Let’s get right to it:
Apropos of the recent political posts here, here’s a couple of songs which tie in to my mood on the current situation. First up, nothing beats this as a litany of resigned hopelessness. Leonard Cohen – “Everybody Knows.”
Second, with a bit more anger: The Clash – “Know Your Rights.” “This is a Public Service Announcement…with guitars!”
This one has a politcal title, but given that it comes from the brilliant album Kid A, the lyrics are a vague framework for you to build meaning from. I need to post more Radiohead, and this song reminds me of why: Radiohead – “National Anthem.”
As promised, here is the track from Hustle & Flow that has been nominated for the Best Original Song Oscar: Terrance Howard (as “DJay”) – “Hard Out Here For A Pimp.” (Language warning for those of you at work.)
Personally, though, I much prefer this track, which makes me want to tear shit up. In the film, DJay wants to call this “Beat That Bitch”, but his high-school buddy complains that they’ll never get radio play, because people will think he’s talking about abusing women….to which the geeky muscian character points out: “Nah….all of the Bitches I know are guys.” They decide that this title brings across the same aggression, but without the gender confusion: Terrance Howard (as “DJay”) – “Whoop That Trick.” (Language warning for those of you at work.)
This is one of my favorite songs by Yes, off their much-ignored follow-up to the hugely popular 90125 album, Big Generator: Yes – “Shoot High, Aim Low.”
Here’s another new song that I discovered this week, from a group called Lansing-Dreiden, originally from Miami, but now moved to NYC. Lansing-Dreiden – “Glass Corridor.”
I first heard this song on the way to
Lastly, my favorite song from Tom Waits, from his early-80s album Swordfishtrombones. Just a nice bit of Jazz with a gravel-voiced narrator telling us a little story: Tom Waits – “Frank’s Wild Years.” Love it.
There you go, folks. Enjoy.
“Never did like that dog” Great stuff from Tom.
I want to share one with you, if I may, given the political overtone in your journal the last couple of days. Having gone out to see my friend Guy at the Asylum Street Spankers show, I finally picked up his latest CD (I waited so I could get an autographed one, of course, and to buy it directly from him as he gets all the cash for the ones you buy at the shows).
Anyway, here is his website. Click on the “Listen” link. The song is the first one, called Long Long Time. Sorry I couldn’t figure out a way to direct link.
You’d like Guy. He’s a raving anti-corporation liberal.
D.
Holy crap. That’s an amazing song. “A spoiled drunk 15 year old, waving a gun in your face.” I’ve never heard a better description of how this country is behaving.
I knew that would speak to you clearly. As well as his description of how he came to learn about religion and right and wrong.
It sits with you, that chorus…because it so clearly describes what we, as a nation have been living.
One wonders how long it is, if ever, that we get to feel fine again?
D.
Love it!
I always thought “She Wants Revenge” sounded like Joy Division, but then again that’s just splitting hairs, isn’t it?
And even though you don’t know me, I have to tell you – that was my favorite Tom Waits bit too.
Rich
she wants revenge plays tonight at the recordbar in KC. Roman Numerals are opening… another awesome band.
I had ever only heard the Don Henley version of ‘Everybody Knows’. I take it Don Henley’s is the cover?
Yup. A lot of folks cover Cohen.
“Tear You Apart” is the song I mentioned at Kris and Emily’s birthday party that I said reminded me of Tess. Hah! I knew it would make the Friday Music List sooner or later!