If you have no idea what I’m talking about, behold the amazing PSY:
However, I am convinced I have seen some of these dance moves before. Behold, the amazingness of Daler Mehndi and “Tunak Tunak.” Before “Gangnam Style,” “Tunak Tunak” swept the mega-brownstone where I lived on campus at Boston U. There may have been some organized dancing. I’m just thankful I wrapped up my college days before the YouTube revolution so no visual evidence of our dance exists. Fun fact: Apparently PSY also went to B.U.
For today’s blog, I wanted to put the spotlight on a friend of mine from back east who happens to be an incredibly talented musician. Swampcandy is the brainchild of Ruben Dobbs, who has played in a variety of bands that ultimately led him to this Delta blues-inspired project.
Also, his nuptials to the talented photographer and visual artist Alison Harbaugh are happening this weekend. You can see the awesome work she’s doing at Sugar Farm Productions. I think this might be the only wedding that will have better music at the reception than my own.
As I mentioned yesterday, I’m on vacation, but if you’re a football fan, you might just see me if you are watching the Thursday Night Football matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens. I’ll be the one in purple.
Since I’ll be in my birthplace of Charm City, here’s the best Baltimore rock band, Kix, with my favorite song, “Cold Blood.” Ah, it makes me think of Hammerjacks. Actually, Kix is coming to Ontario on Oct. 18.
I suspect it’s going to be crazy in Baltimore with the Orioles doing as well as they are, too. Baseball-wise, I’m a Braves fan, but I’m happy to see the O’s do well, especially for my friends who have been long-suffering fans.
In that spirit, here’s a baseball classic from John Fogerty.
Happy Tuesday! I have some energetic songs to get you ready for the rest of the week.
Here’s a classic from The Go-Go’s that is one of my karaoke standards. It’s also my state of mind. I’m going to be on “Vacation” for a little while. Not to worry, there will still be lots of Audio File goodness and updates while I’m gone.
Since I’m visiting my hometown, I feel it’s only appropriate to post a song from Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, the biggest band to come out of Annapolis, Maryland. Lead singer Jimi Haha is an accomplished visual artist these days, too. I’m hoping to catch up with him at a wedding we’ll both be at. Here’s a recent article from my old paper about his art.
Here’s a JCS classic–“Do Right.” Fun fact: even though this video is supposed to be set in Annapolis, I can assure you there are no palm trees in Annapolis.
And because this song came out around the same time, I forever have Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones” on my mind whenever I hear “Hey Jealousy.” Sha la la la la la, yeah.
Duran Duran performs on the Coachella stage during the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio in April 2011.
There are few things better than amazing saxophone solos and in the 1980s there were two that stand out above all others.
Up first, the epic solo in Duran Duran’s “Rio.” I would also like to point out that the entire album is amazing. And come on, more saxophone solos should be played on rafts.
But then, you have Spandau Ballet’s classic “True.”
Which saxophone solo wins? Vote in the poll and feel free to expound in the comments. I’ll leave the poll open for two weeks and then the winner can battle the greatest ’80s sax riff of all, Wham’s “Careless Whisper.”
Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees performs at the Troubadour in Los Angeles in April 2012. (Charlotte Bray/Freelance Photographer)
Thanks everyone for checking out this new feature. I’ve been getting a lot of good response on it so far.
Today I have two songs that have been stuck in my head for the past week.
Up first is an act with Murrieta ties–Neon Trees. Here’s my question for all of you: Which Neon Trees hit has been stuck in your head–“Animal” or “Everybody Talks”? I think I’ve been singing the chorus of “Everybody Talks” ever since the Buick commercial with the band appeared during March Madness. Have no idea what I’m talking about? Watch and just try to get this out of your head. Plus, it has a fun dance!
If you didn’t know, Neon Trees’ singer Tyler Glenn and guitarist Chris Allen hail from Murrieta. I was excited to catch them on “Live! With Kelly and Michael” earlier this week. It’s always a happy day when I can commandeer one of the newsroom TVs for Audio File purposes.
And turning to a completely different style of music, I offer up The Mavericks’ “There Goes My Heart.” On my last trip to Music Lover’s Heaven (a.k.a. Amoeba Records in Los Angeles), I scored a copy of the classic album “What A Crying Shame.”
I’ve been playing it a lot when I drive beyond Riverside, so much so that aforementioned Charming Husband posed the existential question “What does Metallica Vanessa think of Mavericks Vanessa?” while we were stuck in traffic on the 91. I’m still trying to answer that question. I love both bands.
From the file of random albums that happen to be on my desk, I proudly present today’s music selections for you.
The re-issue of Paul McCartney’s “Ram” has invited a lot of discussion at my cubicle because it happened to be sitting on top of my computer. I’m more of a “Band on the Run” fan, but I have a weird affinity for “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” off “Ram.”
And my second selection today is from Beatles-inspired band Jellyfish. I’m enjoying their new live album “Live at Bogart’s.” Here’s the original version of “Baby’s Coming Back.” Handclaps rock.
Welcome to the second installment of the Audio Files. Last night I put up some tracks from The Stereo and Hall and Oates. This new feature I’m trying out is to just get music I love out there.
You know how you come across those songs that when you hear them for the first time, they feel like they’ve been in your memory forever? That’s how I felt when I first heard The BellRays play “Power to Burn” at Back to the Grind a few years ago. This one has another infectious guitar riff by the venerable Bob Vennum and an incredible vocal by the amazing Lisa Kekaula.
There’s a reason they have been the backbone of Riverside’s music scene for decades. If you haven’t heard The BellRays, go pick up their catalog.
Now I’m amped up and nothing is more fun when you’re amped up than listening to The Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop.”
As the music reporter, it’s my duty not only to share music news and happenings in the area, but I ought to share some music I love, too.
I’ve been a big fan of the songwriting of Jamie Woolford (@Woolford on Twitter) since one of my college buddies (and now a successful television writer) first made me a mix CD with Woolford’s old band The Stereo. These days Woolford is a super producer these days and is finishing up his new solo record and although The Stereo has been over for years, the songs are still among my favorites.
Here’s The Stereo’s “Devotion,” a power pop gem that makes me roll the windows down and sing along at the top of my lungs.
Another song that made me smile today is Hall and Oates’ “You Make My Dreams Come True.” I love the synth line, I love the goofiness of this video, I love John Oates’ mustache. Also, one of my favorite things a reader has ever made me is this amazing image with my saying “Go for the Hall, Stay for the Oates.” Thanks to Ralph Torres of The Sedans for that. Now, let’s dance.
