Download Episode (12.5 mb)
Isn’t it funny that more songs in this episode were released in the seventies than eighties? Yes, three 1978 songs are featured in this suppose-ed eighties snapshot. Why you don’t ask? Well why not? My standards have dropped already, so why not push them further? No I think the main reason is debut-album syndrome. The condition so many bands have where they struggle to beat the quality of their first album. So while most of the artists here would belong best to the eighties, they’re best song may be found elsewhere. Now previously I would have picked a different song or stuck them in a different decade but as you can imagine, being so far into the series, this luxury of options is no longer with me. Right then, that’s out of the way. Having to pick my 20th artist for this decade, I really struggled. You’d think that in the allotted 315360000 seconds (plus many more thanks to lax standards) there would be more than enough artists eager to fill these coveted spots. Well there is. It is my own tastes and striving for quality that makes my life so hard but thankfully it pays off and the music you see here today is still some of the best this decade has to offer.
The Stone Roses – She Bangs The Drums
Being awarded #1 British album of all time is a pretty impressive honour. Even if Artic Monkeys did come 5th and the list was compiled by NME, it still means it’s a pretty good album. Well this honour was given to The Stone Roses’ debut album and it is indeed pretty good. While I wouldn’t rank it as the best, it contains many quality songs including this. It is a catchy tune, with a great sound reminiscent of the Britpop that came after it.
The Police – Roxanne
The Police have an odd blend of genre’s - rock and reggae. However popularity will prove that it works and it is perfectly represented in this song. Starting off with a slow Rastafarian melody, it’s launch into the faster chorus is great. Though not a favourite band by any means, I actually know a few of their songs quite well. The same I can’t say for lead singer Sting, whose solo career has led me only to know of, not to know
Elvis Costello – Pump it up
This is an extremely popular song for obvious reasons. Its catchy synth riff is surrounded by a solid rock tune, dripping with toe-tapping goodness, making it virtually ununlovable. It’s so catchy it seems that a recent artist, too horrible for me to know the name of, decided to rip the riff off verbatim. It almost ruined this song for me, but thankfully the film clip prevented this. Costello’s dancing ability is so unorthodox it’s simply hilarious, a must see for all.
Happy Mondays – 24 Hour Party People
Here by popular demand is 24 hour party people, a weird song by a weird band. The slurred vocals, barely recognisable as singing would normally never make it to the studio. The dirty mix of 80’s synth, slicey guitar and pounding drums are great but would not normally be seen as anything special. No, what makes this song so good is the people who made it, the Happy Mondays. Never a moment not on one drug or another, these guys got up to some pretty crazy stuff. Best of all, a permanent member of the band does nothing but dance. That’s right, on stage, every performance, just dancing. For proof of these antics, watch the film by the same name, perhaps the most well-crafted documentary I’ve ever seen.
B-52s – Rock Lobster
Now I’ve heard people claim that this song drags on. If you are one of the people who feel this, you are missing the point. For not only is this the king of party music, but it is laced with a deep and moving narrative. So next time it sounds like it’s about to finish, don’t regret that it’s only halfway through, revel in the prospect of hearing the next chapter in the legendary Rock Lobster story.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Abstract Happiness (70's)
Download Episode (13.9 mb)
Four episodes in and the love keeps flowing from the seventies’ jar. Not only the love but also the big names. That said, you should probably be told that this will indeed be the last 70s episode I do. Yes it’s sad but options are getting a bit thin and besides, I’m sick to do death of this whole series. But fear not, in my self-righteous quest to help those less fortunate than myself, I will continue to the end. As I’ve mentioned before and probably never needed to, the 70s was experimental and confusing time (yes it IS possible to classify such a large (well no larger than the standard) decade with an endless (only an approximation of course) list of diverse people and happenings in such a simple way) and the result was the emergence of some odd musicians trying to find and portray meaning in their own special way. While this doesn’t apply to all here it applies to some and that’s a highly probable fact. Actually I don’t think I’ll try to explain the connection and bond between these artists and leave it up to each of you to discover it for yourselves. But take my word, it exists, it exists in all of us.
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama
For some reason I seem to associate Lynyrd Skynyrd with a person, but no they are many. Also my knowledge of them extends no further than and stems only from this song. But oh what a song it is- as classic as they come and must know for all. This would have to be one of my favourite, and therefore best, songs of Southern USA stylings.
Pink Floyd – Money
I am slowly but surely warming to Pink Floyd. It’s not that I dislike them; I just don’t get excited by them. However I’m beginning to uncover their genius, primarily through Dark Side of the Moon. What I can tell you about the band is rather limited. Though in order to maintain my cherished illusion that I’m all-knowing I will do it anyway, spreading mistruths and offending fans in the process. While they could probably be described as rock music they had a wide variety of styles, usually characterised by the lead singer at the time. They are also well known for their musical experimentation, elaborate live shows, philosophical lyrics and abstract cover art. Listening to this song, I can’t help but draw parallels to John Lennon but of course this is nothing but good, a statement true to the whole song.
Billy Joel – Piano Man
You can’t go wrong with both a harmonica AND a piano. Billy Joel, predominately through this song has greatly contributed to my love of both mediums. Other than its great sound, in instrument and voice, the other strongpoint of this song is its lyrics. As a true ballad should be, I am truly interested in lives of each character as they’re introduced which serves to make this song a well balanced pleasure.
George Harrison – Crackerbox Palace
The problem with my one-song-per-artist policy is that while these post-Beatles are deserving in their own right, I’d probably pick more Beatles’ songs over their solo work. Looking at it in a positive light, at least it’s a chance to present some lesser-known material. I thought it a bit much to include three ex-Beatles and while Paul may have done more in the together-era his contributions since are less notable (in my humblest of opinions)….there was a fourth member you say?....... George, the late-bloomer, preferred quality to over quantity or possibly he just struggled to write but either way he has produced some great songs. I was tossing up between this and All Things Must Pass and while the latter may be great, the fact he was successfully sued for copying another artist with it weakens it just a tad. Instead you are presented with the equally great, if perhaps a tad silly, but still great, Crackerbox Palace.
Three Dog Night – Joy To The World
While many notable pieces contended, I could not find a song I was completely happy with for this coveted fifth spot. That being said, which it surely has been, this is still a great song. The tune is unique, the intro exciting and the remaining positively uplifting. It nicely contrasts the serious nature of the songs before it, for as you all know; I can sometimes get a bit depressing with my song selection.
Four episodes in and the love keeps flowing from the seventies’ jar. Not only the love but also the big names. That said, you should probably be told that this will indeed be the last 70s episode I do. Yes it’s sad but options are getting a bit thin and besides, I’m sick to do death of this whole series. But fear not, in my self-righteous quest to help those less fortunate than myself, I will continue to the end. As I’ve mentioned before and probably never needed to, the 70s was experimental and confusing time (yes it IS possible to classify such a large (well no larger than the standard) decade with an endless (only an approximation of course) list of diverse people and happenings in such a simple way) and the result was the emergence of some odd musicians trying to find and portray meaning in their own special way. While this doesn’t apply to all here it applies to some and that’s a highly probable fact. Actually I don’t think I’ll try to explain the connection and bond between these artists and leave it up to each of you to discover it for yourselves. But take my word, it exists, it exists in all of us.
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama
For some reason I seem to associate Lynyrd Skynyrd with a person, but no they are many. Also my knowledge of them extends no further than and stems only from this song. But oh what a song it is- as classic as they come and must know for all. This would have to be one of my favourite, and therefore best, songs of Southern USA stylings.
Pink Floyd – Money
I am slowly but surely warming to Pink Floyd. It’s not that I dislike them; I just don’t get excited by them. However I’m beginning to uncover their genius, primarily through Dark Side of the Moon. What I can tell you about the band is rather limited. Though in order to maintain my cherished illusion that I’m all-knowing I will do it anyway, spreading mistruths and offending fans in the process. While they could probably be described as rock music they had a wide variety of styles, usually characterised by the lead singer at the time. They are also well known for their musical experimentation, elaborate live shows, philosophical lyrics and abstract cover art. Listening to this song, I can’t help but draw parallels to John Lennon but of course this is nothing but good, a statement true to the whole song.
Billy Joel – Piano Man
You can’t go wrong with both a harmonica AND a piano. Billy Joel, predominately through this song has greatly contributed to my love of both mediums. Other than its great sound, in instrument and voice, the other strongpoint of this song is its lyrics. As a true ballad should be, I am truly interested in lives of each character as they’re introduced which serves to make this song a well balanced pleasure.
George Harrison – Crackerbox Palace
The problem with my one-song-per-artist policy is that while these post-Beatles are deserving in their own right, I’d probably pick more Beatles’ songs over their solo work. Looking at it in a positive light, at least it’s a chance to present some lesser-known material. I thought it a bit much to include three ex-Beatles and while Paul may have done more in the together-era his contributions since are less notable (in my humblest of opinions)….there was a fourth member you say?....... George, the late-bloomer, preferred quality to over quantity or possibly he just struggled to write but either way he has produced some great songs. I was tossing up between this and All Things Must Pass and while the latter may be great, the fact he was successfully sued for copying another artist with it weakens it just a tad. Instead you are presented with the equally great, if perhaps a tad silly, but still great, Crackerbox Palace.
Three Dog Night – Joy To The World
While many notable pieces contended, I could not find a song I was completely happy with for this coveted fifth spot. That being said, which it surely has been, this is still a great song. The tune is unique, the intro exciting and the remaining positively uplifting. It nicely contrasts the serious nature of the songs before it, for as you all know; I can sometimes get a bit depressing with my song selection.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Unloved Gold (60's)
Download Episode (10.0 mb)
Doing this episode has been a shameful experience for me, as it has made me realise how little I know about these excellent bands. I’ve had their music for ages and known all along that they’re good, yet never given them the time they deserve. So when I went to pick songs to use, I was repeatedly slapped in the face by my ignorance. Going through their catalogues of great music to find the best would simply take too long. Similarly using other people’s suggestions would be a shallow representation, as it would just be pushing my bullshitting skills to an all-new height. Instead I’m going to present the songs that I have always known, in many cases the popular favourites, which while not be the best, are great nonetheless. And for the future I encourage you to go out and listen to these artists in more depth for while you may think you know them you…er…might not….so do it!
The Kinks – You Really Got Me
This song is known far and wide yet it really is a misrepresentation of the main musical stylings. But then come to think of it no song could sum them up due their rather wide variety of output. So ignore what I just said and note this – The Kinks are silly. Listening to many of their songs you can imagine them being seamlessly integrated into a playschool skit. Thankfully we all know that genius can often be found in the simplest and silliest music, something The Kinks manage to pull off, creating some truly compelling listening.
Donovan – Get Thy Bearings
For so long I knew this song and nothing else, for so long I Knew Dononvan but didn’t really. For while this song is great and remains cherished, listening to his other music has shown me how good he is. While I never previously thought it plausible I would have to say that Donovan is one of the top 5 60’s artists you NEED to know. A list, that for reasons that should not be taken for granted, could never really be compiled. A truly great songwriter and/or storyteller is he.
Creedance Clearwater Revival – Fortunate Son
This band is the absolute favourite of my uncle. Why would a man, at prime listening age during the golden 1960’s have picked this band out of the many?
Well because they’re good. Releasing six great albums in just two and a half years they managed to include just as much quality as they did quantity. John Fogerty, to which most credit can be accredited had a knack for creating clean and simple American rock n roll. Not only do they have many well-known hits such as this but they have so much more just waiting to be discovered.
The Rolling Stones – Satisfaction
Arguably the one band big enough to pose any challenge to The Beatle’s spot at the top of the ladder, they are more of a cult favourite thanks to their dark and dirty, ‘in your face’ nature in comparison to the generally family-friendly latter. However their underground status has become more mainstream in recent years with Mick Jagger appearing left, right and centre despite his stereotypically ugly British appearance. While he may be big and influential, I really can’t see the justification behind knighting him, what with all his glorification of sex and drugs and not to mention sympathy for the devil. Though one thing’s for sure, they are indeed big and influential, made clear by their ability to sell a stadium’s worth of tickets starting at prices higher than even the biggest bands would ever dream of. You don’t want to know how much it costs to both hear AND see them.
Like A Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan
My decision to use this song came seconds before all decisions were set in stone with it taking the place of the more upbeat “Highway 61”. For I feel this is a much betterer summation of what he’s about. The folk legend, the documenter, the commentator and often the epitome of American unrest is Bob Dylan. His voice may not be the greatest and he defies all the pop conventions but this what makes him good. Well actually a better voice wouldn’t hurt but this is irrelevant, his musical craftsmanship and lyrical genius allow him to make the strangely pleasant music he’s renowned for. This song in particular is great example of his deep ballads laced with brilliant melodies and a lovable straining voice.
Doing this episode has been a shameful experience for me, as it has made me realise how little I know about these excellent bands. I’ve had their music for ages and known all along that they’re good, yet never given them the time they deserve. So when I went to pick songs to use, I was repeatedly slapped in the face by my ignorance. Going through their catalogues of great music to find the best would simply take too long. Similarly using other people’s suggestions would be a shallow representation, as it would just be pushing my bullshitting skills to an all-new height. Instead I’m going to present the songs that I have always known, in many cases the popular favourites, which while not be the best, are great nonetheless. And for the future I encourage you to go out and listen to these artists in more depth for while you may think you know them you…er…might not….so do it!
The Kinks – You Really Got Me
This song is known far and wide yet it really is a misrepresentation of the main musical stylings. But then come to think of it no song could sum them up due their rather wide variety of output. So ignore what I just said and note this – The Kinks are silly. Listening to many of their songs you can imagine them being seamlessly integrated into a playschool skit. Thankfully we all know that genius can often be found in the simplest and silliest music, something The Kinks manage to pull off, creating some truly compelling listening.
Donovan – Get Thy Bearings
For so long I knew this song and nothing else, for so long I Knew Dononvan but didn’t really. For while this song is great and remains cherished, listening to his other music has shown me how good he is. While I never previously thought it plausible I would have to say that Donovan is one of the top 5 60’s artists you NEED to know. A list, that for reasons that should not be taken for granted, could never really be compiled. A truly great songwriter and/or storyteller is he.
Creedance Clearwater Revival – Fortunate Son
This band is the absolute favourite of my uncle. Why would a man, at prime listening age during the golden 1960’s have picked this band out of the many?
Well because they’re good. Releasing six great albums in just two and a half years they managed to include just as much quality as they did quantity. John Fogerty, to which most credit can be accredited had a knack for creating clean and simple American rock n roll. Not only do they have many well-known hits such as this but they have so much more just waiting to be discovered.
The Rolling Stones – Satisfaction
Arguably the one band big enough to pose any challenge to The Beatle’s spot at the top of the ladder, they are more of a cult favourite thanks to their dark and dirty, ‘in your face’ nature in comparison to the generally family-friendly latter. However their underground status has become more mainstream in recent years with Mick Jagger appearing left, right and centre despite his stereotypically ugly British appearance. While he may be big and influential, I really can’t see the justification behind knighting him, what with all his glorification of sex and drugs and not to mention sympathy for the devil. Though one thing’s for sure, they are indeed big and influential, made clear by their ability to sell a stadium’s worth of tickets starting at prices higher than even the biggest bands would ever dream of. You don’t want to know how much it costs to both hear AND see them.
Like A Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan
My decision to use this song came seconds before all decisions were set in stone with it taking the place of the more upbeat “Highway 61”. For I feel this is a much betterer summation of what he’s about. The folk legend, the documenter, the commentator and often the epitome of American unrest is Bob Dylan. His voice may not be the greatest and he defies all the pop conventions but this what makes him good. Well actually a better voice wouldn’t hurt but this is irrelevant, his musical craftsmanship and lyrical genius allow him to make the strangely pleasant music he’s renowned for. This song in particular is great example of his deep ballads laced with brilliant melodies and a lovable straining voice.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Festival Of Talent (00's)
Download Episode (10.8mb)
As seems to be happening more often as the weeks go by, this episode has absolutely no theme. These artists have nothing in common other than they made music in the current decade. But of course, in this instance it is a positively good thing. There’s a wide spread of musical styles, everywhere on the globe that matters is represented and there’s a mix of beginning, flourishing and dying bands. What more could one ask for? Grab a refreshingly smooth Vanilla Coke and you’re life will be complete
Bloc Party – Banquet
It’s often the first song you hear that becomes your favourite, whether it’s the best or not. This is the case with Banquet by Bloc Party, everybody’s favourite multicultural band. It took me so long to get into these guys it isn’t funny. I liked this song and a couple others but the album just bored me. Every chance I gave it just resulted in disappointment. Once I stopped trying however, it slowly warmed to me. This song has such a catchy beat I challenge you not to tap along!
The Whitlams – Royal In The Afternoon
Have you felt disappointed when a harmonica solo’s come in? No, no one has, it’s just one of those weird musical facts. The same goes for piano, you rarely hear it done badly and so is a pleasure to hear. The Whitlams, most notably Tim Freeman, have captured this piano-y goodness over the years and made some lovable songs in the process. It’s ironic then that with this intro I’ve gone with a song that doesn’t really centre round the piano, a great song none-the-less.
Modest Mouse – Float On
From the moment of that drum intro you know you’re in for a good time. Modest Mouse aren’t exactly the most accessible band around, with rough vocals and unorthodox melodies however this is an example of what they’re capable of. If you enjoy this I encourage you to explore their earlier stuff but I should warn you, it’s a jungle in there.
Millencolin – Penguins And Polarbears
Not many bands can claim the title of my first live band. Well in fact only one can, and Millencolin is they. Their fast paced, catchy music was perfect for my impressionable young mind and to this day they remain a favourite. Come to think of it, I can’t think of a band that I’ve paid to go see since this that hasn’t been part of a festival. That really is a horrible record, but being the unemployed, underage chap I am, I’ll take all the value I can get. In a months time things won’t have changed either, other than that I’ll have to live with the fact that I legally could have gone and seen that band at the metro last night but was simply to poor. It’s a hard life.
The Arcade Fire – Wake Up
If they used this song to wake people up in the morning then the world would be one active place. The energy they create with their strong voices and grand orchestral backing is simply uplifting, exciting even, no invigorating! I really am beginning to understand why this album was raved about so much around the world. It gets better with every listen. I eagerly await the next instalment and/or a tour of Australia, for I would not hesitate to tap into my precious funds for them.
As seems to be happening more often as the weeks go by, this episode has absolutely no theme. These artists have nothing in common other than they made music in the current decade. But of course, in this instance it is a positively good thing. There’s a wide spread of musical styles, everywhere on the globe that matters is represented and there’s a mix of beginning, flourishing and dying bands. What more could one ask for? Grab a refreshingly smooth Vanilla Coke and you’re life will be complete
Bloc Party – Banquet
It’s often the first song you hear that becomes your favourite, whether it’s the best or not. This is the case with Banquet by Bloc Party, everybody’s favourite multicultural band. It took me so long to get into these guys it isn’t funny. I liked this song and a couple others but the album just bored me. Every chance I gave it just resulted in disappointment. Once I stopped trying however, it slowly warmed to me. This song has such a catchy beat I challenge you not to tap along!
The Whitlams – Royal In The Afternoon
Have you felt disappointed when a harmonica solo’s come in? No, no one has, it’s just one of those weird musical facts. The same goes for piano, you rarely hear it done badly and so is a pleasure to hear. The Whitlams, most notably Tim Freeman, have captured this piano-y goodness over the years and made some lovable songs in the process. It’s ironic then that with this intro I’ve gone with a song that doesn’t really centre round the piano, a great song none-the-less.
Modest Mouse – Float On
From the moment of that drum intro you know you’re in for a good time. Modest Mouse aren’t exactly the most accessible band around, with rough vocals and unorthodox melodies however this is an example of what they’re capable of. If you enjoy this I encourage you to explore their earlier stuff but I should warn you, it’s a jungle in there.
Millencolin – Penguins And Polarbears
Not many bands can claim the title of my first live band. Well in fact only one can, and Millencolin is they. Their fast paced, catchy music was perfect for my impressionable young mind and to this day they remain a favourite. Come to think of it, I can’t think of a band that I’ve paid to go see since this that hasn’t been part of a festival. That really is a horrible record, but being the unemployed, underage chap I am, I’ll take all the value I can get. In a months time things won’t have changed either, other than that I’ll have to live with the fact that I legally could have gone and seen that band at the metro last night but was simply to poor. It’s a hard life.
The Arcade Fire – Wake Up
If they used this song to wake people up in the morning then the world would be one active place. The energy they create with their strong voices and grand orchestral backing is simply uplifting, exciting even, no invigorating! I really am beginning to understand why this album was raved about so much around the world. It gets better with every listen. I eagerly await the next instalment and/or a tour of Australia, for I would not hesitate to tap into my precious funds for them.
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