Sunday, December 20, 2009

Word Up - Cameo/Korn

I'm off on holidays tomorrow for a well deserved break.

I will leave you with a same song different artist comparison from Cameo and Korn. I will say one thing about Cameo's clip. It takes a lot of chutzpah for a man to pull off a bright red codpiece!

To all of the people in the blogosphere, have a happy Chrissie and I will see you all soon.



Thursday, December 17, 2009

Röyksopp - What Else is There

Only a few days ago I was thinking about my favourite songs from the last five years and I can tell you the list was on the thin side. Not so much that I don't enjoy the music that is currently out there. More that they have to stand the test of time and a million plays on my mp3 before I give them props.

Today's track is an absolute stand out and in my opinion one of the best tracks in a long time. Röyksopp are a Norwegian electro band borrowing The Knife's lead singer Karin Andersson for the lead vocals. Karin Andersson only makes a brief cameo in the clip. The rest of the time it is model Marianne Schröder. This track is haunting and atmospheric which is complimented by an equally intriguing video clip.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Doctorin' The Tardis

It's a funny ol Monday morning. Even though I have a tonne of work to get through before the end of the week I and am a snow sled's ride away from holidays (yes it is Australia & a surfboard would have been more appropriate but dammit I am dreaming of a white Christmas!!!)

So what could be better for a strange Monday to kick off with an equally strange Gary Glitter inspired mash up about Dr Who?

Speaking of the Doctor, my boy is a huge fan in all of his sci fi geekery. I tried to resist the tractor beam appeal of the Doctor but finally succumbed. I think it was David Tennant that did it. Man he is good in that role. The new guy has some big shoes to fill. In the meantime I will just hope there are plenty of cameos by the Torchwood guys (especially Capt. Jack. I know he is gay but dayamm he is fine).

Anyway I digress. The Timelords are the same guys in the KLF or Justified Ancients of MuMu (JAMS). They basically did a lot of sampling and mashed up a track which isn’t half bad.

So here are the Timelords with Doctorin’ the Tardis.





Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Jarvis Cocker


My friend the honourable Miss Rach (on the left) and her sister Bec met Jarvis Cocker last night after his gig in Sydney.

HOW FUCKING COOL IS THAT!!!?

I have yet to get all the details so I will update once I have the full run down. Meanwhile enjoy this clip of Jarvis from the Ali G show singing "Help the Aged".

It starts around the 30second mark.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Music Videos - Steve Barron/ a-ha Take on me

During the early 80's music video was still in it's embryonic stages with the advent of MTV. Some artists cottoned on to the fact that music video was just going to get bigger while others like Joe Jackson did one video and refused any more (a decision which he admits is one of the worst in his life).

Steve Barron was a director during the time who came up with concepts for music videos. His videos are some of the most iconic of that era and indeed of all time.

I was astounded when I went through the videos that Steve Barron directed.
Here is a sample:
Bryan Adams - "Cuts Like a Knife", "Heaven", "Summer of '69"
Joe Jackson - "Steppin' Out", "Real Men"
The Human League - "Don't You Want Me"
Michael Jackson - "Billie Jean"
Dire Straits - "Money for Nothing"
ZZ Top - "Rough Boy"
Culture Club - "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me", "Time (Clock of the Heart)", "Church of the Poison Mind", "Karma Chameleon", "It's a Miracle", "Miss Me Blind"
a-ha - "Take on Me", "Cry Wolf", "The Living Daylights", "The Sun Always Shines on T.V."
Tears for Fears - "Pale Shelter"
Toto - "Africa", "Rosanna"
Madonna - "Burning Up"
Thomas Dolby - "She Blinded Me with Science"

Today's clip is a-ha's "Take on me". Apparently there was quite a bit of money invested in the clip. The record execs knew it was hit material but it wasn't charting well with the first video. In comes Steve Barron with his idea to create a world within a comic book. a-ha were a bit dubious because they didn't want to be known as a cartoon band but they went along with it. I'm sure all that money they made softened the blow as well.

So many people consider a-ha to be a one hit wonder 80's band. Not so at all. They have only just broken up after 9 albums. If you ever want to watch some interesting footage showing the popularity of a-ha just type in "Rock in Rio a-ha" into You Tube and watch the "Hunting high and low" clip. Those mad Brazilians knew every single word and sung along. This was an event which had appearing: Billy Idol, INXS, Faith No More, and George Michael just to name a few..and who did they go nuts for..a-ha.

So here is the Steve Barron directed clip "Take on me"

Friday, November 27, 2009

Bohemian Rhapsody Muppet Style

This is doing the rounds at the moment so why not jump on the band wagon.

Beaker is the best...

Friday, November 20, 2009

Lowdown

It's Friday y'all and it is HOT HOT HOT in Sydney.
41 degrees celcius in Sydneys west. Great beach weather.

Today's track is one of those songs where I think "he's pretty fly for a white guy".

Boz Scagg's Lowdown is one of those tracks that is so laid back with that funk/soul/groove thang going on that it is just cool. It reminds me of driving at night in Sydney during summer with the window down and going across the Spit bridge.

I didn't know this until recently (ok maybe 2 minutes ago) but Lowdown was written by the guys from the band Toto before they were Toto (they were/are talented session musicians).

A bit of trivia about this track: The producers of the movie Saturday Night Fever asked to use Lowdown but were turned down by Boz Scaggs' manager. I bet they were kicking themselves when they saw the album sales for SNF.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Lip Sych?

There has been a bit of media coverage in Australia surrounding the Britney Spears tour. For those that don't know, Britney lip synchs practically 98% of her show (I have heard that she sings some of her ballads live but I have never been to her concert so I don't know 100%)

The issue that has been raised is the amount of money people are outlaying to see a live show ($200 upwards in many cases) when in fact it is lip synched.

I know that most artists these days are using some kind of "help" with their "live" performances. A lot use vocal boosting (where they sing over the top of their pre recorded track), auto tuning (where bum notes can be eliminated live) and a pre record of them singing in rehearsal live then played back for the show. So there are lots of ways to cheat and appear like you are singing live without having to mime an entire show.

My feelings regarding lip synching are echoed by none other than Sir Elton John in the clip below at 0:55

Friday, November 6, 2009

Romeo Void

Today I am featuring two tracks from the 80's San Franciscan, New Wave band Romeo Void.

I can't say I know a lot about Romeo Void other than they were more popular within the college scene at the time and that Ric Ocasek  from the Cars co produced their EP.

The track "Never say never" is probably best known for the chorus "I might like you better if we slept together" and for featuring in the movie "Reckless" with Daryl Hannah and Aiden Quinn. Not long ago I heard (once again) a dreadful dance remake of this very good song.

The track "A Girl in trouble (is a temporary thing) was apparentlty written by lead singer Deborah Lyall as an answer song to Michael Jackson's Billie Jean. A reader on You Tube is of the opinion that this track is about abortion: "Both songs are about the devastation of unplanned pregnancy, one from a male viewpoint, one from a female viewpoint." Interesting. I'm not sure if that is correct or not but it makes for a good theory.

Never Say Never


A Girl in Trouble (is a temporary thing)

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Wild Horses

Yesterday was Melbourne Cup day in Australia. The race that stops the nation. I am sure there are a few people out there nursing some sore heads today.

So todays song is Mebourne Cup inspired (somewhat..I was having trouble thinking of horse related songs that were above a 6 year old level).

Enjoy Gino Vannelli's "Wild Horses"

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

A Stranger Among Bears



I want to tell you about a show that I have just finished watching on the Animal Planet channel called "Stranger Among Bears".
"Stranger Among Bears" is about an extraordinary man called Charlie Vandergaw. Charlie is a 70 year old retired science high school teacher from Alaska who spends his summers in a cabin in the Alaskan woods called "Bear Haven". Charlie has been spending his summers at Bear Haven for 20 years. During this time he has formed a remarkable relationship with the bears that come to visit "Bear Haven".



The thing that makes Charlie an amazing human being is that he is able to interact with the bears and they have seemingly accepted him into their world. The only protective device Charlie takes with him is a big stick and if one of the bears gets a bit obnoxious he gives them a whack across the nose. Otherwise the bears are happy just to walk along with Charlie or watch him canoe down the river.

Charlie actually was at one stage a hunter of bears. His relationship changed with them 20 years ago when a black bear appeared on his yard and crawled up to him on its belly. According to the Animal Planet Web site, Charlie reciprocated, and the encounter started "a long-lasting love affair" with bears.

Charlie has got himself in trouble with the law as he openly admits that he feeds the bears (a big no no in Alaska). The last piece of information that I could find was that Charlie was fighting this in court.
He could spend a year in jail for feeding the bears. His plane that he uses to access "Bear Haven" has been confiscated by authorities.



This show was filmed over six months at "Bear Haven" by British cameraman Richard Terry. Richard found out pretty early on in the piece to approach his subjects with the utmost respect and caution. Richard was delivered a nasty bite when he tried to get in between a mother and cub black bear. Richard freely admits that it wasn't the brightest thing to do at the time but he was more focussed on getting the shot.

I'm not entirely sure why this show touched me so much. By the time Charlie left Bear Haven for the last time I was crying like a baby. I guess it seemed to me that Charlie had found his own little piece of paradise. Something that he got so much enjoyment and happiness from. How many of us can say that we have ever experienced this? He seems like such a serene man just interacting with nature that it appears to me an injustice not to let this man live the rest of his days with the bears.

Even though so many people think Charlie is a nutter, he is my hero. He has a love and acceptance of animals that more of us should at least try to understand.



Unfortunately most of the clip packages of this show aim at demonstrating the ferocious nature of bears. In the entire 6 month filming I think Charlie had maybe 3 instances where the bears got a bit testy but they use those same clips over and over again.

I wish they played over the scenes where Charlie and a huge black bear are having a nap on the lawn or a sow is nursing her young on the lawn. Or when a bear comes inside to his bar and he says "of all the bars in all the world you had to come into mine."

I have a clip which focuses on the episode where Charlie confronts hunters at Bear Haven. Showdown at Bear Haven: Hunters Arrive

If you want to watch anymore clips you can at Animal Planet. http://animal.discovery.com/videos/stranger-among-bears-videos/

Friday, October 16, 2009

10 Reasons Why I Love Karl Lagerfeld

I find Karl Lagerfeld (uber famous fashion designer that reinvented Chanel) very intriguing.


I have a soft spot for people who are completely and utterly UN PC.
Sure he is a bit of a douche but truly doesn't that come with the territory of the fashion world? A high opinion of oneself and distain for the minions?
Even though I may not agree with everything he says, I respect someone who just spits the truth as they see it. Uncle Karl is forever getting in trouble with animal rights activists for his use of fur (unashamedly), and curvy women.

Just out of interest I had a look at his Twitter page and I really don't think it is his publicist writing it for him.
It is pure Uncle Karl.

So taken off his twitter page here are 10 reasons why I love Karl Lagerfeld:
1. Florals are for middle-aged women with weight problems.
2. Believe it or not, I love rap.
3. Nothing scares me more than people with some doll collection. As a child, I never played with anything like toys. I wanted to be a grown-up.
4. A respectable appearance is sufficient to make people more interested in your soul.
5. I'm open to everything. When you start to criticize the times you live in, your time is over.
6. Don't look to the approval of others for your mental stability.
7. Forgiveness is too easy. I can forget by indifference, but not forgive. I prefer revenge.
8. I hate the word “avant-garde.” It was used, overused, and often used for useless things. So I do not use that word any longer.
9. Loving someone is fine, but they have to love you back or it doesn’t work.
10.I think I'm going to have a dinner party where no one speaks. I'll give all my guests pens and pads instead of the usual dinner conversation

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

A Dog and Cat Diary

I have to share this email that I received quite some time ago but I keep going back to read it.

I am proudly owned by a cat (a beautiful blue spotted tabby Bengal called Indy) who will appear as the cat picture for better effect.

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary......

8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favourite thing!
6:00 pm - Oooh, Bath. Bummer.
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Diary......

Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.
Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of.
However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.
Bastards.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight.
I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event.
However, I could hear the noises and smell the food.
I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.'
I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking.
I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches.
The dog receives special privileges.
He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return.
He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant.
I observe him communicating with the guards regularly.
I am certain that he reports my every move.
My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe.
For now................

Monday, October 12, 2009

Madonna -Who's that Girl/Causing a Commotion

Last week I was getting a bit nostalgic watching “Desperately Seeking Susan” on cable. As with most Madonna movies, it isn’t very good but it inspired me to go out and buy some wayfarer sunglasses when I was in Melbourne over the weekend (ok ok, they are fake wayfarers but in my defence I either sit on or lose every pair of sunglasses I own. Less money – less pain).

It got me to thinking about other dreadful Madonna movies such as “Who’s that girl”.

I have a bit of a confession though.
You know the type of movie where in your heart you acknowledge:
a. It is really bad
b. Would never win any type of award other than a Razzie
c. The acting is tragic
d. The plot is thin
e. The laughs are weak
BUT……you still like it? This is how I am with this movie.

I was doing an online search and the whole movie is on Youtube (in 5 parts). So if you want to have a reminder take a look. I’m not going to embed them all but you can watch it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSq_xHd8jKw Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhk-mM18LNM Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGxd0if5KUs Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv-j_gcYk8o Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NHJfLSv9sw Part 5

Here are some very silly lines from the movie:
Nurse: What's your husband's name?
Nikki: Louden

Nurse: Louden what? (looking for last name)
Nikki: Clear
Nurse: Loudenclear

Nikki - You'll never know how relieved me and mama was when we found out Louden was getting married. Louden? Marrying a WOMAN???

Louden: We did one of your things. We killed the pimp and the fat guy. Now it is time to do one of my things.

Nikki Finn: [pointing at wall with "dead end sign" into which she has just crashed a car] I'm sorry officer but my husband, see, he's having a heart attack and I had to rush him to the hospital and I must not have been paying attention because I took a wrong turn and is this the way?

Today’s track is obviously from the movie “Who’s that girl”. Not the title track as that would be a bit too obvious. I always loved Madonna’s live rendition of “Causing a Commotion” in Turin which was released in 1987. This was way before Madonna got all OTT with the stage props. All she had here was basically an airport style travelator as her stage addition.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Three 6 Mafia - Slob on my knob

I have been meaning to post this track for some time. As you can imagine, with a song title such as "Slob on my knob" there isn't an official video to accompany the track. Heaven only knows what they could have shown.

This type of track really illustrates the intense depth in which song writing has evolved with such lines as:
"First find a mate
Second find a place
Third find a bag to hide the ho face"
It's really quite Shakespearean....

So this track is pretty nasty but HELLA funny. I remember watching an episode of "Girls of the Playboy Mansion" where Hef's (then) yougest girlfriend Kendra recites the lyrics to him. Hef looks direct to camera and says "It's so romantic. It reminds me of the moon in June songs back in my day." Well said Hef.

So here is Three 6 Mafia.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Eyes without a face

Today's song is by Billy Idol off the Rebel Yell album.
He co wrote this track with his guitarist at the time Steve Stevens. You may recognise Steven Stevens as the guitarist from the Michael Jackson video Dirty Diana.

Lyrics
I'm all out of hope
One more bad dream could bring a fall
When I'm far from home
Don't call me on the phone
To tell me you're alone
It's easy to deceive
It's easy to tease
But hard to get release

Les yeux sans visage eyes without a face
Les yeux sans visage eyes without a face
Les yeux sans visage eyes without a face
Got no human grace your eyes without a face.

I spend so much time
Believing all the lies
To keep the dream alive
Now it makes me sad
It makes me mad at truth
For loving what was you

Les yeux sans visage eyes without a face
Les yeux sans visage eyes without a face
Les yeux sans visage eyes without a face
Got no human grace your eyes without a face.

When you hear the music you make a dip
Into someone else's pocket then make a slip.
Steal a car and go to Las Vegas oh, the gigolo pool.
I'm on a bus on a psychedelic trip
Reading murder books tryin' to stay hip.
I'm thinkin' of you you're out there so
Say your prayers.
Say your prayers.
Say your prayers.

Now I close my eyes
And I wonder why
I don't despise
Now all I can do
Is love what was once
So alive and new
But it's gone from your eyes
I'd better realise

Les yeux sans visage eyes without a face
Les yeux sans visage eyes without a face
Les yeux sans visage eyes without a face
Got no human grace your eyes without a face.
Such a human waste your eyes without a face
And now it's getting worse.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Smalltown Boy - Bronski Beat

I have successfully tracked down the video to Smalltown Boy. You tube seems to have a lot of remixes and wanna be's singing this track.

This song would have to be in my top 10 favourite 80's tracks. I also think that for the time the subject matter and accompanying video were quite brave. Sure we had Boy George and Marilyn around the same time but they were all about projecting a certain pop image.

I am not sure if the story of a young gay man looking for acceptance is entirely autobiographical on Jimmy Sommerville's part but I think it's probably not too far from the mark. Watching this video even today is a little bit of a sobering experience.


Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy - Funny bloopers R us

Friday, August 21, 2009

TGIF..with Supergrass, Alright

This is the perfect way to start the weekend.
It is AMAZING weather in Sydney at the moment even though it is supposed to be winter..25 degrees and supposedly 30 on Sunday..bring it on!

So here is Supergrass with one of the best feel good songs ever. ALRIGHT.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Shattered Dreams - Johnny Hates Jazz

I am featuring a song that is currently on my trusty mp3 player. It is by a UK band called Johnny Hates Jazz.

Johnny Hates Jazz was an 80's band actually named after a friend of theirs, Johnny, who literally hated Jazz...hmmm..imaginative. They did quite well in the charts reaching No. 2 in the States with this track. Unfortunately the band didn't last long with the departure of Clark Datchler (the lead singer) and a subsequent car accident involving the band.

This track has two videos. One made especially for the US and the other which is the original UK version. I personally like the original version. I have never quite understood why everything needs to be repackaged and reshot for the States...they even have to remake UK TV shows so the general public can "understand" the humour. What's to understand??

Here are the two versions to compare. By the way I think Clark Datchler looks a little bit like Luke Skywalker..dontacha think?



Thursday, August 13, 2009

Little Birdy - Hairdo

I have had this song stuck in my head for two days!
Not in that "if I don't get this Britney Spears song out of my head soon there is no alternative but suicide" kind of way. More along the lines of "hey this is a really great track to be stuck in my mind" which, let's face it, is a lot nicer.
Apparently Little Birdy got their name from a Ween song of the same name. I also tend to think that Katy Steele the lead singer also "borrowed" a few Ween vocal styles as well. I am just grateful that a female artist has decided to vocally match someone other than Christina Aguilera (does anyone else find those vocal acrobatics she does painful?)
After you listen to this song I guarantee you will say the word cigarettes as CIG-EEEE-RETTES.
So here is the Western Australian band Little Birdy with Hairdo.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Endless Road - Time Bandits

I have always loved this song.

Surprising, something decent to come out of The Netherlands other than cheese and clogs.


Monday, July 20, 2009

INXS - To Look At You

Today's song is from INXS called "To look at you". This is my favourite INXS track and not too heavily known as it was released way before KICK was even thought of.

If you know the movie "Reckless" with Daryl Hannah and Aidan Quinn, then you will probably recognise this track.

While I am talking about INXS I just have to say thank God they got rid of JD Fortune as their front man. I watched (ashamedly) that entire season of Rockstar INXS and there were performers that were far better than JD. Then again I remember watching INXS doing "Listen Like Thieves" live with Terence Trent D'Arby as the lead singer and it took me about 2 mins to work out what song he was singing. So I guess what I am trying to say is that Michael Hutchence left some big boots to fill.


Friday, July 17, 2009

Umbrella

I discovered this on You tube quite some time ago but thought I would share it.

This is one of those little hidden musical gems. A cover of Rihanna's Umbrella by a relatively unknown singer (his band is called Boyce Avenue).

Monday, July 13, 2009

All Hail Divine


I have a confession to make. I LOVE Divine.
Cross dressing, bad acting, dog doo doo eating Divine.

For the sake of this blog entry I will be referring to Divine as he/him because Divine only got dragged up when he was performing. In fact Divine played male characters as well as female. Before Divine passed away he was signed to play a male character on the show "Married with Children". He never got there sadly.

I read the book "My son Divine" which (obviously) was written by his Mum. It really was a lovely book.
She was SO proud of her son no matter what he did (and if you have seen a John Waters movie you may understand the magnitude of that comment).

Divine came to prominence when John Waters used him as his muse for his very off beat movies. My favourite being "Female Trouble". This movie is nuts. There is no other way to describe it. To demostrate my comment here is a line from the movie: "I wouldn't suck your lousy dick if I was suffocating and there was oxygen in your balls!"

So of course I love it (sick twisted gal that I am).

I was watching the original version of "Hairspray" a few weeks ago. It was the first acting mainstream success that both he and John Waters enjoyed. Unfortunately a week after it premiered Divine was dead at the age of 42 from an enlarged heart. Whoopi Goldberg sent flowers and a card that read "See what a good review will do?"

During Divy's career he branched out into pop music. He most famously hooked up with Stock Aiken & Waterman for the song "You think you're a man".
This song reached number 8 in Australia mainly after his appearance on Countdown.

Here is Divy's performance on Countdown for "You think you're a man"

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Ali G from the Westsiiiiiide!

Sacha Baron Cohen is trotting around the globe in a fluro G string as one of his alter egos Bruno.
Bruno to me is a pretty weak character but he has managed once again to pull a few good publicity stunts and interviews. I did notice that his "Austrian" accent tends to waiver a bit while in character.

So today I want to show an Ali G interview with Posh and Becks that I hadn't seen before. This is pretty damn funny. Loves it!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Man in the mirror

 I am currently watching MJ Live in Bucharest on TV.

This is what I call a performance..sheer brilliance.

It is truly the end of an era.

The day the music died

I am writing this still in shock that Michael Jackson is dead. I was seriously hoping that it was one of his publicity stunts. It started to sink in when Jermaine released the statement.

It was only recently I featured on this blog the book about his trial and the "lost" duet with Freddie Mercury. I always had this optimism that he would rock our socks off at the O2 Arena and make the public remember what his life was truly about.

I was very fortunate to see Michael perform for both the "Bad" and "History" tours in Australia.
For someone who has seen him perform live I can honestly say that no one came close to the type of excitement he generated on stage.

I remember during the Dangerous tour seeing footage from Bangkok where for the first number (Jam) he enters the stage literally flying from underneath the stage through a door.
He stood still on stage for 15 mins only moving slightly while the crowd went completely nuts.
After seeing him live for the first time I was instantly a life long fan. I am just sad that we will never see his brilliance again.

I have had such a hard time trying to think of an appropriate song for today. Do I choose "Gone too soon" which he dedicated to Aids victim Ryan White? Do I choose "Childhood" his most autobiographical (and heartbreaking) song. Do I choose the most popular tracks like "Billie Jean" and "Thriller"? Do I link to my fav MJ song "Human Nature" even though there isn't an official clip?

Actually I am not going to show any of those rather a performance that not many people would have seen. He wrote this song for Sammy Davis Jr who was a friend of his and performed it at Sammy's tribute. Sammy died from cancer not too long after this.

If you ever want to read a book about MJ that is what I consider an accurate portrayal get your hands on a copy of J Randy Taraborrelli's "The Magic and the Madness".

Michael, Rest In Peace. Heaven is going to have one heck of a dancer.

Monday, June 22, 2009

The Rainbow Connection

Last night I was reading a magazine when I saw an artwork entitled "The Lovers, the Dreamers and Me".
Of course I got really excited that someone named their artwork after a line in "The Rainbow Connection".

I LOVED the Muppets as a kid. I especially liked it when Elton John was guest star and also Mark Hamill because at the time I was in love with Luke Skywalker.

When I first saw this clip of "The Rainbow Connection" my sister gladly informed me that Kermie wasn't real. I spent the next 15 minutes in tears.
I don't think I reacted that badly to finding out Santa wasn't real!!

One of the writers of this song, Paul Williams, has written for various acts including the Carpenters up to the Scissors Sisters.

This song has also been covered A LOT. Some names who have covered this include Sarah McLachlan, Kenny Loggins, The Dixie Chicks, Justin Timberlake, The Carpenters, Jason Mraz, The Pussycat Dolls, The Dresden Dolls, and Willie Nelson. It was sung by Debbie Harry in a duet with Kermit on the Muppet Show in 1981 (Season 5).

Given all these names that have covered this song, I much prefer watching Kermie on his lily pad with his little banjo singing.


Saturday, June 20, 2009

Pre Crack Pipe Bobby

I was just watching Music Max and Bobby Browns "Humpin' around" came on. Man, that has to be worst song title after "Unskinny Bop" by Poison.

Anyhoo it made me think of the last time I watched Ghostbusters 2 and how the theme song is by Bobby Brown. The clip is pretty average. It basically has Bobby green screened in front of pics of New York. The thing that IS interesting is the hair Bobby is sporting. I actually don't ever recall a time when hair that had a gradient was popular. Maybe it was the bad hair that turned Bobby to the crack pipe..that or having to put up with Whitney.

So here is the theme song to Ghostbusters 2 "On Our Own".

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Song of the Day

The song of the day is by the Yeah Yeah Yeah's.

Head's will Roll. Enjoy.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Little Boots - New in Town

This song is just so damn catchy and I cannot get it out of my head (which is lucky coz I actually really like it).

So here is the song of the day by Little Boots, New In Town.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The Presets

As mentioned in a previous post I saw the Presets live on Saturday night.

I know a lot of people think that electronic music is pretty soulless and not requiring too much talent but Julian and Kim actually met while they were studying at the Sydney Conservatory of Music. So these guys are serious musicians that want to have fun with it. I personally love electro pop.

The Presets was an all ages gig and there were all these little embryo's walking around in their ruched leggings and boots. I didn't actually realise just how popular they were with "the kids".
Made me feel like an old timer :(

I think now that the Presets are doing more live stuff and gaining mainstream popularity that they really need to get Julian away from his synthesiser and in front of the crowd a bit more.
He really only did this once during the song "My People" and the crowd loved it. When he was behind his syth for most of the night I felt like I was at a really big rave and he was DJing.

I have to mention some lyrics from the Presets which I love.
The track is Yippiyo-Ay

"Take you from the 80s
bimbos rock the latex
dingos catch the babies"

If you don't "get" the last line look up the Lindy Chamberlain case.

This is the clip from You Tube that made me want to go and see the Presets. This is them live at Sound Relief singing "This Boy's in Love"




Here they are doing "My People" once again at Sound Relief. It's a pity they didn't have their Aria outfit of My Pet Monster adorning their heads.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Bea Arthur Roasting Pam Anderson

I came across this video a couple of weeks ago when I was reading about Bea Arthur's death and thought I would share it.

A couple of years back Comedy Central held a Pamela Anderson Roast to raise money for PETA. Didn't those comedians go to town! There is just too much material you can use when referencing Pam Anderson.

The best line by far had to be from Bea Arthur who took to reading Pam's "novel" aloud to the audience. I never knew Pam "wrote" a novel but apparently it was the most interesting read to hit the shelves since Naomi Campbell's "Swan". I even heard that it was better than Madonna's "The English Roses" and it certainly put Geri Halliwell's "Ugenia Lavender" to shame.

Take a look at Bea praising Pam's literary talents




Thursday, May 21, 2009

Flight of the Conchords

If you haven't watched an episode of Flight of the Conchords yet you need to get to it quick smart.
IT. IS. HILARIOUS.

To get you up to speed it is a show about two New Zealand musicians who move to New York City in order to get famous in their band called Flight of the Conchords.

The central characters are Brett and Jermaine (the band members), Murray, their hapless band manager and Mel their obsessed groupie. During each episode their is a little musical interlude parodying various musical genres.

In the clip below they are doing a white mans rap parody.
Their rap "names" are the Hiphopopotamus and the Rymnocerous.

My favourite lyrics have to be:
"Yes, sometimes my lyrics are sexist
But you lovely bitches and hoes should know I’m trying to correct this.

Check out the lyrics below:

I’m the mother flippin’ Rhymenocerous
My beats are phat and the birds are on my back
And I’m horny
I’m horny
If you choose to proceed you will indeed concede
Cos I hit you with my flow
The Wild Rhino Stampede.

I’m not just wild, I’m trained,
Domesticated
I was raised by a rapper and rhino that dated
And subsequently procreated
That’s how it goes
Here’s the Hiphopopotamus
The hip hop hippo

They call me the Hiphopopotamus
My lyrics are bottomless

They call me the Hiphopopotamus
Flows that glow like phosphorous
Poppin’ off the top of this esophagus
Rockin’ this metropolis
I’m not a large water-dwelling mammal
Where did you get that preposterous hypothesis?
Did Steve tell you that, perchance?
Steve.

My rhymes and records they don’t get played
Because my records and rhymes they don’t get made
And if you rap like me you don’t get paid
And if you roll like me you don’t get laid.

My rhymes are so potent that in this small segment
I made all of the ladies in the area pregnant
Yes, sometimes my lyrics are sexist
But you lovely bitches and hoes should know I’m trying to correct this.

Other rappers dis me
Say my rhymes are sissy.

Why? Why? Why?
What?
Why exactly?
What? Why?
Be more constructive with your feedback, please. Why?
Why?

Why, because I rap about reality?
Like me and my grandma drinking a cup of tea?
There ain’t no party like my nanna’s tea party.
Hey! Ho!

I’m the motherflippin’
I’m the motherflippin’
I’m the motherflippin’

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Pet Shop Boys - Heart




At the end of this month I am going to see the Presets live and I am so excited about it.
I have been watching some of their live performances on You tube and it should be a great show.
I'm sure I will have more to say about the Presets once I see them live. Stay tuned for future posts!

Today's song has been inspired (in a round about way) by the Presets because before their performance of the song "Are you the One" they have a sample of the Pet Shop Boy's song "It's a Sin"
This in turn reignited my love for the Pet Shop Boys as I busted out the CD (ok..ok..I just played the mp3 on my computer..but busting out a CD sounds WAY better).

It was hard for me to pick a Pet Shop Boys song because they have so many brilliant songs but I chose the song "Heart'.
The main reason I chose this song over the others is the video clip.
I really love this clip because it has the actor Ian McKellen as Nosferatu winning over Neil Tennant's bride (Two gay guys fighting over a chick..? It's a wonder she didn't dump them both).

So here is "Heart" for your viewing/listening pleasure today.


Monday, May 18, 2009

Michael Jackson Conspiracy

My last post was about Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury so I thought this would be a good intro for the latest book I read called "Michael Jackson Conspiracy".

To my surprise this was a very interesting read based on the court transcripts during Michael Jackson's trial. In fact the book is written by a journalist who covered the trial for US network television. Since reading this book I have seen a few interviews with the author. She was amongst the throng of media covering the case and admits that no media outlet wanted to hear a report that was "pro Jackson". I think this is still the case.

If you at all interested in this trial and haven't already made up your mind about the case then this is a must read.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Freddie Mercury & Michael Jackson

One thing I didn't know about until relatively recently was that Freddie Mercury was asked by Michael Jackson to duet with him on the song "State of Shock".
This song later appeared on the Jackson's "Victory" album as a duet with Mick Jagger.

In fact MJ and Freddie were working on a few tracks together.
"I was going to be on Thriller," confirmed Freddie, before his death from an AIDS-related illness in November 1991. "We had three songs in the can but, unfortunately, they were never finished."

One of the songs that MJ and Freddie worked on was "There must be more to life than this."
I found a rare recording of it on You tube. Take a listen to it. It is very catchy in that "We are the world" type of way. Speaking of "We are the world" Freddie was a big fan of the song.



MJ and Freddie did a demo for "State of Shock". During the demo process apparently (as the rumours go) Michael was none to pleased with Freddy's drug use in the studio and Freddy was swiftly replaced by Mick Jagger.
This recording is very rough but it gives you a glipse into what State of Shock may have been like with Freddie.




It kind of disappoints me that Freddy was given the boot. After all he is an infinitely better singer & performer than Mick Jagger (IMO).

Here is "State of shock" with Mick Jagger. It is an extended version because all the other versions on Youtube disable embedding.
Can I just have a rant and say if you don't want people to use your video just don't put it on You tube at all. If people want the video there are plenty of free converters out there. It just makes no sense to me.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Personal Jesus

Noooooooo!

I can't take it any more people. Hilary Duff has used Depeche Modes Personal Jesus for her latest steaming pile.

Honestly can't people write their OWN music any more?
It is like that Flo Rider song where he has basically just ripped off Dead or Alive and added a few words over the top.

TOTALLY. NOT. COOL.

BTW I am aware that both Marilyn Manson and Johnny Cash have done a cover of Personal Jesus but they didn't coat it with saccharine and make me want to vomit in my mouth.

So today I am featuring the one..the only Depeche Mode.



Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Sneaky Sound System


Last week I headed off to the good ol' RSL to see Sneaky Sound System "live". Yes I put the word "live" in inverted commas because it was just a notch above karoake..minus the little television with the words that come up. Backing tracks and vocal boosting Britney style galore..but what did I expect from a $35 RSL gig?

I have seen Youtube video's which show SSS with a full band and Connie
(the lead singer)
can actually belt it out quite well so I didn't hold this against them. Besides everyone seemed to enjoy the performance..or maybe they enjoyed the cheap drinks. I'm still trying to work that one out.

I still like Sneaky Sound System because finally Australia has a decent dance band that isn't uncool to like. Also it's good that someone like Connie has finally got some success after doing her time with other bands like Primary.

I had a bit of a laugh because I always think of that Simpsons episode where The Who play and say "Goodnight Springton there will be no encore". It cracks me up that bands feel the need to say the suburb's name they are playing a hundred times.


With no further ado here is my favourite Sneaky Sound System song "I Love It". Pity about the skanky dancer hoes they felt necessary to include on the clip. Connie is better looking than all of them.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Misfit - Curiosity Killed the Cat


Today's track is by British band Curiosity Killed the Cat.
The reason I chose this video is because it features a little cameo by Andy Warhol. Andy stands in the street Bob Dylan style and throws card board around like the video to Subterranean Homesick Blues.
You have to wait until about the 2 minute 44 secs mark to see Andy. He doesn't look terribly enthused but neither would I if someone danced near me like that. He doesn't help the white men can't dance theory.


Wednesday, April 1, 2009

A-HA/ Family Guy


Today's clip is brought to you by Family guy....enjoy!




Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Ben Lee




I was just flicking through one of those horrible "women's" magazines at lunch (you know the one's where there will be a 4 page diet feature and in the same magazine another story about accepting your body how it is) and saw a picture of Ben Lee and Ione Skye. Apparently they are married and I never heard a thing about it.


For those of you that don't know Ione Skye was quite popular in the 80's with the movie "Say Anything" (starring John Cuzak). Her Dad is the singer Donovan. She was also married at one time to the Beastie Boy's Adam Horowitz.


Ben Lee is an Australian musican who dated Clare Danes for quite some time. Clare left Ben for "Almost Famous" star Billy Crudup. Billy Crudup left his then 8 month pregnant partner Mary Louise Parker for Clare (nice guy huh?) Billy also plays the role of Dr Manhatten in the god awful "Watchmen" movie. His digitally enhanced "member" was the only decent acting in the entire movie. An Oscar for the penis I say! I digress though.


Ben and Ione got married in a traditional Hindu ceremony as you can see by the pic below...seems like a big wank to me but whatever floats your boat Ben. If you are interested you can read about the wedding on Ben Lee's blog here





After reading this it made me think of some of Ben's songs.
The one I want to share today is "Cigarette's will kill you". Trust Ben to state the bleeding obvious. Good track though.


Friday, March 27, 2009

Eels Fucker



The first time I heard this song was on a show called The Panel where an acoustic version of this song was played. I instantly fell in love with it. It is so simple but so complicated with the distorted music in the background.

Apologies for the crappy little video I made. I tried to find this song on Youtube but there are only live versions that are barely audible available.

While you are listening you can read the lyrics:

Came home tonight
I felt like I'd die of loneliness
Strange, you think
Popularity...
Looking for a simple life
Life aint simple
Tired and sick but I dont wanna be alone

Could go to a party
But I don't really want to
For now Im sitting out here on my porch
Writing in the dark air
Listening to
My little black cat miaow

Trying to vent some of the terrible passion
That's coursing through me
Something about you
Something about spending the afternoon asleep in your arms
I hate you, fucker.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Siouxsie and the Banshees



I watched a documentary a few years ago which followed groups like The Slits, The Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees during their embroyonic stages. The reason why Siouxsie and the Banshees stood out to me is the fact that the original line up had no musical experience at all.
They couldn't play any instruments so their set used to comprise of a 20 minute rendition of the Lords Prayer. Siouxsie would scream the Lords Prayer while a whole bunch of racket went on in the background. Don't forget that this was the era of punk so it was totally acceptable and probably what they needed to get enough attention to continue on and actually learn how to play the instruments.


Siouxsie's distinctive image has had an influence on many artists, in particular Robert Smith from the Cure. Robert Smith toured as a guitarist with the Banshees in the late 70's. It was during this time that Robert started to create his image.Siouxsie had/has a very distinctive look - red slashed lipstick, kubuki style pale skin and black teased/matted hair. Robert Smith admits to using Siouxsie's red lipstick when they used to tour and painting outside of his lip line. As much as I love Robert I think he stole a bit more of her image...what do you think?


It was hard for me to pick a Siouxsie and the Banshees song.
In fact I will more than likely include another song at a different time.
For now I have chosen the song "Peek a Boo".
The reason I have chosen this track is because it shows an example of backmasking. Bascially backmasking is where a song is recorded backward onto a track that is meant to play forward (got that?) The band had to learn how to play it backwards as well which I give them props for.
The backmasking is why the track sounds a bit off centre but I think it works well. I also love the use of the accordian in Peek a boo. I think the only person in music today that would experiment and use the accordian would be Bjork.




Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Beethoven double shot



Today's double shot is Beethoven inspired.


I'm going to start out with the track from the Saturday Night Fever album "A Fifth of Beethoven" by Walter Murphy.
This is an adaptation of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. I'm still trying to work out whether this is blasphemous or not.


The second track is a sample of a sample (if that makes sense).
Robin Thicke borrows heavily from "A Fifth of Beethoven" to create his song "When I get you alone"


Take a look at both songs.





Thursday, March 12, 2009

Wa Wa Nee


When I was writing the piece on "Overkill" for Men at Work I stumbled across a few video's by Wa Wa Nee another Australian band during the 80's.


Wa Wa Nee were around during the period in time where Oz pub hard rock was at the forefront of music. Men who couldn't dance went to the pub, got pissed and rocked out to the Angles, Cold Chisel or a band of that ilk. God forbid that there could actually be an Australian pop/funk band with influences like Prince with jangly guitars rather than axe guitars.

It is no wonder that Wa Wa Nee struggled a bit in this market. I think they also stuggled because of their band name.
I mean what were they thinking when they chose Wa Wa Nee???

Someone must have had a bit of faith in them though because CBS (now Sony) signed them to their label.



Their first single "Stimulation" was released in 1986. With such wonderful lyrics as:

"Lucky guy his world's on fire he can get it up night and day

Oh I wish I could get the feeling
and give the girls something to say
All I need to get is stimulation, so get me up against the wall
You knew I needed stimulation
but I never thought you'd be that bold."

The guy in these lyrics obviously didn't require that nasal delivery system I keep hearing about on the radio hehe.



The track "Sugar Free" made the top 20 in the States.
I remember watching the Tv show "Solid Gold" (remember the Solid Gold dancers???) and the stupid woman host going (and I will have to write part of this phonetically) "Here is wawaaaaanie doing the Sugar Free"


What I want to focus on today is Wa Wa Nee's second album "Blush". I still have a copy of Blush on record and have played it to death.
Around the time Blush came out I also saw Wa Wa Nee live (they were support act for Bros but that is a story for another time) and they were an awesome live act.
In 1988 MTV in Australia used to start at about 11pm at night so they could often play the more "raunchy" videos that you couldn't see during the day.
I don't know if this was a strategy by CBS but two of Wa Wa Nee's single's for the Blush album ("Can't control myself" & "So good") had "adult" video's (i.e. lot's of naked boobie shots).
This seemed rather odd to me especially since the song "So Good" (my personal favourite) is a song about God.


Take a look at the lyrics and the "censored" video.
The track on the Youtube link is actually a longer remix as I couldn't find the original.


Every night I pray God'll be on my side
I need him more than ever
If nothing else but to stay alive, and it's
(Chorus)
So good to know you are gonna be with me
When I need you to
I realise that the world moves
With a lot of loving from the heart of you
Every day I know when I walk on out that door
He's gonna get me home
Make my life worth living for, and it's
(Repeat Chorus)
I really love the way you keep me going on
Remaining happy if I'm right or wrong
Under the umbrella of love I belong, oh yeah
Everything I do from this moment on
I guarantee it's all for you
So I dedicate this love song, and it's
(Repeat Chorus)
Every time it rains, anytime you're feeling blue
Just remember he has an umbrella over you
So good to know you could let me
Love you God and hate you too
You've forgive whatever I do
and I wanna tell you that I love you
(Repeat Chorus)







I also want to include another track from "Blush" "I want you".
They were definitely channelling Price for this song but I see that as a good thing. Prince is the shizz.
This has such a great groove going on.