And, we're back...
Magnetic Fields - "Old Fools"
The Sea & Cake - "The Biz"
Frank Black - "Lone Child"
So, today's Song With The Most Previous Plays (and Post Title), is sort of apropos. As in Georgia, our nearly 2-and-a-half-year-old, is no longer a "lone child" thanks to the arrival of Auggie. He is awesome: Eating, sleeping and pooping expertly as is his biological prerogative. And doing it all with a veritable smorgasbord of cuteness. Big sis is also super-cute (natch) and already professes her love for "little brother" non-stop. But, she has also become super-needy and super-obstinate in what I can only assume is the very textbook way that all first kids probably react upon the arrival of a sibling. It is, and will continue to be, and adventure. And the first day back at work is hard - - I miss them all.
Versus - "Venus Victoria"
Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane - "Blue Monk"
Pixies - "Wave of Mutilation" (live)
Beulah - "Don't Forget To Breathe"
I really like this band and could never understand why they could never find cross-over appeal a la The Shins (a band I think they share more than a little musical DNA with). They make a really gorgeous, shimmery pop with a few psychedelic touches. I came upon their sophomore release, When The Heartstrings Break, at the same store I was also turned on to Death Cab For Cutie about 6 or 7 years ago, the extremely browse-able Reckless Records in Chicago. This song comes from their great 2003 release Yoko (with an equally great title). So what up with Beulah these days? I was wondering this very thing this morning as I was listening to the song. Unfortunately a little 5-second research revealed that the band is kaput - - a fact that somehow eluded me. Bummer.
Dizzy Gillespi & Charlie Parker - "A Night in Tunisia"
Tenacious D - "Hard Fucking"
X - "Present"
Bob Dylan - "It's All Over Now Baby Blue" (live)
Nirvana - "Aneurysm"
Elvis Costello & The Attractions - "Wondering"
Yo La Tengo - "Beanbag Chair"
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - "Moanin'"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 15
Total minutes of music (approx.): 65
Song with the most previous plays: "Lone Child" - 11
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: The weather stinks, but it just doesn't matter: Today is Opening Day, people! Let's go Mets. Amen.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
August (Day 14)
No work this week. Because...
I'm home with "Augie." Born 3/24/08 at 6:57am. Everyone is happy and healthy. Stay tuned...
Friday, March 21, 2008
That Gum You Like Is Back In Style (Day 13)
Of Montreal - "Eagle-Shaped Mirror" (live)
Beulah - "Fooled With The Wrong Guy"
Steve Earle - "Come Home To Me"
The Arcade Fire - "The Well And The Lighthouse" (live)
Neil Young - "See The Girl Dance" (live)
Thirteen days into this little blog-xperiment and this is the first time a Neil Young song has popped up. Surprising. He happens to be my all-time favorite songwriter, musician, Canadian and iconoclast. Folk, rock, country (computerized synth, oops), NY puts his unique stamp on everything he produces - - and an absurd amount of it is now certified classic. (Need some sort of proof? See every single album he put out in the 1970s.) Of course, my iPod is dominated by a lot of new music, which I love, but Neil is a staple. This particular track comes from a BBC2 concert taped in 1971. And it may very well be the exact same recording that popped up on the Live At Massey Hall CD released in 2007, only there it's titled "Dance Dance Dance." (Update: I went back to listen, same song, but a different version. On Massey the crowd claps along and Neil also talks to the audience between verses. Surely it was from the same tour though.) Neil is in the midst of putting out a lot of unreleased stuff from his back catalog. He's rumored to have hundreds of hours of music that has yet to see the light of day. Bring it on, Uncle Neil.
Camper Van Beethoven - "That Gum You Like Is Back In Style"
Nirvana - "Serve The Servants" (solo acoustic)
Modest Mouse - "Convenient Parking"
Magnetic Fields - "Meaningless"
The Decembrists - "My Mother Was A Chinese Trapese Artist"
I talked about Midlake's "timeless" quality recently, but how 'bout The Decembrists? They are timeless as in a they can be from the 16th Century... or present day kind of timeless. Most notably in the song lyrics (although Colin Meloy & Co do sound like Renaissance bards adrift at sea). For example, this song is about a Chinese trapese artist and a French spy who meet up in pre-War Aix-en-Provence and raise the narrator in a brothel. Not your typical indie angst rock. I'm not an expert on the band, but this song comes from an excellent EP, 5 Songs, that I believe contains tracks not on any of their other releases. Check it out.
Versus - "Frederick's Of Hollywood"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 11
Total minutes of music (approx.): 44
Song with the most previous plays: "That Gum You Like Is Back In Style" - 8
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: I saw a guy riding a Segway. What's the deal with those things? Viable mode of transportation or two-wheeled dork mobile?
Beulah - "Fooled With The Wrong Guy"
Steve Earle - "Come Home To Me"
The Arcade Fire - "The Well And The Lighthouse" (live)
Neil Young - "See The Girl Dance" (live)
Thirteen days into this little blog-xperiment and this is the first time a Neil Young song has popped up. Surprising. He happens to be my all-time favorite songwriter, musician, Canadian and iconoclast. Folk, rock, country (computerized synth, oops), NY puts his unique stamp on everything he produces - - and an absurd amount of it is now certified classic. (Need some sort of proof? See every single album he put out in the 1970s.) Of course, my iPod is dominated by a lot of new music, which I love, but Neil is a staple. This particular track comes from a BBC2 concert taped in 1971. And it may very well be the exact same recording that popped up on the Live At Massey Hall CD released in 2007, only there it's titled "Dance Dance Dance." (Update: I went back to listen, same song, but a different version. On Massey the crowd claps along and Neil also talks to the audience between verses. Surely it was from the same tour though.) Neil is in the midst of putting out a lot of unreleased stuff from his back catalog. He's rumored to have hundreds of hours of music that has yet to see the light of day. Bring it on, Uncle Neil.
Camper Van Beethoven - "That Gum You Like Is Back In Style"
Nirvana - "Serve The Servants" (solo acoustic)
Modest Mouse - "Convenient Parking"
Magnetic Fields - "Meaningless"
The Decembrists - "My Mother Was A Chinese Trapese Artist"
I talked about Midlake's "timeless" quality recently, but how 'bout The Decembrists? They are timeless as in a they can be from the 16th Century... or present day kind of timeless. Most notably in the song lyrics (although Colin Meloy & Co do sound like Renaissance bards adrift at sea). For example, this song is about a Chinese trapese artist and a French spy who meet up in pre-War Aix-en-Provence and raise the narrator in a brothel. Not your typical indie angst rock. I'm not an expert on the band, but this song comes from an excellent EP, 5 Songs, that I believe contains tracks not on any of their other releases. Check it out.
Versus - "Frederick's Of Hollywood"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 11
Total minutes of music (approx.): 44
Song with the most previous plays: "That Gum You Like Is Back In Style" - 8
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: I saw a guy riding a Segway. What's the deal with those things? Viable mode of transportation or two-wheeled dork mobile?
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Que' Onda Guero (Day 12)
Coldplay - "Sparks"
The Beatles - "Two of Us"
This is not a Beatles comment (what can you say, really?). But, I did have something to say on the subject of classic rock and this is my best shot today. I really wish iPod had read my mind and shuffled over to a Rolling Stones tune because.... I was listening to the radio last night (happened to be in the car), and I flipped over to 92.3 KROCK. Now, I haven't really been following NYC radio of late, but apparently this station is now back to a "classic rock" format. (Similar, I think, to what 102.7 WNEW was like when I was growing up and routinely "Getting The Led Out" during "Rocktober" etc.) So they play The Ramones' "I Want to Be Sedated" (pleasant surprise), and then an annoying DJ comes on to give an update on the "Ramones vs. Rolling Stones voting." Huh? I quickly deduce what's going on: They're doing some kind of March Madness-like bracket, and pitting bands against each other in order to determine the greatest classic rock band of all time. So, the DJ banters with a "reporter" about how the vote is going. He says, "The Ramones should get a boost because they're a local band." Fair enough, but naturally they are slayed. The vote is something like 77% to 23% in favor of the Stones. Now, I appreciate the DJ's pitch for The Ramones, but this result is not a surprise and not unwarranted. So all is cool in classic rock world, right? Wrong! They then set up the next battle: The Stones will be taking on Van Halen. I know what you're thinking, I was thinking the same thing. But then the "reporter" weighs in on the battle, calling it a "heavy duty clash" or some such and then signing off by saying (wait for it), "This should be a close one!" Excuse me? The Rolling Stones vs. Van Halen for greatest rock band of all time?! I quickly turned the dial. And somewhere Scott Muni is rolling in his grave.
The Thrills - "Hollywood Kids"
Beck - "Que' Onda Guero"
Flight Of The Conchords - "If You're Into It"
Yo La Tengo - "Sugarcube"
Tim O'Reagan - "That's The Game"
Neko Case - "I Missed The Point"
Ambulance Ltd. - "Primitive"
The Lemonheads - "Let's Just Laugh"
Camper Van Beethoven - "Hippie Chix"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 11
Total minutes of music (approx.): 42
Song with the most previous plays: (tie) "Que' Onda Guero," "HIppie Chix" - 9
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: Two things: First, I took the train with my wife, and after a few minutes I had to excuse myself to listen to my iPod. For the blog, ya know. (Out of respect I only put one earphone in.) Secondly, we bought bacon, egg and cheese DUB Pies on the way to the subway. Holy shit, were they good. I wish I had taken a picture. Luckily I found this photo of said pie, courtesy of Saveur.
I've never "stolen" a photo before. Wish me luck.
The Beatles - "Two of Us"
This is not a Beatles comment (what can you say, really?). But, I did have something to say on the subject of classic rock and this is my best shot today. I really wish iPod had read my mind and shuffled over to a Rolling Stones tune because.... I was listening to the radio last night (happened to be in the car), and I flipped over to 92.3 KROCK. Now, I haven't really been following NYC radio of late, but apparently this station is now back to a "classic rock" format. (Similar, I think, to what 102.7 WNEW was like when I was growing up and routinely "Getting The Led Out" during "Rocktober" etc.) So they play The Ramones' "I Want to Be Sedated" (pleasant surprise), and then an annoying DJ comes on to give an update on the "Ramones vs. Rolling Stones voting." Huh? I quickly deduce what's going on: They're doing some kind of March Madness-like bracket, and pitting bands against each other in order to determine the greatest classic rock band of all time. So, the DJ banters with a "reporter" about how the vote is going. He says, "The Ramones should get a boost because they're a local band." Fair enough, but naturally they are slayed. The vote is something like 77% to 23% in favor of the Stones. Now, I appreciate the DJ's pitch for The Ramones, but this result is not a surprise and not unwarranted. So all is cool in classic rock world, right? Wrong! They then set up the next battle: The Stones will be taking on Van Halen. I know what you're thinking, I was thinking the same thing. But then the "reporter" weighs in on the battle, calling it a "heavy duty clash" or some such and then signing off by saying (wait for it), "This should be a close one!" Excuse me? The Rolling Stones vs. Van Halen for greatest rock band of all time?! I quickly turned the dial. And somewhere Scott Muni is rolling in his grave.
The Thrills - "Hollywood Kids"
Beck - "Que' Onda Guero"
Flight Of The Conchords - "If You're Into It"
Yo La Tengo - "Sugarcube"
Tim O'Reagan - "That's The Game"
Neko Case - "I Missed The Point"
Ambulance Ltd. - "Primitive"
The Lemonheads - "Let's Just Laugh"
Camper Van Beethoven - "Hippie Chix"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 11
Total minutes of music (approx.): 42
Song with the most previous plays: (tie) "Que' Onda Guero," "HIppie Chix" - 9
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: Two things: First, I took the train with my wife, and after a few minutes I had to excuse myself to listen to my iPod. For the blog, ya know. (Out of respect I only put one earphone in.) Secondly, we bought bacon, egg and cheese DUB Pies on the way to the subway. Holy shit, were they good. I wish I had taken a picture. Luckily I found this photo of said pie, courtesy of Saveur.
I've never "stolen" a photo before. Wish me luck.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
So Says I (Day 11)
Paul Westerberg - "Let The Bad Times Roll"
M Ward - "Post-War"
Coldplay - "Twisted Logic"
Los Lobos - "Luna"
The Arcade Fire - "No Cars Go"
Time for a few obligatory words about The Arcade Fire. They do live up to the hype. I mean come on, name another more original band from the past three years - - that also managed to reach a level of deserved success. Anyone? I caved to the press clippings in '04 and bought their first CD (a CD, how quaint, huh?) in L.A. at the spectacular Amoeba Music on Sunset Blvd. Driving around the city at night blasting "Neighborhoods #2 (Laikia)" was a lot of fun. So what of their follow-up, Neon Bible? Good, not great. For some reason, I prefer hearing the songs much more in the live recordings I have from their last tour. In concert the songs feel more immediate and raw, like the first album. Meanwhile, how cool was this pairing? I would never have thought of it, but "Keep The Car Runnin'" really does sound like a Bruce song. (You gotta love the guy screaming, "Oh my god! What the fuck?!" on the video.)
Nada Surf - "Treading Water"
Emmylou Harris - "Michelangelo"
The Shins - "So Says I"
Yo La Tengo - "Last Days of Disco"
Gorgeous song, all-time great band. The songs on And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out (plodding, ethereal) did take some getting used to (especially after the instant classic I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One). Since I interviewed the band just as this album came out for a magazine (which recently removed archived articles from their site, bummer), it remains a personal favorite. Since I can't link to the article, I will tell you that for the piece I took Ira, Georgia and James to a New Jersey Nets game. Sadly it wasn't baseball season...
Wilco - "Ashes Of American Flags" (live)
Billy Bragg & Wilco - "Secrets of the Sea"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 11
Total minutes of music (approx.): 47
Song with the most previous plays: (tie) "Twisted Logic," "So Says I" - 8
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: The main factoid I planned to share was that I actually saw some guy on the subway reading one of those Kindle things, and I took a photo of him to prove it. (If you don't know, the Kindle is the digital device from Amazon that you can download books on to.) The secondary factoid is that I was so enthralled by the "mosaic" function on my phone's camera (see below) that I missed my stop. Fucking idiot.
M Ward - "Post-War"
Coldplay - "Twisted Logic"
Los Lobos - "Luna"
The Arcade Fire - "No Cars Go"
Time for a few obligatory words about The Arcade Fire. They do live up to the hype. I mean come on, name another more original band from the past three years - - that also managed to reach a level of deserved success. Anyone? I caved to the press clippings in '04 and bought their first CD (a CD, how quaint, huh?) in L.A. at the spectacular Amoeba Music on Sunset Blvd. Driving around the city at night blasting "Neighborhoods #2 (Laikia)" was a lot of fun. So what of their follow-up, Neon Bible? Good, not great. For some reason, I prefer hearing the songs much more in the live recordings I have from their last tour. In concert the songs feel more immediate and raw, like the first album. Meanwhile, how cool was this pairing? I would never have thought of it, but "Keep The Car Runnin'" really does sound like a Bruce song. (You gotta love the guy screaming, "Oh my god! What the fuck?!" on the video.)
Nada Surf - "Treading Water"
Emmylou Harris - "Michelangelo"
The Shins - "So Says I"
Yo La Tengo - "Last Days of Disco"
Gorgeous song, all-time great band. The songs on And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out (plodding, ethereal) did take some getting used to (especially after the instant classic I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One). Since I interviewed the band just as this album came out for a magazine (which recently removed archived articles from their site, bummer), it remains a personal favorite. Since I can't link to the article, I will tell you that for the piece I took Ira, Georgia and James to a New Jersey Nets game. Sadly it wasn't baseball season...
Wilco - "Ashes Of American Flags" (live)
Billy Bragg & Wilco - "Secrets of the Sea"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 11
Total minutes of music (approx.): 47
Song with the most previous plays: (tie) "Twisted Logic," "So Says I" - 8
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: The main factoid I planned to share was that I actually saw some guy on the subway reading one of those Kindle things, and I took a photo of him to prove it. (If you don't know, the Kindle is the digital device from Amazon that you can download books on to.) The secondary factoid is that I was so enthralled by the "mosaic" function on my phone's camera (see below) that I missed my stop. Fucking idiot.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Texas Eagle (Day 10)
Miles Davis - "Freedom Jazz Dance"
M Ward - "Right In The Head"
Stephen Malkmus - "No More Shoes"
Tortoise - "Onions Wrapped In Rubber"
David Bowie - "Always Crashing In the Same Car"
The Killers - "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine"
Midlake - "He Tried To Escape"
Have you heard this band? They're pretty incredible and if you haven't listened to them yet, I dare you to guess what year any of their music was recorded. It has a real timeless quality. For example this tune sounds to me like late 60s Kinks. Other times I get a 70s Allman Brothers vibe from them. But then sometimes I hear something that's more akin to 90s indie rock like Neutral Milk Hotel and the Elephant 6 bands. And finally they remind me of more recent bands like Grandaddy. I found them courtesy of the blogosphere and I don't know much about the band except that they're from Texas. Hold on, Wikipedia informs me that My Name Is Earl star Jason Lee is a big fan. The same Jason Lee who named his son Pilot Inspektor Riesgraf Lee. My wife and I are expecting a son any day now. This will not be his name.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions - "Too Far Gone"
Matt & Kim - "Yea Yeah"
The Wedding Present - "Don't Touch That Dial (Pacific Northwest Edition)"
Coleman Hawkins & Duke Ellington - "The Jeep is Jumpin'"
Bruce Springsteen - "The Fuse"
Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels - "We'll Sweep Out The Ashes" (live)
This Gram Parson's tune is from a very cool album that was recorded live in 1973. (It is not-so-inventively-titled Live 1973.) The best part is hearing Gram and his incredible duet partner, Emmylou Harris, sing and then chat a little. The recording is made from a live radio broadcast so you get to hear some banter with the DJ. It just strikes me as funny when they introduce Emmylou. Like, duh. Is there a more recognizable voice in country/rock? This particular song was a regular duet for Gram and Emmy that was first performed by Grand Ol' Opry duo Carl & Pearl Butler in the 60s. And it was written by this woman. Props to her.
Del McCoury & Steve Earl - "Texas Eagle"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 14
Total minutes of music (approx.): 60*
*Had an appointment this morning that meant a longer commute time. Boo. But it also meant more music. Nice.
Song with the most previous plays: "Texas Eagle" - 9
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: I passed a restaurant near my office called "Good Chinese Food" and decided then and there that it is probably unwise to eat at any dining establishment that feels the need to let you know it is "good" in the name of the place. Another turn off? Their sign also proclaims they specialize in Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean food. That's a lot to offer - - especially since only their Chinese food is "good."
M Ward - "Right In The Head"
Stephen Malkmus - "No More Shoes"
Tortoise - "Onions Wrapped In Rubber"
David Bowie - "Always Crashing In the Same Car"
The Killers - "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine"
Midlake - "He Tried To Escape"
Have you heard this band? They're pretty incredible and if you haven't listened to them yet, I dare you to guess what year any of their music was recorded. It has a real timeless quality. For example this tune sounds to me like late 60s Kinks. Other times I get a 70s Allman Brothers vibe from them. But then sometimes I hear something that's more akin to 90s indie rock like Neutral Milk Hotel and the Elephant 6 bands. And finally they remind me of more recent bands like Grandaddy. I found them courtesy of the blogosphere and I don't know much about the band except that they're from Texas. Hold on, Wikipedia informs me that My Name Is Earl star Jason Lee is a big fan. The same Jason Lee who named his son Pilot Inspektor Riesgraf Lee. My wife and I are expecting a son any day now. This will not be his name.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions - "Too Far Gone"
Matt & Kim - "Yea Yeah"
The Wedding Present - "Don't Touch That Dial (Pacific Northwest Edition)"
Coleman Hawkins & Duke Ellington - "The Jeep is Jumpin'"
Bruce Springsteen - "The Fuse"
Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels - "We'll Sweep Out The Ashes" (live)
This Gram Parson's tune is from a very cool album that was recorded live in 1973. (It is not-so-inventively-titled Live 1973.) The best part is hearing Gram and his incredible duet partner, Emmylou Harris, sing and then chat a little. The recording is made from a live radio broadcast so you get to hear some banter with the DJ. It just strikes me as funny when they introduce Emmylou. Like, duh. Is there a more recognizable voice in country/rock? This particular song was a regular duet for Gram and Emmy that was first performed by Grand Ol' Opry duo Carl & Pearl Butler in the 60s. And it was written by this woman. Props to her.
Del McCoury & Steve Earl - "Texas Eagle"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 14
Total minutes of music (approx.): 60*
*Had an appointment this morning that meant a longer commute time. Boo. But it also meant more music. Nice.
Song with the most previous plays: "Texas Eagle" - 9
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: I passed a restaurant near my office called "Good Chinese Food" and decided then and there that it is probably unwise to eat at any dining establishment that feels the need to let you know it is "good" in the name of the place. Another turn off? Their sign also proclaims they specialize in Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean food. That's a lot to offer - - especially since only their Chinese food is "good."
Monday, March 17, 2008
On Noble (Day 9)
Charlie Louvin - "Waiting For A Train"
The Replacements - "Skyway"
The Beatles - "Oh! Darling"
Phish - "Ghost" (live)
Full disclosure: I almost skipped writing about this song and pretended it never happened. But, at the risk of alienating some of the indie music blogeratti, I have to admit, I like Phish. I especially liked them in college (natch), and seeing them at the Michigan Theater in 1993 was a ridiculously good time. While I'm sucking on the pipe of good ol' jam bands, let me be frank: I like the Grateful Dead too. A lot. True, I rarely listen to them anymore, but for a certain time and place they were the greatest band in the world. Especially live. But back to Phish, they noodle, they're esoteric, certainly overwrought, but Lawn Boy is one of those albums that will always make me think of high school, drugs and random parties - - good times. Unfortunately, I did skip this song on my way to work today. Not because it sucks, but because it's 21 freaking minutes long!
The Shins - "The Past And Pending"
The Bird & The Bee - "Preparedness"
Bonnie "Prince" Billy - "Hard Life"
I pause here to mention the brilliance of Bonnie "Prince" Billy (who, of course, also records under the names Palace and Palace Music, and is really Will Oldham). I also want, for my own sake, to find out a little more about this tune - - which is amazing, but not familiar. It's from his 2003 release Master and Everyone, which is stripped-down and extremely melodic. More so than the Palace records. And this was a gorgeous duet, but I'm not sure who with. Let me check.... It's a Nashville singer named Marty Slayton. Apparently she also sings backup for Reba McEntire and was on the reality competition Nashville Star. Random.
Nirvana - "Mexican Seafood"
Ween - "Don't Shit Where You Eat"
Sonic Youth - "Fauxhemians"
Pixies - "Debaser" (live)
Great song (obviously) - - but also the greatest recorded homage to an experimental Spanish filmmaker (perhaps). "Debaser" very cooly name checks the 1928 film Un Chien Andalou, by Luis Bunuel. (Although Frank Black decided to sing it as "un chien andalusia" basically because he thought it sounded better.) And the line "I'm slicing up eyeballs" is reference to the striking scene in this odd film in which a man cuts a woman's eyeball with a straight razor. Yes, I saw this in an experimental film class in college (even more props to the glory days at UM). By the way, Salvador Dali wrote the screenplay for Un Chien Andalou which is apropos of nothing, but a chance to share this amazing video with you. Take the time to watch it, it is awesome.
The Beatles - "Something/Blue Jay Way"
Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - "Tommy Gun" (live)
Tortoise - "On Noble"
The National - "All The Wine" (live)
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 15*
*Really 14 total songs were listened to today, see "Ghost" above for more information.
Total minutes of music (approx.): 48
Song with the most previous plays: (tie) "Skyway," "Preparedness," "Something/Blue Jay Way," "On Noble" - 4
Although there was a 4-way tie for the SWTMPP, I chose "On Noble" as the title for today's post because it just sounded coolest.
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: There were not nearly as many freaks wearing green as I thought there would be.
The Replacements - "Skyway"
The Beatles - "Oh! Darling"
Phish - "Ghost" (live)
Full disclosure: I almost skipped writing about this song and pretended it never happened. But, at the risk of alienating some of the indie music blogeratti, I have to admit, I like Phish. I especially liked them in college (natch), and seeing them at the Michigan Theater in 1993 was a ridiculously good time. While I'm sucking on the pipe of good ol' jam bands, let me be frank: I like the Grateful Dead too. A lot. True, I rarely listen to them anymore, but for a certain time and place they were the greatest band in the world. Especially live. But back to Phish, they noodle, they're esoteric, certainly overwrought, but Lawn Boy is one of those albums that will always make me think of high school, drugs and random parties - - good times. Unfortunately, I did skip this song on my way to work today. Not because it sucks, but because it's 21 freaking minutes long!
The Shins - "The Past And Pending"
The Bird & The Bee - "Preparedness"
Bonnie "Prince" Billy - "Hard Life"
I pause here to mention the brilliance of Bonnie "Prince" Billy (who, of course, also records under the names Palace and Palace Music, and is really Will Oldham). I also want, for my own sake, to find out a little more about this tune - - which is amazing, but not familiar. It's from his 2003 release Master and Everyone, which is stripped-down and extremely melodic. More so than the Palace records. And this was a gorgeous duet, but I'm not sure who with. Let me check.... It's a Nashville singer named Marty Slayton. Apparently she also sings backup for Reba McEntire and was on the reality competition Nashville Star. Random.
Nirvana - "Mexican Seafood"
Ween - "Don't Shit Where You Eat"
Sonic Youth - "Fauxhemians"
Pixies - "Debaser" (live)
Great song (obviously) - - but also the greatest recorded homage to an experimental Spanish filmmaker (perhaps). "Debaser" very cooly name checks the 1928 film Un Chien Andalou, by Luis Bunuel. (Although Frank Black decided to sing it as "un chien andalusia" basically because he thought it sounded better.) And the line "I'm slicing up eyeballs" is reference to the striking scene in this odd film in which a man cuts a woman's eyeball with a straight razor. Yes, I saw this in an experimental film class in college (even more props to the glory days at UM). By the way, Salvador Dali wrote the screenplay for Un Chien Andalou which is apropos of nothing, but a chance to share this amazing video with you. Take the time to watch it, it is awesome.
The Beatles - "Something/Blue Jay Way"
Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - "Tommy Gun" (live)
Tortoise - "On Noble"
The National - "All The Wine" (live)
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 15*
*Really 14 total songs were listened to today, see "Ghost" above for more information.
Total minutes of music (approx.): 48
Song with the most previous plays: (tie) "Skyway," "Preparedness," "Something/Blue Jay Way," "On Noble" - 4
Although there was a 4-way tie for the SWTMPP, I chose "On Noble" as the title for today's post because it just sounded coolest.
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: There were not nearly as many freaks wearing green as I thought there would be.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Omaha (Day 8)
The Fall - "Fiery Jack"
Ben Gibbard - "To Sing For You" (live)
Elvis Costello & The Attractions - "Honey Hush" (live)
That's two very eclectic live covers back-to-back. Gibbard is, of course, the very talented singer-songwriter of Death Cab For Cutie and The Postal Service. But this is a Donovan song that led off a solo set recorded at the 9:30 Club in D.C. (I think I downloaded it from NPR...jeez, sometimes I feel like I'm straight from central casting: Thirtysomething, corduroy blazer-wearing Brooklyn dad anyone...) The interesting thing is this song highlights how good a songwriter Donovan is. I know what you're thinking, and yes "Mellow Yellow" is a stupid song. But do yourself a favor and take a listen to "Season of the Witch." (Unfortunately I only have the Luna cover on me right now, but you can still get the idea.) Great tune. Meanwhile, Elvis (another remarkable singer-songwriter) shows his appreciation of American roots music knows no bounds with this cover of a 1953 Big Joe Turner song. "The title of the song reveals Turner's typical attitude toward a woman who won't do what he tells her to do," writes everybody's best fact-checking pal Wikipedia. Nice.
Wilco - "More Like the Moon"
Franz Ferdinand - "Auf Achse"
KT Tunstall - "Silent Sea"
XTC - "Roads Girdle the Globe"
Johnny Cash - "Flesh & Blood"
The Replacements - "We'll Inherit The Earth"
Sounds like it's time for a classic tale: When Great Artists Go Bad. Now I'm not talking about a whiny statement like, "Arcade Fire's Neon Bible is not as good as Funeral." Or even, "How can the Pavement of Slanted & Enchanted fame tumble to Terror Twilight?" This is the same motherfucking Replacements that recorded Let It Be! Could the band that farted out the weak, toothless Don't Tell A Soul really be one and the same. Sadly, yes. Even more sadly, Paul Westerberg's farts are still music to my ears.
Tapes 'n Tapes - "Omaha"
Miles Davis - "Flamenco Sketches"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 11
Total minutes of music (approx.): 46
Song with the most previous plays: "Omaha" - 8
As you can see, I've decided to name each post after the song with the most previous plays. I'm not sure I love this idea yet, but we'll see how it plays out. Also, that's 2 days in a row that a Tapes 'n Tapes song was the SWTMPP. That's proof positive that I like their debut album The Loon. (Definitely a sort of Pixies, Pavement, Talking Heads rip-off. But, those are some nice bands to rip off, no?) Anxious to hear the follow-up which I think comes out soon. (Yup, just checked it's April 8.)
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: Not really a factoid, but I would like to take a moment to sing the praises of my coffee cart guy. In my life I've never had a "usual" order. In other words, I've never been able to go to a bar plop myself down Cheers-style and be given my drink of choice. It's really my fault, I usually don't order the same drink every time. (Although if it's liquor I'm craving it will probably be a Jamesons on the rocks. But most often I go for a beer, and I'm always looking to try new beers.) Plus, I don't really frequent the same bar. (Sadly, I don't have a great neighborhood bar where I live now. At least not one that's right nearby that I reliably visit.) But, coffee cart guy gives me the satisfaction of being able to walk up to him, say absolutely nothing and be handed my order. (Medium coffee, milk, no sugar, FYI.) He's pretty much been able to do this since the second time I visited the cart. Brilliant. Plus, he looks a lot like retired NY Mets pitcher John Franco. Here, see for yourself:
Actually, it's tough to tell in this picture. But take my word for it, he's a splitting image of Franco (but with better command of the strike zone).
Ben Gibbard - "To Sing For You" (live)
Elvis Costello & The Attractions - "Honey Hush" (live)
That's two very eclectic live covers back-to-back. Gibbard is, of course, the very talented singer-songwriter of Death Cab For Cutie and The Postal Service. But this is a Donovan song that led off a solo set recorded at the 9:30 Club in D.C. (I think I downloaded it from NPR...jeez, sometimes I feel like I'm straight from central casting: Thirtysomething, corduroy blazer-wearing Brooklyn dad anyone...) The interesting thing is this song highlights how good a songwriter Donovan is. I know what you're thinking, and yes "Mellow Yellow" is a stupid song. But do yourself a favor and take a listen to "Season of the Witch." (Unfortunately I only have the Luna cover on me right now, but you can still get the idea.) Great tune. Meanwhile, Elvis (another remarkable singer-songwriter) shows his appreciation of American roots music knows no bounds with this cover of a 1953 Big Joe Turner song. "The title of the song reveals Turner's typical attitude toward a woman who won't do what he tells her to do," writes everybody's best fact-checking pal Wikipedia. Nice.
Wilco - "More Like the Moon"
Franz Ferdinand - "Auf Achse"
KT Tunstall - "Silent Sea"
XTC - "Roads Girdle the Globe"
Johnny Cash - "Flesh & Blood"
The Replacements - "We'll Inherit The Earth"
Sounds like it's time for a classic tale: When Great Artists Go Bad. Now I'm not talking about a whiny statement like, "Arcade Fire's Neon Bible is not as good as Funeral." Or even, "How can the Pavement of Slanted & Enchanted fame tumble to Terror Twilight?" This is the same motherfucking Replacements that recorded Let It Be! Could the band that farted out the weak, toothless Don't Tell A Soul really be one and the same. Sadly, yes. Even more sadly, Paul Westerberg's farts are still music to my ears.
Tapes 'n Tapes - "Omaha"
Miles Davis - "Flamenco Sketches"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 11
Total minutes of music (approx.): 46
Song with the most previous plays: "Omaha" - 8
As you can see, I've decided to name each post after the song with the most previous plays. I'm not sure I love this idea yet, but we'll see how it plays out. Also, that's 2 days in a row that a Tapes 'n Tapes song was the SWTMPP. That's proof positive that I like their debut album The Loon. (Definitely a sort of Pixies, Pavement, Talking Heads rip-off. But, those are some nice bands to rip off, no?) Anxious to hear the follow-up which I think comes out soon. (Yup, just checked it's April 8.)
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: Not really a factoid, but I would like to take a moment to sing the praises of my coffee cart guy. In my life I've never had a "usual" order. In other words, I've never been able to go to a bar plop myself down Cheers-style and be given my drink of choice. It's really my fault, I usually don't order the same drink every time. (Although if it's liquor I'm craving it will probably be a Jamesons on the rocks. But most often I go for a beer, and I'm always looking to try new beers.) Plus, I don't really frequent the same bar. (Sadly, I don't have a great neighborhood bar where I live now. At least not one that's right nearby that I reliably visit.) But, coffee cart guy gives me the satisfaction of being able to walk up to him, say absolutely nothing and be handed my order. (Medium coffee, milk, no sugar, FYI.) He's pretty much been able to do this since the second time I visited the cart. Brilliant. Plus, he looks a lot like retired NY Mets pitcher John Franco. Here, see for yourself:
Actually, it's tough to tell in this picture. But take my word for it, he's a splitting image of Franco (but with better command of the strike zone).
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Day 7
...or the day I decided to stop naming each post the boring title of "Day XX" and make it the name of the song from that day with the most plays. In other words, this post should have been called "The Iliad," and in future conversations I will refer to it as "The Iliad." (Although I seriously doubt it will ever come up in future conversations, but still that's what it will be called.)
Pavement - "Stray Fire"
Coleman Hawkins & Duke Ellington - "The Jeep Is Jumpin'"
Uncle Tupelo - "Discarded"
Okay, I feel the need to take a moment here and laud the genius that is Uncle Tupelo. The little band started by Jay Farrar and Jeff Tweedy in Belleville, IL is American Roots Rock. Simply put, it is country music at heart, played by a couple of punks. Just listen to "Graveyard Shift," the opening track on their brilliant debut, No Depression. It starts with a very countrified rock riff, but when the drums kick in it sounds more like The Stooges (or Nirvana, if you don't know what a Stooge is). Yes, I remember the first time I heard it. Philadelphia, PA, early 1991. The good doctor and I made one of our frequent visits to the boys at Penn, and we were in this amazing CD store that was inside their student union. You could bring them crap (CSNY's "American Dream," for example - - woah, what a piece of caca) and get top dollar in trade. Plus, you could listen to anything in the store at the "listening bar." No Depression was heard and bought. FYI: "Discarded" is from their often overlooked "Still Feel Gone" LP. It was probably their most "rock" record, but everything they touched is gold. Of course Jay (Son Volt) and Jeff (Wilco) broke up, but did not fade away. Both great bands, neither Uncle Tupelo.
Grandaddy - "The Group Who Couldn't Say"
Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Proud Mary"
Yo La Tengo - "I Feel Like Going Home"
Pavement - "Cut Your Hair"
One of the greatest bands in the history of the world attempted to make a commercial single. The result: Blissful indie pop - - and an inside joke between me and my wife. It was even played at our wedding by the greatest wedding band in the history of the world. If you don't believe me, just ask Amanda Peet.
The Shins - "Turn A Square"
Tapes 'n Tapes - "The Iliad"
101ers - "Out of Time" (live)
Micah P. Hinson - "Little Boys Dream"
Richard Thompson - "My Soul, My Soul"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 12
Total minutes of music (approx.): 40
Song with the most previous plays: "The Iliad" - 16
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: I took a photo with the intent of posting it. And here it is:
Ooh, I like this. Meanwhile, I'm sorry to be acting like somebody's dorky dad who just discovered the Intranets...
Pavement - "Stray Fire"
Coleman Hawkins & Duke Ellington - "The Jeep Is Jumpin'"
Uncle Tupelo - "Discarded"
Okay, I feel the need to take a moment here and laud the genius that is Uncle Tupelo. The little band started by Jay Farrar and Jeff Tweedy in Belleville, IL is American Roots Rock. Simply put, it is country music at heart, played by a couple of punks. Just listen to "Graveyard Shift," the opening track on their brilliant debut, No Depression. It starts with a very countrified rock riff, but when the drums kick in it sounds more like The Stooges (or Nirvana, if you don't know what a Stooge is). Yes, I remember the first time I heard it. Philadelphia, PA, early 1991. The good doctor and I made one of our frequent visits to the boys at Penn, and we were in this amazing CD store that was inside their student union. You could bring them crap (CSNY's "American Dream," for example - - woah, what a piece of caca) and get top dollar in trade. Plus, you could listen to anything in the store at the "listening bar." No Depression was heard and bought. FYI: "Discarded" is from their often overlooked "Still Feel Gone" LP. It was probably their most "rock" record, but everything they touched is gold. Of course Jay (Son Volt) and Jeff (Wilco) broke up, but did not fade away. Both great bands, neither Uncle Tupelo.
Grandaddy - "The Group Who Couldn't Say"
Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Proud Mary"
Yo La Tengo - "I Feel Like Going Home"
Pavement - "Cut Your Hair"
One of the greatest bands in the history of the world attempted to make a commercial single. The result: Blissful indie pop - - and an inside joke between me and my wife. It was even played at our wedding by the greatest wedding band in the history of the world. If you don't believe me, just ask Amanda Peet.
The Shins - "Turn A Square"
Tapes 'n Tapes - "The Iliad"
101ers - "Out of Time" (live)
Micah P. Hinson - "Little Boys Dream"
Richard Thompson - "My Soul, My Soul"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 12
Total minutes of music (approx.): 40
Song with the most previous plays: "The Iliad" - 16
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: I took a photo with the intent of posting it. And here it is:
Ooh, I like this. Meanwhile, I'm sorry to be acting like somebody's dorky dad who just discovered the Intranets...
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Day 6
Bishop Allen - "Click Click Click" (live)
Rivers Cuomo - "Crazy One"
Neko Case - "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood"
Rufus Wainwright - "Shadows"
Here's the deal: I kinda liked Rufus, now he kinda bugs me. So why is he still on the iPod? Good question. Ever hear of compulsive hoarding? Well, it's a real psychological disorder that I have very up-close-and-personal knowledge of. (More on that later, maybe.) So I hoard music, a little. It's tough for me to get rid of something even if it's not my favorite. But, it does add a little bit of realism to this straight shuffle method of listening to my iPod. This way it's more like listening to the radio - - not every song is the best ever. Plus, Rufus is not that bad. A bit whiny, that's all.
Aimee Mann - "I Can't Help You Anymore"
David Bowie - "Wild Is the Wind"
Girl Talk - "Warm It Up"
I bet this is one of those songs that would make you say, "Really, dude? You like a DJ, turntablist, sampler (whatever you want to call it)?" Why not? This guy is kind of awesome. He mashes up every kind music under the sun and it becomes this really groovy product in the end. Ever hear the Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps" sampled in the same track as Kansas' "Carry On Wayward Son"? Well, then you never heard this song.
Ben Folds - "Songs of Love"
Del McCoury & Steve Earle - "Graveyard Shift"
Guided By Voices - "Pivotal Film"
Warren Zevon - "Prison Grove"
Sonic Youth - "Pattern Recognition"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 12
Total minutes of music (approx.): 45
Song with the most previous plays: "I Can't Help You Anymore" - 10
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: There were tiny rocks in my right sneaker that were bugging the shit out of me. (I'm sorry that this part of the post is evolving into the daily gripe. I'll try and stop. I don't want to end up like a friend of mine, who shall remain nameless. Oops.)
Rivers Cuomo - "Crazy One"
Neko Case - "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood"
Rufus Wainwright - "Shadows"
Here's the deal: I kinda liked Rufus, now he kinda bugs me. So why is he still on the iPod? Good question. Ever hear of compulsive hoarding? Well, it's a real psychological disorder that I have very up-close-and-personal knowledge of. (More on that later, maybe.) So I hoard music, a little. It's tough for me to get rid of something even if it's not my favorite. But, it does add a little bit of realism to this straight shuffle method of listening to my iPod. This way it's more like listening to the radio - - not every song is the best ever. Plus, Rufus is not that bad. A bit whiny, that's all.
Aimee Mann - "I Can't Help You Anymore"
David Bowie - "Wild Is the Wind"
Girl Talk - "Warm It Up"
I bet this is one of those songs that would make you say, "Really, dude? You like a DJ, turntablist, sampler (whatever you want to call it)?" Why not? This guy is kind of awesome. He mashes up every kind music under the sun and it becomes this really groovy product in the end. Ever hear the Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps" sampled in the same track as Kansas' "Carry On Wayward Son"? Well, then you never heard this song.
Ben Folds - "Songs of Love"
Del McCoury & Steve Earle - "Graveyard Shift"
Guided By Voices - "Pivotal Film"
Warren Zevon - "Prison Grove"
Sonic Youth - "Pattern Recognition"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 12
Total minutes of music (approx.): 45
Song with the most previous plays: "I Can't Help You Anymore" - 10
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: There were tiny rocks in my right sneaker that were bugging the shit out of me. (I'm sorry that this part of the post is evolving into the daily gripe. I'll try and stop. I don't want to end up like a friend of mine, who shall remain nameless. Oops.)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Day 5
**A Very Special I-Went-To-Get-A-Haircut-Before-Work Edition
The Polyphonic Spree - "Section 31 (Overblow Your Nest)"
First song of the day and I already have to come clean about something: My wife was right. Years ago she mentioned this band and said that they were cool. I think a co-worker turned her on to them. Probably a male co-worker. In what can only be descried as an irrational attack of minor jealousy, I decided I did not like them on principle. We listened to their first CD in a very cool record store in Denver, CO. I said they sucked. She bought it. I now have all their stuff on my iPod. I like my crow sauteed with a little olive oil and garlic.
Update: After re-reading this I decided it wasn't fair that I wrote this whole anecdote and never mentioned what the band is like - - especially since they're pretty unusual. The Polyphonic Spree is made up of about two dozen revolving members who wear long robes and look like some strange cult. They sing choir-style over music that can be best described as psychedelic pop. I think there's one guy who's the brains behind the operation, but I'm not sure.
Dexter Gordon - "Our Love is Here to Stay"
Charlie Louvin - "Must You Throw Dirt in My Face"
Calexico - "Smash"
Calexico and Iron & Wine - "A History of Lovers"
Bruce Springsteen - "Lonesome Day"
Calexico and Iron & Wine - "Sixteen, Maybe Less"
Looks like the iPod found something it likes. Smart iPod. This is a great collaboration, but definitely not as good as Calexico or Iron & Wine separately. I&W are especially amazing. But you probably already know that.
Versus - "Shower Song"
Eleventh Dream Day - "Return of the Long Shadow"
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "Where Do We Go Now But Nowhere"
Yo La Tengo - "Deeper into Movies"
Okay, this is when I got to the barber for the ol' haircut. Chelsea Barbers on 23rd Street is my new hair cutter of choice. Yes, the days of the salon are behind me. This is no frills in an old school way, complete with a straight razor shave on the back of the neck and a hot towel over your face. Carlos does an excellent job. But more importantly, here is a snippet of conversation between him and his fellow barber. (The other barber speaks first, then Carlos.)
"Did you see that girl in here before?"
"Yes."
"She was half Russian and half Mexican."
"Oh, really."
"Pretty girl, no?"
"No."
"What, she was beautiful."
"Nah, she looked like a Chihuahua."
"What! Now way."
"I'm telling you she looked like a Chihuahua. Maybe it was the Mexican half."
[much laughter]
"But she had a great body, right?"
"Yeah, good body. But she was ugly."
"Still her body's unbelievable."
"Is she the stripper?"
"No, man. The stripper is Nikki Blue Eyes. Now she's ugly."
Needless to say, I had nothing to add to the conversation. Haircut looks nice, though.
Matt & Kim - "5K"
The Velvet Underground - "I'm Not Too Sorry (Now That You're Gone)"
Sufjan Stevens - "One Last 'Woo-Hoo' For the Pullman"
Grizzly Bear - "Central and Remote"
Cat Power - "Ramblin' Wo(man)"
Bruce Springsteen - "All I'm Thinking About"
Wilco - "Candy Floss"
The Flaming Lips - "My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion"
The Clash - "Rudie Can't Fail"
David Cross - "If Baseballs Had AIDS on Them"
I'm not sure if this is the actual title of the bit, because it doesn't make much sense if it is. I think I may have taken this from someone who wasn't very careful with track info. Regardless, David Cross is freaking funny and this 20+ minute routine about religion is spot-on (in my opinion, sorry if you don't agree). Highlights include his annotated reading of Genesis ("He's freaking god, why does he have to rest?! God takes fucking naps?!"), plus a comparison of the Bible to a spirited game of Dungeons & Dragons. Love this. Sadly I didn't get to hear it all.
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 20
Total minutes of music (approx.): 70
Song with the most previous plays: "One Last 'Woo-Hoo' For the Pullman" - 13
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: Well, you already got a lot about my haircut experience. I'll just add that the coffee from the random deli on 23rd Street I went to was really bad. And it spilled. Uggh.
The Polyphonic Spree - "Section 31 (Overblow Your Nest)"
First song of the day and I already have to come clean about something: My wife was right. Years ago she mentioned this band and said that they were cool. I think a co-worker turned her on to them. Probably a male co-worker. In what can only be descried as an irrational attack of minor jealousy, I decided I did not like them on principle. We listened to their first CD in a very cool record store in Denver, CO. I said they sucked. She bought it. I now have all their stuff on my iPod. I like my crow sauteed with a little olive oil and garlic.
Update: After re-reading this I decided it wasn't fair that I wrote this whole anecdote and never mentioned what the band is like - - especially since they're pretty unusual. The Polyphonic Spree is made up of about two dozen revolving members who wear long robes and look like some strange cult. They sing choir-style over music that can be best described as psychedelic pop. I think there's one guy who's the brains behind the operation, but I'm not sure.
Dexter Gordon - "Our Love is Here to Stay"
Charlie Louvin - "Must You Throw Dirt in My Face"
Calexico - "Smash"
Calexico and Iron & Wine - "A History of Lovers"
Bruce Springsteen - "Lonesome Day"
Calexico and Iron & Wine - "Sixteen, Maybe Less"
Looks like the iPod found something it likes. Smart iPod. This is a great collaboration, but definitely not as good as Calexico or Iron & Wine separately. I&W are especially amazing. But you probably already know that.
Versus - "Shower Song"
Eleventh Dream Day - "Return of the Long Shadow"
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "Where Do We Go Now But Nowhere"
Yo La Tengo - "Deeper into Movies"
Okay, this is when I got to the barber for the ol' haircut. Chelsea Barbers on 23rd Street is my new hair cutter of choice. Yes, the days of the salon are behind me. This is no frills in an old school way, complete with a straight razor shave on the back of the neck and a hot towel over your face. Carlos does an excellent job. But more importantly, here is a snippet of conversation between him and his fellow barber. (The other barber speaks first, then Carlos.)
"Did you see that girl in here before?"
"Yes."
"She was half Russian and half Mexican."
"Oh, really."
"Pretty girl, no?"
"No."
"What, she was beautiful."
"Nah, she looked like a Chihuahua."
"What! Now way."
"I'm telling you she looked like a Chihuahua. Maybe it was the Mexican half."
[much laughter]
"But she had a great body, right?"
"Yeah, good body. But she was ugly."
"Still her body's unbelievable."
"Is she the stripper?"
"No, man. The stripper is Nikki Blue Eyes. Now she's ugly."
Needless to say, I had nothing to add to the conversation. Haircut looks nice, though.
Matt & Kim - "5K"
The Velvet Underground - "I'm Not Too Sorry (Now That You're Gone)"
Sufjan Stevens - "One Last 'Woo-Hoo' For the Pullman"
Grizzly Bear - "Central and Remote"
Cat Power - "Ramblin' Wo(man)"
Bruce Springsteen - "All I'm Thinking About"
Wilco - "Candy Floss"
The Flaming Lips - "My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion"
The Clash - "Rudie Can't Fail"
David Cross - "If Baseballs Had AIDS on Them"
I'm not sure if this is the actual title of the bit, because it doesn't make much sense if it is. I think I may have taken this from someone who wasn't very careful with track info. Regardless, David Cross is freaking funny and this 20+ minute routine about religion is spot-on (in my opinion, sorry if you don't agree). Highlights include his annotated reading of Genesis ("He's freaking god, why does he have to rest?! God takes fucking naps?!"), plus a comparison of the Bible to a spirited game of Dungeons & Dragons. Love this. Sadly I didn't get to hear it all.
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 20
Total minutes of music (approx.): 70
Song with the most previous plays: "One Last 'Woo-Hoo' For the Pullman" - 13
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: Well, you already got a lot about my haircut experience. I'll just add that the coffee from the random deli on 23rd Street I went to was really bad. And it spilled. Uggh.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Day 4
Beach House - "Apple Orchard"
Air - "La Femme d'Argent"
This is a bouncy instrumental from the French synth duo, but more importantly it highlights an interesting facet of iPod-ing. Usually the player is tucked in my pocket and I have no idea what the name of the song is I'm listening to. I can usually identify the band and in this case I knew right away it was Air (even though they are not a band I listen to very often). But until I looked back to make today's list I had absolutely no idea what the song's name was. It seems a bit of a disservice to the artists who took the time to name the song for a reason. Interestingly now that I know the name of the song, I still have no idea what it's all about because it's in French. Although it seems rather obvious: "The Female Agent" no? Hold on a sec, I'm going to go look it up and make sure I'm not missing something... Oh shit! According to Babel it's actually "The Money Woman". Is it about an accountant? A golddigger? Vanna White? Weird.
Modest Mouse - "Interstate 8"
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "Henry Lee"
Wilco - "I Must Be High"
Stephen Malkmus - "Troubbble" [sic]
Liz Phair - "Shatter"
Coleman Hawkins & Duke Ellington - "Ray Charles' Place"
I don't know where you are on the liking jazz spectrum (or who you are for that matter), but this song and this entire record (Duke Ellington Meets Coleman Hawkins) kicks ass. Sadly, I listen to jazz like I drink wine. In other words: I know what I like when I sample it, but I don't know anything about it in a larger context. I think I came across this record the way I discovered a lot of music during college, by wandering the aisles of the great Schoolkids Records in Ann Arbor, MI. (R.I.P.) Anyway, it swings, it jumps, it bops, and if you're ever looking for a big band jazz recording that doesn't even remotely sound dated (the record came out in 1962, btw), I couldn't recommend this one more highly.
Teenage Fanclub - "Ret Liv Dead"
Radiohead - "Scatterbrain"
Elvis Presley - "When It Rains It Really Pours"
Beach House - "Some Things Last a Long Time"
Wow, that's the second play for Beach House this a.m. I'm just starting to listen to them (female vocalist, atmospheric dream pop), but so far I like what I hear.
Tortoise - "Everglade"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 13
Total minutes of music (approx.): 45
Song with the most previous plays: "When It Rains It Really Pours" - 6
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: I got a little choked up reading Alessandra Stanley's write-up on the last episode of The Wire. I will miss you Det. Jimmy McNulty et al.
Air - "La Femme d'Argent"
This is a bouncy instrumental from the French synth duo, but more importantly it highlights an interesting facet of iPod-ing. Usually the player is tucked in my pocket and I have no idea what the name of the song is I'm listening to. I can usually identify the band and in this case I knew right away it was Air (even though they are not a band I listen to very often). But until I looked back to make today's list I had absolutely no idea what the song's name was. It seems a bit of a disservice to the artists who took the time to name the song for a reason. Interestingly now that I know the name of the song, I still have no idea what it's all about because it's in French. Although it seems rather obvious: "The Female Agent" no? Hold on a sec, I'm going to go look it up and make sure I'm not missing something... Oh shit! According to Babel it's actually "The Money Woman". Is it about an accountant? A golddigger? Vanna White? Weird.
Modest Mouse - "Interstate 8"
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - "Henry Lee"
Wilco - "I Must Be High"
Stephen Malkmus - "Troubbble" [sic]
Liz Phair - "Shatter"
Coleman Hawkins & Duke Ellington - "Ray Charles' Place"
I don't know where you are on the liking jazz spectrum (or who you are for that matter), but this song and this entire record (Duke Ellington Meets Coleman Hawkins) kicks ass. Sadly, I listen to jazz like I drink wine. In other words: I know what I like when I sample it, but I don't know anything about it in a larger context. I think I came across this record the way I discovered a lot of music during college, by wandering the aisles of the great Schoolkids Records in Ann Arbor, MI. (R.I.P.) Anyway, it swings, it jumps, it bops, and if you're ever looking for a big band jazz recording that doesn't even remotely sound dated (the record came out in 1962, btw), I couldn't recommend this one more highly.
Teenage Fanclub - "Ret Liv Dead"
Radiohead - "Scatterbrain"
Elvis Presley - "When It Rains It Really Pours"
Beach House - "Some Things Last a Long Time"
Wow, that's the second play for Beach House this a.m. I'm just starting to listen to them (female vocalist, atmospheric dream pop), but so far I like what I hear.
Tortoise - "Everglade"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 13
Total minutes of music (approx.): 45
Song with the most previous plays: "When It Rains It Really Pours" - 6
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: I got a little choked up reading Alessandra Stanley's write-up on the last episode of The Wire. I will miss you Det. Jimmy McNulty et al.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Day 3
Imperial Teen - "Butch"
Chin Up, Chin Up - "Fuck You, Elton John"
I can honestly say I've never heard this song. (That's the beauty of having 9,966 songs on your iPod.) I think this is something I probably uploaded from a co-worker's computer thinking the band at least sounded familiar. So what do I think? Meh. They have that sort of I-listen-to-a-lot-of-alternative-music-in-college-and-I-started-a-band-with-my-
roommates-type sounds. Here, listen for yourself. Awesome title, btw.
Coleman Hawkins & Duke Ellington - "The Jeep is Jumpin'"
Camper Van Beethoven - "The Poppies of Balmorhea"
The Flying Burrito Brothers - "Image of Me"
Dinosaur Jr. "Kracked" (live)
Belle & Sebastian - "Another Sunny Day"
Yo La Tengo - "The Crying of Lot G"
The Clash - "Revolution Rock"
Charles Mingus - "Bird Calls"
The Fall - "Fiery Jack"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 11
Total minutes of music (approx.): 44
Song with the most previous plays: "The Poppies of Balmorhea" - 13
Hmm, my iPod seems to really have a thing for this throwaway instrumental from CVB. Great motherfucking band, though.
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: I read reviews of several ho-hum movies in the NYT, but this one sounds surprisingly good.
Chin Up, Chin Up - "Fuck You, Elton John"
I can honestly say I've never heard this song. (That's the beauty of having 9,966 songs on your iPod.) I think this is something I probably uploaded from a co-worker's computer thinking the band at least sounded familiar. So what do I think? Meh. They have that sort of I-listen-to-a-lot-of-alternative-music-in-college-and-I-started-a-band-with-my-
roommates-type sounds. Here, listen for yourself. Awesome title, btw.
Coleman Hawkins & Duke Ellington - "The Jeep is Jumpin'"
Camper Van Beethoven - "The Poppies of Balmorhea"
The Flying Burrito Brothers - "Image of Me"
Dinosaur Jr. "Kracked" (live)
Belle & Sebastian - "Another Sunny Day"
Yo La Tengo - "The Crying of Lot G"
The Clash - "Revolution Rock"
Charles Mingus - "Bird Calls"
The Fall - "Fiery Jack"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 11
Total minutes of music (approx.): 44
Song with the most previous plays: "The Poppies of Balmorhea" - 13
Hmm, my iPod seems to really have a thing for this throwaway instrumental from CVB. Great motherfucking band, though.
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: I read reviews of several ho-hum movies in the NYT, but this one sounds surprisingly good.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Day 2
So, here we go again. This is fun - - so far.
Dinosaur Jr. - "Keeblin'"
Norah Jones - "The Sun Doesn't Like You"
This was, admittedly, a tough segue. And I know I'll lose certain indie cred, but I have to admit I like Norah Jones. She's got a purdy voice and the music is comfortably nestled between jazz, folk and pop. Yes, it's a bit Lite-FM, but sometimes that's exactly what I need.
Joe Strummer - "Redemption Song"
John Doe - "Your Parade"
The Beach Boys - "Hang On To Your Ego"
The Elected - "My Baby's A Dick"
R.E.M. - "Losing My Religion" (Live at the Hollywood Avalon 10/29/03)
The New Pornographers - "Loose Translation"
The Arcade Fire - "Old Flame"
Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane - "Evidence"
Yes, I like the jazz. The classics and bebop, mostly. Occasionally I'll go on binges and listen only to jazz. Stay tuned.
Frank Black & The Catholics - "Are You Headed My Way?"
This is my very first embedded link. It's also a chance to say that I really like Frank Black's non-Pixies output. Not anywhere near the same stratosphere occupied by what is one of the greatest bands of all time. But still enjoyable.
Bright Eyes - "The Movement of a Hand"
Akron/Family - "The Lightning Bolt of Compassion"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 13
Total minutes of music (approx.): 59
Song with the most previous plays: "The Movement of a Hand" - 9
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: My iPod crashed while playing "Keeblin'". That really sucked.
Dinosaur Jr. - "Keeblin'"
Norah Jones - "The Sun Doesn't Like You"
This was, admittedly, a tough segue. And I know I'll lose certain indie cred, but I have to admit I like Norah Jones. She's got a purdy voice and the music is comfortably nestled between jazz, folk and pop. Yes, it's a bit Lite-FM, but sometimes that's exactly what I need.
Joe Strummer - "Redemption Song"
John Doe - "Your Parade"
The Beach Boys - "Hang On To Your Ego"
The Elected - "My Baby's A Dick"
R.E.M. - "Losing My Religion" (Live at the Hollywood Avalon 10/29/03)
The New Pornographers - "Loose Translation"
The Arcade Fire - "Old Flame"
Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane - "Evidence"
Yes, I like the jazz. The classics and bebop, mostly. Occasionally I'll go on binges and listen only to jazz. Stay tuned.
Frank Black & The Catholics - "Are You Headed My Way?"
This is my very first embedded link. It's also a chance to say that I really like Frank Black's non-Pixies output. Not anywhere near the same stratosphere occupied by what is one of the greatest bands of all time. But still enjoyable.
Bright Eyes - "The Movement of a Hand"
Akron/Family - "The Lightning Bolt of Compassion"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 13
Total minutes of music (approx.): 59
Song with the most previous plays: "The Movement of a Hand" - 9
Miscellaneous factoid about my trip to work today: My iPod crashed while playing "Keeblin'". That really sucked.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
I Read Too
No, I don't just sit (or stand - - damn you F train!) and listen to music. I also read. Mostly the New York Times. Maybe I'll occasionally post what I read, if it's interesting. Today the paper was mostly dominated by Texas primary results. Also, there was an article with more fallout from the latest writer to fake a memoir. Interesting, not earth-shattering. There was something else of note in the Arts section though... What was it? Oh, right: Buffy is going to have a gay affair. You know, Buffy as in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Apparently she lives on in comic books and in an upcoming issue, she'll get it on with another female vampire slayer. Now you know.
Day 1
Welcome to my little self-indulgent experiment.
Basically while I was on my way to work today, and listening to my iPod per usual, I tried to remember what songs I heard the day before. Wouldn't it be great if I had a record of everything I listened to, I thought to myself. The answer is obviously, No, that would not even be remotely great. But still, I'm curious enough that I thought I'd create this blog. Maybe I'll post the songs themselves. (Is that legal?) Maybe I'll comment on the songs. Maybe I'll say something of import. Don't hold your breath.
So, without further adieu, here is What I Listened To On My Way To Work Today:
Bon Iver - "Blindsided"
Bon Iver - "Creature Fear"
Bon Iver - "Team"
Bon Iver - "For Emma"
Bon Iver - "Re: Stacks"
Wait, you're probably saying, "Don't you usually shuffle?" First of all, you don't know me well enough to know that yet. But, the answer happens to be yes. I usually do shuffle, but yesterday I really got into this album by Bon Iver (For Emma, Forever Ago). They have a very slow, atmospheric Grizzly Bear sound and the singer sounds just like the guy from Tv On The Radio, but in a good way. Oh shit, I'm already commenting. Is this a real blog, or what?
Broken Social Scene - "Hotels"
Islands - "Volcanoes"
Sonic Youth - "The Neutral"
Stereolab - "Miss Modular"
Emmylou Harris - "Strong Hand"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 10
Total minutes of music (approx.): 40
Song with the most previous plays: "Miss Modular" - 8
Basically while I was on my way to work today, and listening to my iPod per usual, I tried to remember what songs I heard the day before. Wouldn't it be great if I had a record of everything I listened to, I thought to myself. The answer is obviously, No, that would not even be remotely great. But still, I'm curious enough that I thought I'd create this blog. Maybe I'll post the songs themselves. (Is that legal?) Maybe I'll comment on the songs. Maybe I'll say something of import. Don't hold your breath.
So, without further adieu, here is What I Listened To On My Way To Work Today:
Bon Iver - "Blindsided"
Bon Iver - "Creature Fear"
Bon Iver - "Team"
Bon Iver - "For Emma"
Bon Iver - "Re: Stacks"
Wait, you're probably saying, "Don't you usually shuffle?" First of all, you don't know me well enough to know that yet. But, the answer happens to be yes. I usually do shuffle, but yesterday I really got into this album by Bon Iver (For Emma, Forever Ago). They have a very slow, atmospheric Grizzly Bear sound and the singer sounds just like the guy from Tv On The Radio, but in a good way. Oh shit, I'm already commenting. Is this a real blog, or what?
Broken Social Scene - "Hotels"
Islands - "Volcanoes"
Sonic Youth - "The Neutral"
Stereolab - "Miss Modular"
Emmylou Harris - "Strong Hand"
And then I got to work.
Today's Stats
Total songs listened to: 10
Total minutes of music (approx.): 40
Song with the most previous plays: "Miss Modular" - 8
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