No Sex for Ben

Song: No Sex for Ben
Artist: The Rapture
Album: The Music of Grand Theft Auto IV




I haven’t bought a video game console since… gosh, I think it was high school. And it was the Super Nintendo. I have since played a game here and there, love the new Nintendo Wii (though my experience is only really with bowling) and really dug Guitar Hero, which lets me play out my rock star fantasies in the comfort of a living room. What has escaped me though it the “Grand Theft Auto” phenomenon. I had heard about the game when it was released due to its controversial violence and themes, but didn’t really realize just how involved the whole thing is.

I still haven’t played “Grand Theft Auto” and understand that I sound WAY old when I marvel at how far gaming has come. I read, since I was interested, a couple reviews of “GTAIV” which were pretty unanimously glowing. Many said it was the best movie of the summer, yet in a game. I can’t speak on that, but a read of the Wikipedia page devoted for the game proves one thing… Donkey Kong this ain’t!

What does interest me is the amount of time they’ve spent incorporating music into the game, and they have also gone as far as to create a soundtrack for the game with a bunch of top notch artists. Included is “No Sex for Ben” a Timbaland produced bouncy little ditty from the NYC dance-rock hipsters. I was a huge fan of the bands last record, ‘06’s “Pieces of People We Love,” and while “No Sex for Ben” doesn’t quite sound like that record I really dig it.

Apparently the game features several different radio stations that you can listen to including a couple talk stations and all. You’d expect some cheesy background music but no… they paid the price and got some really great and diverse artist to include music for the game. Kanye West, Jill Scott, R.Kelly, Bob Marley, The Black Keys, !!!, Shaggy, R.E.M., Genesis, Stevie Nicks… the list goes on and on. Totally impressive.

Frankly, I don’t need another thing to waste any of my time so I don’t see myself becoming any kind of game addict. But if they’re a conduit for odds and sods songs getting released I’m all for it. Especially if their as fun as this Rapture track.

Enjoy.

Don’t Call Me Baby

Song: Don’t Call Me Baby
Artist: Kreesha Turner
Album: Passion




Last week I spent an entire glorious week on vacation in Provincetown, MA. I pretty much go every year and one of my favorite things to do is hear new music and see what is grabbing the DJ’s and audiences. While not as fruitful on a discovery front as a trip to Europe, what I do get from a summer weekend in PTown is usually a handle on what the hot songs are for the summer. Provincetown, if you didn’t know, is big homo vacation destination and not for nothing… fags tend to be a step ahead on the pop front. It was four years ago that I realized just how big Kelly Clarkson was going to be, and last year it was “Umbrella” all the time. So what was it going to be this year?

In Provincetown there is what is known as “tea dance” every day at the Boatslip resort from 4 – 7 PM. It’s basically a happy hour (minus any kind of drink special) where you can meet up with friends, make plans for the evening, watch the sun set over the bay, get a little drunk, and dance to hot remixes of today’s hottest pop hits. Now don’t get me wrong, tea dance isn’t the absolute barometer of what IS the song of the summer. When discussing this topic with my very good friend John and he threw out Madonna’s “Give it 2 Me” as his guess, though I needed to remind him that she’s the biggest homo icon still working it today… so despite hearing it at EVERY party (matched up with “4 Minutes” for good measure) both day and night all week, I didn’t really think it could count. It was sort of expected. Like running into dudes on ecstasy.

By the end of the week I had two contenders that I think have a good chance or seriously blowing up by the rapidly approaching end of Summer. First, there was Jennifer Hudson’s “Spotlight,” her first official single from her album that has taken forever to get done. (I mean… haven’t there been like four seasons of American Idol since she was on?) But to be fair she was busy getting a (wildly undeserved) Oscar for her role in “Dreamgirls” as well as the “Sex and the City” movie. And while I think she is a mediocre to poor actress that happens to have the biggest luck I’ve ever seen, the girl certainly can sing. I heard “Spotlight’ wanting to dislike it and was happily bored to tears. But I must be honest… the DJ played it towards the end one tea dance and I don’t know if it was the pina coladas that I had enjoyed by the pool all day, or just the energy of being surrounded by people happily dancing and singing along but the tune got to me. I really dug the dance version, and found myself LOVING the “woo-hoo’s” in it.

Take a listen to the album version:


In the end, I decided the song of the week was a pleasant surprise… and one hat I think is STILL gaining momentum. “Don’t Call Me Baby” by Canadian singer-songwriter Kreesha Turner was indeed a surprise for me. I heard it at tea dance every time I went, but was most shocked when I heard it at the Blowoff party Tuesday night. Ironically, I had been first introduced to Kreesha just two weeks before as she performed three songs live at a corporate event I attended. I hadn’t heard of her before, and while I thought she was good, sweet, and had a great voice I wasn’t BLOWN away. Her songs have been gaining a bit of play on shows like “Lipstick Jungle” but her album “Passion” doesn’t hit stores until mid-August. But the more I heard “Don’t Call Me Baby” I knew it had hit summer jam written all over it. It’s a “you done me wrong” anthem that speaks to women and gay men alike. I can’t seem to track down Rich Morel’s “Pink Noise Remix” which was played at tea as well as at the Blowoff party, but the original is actually pretty great. It’s not my usual thing but I’ve been listening to it a lot.

So what’s your song of the summer?

Enjoy

Don’t Call Me Baby


Bounce With Me

Gamma Ray

Song: Gamma Ray
Artist: Beck
Album: Modern Guilt




If I am totally honest with you, I should mention that I approach every new Beck record in really one way… absolute excitement. Despite his shifts in style and tone from album to album I can officially say that not one of his records has disappointed me. I can usually find something to like in every one of his records and for many of them, they just are some of my favorite records of all time. I think he is, and has always been, equal parts innovator, fun, goofy, introspective, and mysterious.

Today marks the release of his new album “Modern Guilt” which on the surface seems to be his attempt at 60’s style psychedelia. A mix of Nuggets-era rock and well… Beck. It’s important to note that while Beck has changes styles from album to album they all in effect sound like non-other than just Beck. I think, given another decade or two, that Beck will be considered one of the most import singer-songwriters in rock history. But hey, I’m a fan.

Depending on how you count, “Modern Guilt” is either Beck’s 8th, 10th, or 12th album. (If you count his indie records, and if you count the ones that are still in print, etc.) I think that officially it should be considered his 10th and because of this, and my outrageous fandom… I thought I’d write up a little bit about all of his records thus far…

Stereopathetic Soulmanure
His first release on an indie, a wild mix of acoustic jams, hip-hop, crazy noises, and samples from all over the place. It’s sort of like Beck’s idea of a mix-tape… except he wrote all the songs. My guess is that he was trying to create a record to get high to and nothing more. Except there are some cool songs on there, including the sweet acoustic “Rowboat” (which was later covered by Johnny Cash) and jokey but fun tracks “Satan Gave me a Taco” and “Puttin It Down.”

Mellow Gold
The record that introduced Beck to the world, including blow-up single “Loser” and less successful (but totally great) “Beercan.” The album comes across as a more serious take on “Stereopathetic’s” out-there mix-match style. But really, there is nothing serious about it. I remember listening to this pretty much non-stop for a good two years. Though aside from” Loser,” I rarely play it anymore.

One Foot in the Grave
For his third (yes… THIRD!) album of 1994 Beck went indie again for this “anti-folk” record. This was the first hint that Beck was more than a stoner “slacker” who specialized in off-the-wall sound collages. While lyrically it maintained some of his goofy and sometimes free-association words, there were hints at darker things on the horizon. “I Get Lonesome” is a dirge-like favorite, as well as “Cyanide Breath Mint” and “Asshole,” which was covered by Tom Petty for his soundtrack to “She’s the One.” In a way, while these albums didn’t come close to the sales of “Mellow Gold,” it helped create a buzz around the guy, more so than just the stellar major-label debut.

Odelay
Maybe it was because people thought of him as a one hit wonder, or the fact that it built upon what he had done before to create a modern classic, but his major-label follow up to “Mellow Gold,” “Odelay” pretty much sent Beck into the stratosphere. Not only did it have a string of actual hit songs, “Where it’s At,” “Devil’s Haircut,” and “New Pollution,” but in a way it re-defined pop music in the 90’s. Almost every musical genre is touched upon and it began the start of Beck finding smart producers (The Dust Brothers of “Paul’s Boutique” fame) that help him lift his musical ambitions. I wore this out at the time, and many consider it his best… I frankly haven’t listened to it in a while.

Mutations
Beck’s first curve ball (if you didn’t pay attention to his indie releases, or the onslaught of b-sides released on singles) a folk-blues record that sounded nothing like “Gold” or “Odelay” yet remained completely Beck. I remembered feeling so-so about this record at the time of release but it soon grabbed me, solidifying my love for the man. He can do anything!

Midnight Vultures
This album was an audience divider. Some raved about the Prince 80’s inspired set of jams and others thought he’d just gone too far. I was with the latter at first, but then slowly understood its brilliance. It’s a big dumb party record, a pitch-perfect recreation of a lot of 80’s R & B, or a one-joke record… all in one. I can see why people hate it, and I know why I love it.

Sea Change
Like “Mutations” before it, Beck slowed things down and went more folk based with this record. In my mind it solidified any questions about his songwriting ability, and acted as a response to any negative feedback from “Midnight Vultures.” Despite “Mutations,” whos songs were still a bit jokey, “Sea Change” debuted Beck as the serious artist. It’s a heartbreaking break-up record, and probably his most critically adored. (Well… along with “Odelay.”)

Guero
I think it’s his best. Many argued that he was just re-doing all things Beck over again, which is easy to say about someone whom has basically re-invented themselves with ever record. Yes he returned to the stylings of “Odelay” (along with its producers the Dust Brothers) but listening to that record and “Guero” side to side show where he’s come as a songwriter. There is bubbling mystery and dread that started for “Sea Change” but they’re married with sunny Beck jams. While you might bop along to “Girl” because it’s one of his sunniest fun pop songs, it’s about a guy killing a girl. And Beck sings as the guy. It’s such a killer record and one that I have not stopped listening to since its release. If you only own one Beck record, this should be it.

The Information
After going gaga for “Guero,” I suppose I couldn’t help but be let down by “The Information,” Beck’s speedy follow up. I recently re-listened to the full album and realized I liked it better than I remembered. It’s too long, and all over the place, but what it lacks in focus it gains in tunes. “Think I’m in Love” is a straight up classic… and SO Beck, “Strange Apparition,” “Nausea,” “We Dance Alone,” and the title track are highlights. What it sounds like is a great B-Sides collection, it just doesn’t say one thing… which Beck hadn’t really done since… well his first two records.

Modern Guilt
I’ve been listening to Beck’s latest pretty much on repeat since I got it late Sunday. Initially, right off the bat, I loved it. Beck gets with Producer of the moment Danger Mouse to craft a swirling 60’s Psychedelic rock record that fits in our times of mass fear, confusion, and uncertainty. At just over thirty minutes he clears the problems he had with the overloaded “The Information,” and mixes his (and DM’s) ear for a killer groove and new lyrical weight. “Gamma Ray” is a groovy Bond-ish number that go-go’s on about seriously bad weather. The title track is as well a highlight.

If “Guero” and “the Information” were a return to the sound collage style that made him a house-hold name, “Guilt” is his return making a single concept record… yet it’s obtuse, strange, a bit scary, and surprisingly upbeat. Thus far the only misstep I find is the drum and bass rerun “Replica” that is more annoying than… well anything else. If we learn anything from “Modern Guilt” it’s that Beck is going to continue surprising us and making some of the best modern music around. At this point he’s carved out a place in rock history for himself being nothing but himself.

Enjoy.

Find the River

Song: Find the River
Artist: R.E.M.
Album: Automatic for the People




There have been times in my life where music and the current circumstances I was dealing with strangely collided. Times where I felt life’s answers were hidden in a song, despite the knowledge that the songwriter no doubt knew nothing about me, nor the state at which my life was currently at. Once again, it’s moments like these that prove the case for the power of music, and the artistry of songwriting.

I discovered R.E.M. after “Out of Time” and had just about gotten their entire back catalog by the time “Automatic” came out. I was a full-fledged new fan and “Automatic” solidified them as one of the most popular bands of the early 90’s. I loved the album at first listen pretty much, but over time it grew on me in a way very few albums have. And at one point in my life I felt like the record had literally been written FOR ME. “Find the River” specifically caught my ear as it vaguely seems to be about the struggle of finding your true path in life. This song spelled a few things out to me many moons ago and when I hear it I am forced to think about my current life, the choices I’ve made, and where I was when this song so impacted me. Pretty powerful.

The river to the ocean goes,
A fortune for the undertow
None of this is going my way
There is nothing left to throw
Of ginger, lemon, indigo,
Coriander stem and rows of hay
Strength and courage overrides
The privileged and weary eyes
Of river poet search naivete
Pick up here and chase the ride
The river empties to the tide
All of this is coming your way

As I was thinking about not only some of my favorite songs of all time, but albums I think “Automatic” might take the lead spot. I have not since had a work of music that has changed meaning for me over time. And there have been times (specifically when listening to a new, wildly disappointing, R.E.M. album) where I absolutely marvel at this record. Song for song it’s one of R.E.M.’s best, but beyond that it holds together like a true album with a common theme of loss, re-birth, and personal discovery.

I acknowledge that I could be totally alone in how much this albums means to me, and that’s the great thing about music. Sure I have, at times, had a friend or two that RAVED up and down on a beautiful song to have me think it’s over-produced garbage… but that’s why the song got to THEM and not ME. It found them because it needed to speak to them. In essence I believe that like finding the river for ourselves, music can find us to direct us.

Enjoy.

Find the River


Man on the Moon


Drive

Hyper-Ballad

Song: Hyper-Ballad
Artist: Björk
Album: Post




Sometimes I feel that when you are introduced to an artist, it’s usually that first initial impression that formulates your opinion and usually that first album, of movie, or book is your favorite. My good friend Lizzy and I had a conversation about this regarding filmmaker Wes Anderson. I believe it was at the time of the release of “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” which we both hadn’t seen, she was interested, and I was on the fence. See I was a HUGE fan of “Rushmore,” thought it was one of the smartest comedies I had seen in a long while and thought his follow up; “The Royal Tenenbaums” was good but not great. But Lizzy LOVED “Tenenbaums” and thought that “Rushmore,” which she saw after, was good but was missing something that she saw in the previous picture. Her hypothesis, given that Anderson has a very particular style and approach to his films, was that the first of his films you see is the one you’ll love and subsequent movies will leave you feeling like you wanted more. I went along with this though after seeing “Aquatic” which I though was actually bad, I haven’t seen another of his films. Oh well.

Despite going on and on about this artistic theory, I actually do NOT think this applies to Icelandic singer Björk. Actually… I’m not sure what applies to Björk because I am still not convinced the woman is 100% human. But today while I let her catalog play on my iPod I remember being a touch disappointed with her debut album when it came out. “Debut,” (haha) was released in 1993 amid the Alternative music boom in which totally avant-garde artist got record deals AND had alt. radio hits. While I really dug like half of the tracks others I did not, oh well. Despite this, when the follow up, “Post” came in 1995 I got it anyhow and was literally blown away by it. She not only seemed to re-invent herself, but she seemed to be reinventing a different genre with each song. It is my favorite of her records and still stands as one of the best records of the 90’s.

If I had to pick one song off “Post” I would certainly without hesitation pick “Hyper-Ballad,” a strange, moving track that slowly builds over the course of its five and a half minutes. It’s a love ballad, in which Björk pictures herself falling off a mountain and crashing on rocks below. She sings with such passion that while you might not connect all the dots you just FEEL what she is saying. And when the song does finally kick in, it’s nothing short of miraculous. It’s an odd comforting song to me; I find it mysterious, joyous, and just killer. And it hasn’t aged at all, despite being as electronic as it is.

I wasn’t a big fan of Björk’s last two records but REALLY love her 2001 release “Vespertine.” It’s a quiet beautiful record, nothing like “Post” but just as exhilarating in another way.

Enjoy.

Videos from “Post”

Hyper-Ballad


Army of Me


It’s Oh So Quiet

Possibly my favorite music video of all time.

Divorce Song

Song: Divorce Song
Artist: Liz Phair
Album: Exile in Guyville




Since Liz Phair’s “Exile in Guyville” is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year (and has been reissued with extra tracks and a DVD) I thought I would spend the short week talking about some of my favorite albums and songs.

“Exile in Guyville” Liz Phair’s debut album which was released in 1993 on Matador Records is one of my top five albums of all time. I discovered Liz in high school, getting her second record “Whipsmart” first, and then “Guyville” following that. I was excited to hear that the album was being reissued, and that it contained three unreleased songs. The b-sides aren’t great, though the reggae-tinged “Hey You” is fun, though unlike anything on the record. I was really interested in seeing the DVD that comes with it, a documentary Liz directed herself with the “guys” of “Guyville,” different producers, scenesters, and Matador execs that made the record happen. The quality isn’t very good, but anyone that loves the album will find it totally captivating.

For those not in the know, Liz Phair’s debut was a super buzzed about record when it came out back in ’93 and made several end of the year best lists. It continues to be recognized as one of the most import records released during the time. While Liz didn’t invent confessional songwriting, “Exile” was no doubt the blueprint for Alanis Morrissette’s similar (though way inferior) “Jagged Little Pill.” (I remember at the time being so pissed that Alanis got all of that attention where Liz remained an indie-rock darling.) It’s a killer rock record, smart, sexy, fragile, and exhilarating. A song-for-song response to the Rolling Stones “Exile on Main Street,” a miraculous double album… and her first!

While it’s hard to just pick one song from this album, I have always liked the story/song “Divirce Song,” which really highlights Liz’s lyrical ability. One of my favorite lines:

“And the license said
You had to stick around until I was dead
But if you’re tired of looking at my face I guess I already am”

How devastating! It’s a really killer song.

If you don’t already own “Exile in Guyville,” the re-issue is a good reason to go pick it up. It seriously is one of the best and most important rock records from the last twenty five years.

Enjoy.

Never Said


Fuck and Run (live from 1995)


Divorce Song (live from Tower Records)

The Boys

Song; The Boys
Artist: Dragonette
Album: The Boys




As I had mentioned earlier this week, I’m pretty Calvin Harris crazy as of late. The same day that I had heard and discovered his song with Dizzee Rascal “Dance Wiv Me” I found this cover/response to his song “The Girls” by English electropop band Dragonette. It’s totally fun.

Dragonette formed in 2005 in Canada, but moved to London as they thought they had a better chance of getting attention, play, and fame & fortune there. Ironically, after the move they blew up in Canada. Oops! Their debut album “Galore” was released in September of last year, I haven’t heard the whole thing but really like the single “I Get Around,” which was first released on a for-promo-purposes EP. The only reason I was introduced to the band was hearing that they had produced a song on the new Cyndi Lauper album. (“Grab a Hold” one of my favorites.)

I’m interested enough in their sound to check them out and see if they should be (or should have been) the next big thing. Their cover of “The Boys” is a lot of fun, tongue-in-cheek, and a great way for all you homos in NYC to kick off Pride weekend!

Enjoy.

The Boys


I Get Around


Take it Like a Man

I'm a Fire

Song: I’m a Fire
Artist: Donna Summer
Album: Crayons



It’s easy, when you weren’t there (or were just too young to really care) but to miss some major moments in music history. Sure I knew various Donna Summer songs growing up (as “Hot Stuff,” “Bad Girls,” “She Works Hard for the Money,” and “On the Radio” were hard to miss) but I honestly didn’t realize how BIG she really was. She still holds many sales records, and with the release of her first album in 17 years, “Crayons” last month she broke another one, as the first artist ever to have a #1 Billboard Dance hit in each of the past four decades.

It wasn’t until I started getting into dance music that I really got to understand how much Summers’ music has been an influence on modern electronica. “I Feel Love” alone has been sampled and covered so much since it’s release, it’s arguably the most well known electronic song ever. It holds up today, and I honestly can’t imagine hearing it way back then… it must have been just mind-blowing.

It had occurred to me, with the release of Madonna’s new album, (and subsequent backlash for being “too old” to be doing that type of music) that we don’t really have any examples within pop music of someone with that type of longevity, still doing it today. But Summers certainly came first, and after seventeen years off the charts, the question is… what type of music is Summers doing? Should she be doing Rod Stewart type standards? No, Summers has decided to do a little bit of everything. “Crayons” (AWFUL album title) if filled with R&B, house tunes, mild hip hop, and dance. It’s quite a mix, and while some of it is a little goofy for my taste, I’ve been enjoying a good chunk of it, especially the house flavored “I’m a Fire,” which was produced by Sebastian Arocha Morton. That was her latest #1 Dance track, which marks her fourteenth number one on various Billboard charts.

Summers has always had a big gay following, and met with controversy when it was reported that she made some anti-gay comments in the 80’s. (Which coincided with a gospel release) Coincidence or not, her career took a hit, and hadn’t really recovered since. With “Crayons” Summers is certainly aiming for gay fans old and new, (she’s done a bunch of gay press for the release of the record) and it wasn’t until my research for this album did I learn that Summers has always denied the negative comments to the community. Bygones baby!

Enjoy.

Performing “Stamp Your Feet” on the American Idol Finale


I Feel Love


On The Radio

Fascination

Song: Fascination
Artist: Alphabeat
Album; This is Alphabeat



Here’s a fun song I recently came across. “Fascination” was a big hit in Denmark, where Alphabeat hail from, back in 2007. It recently made its way to Europe where it became a top ten hit just this year. It’s a fun, bouncy song, that wouldn’t be out of place on a drive to the beach. (I officially have summer on my mind.)

Alphabeat’s sound is geared toward 80’s pop in the vein of Prefab Sprout. I haven’t heard anything but “Fascination,” but I dig it.

Enjoy.

Fascination


10,000 Nights


Boyfriend

Dance Wiv Me

Song: Dance Wiv Me
Artist: Dizzee Rascal featuring Calvin Harris and Chrome
Album; Dance Wiv Me (single)




Summer Jam alert!!! Since the release of his debut record, the ridiculously titled “I Created Disco,” I have been hooked on all things Calvin Harris, the 23 year old Scottish singer-producer. He recently did a killer remix for my new faves the Ting Tings for their track “Great DJ” as well as an electro remix of the latest Cut Copy single. Not to mention his production work on the latest Kylie album, including my favorite track on the album, “In My Arms.” Since I’ve worn “I Created Disco” out… (actually can you wear out an MP3?) I’ve been eager to hear more from the man.

In checking his Wikipedia page (which is honestly the best place I’ve found to get up to the minute info on your favorite artists) it was revealed that the numbskull had all the work on his new album get destroyed in the Heathrow baggage disaster a couple months ago. Who check a laptop in their luggage? And better yet… who doesn’t keep an extra copy of your work?! Calvin come ON!

Well, my impatience has been temporary satiated by a new production he’s done with UK Grime rapper Dizzee Rascal & R&B group Chrome. “Dance Wiv Me” has the characteristic dumb-catchy electro melody, and is nicely accompanied by Dizzee’s very English rapping style. This is really a Dizzee track, but it’s so very Calvin… regardless, it’s dope. In a reasonable world, this would be one of the big jams of the summer, and it probably will be everywhere… but America. Oh well, we’ll get The Pussycat Dolls which will have to suffice. But in my summer playlist, this jam is ON.

Enjoy.

Dance Wiv Me

Black & Gold

Song: Black & Gold
Artist: Sam Sparro
Album: Sam Sparro



My co-worker Darrell, recently turned me on to this really cool new artist Sam Sparro. Darrell heard his latest single “Black & Gold” and couldn’t get enough. He loved the soul vibe, the velvety voice, and the house beats… but when he saw the video he was shocked (shocked!) that he was white boy. He’s also openly gay.

Sparro was born in Australia but moved to Los Angeles when he was ten. He dabbled in some acting as a kid, moved to Sydney, then to London where he immersed himself in the music scene. He moved back to L.A. and was working at a coffee shop when he began to write the songs for his debut.

“Black & Gold” is a super sexy electro groover with a slow build that has really been working for me. I got to listen to the whole album a couple times and think it’s really great. It has a great vibe and the match of Sparro’s soulful voice with electro-house beats really works. I have a feeling this guy might be big… there’s such a distinctive sound to what he does. Check him out.

Enjoy.

Black & Gold


Cottonmouth

(Glad I'm) Not A Kennedy

Song: (Glad I'm) Not A Kennedy
Artist: Shona Laing
Album: Genre




And lastly, of your picks for obscure 80’s tracks, is another lesser know lady of the 80’s; Shona Laing. Shona is a New Zealand born musician whom started recording in the 70’s and had a slew of hit songs in her native country. She was briefly in the Manfred Man Music Band, and has continued recording throughout the years, right up to last years “Pass the Whisper.”

Shona two biggest hits include “(Glad I'm) Not A Kennedy” from her 1985 album “Genre,” and “Soviet Snow, “ which was on here subsequent release “South,” from 1987. The video for “Soviet” got some play on MTV, though Laing never rose to that height afterward. (Allusions to struggles in the industry can be found on her official website.)

Chris, thank you for introducing me to this interesting character!

I want to thank you all for your suggestions for obscure 80’s week. I found a lot of great stuff, a bunch that I had never heard before, which I always dig.

Enjoy!

(Glad I'm) Not A Kennedy


Soviet Snow

Cry

Song: Cry
Artist: Godley & Crème
Album: The History Mix Volume 1




Arguably one of the biggest changes that happened in the music business during the 80’s was the onset of the music video age. It created stars sometimes solely based on the visual images associated with the song, and sometimes helped get a band/artist more exposure than just simply the song would do. (Can you think of “Thriller,” “Sledgehammer,” or “Like a Prayer” without having those images come to mind?)

A good example of this was “Godley & Crème’s “Cry,” which was groundbreaking (in it’s time) for the way the faces singing the song morphed into each other. (Later perfected by Michael Jackson’s costly, slick, and controversial video for “Black & White.”) The duo directed the clip themselves.

Check it out:


Godley & Crème were members of the 1970’s band 10cc whom are most famous for their song “I’m Not in Love.” They left when their more avant-gard leanings didn’t fit with 10cc more pop direction. “Cry” became their biggest hit (no doubt helped by the above groundbreaking and attention-getting video) reaching number 16 on the US Hot 100.

Despite the video looking familiar I didn’t remember this song at all until readers Matt & Renato recommended it to me in their obscure 80’s picks. (Though… as a top twenty hit it’s arguably not that obscure.) Regardless, it was one of my favorites that I got to know from reader input. So thank you Matt & Renato!

While Godley & Crème only made one more studio recording, (1988’s “Goodbye Blue Sky”) the duo continued directing music videos in the 80’s, most notably “Every Breath You Take” & “Wrapped Around Your Finger” by the Police, “Rock-it” by Herbie Hancock, “Heat of the Moment” by Asia, “Girls on Film” & “A View to a Kill” by Duran Duran, and “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” by Wang Chung.

Enjoy.

Performing “Under Your Thumb” on the Top of the Pops


Their biggest hit with 10cc, “I’m Not in Love”

(You should also check out Tori’s haunting yet sexy version of this song, which can be found on her covers record “Strange Little Girls”)

Drop Your Pants

Song: Drop Your Pants
Artist: Hilary
Album: Kinetic




I knew that I could count on my friend Brian to hook me up with some obscure 80’s, and he did me proud. “Drop Your Pants” is one of four (FOUR!) songs recorded by Los Angeles born Hilary Blake, best known as just “Hilary.” The song can be found on her only release, an EP called “Kinetic.” That song, as well as “Drop Your Pants” never broke the top 40, though a video was made for “Kinetic,” see below.

With a bouncy New Wave beat and a chorus that goes “Drop your pants around your ankles, you make me shiver when you deliver,” this song is begging for inclusion in a great retro 80’s movie. It’s reminiscent of Julie Brown a little… don’t you think?

Unfortunately, Hilary passed away just last year… so don’t go looking for that VH1 Classic special. The song was produced by Stephen Hague, who became a pretty big heavy in the British New Wave scene. His most notable productions include “West End Girls” by the Pet Shop Boys, “Respect” by Erasure, and “True Faith” by New Order. He’s still at it today, working recently with artist such as Robbie Williams, Melanie C, and The Cinematics.

Hilary does have a fan site, you can check it out here.

Enjoy.

“Kinetic” video

Dancing Underneath

Song: Dancing Underneath
Artist: Method Actors
Album; Dancing Underneath



My knowledge (and interest) in post punk is minimal, but the power of bands like Wire, Television, and Gang of Four are undeniable. While my actual 80’s were filled with the likes of Duran Duran and Taco, it wasn’t until college that my musical palate expanded and my interest grew for getting to know more about the 80’s underground music scene. While “Marquee Moon” and “Pink Flag” blew me away when I did get them, I had this feeling that the recorded music was only the half of it… that seeing them live was a huge part of the experience. Would you agree?

My friend Mike has been schooling me a bit in the music of his youth, stuff that meant something to him, and given my obscure 80’s request… he sent me this track by Athens, Georgia band Method Actors. A two-piece that formed in 1979, they only released two LP’s (1981’s “Little Figures” and 1985’s “Luxury”) though they released a handful of singles and EP’s. “Dancing Underneath” pre-dates their debut full length, a jarring yet bouncy tune that reminds me a bit of the Raincoats debut from 1979.

Enjoy.

Dancing in Heaven (Orbital B-Bop)

Song: Dancing in Heaven (Orbital B-Bop)
Artist: Q-Feel
Album: Girls Just Want to Have Fun Soundtrack



Obscure 80’s Week… YOUR PICKS!

I wanted to briefly thank all of you that submitted songs and bands for Obscure 80’s week, I am finally getting around to posting some of your suggestions all this week! So to start…

Sarah Jessica Parker is having a killer summer already, thanks to the huge success of the “Sex and the City” movie, but some almost twenty five years ago, Ms. Parker was just getting started on her career, and part of it was a somewhat lesser-known 80’s movie called “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” (The Cyndi Lauper song is played in the film, but sung by Deborah Galli, Tami Holbrook, and Meredith Marshall.) I haven’t seen the film, but have heard it come up in conversation a couple times, usually in a very positive light… so I think I should get around to seeing it, for some silly 80’s teen comedy.

So my good friend Ellen recommended the song “Dancing in Heaven (Orbital B-Bop)” which can be found on the soundtrack. It’s sound SCREAMS 80’s I was honestly surprised that I hadn’t heard it before. This was in fact Q-Feel’s only hit song, released on their self-titled debut back in 1983. It was also, incidentally, the selection for the 1982 Song For Europe (which precludes the Eurovision Song Contest) though the track came in #6 out of 8.

Enjoy.

The final scene from “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” that includes the song:


The video… WOW… 80’s!

Viva La Vida

Song: Viva La Vida
Artist: Coldplay
Album: Viva La Vida




Since it wasn’t until their second record in which Coldplay really blew up (and outgrew the Radiohead comparisons) it was their third and last record, “X&Y” that they got their sophomore slump. The slump wasn’t sales related, it sold a ton, but artistically it stalled, which the band has even recently admitted. Regardless, they are one of the biggest bands on the planet right now so much anticipation comes with their 4th album, “Viva La Vida.”

It was widely reported that at the onset of writing their third record, lead Chris Martin labored over trying to create a “perfect” Coldplay record. The result was bland and felt forced… it did have highlights, but wasn’t nearly as good as their sophomore album “A Rush of Blood to the Head.” Actually, it’s probably what we would have heard if Radiohead had decided to copy “The Bends” vs. pushing themselves forward with “O.K. Computer.” Since they have themselves admitted “X&Y” had its problems, I was interested in hearing what the follow up would be like, especially since they were working with the legendary Brian Eno as producer.

As I had reported, they released first “single” “Violet Hill” for free off their website. I ended up digging the song, despite it being an odd choice for first single. (It wasn’t super catchy.) They saved that for “Viva La Vida,” which you have no doubt heard in the latest iTunes/iPod commercials. The merger has worked for the band as the new record holds the record for pre-sales on iTunes, and already on the cusp of breaking the single week sales record for the online music store. So they’re doing something right.

Actually, I found both “Violet Hill” and “Viva La Vida” quite compelling and better than the majority of tunes off “X&Y.” “Viva” is a catchy little tune that seems epic without going overboard. It doesn’t quite give you everything that you want (as X&Y’s songs did) but that makes it more interesting and dynamic. I foresee this one being a good size hit for the band.

I got a chance to listen to the full record this AM and holding off my full opinion. It seems much more interesting than “X&Y,” but also seems a bit slow to me. But I am still digesting.

Enjoy.

Violet Hill


Viva La Vida (Live at MTV Movie Awards)

Ur So Gay

Song: Ur So Gay
Artist: Katy Perry
Album: One of the Boys




This one reeks a bit of novelty, but Katy Perry is getting a lot of buzz regarding her new album, which comes out later this month. After a listen I wonder if she’s the American answer to Lily Allen. Hmmm.

Katy Perry is California native raised by two pastor parents. And actually, she first released a gospel record in 2001 under the name Katy Hudson. Talk about a change of tune… now she sings about straight men who seem gay, and on her current single she tells us “I Kissed a Girl.” (which is not apparently, a Jill Sobule cover.) I like the bouncy quality of this song, yet it’s a one joke track… nothing compared to the wit of Ms. Allen’s “Smile” or “LDN.” But maybe I should hold off on my full criticism until I hear her entire record, “One of the Boys,” which will be released on the 17th.

It is, from my knowledge, the first anti-metrosexual song in existence and the fact that it comes from a female singer-songwriter is quite interesting. Has the metrosexual become ubiquitous? I know my straight girlfriends often like to play “Is he European or gay?” Are they’re too many Metrosexuals now for them to do this? And is there really a backlash?

The birth of the straight guy who likes to take care of himself (and is cultured, etc.) has been an “about time” moment for me, because it’s pretty much driven me crazy that men (thanks to the construct of our patriarchal society) could basically get away with being slobs and still feel that they should get the cute girl that takes care of themselves. Just because they’re, you know… “guys.” But (shock of all shocks) it has come to light that woman actually like a guy that takes care of himself (like the cliched gay man.) But do they? According to Ms. Perry… a backlash may be forming.

Yawn.

Anyhow, this song is cute if ultimately cloying. Send I to the metrosexual in your life… and watch the sparks fly.

Enjoy.

Ur So Gay


I Kissed a Girl

Shut Up and Let Me Go

Song: Shut Up and Let Me Go
Artist: The Ting Tings
Album: We Started Nothing



Like many things in life, I came across this song out of nowhere, had never heard it, or the band, and now I seem to be hearing it EVERYWHERE (including an iPod commercial, natch.) It’s a catchy little slice of Electro-punk buoyed by the bratty charms of lead singer Katie White. The Ting Tings are an English duo that formed in 2006. They got a lot of buzz by playing The Mill in Salford which was known as an artist’s workspace (and hipster party place.)

“We Started Nothing” is their debut album which just recently was released by Columbia Records following a couple successful singles on British radio. I’ve only given it a couple listens but think its pretty fun. Actually, I initially thought it was Shiny Toy Guns as the female vocals sound SO similar. It’s not, but doesn’t it sound like the Guns song “Le Disko?” (Also, ahem… used in another commercial.)

“Shut Up and Let Me Go” is certainly a killer Summer song… which I seem to be craving now that the weather is changing.

Enjoy.

Great DJ


Shut Up and Let Me Go (live)


That’s Not My Name

Meat Market

Song: Meat Market
Artist: Everybody Else
Album: Everybody Else



My friend Rob introduced me to this song and I haven’t been able to get enough of it. It’s a blast of catchy pop-rock that reminds me of The Cars or Weezer. I haven’t heard their full length record but Rob also recommends it. They’re an L.A. based band comprised of Carrick Moore Gerety, Mikey McCormack, and Austin Williams. Their self titled debut came out early last year.

If they get the right break, I could see this becoming a big summer jam.

What do you think? You can check out their MySpace page, with more info about the band here.

Enjoy.

Meat Market


Without You (live)