Quite frankly I've been all over the map when it comes to super-talented country singer/songwriter Hunter Hayes. I really liked the 21-year-old's first single, the up-tempo and clever Storm Warning, but quickly turned on him with the boyband-worthy ballad Wanted (his first No. 1...of course). By the time his third single Somebody's Heartbreak came out I was ambivalent at first, but started to lighten up to the point where I actually kind of like it. As I said, the kid is super-talented. He plays a ton of instruments and writes his own music so I can see the potential, even when I don't like every song.
That brings us to the most recent single, I Want Crazy. Damn. This song is ridiculously catchy due in part to great lyrics co-penned by the magnificent Lori McKenna and the rolling mandolin playing throughout the song. Oh, and I really like this video too.
23 July 2013
22 July 2013
22 July 2013 - Blur - Song 2 / Ke$ha - Woo Hoo
WOO HOO!
Even if you don't know the name of this song, or the band, you know this song. It's fun and energetic and practically SCREAMS mid-90's shoegazing alternative music.
But why such a lousy title?
Well, it was a working title that stuck. However, it was the 2nd track on Blur's 5th album, and also appears as the 2nd track on Blur's greatest hits album. The song has 2 verses and two choruses. And the running length of the song? 2:02.
You might remember we have mentioned "Song 2" previously on this post about a Big Time Rush song. That song did not sample "Song 2", as it turns out. It did sample Ke$ha's song "Woo Hoo", which sampled "Song 2". Here's that song, here, as a bonus.
Even if you don't know the name of this song, or the band, you know this song. It's fun and energetic and practically SCREAMS mid-90's shoegazing alternative music.
But why such a lousy title?
Well, it was a working title that stuck. However, it was the 2nd track on Blur's 5th album, and also appears as the 2nd track on Blur's greatest hits album. The song has 2 verses and two choruses. And the running length of the song? 2:02.
You might remember we have mentioned "Song 2" previously on this post about a Big Time Rush song. That song did not sample "Song 2", as it turns out. It did sample Ke$ha's song "Woo Hoo", which sampled "Song 2". Here's that song, here, as a bonus.
19 July 2013
19 July 2013 - Pete Droge - If You Don't Love Me (I'll Kill Myself)
One of the sweetest and most romantic songs to ever contain a suicide threat....
This song appeared on the soundtrack for the movie Dumb and Dumber. A lot of people loved that movie. I did not love that movie. I do love the soundtrack, thought. The song, by singer/songwriter Pete Droge, is one of the best on a great soundtrack. (It also appears on his fine album Necktie Second).
And really..... it is a sweet and romantic song. Even if Pete does threaten to kill himself.
This song appeared on the soundtrack for the movie Dumb and Dumber. A lot of people loved that movie. I did not love that movie. I do love the soundtrack, thought. The song, by singer/songwriter Pete Droge, is one of the best on a great soundtrack. (It also appears on his fine album Necktie Second).
And really..... it is a sweet and romantic song. Even if Pete does threaten to kill himself.
18 July 2013
18 July 2013 - Dressy Bessy - Lipstick 2013
While looking for a Dressy Bessy video to post today I got really excited coming across this one with 2013 in the title. There hasn't been a new album by this ridiculously fun Denver indie rock band since 2008. So I settled in, hit play, and then realized it was a rework of one of their early singles. Bummer (don't worry though, the song is aces, I was just hoping for new music). Curious though, I went to their website and found out that they will have a new album out next year. Cannot wait!
17 July 2013
17 July 2013 - Imperial Teen - You're One / Yoo Hoo / Shim Sham
I know what 90% of you are thinking. Who the hell is Imperial Teen? And why the hell are they a guilty pleasure?
Imperial Teen is a veritable supergroup, featuring members of The Wrecks, Sister Double Happiness, and Faith No More. They're all multiinstrumental (frequently switching instruments mid-show) and they all sing, making four part boy/girl harmonies possible.
Take this first song, their first single (which MTV mistitled). A song about Kurt Cobain, written in the wake of his death. Notice how three of the four members are singing (Lynn Truell stick to drums in this case), making for a beautiful, densely-layered song.
This next song, from the Jawbreaker soundtrack and featuring a video starring Rose McGowan, showcases a four-part harmony and a different sound. The breathy backing adds almost another instrument and definitely another dimension to a maturing band.
A little more recently, we have the four part harmonies going.... but with the previously silent Lynn Truell on lead. This song, one of my favorites by any band, is a bit nosier than the prior ones. Which might be why I like these guys so much - they're so versatile, and still sound like themselves. And they're not afraid to grow.
Imperial Teen is a veritable supergroup, featuring members of The Wrecks, Sister Double Happiness, and Faith No More. They're all multiinstrumental (frequently switching instruments mid-show) and they all sing, making four part boy/girl harmonies possible.
Take this first song, their first single (which MTV mistitled). A song about Kurt Cobain, written in the wake of his death. Notice how three of the four members are singing (Lynn Truell stick to drums in this case), making for a beautiful, densely-layered song.
This next song, from the Jawbreaker soundtrack and featuring a video starring Rose McGowan, showcases a four-part harmony and a different sound. The breathy backing adds almost another instrument and definitely another dimension to a maturing band.
A little more recently, we have the four part harmonies going.... but with the previously silent Lynn Truell on lead. This song, one of my favorites by any band, is a bit nosier than the prior ones. Which might be why I like these guys so much - they're so versatile, and still sound like themselves. And they're not afraid to grow.
16 July 2013
16 July 2013 - The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Bellbottoms
I used to play the hell out of The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion in the 90s. Not so much these days though, which is a shame, because they were a fun garage rock band before fun garage rock bands were fashionable. So play this video, shake your thang, and yell BELLBOTTOMS!!!!
15 July 2013
15 July 2013 - Karmin - Acapella
It isn't on iTunes until tomorrow. It's here today.
And c'mon. You know I love them. I've proven my love for them. Time and again.
We won't even talk about the covers. So many covers. So, so many covers!
More than any other previous Karmin song, "Acapella" is really the Amy Heidemann show, at least on the surface. But listen again. The song is not QUITE a capella. But it isn't far from that (and yes, Nick Noonan's voice is a lot of the backing instruments, so it's closer than it sounds). The video itself, a tribute to the primary colors, is stunningly beautiful.
So, enjoy this, enjoy their new album out next month, and maybe go to iTunes and show them a little love tomorrow.
Here's a bonus. An acoustic version of a song CALLED "Acapella". I'm sorry. I like the irony.
And c'mon. You know I love them. I've proven my love for them. Time and again.
We won't even talk about the covers. So many covers. So, so many covers!
More than any other previous Karmin song, "Acapella" is really the Amy Heidemann show, at least on the surface. But listen again. The song is not QUITE a capella. But it isn't far from that (and yes, Nick Noonan's voice is a lot of the backing instruments, so it's closer than it sounds). The video itself, a tribute to the primary colors, is stunningly beautiful.
So, enjoy this, enjoy their new album out next month, and maybe go to iTunes and show them a little love tomorrow.
Here's a bonus. An acoustic version of a song CALLED "Acapella". I'm sorry. I like the irony.
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