Day 5: Van Morrison

As the first artist spotlight, I thought I'd swing for the fences and pick possibly my favorite songwriter of all time: Van Morrison. Van is impressive bot just for his hits, but his versatility. Beginning in the '60s with more traditional rock groups such as Them, he quickly established himself as a vocalist/multi-instrumentalist and a songwriting powerhouse. His studio albums (he has over 30) has spanned almost every genre imaginable (including this weird phase in the 80s where he started doing Celtic music). I've tried to make the play-list reflect this diversity, but it's pretty tough seeing as, in my opinion, his best work was relatively early in his career (Note: I would've included the entire Astral Weeks album, but that's just not fair). I also chose not to include some of his massive hits like "Brown-Eyed Girl," "Domino" and "Moondance" because everyone knows those and have heard them to death. Regardless, I hope you enjoy this list! Long live Van!

The List (this will surely brighten your day!):

(NOTE: I apologize that this player is mostly 30-second clips. imeem is being a big-time asshole. Here's the EXTERNAL LINK to the list on imeem where a few more of the tracks are available. You do have to create a sign-in though. I really hope it's not always like this.)

Day 5: Van Morrison

Stay Positive,
Erik

Bonus Video!:


(Image by anna_t Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 4: The Moustache

As I'm sure you're aware, January 29th is legendary actor and sex symbol Tom Selleck's Birthday. In honor of this man, and in honor of his excellent achievement in moustache, I've compiled a play-list featuring artists who also excel in this fine form of facial hair.

The run-down:
David Crosby
Paul Simon
Jim Croce
Lemmy Kilmister
Greg Norton (of Hüsker Dü)
Freddie Mercury
Ed Sanford (of The Sanford-Townsend Band)
England Dan & John Ford Coley
Little Richard
Lionel Richie
John Oates
Basically Everyone in Firefall
Zappa
Slick Rick

Bonus! The Beatles 1967

Day 4: The Moustache

Dig It,
Erik

PS: Bonus Video!!



(Image by Ben Piddington licensed under Creative Commons)

Day 3: Wildcard (1)

Well, this be the first wild-card play-list. I've selected some tracks I dig, that I hope you dig as well. Some of them're new. Some are classics. Enjoy!

Day 3: Wildcard (1)

Woot!
-Erik

PS: Bonus Video!


(Image by darkmatter Licensed Under Creative Commons.)

Day 2: Holocaust

This isn't the most inviting of topics. But January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Kind of an odd thing to base a play-list off of; but it seemed like an interesting challenge. I apologize that not all of the tracks are about the Holocaust. Some are about the general concept of a holocaust. And I take full responsibility for the liberal use of death metal. It sort of makes sense that that particular genre and genocide go hand in hand. And no other genre reflects the horrors of holocaust quite like it.

"Holland, 1945" by Neutral Milk Hotel made the list, not because it's about the Holocaust per say, but because it's loosely based on the life of Anne Frank, which I thought made a good addition to the list. And it's just a great song.

I originally wanted "Holocaust" by Big Star to be on the list. But it was unavailable via imeem. So I decided on This Mortal Coil's version - which is also powerful and wrenching.

If you think something's missing. Or know of more, feel free to share!

Day 2: Holocaust

Enjoy and reflect,
Erik

http://twitter.com/BubbleWolf


(Image by LCRF licensed under Creative Commons)

This is the Schedule

Weekly postings will go thusly!

Monday: Genre (a tour of a specific genre of music)
Tuesday: Daily Inspirado (a list based on the day's significance)
Wednesday: Wild-Card (a potpourri of tracks)
Thursday: Daily Inspirado
Friday: Artist Spotlight (tracks by one artist/group)

Thanks!
-Erik