Thursday, November 14, 2013

Song of the Day 79!!!

Sorry it has been a month. Things have been busy in my house and will continue to be, but I will try to make more time for this. Anyway, this edition is close to me personally. Once you see and hear it, you should be able to figure it out. And if you know me personally, this shouldn't be a surprise. Besides the content of the song, it is such a catchy song. Michael showed me this band a long time ago and I never really sat down and listened to them recently and I am glad I am. So, sit back and enjoy!!!







Dear God, hope you get the letter and
I pray you can make it better down here
I don't mean a big reduction in the price of beer
But all the people that you made in your image
See them starving on their feet
'Cause they don't get enough to eat from God
I can't believe in you

Dear God, sorry to disturb you but
I feel that I should be heard loud and clear
We all need a big reduction in amount of tears
And all the people that you made in your image
See them fighting in the street
'Cause they can't make opinions meet about God
I can't believe in you

Did you make disease and the diamond blue?
Did you make mankind after we made you?
And the Devil too!

Dear God don't know if you noticed but
Your name is on a lot of quotes in this book
And us crazy humans wrote it, you should take a look
And all the people that you made in your image
Still believing that junk is true
Well I know it ain't, and so do you
Dear God
I can't believe in
I don't believe in

I won't believe in heaven or hell
No saints, no sinners, no devil as well
No pearly gates, no thorny crown
You're always letting us humans down
The wars you bring, the babes you drown
Those lost at sea and never found
And it's the same the whole world 'round
The hurt I see helps to compound
The Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Is just somebody's unholy hoax
And if you're up there you'll perceive
That my heart's here upon my sleeve
If there's one thing I don't believe in

It's you
Dear God

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Song of the Day 78!!!

If you know me somewhat well, you would know that I dont listen to the pop stations on the radio. I usually listen to the oldies, classic rock, or mix stations. But when I am with friends or family, I tend to put the modern pop stuff on because most of the population listens to it. Just want to be nice. One day, this song played on that station and I couldn't Shazam it in time, so I searched and searched and finally found it. It is so damn catchy. The band is called Fitz and the Tantrums and the song is called "Out of my League". Just sit back and enjoy it!!!




Forty days and forty nights
I waited for a girl like you to come and save my life
All the days I waited for you
You know the ones who said I'd never find someone like you
And you were out of my league
All the things I believed
You were just the right kind
Yeah, you were more than just a dream
You were out of my league
Got my heartbeat racing
If I die don't wake me
Cause you are more than just a dream
From time to time I pinch myself
Because I think my girl mistakes me for somebody else
And every time she takes my hand
All the wonders that remain
Become a simple fact
That you were out of my league
All the things I believed
You were just the right kind
Yeah, you were more than just a dream
You were out of my league
Got my heartbeat racing
If I die don't wake me
Cause you are more than just a dream
You were out of my league
All the things I believed
You were just the right kind
Yeah, you were more than just a dream
You were out of my league
Got my heartbeat racing
If I die don't wake me
Cause you are more than just a dream
More than just a dream...

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Song of the Day 77!!!

I must thank Tumblr for showing me this band. There was no video, just music and I feel in love. When I find the video, I find it just as interesting as the music. The band is called The Rentals and the song is called "Waiting". There really isn't much to say about the band because I am still learning about them, but I did notice a keyboardist that looks very familiar. See if you can spot her and enjoy!!!



 I'm waiting
For something to come through
I'm hoping
I can write a real sweet tune

No passion
(ooo ooo ooo)
No warmth in these words
(ooo ooo ooo)
I'm trying
(ooo ooo ooo)
But have nothing to offer

I'm waiting
With nothing to do
I'm waaaiiiting , just a waiting on you

Sadly, just like before
It's lifeless and soulless, and yeah,
I fall way short

No beauty
(ooo ooo ooo)
No sweet melody
(ooo ooo ooo)
No four-part barber shop harmony

I'm waiting
With nothing to do
I'm waaaiiiting, just a waiting on you

I'm waaaiiiting on you
I'm waaaiiiting on you, you

I'm waiting
With nothing to do
I'm waaaiiiting just a waiting on you

Waiting on you (hoo ooo ooo)
Waiting on you (hoo ooo ooo)
Waiting on you (hoo oooo oooo)
Waiting on you (hoo oooo oooo)
Waiting on you, hoo oooo oooo
Waiting on you, hoo oooo oooo

Friday, September 13, 2013

Michael's Sidetracks #12

Today's song is very special, if not old.  But, it has a fantastic story to the actual clip, Rock music and television history to be exact.

Way back in December 17th, 1977, the Sex Pistols were scheduled to perform on Saturday Night Live, but couldn't get visas due to multiple arrests.  the producers of SNL had to get an act fast, and cheaply.  An unknown britsh group called Elvis Costello and the Attractions was touring nearby at the time.  Just signed to Columbia records at the time, and no one has hear Elvis Costello, except for imports, Columbia offered up Elvis and told him what song to play they thought would be the best chance of a hit, "Less Than Zero".

The song was played for dress rehearsals and ready to go live, despite Elvis's protests that the song was inappropriate, due to it being about a British prime minister and not ideal for an unknown act first time on national american TV.

Now for cool ass rock n' Roll n' Roll incarnate.  Elvis Costello on live TV stopped playing "Less Than Zero" after a few bars, and said, "Stop! Stop!  I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen, there's no reason to do this song here...Radio, Radio!" (quite ironic, considering the song is about corporations controlling talent).  Defying the record company, SNL producers, trowing off the shows rigid timing, and in the process, being banned from SNL for over a decade, and becoming an instant hit-making legend.

(hard to find the clip.... follow the link if you have to)

Footnote: for a special bookend surprise, follow this link to a SNL 1999 clip afterwards...


Group: Elvis Costello and the Attractions
Song: Radio, Radio





I was tuning in the shine on the light night dial
Doing anything my radio advised
With every one of those late night stations
Playing songs bringing tears to my eyes
I was seriously thinking about hiding the receiver
When the switch broke 'cause it's old
They're saying things that I can hardly believe
They really think we're getting out of control

(CHORUS) Radio is a sound salvation
Radio is cleaning up the nation
They say you better listen to the voice of reason
But they don't give you any choice 'cause they think that it's treason
So you had better do as you are told
You better listen to the radio

I wanna bite the hand that feeds me
I wanna bite that hand so badly
I want to make them wish they'd never seen me

Some of my friends sit around every evening
And they worry about the times ahead
But everybody else is overwhelmed by indifference
And the promise of an early bed
You either shut up or get cut up, they don't wanna hear about it
It's only inches on the reel-to-reel
And the radio is in the hands of such a lot of fools
Tryin' to anaesthetise the way that you feel

(REPEAT CHORUS)

Wonderful radio
Marvelous radio
Wonderful radio
Radio, radio
(FADE) 

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Michael's Sidetracks #11

It's been a bit of time since my last sidetrack, due to moving. But now we're all settled, or at least 87% settled, so time to resume. Today's song is from a group you've probably never head of, Fight From Above. From their debut album, L.A. Kids. Formed I believe, at USC in 2006, I'm continuing my tour of the 60's/90's Los Angeles type sound.  Sweet video too, don't get to show much of those with the acts I find.  Usually it's a dirty sheet backdrop with community theater actors/girlfriend with delusions of talent.  Although, I have to admit, there are flashes of imagery that remind me of the 70's movie "Xanadu" with ELO, Olivia Newton John, and Gene Kelly.  I think it fits the L.A. scene of the song well in this case...

Group: Fight From Above
Song: Between the Curves




Angeles is cold tonight
Lighted streets and faded signs
Fallen stars in rising tides
Dizzy maze of yellow lines

But I got lost between the curves
This empty glass my life is worth
But underneath your smoking breath I heard you say,
"There's still something left

Just go out and find it
Things could be different
You could be happy."

But I'm out with my friends on a downtown bender
Watching buildings collide as they spin together
I am flying high

Cause I know where I am but not where
I've been Singing songs in the streets about how it ends
So sure I'd never die

LA kids in faded kicks
Spitting game and turning tricks
Another night another fix
So full of life and full of shit

And I got lost between the curves
This empty glass my life is worth
But underneath your smoking breath I heard you say,

"There's still something left
Just go out and find it
Things could be different
You could be happy"

But I'm out with my friends on a downtown bender
Watching buildings collide as they spin together
I am flying high

Cause I know where I am but not where I've been
Singing songs in the streets about how it ends
So sure I'd never die

I'll go out and find it
If things could be different
I'll go out and find it
If I could be happy
I'll go out and find it
If things could be different
I'll go out and find it
If I could be happy
I'll go out and find it
If things could be different
I'll go out...

If I could, But I can't.
So I won't

Ear Candy: Sail by AWOLNATION (Unlimited Gravity Remix)

This will be my first post over here, so be kind to me Inter-Webs! This song started off really nicely as an original but the Unlimited Gravity remix brings in just a bit more synth and bass to give it some snazz. It's not the most lyrically complex song by any stretch of the imagination, but that's not really why you're listening. Since it is just a remix, the music video is just a still-graphic, unfortunately. Hope you enjoy!


SAIL!

This is how I show my love
Made it in my mind because
Blame it on my A.D.D. baby 

This is how an angel dies
Blame it on my own sick pride
Blame it on my A.D.D. baby 

SAIL! (5x) 

Maybe I should cry for help
Maybe I should kill myself
Blame it on my A.D.D. baby 

Maybe I'm a different breed
Maybe I'm not listening
So blame it on my A.D.D. baby 

SAIL! (5x) 

LalalalalaLalalalala, ohh 
LalalalalaLalalalala, ohh 

SAIL! (5x) 

(Sail with me into the dark)
SAIL!
(Sail with me into the dark)
SAIL!
(Sail with me into the dark)
SAIL!
(Sail with me, sail with me)
SAIL!

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Song of the Day 76!!!

Lots of stuff I have been doing since the move. I am really trying to stay updated on this. Give me some slack. Anyway, this one recently played on the radio and memories flooded back to me. It took me back to high school when people thought the bands I listened to sucked ass while they continued to listen to some bad rap cover of a good song. The band: Hot Hot Heat, the song: "Goodnight Goodnight". As always, the video is interesting as well. As a side note, I may be posted videos that aren't official music videos soon. I was looking through possibilities for this edition and found only one official video, but it was so grainy and bad. But, it shouldn't take away too much. So sit back and enjoy!!!




It's not enough to hear me say you've won, 
You only wanted me for havin' fun.
But now I think you've gone and had your way, 
And left me with a pile of bills to pay.
I can't even rewind the tape machine, 
To listen to your drunken reasoning.

So here it is, your final lullaby:

So goodnight, goodnight.
You're embarrassing me, 
You're embarrassing you.
So goodnight, goodnight.
Walk away from the door, 
Walk away from my life.
So goodnight.

I've given up on social niceties, 
I threw 'em out when I threw out your keys.
Along with all your records I can't stand; 
You never even listened to any one of them.
You're never gonna drag me out again, 
With all the people that were never ever even your friends.

So here it is, your final lullaby:

So goodnight, goodnight.
You're embarrassing me, 
You're embarrassing you.
So goodnight, goodnight.
Walk away from the door, 
Walk away from my life.

A little bit of rain I'd say is fair, 
But when it starts to thunder they all stare, 
This isn't goodnight, this is goodbye.

So goodnight, goodnight.
You're embarrassing me, 
You're embarrassing you.
So goodnight, goodnight.
Walk away from the door, 
Walk away from my life.

So goodnight, goodnight.
You're embarrassing me, 
You're embarrassing you.
So goodnight, goodnight.
Walk away from the door, 
Walk away from my life.
So goodnight.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Song of the Day 75!!!

Oh my goodness! Sorry for the lack of posts all around, but I moved over 1000 miles. Cut me some slack. No longer will I be posting from Washington, but I will be posting from my home state of Colorado! Also, with all the hope I can give it, there will be another poster. That should be prevalent soon.

To the song of the day! Another repeat band, The Matches. You may remember them from post #11 called "Wake The Sun". This editions song is called "What Katie Said". I will say my usual that the video is as interesting as the song, but I do recommend you looking up the band for yourself. A lot of their songs sound different, so I am sure you will find something to fall in love with. In the mean time, try this one out and enjoy!!!

P.S. You dont really need lyrics because they are part of the video, but I put them at the bottom because I am a creature of habit and....I can.




Of a face full of words you'd think a few would be right (right)
and with a few tips of courage you'd think my lips less tight (right)
shattered passenger window beside itself on the floor
they can take my stereo, but you can't take me for a kid anymore

I'm going back to your house, 
back from the dead
why can't I forget what Katie said?
you've got standards, girl, 
what the hell are you doing with me?

STD payphone hanging off my face
your roomie's got me on hold, 
damn, why am I such a disgrace?
with a fist full of change and absolutely no sense
what little I've learned about love is at my pride's expense

I'm going back to your house, 
back from the dead
why can't I forget what Katie said?
you've got standards, girl, 
what the hell are you doing with me?

I'm going back to your house, 
back from the dead
why can't I forget what Katie said?
you've got standards, girl, 
what the hell are you doing with me?

You always know the latest place to be
with your waved-at friends and your waved-at fees
your neon eyes blinking vacancy, baby, baby
you've always been the latest thing to be
with your guestlist girls and their listless pleas
hear hear, three cheers for your apathy

I'm going back to your house, 
back from the dead
why can't I forget what Katie said?
you've got standards, girl, 
what the hell are you doing with me?

I'm going back to your house, 
back from the dead
maybe I'll forget what Katie said?
you've got standards, girl, 
what the hell are you doing with me?
Yeah, what the hell are you doing with me?
what's a decent girl doing with me?

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Michael's Sidetracks #10

I just noticed, I've been misspelling my name above...

Anyway, one of the first Sidetracks I did was the debut album of the Like, and I said I'd post another more recent song, as they changed up the band, the look,  and a bit of the sound for the Like mark 2.

The original bass player, Charlotte Froom, left for whatever reason, and guitar and vocalist, Z Berg, got
Laena Geronimo, and added keyboardist Reni Lane.  The second album had the sound change to a more 60's girl group inspired direction, and a pseudo Phil Spector sound (without the crazy and firearms though).

After this album, "Release Me" in 2010, the band went on "Hiatus"... Which we all know means they broke up. Too bad, they were on a roll, with guest spots for Target stores commercials, appearances in  the new 90210 as themselves, and also an appearance in the comic book, The Lil' Depressed Boy.  Being drawn in an indi comic means success, in my book.

This song is edited from a short film commissioned by designer Zac Posen that was made to promote is Target fashion collection, and directed by Gia Coppola (granddaughter of Francis Ford).  I quite like the infectiously strong drum beat and the 60's style keys.  By the way, in YouTube, I loved, and agree with the first comment posted: "This song should be in a Scooby-Doo chase scene."

Band: The Like (mark 2)
Song: Fair Game (2010)




Switching partners like a square dance
Just watch where you're going
There are limbs akimbo, flying wildly
Just watch out now, don't get hit!
You want in our scene?
Hungry like the wolf
This wasn't my dream, but every day keeps getting better
We only look mean, crazy like a fox
Things aren't how the seem, right?

Its all fair game, anyway
It's all fair game, anyway

Just a teeny bit amoral
fiercely pessimistic but we're one big family
What's that darling,
Who says family doesn't kiss?
Oh every gang's a bit incestuous
It's just a game and if you know the rules you can't get hurt
We're all the same, a bit tempestuous
But we're just restless, right?

Its all fair game, anyway
It's all fair game, when you play
Have you the heart and have you got the guts?
It's not a sport but who says life should be so boring?
We find your rules a bit extraneous
We leave you breathless, right?

Its all fair game, anyway
It's all fair game, anyway
Its all fair game, when you play
The rules are strange, but aren't they great



Monday, May 27, 2013

Song of the Day 74!!!

Sorry it has been a while. I have been preoccupied with trying to move back to my home town. Please forgive me.

This entry is from the band Enon and the song is called "Daughter in the House of Fools". This band is interesting in the fact that their music varies so much. If you look their videos up, you will get a different sound, and even sometimes a different member singing, with each song. This makes them confusing for me because I only like 30% of their songs. I will let you be the judge. Listen and enjoy!!!

P.S. I couldnt for the life of me find lyrics and I tried very hard to listen and write them down, but with the mix of the singers accent and the strange lyrics, I cannot do it. My apologies.




Monday, May 6, 2013

Micheal's Sidetracks #9

An impossible crime, up until 2010, I was unaware of Guided By Voices.  This band was made for me: formed in 1983 and still around, touring and making great albums even today.  Brilliant songs that have great range and clock in under 2:30 usually.  Songwriter Robert Pollard is among the most prolific songwriters of our time, with over 1,600 songs registered.  And not crap songs either!  Look up "Game of Pricks", "Bulldog Skin", or "Teenage FBI"...and this song, for example

Today's song is for the uninitiated, like I was not to long ago.  Soaring guitars, thoughtful lyrics, to the point presentation, effortless harmonies, and garage band ethics...all I adore in music.  It's hard to find videos, much less polishes studio ones. GBV tend to like the homemade feel of things, and that's adorable too.

Band: Guided By Voices
Song:  Everywhere With Helicoptor 2001




Everywhere with helicopter...

Eyeline the driveway
Eye black the door
Sky all around me
Levels life from roof to floor

Trees and knees are lovely
Seek it, find the core
I have grown to life
Like all in silence
Wait for more

Everywhere with helicopter
Hard to follow
When I'm slow
Everywhere with helicopter
Sending off where lightning goes

I will try to fight them
I will let them know where to go
Try escape the pace
I'll say "God bless you"
Let me know

We know the answers
We fill us in
I do not diminish
Start to finish
Front to end

Everywhere with helicopter
Hard to swallow
When I'm slow
Everywhere with helicopter
Sending off where lightning goes

Everywhere with helicopter
Everywhere with helicopter
Sending off where lightning goes


Friday, May 3, 2013

Micheal's Sidetracks #8

Take note people: If you want a brilliant video, always, always include bungie cords. It's just a fact. Hang your singer/guitarists up in uncomfortable rigs, pull back, let go, visual musical gold erupts forth. This is the only band I know that's named after a Willy Wonka character (although I hear of a Swedish group called "Violet Beauregarde" and they're kinda like Blue Man Group).

 Like many of my groups here, "Veruca Salt" had many upheavals and downturns. The main singer, Nina Gordon quitting over "personal band reasons", but I bet whatever it was, was ugly. Anyway, until I can retrieve my list, I'm submitting this sing from 1997 that I enjoy...

Band: Veruca Salt 
Song: Volcano Girls




Leave me, lying here.
Cause I don't wanna go. [x2]
Tell me, tell me
What you really want from me.
You gotta let me know.
I'm falling off and
I need you terribly.
One down and one to go.
Volcano Girls,
We really can't be beat.
Warm us up and watch us blow.
But now and then we fail 
And we admit defeat.
We're falling off,
We are watered down and fully grown.
Leave me, lying here.
Cause I don't wanna go. [x2]
A million miles of running and 
I hit the wall,
I bounce back and I run some more.
But this is it, I'm giving up,
I'm calling quits.
So get down and meet me on the floor.
Way to go, way to flip off everyone.
I steal your thunder then I try to bolt.
But I could stand a little pity now and then.
I'm falling off, 
I am watered down and fully grown.
I told you about the Seether before.
You know the one that's neither or nor.
Well here's another clue if you please,
The Seether's Louise.
Leave me, lying here.
Cause I don't wanna go. [x3]
Leave me, leave me, leave me.Go..
I don't wanna go [x5]

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Song of the Day 73!!!

This edition of Song of the Day is inspired from Rodney Bingenheimer yet again. I recommend to everyone to listen to his show. It's midnight to 3am Monday nights. Its wonderful. Anyway, the band for this issue is called Yuck and the song is called "Get Away". The one thing about this song that always gets me addicted is the guitar. And if you have read the other posts, you know I dont like guitar on a lot of songs. I will let this song speak for itself. Enjoy!!!





Break it down and then break it up again
Me and my guitar drowning down and down
Not even the pain kicks in
Tell me when the pain kicks in

Oh I can't get away

Panoramic view, that's one thing I won't do
No shouted abuse from the corner of my mind
Not even the pain kicks in
Tell me when the pain kicks in

Oh I can't get away

Summer sun says get out more, I need you
I want you but I can't get this feeling off my mind
I want you, I need you

I can't get away

Summer sun says get out more, I need you
I want you but I can't get this feeling off my mind
I want you, I need you

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Song of the Day 72!!!

I'm starting to slack in my postings! Shame on me. Anyway, I was thinking what I should put for this edition and thought to myself that it should be something I have liked for a really long time. Today's song I have liked since I was 3. My parents were/are pretty awesome. Especially when it came to music. I grew up with the classics like The Beatles, Jethro Tull, and Queen from my dad and I got the modern (for the late 80's early 90's) goodies from my mom like INXS, George Harrison's later stuff, and this band, They Might Be Giants. Oh my god, when my mom played any of their albums, everyone in my family would sing along. The first TMBG album I remember was 1990's Flood, which included today's song: "Birdhouse In Your Soul". The song is weird, yet catchy, and the video is exactly the same. So, let me send you back to 1990 and enjoy!!!

P.S. I highly recommend their learning albums for children. (hint: they are awesome even for adults)



Im your only friend
Im not your only friend
But Im a little glowing friend
But really Im not actually your friend
But I am

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say Im the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

I have a secret to tell
From my electrical well
Its a simple message and Im leaving out the whistles and bells
So the room must listen to me
Filibuster vigilantly
My name is blue canary one note spelled l-i-t-e
My storys infinite
Like the longines symphonette it doesnt't rest

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say Im the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Im your only friend
Im not your only friend
But Im a little glowing friend
But really Im not actually your friend
But I am

There's a picture opposite me
Of my primitive ancestry
Which stood on rocky shores and kept the beaches shipwreck free
Though I respect that a lot
Id be fired if that were my job
After killing jason off and countless screaming argonauts
Bluebird of friendliness
Like guardian angels it's always near

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Not to put too fine a point on it
Say Im the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

(and while you're at it
Keep the nightlight on inside the
Birdhouse in your soul)

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say Im the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch (and while you're at it)
Who watches over you (keep the nightlight on inside the)
Make a little birdhouse in your soul (birdhouse in your soul)

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say Im the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch (and while you're at it)
Who watches over you (keep the nightlight on inside the)
Make a little birdhouse in your soul (birdhouse in your soul)

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say Im the only bee in your bonnet
Make a little birdhouse in your soul