The flood effected many lives and was the subject matter for many Delta Blues songs for the decade or so after. It was written primarily about the Greenville, Mississippi area, where thousands of people were evacuated to the protection of another levee on higher ground. However, over the years it has become an ode to the Mississippi State and further. A telling reminder of the hardship they have endured. I don't really even need to mention Hurricane Katrina... we know the damage that did to the levees in New Orleans. A topical song that will keep coming back... particularly for those folks along the Mississippi.



Led Zeppelin recorded a version of "When The Levee Breaks" in 1970 for the Led Zeppelin IV album. Unfortunately it may be remembered more for its great drum sound than the origin of the song itself. The opening drum riff has been sampled on dozens of songs by Beastie Boys, Eminem, Bjork and Massive Attack, to name a few.

Led Zeppelin - "When The Levee Breaks"

Miss Li - "I can´t get you off my mind"

Miss Li has already appeared on this blog so I will spare you the minor details about her prolific musical career which started in 2006 with her first single "Oh Boy" (the other Miss Li post on this blog). In 2011 she released her fifth album 'Beats and Bruises' and one of the singles from it was "I can´t get you off my mind" an exceptional pop song that I can't get off my mind.

The Vaselines - "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam"

1986 - Edinburgh: The Vaselines formed.

1987/1988 - Edinburgh: They released the 'Son of a Gun' EP and 'Dying For It' EP respectively. (the latter EP featured "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam")

1989 - Edinburgh: They released their debut album 'Dum Dum' and then broke up.

1990 - Edinburgh: They reformed to open for Nirvana when they played in that city... after Kurt Cobain had revealed his love of their music.

1992 - Seattle: Nirvana released the 'Incesticide' compilation, which featured two Vaselines covers "Son of a Gun' and 'Molly's Lips".

1993 - New York: Nirvana recorded the 'MTV Unplugged in New York' album, which was released the following year. They covered The Vaselines' "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam" for that album.

1994 - The World: Now we all love them as well.

(there is more but I think I've made my point)




A more recent (reformed) performance.

David Dundas - "Jeans On"

I went to a great Double Denim party on saturday night and for some strange reason it led me to download this old one hit wonder "Jeans On" by David Dundas. Unfortunately time hasn't improved it one bit. Fatboy Slim gave it a little bit of credit when he sampled it on "Sho Nuff"



Fatboy Slim - "Sho Nuff"

Datarock - "Computer Camp Love"

"Computer Camp Love" has been on Bitter FM playlists for a few years but until now I had never seen the official video. The video paints a similar picture to the one in my head. In other words - it is a perfect accompaniment to this song. "Computer Camp Love" is a humorous computer nerd love song... but with a difference. The difference here is the exchange between the singer and the backing singers. This Norwegian electro-dance band have given young computer nerds a new anthem... even if it is an '80's retro' new anthem. And don't miss the cameo performance from our old friend Mr Commodore 64. 00001011000110010datarock0001100101000100

Yo La Tengo - "Periodically Double Or Triple"

Yo La Tengo have hardly failed to impress during their long career. The Alt-Rock band from Hoboken, New Jersey have been relatively underground since they formed in the mid 80's, while being critically acclaimed throughout. An interesting band with an interesting name... Yo La Tengo is Spanish for "I Have It" which was made famous by the New York Mets baseball team in the 60's after a couple of players kept colliding while taking a catch. The Spanish speaking player wouldn't respond to "I Got It" and the collision wasn't avoided until the English speaking player started yelling it out in Spanish. Yo La Tengo's 2009 album 'Popular Songs' lived up to it's name, well, with "Periodically Double Or Triple" at least. It has a funky organ groove like a 60's soul train... a nice change of tempo that doesn't go unnoticed.

Shelby Lynne - "Black Light Blue"

Shelby Lynne seemed to come from nowhere in 1999 with the release of her album 'I Am Shelby Lynne' but she had actually previously released five albums before that breakthrough album. While she may be remembered now as a contemporary artist similar to Sheryl Crow, this album did show some signs of her ability as a soul singer (more Dusty in Memphis than Aretha). In fact, she released a Dusty Springfield tribute album 'Just a Little Lovin' in 2008, which was no real surprise to anyone who bought 'I Am Shelby Lynne.' The closing track is the laid back, string-laden "Black Light Blue" - a perfect slice of white soul. To be honest I don't often go back to the 'I Am Shelby Lynne' album anymore... but I definitely go back to "Black Light Blue". Shelby in Memphis!

The Clean - "Thumbs Off"

"Thumbs Off" is a classic track from The Clean's groundbreaking, and much sought after, 'Boodle Boodle Boodle' EP. This EP was what really kick-started the Flying Nun label and The Dunedin Sound genre gained momentum from here onwards (although, the genre wasn't really established at this point). It was in the NZ singles chart for months (even though it was a 12" EP)... so it is surprising that a good copy can now fetch over $100. Maybe because most people with a copy do not want to part with it. My first 'Clean' purchase was the next EP 'Great Sounds Great, Good Sounds Good, So-so Sounds So-so, Bad Sounds Bad, Rotten Sounds Rotten' released a year later. Maybe this one will become the nugget for collectors one day but I wouldn't be parting with my copy.

Jane Birkin et Serge Gainsbourg - "Je T'aime,...Moi Non Plus"

It is Bastille day and just because we are on the other side of the world it doesn't mean we shouldn't acknowledge it. It may be reasonably predictable to post this song but "Je T'aime,...Moi Non Plus" is the ultimate French hit. Serge Gainsbourg was the definitive French artist... well since Debussy, Ravel, Satie, Piaf and Brel... and unsurpassed since. "Je T'aime,...Moi Non Plus" was not without controversy at the time of its release, for obvious reasons, and that may have contributed to it's international success. But a brilliant song will always be just that, successful or not. Serge himself, was more disappointed his more serious musical output was ignored after the success of the song in Britain. "Je T'aime,...Moi Non Plus" I Love it, Nor do I.

Concrete Blonde - "Bloodletting (The Vampire Song)"

It's friday the 13th and Concrete Blonde's "Bloodletting (The Vampire Song)" seems appropriate for today's post. However, I must admit, it is more so for the video someone has created to accompany this song.

Patti Smith - "After The Gold Rush"

Patti Smith's latest album 'Banga' is up there with her masterpiece 'Horses'... big call, I know. But I'm sticking with that call. 'Banga' has all the attributes we would expect from a younger Patti Smith... particularly her poetic and literary style. So it is impressive that she is still doing this at 65. There are tributes throughout the album - Amy Winehouse, Maria Schneider and Johnny Depp are three such recipients. The title track is named after the dog in Mikhail Bulgakov's novel The Master and Margarita... and there are many more literary references throughout the album. The closing track "After The Gold Rush" is something that shouldn't really fit alongside the other tracks but somehow embellishes the album or adds a lighter shade of grey to the darkness. She is not reinventing the wheel or giving "After The Gold Rush" a "Gloria"-like makeover, as in 'Horses.' The tempo is much like the Neil Young original but the acoustic guitar is replaced with piano... and by the time the children join in the chorus near the end, there may even be a tear in your eye.



An explanation of "After The Gold Rush" from Patti Smith.

Das Tub

Bugger, I knew I shouldn't have started watching that late movie on Rialto. No time for a song today. But speaking of movies... how about another short film from the 'Your Film Festival' on Youtube. This one is a local entry called 'Das Tub.' Enjoy.

Lawrence Arabia - "Travelling Shoes"

Lawrence Arabia has a new album 'The Sparrow' out now and the first single from it is "Travelling Shoes," which sounds not too distant from "Apple Pie Bed" from his previous album 'Chant Darling.' However, 'The Sparrow' is a move into new territory of lush strings and horns. A recording process with real instruments and no computer programming, which, at times, sounds like it is straight out the 60's or 70's. A sensational album with "Travelling Shoes" merely setting the stage. His magnum opus.

Blind Benny - "No Honor"

Blind Benny are a New York duo featuring singer Jade and guitarist/producer Jonathan Carmelli. "No Honor" is from the forthcoming 'No Honor' EP. It is an acoustically driven song but not in the typical singer/songwriter way. The guitar is somewhat unassuming but the atmosphere elsewhere, vocals included, is the opposite. Spooky and melancholic.

The Beatles - "Fool on the Hill" (take 4)

Okay, I am not going to tell you anything about the Beatles because you either know more than me anyway or you could google and find out as much as you want to. If you are either young enough to never have bought any Beatles material or just not really a big fan, here is a great place to start. There are a million compilations and best of's but my recommendation is the Beatles Anthology 2. This double album won't give you a hit by hit anthology found elsewhere but for the music fan out there this is the best potpourri of Beatles bits and pieces including some great out-takes like this fourth take of "Fool On The Hill"... If you only buy or download one Beatles album this is the one. Let's face it, if you are a serious fan you will already have 'Rubber Soul' and 'Revolver.'

Hot Chip - "I feel Bonnie" feat. Bonnie Prince Billy

Hot Chip's collaboration with Bonnie Prince Billy was a surprise pairing that turned out to be better than what could've been expected... I suppose it was the unexpected that won over. "I feel Bonnie" is actually a reworking of the Hot Chip single "I Feel Better" but with Will Oldham (Bonnie Prince Billy) jumping on board and basically doing what he does. Which is always great, I must add. The end result was fucking epic, to put it lightly.