Doctor Who on Sci-Fi: Update

The Sci-Fi Channel has launched the Doctor Who section on their website.

They’ve also announced that they’re actually going to show the first two episodes back to back on the premiere night (“Rose” and “The End of the World”), so they can do the whole “2-hour premiere” thing.

I’m actually glad that they’re doing this, because, while “Rose” makes a good introduction (given that it’s largely from her POV), I think that “The End of the World” is a better episode, and really shows off the special effects and the writing. So, basically, “Rose” gets you acquainted, “End of the World” gets you hooked.

Friday Music

Listening to the Prince collection that brought to last weekend’s party, I was reminded that he’s got a new album coming out in March. The first single from the album is already getting some play. The little bastard hasn’t lost a single step…this is GOOD. Dare ya not to move: Prince – “Black Sweat.”

I’ve been doing Friday Music for long enough now that I can’t remember if I’ve posted a track or not. So, sue me if this is a repeat. This is my favorite song by The Style Council….specifically the 12-inch version. Strangely, the album version sounds like an entirely different song — slower, with just Westerberg and a piano. I prefer the uptempo extended single, with the full instrumentation. The lyrics, of course, are what attracted me….they’re quite appropriate, for anyone who knows me. The Style Council – “My Ever-Changing Moods (12″ version)”

Here’s a brilliant trip-hop tune from the Belgian group Hooverphonic that has been recently used in a commercial for Motorola. It’s pretty much the perfect example of the genre — ethereal female singer, slow groove breakbeat, sweeping strings, and twangy spy guitars. Yum. Hooverphonic – “This Strange Effect.”

I was introduced to Shivaree from the soundtrack to Kill Bill, which featured their song “Goodnight Moon” (which I posted about before). Here’s another track, which proves that “Goodnight Moon” is not an anomaly. I love the sound of this group. Shivaree – “Oh No.”

In 2004, Afrika Bambaata, early alternative/hip-hop/electronic music pioneer (whom I best remember for his collaboration with Johnny Rotten on “World Destruction”) came out with a new single, this time collaborating with the equally-pioneering Gary Numan (of “Cars” fame). I’ve been listening to it quite a bit recently, and figured that some of you might like it: Afrika Bambaata (feat. Gary Numan) – “Metal.”

After the death of Jim Morrison, the surviving members of The Doors tried their hands at a couple of albums, but never managed to catch the magic. Finally, using a private recording of Morrison reading his own poetry, they again were able to release an album with Morrison as front-man, even posthumously. An American Prayer is interesting, but doesn’t have a lot going for it….although this song, the nominal “single” from the album, occasionally makes it on to Greatest Hits collections (and was used in Oliver Stone’s biopic). It’s based on one of my favorite poems by Morrison (whose books of poetry were given to me by an old girlfriend who had remarked how similar my poetry was in style to his). The Doors – “Ghost Song” (The link is a bit slow, but give it time)

I’m sure some of you have heard this already — it’s been making the rounds on the internet, and got some attention when Jay Leno asked him to perform it on The Tonight Show last year. Modern-day protest song — Bright Eyes – “When The President Talks to God.” (language warning, for those of you at work.)

One of the better one-hit wonders from the 90s — This is one of the last albums that I purchased on cassette. I love the use of samples in this song, and how they’re blended into the whole. Primitive Radio Gods – “Standing Outside A Broken Phone Booth With Money In My Hand.”

I’ll give the warning here — this song is not work-safe….but it’s hilarious. A bouncy, poppy tune sung by indie girls, with absolutely filthy lyrics. I couldn’t stop laughing the first time I heard it….and then was horrified to discover that it’s a total earworm, and I found myself singing it to myself most of that day. Cars Can Be Blue – “Fuck Me.”

There you go. Enjoy.