Hyena Redux

It's been too long...

2011-07-18T16:24:00.001-07:00

So, it's certainly been far too long. I won't waste valuable time with words this go 'round. Just right into the tunes and a hope that I'll be able to get back into this posting gig...

Stop & Listen-the Shag

East Side Story-Bob Seger and the Last Heard

Hey Little Bird-the Barbarians

Monkey Workout-Astro-Notes

Cuckoo Girl-Chico Holiday

I Need You Near-John English III & the Heathens

Whatcha Gonna Do-Sunday Funnies

Something-Tony Worsley

Linda-the Starfires

Say Darlin'-the troggs

The guy with the Long Liverpool Hair-the Outsiders

Cavern Stomp-Big Three

Covers and Cover Albums: Wherein our author tries to muddle the difference.

2010-11-13T11:20:00.000-08:00

Yeah, soooo...I'm obsessed with cover songs. Anyone who knows me is entirely aware of this, and yet they continue to allow me to listen to music in the vicinity of their ears. Fools.

Anyhoo, Ima try and answer a question that Dave of the North asked recently. He had the gall to ask me what my favorite Cover Album was! That's right, singular. That cheeky bastard, like I could pick just one even if I could generally define what a Cover Album was.

So, for the sake of everyone else and their sanity, I will concoct a somewhat scatterbrained reply.

You see, I run the gamut from Classic Cover Albums like "Where the Pyramid Meets the Eye: A Tribute to Roky Erickson" to "Burning London: Clash Tribute" to "12 Crass Songs" by Jeffrey Lewis to "Pin Ups" by David Bowie to "Dig" by the Coolies to "Hanky Panky" by The The...Yeah, I have a lot of covers to choose from.

For a sampling, I will include something from each album I choose along with a few covers that don't fill the niche of belonging on a cover album. I only hope you don't rethink that part of letting me play music in the vicinity of your ears...

My first pick: "Dig" by the coolies- The only thing holding this back from being the greatest Simon & Garfunkel cover album ever is the fact that a lone Paul Anka tune is thrown in. I choose to think of that song as a bonus track and just keep right on loving the Simon & Garfunkel greatness. I've loved this album from the first listen and that loved has not waned in the decades since.

the Coolies-Cecilia

"Robyn Sings" by Robyn Hitchcock- Mr. Hitchcock holds a place firmly on my list of great songwriters. One Mr. Bob Dylan also holds a place on that list. The fact that Hitchcock does an album of live Dylan covers? Yep, a pretty delicious disc to me. And to here Hitchcock claim that his favorite song, the one that got him to be a songwriter, is a Dylan tune...and then hear his take on it? Love.
Robyn Hitchcock-Visions of Johanna

"Apolyptica Plays Metallica by Four Cellos" by Apocalyptica- I'm definitely not a huge fan of Metallica, but I do like the cello. These songs are pretty awesome. To my ears, they sound much better than the originals.

Apocalyptica-Sad But True

"We Will Fall: the Iggy Pop Tribute" by V/A- There are definitely some gems on this one. Even if you aren't a fan of Iggy, I'm fairly certain you could find a song or two to like on here

Lunachicks-the Passenger

"Hanky Panky" by The The- I really like this band and I love Hank Williams. So it pretty much stands to reason I would like this.

The The- I Saw the Light

"Pin Ups" by David Bowie- Bowie is, to me, a very creative and talented man. I love his penchant for re-inventing himself and I love the way he re-invented some of these songs. I come back to this album quite a bit. Ray Davies, Syd Barrett, the Who...c'mon now, who wouldn't like this?
David Bowie-Where Have All The Good Times Gone?

So there you have a very wee tiny sampling of some of my favorites. There are a ton of others, but those will wait for another post on another day. As for now, please enjoy these cover songs that didn't come from a cover album...

the Morning Benders- He's A Rebel

the Spinto Band-Give Me Just A Little More Time

Let the voting actually be fun for a change!!!

2010-11-03T20:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, in honor of this voting season, I present to you a ballot that is far more enjoyable than anything at your local polling place. Below are the candidates, teamed up by title (or at the least nearly by title...) for your consideration. I hope we have a decent voter turnout. After all, it's your ears that will have to pay the price...

Spoon-Stay Don't Go

VS

Blondie-Just Go Away

_______________________________________________________________________________

The Nips-All the Time in the World

VS

Mick Harvey-Out of Time Man

_______________________________________________________________________________

the Jesus & Mary Chain-Happy When It Rains

VS

The Pogues-Sunny Side of the Street

_______________________________________________________________________________

Bonzo Dog Band-Hello Mabel

VS

Throwing Muses-Say Goodbye

_______________________________________________________________________________

Bauhaus-God In An Alcove

VS

Robyn Hitchcock-Sleeping With Your Devil Mask

_______________________________________________________________________________

The Cramps-Wilder Wilder, Faster Faster

VS

Julian Cope-Slow Rider

_______________________________________________________________________________

The Birthday Party-Mutiny In Heaven

VS

Reverend Beat Man-Back In Hell

_______________________________________________________________________________

Billy Childish & Holly Golightly-Upside Mine

VS

The Clash-I'm Not Down

_______________________________________________________________________________

The Replacements-Unsatisfied

VS

Old Line Skiffle Combo-I'm Satisfied With My Gal

_______________________________________________________________________________

The Flaming Stars-Ten Feet Tall

VS

Lemmy, Slim Jim and Danny B-Cut Across Shorty

_______________________________________________________________________________

Thee Milkshakes-I Dreamt Last Night (That I Lay Dead)

VS

Pylon-Look Alive

_______________________________________________________________________________

The Hitmen-I Didn't Want To Love You

VS

the Sensational Alex Harvey Band-I Just Want To Make Love To You

_______________________________________________________________________________

Buzzcocks-Why Can't I Touch It?

VS

Fastway-Feel Me, Touch Me (Do Anything You Want)

_______________________________________________________________________________

Results will be tallied and reported to the best abilities of the tireless and underpaid staff of volunteer vote counterupper guys. Thanks for your time, now go listen to some music...

Spoken like a...

2010-09-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not know, I am a fan of poetry. Some songs to me are poetic. In fact there are some songs that are more poetry than music to me. Not a shit tonne, but a few. Occasionaly, a poem put to music is just right for me. Case in point? The Yeats poem 'Stolen Child' done by the Waterboys. Anyoo, this is a bunch of tunes that are more spoken than sung and that I am at least as if not more appreciative of the lyrics. Maybe for the deeper meaning, maybe for the flow of words...maybe just because I like the way the singers voice makes the words sound. Who knows and who really cares? Most of these songs are nearly spoken word pieces and that sits alright with me.

the Waterboys-the Stolen Child

Ted Leo & the Pharmacists-Ballad of the Sin Eater

Blur-Park Life

They Might Be Giants-32 Footsteps

Soul Coughing-Collapse

Iggy Pop-Endless Sea

Nikki Sudden-Stay Bruised

Concrete Blonde-Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man

Diamanda Galas-Do You Take This Man

Wild Billy Childish & the Musicians of the British Empire-Joe Strummer's Grave

Toy Dolls-Spiders in the Dressing Room

Screaming Blue Messiahs-You're Gonna Change

Coyote Shivers-Plus One

Billy Bragg-the Saturday Boy

Flash and the Pan-Hey, St. Peter

Green On Red-the Ballad of Guy Fawkes

Ian Dury-There Ain't Half Been Some Clever Bastards

Velvet Underground-Rock'n'Roll

Just for fun.

2010-08-24T09:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I enjoy songs that don't have any real deep meaning at all or could even be considered lighthearted and cheeky. They're just fun songs that tickle my fancy and give me a bit of a chuckle. That being said, they are also, for the most part, pretty decent tunes in and of themselves. Sure, you probably won't find them shooting up any charts or hear them being whistled in the elevator, but is that really so bad? Without these kinds of songs life would be such a tedious existence, flitting back and forth between Bono and Wyclef with nary so much as a Doo-Dah Band to be found...

the Kongsmen-the Gorilla

Neil Conway-Lesbian Boxer Song

Sound Apparatus-Travel Agent Man

Zander Schloss-Salsa Y Ketchup

Splodgenessabounds-Two Pints of Lager

the Tiger Lillies-Gluttony

the Cat Empire-Fishies

Eat-Gyrate

Hamell On Trial-When Bobby Comes Down

the Moldy Peaches-Steak For Chicken

Ween-Push th' Little Daisies

Crispin Hellion Glover-the Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze

Great Big Sea-the Mermaid(I've had my share of ribbing for liking this band, but they're a fun, energetic live bunch. And this post is, after all, about fun...)

Jeffery Lewis-the Chelsea Hotel Oral Sex Song

Carolyn Mark & NQ Arbuckle-Too Sober to Sleep

Cobra Verde-Underpants

Love and Money-Candybar Express

GLS United-Rapper's Delight

Walter Brennan-Ruby

Z-My Beef Mailbox

"The only difference in a priest and rapist... They bang your children in the name of Jesus"

2010-07-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Often, when one hears the term "one man band" the image that is conjured is that of a man with a bass drum on his back, cymbals on his knees, bicycle horn clamped to an accordion...you know what I'm talking about. I'm different in the respect that, when I think of a one man band, I think of a possessed dervish completely immersed in music that defies categorization. That is the easiest way to describe SLR.

I've had the pleasure of listening to SLR for a while now and I often take for granted how good it is. That all changes each time I lay witness to a live show. I had such a pleasure recently and to top it off there were many guest musicians involved. Those of you who know me know of my love of horn sections and this show delivered with a very tight trio of air masters. And while it is always nice to see a respected and talented musician with other talented folks, I am convinced that the only reason SLR has a need for guests is because he just doesn't have enough room at his place for horns or other instruments. I am quite sure he could wrap ALL of the instruments into his repertoire and pull off an amazing gig.

Anyway, that being said SLR was joined by an array of guests that all seemed to utterly enjoy playing his tunes which is, more often than not, the makings of a fun and satisfying night of goodness. This night did not disappoint.

Trying to put a label to Stanley Lucas Revolution is difficult in that each song becomes it's own tangible, sentient being. From the funk tinged guitar intro of 'Hey Charles' to the bittersweet sentiments of 'We still Love Them' to the slow-groove mojo of 'This World' to the quiet questioning of 'New Stone 40' no song is unable to stand of its own accord. And when you hear these songs live...no, when you experience these songs live, you will be instantly inducted into the cult of SLR. Rest assured, the lyrics are as up to snuff as the music. Current without being dated and as thoughtful as one could wish for. They bridge the gaps from social to personal to cultural to metaphorical with an ease that's often lacking in today's musical atmosphere.

When you become a fan, as I'm sure you will, you'll be in good company. All those others that hear the songs and know, in their heart of hearts, that SLR has read their diary, overheard their conversations, discovered their innermost thoughts and wrote them all down set to music.

I think there is something for everyone here and I'm certain that you'll hear that one song that connects and drives you to listen further. So, without further ado, please enjoy the sounds of Stanley Lucas Revolution. And if you get the chance to see a live show it will be an experience you won't soon forget. And remember, Sean is a hell of a good guy so say 'hey' and let him know what you think! And tell him Matt sent ya...

These are a bunch of my personal favorites in no particular order. Except that 'We Still Love Them' is, indeed, my favorite...

You can find SLR info and tunes here:

SLR on Facebook

http://www.reverbnation.com/stanleylucasrevolution

http://www.myspace.com/stanleylucasrevolution

We Still Love Them-stanleylucasRevolution

Hey Charles-stanleylucasRevolution

Gods Don't Worry-stanleylucasRevolution

Demolition 45-stanleylucasRevolution

New Stone 40-stanleylucasRevolution

This World-stanleylucasRevolution

Spanish Boots-stanleylucasRevolution

Venus de Milo-stanleylucasRevolution

More covers?!?!

2010-07-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

Yep, some more songs I dig covered by some old and some new folks. I hope you enjoy them since I always seem to search out different versions of things. It's sometimes nice to hear what someone else gets from a song...Be warned, most of these particular covers are decidedly on the mellower side.

Paul Weller-Sexy Sadie

Denis Fischer-Lust For Life

Dan Hicks-the Piano Has Been Drinking

Laura Cortese-Just Like Heaven

Tanya Donelly ft Dylan at the Movies-Lovecats

Chris Smithers-Visions of Johanna

the Last Town Chorus-Modern Love

Rasputina-Wish You Were Here

Luna-Sweet Child O Mine

AC Newman-Take On Me

the Raincoats-Lola

Calexico ft. Valerie Leulliot-Sundown, Sundown

Eleanor McEvoy-Mothers Little Helper

Kristy Brannon-Say It Ain't So

Brady Harris-Heart of Glass

Matt Costa-Suicide Is Painless

Sara Hickman-Mad World

Melellow like Jelello...

2010-06-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

There are a bunch of songs on the "mellower" side that I quite enjoy. I know, it seems odd considering I usually listen to loud electric guitars, but rest assured that I also listen to these songs at a high volume. My ears, after all, crave the ability to drown out the voices...

Bob Forrest-Who Killed Kennedy?

Michelle Shocked-Fogtown

Blur-Tender

Mic Christopher-The Loneliest Man In Town

the Tellers-Hugo

Peter Murphy's Carver Combo-Maricopa Girl

Wee Hairy Beasties-Cyril the Karaoke Squirrel

Luka Bloom-Acoustic Motorbike

Paul Kelly-From Little Things Big Things Grow

Shelleyan Orphan-Southern Bess

Hoots & Hellmouth-Home For Supper

Gavin Friday-Mr. Pussy

Jake Burns-Domino (Van Morrison cover)

Moby Grape-Naked If I Want To

Erin McKeown-Cou Cou

Nouvelle Vague-Guns of Brixton

Tiger Lillies-Banging In The Nails

Yeah, so it's been a while...

2010-06-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

Anyhoo, I have a few free minutes to spare and thought I'd throw together a new post. This one is all about my early love of 'rap music'. At least in the woods of NH that's what we called it. I loved how the words would flow, the rhymes would surprise, and the humor would be nestled firmly on the outskirts. A lot of these tunes I'm posting I still listen to. Some of them are a once in a while thing, but most are still held in high esteem by my ears. You be the judge...

Run-DMC-Rock Box

Kool G Rap & DJ Polo-Butcher Shop
(I really like KGR on this tune)

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five-the Message

Kool Moe Dee-How Ya Like Me Now

Big Daddy Kane-Raw(remix)

Newcleus-Jam On It

Shinehead-Chaingang

Kwame-the Man We All Know and Love

Shabba Ranks-Roots and Culture

Arrested Development-Mr Wendal

Public Enemy-He Got Game
(I love Chuck D's voice)

Wu Tang Clan-M.E.T.H.O.D. Man

Digital Underground-Dowatchalike

Doug E Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew-The World's Greatest Entertainer

Beastie Boys-She's Crafty

Kurtis Blow-the Breaks

De La Soul-the Magic Number

Biz Markie-Hooker Got A Boyfriend

Hubba Hubba Hearts...

2010-02-14T16:36:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Barrett Browning said, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." I have done the very same on many occasions when it comes to the Dorkqueen. I have come up with 371 ways. In the interest of time I'll only highlight...

#177: None has ever possessed the intestinal fortitude to enjoy camp, cheese, or cheeky to my expectations. Kara has added kitsch to the list and is my equal, occasionally surpassing my best efforts.

#3: She has a heart of gold. Anyone that knows me will understand why this is perhaps the quintessential accomplishment in my life.

#68: Her brain fascinates me to this day. While I may have a general idea of what direction it will head, she still manages to throw quite a few curveballs.

#209: Laughter is the best side effect of an eternal flame.

#394: Her flair for creativity is inspirational and comforting.

#19: Goosebumps, butterflies and swoons are good for the soul.

#1: She told me I had to love her and, to be honest, she frightens me a bit...

So, to sum up, Kara is the best thing to ever happen. She's brought nothing but sunshine, humor, companionship, understanding, compassion and completion to a somewhat unfocused existence. She is a beacon that lights my smile and warms my heart. And so, humbly, I dedicate this songlist to her.

I love you, Goober!

The Boxtops-She Knows How

G Love-Baby's Got Sauce

Ambrose & His Orchestra-the Love Bug Will Bite You

The Kinks-I Need You

Charlie Feathers-She Sure Can Rock Me

The Proclaimers-Then I Met You

The Waterboys-Sweet Thing

Wayne Hancock-She's My Baby

Frank Sinatra-Fly Me To The Moon

Doris Day-Someone Like You

The Del Prixs-She'll Be Mine

Wreckless Eric-Whole Wide World

Luka Bloom-Over the Moon

Holy wow!

2010-02-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

So, I had a request from someone that used to check out the old Hyena Crayons page. He asked me to put up the sound bite mixes I made because he liked trying to guess the source of the quotes. He made a game of it with his friends. I was astonished that anyone even remembered them, so I am happy to oblige...So without further ado, here are the Clampy Butchershop Tunes for Darren.

the Atomic Mosquitos-Axis of Evil (ft. Clampy)

Duane Eddy-Apache (ft. Clampy)

Davie Allan & the Arrows-Cycle-delic (ft. Clampy)

And, for your perusal, the newest of the tracks:
Dick Dale & His Del Tones-Ho-Dad Machine (ft. Clampy)

Want Ads

2010-01-29T10:19:00.000-08:00

So, this is a two-parter. Everyone has wants and needs, yeah? This first post is the want section, represented here by a small bunch of tunes. It seems that I have more songs about wants than needs. I wonder how accurate that is in real life? I suppose that it is a fare observation that although we may have more wants, our needs are, ultimately, the things we achieve to greater satisfaction. Of course, one would imagine it's also easier to meet your needs than wants, so why spend too much time looking for needs? The wants are the true challenge...

Dunno...anyhoo, to the music!

the Remains-When I Want to Know

Alex Lloyd-You Got Nothing I Want

Betty Davis-Your Mama Wants Ya Back

Cat Power-Naked If I Want To

Cat Stevens-If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out

Mott the Hoople-Home Is Where I Want to Be

The Zombies-I Want You Back Again

Screaming Blue Messiahs-I Want Up

Sue Saad & the Next-I Want Him

Gretchen Wyler-Whatever Lola Wants

the Hormonas-Do I Want You?

Moldy Peaches-I Want to Watch Cartoons

Gerri Grangers-Don't Want Your Letters

the Soft Boys-(I Want to Be An) Angelpoise Lamp

Frampton Brothers-Indiana Wants Me

Time flies...

2010-01-09T12:43:00.000-08:00

Time is of the essence.
Time is relative.
Time is on our side.
Time is money.
Time is...

Well, time is something we all wish we had more of, yet we don't really worry too much about wasting it. It's kind of odd that way. Cher wishes she could turn back time, but would that really be such a good idea? I, for one, am quite content in the time I've had and wouldn't want to change it for any reason.

Einstein once said, "The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once." I disagree in that I think another reason for time is to adequately organise your lifespan and gauge how far you've come. Without time, we'd have no idea when the good times happened or how long it had been since we thought about that bad stuff. We wouldn't be able to miss anyone since we would have no concept of how long we'd been away from them. I think that would suck.

Of course, I'm partially known for my more morose thought process so I may not be the proper person to discuss these things. So, on that note...let's get to some tunes. I know what you're all saying...

It's about time.

Mick Harvey-Out of Time Man

Tim Rogers & Tex Perkins-Any Old Time

Wild Billy Childish & the MBE-Dandylion Clock

The Flaming Stars-Running Out of Time

Status Quo-Rude Awakening Time

Alex Chilton-All of the Time

Them-One More Time (Single Version)

The Strangeloves-Night Time

Ella Mae Morse-5-10-15 Hours

The Blasters-Stop the Clock

Roky Erickson-Love Isn't A Part Time Thing

Lime Spiders-25th Hour

Bobby Troup-5Days, Six Hours, Thirteen Minutes

Bobby J & the Generations-Lost in Time

Dennis Binder-Early Times

Evan Johns & His H-Bombs-Vacation Time

Merton Parkas-Hard Times

Waiting on a friend...

2009-12-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

So, yeah. My best friend is named Jamie. He just got out of Boot Camp in the United States Army. You may or may not know him. If you do, I'm sorry...if you don't I'm sorrier still. He's a fairly decent human being with half a brain. His fashion sense is lacking, his grammar skills are non-existent and his social mores are questionable at best. That being said, he is also the best person to ever have in your life. He is my Id. He is my conscience. He is my right hand. He is my life barometer.

He is also, for some odd reason, fairly good at Zelda.

His worst point is that he chose to live in Florida. What a godforsaken cesspool...but I digress. Jamie is the only constant I have had for nearly 20 years and for that I thank him. We've shared many a hairy adventure and the only downside is that I hate the feeling of not being able to be there for him in his near future. We've always been within a call, but where he's heading is not the easiest place to get in touch with someone. I only hope he knows that I'll always do my best to have his back, no matter the cost. My brain tells me that we'll have a merry old time when he returns, but my heart hopes it will be sooner than later.

So, without further ado, these are for you buddy. Y'know, since your musical tastes suck so bad...

Steve Earle-the Warrior

Rancid-Vanilla Sex

Dropkick Murphy's-Fortunate Son

the Fuzztones-My Brother The Man

Madcap-Hometown

Angel City Outcasts-Rev It Up

Betty Blowtorch-I'm Ugly and I Don't Know Why

Frank Zappa-He's So Gay

Hamell on Trial-I Hate Your Kid

Tilt-Bad Place

Rancid-Killing Zone

Dropkick Murphys-the Gauntlet

Steve Earle-Willin'

Bouncing Souls-True Believers

Kate Bush-This Womans Work

So anyway, this is for PFC James L Arthmann. A finer soldier could never be asked for, nor a finer friend found.
I love you man and I'm proud of you, and you have my utmost respect. Godspeed and get your ass back here soon. I'll be waiting.

This is for you, meant sincerely and from the heart.

Your friend always,

Matt

Lee Hazlewood-May Your House Be Safe From Tigers

Whatever happened to Country Music?

2009-12-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

Remember when you used to be able to tell country and pop music apart? I still love 'older' country and 'classic' country but this new wave just seems like pop music made from people that are slightly more rural than New Jersey. Don't get me wrong, there are some newer artists that are still carrying the torch, but c'mon...where are the Willie, Waylon, Kris, Johnny, Merle?!?!?!?!

I'll keep hoping that someday soon we'll get a new surge in getting back there but until then? I'm happy with what I've got.

the Highwaymen-Big River

David Allan Coe-Longhaired Redneck

Hank Williams-Long Gone Lonesome Blues

Patsy Cline-Sweet Dreams

Emmylou Harris-Making Believe

George Jones-White Lightning

Kris Kristofferson-Help Me Make It Through the Night

Merle Haggard-Mama Tried

Buck Owens-Mental Cruelty

Jerry Jeff Walker-Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother

Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys-I'm A Ding Dong Daddy

Tex Ritter-Jingle Jangle Jingle

Dolly Parton-The Seeker

Hank Thompson-California Women

the AARP is overjoyed!

2009-12-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

Today, December 1, 2009 marks the greatest day in my life. My sister has turned a milestone age today and I have an entire years worth of teasing to do. What could be better than that?

In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that my dear OLD sister has turned out alright. Sure, she may not be at my level, but that should in no way dissuade you from thinking she is actually a fairly decent human being. She is my movie buff mate, my audio amigo...I dare say she is my *takes deep breath* friend. There, I said it. Happy now? Her greatest achievement in life is the fact that she allows her quite cool son to take all of my old stuff. I like to think of her as my own personal Good Will.

Anyhoo, since it's her birthday I figured I'd slap up some music that she is sure to remember and is definitely going to know the reasoning behind each song and why I posted it. So, without further ado...Happiest of birthday's Al, I wish we were closer in geography so I could share it with you.

*side note:Eliot claims that Alison is, indeed, his favorite Aunt.

Mae West-They Call Me Sister Honkytonk

the Pixies-Allison (okay, so they spell it wrong but I'm pretty sure she's the person they had in mind...)

INXS-Kiss the Dirt (Falling Down the Mountain)

Prince-I Would Die 4 You

David Bowie-Cat People

Van Morrison-Tupelo Honey

REM-Wendell Gee

Hothouse Flowers-Don't Go

Bodeans-Still the Night

Echo & the Bunnymen-Villier's Terrace

54-40-I Go Blind

Tom Waits-Alice
This is because she LOVES to be called Alice!

Jim Carroll Band-Three Sisters

Rolling Stones-Sister Morphine

Puppini Sisters-Sisters

Danko Jones

2009-11-17T10:18:00.000-08:00

There's just something about Danko Jones that makes me want to sit in a smoke filled bar and chat with the withered hookers. Sure he's cocky, but I'd bet if you could, you'd want to be him for at least a day. This Canadian rocker tours constantly and has the work ethic that is sorely lacking in a lot of the music acts out there. His live shows are always energy fueled and loud. Really loud. But really, what other way is there to play his tunes? If your ears don't get a little numb then you should get your hearing checked, either that or TURN IT FUCKING UP!

Danko Jones-Samuel Sin

Danko Jones-the Mango Kid

Danko Jones-Rock Shit Hot

Danko Jones-Take Me Home

Danko Jones-Code of the Road

Danko Jones-Invisible

Danko Jones-Lover Call

Danko Jones-Woogie Boogie

Danko Jones-R.I.P. RFTC

Danko Jones-Fucked Up

Danko Jones-Pump It Up (Elvis Costello cover)

Cover Break!

2009-10-30T09:55:00.001-07:00

Time for some more cover songs! These are a few that I have come across that I found interesting enough to listen to a few times. I hope you hear one that gets your attention...
WARNING!: Some mellower tunes contained herein...

Stiff Little Fingers- the Message (orig. Grandmaster Flash)

Rufus Wainwright-Harvest (orig. Neil Young)

Neil Finn-Billie Jean (orig. Michael Jackson)

Dar Williams-Starman (orig. David Bowie)

Chris Smither-Visions of Johanna (orig. Bob Dylan)

Nils Lofgren-Wonderful World (orig. Sam Cooke)

Cassettes Won't Listen-Change (orig. Blind Melon) Kind of trippy one?

KT Tunstall-I Want You Back (orig. Jackson 5)

Steve Earle-Way Down In a Hole (orig. Tom Waits)

Don Ho-Shock the Monkey (orig. Peter Gabriel)

Little Richard-Brown Sugar (orig. Rolling Stones)

The Continuing Recipe of Clampypants

2009-10-21T22:50:00.001-07:00

So, I came across a copy of a mix that someone had made for me a few years back. It was a mix that was specifically geared toward what the person that made it thought of and about me and I thought it would be fun to post it here. I hope you enjoy it, it's a treasure of mine...

Grapes of Wrath-Peace of Mind

the Waterwalk-Turn Your Face Away

Blind Melon-Change

Sonic Youth-100%

Indigo Girls-Galileo

Cat Power-I Found A Reason

Meat Puppets-Out My Way

H2O-Memory Lane

Bill Fox-Bonded To You

4 Non Blondes-Drifting

Civ-Wait One Minute More

Flaming Lips-Plastic Jesus

Public Image Limited-FFF

Ani DiFranco-the Arrivals Gate

Max Q-Way of the World

Protest Songs Part II

2009-10-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a continuation of the Protest Song post. It's really difficult for me to limit it to just a handful...

Red Rockers-Eve of Destruction

Bob Dylan-Masters of War

the Clash-Clampdown

Public Enemy-Fight the Power

Stiff Little Fingers-Harp

Kate Bush-Army Dreamers

The Tossers-Altercations

Wizo-R.A.F.

The The-Sweet Bird of Truth

Black 47-James Connolly

Billy Bragg-Help Save the Youth of America(Live)

the Waterboys-A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall(Live)

Drivin' N Cryin'-With The People

Songs of Protest Part I

2009-10-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

Songs of protest have always been around. No matter how much the political and cultural landscape has changed, they always seem relevant. I admire the artists that create them and I admire the folks that adhere to them. I admire the cheeky ones as much as the serious ones because they still make a point as do the ones in different languages (these serve to inspire research). I like that people have the ability to put themselves on equal footing and it gives me hope that one day, my children will live in a better world than ours.

Steve Earle-Christmas In Washington

Consolidated-Friendly Fascism

Dropkick Murphys-Boys On The Docks

Billy Bragg-Which Side Are You On

Ian Brown-Illegal Attacks (ft Sinead O'Connor)

Joe Strummer-Redemption Song

Junip-Ghost of Tom Joad (Springsteen)

Power In A Union (Unknown)

Ani DiFranco-Hello Birmingham

The Men They Couldn't Hang-Ghosts of Cable Street

Tim Barry-This Land Is Your Land

The World Turned Upside Down

2009-10-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

This cover post brings me into the next section-Songs of Protest.
This version, by Billy Bragg, is the quintessential version to me. It spoke to me early and it still has my ear. It lead me on a journey that I have yet to conclude...

Billy Bragg-the World Turned Inside Out

We was on the outside. We never done nothing, we never seen nothing.

2009-10-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

I've always liked this song, but for some reason this is my favorite version. Sometimes, the cover settles with me more than the original.

Everything But the Girl-Kid (originally by the Pretenders)

The story of a Fastenerslacks.

2009-10-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

This is just a bunch of songs that either I can relate to or have been told remind someone of me. I like 'em all pretty much, so that's cool.

the Waterboys-Fisherman's Blues

Royal Crescent Mob-Corporation Enema

Tim Barry-Avoiding Catatonic Surrender

the Replacements-Swinging Party

Billy Bragg-Milkman of Human Kindness

House of Freaks-White Folks Blood

Screaming Blue Messiahs-Big Brother Muscle

Violent Femmes-Mother of a Girl

Lemonheads-Fucked Up

Beth Hart-Get Your Shit Together

Soul Asylum-P-9

Against Me!-Don't Lose Touch

Danko Jones-Samuel Sin

Robert 'Birdy' Mullen

2009-09-11T01:52:00.000-07:00

There aren't enough pages in this blogosphere to contain the words I could say about Birdy. He was the top. Gone entirely too soon and there's part of my heart that has never mended. He was my guardo camino. My muse, my compadre, my brother. I can state 100% truthfully that without him I would not be who I am today. He taught me. He helped me. He showed me that music isn't just what you hear, it's what you feel. He helped me understand that music that isn't shared isn't meeting its potential. He was the best musician I have ever seen, heard, or imagined. I'm truly sorry if you didn't know him because you're life would have been all the better if you had.

Every song I've ever heard reminds me of Birdy. Every song I will ever hear will remind me of him.

These are the ones that have special meaning to me and the ones that are the soundtrack to the movie in my memory.

New Order-True Faith

the Clash-Stay Free

the Gun Club-Walking With The Beast

the Nipple Erectors-So Pissed Off

the Rave-Ups-In My Gremlin

Screaming Trees-Beyond This Horizon

Michael Hutchence-Rooms For The Memory

Love And Rockets-Haunted When The Minutes Drag

Stranglers-North Wind

I miss you brother.

the Wonderstuff-Sing the Absurd

Natalie Wall

2009-09-11T01:28:00.000-07:00

Natalie was probably my closest friend in high school. She understood me better than I understood myself. She is one of the (if not the) smartest friends I've ever had. Her mind worked in ways that I can only imagine. And, of course, she was one of the very few that could get me to shut up.I miss her more every day and I wish I could know she was well.

She was the John Lydon expert at the age of 14 and yet she couldn't drive a stick shift...
PiL-Seattle

She liked this tune and so do I.
Sarah Brightman-Meadowlark

Brandon Sjogren

2009-09-11T01:19:00.000-07:00

Brandon is one of the most unique characters ever. He follows the beat of about 38 of his own different drums. If not for Brandon I most likely would have been in a book tower somewhere at a very early age. Of course, being his friend was one of the craziest ideas ever...

I miss him a lot and I know that one day soon he'll drop back into my life again.

the Meatmen-One down Three To Go

Metallica-Last Caress

Dale Sjogren

2009-09-11T00:59:00.000-07:00

Dale is Brandon's mother. She is one of the most beautiful souls I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I always marveled as she went from playing her cello with the finesse of a master and then up and decided that she should learn the harmonica. I spent hours with her discussing everything from opera to film to sociology to politics to mythology and fairy tales to Samuel Beckett to the finer points of junk food.

10,000 Maniacs-Verdi Cries

Jason Phillips

2009-09-11T00:46:00.000-07:00

Jason and I were always on the fringe of each other. It wasn't until his last year of school that we started to hang out more. Unfortunately, I always knew that when his senior year was done he would be getting out while I was still stuck getting by. He was a good friend and taught me a lot about underground newspapers, fun music, and the benefits of Friendly's bottomless cup of coffee. He's certainly no Deadbeat. Wait a second...yes he is.

He really does say bzzz bzzz bzzz just because...
The Cramps-Human Fly

God I really want a coffee now. Who has a pad of paper and a pen?
? & the Mysterians-96 Tears

Stewart Erlich

2009-09-11T00:36:00.000-07:00

Stewart is one of the best people I know. I didn't spend a ton of time with him, but he'll always stick with me. His passion for music made me realise just how much I still loved music. He accompanied me to a magic Neil Young show and it's one of my all time favorite gigs. I never thought anyone could do Neil better than Neil...until I heard Stewart's rendition of this tune.

Neil Young-World On A String

By the way, check out his new gig Wadirum

MaryStarr

2009-09-11T00:16:00.000-07:00

So, what to say about MaryStarr? Well, she's got a heart of gold and is one of the most inspirational people on the earth. She has more talent in her little toe than most people have in their entire body. If she ever stopped dancing, the world would cease.

Whenever I hear this song, it's her voice that soothes my mind.
Judy Collins-Jerusalem

And this song? Well she certainly was, and is, a truly free spirit. She will always be my friend.

Phish-Wading In the Velvet Sea

Letting the discovery begin...

2009-09-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

These are a few of the songs that inspired me to start seeking out music that wasn't easily accessible to me. That has all changed with the internet, but it was a fun and fulfilling journey back in the late 80's-mid 90's.

the Mekons-Trevira Trousers

the Photos-Barbarellas

Madness-Benny Bullfrog

Cristina-Don't Mutilate My Mink

'Neil Pye'-My White Bicycle
(Yes, it's Neil from 'the Young Ones'...)

the Skids-Into The Valley

XTC-Making Plans For Nigel

the Undertones-More Songs About Chocolate and Girls

the Specials-Doesn't Make It Alright

Otis Redding-the Dog

the Other Half-Mr. Pharmacist

Here's the first round of covers...

2009-09-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

So, here is the first of my cover posts. As most of you know, I love cover versions. Even the crappy ones. But, it all started innocently enough. In fact, it began with songs that I thought were originals because they fit so well with the band in question...
So here, for your perusal, are the covers that grabbed me and the originals (or the closest I could find).

Angst-Richard Cory (1986)

Simon & Garfunkle-Richard Corey

They Might Be Giants-Istanbul (Not Constantinople)

The Four Lads-Istanbul (Not Constantinople)

the Clash-Brand New Cadillac

Vince Taylor-Brand New Cadillac

the Pogues-And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda

Eric Bogle-And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda

I Can't Explain

2009-09-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Yeah, over the course of the years there were a number of songs that I, for some unknown reason, always liked. Usually they were the only songs I liked by an artist, so maybe there was something about them that I identified with at the moment. Whatever it was, I still like them to this day. Maybe it's just the sound. Not the melody, not the tune...just the sound of the song.

the Buckpets-Pearls

Cactus World News-Church of the Cold

Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry-Hold Yourself Down

Frank Tovey-Collapsing New People

Kraftwerk-Boing Boom Tschak

By the way...

2009-09-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

I forgot this song in the sister post. I've decided to post it separately because it has it's own special place in the pantheon of memory songs.

By the by, I'm totally getting her one of these for Christmas...

The Kinks-Come Dancing

Foreigner is awesome.

2009-09-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

Nooooo, not that Foreigner! I fell in love with these songs because of my love for languages. It's always fun to actually know what you're singing about and I have been known to speak the mother tongue for these songs.

Plastic Bertrand-Ca Plane Pour Moi

Nena-99 Luftballoons

Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin-69, Annee Erotique

Professor Longhair-Tipitina

Die Toten Hosen-Reisefieber

Cruzados-Flor De Mal

Ewa Demarczyk-Karuzela z Madonnami

Pixies-Isla De Encanta

France Gall-Hippie Hippie

Marianne Mendt-Wie A Glock'n

I'd hate to fuck up worldwide brotherhood...

2009-09-03T09:29:00.001-07:00

So, as I'm sure a lot of us did, I went through the phase of being pissed off at the world (basically up through age 21). However, music was just the thing to tame my tongue. I found a ton of music that I could listen to and think "Fuck yeah, someone gets it!" And to think I could have been in a book tower somewhere, plastered all over the news. Damn you music! Damn you to hell for smoothing my furrowed brow!!!

The music I discovered was something wonderful.It was passionate, or cynical, or just downright petulant.Many of the qualities that I have groomed to perfection in my version of 'adulthood'.

Is it any wonder I'm such a dick?

Here's the track I forgot to include originally...

John Doe-Worldwide Brotherhood

Stiff Little Fingers-At The Edge

Men They Couldn't Hang-Rabid Underdog

the Jam-Billy Hunt

the Alarm-Marching On

Consolidated-Friendly Fascism

Superchunk-Slack Motherfucker

Fishbone-Subliminal Fascism

Gang of Four-Guns Before Butter

Rollins Band-Hard

Public Image Limited-FFF

XTC-Dear God

Cats and Dogs

2009-09-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

When we were younger (think early to late teens) my sister and I enjoyed fighting about everything. Everything that is except music. Granted, my tastes were much more refined and my music selection was highly superior, but she had the odd gem here and there. At least we had something that could transcend the petty bickering and bind us together. In fact, many of those songs I still hold dear and they always, always make me think of my sister.

Even though I'm smarter and better looking...

David Bowie-TVC15

Mott the Hoople-Whiskey Woman

B-52s-Rock Lobster

Blondie-Hanging On The Telephone

the Cult-She Sells Sanctuary

Echo & the Bunnymen-My Kingdom

Madness-Night Boat To Cairo

Oingo Boingo-Fools Paradise

And just to prove that my tastes were WAY better...here's one for your Wayback Machine Alison...
Duran Duran-the Chauffeur

Pop Will Eat Itself-Not Now James, We're Busy!

2009-09-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

Ah yes, the discovery of music that was just for fun. Good times...

Pop Will Eat Itself-Not Now James, We're Busy!

Bauhaus-Three Shadows Part II

2009-09-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Bauhaus also came along and proved that happiness was what you made it.
And that being a little odd didn't mean that you were unique.

Bauhaus-Three Shadows Part II

13th Floor Elevators-Slip Inside This House

2009-09-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

Around the same time as Hitchcock, I discovered the 13th Floor Elevators and Roky Erickson. I knew it would all be okay.

13th Floor Elevators-Slip Inside This House

Robyn Hitchcock-Flesh Cartoon

2009-09-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Robyn Hitchcock came into my life when I started to think being absurd was wrong.
What timing.

Robyn Hitchcock-Flesh Cartoon

Iggy Pop-Dog Food/ Michael Hutchence-Dogs In Space

2009-09-01T00:28:00.000-07:00

Part one of my Dogs In Space fetish. Iggy is at his finest here. Michael Hutchence never had this much fun in INXS. Expect many more from the disc in the future.

Iggy Pop-Dog Food

Michael Hutchence-Dogs In Space

the Cramps-Haulass Hyena

2009-09-01T00:25:00.000-07:00

Do I even need to explain?

the Cramps-Haulass Hyena

the Del Fuegos-I Still Want You

2009-09-01T00:22:00.000-07:00

A band that will always hold a place in my heart. I can't count the number of times I've seen them, and Dan was a humble and likable guy. It's pretty cool to listen to his music with the kids...

the Del Fuegos-I Still Want You

the Smithereens-Only A Memory

2009-09-01T00:17:00.000-07:00

Another band that always was in the back of my head. I always liked their Portland shows.

the Smithereens-Only A Memory

Mighty Lemon Drops-Splash #1 (Now I'm Home)

2009-09-01T00:12:00.000-07:00

I could never seem to get enough of this tune. It always made me feel normal.

Mighty Lemon Drops-Splash #1

Guadalcanal Diary-Let the Big Wheel Roll

2009-09-01T00:08:00.000-07:00

Just another of those songs that would make me sing at the top of my lungs.

Guadalcanal Diary-Let The Big Wheel Roll

Green On Red-No Free Lunch

2009-09-01T00:02:00.000-07:00

This is one of those songs that makes me realise where I'm from and why I'm where I'm at.

Green On Red-No Free Lunch

Gavin Friday-Baltimore Whores

2009-08-31T16:46:00.000-07:00

For some reason, poor Gavin has been perpetually linked to Bono and U2. I've always been a fan of his and I hope he's finally peeked out from that shadow.

Gavin Friday-Baltimore Whores

Get it while it's hot...

2009-04-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

That's right, Sour Jazz have a new album being released on May 5. If you haven't already ponied up, get off your ass and order your copy of what is destined to be a classic.

With songs such as Black Maria, Little Hands, Action!, Monsieur Flop and Fun Dumb Days you will never be left wanting. Each song on this disc stands easily on its own, ready to melt your dog and make your face pee on the carpet. But collectively they will bore into your head and inhabit your psyche.

As if it wasn't enough to have music made by these four inhumanely handsome gentlemen, they add the talents of folks such as Tracie Hunter and Jim Jones to the mix. Ms. Hunter lends her voice with just the right sound and in just the right places while Mr. Jones guitar is lurking around ready to pounce on a moments notice with its gritty growl. The whole shebang is expertly produced by Daniel Rey, who knows about as much about good music as one can.

My personal favorites are Little Hands which is the perfect song for a slow drive with your munchkins while slurping Icee's on a warm summer night. It shows the boys more mature (read mellow) side. It'll remind you of something or some song and whatever it may be, it'll make you smile.

Black Maria is easily my favorite on the disc. It sits in my brain yard and pops up at the most serendipitous times. I'll be humming, whistling, singing this tune well into my twilight years all the while extolling the greatness of this band and this album.

So stop reading this, go to www.acetate.com or, if you're old school you can use this:

Acetate Records,
P.O. Box 412605
Los Angeles, CA 90041

Phone / Fax 323-276-8500

rick@acetate.com

And if you want to hear the tunes a bit, go see the boys' page over at www.myspace.com/sourjazz

You can thank me with the left pinky of your third born daughter...