Day 89: Rolling Stones

This week's artist spotlight is the Rolling Stones, arguably the greatest rock 'n' roll band of all time. The Stones are awesome, because people can typically be divided into two categories: Stones or Beatles; delineating whether a person favors harder rock or more poppy rock (for the record, I never know how to answer this question. I like them equally, I think).

I've put together a 20-track list of some of my favorite Stones songs. It'd be pretty easy to get bogged down in their greatest hits ("Gimme Shelter" and "Satisfaction" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and "Start Me Up" are alright, but I'm a little burned out on them [there's a great quote from David Hinckley at the NY Daily News about his best of the Stones list: "The exclusion of 'Satisfaction,' by the way, is not an accident. I know it is to 1960s rock ‘n' roll what a good radio is to a car. I love the story of Keith waking up in the middle of the night, strumming a few chords into his tape recorder and falling back to sleep. I also don't care if I never hear it again."])

I do have some of their biggest songs ("Sympathy..." and "Ruby Tuesday" and "Under My Thumb") because I think it's important to pay some homage to their whole catalog. I've included some deeper cuts, some forgotten gems, that I think you'll like if you've never hear 'em before. Enjoy!

(2 notes: 1.) I apologize for using so many Wes Anderson Rolling Stones songs. He just picks such winners! and 2.) If you have "Start Me Up" on a best of the Stones list, you're a dumb person.)

YouTube:
(All songs by the Rolling Stones)
01. Street Fighting Man
02. Under My Thumb
03. When the Whip Comes Down
04. 19th Nervous Breakdown
05. She's A Rainbow
06. I Am Waiting
07. Sympathy For The Devil
08. Tumbling Dice
09. Brown Sugar
10. Some Girls
11. 2000 Man
12. Sway
13. Blue Turns To Grey
14. She Smiled Sweetly
15. Paint It, Black
16. Rocks Off
17. Play With Fire
18. Citadel (cover)
19. Prodigal Son
20. Ruby Tuesday

imeem: External:

Day 89: Rolling Stones

Just Like A Young Girl Should? ...idk Mick
Erik

Videos!


and


(Image by Alessio, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 84: Michael Jackson

(No reason this can't be fun, right?)

Today's artist spotlight is the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The man needs little introduction, seeing as most people have been immersed in the innerworkings of his personal life since he was less than 10 years old. We've witnessed his maturation, pigmentation, financial irresponsibility and sexual proclivity over the years. We've also witnessed his music.

From his introduction by Diana Ross and the rise of the Jackson 5 to his peak in the early 80s, then his inevitable downfall throughout the 90s, MJ brought us hit after hit after hit. In fact, the hardest part about making this list was trying not to just make it his #1s. Just look at the track list of Thriller, there isn't a deep cut on it. What I wanted to accomplish with this list was to try and encompass his career, while trying not to be too obvious, and use some of my favorite tracks.

YouTube:
(All songs by Michael Jackson unless otherwise noted)
01. Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
02. Jackson 5 - The Love You Save
03. Jackson 5 - Mama's Pearl
04. The Jacksons - Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)
05. Jackson 5 - Never Can Say Goodbye
06. Childhood (Explains everything you'll ever need to know about why he is the way he is)
07. Human Nature
08. The Way You Make Me Feel
09. Rock With You
10. Billie Jean
11. Bad
12. Black Or White
13. Another Part Of Me
14. Man In The Mirror
15. Ben
16. Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough
17. Thriller
18. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
19. One Day In Your Life
20. Heal the World

(Honorable Mentions: ABC, Doctor My Eyes, Maybe Tomorrow, I'll Be There, All I Do Is Think of You (Dilla!), Blame It On The Boogie, Beat It, Smooth Criminal, Leave Me Alone, You Are Not Alone, and Remember The Time)

imeem: External:

Day 84: Michael Jackson

Oooh!
Erik

Videos!


and


and


(Image by Håkon H, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 80: Ramones

Today's artist spotlight is the Ramones. Not much to say, other than the fact that the Ramones were on the forefront of the New York punk scene. Their 2-minute explosions of sound came to define the movement, paving the way for hundreds of future artists. On topics ranging from subversive political statements and social commentary to "Bird" being the "word," the Ramones looked right into the downtrodden but changing face of New York City; and then spit into it.

Hey ho, let's go.

YouTube:
(All songs by the Ramones)
01. Blitzkrieg Bop
02. Sheena Is A Punk Rocker
03. Danny Says
04. I'm Against It
05. I Wanna Be Sedated
06. Judy Is A Punk
07. The KKK Took My Baby Away
08. I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend
09. Poison Heart
10. Rockaway Beach
11. Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment
12. Cretin Hop
13. Teenage Lobotomy
14. Howling At The Moon (Sha La La)
15. My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg)
16. Something To Believe In
17. I Can't Give You Anything
18. Pet Sematary
19. I Can't Make It On Time
20. Street Fighting Man

imeem: External:

Day 80: Ramones

1-2-3-4!!
Erik

Videos!


And... :-(


(Image by Okada Shinoda, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 75: Bob Dylan

This week's artist spotlight needs little introduction. Bob Dylan has been regarded as the greatest songwriter of all time more times than he hasn't. I could go on all day about his genius or whatever, but the truth is, if you're a music fan, there's probably a song of his that's touched you. Maybe the chorus of "Like A Rolling Stone" hit you in a moment of uncertainty or "Tangled Up In Blue" caught you in a down period of your life. His songs can be autopsied, diagnosed, deduced and analyzed; but the fact is they're meant to be listened to and felt.

YouTube:
(All Songs by Bob Dylan)
01. Like A Rolling Stone
02. Visions of Johanna
03. When I Paint My Masterpiece
04. Bob Dylan's 115th Dream
05. Changing Of The Guards
06. Don't Think Twice, It's Alright
07. You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
08. Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again
09. Groom's Still Waiting At The Altar
10. It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
11. It Ain't Me Babe
12. Angelina (N/A on imeem, "Wigwam" instead)
13. Girl From The North Country
14. Moonshiner
15. The Times They Are A-Changin'
16. Slow Train
17. To Ramona
18. God Knows
19. Shelter From The Storm
20. Desolation Row (Part 1) (Part 2)

imeem: External:

Day 75: Bob Dylan

How Does It Feel,
Erik

Videos


and


and finally


(Image by m.caimary, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 70: Elvis Costello

This week's artist spotlight is Mr. Elvis Costello, a man for whom I have the utmost respect. Like Lou Reed and Joe Strummer, Costello was both simultaneously more punk than the punks and more intelligent than the... well everyone. Lyrically he always comes through with a profound message on pretty much every topic. Unlike a lot of punk music, he doesn't fall back on the primitive "Fuck you" to the government message. Instead he describes why we can't truth those in power. Musically, his explorations have ventured from rock to jazz to reggae to punk and nearly everything else, and he's done them all well. Also, like a Van Morrison, his music has aged really well (and so has his voice).

I've put together a 20-track list of some of my favorite Costello songs (though it could easily be 50). I've spanned the majority of his career, from his more punkish roots to his recent dabblings in jazz and classical. Enjoy!!!

YouTube:
(All songs by Elvis Costello and one of his many back-up groups [The Attractions, The Imposters, and the Brodsky Quartet])
01. (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea
02. Bedlam
03. Welcome to the Working Week (Note: This song was going to go on the May Day list, but I knew it was going on this list so I decided not to use it, though it deserves to be)
04. Man Out Of Time (I've used this song on a previous list, but I'm sorry, I love it so)
05. Little Palaces
06. I Almost Had A Weakness (Cover Only)
07. Little Triggers
08. Couldn't Call It Unexpected (Cover Only)
09. Tokyo Storm Warning (N/A)
10. White Knuckles (N/A)
11. Everyday I Write The Book
12. Watching the Detectives
13. ...And In Every Home (N/A)
14. Shipbuilding
15. Soul For Hire (Cover Only)
16. Goon Squad (N/A)
17. 13 Steps Lead Down
18. Man Called Uncle (N/A)
19. Clubland
20. Alison

imeem: External:

Day 70: Elvis Costello

Get Happy!!
Erik

Vids!


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And epically


(Image by Bruno Bollaert, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 65: Otis Redding

This week's artist spotlight is Otis Redding, who I still contend may be the greatest music tragedy of all time. At just 26, Otis was taken from us in a plane crash (the result of which has caused me to generally dislike and avoid Madison, WI). He is the greatest musical tragedy in my opinion, because, not only was his voice a gift from the Gods, but he was the Soul world's equivalent to the Rolling Stones; he could have served as the bridge between rock and soul. You'll notice this list has a few cover songs, mostly because his covers were as original as the originals. Enjoy.

(Note: Because of the brevity of his career, not a lot of videos are available for his songs.)

YouTube:
All songs performed by Otis Redding
01. Satisfaction
02. Hard to Handle (N/A)
03. Mr. Pitiful (with Respect)
04. Try A Little Tenderness
05. Amen (N/A)
06. I'm Sick Y'All (N/A)
07. Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song)
08. Cigarettes and Coffee
09. A Hard Day's Night (Live) (N/A)
10. Day Tripper (Live) (N/A)
11. Johnny's Heartbreak (N/A)
12. Change Gonna Come (N/A)
13. Security (N/A)
14. Hey Hey Baby (N/A)
15. Tramp (with Carla Thomas)
16. I Love You More Than Words Can Say
17. The Match Game (N/A)
18. Direct Me (N/A)
19. A Little Time (N/A)
20. (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay

imeem: External:

Day 65: Otis Redding

Soul=Melted,
Erik

Video!


(Image By AOK Library & Gallery, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 60: Colin Meloy

I'm gonna have to start doing some older artists to spotlight. I appear to have a theme going with newer artists. But, I guess you write about what you know.

This week's artist spotlight is Colin Meloy, frontman of The Decemberists and Tarkio and well-documented logophile. His songs are wordy and often times head-shakingly obscure, but somehow they manage to resonate on a deeper level than the surface story. Part of that has to do with his vocals, which really emote the emotional depth to the yarns he spins.

I've assembled a list of songs he's done from Tarkio to The Decemberists. I was debating whether or not to include his cover series (Morrissey, Sam Cooke and Shirley Collins) but decided against it. With so many good songs that he wrote, why pick ones he didn't?

YouTube:
(All songs by The Decemberists unless otherwise noted)
01. July, July!
02. Tarkio - Keeping Me Awake
03. Valerie Plame
04. California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade
05. Sons and Daughters
06. On the Bus Mall
07. Tarkio - Tristan and Iseult
08. Red Right Ankle
09. Won't Want for Love (Margaret in the Taiga)
10. O Valencia
11. The Bagman's Gambit
12. The Rake's Song
13. Raincoat Song
14. The Crane Wife 1 and 2
15. Song for Myla Goldberg
16. Apology Song
17. Tarkio - Caroline Avenue (N/A on imeem, "I Know Very Well How I Got My Name" instead)
18. Margaret in Captivity
19. The Sporting Life
20. Tarkio - Better Half

imeem: External:

Day 60: Colin Meloy

Fondly,
Erik

Bonus Vids!


And I know I said no covers, but:


(Image by Matthew Hickey, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 55: Bright Eyes (Conor Oberst)

This week's artist spotlight is a newer gent. A songwriter by the name of Conor Oberst, more popular as the creative force behind Bright Eyes. I've said it before, he isn't for everybody. But, neither was Dylan.

His songwriting is complex and deep, covering topics ranging from the human condition, mortality, drugs and almost everything else in between. I've compiled my list of some of my favorite songs by Mr. Oberst. Most of the songs are Bright Eyes, because I think that showcases his best work. I hope you enjoy.

YouTube:
All songs by Bright Eyes unless otherwise noted
01. When the President Talks to God
02. First Day of My Life
03. Bowl of Oranges
04. If Winter Ends
05. The Calender Hung Itself...
06. Clairaudients (Kill or Be Killed)
07. Conor Oberst - Milk Thistle
08. At the Bottom of Everything
09. Four Winds
10. Conor Oberst - Souled Out!!!
11. Conor Oberst & Gillian Welch - Lua
12. A Song to Pass the Time
13. Hot Knives
14. Arienette
15. Conor Oberst - Cape Canaveral
16. Road to Joy
17. Method Acting
18. Gold Mine Gutted (N/A on imeem, instead "Haligh, Haligh, a Lie, Haligh")
19. Land Locked Blues
20. I Believe In Symmetry (N/A on imeem, instead "You Will. You? Will. You? Will.")

imeem: External:

Day 55: Conor Oberst/Bright Eyes

From the Bottom of Everything,
Erik

Bonus Vid:


(Image by John Packer, Licensed Under Creative Commons)

Day 50: David Bowie

Wow! Day 50 already!? This week's artist spotlight is Mr. David Bowie. AKA: Dave Jay. AKA: Ziggy Stardust. AKA: The Thin White Duke. AKA: Major Tom. AKA: Aladdin Sane. AKA: Halloween Jack. Whatever his name, Bowie is a music man and a credit to his industry.

Glamorous, Androgynous, and Brilliant, Bowie's work has spanned over four decades and included nearly 30 albums. What makes him so special is his ability to be both artistically credible among critics and popular with a mass audience.

I've boiled down his career into 20 of my favorite of his songs (no easy feat). Some are more poppy, some more experimental. Some hits, some deeper cuts. But all of it great. Enjoy! As a side note, I'm not entirely convinced that Bowie isn't actually from space. Just sayin'.

YouTube:
(All songs by David Bowie)
01. Queen Bitch
02. Panic In Detroit
03. Suffragette City
04. The Man Who Sold the World
05. Space Oddity
06. Ashes to Ashes
07. Saviour Machine (N/A on imeem, "Motel" instead)
08. Subterraneans
09. Fantastic Voyage
10. Starman
11. Lady Grinning Soul
12. Look Back In Anger
13. Station to Station
14. Rebel Rebel
15. The Bewlay Brothers
16. Some Are
17. Teenage Wildlife
18. China Girl
19. Young Americans
20. Life On Mars? (Possibly my favorite song of all time)

imeem: External:

Day 50: David Bowie

Pretty Far Out,
Erik

(Also: I've reached my limit of songs I can upload to imeem without upgrading to VIP. So we'll see what happens from here. I may use 8tracks a bit more often here and there for songs I can't find on imeem.)

Bonus Vids!


Seems Obvious, But:


(Image by Observe The Banana, Licensed Under Creative Commons)