Chickenfoot - Down the Drain

A supergroup I only learned about yesterday, made up of Joe Satriani, Sammy Hagar, Chad Smith and Michael Anthony. Some good old hard rock. They have tow songs on their Myspace page, which you can listen to here

I play this to myself when I'm down. Helps me run myself into the ground further.

I'm not listening to any album in particular, but I have had "One Toke Over the Line" stuck in my head for the past several hours.

Honestly, I think this might be the catchiest song ever written.

I'm going to go out on a limb here: I think Songs for Beginners is the best solo album that any of the members of CSN OR CSNY ever released.


Yes, that includes Neil Young.

Lots of Tantric, Nirvana, and Metallica lately... I think I've become a victim of my brother's rock obsession. Oh well, I like a lot of it so not much to complain about.

Yesterday I purchased Wilco's Sky Blue Sky. Here's one of my favorite tracks, "Impossible Germany", being performed live. (Great guitar work by Nels Cline.)

Listening to Demon Days by the Gorrillaz at the moment. They're an odd thing for me, that band; either I love a song by them or I hate it.

Share the Land by the Guess Who. I think these guys are extremely underrated. I'd say that they're the third-best group to come out of Canada (with the first two being the Band and Neil Young, in that order). This album has a whole bunch of good songs on it - including the title track, which I swear to God should be played at graduations or weddings or something. Then again, maybe that would ruin it for me. In any case, this album is good.

The Three E.P.'s by the Beta Band. A friend of mine burned me a copy of this album (well, not exactly an album - it is, as its title implies, three E.P.'s packaged together as one disc), accompanying this with a very, very strong recommendation that I listen to it - and sooner rather than later. Since I like to think that I'm at least theoretically open to the idea of expanding my musical horizons beyond the 60s and 70s, I decided to do exactly that.

And you know what? I liked it. I liked it quite a bit, in fact. They certainly aren't lacking in variety. They seem to be channeling an odd combination of folk, low-fi grunge, and hip-hop by way of Brian Eno. Emphasis on odd. But it's an endearing sort of weirdness. There are a lot of great ideas and good songs here - "Dogs Got a Bone," "The House Song," "She's the One," "It's Over," and "Dr. Baker" (which has a kind of a hypnotic Gregorian chant quality to it) are particular favorites of mine.

But what I really want to talk about is the first track on the disc, "Dry the Rain." Why? Because it's a goddamned classic, that's why. Here's the thing - there are two kinds of awesome songs. There are the kind that kick your boat right from the get-go (like "Heaven and Hell" from Live at Leeds) and there are songs that go on a slow burn until they get to a sustained boil. "Dry the Rain" is the latter. It lends credence to my theory that some songs rock much harder when they're quiet than when they're loud (just look at how much better J.J. Cale's version of "After Midnight" is compared to Eric Clapton's version). The way the song is written and structured makes the crescendo that comes in the middle of the song seem louder than it is.

Frankly, I'm surprised that I forgot the song was featured in High Fidelity. I would've thought I would remember a song that good being in the movie.



Now, this is coming from the perspective of someone who doesn't typically listen to indie rock. I'm sure more knowledgeable folks are rolling their eyes and thinking "Dude, these guys broke up five years ago, and you're talking about it like it came out yesterday." Yeah, well, for someone who pretty much has the same musical preferences as his parents do, 1998 is pretty freakin' recent. I think this is one of those discs that I usually only listen to one or two songs off of, but when I'm in a VERY specific mood, I listen to the whole thing. Or maybe I just listen to "Dry the Rain" five times. In any case, I might want to see if that friend of mine has anything else by these fine Scotsmen.

3 1/2 out of 4 stars, sez I.

Live from Chicago! Bigger than Life! by Big Twist and the Mellow Fellows. Big Twist is (in my opinion) one of the more unjustly forgotten of the blues artists that emerged during the 1980s. Sadly, the Big Twist is no longer alive to grace the stage with his presence and charisma, but luckily, we have this live album to remember him by. This album does what any good live album should do - it captures the essence of the band's stage act the best as can be done without seeing and experiencing it.

Their sound is upbeat and playful and the band is big - if you don't like trumpets and horns in your music, you'd best stay away from this one. It has nothing in common with the hard, wailing, guitar-oriented blues of, say, Stevie Ray Vaughn. But it's good, lighthearted fun. I can't say I put it on every day, but I still enjoy it on those occasions when I feel like listening to it.

All in all, it captures the Big Twist as he was - "300 Pounds of Heavenly Joy."

I just heard Alien Ant Farm's cover of 'Smooth Criminal.'

They must be burned. Burned before they can breed and spawn more atrocious songs.

I agree dude I used to hate that song. Anyone like The Crystal Method here? There not my favourite type of music but they've got an awesome song that I've downloaded here, it was on the matrix and tropic thunder (which is terrible, suffice to say, but that's for another time).

The starting line from the song is:

"Listen aallll you motherfuckeeersss..."

Ring anybody's bells?

Killer by Alice Cooper. The thing that sets Alice Cooper apart from the multitude of crappy theatrical bands that emerged in the 70s (other than the fact that he set the trend of shocking stage acts and kooky performances rather than just following them) is the music. He's got better musical sensibilities than KISS and Sweet combined and added together five times over.

This album is one of the best pieces of evidence to support this (as well as the notion that Alice Cooper the band is better than Alice Cooper the solo artist - however, Alice as a solo artist is still great). Now, sure, the theatricality of the music is still quite obvious on the three "shock rock" tracks (for instance, you can practically see Alice walking up to the gallows onstage during the organ-based funeral dirge that concludes the title track). However, the music is quite good on its own right.

It comes crashing right out of the gate with "Under My Wheels," the album's most famous track. And it gets radio play for a reason - it kicks boat in a slightly-Stonesy but still undeniably Cooperian fashion. From time to time, when I'm alone in my house, I find myself just shouting "WHEE-WHEE! WHEE! WHEE! WHEELS!" at the top of my lungs. The rest of the music is divided between superb examples of Detroit garage-glam ("Be My Lover," "You Drive Me Nervous," "Yeah Yeah Yeah") and sprawling, theatrical, yet still hard-rocking shock rock numbers ("Halo of Flies," "Dead Babies," "Killer") - with the exception of "Desperado," which has elements of both. Both these elements work extremely well - in fact, they kick boat.

Overall, I think this is Alice's best album (and yes, I'm including Billion Dollar Babies in that assessment). It encapsulates everything that's great about the music of Alice Cooper. If you're unfamiliar with Alice Cooper and are looking to get into him, this would be a pretty good place to start (so would Love It to Death and the aforementioned Billion Dollar Babies).

4 stars out of 4, sez I.



(Oh, and the last five seconds of this album made me jump out of my chair the first time I heard it).

Just found a band that I love. It's called Hedley and probably my favorite song of their's is Bones Shatter.

Here's a link to the song
Hedley Bones Shatter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhh4Ui0KlWg

Flamenco and metal. It's the kind of fusion that fits perfectly in my head, just like ice-cold waterdrops complement ouzo nicely.

After 14 hours of work, I come back too tired to feel anything and I strike a goldmine:

The Pogues - Lullaby of London
Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - A Message To You, Rudy

be sure to check the other related Pogues and Strummer videos, this is pure effin win here, folks

Am presently listening to Lucinda Williams' fine album, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. A terrific sort of alt-country folky-rock thing going on. The woman is one hell of a songwriter.

Been listening to Neurosis a lot lately, since I bought the album 'The Eye of Every Storm'. It's metal, but not really heavy. I don't really know how to explain it. Toned-down, I guess. And very droning (in a good way). I like.

Specifically, I'm listening to the song Left to Wander.

(and I know it's an old post, but i think the AAF cover of smooth criminal was great. they actually put their own style and spin on it and added something, which is what i think a good cover should do.)

Inexplicably, I've got the "Bright Man" theme from Mega Man IV stuck in my head, so I've been obligated to listen to it as a result.

The End of the World by Angela.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FQKH5cz26o

Idlewild at their best, as usual


(pay no attention to the funky webpage, just close eyes and listen)

Thick as a Brick by Jethro Tull. This album really needs no introduction - anyone familiar with progressive rock - indeed, everyone even aware of its existence - knows about this album. And indeed, this album is truly deserving of its reputation - and not just for its awesome and hilarious cover.

Its lone song has enough variety that it could be split into several songs - but the transitions are entirely seamless and not the slightest bit contrived. There are charming folksy parts, fast and furious rock segments, ballads, and still other parts that I really can't classify. Of all the segments, my favorite is probably "Do you believe in the day?" but it's all fantastic.

All told, this is the greatest 43-minute single-song album written by a fictional eight year-old kid ever made.

4 stars out of 4, sez I.

mihna galera

Definitely been listening to a lot of Sarah Mclachlan. I find it relaxing, although my mom just says it's depressing. I, personally, love it.

"All I ever had, redemption songs"

I'm starting to get into Ween. A friend introduced me to them, and now I've just ordered two of their albums off Amazon.

I just bought Electric Six's last album Flashy which somehow escaped my notice when it came out last year. Quite different from their early stuff though I'd say better than the not so succinctly named I shall exterminate everything around me which restricts me from being the master but not as good as Switzerland. Still it might well grow on me, certainly makes me wander what their next album will sound like.

Heres a song from it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA7S1GNC2H0

At this very moment (literally) I'm listening to Janis Joplin. "Kozmic Blues" is a great song, you ask me.

I'm sure BBQ would encourage me to go see Peter Frampton play this week (he is appearing in St. George, Utah--my new residence--on Wednesday) but the ticket is a bit pricey for my palate. If only the Black Keys would make a stop in these parts...

'Sall good, man. At this point, I could barely afford the $30 ticket I bought to see the Gophers play Michigan State.

Still, I share the sentiment about the Black Keys. If they were in town and I had the money, I'd totally go.

Dear God, I think I'm in love. I don't think I can even review the first one I just listened to. I mean, how do you review an album that has songs like this one on it?

I've recently been listening a fair bit to three bands I found (somewhat) recently:
Tristania
Delain
Eyes of Eden

And now for linkages to a song from each!

Tristania
Delain
Eyes of Eden

Inaction is a weapon of mass destructon

These are the things I can do without

Both of these songs are strong anthems that build up gradually, urging the spirit within you to move, shake itself from apathy, stand up and ask questions, take actions, change something.

Dialectic Chaos by Megadeth

I've been listening a lot to a band called Drummer. Why Drummer? Because everyone in the band plays drums for some other band. The most famous is Patrick Carney of The Black Keys--he plays bass on the Drummer's debut, Feel Good Together. I'll try to get a Youtube up when I'm not at work (the Department of Interior doesn't much care for Youtube--federal agencies are like that sometimes). In any case, Drummer has a nice sound, a fine combination of piercing guitar hooks, excellent keyboards, inventive songwriting, and (of course) fine drumming.

Also, I am looking forward to a new Black Keys project coming out on November 27, called Blakroc. Dan and Pat (The Black Keys) have been collaborating with a number of hip-hop artists (Mos Def, for one) to create what one review has called the best rock-and-roll/hip-hop fusion since Run DMC and Aerosmith. I've heard some of the music, and while I cannot call myself an aficianado of hip-hop by any means, this stuff sounds great. It's going to blow some minds.

The aforementioned video from Drummer: "Feel Good Together"

Also, videos documenting the making of the Blackroc project can be found here.

Blakroc

Edit: Hell, let's throw another one on here: "Hope You're Happy". Excellent track.

Return of the Friday Random 10

Rules- Set your music device to Shuffle
List the first 10 songs that play
No cheating! If one of those hidden ABBA (or Partridge Family or Barry Manilow) songs
comes up, you have to include it.
You can add commentary or not, as the mood strikes you.

And now for the songs:

Midnight Lullaby- Tom Waits

One of his early songs, before cigarettes and scotch had their impact

Sweet Little 16- Chuck Berry

Lots of C.B. on my iPod... This is representative, but not a favorite

Fighting for My Love- Nil Lara

This one is from Scrubs, and is there because I could not get the one song I wanted without buying the whole soundtrack. That said, it is listenable, though not really my style.

Who are You- The Who

The title track from the last album with Keith Moon. 'nuff said.

Groovy Kind of Love- The Mindbenders

See rule 3 above. I blame my wife.

It Serves Me Right to Suffer- John Lee Hooker

I was fortunate enough to see him perform live. With my (future) wife. More than makes up for the previous song.

Merry Christmas from the Family- Robert Earl Keen

A snapshot of white-trash Americana, done with love and a wicked eye for detail.

Keep the Car Running- Arcade Fire

One of those songs that I heard on the radio and could not get out of my head

Stranded in the Jungle- The Cadets

A '50s novelty doo-wop song- which neatly encompasses three categories of music I enjoy.

Beautiful World- Colin Hay

See comment for Nil Lara, above.

Elton John - Rocket Man
This is a song that brings a heavy dose of nostalgia, as I am old enough to remember it when it was new. I grew up to artists like Elton John, The Beatles, The Tempations, etc...


Evanescence - My Immortal
I loved this song from the moment I first heard it. Too bad the band turned out to be a flash in the pan. They reminded me of an American version of Nightwish.


Belinda Carlisle - Mad About You
Another blast from the past. Belinda always makes me think about playing Doom (yes, I am weird), because I used to always listen to her cassettes while playing it.


Collective Soul - Gel
A pretty typical song of this 90s alt rock band.


Nickelback - Leader of Men
From before they got huge and overly commericalized.


Lita Ford - Kiss Me Deadly
Girl power meets hard rock. Back in the day she was one of the few chicks in rock. I love her duet with Ozzy Osbourne.


Ozzy Osbourne - You Can't Kill Rock And Roll
The song that really got me hooked on Ozzy. I have always had a soft spot for rock ballads (I am a girl, so no surprise there). The theme of alienation really got to me, as it is something I can relate to.


Rod Stewart - You Wear It Well
Another one I grew up to. Hot Rod has always been in my life. I love singers with raspy voices.


Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning
I have also always been a sucker for music with an idealistic motive. 'nuff said.


Linkin Park - Breaking The Habit
Linkin Park is one of those bands that digs down into that part of myself that makes me want to uncork my rage and scream. Very theraputic to let Chester do it for me.

Listening to 'Ghost Trail' by Cult of Luna.

It's from the album Eternal Kingdom, which has a very strange concept. Apparently the band recorded in an old mental institution, found the journal of one of the inmates, and based the album around it. The inmate drowned his wife, and the journal explains his innocence while blaming mythical beings for her death. A truly weird story with weird music to match.

It's not Friday, but I tried the random shuffle--here's what came up.

1. "Key to Love" - John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers with Eric Claption
2. "Goin' Home" - Dan Auerbach
3. "Stucco" - Calexico
4. "2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten" - Lucinda Williams
5. "Country Disappeared" - Wilco
6. "How Dull They Make the Razor" - Jay Bennett (formerly of Wilco, sadly now deceased due to drugs)
7. "My Generation" - The Who
8. "Copperline" - James Taylor
9. "Stone Free" - Jimi Hendrix
10. "Walking Song" - R. Carlos Nakai

Am now listening to Wilco's "At Least That's What You Said", which I love most immoderately for the frenetic guitar work on the coda. I've also been listening to a new track that The Black Keys have just leaked off of their new album, Brothers. It's called "Tighten Up", it's terrific, and it can be found here for the streaming.

Out of 1600 songs on my iPod (not a large collection, but damn I don't have the time to listen to all of it anyway!)

Annie Lennox, Bare: The Hurting Time
I've loved Annie Lennox ever since Sweet Dreams by the Eurythmics came out. She remains my favorite female singer evah.

Prince, 1999: DMSR
I was introduced to Prince while in high school. He was unlike anything I had ever listened to before. Loved his funky style and his dirty lyrics. Little Red Corvette and Free are my favs, but DMSR is fun to listen to.

John Williams, Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Medallion
Bought the album strictly for the opening march - gets my adrenaline going every time.

Tina Turner, Private Dancer: I Can't Stand the Rain
Love the Committments version (the first version I heard), but Tina rocks this song right out into orbit. Tina is another female vocalist I could listen to all day.

Nat King Cole, the Christmas Song: Silent Night
I'm not big on commercial Christmas, but I love ol' Nat. And his voice on this is awesome.

Marvin Gaye, Pride and Joy
This was on an album of "easy listening" from an Eddie Bauer store. One of the few genuine Motown songs on my iPod. And I love Motown!

Frank Sinatra, A Swingin' Affair!: At Long Last Love
Not an Ol' Blue Eyes fan myself. I got this and a buncha other Frankie songs, as well as some Dean Martin, for my mom's 75th birthday surprise party last September. They were her favs, and still are. She also loves Ramsey Lewis, and he's more my taste. Interesting tidbit: Ramsey Lewis was six months behind Mom at her high school.

Annie Lennox, The Annie Lennox Platinum Collection: Walking on Broken Glass
One of my favorites of Annie's solo work. I have oh, five or six versions of it, but my favorite remains the original version on Diva. My overall favorite song of hers (as a solo) is Little Bird, both the Diva version and the a cappella version (her voice on that just shines).

The Committments: Hard to Handle
An Irish version of Motown sound. Saw the movie, loved the soundtrack.

Men at Work: Overkill
Something I listened to a lot in college - I had just the one album of theirs, and this was one of my favorite cuts from it.

The Saturday Random 10 (because I had a migraine Friday, and music was the last thing on my mind):

Saved by Zero- The Fixx
Some people think this one is depressing, even suicidal. I see it as more optimistic- zero is not the end- but the center. Think of a Cartesian coordinate system. When you reach zero, you are weightless- everything has fallen away and you can start over.

Hooch- Everything
Not exactly my style, but not bad- a summer song.

A Sight for Sore Eyes- Tom Waits
The anthem of a fellow arriving at a (sub) blue-collar bar and reminiscing about the old days. Delivered with that wonderful whiskey baritone- "Well, half-drunk all the time, and all drunk the rest."

Wang Dang Doodle- Howlin' Wolf
The late, great Chester Burkett issuing an invitation to a party for all the denizens of the nieighborhood (Automatic Slim, Fast-Talking Fanny, Butcher-Knife Totin' Annie, etc.) The "upbeat" side of blues music- a classic.

She Sang Hymns Out of Tune- The Dillards
Better known (to some of us, at least) as the Darlin Family from The Andy Griffith Show. Originally by Harry Nilsson. Wonderful harmonies and a melancholy feeling. One lyric always stands out to me in reference to TES:

"She lived in a sorceror's room; she pounded the table and brandished a broom.
She turned 10,000 when she touched the moon."

Candy- Iggy Pop & Kate Pierson
Yes, that Iggy Pop and the B-52s Kate Pierson. When she sings, "I've had a hole in my heart for so long," it goes right through me.

Hallelujah- Sonny Boy Mick
To someone from the South, the Biblical references are of a certain intellectual interest. The Leonard Cohen and John Cale versions are also worth a listen. May be getting a bit over-exposed in movies of late.

Copperhead Road- Steve Earle
A song of Appalachia that certainly resonates deeply with someone who has spent all 50+ years of his life here. The bitter truth of certain lines is etched deeply into our consciousness- "Volunteered for the Army on my birthday- They draft the white trash first 'round here anyway." On top of that, it has instrumentals that hearken back to the Scotch-Irish influences that are also at the root of illegal whiskey making in these hills and hollows.

Hoochie Coochie Man- The Allman Brothers
Southern rock at its finest, as one of the best bands of that period (or any other) pays homage to bluesman Willie Dixon- and to Muddy Waters, who first performed the song.

Rock and Roll- Led Zeppelin
What is there to say? This one speaks for itself.

It has been a hard couple of weeks, so the Random 10 has been delayed until now. Still random, though.

Lodi- Creedence Clearwater Revival
The Fogerty brothers' talents are on display here- a classic song of life on the road for a musician trying to make a living and trying to make the audience care....

Built for Comfort- Howlin' Wolf
Who says the blues are always depressing?

"Some folks, bulilt like this; Some folks, built like that. But the way I'm built, don't you call me fat.
I'm built for comfort baby, I ain't built for speed."

I Ain't Ever Satisfied- Steve Earle
Another road song. For some reason, I have a weakness for those...

Too Much Monkey Business- Chuck Berry
Another excellent 3 minute side, displaying his lyrical density set to a catchy tune.

Step Right Up- Tom Waits
An amalgam of late-night TV infomercial, carny barker, used car salesman, and street scammer patter. You really have to listen to it (or look up the lyrics)- e.g.- "...change your life, change into a nine-year-old Hindu boy and get rid of your wife..."

Cobrastyle- Teddybears featuring Mad Cobra
If someone had asked me whether I liked this type of music, I would have said no. But then I heard this track on the pilot episode of Chuck and I was hooked by it. No, I can't understand the rap- and I don't really mind...

We are the Lonely- John Prine
A wry, witty take on trying to meet someone special (and you can read "special" multiple ways).

I am a Man of Constant Sorrow- The Soggy Bottom Boys
From Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? Seeing the movie helps, but it is not necessary to enjoy the song. A nice bit of bluegrass revival- although it never has gone away- not around here, anyway.

Boogie Chillun- John Lee Hooker
One of his signature songs- an example of the style he called "boogie." Features one of my all time favorite lines from a song- "...let that boy boogie woogie. It's in him, and it's GOT to come out."

The Body of an American- The Pogues
Music for my Irish soul. The "wake song" from the brilliant series The Wire.

Marilyn Manson - Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These)
I have been a fan of Marilyn Manson since the first time I heard Beautiful People. He has a real knack for doing remakes of songs and making them sound extraordinarily creepy. This is an excellent example. Down in the Park is my other favorite remake of his.


Damn Yankees - High Enough
These guys were great for the two albums they did. Ted Nugent's only #1 song. To think Tommy Shaw went back to Styx after this. Sheesh, brilliant career move there bud.


Ozzy Osbourne - Changes (live)
I have always liked this song of loss and loneliness. No surprise, as it was out around the time I accepted the fact that the only woman I have ever really loved did not love me.


Alice In Chains - A Little Bitter
Layne Staley's voice is the sweet call of heroin. I thought that the first time I heard him. Actual heroin addicts say the same thing. Just hearing him makes them need a fix. No surprise he killed himself with it.


Live - Forever
This was from their fifth album, which was in many ways experimental, taking them into a newer, more modern sound (for the time). I loved it. The Twin Towers went down a week after they released it, and I think most people just forgot about it.


John Mellencamp - Check It Out
Probably my all time favorite Mellencamp song as well. This song sums up the empty mundanity of everyday life.


Led Zeppelin - Rock And Roll
Like the dog said, this one speaks for itself.


Ayumi Hamasaki - Hanabi
I have been hooked on Ayu for years now, ever since I heard Evolution. This is one of my favorite songs of hers. I am a sucker for all of her ballads. You do now need to know the words, her voice is so emotive that it tells you all you need to know.


Tenmon - Voices of a Distant Star, Preview 2
This short anime always makes me cry my eyes out. Amazing that one guy did the entire thing on his laptop. Except for the final voice acting and the music, done by Tenmon. I love this soundtrack, which is heavy on quiet piano pieces.


Sammy Hagar - Heavy Metal
When I was young this song was practically an anthem. I love Sammy! When I was growing up he was singing songs about coming of age. Now that I am getting older, he is singing songs about nostalgia.

Here's my Friday Shuffle -

Eyehategod - 'Peace Thru War (Thru Peace and War)'

If you like hardcore punk and sludge metal this would be a combination of the two. The chaos of hardcore with the feedback and doomy riffs of sludge. I love it, but I see how others might not.

Carcass - 'Exhume to Consume'

Back before Carcass found their melodic side. Straight up goregrind. Blast beats, chugga chugga guitars. It's nothing so special anymore, but it was revolutionary at the time. I actually saw these guys live for a short-term reunion. It was awesome.

Iron Maiden - 'Be Quick or Be Dead'

Off of the Fear of the Dark album. It's Iron Maiden, therefore great. Enough said. Their guitar melodies always inspire me, and Bruce is always singing his lungs out.

Pink Floyd - 'Empty Spaces'

From The Wall. Cool little intro synth thingy for the most part before some vocals show up. Not so cool by itself, but I am on shuffle and can't really hear the next song that it goes into.

The Band - 'It Makes No Difference'

Despite all the metal, I like my folk rock, and the Band does it best. The way all the singers combine and harmonize always gets me.

Buckethead - 'Slunk Parade AKA Freaks in the Back'

Typical quirky Buckethead. Weird sounding guitar that sometimes sounds like something totally different. He likes to ride the line between music and noise, to good results. This one probably leans more towards the noise end, though.

Deep Purple - 'Strange Kind of Woman'

Deep Purple. Get it? Got it? Good.

Soilent Green - '12oz Prophet'

Soilent Green is pretty extreme heavy metal, and while good, their songs usually have no traditional structure. You hear a part, it comes and goes never to be heard again. No choruses, no verses, just a bunch of different parts put together. It's cool, but I don't ever get their songs stuck in my head either. Probably because when it's over I don't remember a single part.

Gov't Mule - 'Effigy'

Started by Warren Haynes and Allen Woody of The Allman Brothers, this band never ceases to amaze me, even though I only got into them recently. This particular song, though, is a CCR cover.

Blue Oyster Cult - 'Godzilla'

One of my favorite old school hard rock bands, and this song is a classic. If you haven't heard it, lift up that rock you've been under and get into some bluesy old heavy metal.

Stuck in Lodi Again!

The Random 10 for a Random Day (because I don't seem to manage it on Fridays):

Only the Lonely- Roy Orbison

From A Black and White Evening, featuring Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Jeff Lynne, and more. I highly recommend watching the PBS special (available on Netflix).

Where Were You Last Night- The Traveling Wilburys

Showcasing Boo Wilbury (aka Bob Dylan). From the second (and less successful) Volume 3 album. Still worth a listen.

Wrong Side of the Road- Tom Waits

Another one of his that you really need to listen to (and read the lyrics from). A brief example:

"Take the buttons from a yellow jacket
The feather from a buzzard
And the blood from a bounty hunter's cold, black heart
Catch the tears of a widow
In a thimble made of glass"

All delivered with his trademark growl.

Surrender- Cheap Trick

I still do not pretend to understand everything about this song, but it rocks- so....

New Blue Moon- Traveling Wilburys

Sometimes, my "randomizer" does not really seem to get the concept of "shuffle." I think this one is mostly Clayton and Spike Wilbury (aka Jeff Lynne and George Harrison).

Ripple- Jimmie Dale Gilmore

This one goes out to Black Hand. It may not be your style of music, but I think it captures a lot of what you are feeling.

"Reach out your hand
If your cup be empty.
If your cup is full,
May it be again."

Mistaken for Strangers- The National

Another one that I discovered by watching TV . Some good strings and perscussion here, plus the overall gloomy feel of pretending to be someone you aren't. And doing it so successfully that you are "Mistaken for strangers by your own friends."

Midnight Rider- The Allman Brothers

Yep.

Road to Nowhere- Talking Heads

Interestingly enough, I actually picked this track up after watching a documentary on the Young@Heart Chorus. Do some looking around on Youtube for them- you'll be glad you did.

Style- U.R. Penetrators

This one just- moves. Not a lot of complicated lyrical stuff going on, but it doesn't need any.

Led Zeppelin - Thank You

Man Man all the way, man.

I've been on a neo-vaudevillian, cabaret, gypsy sort of kick lately. Put All the Apparatus, World/Inferno Friendship Society and Dresden Dolls on the list too. It's very refreshing, I love the freak energy.

cavalera conspiracy

fits my mood and life outlook right now