iPod/MP3 Friday Shuffle — Happy Birthday Jack Elam Edition
It’s another Friday, and this time, we celebrate the birthday of the late character actor, who appeared in countless Westerns full of menace, and a lazy eye. In ol’ Jack’s honor, grab your iPod/iTunes/MP3 player, hit shuffle, and share the first 10 tunes that come up.
- Morphine — The Jury (Yes): This Boston’s trio’s film noir music has aged really well. The late Mark Sandman was like Tom Waits’ Boston cousin, and the combination of Sandman’s two string bass, cocktail drums and saxophone made for late night decadent magic. This is a particularly atmospheric outing, with Sandman narrating instead of singing over disembodied sax wailing.
- Slow Jets — Up The Country (Good Morning, Stars): More oddball oblong rock along the lines of Big Dipper and Archers of Loaf, with a bit of a Wire influence creeping in. Catchy, in a real offbeat way.
- The Rascals — Carry Me Back (Anthology 1965-1972): Why have these guys fallen off the radar when great ’60s bands are discussed? The Rascals were a terrific white R & B band. “Good Lovin’” and “Groovin’” were just the tip of the iceberg. This is a gospel inflected workout that a young Reginald Dwight probably studied a whole lot before changing his name to Elton John.
- *The Hollies — Searchin’ (30th Anniversary Collection): Speaking of great ’60s bands, while The Hollies deserve their glory for the amazing harmony laced pop hits they unleashed a year or two after this Coasters cover, they were a pretty fun British Invasion rock ‘n’ roll band before hitting their stride.
- Neko Case — Soulful Shade of Blue (The Tigers Have Spoken): Neko’s work has been so consistently high quality, evaluating her most recent albums is a matter of noting incremental progress. On this live effort, what is most noticeable is that things twang just a bit more than the more Western type sounds on her last couple of studio efforts. This isn’t a bad thing at all. It’s nice to know that she won’t abandon the country tuneage that she made her reputation on.
- Split Enz — Wail (Corroboree): Early Split Enz had a bit of a prog-pop vibe, with influences such as Roxy Music (whose Phil Manzanera produced the second album) and Genesis. Even as the band went to a more overtly pop sound that dovetailed nicely with the whole New Wave thang, they never totally abandoned some grander sounds, primarily thanks to keyboardist Eddie Rayner, who composed this instrumental. Generally, I find instrumentals to be time wasters between the “real” songs with vocals, but Rayner’s contributions never disrupted the flow of the Enz’s albums.
- Betty Wright — Clean Up Woman (Can You Dig It?: The ’70s Soul Experience): This was a swell ’70s soul hit with a bright vocal by Ms. Wright. She sings of the perils of neglecting her man — the clean up woman swept in and swept him away. The syncopated bluesy lead guitar licks and horns sound fantastic.
- Cheap Trick — If You Want My Love (One On One): Cheap Trick was in the most peculiar position in the early-‘80s:* they were a big hit rock band with roots in The Beatles, The Who and The Move, surrounded by the likes of REO Speedwagon, Journey and Foreigner. It’s no wonder they couldn’t sustain their commercial success. While crap like Journey’s “Faithfully” and REO’s “Keep on Loving You” hit big, this substantially less overblown ballad (in the vein of ELO and John Lennon) couldn’t dent the charts. This has two or three distinct melodic hooks and is one of the first exhibits in the “Robin Zander is one of the greatest rock vocalist ever” file, as he shows off his range and power, without ever showing off.
- The Sun — Demons (Did Your Mother Tell You?): This Ohio band put out two really good EPs of indie pop-rock back in the early part of this decade, before releasing their debut on DVD, which had to be one of the dumbest ideas ever. Stylistically, their music was mix of scruffy Replacements rock, garage rock, The Clash with a bit of lighter melodic material, like this tender acoustic guitar number. The band didn’t have a distinctive personality, but everything it did, it did quite well. Until they put out their first full length on a DVD.
- Tangiers — Your Colour (Never Bring You Pleasure): This Canadian duo put their own twist on post-punk revivalism, falling somewhere in between The Strokes and Spoon with tense songs that resolve in memorable choruses. The Velvet Underground’s inspiration looms over everything, but I can also hear Modern Lovers, Pixies, Comsat Angels, Elvis Costello & The Attractions and others lurking in the mix. This is the second of the band’s three albums, and the band’s best, where every song offered something extra.
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What They're Saying
Michael Gibson, on Nov 13, 06:24 AM, wrote:
This week’s been a waste professionally, good thing the weekend’ll more than make up for it, and I’m not even seeing Devo tonight, go figure. In honour of the upcoming weekend, I’m going to try to actually write a bit about each song as well.
1. Al Burian – War Anthem (War Anthem 7”)
The first solo release from the former Milemarker/Hellbender co-frontman. Awesome, fuzzed out bedroom beats, screams, attitude and sass. Still one of my favorite 7“s that I own.
2. Snapcase – Killing Yourself To Live (Progression Through Unlearning)
My friend Joel and I use to drive through the suburbs of Houston with this album cranked, the windows rolled down and our arms flailing away doing our best air drumming audition. I’ve always felt Snapcase was just one foot in front of the rest of the 90’s hardcore pack. It was a shame when their last album did so poorly, as it’s simply breathtaking.
3. Desaparacidos – Hole In One (Read Music, Speak Spanish)
My disdain for all things Oberst is pretty apparent, which is why its convenient that I can also easily ignore the fact he’s in this band, as this is probably my favorite album to come from Omaha. Musically, lyrically, mood, it all sits perfectly with me. But then agin, growing up in the suburbs I’ve got a sweet spot for any piece of art that so succinctly attacks urban sprawl.
4. The Gunshy – The Darling Days (I Gave Too Much Time To The Wine and Other Collected EP’s)
The Gunshy is the special type of band/artist that’s entirely rough around the edges while tugging mightily at every heartstring in sight. I’ve seen a lot of comparisons between this dude and Tom Waits, and perhaps sometimes it’s true, but this track’s got more in common with Chuck Ragan and Brian Fallon than it does our favorite dive bar crooner.
5. The Good Life – A New Friend (Album of the Year)
The first Good Life record quite literally left me in tears by the end. Every one since then has done the same, but it’s been through boredom rather than hitting the right chords. I need to really take this album off my iPod.
6. Why? – Good Friday [Remixed by Boards of Canada] (The Hallows)
A great remix of a solid tune that does more to explain to me Why?‘s confusing hip-hop tag than 15 over ambitious uber-fans haranguing me on a Saturday afternoon at Metropolis. The focus of this remix is the flow of the vocal line, with an over-emphasized 70’s influenced bass line and some subtle dreamy atmospherics, which are the only non-surprise of the track.
7. Palatka – Straight Straight Youth (Discography)
18 second blast beat aural assault (10 seconds of which are opening and closing feedback). Palatka were one of my favorite of the mid/late-90’s spazzy hardcore scene. They’d give the entire Gravity roster a run for their money, and tore apart the audience the one time I happened to catch them in Pennsylvania of all places.
8. Fugazi – Do You Like Me (Red Medicine)
Fugazi just turned 20. Huh? I can’t even think of Minor Threat as being 20, let alone the 30 they’re shortly coming up on. Eeegads, age and all that nonsense. Love this track for it’s 50 second intro of noisy, hissed out nonsense that blends into one of the best Guy songs the band ever put together.
9. Rise Against – Blood Red, White & Blue (Revolutions Per Minute)
Unlike most punk bands, I feel Rise Against didn’t get good UNTIL they signed to a major. There’s lots of factors for sure. Better recording budgets, more time, etc. But also, don’t forget that they kicked out their mediocre guitar player between the last indie album and first major album. Also, The Killing Tree broke up in this time as well, which meant Tim had plenty of unused hardcore and metal riffs for the picking. Unfortunately, this track was from the earlier days. Boooo. I will be listening to Siren Song of the Counter Culture today though.
10. Please Inform The Captain, This Is A Hijack – Robot Rampage In Luxury World (Self-Titled)
PITCTIAH is a concept band. They are a who’s who of west coast hardcore. They are equal parts rage and performance art, story tellers and ideologues. THe fact that they carried their exhaustive creative energy through not one release, but two, makes me happy indeed. What a way to end this week’s shuffle.
Owen, on Nov 13, 06:35 AM, wrote:
The Enz! Eddie recently remixed/remastered the “Waiata/Corroboree” album, along with the rest of the Enz catalogue. The legendary Roorin’ Tootin’ Luton Tapes were also released on CD for the first time.
I should share the Enz doco I produced for NZ Student Radio (Letters to my Frenz) with the CHIRP collective…
Billy Kalb, on Nov 13, 07:40 AM, wrote:
Man, I love me some Jack Elam in the opening scene of Once Upon a Time in the West.
1. Beirut — Elephant Gun (Lon Gisland EP): I’m an absolute sucker for anything this kid sets to tape. Maybe it’s the voice, or the traditional Eastern European sounds (I grew up attending many German drinking fests), or the fact that he’s roughly my age and already has four excellent records to his name… whatever. Always incredible.
2. Brian Eno — The Secret Place (Apollo – Atmospheres & Soundtracks): I’ve indulged my ridiculous fascination with all things space quite a bit in recent years, so when I found out there was an Apollo Program documentary with an Eno soundtrack, well, holy crap. Taken together or separately, both the film (For All Mankind) and the album (Apollo) are absolutely staggering. Check ‘em out.
3. Magnetic Fields — If There’s Such a Thing As Love (i): Stephin Merritt’s primary pop collective is unabashedly contrived and gimmicky, but it also pretty consistently delivers the goods. Guaranteed to float around in your head for days afterward.
4. Tom Waits — Dave the Butcher (Swordfishtrombones): Who is Dave the Butcher? Only Tom knows for sure, but from this creepy organ instrumental you get the impression that he’s grizzly, greasy, and probably up to no good.
5. The Ruby Suns — Kenya Dig It? (Sea Lion): Okay, this is a first listen for me. I think these guys played Pitchfork a couple years back, which is probably why I have it. I like it though, lots of drippy-cave reverb and sunny ‘60s harmonies. A bit of an early Magnetic Fields feeling here too, at least in its construction. I’m subtracting points for the title.
6. Sonic Youth — Eliminator Jr. (Daydream Nation): I’ve always thought “Eliminator Jr.” was a really awesome combination of words. It’s so brutal and threatening, but you still get the feeling you got off easy. Like, “Man, you’re just lucky it’s Eliminator Jr.! If Eliminator Sr. were here, you’d be dead by now.”
7. The Field — The More that I Do (Yesterday & Today): Still forming my opinions on this one. I’m no techno buff, but I did like From Here We Go Sublime quite a bit; its follow-up is in many ways a different sort of beast. This does feel good right now though, kind of a My-Bloody-Valentine-meets-Phoenix-tossed-in-a-centrifuge deal.
8. Bob Dylan — Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream (Bringing it All Back Home): Who gets away with starting a song, breaking down in a laughing fit, and then starting up again even better than before? Bob Dylan, kids. That’s who.
9. Violent Femmes — Prove My Love (Violent Femmes): This record came out in 1983, but I still meet people who think it was recorded in the ‘90s, or even this decade. Is the populace poorly informed, or is it just a testament to the timelessness of teen angst?
10. Juana Molina — Rio Seco (Son): I’ve read that Molina is a sketch comedian in her native Argentina and makes music on the side. I haven’t seen any of her comedy, but on the strength of her ever-hypnotic folktronica, she might want to consider switching primary professions if she hasn’t already.
Erin Van Ness, on Nov 13, 08:18 AM, wrote:
From my limited iPhone availability, but still fun to do none the less!
1. Micachu “Vulture” from Jewellery
2. The Love Language “Stars” from The Love Language
3. Fire on Fire “Hartford Blues” from The Orchard
4. The Mountain Goats “Matthew 25:21” from The Life Of The World to Come
5. Sunset Rubdown “Nightingale/December Song” from Dragonslayer
6. Regina Spektor “The Sword & The Pen” from Far
7. Monsters of Folk “Say Please” from Monsters of Folk
8. M. Ward “Blake’s View” from Hold Time
9. Kevin Devine “Another Bag of Bones” from Brother’s Blood
10. Grizzly Bear “While You Wait For The Others” from Veckatimest
bobby, on Nov 13, 08:29 AM, wrote:
1. The Beatles – Martha My Dear
This is a song about Paul McCartney’s giant sheep dog, Martha.
2. Spoon – My Mathematical MindThis movie was featured in the movie “Stranger Than Fiction” which was filmed in Chicago
3. The Cure – Let’s Go To Bed
This song was written in response to Ian Curtis’ suicide.
4. The Beatles- If I Fell
5. The Blow – Bonjour Jeune Fille
6. Pulp – Like A friend
7Gael Garcia Bernal – If you Rescue Me (chanson des chats)
This is a cover/parody of a velvet underground song (After Hours) from The Science of Sleep, sung from the perspective of a stray kitten who needs a good rescue (which I am sure we can all relate to some of the time)
8. Wilco – You are my face
9. Ben Folds Five – Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head
10. The Decemberists – Sons & Daughters
One of the better songs from The Crane Wife.
Tony, on Nov 13, 10:00 AM, wrote:
Here we go!
1. Wayward Sister / Klaus Nomi / Simple Man
2. All U Can Eat / Ben Folds / Supersunnyspeedgraphic: The LP (This song is smug and overdone. Ben Folds has been so much better than this.)
3. I Could Give You (A Mirror) / Eurythmics / Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
4. Bring It On Home / The Whitsundays / The Whitsundays (Still one of my favorite albums of 2009.)
5. Black Crow / Joni Mitchell / Hejira (A dark track that I didn’t quite notice the first several times I listened to this album. Worth a focused listen.)
6. Llora Corazon / Yma Sumac / The Ultimate Collection
7. The Blower’s Daughter / Damien Rice / O (A generally gorgeous album.)
8. Little Jazz Bird / Blossom Dearie / Verve Jazz Masters 51
9. Think About It / Flight Of The Conchords / Flight Of The Conchords
10. Scholarship Is the Enemy of Romance / Billy Bragg / Reaching to the Converted
Tony, on Nov 13, 10:02 AM, wrote:
Bobby — Ben Fold Five covering Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head? That sounds like GENIUS. Or maybe it’s just some half-assed live track, like the Ben Folds version of Hava Nagila that I’ve got.
Dan Morgidge, on Nov 15, 05:59 PM, wrote:
1. The Message From The Soul Sisters Part 1 & 2 – Vicki Anderson
From the Kings of Hip Hop, mixed by DJ Premiere of Gang Starr fame. I assume it’s a pretty great tune, but all I hear is Primo scratching the absolute crap out of this, every six seconds, for no apparent reason. When you man a compilation of classic jams from back in the day, it’s best to just be a curator, and not show off your simplistic scratching styles all over them, jerk.
2. Young Einstein on the Beach – Man Man – Six Demon Bag
59 seconds of pure absurd madness. As my friend Hef once put it: “Man Man is like a pirate ship full of puppets”
3. Forest – Bran Van 3000
A Canadian supergroups can either go the Broken Social Scene route – hand the keys to your six or so bands to one Kevin Drew, and let him work the ingredients into a new dish – or you could go the Bran Van route, and be about 28 different bands over 19 tracks. All of their main disparate elements are here – a fluttering harp intro, harmonizing female vocals, megaphone rapping, hard rock guitar wailing, a french dude and a hip hop beat under it all keeping tempo. I love ‘em anyways.
4. Just Ice – Latoya (All Spice) – MF DOOM – Special Blends
One of MF Doom’s many showcased beats from the Special Blends series, draped behind the old school cipher-sounding “Latoya” from Just Ice. The beginning is sparse and sounds like little more than a handclap and fat-boy beatbox, but eventually sneaks in a plaintive jazz piano, drawing out the surprising heartache in the rap. A lounge tune almost begins, but the mixtape rolls on, and Doom cuts us short for the next one.
5. Do Re Mi – Isolee – Wearemonster
A slice of Aphex pie with just enough wink and nudge sci-fi sound set on top to make you realize this isn’t the work of electronica’s most crazily serious conductor, despite the decayed, downright rotted beats.
6. Kobwebs – The Gaslamp Killer Featuring Gonjasufi – From LA With Love
An excellent compilation from producer Andrew Lojaro gathering together noted LA residents, including Stone’s Throw stalwarts like Madlib and Flying Lotus.
7. Stove By A Whale – Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Ted makes his guitar sound like a ship cruising the waves. Yes. He then makes a strong case for having been both a wailing bluesman as well as a teenage heartthrob with his mix of heart-straight wails that trail into falsetto vibratos. The band sludges through a beat that might be more at home in a metal song, but they hit it with pop heart and Ted lays down a joyous solo over top that never gets out of control, but drifts pleasantly around in the ocean.
8. The Distance – Cake
The fact that Cake made it as a band, and got all over MTV with a trumpeter, is sadly a great accomplishment. While they didn’t push the envelope as far as say, Soul Coughing, that band didn’t take over the airwaves until Doughty softened things up to a much lighter degree than their early works. Kudos for being a great gateway drug, Cake.
9. Stress – Guilty Simpson
It took me a long time to warm up to Guilty, but a lot of my favorite producers had a taste for him, and whether it’s been their beats or Guilty’s talent coming through, I’ve found some gems from his catalog. With a posthumous Dilla beat backing him here, it’s hard not to give immense credit to Jay, but Guilty sells his title well.
10. No Regrets – Aesop Rock
Plucked strings and violins spell out Blockhead’s production for Aesop, a trademark that he later made simply an early period rather than a defining signature, but there are others who would disagree. The background hardly ever matters for Aes – he spits hard and fast and tells a strange long story no matter what’s behind him. That’s not to say he doesn’t dovetail in lovely ways with the beat, but if you’re listening to the man, it’s probably to hear one of the sickest flows of the late 90’s (or any white man, if you want to get into that).