“What do we want?”
“The Shuffle!”
“When do we want it?”
“Now!”
“Children of the Grave,” Black Sabbath
When I was a kid, I found Ozzy Osbourne very strange. But who would have thought that nearly a quarter century later he’d be starring in a very warped (Master of?) reality TV series with his family? Now, that was disturbing! With its menacing riff “Children of the Grave” was not your father’s anti-war song! Here’s Sabbath live in 1974, with Ozzy’s signature maniacal clapping. And listen to the song alongside Blondie’s “Call Me.” You won’t be disappointed.
“Boplicity,” Miles Davis
Finally, jazz makes its first appearance on the Shuffle. To me, Miles Davis is the avatar of cool. In fact, this tune is from the 1949 sessions that were called The Birth of the Cool. It marked a new chapter in the history of jazz. The so-called “Cool School” wasn’t as aggressive as bebop, which was the dominant form at the time. On these sessions, Davis played with a nonet which included Gerry Mulligan, Lee Konitz and Max Roach. Gil Evans served as arranger. Here he is, over 40 years later, playing "Boplicity" at the Montreux Jazz Festival, with Quincy Jones conducting the orchestra. Davis was dead less than three months later.
“Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” (Witmark demo), Bob Dylan
From Volume 7 of the Bootleg Series, “No Direction Home.” Genius.
“War,” Bob Marley & The Wailers
Another anti-war song, this time in a Rastafarian vein. The source for the lyrics is part of a speech given by Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia to the U.N. in 1963. The song is both a call for basic human rights and a tribute to Selassie, who was revered by Rastafarians and referred to as The Lion.
“Memory Lane,” Elliott Smith
Another in a long line of artists who have “What if…” as part of their legacy. This is from From a Basement On a Hill, released a year after his death.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Music's Got Me Feelin' So Free
Let’s see what The Shuffler came up with this week.
“One More Time,” Daft Punk
It seems like the right way to look forward to the weekend! The French duo enlist the aid of soul singer Romanthony on this track from 2001’s Discovery. The album is also incorporated into an anime film called Interstella 5555. Daft Punk’s live show would certainly make George Clinton proud.
“Country Boy,” Johnny Cash
A song about the good life: you know, hunting and fishing. But, I’m a city boy. What do I know? I just love how this song rollicks. I can get to that! Here's Johnny and Willy doing the song together. On a side note, Snoop Dogg wants to cover a Cash tune. He apparently feels some kind of “gangsta” kinship with The Man in Black. It makes a certain kind of sense. But what song? I could see him do an urban take on “The Ballad of Boot Hill.”
The way these next three songs work together is one of those amazing random moments.
“Sudden Stars,” Stereolab
Stereolab are one of my favorite headphone bands. They have just been so consistently good over the years.
“Walk Away Renee,” The Left Banke
This is one of the great songs of unrequited love. The Left Banke were an American pop quintet from the late 60’s known for its orchestral sensibility. This was their most popular song. You can trace a line from the Left Banke to an artist like Jens Lekman.
“Moral Kiosk,” R.E.M.
R.E.M. released a live album in October and are working on a new record, reportedly to be released next spring. On top of that, rumors had been swirling recently that Bill Berry was going to rejoin the band and tour with them in 2008. Alas, it is not to be. But we still have vintage R.E.M. to look back on. The quality of the video isn’t very good, but it reminds you that seeing them in a club beat seeing them in an arena.
“One More Time,” Daft Punk
It seems like the right way to look forward to the weekend! The French duo enlist the aid of soul singer Romanthony on this track from 2001’s Discovery. The album is also incorporated into an anime film called Interstella 5555. Daft Punk’s live show would certainly make George Clinton proud.
“Country Boy,” Johnny Cash
A song about the good life: you know, hunting and fishing. But, I’m a city boy. What do I know? I just love how this song rollicks. I can get to that! Here's Johnny and Willy doing the song together. On a side note, Snoop Dogg wants to cover a Cash tune. He apparently feels some kind of “gangsta” kinship with The Man in Black. It makes a certain kind of sense. But what song? I could see him do an urban take on “The Ballad of Boot Hill.”
The way these next three songs work together is one of those amazing random moments.
“Sudden Stars,” Stereolab
Stereolab are one of my favorite headphone bands. They have just been so consistently good over the years.
“Walk Away Renee,” The Left Banke
This is one of the great songs of unrequited love. The Left Banke were an American pop quintet from the late 60’s known for its orchestral sensibility. This was their most popular song. You can trace a line from the Left Banke to an artist like Jens Lekman.
“Moral Kiosk,” R.E.M.
R.E.M. released a live album in October and are working on a new record, reportedly to be released next spring. On top of that, rumors had been swirling recently that Bill Berry was going to rejoin the band and tour with them in 2008. Alas, it is not to be. But we still have vintage R.E.M. to look back on. The quality of the video isn’t very good, but it reminds you that seeing them in a club beat seeing them in an arena.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Hey Baby, There Ain't No Easy Way Out
The Shuffler is the man at table 5 calling you "honey."
"I Won't Back Down," Johnny Cash
God bless Johnny Cash! All the covers that JC did during his time with Rick Rubin were so well chosen. He made each and every one his own. Tom Petty supplies background vocals here. And here's the original with Petty playing with 1/4 of ELO and 1/2 of the Beatles. Not too shabby.
"Broken Drum," Beck
Beck makes his third appearance in five weeks. The Shuffle elves must really dig him! This track is from the Guero album and it plays like it's in slow-motion. I love the video, too.
"Up to You," Yo La Tengo
Ira Kaplan delivers one of his quintessential, noisy, yet melodic guitar solos on this cut from the modestly titled double disc of rarities, Genius Love = Yo La Tengo.
"Waitress Song," Freakwater
One of my favorite songs! Janet Beveridge Bean and Catherine Ann Irwin have been making roots music since the late eighties. Fans of Eleventh Dream Day will recognize Janet as the drummer and vocalist in that great indie-rock band. "Waitress Song" appears on 1995's Old Paint released by Thrill Jockey. The duo put out a record two years ago called Thinking of You with Califone. Highly recommended.
"Ballade de Melody Nelson," Serge Gainsbourg
Ahhh, the dirty old Frenchman! He's accompanied here by one of his muses, Jane Birkin. Maybe it's just me but don't you feel like you need to take a shower after listening to him? Here's the clip of a drunk Serge gleefully hitting on Whitney Houston on French television in 1986. This was pre-Bobby Brown, pre-crack Whitney so her look of horror appears genuine.
"I Won't Back Down," Johnny Cash
God bless Johnny Cash! All the covers that JC did during his time with Rick Rubin were so well chosen. He made each and every one his own. Tom Petty supplies background vocals here. And here's the original with Petty playing with 1/4 of ELO and 1/2 of the Beatles. Not too shabby.
"Broken Drum," Beck
Beck makes his third appearance in five weeks. The Shuffle elves must really dig him! This track is from the Guero album and it plays like it's in slow-motion. I love the video, too.
"Up to You," Yo La Tengo
Ira Kaplan delivers one of his quintessential, noisy, yet melodic guitar solos on this cut from the modestly titled double disc of rarities, Genius Love = Yo La Tengo.
"Waitress Song," Freakwater
One of my favorite songs! Janet Beveridge Bean and Catherine Ann Irwin have been making roots music since the late eighties. Fans of Eleventh Dream Day will recognize Janet as the drummer and vocalist in that great indie-rock band. "Waitress Song" appears on 1995's Old Paint released by Thrill Jockey. The duo put out a record two years ago called Thinking of You with Califone. Highly recommended.
"Ballade de Melody Nelson," Serge Gainsbourg
Ahhh, the dirty old Frenchman! He's accompanied here by one of his muses, Jane Birkin. Maybe it's just me but don't you feel like you need to take a shower after listening to him? Here's the clip of a drunk Serge gleefully hitting on Whitney Houston on French television in 1986. This was pre-Bobby Brown, pre-crack Whitney so her look of horror appears genuine.
Two Keys, Twisted and Turned
Shuffler don't fail me now! Happy Hannukah!
"Snakes in the Grass," The Essex Green
A little neo-psychedelia from the Brooklyn outfit's third album, Cannibal Sea (2006). Sasha Bell takes the reins on this one.
"My Lady Story," Antony & the Johnsons
It only makes sense: Nina Simone last week, Antony right on her heels. This is a song from the gorgeous I Am a Bird Now, which won the 2005 Mercury Prize. Expect a new album in spring '08. Here's bonus footage of Antony's performance in the Leonard Cohen documentary, I'm Your Man. He was the best thing about that show.
"Side of the Road," Beck
Beck goes acoustic on the aptly titled Sea Change. Nice album, but did he have to sound like Eddie Vedder's kid brother?
"Iron Man," Black Sabbath
This is one of those songs where I would kill to have been in the studio when the band was making it. Here's a live version recorded in Paris. How Bill Ward made all that noise with just one bass drum is beyond me.
"Peking Spring," Mission of Burma
It's hard to find a more fiery group than this one. But, then, Mission of Burma have always played it that way. Simply put, this is one of the greatest post-punk songs ever slapped onto vinyl. The band has described it as emerging "Athena-like" from the head of bassist Clint Conley. Check out this vintage 1979 clip from an MoB gig in Boston.
What's on your player?
"Snakes in the Grass," The Essex Green
A little neo-psychedelia from the Brooklyn outfit's third album, Cannibal Sea (2006). Sasha Bell takes the reins on this one.
"My Lady Story," Antony & the Johnsons
It only makes sense: Nina Simone last week, Antony right on her heels. This is a song from the gorgeous I Am a Bird Now, which won the 2005 Mercury Prize. Expect a new album in spring '08. Here's bonus footage of Antony's performance in the Leonard Cohen documentary, I'm Your Man. He was the best thing about that show.
"Side of the Road," Beck
Beck goes acoustic on the aptly titled Sea Change. Nice album, but did he have to sound like Eddie Vedder's kid brother?
"Iron Man," Black Sabbath
This is one of those songs where I would kill to have been in the studio when the band was making it. Here's a live version recorded in Paris. How Bill Ward made all that noise with just one bass drum is beyond me.
"Peking Spring," Mission of Burma
It's hard to find a more fiery group than this one. But, then, Mission of Burma have always played it that way. Simply put, this is one of the greatest post-punk songs ever slapped onto vinyl. The band has described it as emerging "Athena-like" from the head of bassist Clint Conley. Check out this vintage 1979 clip from an MoB gig in Boston.
What's on your player?
I Wanted the Night to Go On and On
The Shuffle gods continue to shine on me this week. What popped up on your player?
"Night Comes On," Leonard Cohen
Like Dylan's and Joni's (to name only two), Leonard Cohen's lyrics have been mined for meaning until there is almost nothing left to excavate. I'll take the easy way out and say this is a song about resisting the lure of Death's warm embrace. I'm a Leonard Cohen fan because if it hadn't been for my wife, I would have continued to resist his embrace.
"Radio Cure," Wilco
Wilco make their second appearance in as many weeks with a song from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, the album generally acknowledged to be their masterpiece. Here's a clip from "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart."
"Old Dan Tucker," Bruce Springsteen
A song with a rich and illustrious history, "Old Dan Tucker" has been performed by Civil War re-enactors and grampaws on the old Porter Wagoner television show. Bruce and the boys burn the barn on this version from We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions.
"Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair," Nina Simone
Nina Simone follows with her famous rendition of this classic Scottish folk song. This was recorded at The Town Hall in New York City in 1959.
"Mecanica de Amor," Mi Son
I'm not entirely in love with this song but it just seems to work coming out of "Black Is the Color." Sometimes a different context helps me better appreciate a song.
"Night Comes On," Leonard Cohen
Like Dylan's and Joni's (to name only two), Leonard Cohen's lyrics have been mined for meaning until there is almost nothing left to excavate. I'll take the easy way out and say this is a song about resisting the lure of Death's warm embrace. I'm a Leonard Cohen fan because if it hadn't been for my wife, I would have continued to resist his embrace.
"Radio Cure," Wilco
Wilco make their second appearance in as many weeks with a song from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, the album generally acknowledged to be their masterpiece. Here's a clip from "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart."
"Old Dan Tucker," Bruce Springsteen
A song with a rich and illustrious history, "Old Dan Tucker" has been performed by Civil War re-enactors and grampaws on the old Porter Wagoner television show. Bruce and the boys burn the barn on this version from We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions.
"Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair," Nina Simone
Nina Simone follows with her famous rendition of this classic Scottish folk song. This was recorded at The Town Hall in New York City in 1959.
"Mecanica de Amor," Mi Son
I'm not entirely in love with this song but it just seems to work coming out of "Black Is the Color." Sometimes a different context helps me better appreciate a song.
I Believe in Locomotion
Here’s your Thanksgiving edition of the Shuffle. I hope everyone is having a healthy and happy holiday.
“You Are My Face,” Wilco
Wilco meets Pink Floyd on this track from their new album, Sky Blue Sky. One of my favorite domestic releases this year, it landed on the year-end lists of quite a few of my mates here at The Current. What were some of your stand-out albums of the year?
“Calling You,” Jevetta Steele
This is an Oscar-nominated song from the film Bagdad Cafe (1988). When this song popped up I immediately put the movie in my Netflix queue. Jevetta’s voice is stunning.
“Derelict,” Beck
One of the least played tracks from Odelay (1996). It’s got a nice little Middle Eastern flavoring in the middle. Maybe it’s just me, and I know nothing in his catalog compares, but I’m still waiting for Beck to deliver an album even half as good as this one. Or Mellow Gold, even.
“Fight the Power,” Public Enemy
Rosie Perez in boxing gloves. Remember that? And sampling Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" was sonically and thematically brilliant.
“Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind),” Loretta Lynn
From 1967. Coal Miner’s Daughter was the start of my inexplicable man-crush on Tommy Lee Jones. I feel like you need to know these things. Here’s a clip of Loretta singing the song with Jeannie C. Riley, the gal who did “Harper Valley, P.T.A.”
“You Are My Face,” Wilco
Wilco meets Pink Floyd on this track from their new album, Sky Blue Sky. One of my favorite domestic releases this year, it landed on the year-end lists of quite a few of my mates here at The Current. What were some of your stand-out albums of the year?
“Calling You,” Jevetta Steele
This is an Oscar-nominated song from the film Bagdad Cafe (1988). When this song popped up I immediately put the movie in my Netflix queue. Jevetta’s voice is stunning.
“Derelict,” Beck
One of the least played tracks from Odelay (1996). It’s got a nice little Middle Eastern flavoring in the middle. Maybe it’s just me, and I know nothing in his catalog compares, but I’m still waiting for Beck to deliver an album even half as good as this one. Or Mellow Gold, even.
“Fight the Power,” Public Enemy
Rosie Perez in boxing gloves. Remember that? And sampling Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" was sonically and thematically brilliant.
“Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind),” Loretta Lynn
From 1967. Coal Miner’s Daughter was the start of my inexplicable man-crush on Tommy Lee Jones. I feel like you need to know these things. Here’s a clip of Loretta singing the song with Jeannie C. Riley, the gal who did “Harper Valley, P.T.A.”
With My Lightning Hands
From dub to post-rock, let’s take a listen to this week’s Shuffle.
“Devil Dead” (Live), Lee “Scratch” Perry
A little ditty about legalizing pot. It’s pretty hard to overstate the impact of The Upsetter. He’s one of the kings of dub, influencing artists within reggae (Peter Tosh, Keith Hudson) and outside of it (the Clash, the Beastie Boys). This is a live track from a concert recorded in San Francisco in 2006.
“(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes,” Elvis Costello
“Oh, oh!” Early in his career, the speed with which Elvis churned out pop gems was the stuff of legend. He reportedly tossed off “Red Shoes” in ten minutes!
“Bad Houses,” Big Black
Steve Albini is the self-loathing narrator on this track from the excellent Atomizer (1986). I have mixed feelings about Albini. On the one hand, he’s produced some of the greatest rock records of all time. On the other, his casual misogyny has tarnished his reputation. The question is: Does and should it matter when the quality of the product is first rate? And, as a champion of DIY, he’s second to none.
“Spanish Eyes,” U2
One of the greatest B-sides ever recorded.
“Along the Banks of Rivers,” Tortoise
Just a beautifully meandering tune from Millions Now Living Will Never Die (1996). It’s elegant, with a touch of noir. This album is a must-have for any musichead’s library.
“Devil Dead” (Live), Lee “Scratch” Perry
A little ditty about legalizing pot. It’s pretty hard to overstate the impact of The Upsetter. He’s one of the kings of dub, influencing artists within reggae (Peter Tosh, Keith Hudson) and outside of it (the Clash, the Beastie Boys). This is a live track from a concert recorded in San Francisco in 2006.
“(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes,” Elvis Costello
“Oh, oh!” Early in his career, the speed with which Elvis churned out pop gems was the stuff of legend. He reportedly tossed off “Red Shoes” in ten minutes!
“Bad Houses,” Big Black
Steve Albini is the self-loathing narrator on this track from the excellent Atomizer (1986). I have mixed feelings about Albini. On the one hand, he’s produced some of the greatest rock records of all time. On the other, his casual misogyny has tarnished his reputation. The question is: Does and should it matter when the quality of the product is first rate? And, as a champion of DIY, he’s second to none.
“Spanish Eyes,” U2
One of the greatest B-sides ever recorded.
“Along the Banks of Rivers,” Tortoise
Just a beautifully meandering tune from Millions Now Living Will Never Die (1996). It’s elegant, with a touch of noir. This album is a must-have for any musichead’s library.
I'm Not a Punching Bag
This past summer my colleague, Jacquie Fuller, posted a blog entry called "Do the Shuffle." She asked readers to put their mp3 players in random mode and reveal the first three songs that appear. Hijinks ensued. She was inspired by The Onion's Random Rules, in which they ask a celebrity to do the same. I love this kind of game, with its potentially embarrassing results.
I thought I'd take the game to the next level and post a weekly five song random mix based on Jacquie's original post. Hope you enjoy it.
"Take It Easy on Me," Peter Himmelman
This is a nice reggae-inflected song from Peter's 2005 album Imperfect World. I love his Elvis Costello-inspired voice. Many of you will remember him from the late ‘70's local pop/rock quintet Sussman Lawrence. Always working, Peter produces his own albums, records children's albums, and scores music for film and television.
"Blackout," Sloan
A song from Sloan's latest, Never Hear the End of It. The Musicheads discussed this album from the Nova Scotian four-piece back in February. I still can't believe how a 30-song album can have so little filler!
"No More," Archer Prewitt
One of many tender songs from his compelling 2005 record, Wilderness. I've always been a big Archer supporter, solo or with The Sea and Cake. Gotta love the Coctails, too!
"So Real," Jeff Buckley
One of the great divas of our time. "And I couldn't awake from the nightmare that sucked me in and pulled me under." Those lines are still chilling.
"There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," The Smiths
Steve Seel does a mean Morrissey impression. I've got to convince him to do it on the air. I rarely intentionally listen to The Smiths anymore. High school sucked.
I thought I'd take the game to the next level and post a weekly five song random mix based on Jacquie's original post. Hope you enjoy it.
"Take It Easy on Me," Peter Himmelman
This is a nice reggae-inflected song from Peter's 2005 album Imperfect World. I love his Elvis Costello-inspired voice. Many of you will remember him from the late ‘70's local pop/rock quintet Sussman Lawrence. Always working, Peter produces his own albums, records children's albums, and scores music for film and television.
"Blackout," Sloan
A song from Sloan's latest, Never Hear the End of It. The Musicheads discussed this album from the Nova Scotian four-piece back in February. I still can't believe how a 30-song album can have so little filler!
"No More," Archer Prewitt
One of many tender songs from his compelling 2005 record, Wilderness. I've always been a big Archer supporter, solo or with The Sea and Cake. Gotta love the Coctails, too!
"So Real," Jeff Buckley
One of the great divas of our time. "And I couldn't awake from the nightmare that sucked me in and pulled me under." Those lines are still chilling.
"There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," The Smiths
Steve Seel does a mean Morrissey impression. I've got to convince him to do it on the air. I rarely intentionally listen to The Smiths anymore. High school sucked.
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