hey man

We were driving around with the kids in the car this weekend, and whatever had been on NPR was either uninteresting or not kid friendly, so we made the rare move and rolled the dial to the only radio station in the area that sometimes plays decent stuff. After a few minutes one of Mr. IMo?s all-time top 5 favorite songs came on. He refers to it as "pizza driving music" from back in the day where he spent a whole lot of time driving pizzas and listening to tunes. Out of habit he went to turn up the volume, but a second before his hand hit the dial Katydid asked "Who sings this song? I really, really like it."

Yes my friends, I think the music education is going quite well in this family.

Filter has a new album out and they are touring NOW. Sadly, they skipped over us, but they may be headed your way soon.

This really is one of the most amazing songs, ever.

SONG OF THE DAY:

"Hey Man, Nice Shot" - Filter

don't sit under the apple tree

One of the best parts of this song it the uncharacteristically seductive introduction. Musically at least, since mentioning your whole family doesn't do much for the seduction value. The Andrews Sisters weren't really known for their siren songs, rather their wholesome good fun. They were astoundingly successful for almost a decade and a half with over 100 singles on the charts.

Although their "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" is a charming piece, I have always really liked "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree". It is a bit more interesting perspective on the war at home. It's the antithesis of the classic "Dear John" letter. Sung as if the girls are reading a letter from the soldier, it is an endearing pledge of love, and the simplicity has an innocent appeal.

Written for the 1942 film Private Buckaroo.

SONG OF THE DAY: "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree" - performed by The Andrews Sisters ( written by Sam H. Sept )

november is not my favorite month

Next to February, which I abhor to the ends of the earth, November is my least favorite month.

Everything is in that final mangled stage of death and decay, the temperature plummets and spikes without warning and outside of the gorge-fest which is Thanksgiving, November has no redeemable qualities in my eyes.

Song of the Day:

"November Spawned a Monster" - Morrissey

Paper Dragon Ink- Foxy Shazam Review

Here is my latest review of Foxy Shazam.

www.paperdragonink.com/foxy_shazam_review.htm

Other Foxy posts HERE and HERE. I will try to get YouTube smart on the posting end because I have tons of great acoustic footage that I have yet to post.

Paper Dragon Ink- Eric Clapton

I got the chance to review Eric Clapton's new album:

www.paperdragonink.com/review_of_clapton.htm

weirdo

A few weeks ago while I was in Chicago I was supposed to see The Charlatans U.K. and Sherlock's Daughter. The drummer, I believe, got really sick and cancelled the show last minute, so I wasn't able to see them, which made me sad.

I was humming this song absentmindedly this morning. I have decided that is always a good sign that I have sub-consciously determined the song that reflects my mood for the day. Thanks to Danny who introduced me to the Charlatans UK back in high school.

p.s. This is one of those crazy bands that has different names depending on which side of the pond you live on (like Yaz/Yazoo). They go by both The Charlatans & The Charlatans U.K.

SONG OF THE DAY: "Weirdo" - The Charlatans U.K.

one of the worst soundtracks ever

I was scooting around Hulu yesterday trying to find something new to entertain Yaz and Macaroni, and keep them from tearing off each other's limbs. We are a TV free family during the school year, but sometimes that just doesn't work out in my advantage and I have to take desperate measures. So what amazing things did I find, you ask. Only the animated version of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventures, Seasons 1 and 2. I had no idea such a show existed. (And yes, they have the original cast of voices.) It didn't do anything to dampen the fury brewing between my monsters, but Katydid may just have a new favorite cartoon. Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure was the first movie I ever went to without adult supervision. A friend and I were deemed finally old enough to go out on our own (though I now wonder if it wasn't just a concession because none of our parents could stomach the thought of sitting through it - Fred: The Movie gives me the same feeling). It is still one of my all time favorite movies, ridiculous as it may be. Mr. IMo? and I quote it almost as much as Encino Man. The movie came out just when I was becoming musically aware, and it sort of inspired me to let music take over a large part of my life. That said, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure arguably has the worst soundtrack of any music focused movie I have ever seen. When you listen to that junk it is no wonder grunge was such a breath of fresh (though angst ridden) air. I tracked down the soundtrack list (below). For a movie that so often lauds Van Halen, not even they bother to throw the soundtrack a bone. 1. Play With Me - Extreme

2. The Boys And Girls Are Doing It - Vital Signs

3. Not So Far Away - Glen Burtnick

4. Dancing With A Gypsy - Tora Tora

5. Father Time - Shark Island

6. I Can't Break Away - Big Pig

7. Dangerous - Shark Island

8. Walk Away - Bricklin

9. In Time - Robbie Robb

10. Two Heads Are Better Than One - Power Tool HOWEVER, Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey does a better job on the music though the movie is lame. I love how you can see the change in musical styles already in motion by the time of the sequel. Not only did they get much bigger names, Kiss, Megadeath, and even Winger (nasty), more importantly is the addition of Primus and Faith No More. Shout It Out- Slaughter Battle Stations- Winger God Gave Rock 'N Roll To You II- KISS Drinking Again - Neverland Dream of a New Day - Richie Kotzen The Reaper - Stevie Vai Go to Hell - Megadeath Tommy the Cat- Primus Junior's Gone Wild- King's X Showdown - Love on Ice The Reaper Rap - Stevie Vai So today I have a challenge for you readers. What is the WORST movie soundtrack of a music- centered movie? Song of the Day: "Tommy the Cat" - Primus

ex-norwegian

While I was digging around for less-familiar tunes for my Halloween playlist, I inevitably found some new bands.

One that I am particularly enjoying is Ex-Norwegian. Today's song comes from their new album Sketch. I am still getting used to this album, so I haven't had enough time yet to digest it and check out their previous album Standby.

The band hails from Florida, a very non-Scandinavian land. They have a varied sound, from shoe-gazer to a twinge of surf-rock, and switching out or pairing up vocalists. which keeps things fun.

I was completely surprised that I was able to find a single song by Ex-Norwegian on playlist.com, "Sudeki Lover". I also really like the song "Fujeira in My Dream".

SONGS OF THE DAY :

"Fresh Pit" - Ex-Norwegian

don't be an idiot american

Go Vote.

Democrat. Republican. Green. Libertarian. Anarchist. Whatever.

Make a change. Keep things the same. Just do your part.

Here is a tune from some great Libertarian musicians:

"American Idiot" - Green Day

the candy witch

A few years ago a friend of mine introduced me to the Candy Witch. She appears anywhere from the night of Halloween to within the week; whenever there are signs of major candy overload.

The Candy Witch arrived at our house last night and stealthily absconded with about 100,000 calories worth of gummy, chewy,crunchy, sour, gooey goodness. At some houses she leaves small presents, but at ours she left a sweet note, $1.00 per kid and an invitation to her candy coated gingerbread house in case they miss their hoard. (And we all know thanks to Hansel and Gretel what happens to children who visit).

I don't think they will go in search of the stash.

SONG OF THE DAY : "I Want Candy" - Bow Wow Wow

dead leaves

Taking a deep sigh now. After a family party as a hoard of Viking pillagers (we of course won the costume party due to my diligent hand stitching) and the kids trick or treating as Alice, the White Rabbit and the Ace of Spades, and all that thinking that was involved in last month's playlist I am ready to take a bit of a rest.

And go mess up the neighbors' piles of leaves with the boys.

SONG OF THE DAY: "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" - The White Stripes

Charity Suffereth Long and is Kind

I am taking a break from Halloween songs today. Please check out Halloween Playlist below for 31 alternative party songs.

My friend's sister has been out and about amazing people again. Tuesday, Martha Stewart was tweeting about her at TEDMED.

She also made it to the Wall Street Journal.

http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2010/10/27/tedmed-soprano-and-double-lung-transplant-recipient-charity-tillemann-dick/

Dr. Sanjay Gupta's blog:

http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/27/lungs-singing-breathing-and-more-at-tedmed/

and CNN earlier this year:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/06/23/soprano.lung.transplant/index.html

Charity has idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, swelling her heart to a dangerous size, which has caused her incredible problems, endangered her health and life, and her singing career only exacerbated the issue. She eventually had an emergency double-lung transplant and was in a coma for a month as her body healed and adjusted to the new lungs. Miraculously, her vocal cords were still in tact and she is back to performing.

I met Charity a few years ago in D.C. when she was still sick, and it is so wonderful that she is back to singing again. I'm sure you will agree she is supremely talented.

Here are a few links to her performances.

Charity Sunshine Tillemann-Dick in her first public performance post-transplant:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFowCzHCfSI&feature=related

and a rehearsal :

http://www.youtube.com/user/ChariSunFan

halloween playlist round-up

Halloween Wrap up :

Here is final handful of a few more of my favorite Halloween songs:

*j

"Vampires" - Adam Ant

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPHfvW7lbTE

"Dig Up Her Bones" - The Misfits (back when Glenn Danzig was HOT)

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgSLz5FeXUg&ob=av2e

"The Living Dead" - Suede (ah, I LOVE Brett Anderson)

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELBkZK-PNZ0

"Bones in the Ground" - Robyn Hitchcock

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF3Wvi6BU4M

"You're a Zombie, I'm a Vampire" - Beatastic (not great sound on the video, but a cool song)

LINK :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soH2VduhjUw

halloween playlist

I decided to post the playlist before Halloween so in case you are having an earlier party you can borrow from my list.

Happy Halloween. *j

HALLOWEEN PLAYLIST:

31 songs October 2010

1. “ALL MY FRIENDS ARE ZOMBIES” - THE PRISCILLAS
2. “WONDERFUL WITCHES” – THURSTON MOORE
3. “LOVE THE WITCH” – CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN
4. “GHOST TOWN” – THE SPECIALS
5. “GHOST TOWN”- THE PRODIGY
6. “WEREWOLF” – THE ROCKIN’ BARRACUDAS
7. “UPTIGHT WEREWOLF” – THE MIGHTY ATOMICS
8. “EVIL TOWN” – THE VINES
9. “BONES” – THE KILLERS
10. “BONES” –RADIOHEAD
11. “DRACULA” – GORILLAZ
12. “VAN HELSING BOOM BOX” – MAN MAN
13. “VAMPIRES MAY BE A BIT STRONG BUT…” – ARCTIC MONKEYS
14. “LOVE SONG FOR A VAMPIRE” – ANNIE LENNOX
15. “TEENAGE DEMON BABY” – FOXY SHAZAM
16. “EVIL THOUGHTS” – FOXY SHAZAM
17. “DO YOU REALLY WANT TO HURT ME” – CULTURE CLUB
18. “GRAVEYARD” YEAH YEAH YEAHS
19. “CEMETRY GATES” – THE SMITHS
20. “SCARY MONSTERS AND SUPER CREEPS” – DAVID BOWIE
21. “FRANKENSTEIN” – NEW YORK DOLLS
22. “SPELLBOUND” – SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES
23. “THE WITCH” – ROSETTA STONE
24. “LITTLE GHOST” – THE WHITE STRIPES
25. “GHOST TOWN BLUES” – SOCIAL DISTORTION
26. “I WANT CANDY” – BOW WOW WOW
27. “DEAD MAN’S PARTY” OINGO BOINGO
28. “HALLOWEEN” - DEAD KENNEDYS
29. “THIS IS HALLOWEEN” – MARILYN MANSON
30. “I’M A WEREWOLF, BABY” – THE TRAGICALLY HIP
31. “EVERY DAY IS HALLOWEEN” - MINISTRY

ghastly

If there is any one "character" of Halloween that is in the slightest bit deserving of being the "face" of Halloween, I would have to say it is the ghost. Both the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian All Saints Day, upon which Hallowe'en is based are both primarily founded upon the belief that there is a time set aside when the spirit world is allowed to pass with ease through our temporal world. I know there are people who hunt for ghosts, and claim to have seen ghosts, and quite frankly I am not at all interested in sharing their experience. That stuff creeps me out.


I just discovered this band, The National, who has been around for a decade without my knowledge, like two days ago, and found out I missed seeing them play in my city by 3 weeks. What a ghastly feeling.





HALLOWEEN SONG 1: "Anyone's Ghost" - The National

LINK : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XnRl-m5QPI

HALLOWEEN SONG 2: "Little Ghost" - The White Stripes

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcF3nFD-5XU

spellbound

Last month I read a fabulous piece of historical fiction, The Heretics Daughter, by Kathleen Kent. It is based on Kent's ancestor, a woman and her daughter accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials. I learned quite a bit more about the factors leading up to the hysteria. From what I gleaned from the story it seemed to be a frenzy created by a bunch of conniving teenage girls making outrageous accusations for attention. One of my favorite lines showing the senselessness of it all was from an old woman in the jail cell. Dozens of people were crammed in a rotten cell, and she proclaimed something to the effect of 'If we were all really witches we would have blown the roof off this place a long time ago'. I was constantly amazed by the superstitious blindness of the community. They were spellbound by the notion of witchcraft and reacting rashly, captivated by their own fears and insecurities (compounded by problems with the natives whose land they had taken and poor harvests) leading them to irrational acts. The inability to have power over their true enemies or nature lead them to take out their anger and fear upon those immediately around them causing them equal frustration. Obviously no one was thinking straight, but it didn't keep them from killing their neighbors. Oh, the wicked things people do.

HALLOWEEN SONG 1: "The Witch" - Rosetta Stone (cover of The Rattles)

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CtDErVTsoA

HALLOWEEN SONG 2: "Spellbound"- Siouxsie and the Banshees

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJDBERdHzUA

wow

All I can say is wow. 2000+ hits on my measley little blog in 3 1/2 months. That's astounding.
Thanks everyone for stopping by and feel free to comment on what you like or would like to see.

Vielen Dank, bardzo dziękuję, tak, gracias, merci, dank u wel, cheers!

*j

scary little monsters

Throwing a Halloween party for Yaz and his little monster friends today. Gotta run...

HALLOWEEN SONG 1: "Frankenstein" - New York Dolls

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvsr8La0_iw

HALLOWEEN SONG 2: "Scary Monsters and Super Creeps" - David Bowie (feat. Frank Black)

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCNelxxc1JE

graveyard stomp

Once upon a time I lived in Warsaw, Poland. I lived there for nearly a year, and due to my job at the time I wandered the streets like a vagabond, and had lots of free time on my hands to investigate interesting sites around town. If you ever have a chance, you should go to Warsaw. There is an amazing amount of history there. When I moved there it had only been a handful of years since the fall of communism, and not everything was as lovely and cheery and modern as it is now.

Because of its history, Poland in general, and Warsaw in particular has a lot of cemeteries. They were one of my favorite places to visit while I was in Warsaw. In contrast to the brutality of what occurred with the Nazis, the cemeteries were gorgeous and peaceful, and very unlike many of the WWII memorials that were just overwhelmingly emotionally draining.

My two favorites were both in the Wola District of Warsaw. There is a Christian Cemetery (Cmentarz Powązkowski- photos by me below) and a Jewish Cemetery (Cmentarz Zydowski- photos by me above) from the early 1800s which is still interring people as they pass away.

Today's songs are about graveyards but I also want to put out a quick memorial for one of the artists featured, as she has an unfortunate story which lead her to an early grave. Mia Zapata, vocalist for The Gits, was an amazing leader in the riot grrrl movement for us PNW girls. Then one night in 1993 as she was coming home from a club she was raped and murdered. It sent shock-waves through the grunge world, and most girls I knew.

There was a tremendous outpouring of awareness and concern in response to the tragedy. The song featured here was actually released posthumously in 1996 on the album Kings and Queens. RIP Mia Zapata, riot grrrl queen.

(Blogger isn't letting me link properly still, so there will be an invisible link right next to each song, just run your cursor over it and click)

HALLOWEEN SONG 1: "Graveyard Blues" - The Gits (remake of Bessie Smith/ can't find a link, but it is available on Napster & on Playlist.com sidebar)

HALLOWEEN SONG 2: "Graveyard" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa4ez9KjEsk

HALLOWEEN SONG 3: "Cemetry Gates" - The Smiths

link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knM7ow5vMPA

midnight music

Yet another great composer had a birthday this month, and in the Halloween spirit died a tragic death.

Georges Alexandre-Cesar-Leopold Bizet (best known for Carmen) was just starting to grow in his career as a classical composer when he got into a swimming match, caught a nasty cold, burst a lymph node and died on his 6th wedding anniversary at the age of 36.

Here is a little Nachtmusik from Bizet.

HALLOWEEN SONG 1: Nocturne in D Major - Georges Bizet

(link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHyogQTs4Zo)

(though it would be spookier in D minor)