When it came to early 1980's MTV-era hard rock, no one beat Billy Squier. Sure, it's not Thursday, but what a great day to play some early 1980's MTV-era hard rock. Enjoy.
25 July 2013
25 July 2013 - Natalia Kills - Problem
I thought Natalia Kills 2011 debut album was a pretty rad slice of sytnthpop with just enough edge to it to make it cool. But while I liked Perfectionist, it never really found its way into my "heavy rotation." Well Problem, the first single off her upcoming album Trouble, won't suffer from such a fate. It's killer industrial rhythms and punchy vocals make it a can't miss summer smash. Oh, by the way, it's hot as hell and I thought that way well before I saw the video . . . be warned, it's a bit racy.
23 July 2013
23 July 2013 - Hunter Hayes - I Want Crazy
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.
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.
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.
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