Songs »Superstar

by Sonic Youth (1994)

If the real deal Carpenters version of Superstar doesn’t sit well with you, maybe you’re of a hipper ilk and prefer somewhat ironic covers instead. Well, despite tons of iffy attempts by lesser artists, only a band as effortlessly cool as Sonic Youth can really pull of a modern take of one of 1970’s cheesiest (in a good way) ballads. Thurston Moore sounds drugged out and heart broken in a much drowsier and noisier take than The Carpenters (little wonder Richard does not care for it). It’s even more of a departure from the jazzy first incarnations by original artists Delaney and Bonnie and Rita Coolidge.

Aside from being one of my favorite Carpenters songs, I am partial to the hit due to its large part in the very funny Cintra Wilson book, Colors Insulting to Nature.

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Posted on October 12, 2010

Albums »Carpenters

by The Carpenters (1971)

The Carpenters self titled album is an iconic one of its time, and many will argue, of the worst of its time. Schmaltzy, cheesy, feathery soft and mild, Karen and brother Richard were the number one selling act in the 1970’s (this album alone went quadruple platinum). Still, it’s soothing music like this that sometimes hits the mid afternoon spot and can anyone deny that she possessed one of the nicest voices ever recorded?

You’ll likely be familiar with most of the album’s many hits (Rainy Days and Mondays, For All We Know, Superstar) but there are less often played songs here too. Drusilla Penny, a rare Carpenters ditty sung by Richard, is Jim’s favorite (though he is not a big fan over all) but some of the others are admittedly a bit much to handle even for me as I recommend you give this adult contemporary dynamo a chance (see Bacharach medley and Saturday).

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Posted on October 12, 2010

Laughs »P I Z Z A

Slowed Down Olsen Twins

Thanks to Steve, of Team Assignment for linking to this awesome, slowed down version of an Olsen Twins ode to pizza. It’s the latest in slowed down pre teen pop (see Bieber slowed down 800 percent) that results in something way more amazing than the straight to VHS song could ever dream to aspire to. I think Biz Markie should cover this.

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Posted on October 5, 2010

Albums »Blood Visions

by Jay Reatard (2005)

From the tragic drug related death at age 26 of Jay Reatard, aka Jimmy Lee Lindsey, it would seem he lived as he made music: short and hard. His energetic, agitated Blood Visions squeezes life out of the pop punk quick song tradition with a critically adored album that calls to mind Operation Ivy and The Ramones with a modern wave that almost sounds like Wire-like.

It’s not the genre of music I usually go to first, but I’ve found myself mysteriously drawn to the spastic album lately that lends a sense of urgency to any project you happen to be working on while listening to it. It’s not revolutionary but for reasons I can’t quite pinpoint, it’s far more interesting and worthy of repeat listens than other similar takes on pop punk. It’s a shame we won’t be hearing any more from this talented showman.

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Posted on September 18, 2010

Songs »I Thought You Were Someone I Knew

by Jail Weddings (2010)

A strong douse of Scott Walker, a touch of Elvis Costello, a whole lot of 60’s pop mixed with the funnest side of Nick Cave.. put it all together with a ten piece band and you’ve got Jail Weddings. I was psyched when the video for “I Thought You Were Someone I Knew” popped up while browsing facebook and not just because that dapper front man is my cousin. Yes, a relation to me, and so cool! This is not his first music project. Los Angelians may know him from his previous band, The Starvations or Dante Vs Zombies. The album for this song, Love is Lawless comes out Oct. 26th.

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Posted on August 29, 2010

Albums »The Switched-On Boxed Set

by Wendy Carlos (1968-1979)

It’s hard to disconnect the powerful images Kubrick created for Clockwork Orange and the moog symphonies of Wendy Carlos. This is not a bad thing, but a full day of her tunes, courtesy of Shaun who let me borrow The Switched On Box Set puts you in one technicolor and strange mind frame.

This is a well designed and comprehensive set that includes her most famous album, Switched on Bach, the first classical album to ever go platinum. A revolutionary musician who took the newest instruments of the time to create unique sound scapes of familiar classics, Wendy takes the baroque and blasts it into the space age.

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Posted on August 29, 2010

Albums »Dengue Fever

by Dengue Fever (2003)

We’re big fans of the psychedelic Cambodian pop band Dengue Fever and I have previously recommended their slightly more modern release Venus on Earth. Their exploration of authentic classic Cambodian pop – the fun, danceable and energetic tracks make this debut album, Dengue Fever remarkably enjoyable. Not only are Los Angelians Zac and Ethan Holtzman bringing a genre that was sadly demolished with the rise of Pol Pot back to audiences, the incomparable Chhom Nimol (aside from giving Jim hot pants) brings the classic songs to vivid life. I love when songs from this album come up randomly on my ipod, they add a bit of the 1960’s cinematics to your day. Many of the songs make me feel like I should be in a wild set piece for a Seijun Suzuki movie (which is a great way to feel). They are also pretty spectacular to see live and do so in California often for those that live on the West Coast.

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Posted on July 25, 2010

Songs »Kamera Song

by The Inner Space with Rosemarie Heinikel (1969)

While there are no doubt tons of great unknown gems to find in this week’s blog pick, Berlin Beatet Bestes, Kamera Song by Rosemarie Heinikel (aka Rosy Rosy) and the band The Inner Space (no affiliation with Dennis Quaid) that eventually became the revered Krautrock band, Can caught my eye and ear instantly.

Made for a film called Agilok and Blubbo, of which I found precious little info about except for a few lines here, the album seems to have gained more cult acclaim recently as marking the beginnings of Can.

The song is a bit Nico, a bit Giallo, a bit progrock, and wholly enjoyable.

Click here for the rest of Kamera Song

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Posted on July 11, 2010

Albums »Born in the USA

by Bruce Springsteen (1984)

I was once told, when Dancing in the Dark popped up on my ipod play list at work, that I was considered cool until that moment. Born in the USA, due to it’s affirming pop sensibility, was basically a blockbuster of an album, making red blooded Americans the country over into hip swinging radio rock lovers. Sure, it doesn’t have the kind of quiet cred of the dark and brooding Nebraska and nowadays anything too popular is bound for a backlash, but to ignore and deny the albums enduring greatness is a mistake.

First, there’s all those hits. I mean, my god, there’s the title song, Dancing in the Dark, Cover Me, I’m on Fire, Glory Days and My Hometown – all solid rock anthems with his homegrown social commentary that go perfectly with fireworks, worn denim, a beer, and back yards. When these songs come on, I still feel happy to hear them, and maybe by now, when their days of constant radio play behind them, they can incite the same energy in you. At least give it a try on the 4th, and don’t skip the lesser known tracks that you probably haven’t heard too many times to count.

And, for the record, if loving this album is lame, I don’t want to be cool.

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Posted on June 27, 2010

Albums »Premiers Symptomes

by Air (1997)

Probably the most mellow of Air‘s already mellow collection of albums, Premiers Symptomes consists of several singles released in the mid nineties. The tracks were created by the duo in a home studio before they had a major record deal. The title comes from a Serge Gainsbourg song featured on L’Homme a Tete de Chou, may favorite Serge album that I’ve recommended here before.

I’ve been playing this album for baby Van this week and I think he likes it. After all, what better to listen to on a warm afternoon than the simple electronic melodic soundscapes of two stylish and good looking French men?

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Posted on June 13, 2010