A little pressed for time tonight, but I wanted to get a jump on tomorrow's efforts.
L is for The La's - "There She Goes"
Before Sixpence None the Richer, some country singer, and God only knows how many other artists decided to cover it, this song belonged to the La's... so I'm giving it back!
L is for Lightning Seeds - "Pure"
One of my favourite bands in my freshmen year of high school! I replaced a very worn out copy of this CD just this past summer. If only I'd taken better care of my CDs back then half of my music purchases wouldn't be to merely replace beat up discs. I could download a lot of it I suppose, but I'm still stuck on actually having physical music.
L is for The Longpigs - "On and On"
Here's a song for the broken hearted... I really forgot how much I loved this band! Thanks youtube!
L is for Love Spit Love - "Am I Wrong"
I'll explain before anyone watches this next video that I love this song and I had to include it, but I couldn't track down a video. So I chose to go with a piece made up by a fan of pieces of the movie Angus(1995) which featured the song on its soundtrack.
L is for Lush - "500(Shake Baby Shake)"
Oh, Lush... I miss this band so much. From their ethereal musical beginning as another addition to the roster of musical diversity that was 4AD Records to their inclusion in the Brit Pop explosion of the 90s, Lush always had my attention! The suicide of drummer Chris Acland destroyed the band though, and to the best of my knowledge only Emma Anderson ever ventured back into music with her new band, Sing Sing, which unfortunately called it quits in January of this year.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
Distraction... Video Alphabet "K"
I think I've got a bit of time for this tonight, so here's tonight's video gems...
K is for The Kaiser Chiefs - "I Predict a Riot"
Every time a fresh wave of British bands crop up, it seems there are one or two that have the unique ability to catch a bit of attention here in the States. The Kaiser Chiefs have definitely been one of them, and having a song in the video game Guitar Hero has certainly furthered this exposure. So good placement there, lads!
K is for Kasabian - "LSF"
This video makes me wonder why Johnny Cash never played at any women's penitentiaries.
Hmmm...
K is for Keane - "Somewhere Only We Know"
The U.S. version of this video is standard band plays song music video fare, however here in the international version the band discovers a "somewhere" as magical as Lothlórien but possibly minus the elves. Instead nocturnal, music loving woods spirits emerge to see the band and delight in their charmingly sensible three-piece English pop!
Wow...
K is for Kent - "If You Were Here"
kent- If You Were Here - more free videos
Brit pop goodness ala a band from Sweden. I found my first Kent CD during my first semester of art school. I spent a lot of my spare time that semester buying music and comic books after class. So I dedicate this video to the old CD Plus on Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, where in one afternoon I scored Kent's Isola CD, the first Unbelievable Truth CD, and the first Rialto CD. Not a bit of bad music purchasing that day!
K is for The Kooks - "She Moves In Her Own Way"
From the Kooks first album -a disc I am quite guilty of overplaying last year. I took a break from hearing it for a while, but I've been giving it my attention again since the release of the newest album, Konk. Good, good stuff!
K is for The Kaiser Chiefs - "I Predict a Riot"
Every time a fresh wave of British bands crop up, it seems there are one or two that have the unique ability to catch a bit of attention here in the States. The Kaiser Chiefs have definitely been one of them, and having a song in the video game Guitar Hero has certainly furthered this exposure. So good placement there, lads!
K is for Kasabian - "LSF"
This video makes me wonder why Johnny Cash never played at any women's penitentiaries.
Hmmm...
K is for Keane - "Somewhere Only We Know"
The U.S. version of this video is standard band plays song music video fare, however here in the international version the band discovers a "somewhere" as magical as Lothlórien but possibly minus the elves. Instead nocturnal, music loving woods spirits emerge to see the band and delight in their charmingly sensible three-piece English pop!
Wow...
K is for Kent - "If You Were Here"
kent- If You Were Here - more free videos
Brit pop goodness ala a band from Sweden. I found my first Kent CD during my first semester of art school. I spent a lot of my spare time that semester buying music and comic books after class. So I dedicate this video to the old CD Plus on Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, where in one afternoon I scored Kent's Isola CD, the first Unbelievable Truth CD, and the first Rialto CD. Not a bit of bad music purchasing that day!
K is for The Kooks - "She Moves In Her Own Way"
From the Kooks first album -a disc I am quite guilty of overplaying last year. I took a break from hearing it for a while, but I've been giving it my attention again since the release of the newest album, Konk. Good, good stuff!
Distraction... Video Alphabet "J"
J... the letter with which my parents started all three of their kids names. What were they thinking?
Anyways...
J is for The Jam - "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight"
So quintessentially British, The Jam were not only one of the best damn bands in England in the late 70s, they also resurrected the Mod styles of sixties London that were lost to other emerging musical scenes. This performance was from Tops of the Pops in 1978.
J is for James - "Say Something"
I was going to go with a more classic song from Tim Booth and the guys, but this song is one of those songs I understand all too well. Communication is a basic for a solid relationship, and if you're missing it, there's probably a great many other things you are without.
J is for The Jesus and Mary Chain - "April Skies"
The second year of Lollapolooza included some big acts like The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sound Garden, Pearl Jam, and Ministry, but to hell with them! I went for two reasons... Lush and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Both bands were incredible to see, but I realised in the future I was going avoid outdoor summer shows because I just can't handle the sun and the heat.
J is for Joy Division - "Love Will Tear Us Apart"
I have always loved this song, but now that I have lived this song, this desperation between lovers, this song hits me in ways I never could have foreseen when I heard it as a simple teenager.
I have always been fascinated by Joy Division. I read Dante's "Inferno" when I was in eighth grade trying to understand Ian Curtis and the album Closer more. In fact, I still remember having hellish nightmares about the people who were turned into trees or the soothsayers damned to eternity with their heads turned backwards for trying to spent their lives looking too far forwards. Anyways though... Curtis' slip into his own darkness is very scary to me. I think a lot of people see me as being kind of sad, but I can't even fathom the places from which his sorrow and frustration flowed.
Here's a few more from the band. Also if you're a fan or want to learn more about Ian Curtis and Joy Division, the film Control about Curtis and the band arrives on DVD finally this week, on Tuesday, June 3rd. They were also featured in the 2002 film, 24 Hour Party People, which was the story of the music scene in Manchester, England and their record label, Factory Records, and the label's founder, Tony Wilson. Highly recommended!
"Shadowplay" -first television appearance from 1978.
"Atmosphere" -post-humus video effort for the band.
Anyways...
J is for The Jam - "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight"
So quintessentially British, The Jam were not only one of the best damn bands in England in the late 70s, they also resurrected the Mod styles of sixties London that were lost to other emerging musical scenes. This performance was from Tops of the Pops in 1978.
J is for James - "Say Something"
I was going to go with a more classic song from Tim Booth and the guys, but this song is one of those songs I understand all too well. Communication is a basic for a solid relationship, and if you're missing it, there's probably a great many other things you are without.
J is for The Jesus and Mary Chain - "April Skies"
The second year of Lollapolooza included some big acts like The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sound Garden, Pearl Jam, and Ministry, but to hell with them! I went for two reasons... Lush and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Both bands were incredible to see, but I realised in the future I was going avoid outdoor summer shows because I just can't handle the sun and the heat.
J is for Joy Division - "Love Will Tear Us Apart"
I have always loved this song, but now that I have lived this song, this desperation between lovers, this song hits me in ways I never could have foreseen when I heard it as a simple teenager.
I have always been fascinated by Joy Division. I read Dante's "Inferno" when I was in eighth grade trying to understand Ian Curtis and the album Closer more. In fact, I still remember having hellish nightmares about the people who were turned into trees or the soothsayers damned to eternity with their heads turned backwards for trying to spent their lives looking too far forwards. Anyways though... Curtis' slip into his own darkness is very scary to me. I think a lot of people see me as being kind of sad, but I can't even fathom the places from which his sorrow and frustration flowed.
Here's a few more from the band. Also if you're a fan or want to learn more about Ian Curtis and Joy Division, the film Control about Curtis and the band arrives on DVD finally this week, on Tuesday, June 3rd. They were also featured in the 2002 film, 24 Hour Party People, which was the story of the music scene in Manchester, England and their record label, Factory Records, and the label's founder, Tony Wilson. Highly recommended!
"Shadowplay" -first television appearance from 1978.
"Atmosphere" -post-humus video effort for the band.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Distraction... Video Alphabet "I"
Wow... I'm not even halfway yet! I admit I thought originally to do one band/video per letter, but I couldn't make up my mind to settle on just one. So instead it was easier to create a lot more hard work for myself and post 4-6 videos a letter.
At least people are checking out this effort, so it's worthwhile for sure!
I is for Idlewild - "Love Steals Us From Loneliness"
I would also rather have hope than sadness, if only that was easier to do.
I is for Inspiral Carpets - "This Is How It Feels"
I used this version of the video, but there's apparently another one out there that I had never seen until I was looking the band up on youtube this morning. I went with the one I remembered here. BTW, it's amazing how many good bands like these guys have come out of Manchester, England. I could do a week's worth of posts just on Manchester bands sometime.
I is for Interpol - "PDA"
I remember hearing this band for the first time in early 2002 and thinking to myself, "Now here's a band that really wears a love of Joy Division on their sleeves". I think they are more than that, of course, but I think those elements were really there, especially on their album, Turn on the Bright Lights.
I is for Ivy - "I've Got A Feeling"
This was one of my favourite bands around the mid/late 90s, and fortunately they're still around unlike many other bands from that time. They're a good band to listen to especially this time of year. This is "bright" music for me.
At least people are checking out this effort, so it's worthwhile for sure!
I is for Idlewild - "Love Steals Us From Loneliness"
I would also rather have hope than sadness, if only that was easier to do.
I is for Inspiral Carpets - "This Is How It Feels"
I used this version of the video, but there's apparently another one out there that I had never seen until I was looking the band up on youtube this morning. I went with the one I remembered here. BTW, it's amazing how many good bands like these guys have come out of Manchester, England. I could do a week's worth of posts just on Manchester bands sometime.
I is for Interpol - "PDA"
I remember hearing this band for the first time in early 2002 and thinking to myself, "Now here's a band that really wears a love of Joy Division on their sleeves". I think they are more than that, of course, but I think those elements were really there, especially on their album, Turn on the Bright Lights.
I is for Ivy - "I've Got A Feeling"
This was one of my favourite bands around the mid/late 90s, and fortunately they're still around unlike many other bands from that time. They're a good band to listen to especially this time of year. This is "bright" music for me.
Distraction... Video Alphabet "H"
Forging ahead... more videos, more comments, more proof reading!
H is for Haircut 100 - "Love Plus One"
One of my favourite songs from the 80s! I love how jazzy New Wave music could be at times!
H is for Nick Heyward - "Kite"
The New Wave frontman of Haircut 100 went solo and a Twee Pop star was born! I am also "young and far too serious" ...but who isn't these days.
B is for Holy Hail - "Cool Town Rock"
I love this band so much! Remember when videos were like works of art? Video director Mirrorshade does!
H is for House of Love - "Shine On"
I dedicate this video to the former Camelot Records location that once inhabited the Camp Hill Mall. Their cutout CD table turned up this little gem one afternoon. I'd never found much of their music on disc at the time and then here it was for a mere $2.99! This band always reminded me of a blend of a band somewhere between The Alarm and The Jesus and Mary Chain.
H is for The Housemartins - "Happy Hour"
I got this tape for Christmas when I was thirteen along with the cassette of Closer by Joy Division. I remember being distinctly miffed at my mom thinking I didn't get any music I wanted for Christmas, only to discover my stocking was full of tapes! Thanks mom!
H is for Hurricane #1 - "Step Into My World"
The demise of Ride couldn't keep Andy Bell down, but it's a shame he and Hurricane #1 didn't last longer. His contributions on Oasis' Heathen Chemistry and Don't Believe The Truth albums were welcome though.
H is for Haircut 100 - "Love Plus One"
One of my favourite songs from the 80s! I love how jazzy New Wave music could be at times!
H is for Nick Heyward - "Kite"
The New Wave frontman of Haircut 100 went solo and a Twee Pop star was born! I am also "young and far too serious" ...but who isn't these days.
B is for Holy Hail - "Cool Town Rock"
I love this band so much! Remember when videos were like works of art? Video director Mirrorshade does!
H is for House of Love - "Shine On"
I dedicate this video to the former Camelot Records location that once inhabited the Camp Hill Mall. Their cutout CD table turned up this little gem one afternoon. I'd never found much of their music on disc at the time and then here it was for a mere $2.99! This band always reminded me of a blend of a band somewhere between The Alarm and The Jesus and Mary Chain.
H is for The Housemartins - "Happy Hour"
I got this tape for Christmas when I was thirteen along with the cassette of Closer by Joy Division. I remember being distinctly miffed at my mom thinking I didn't get any music I wanted for Christmas, only to discover my stocking was full of tapes! Thanks mom!
H is for Hurricane #1 - "Step Into My World"
The demise of Ride couldn't keep Andy Bell down, but it's a shame he and Hurricane #1 didn't last longer. His contributions on Oasis' Heathen Chemistry and Don't Believe The Truth albums were welcome though.
Distraction... Video Alphabet "G"
This is probably as far as I'll get tonight...
G is for Charlotte Gainsbourg - "The Songs That We Sing"
The daughter of British actress and singer Jane Birkin and French actor and singer Serge Gainsbourg keeps these professional traditions alive by working as both actress and singer herself. Though she's apparently questioning the validity of her work as a singer with this song maybe? Well, I can't speak for everyone, but I need the songs that you and so many other sing because they do mean something... they mean everything. What am I blogging about here otherwise?
G is for Gene - "Sleep Well Tonight"
Ever since the demise of The Smiths, the British Music Press has lauded various bands over the years with the title of "the next Smiths", but I thought Gene could've taken that title and run with it. I'm still quite fond of their sound and their albums. I was 19 when this hit and this was a good point in music for me. There were new bands showing up so fast on the scene in England that at times I was buying up to ten music magazines a month to keep up with it all. I think the thing that would have really made this music great would have been knowing anyone else that were into these bands at all. C'est la vie...
G is for The Gentle Waves - "Falling From Grace"
I saw a Barnes & Noble for the first time in my life in 2001 when I flew back to PA for a visit home. I went in super excited that I was going to find all the cool stuff I could never find anywhere else around here. What I bought was a CD by The Gentle Waves, which was a side project by Isobel Campbell from Belle And Sebastian. I spent both Air Canada flights back to Halifax listening to nothing but the entire Swansong for You album over and over.
G is for Great Big Sea - "Lukey"
One of the greatest joys I had about living in Maritime Canada was the Celtic flavour of the place, and New Foundland's Great Big Sea are one of the biggest acts in Canada to embrace Celtic music in their sound. I saw them play in 2000 in Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and their show was so lively and intense! It was like an old time kitchen ceilidh but in an arena with thousands of people. In fact, his video is from a collaboration album The Chieftains recorded called "Fire in the Kitchen", where Paddy Moloney and the gang from Dublin came over and accompanied on songs with numerous Maritime bands.
G is for Charlotte Gainsbourg - "The Songs That We Sing"
The daughter of British actress and singer Jane Birkin and French actor and singer Serge Gainsbourg keeps these professional traditions alive by working as both actress and singer herself. Though she's apparently questioning the validity of her work as a singer with this song maybe? Well, I can't speak for everyone, but I need the songs that you and so many other sing because they do mean something... they mean everything. What am I blogging about here otherwise?
G is for Gene - "Sleep Well Tonight"
Ever since the demise of The Smiths, the British Music Press has lauded various bands over the years with the title of "the next Smiths", but I thought Gene could've taken that title and run with it. I'm still quite fond of their sound and their albums. I was 19 when this hit and this was a good point in music for me. There were new bands showing up so fast on the scene in England that at times I was buying up to ten music magazines a month to keep up with it all. I think the thing that would have really made this music great would have been knowing anyone else that were into these bands at all. C'est la vie...
G is for The Gentle Waves - "Falling From Grace"
I saw a Barnes & Noble for the first time in my life in 2001 when I flew back to PA for a visit home. I went in super excited that I was going to find all the cool stuff I could never find anywhere else around here. What I bought was a CD by The Gentle Waves, which was a side project by Isobel Campbell from Belle And Sebastian. I spent both Air Canada flights back to Halifax listening to nothing but the entire Swansong for You album over and over.
G is for Great Big Sea - "Lukey"
One of the greatest joys I had about living in Maritime Canada was the Celtic flavour of the place, and New Foundland's Great Big Sea are one of the biggest acts in Canada to embrace Celtic music in their sound. I saw them play in 2000 in Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and their show was so lively and intense! It was like an old time kitchen ceilidh but in an arena with thousands of people. In fact, his video is from a collaboration album The Chieftains recorded called "Fire in the Kitchen", where Paddy Moloney and the gang from Dublin came over and accompanied on songs with numerous Maritime bands.
Distraction... Video Alphabet "F"
Up late, can't sleep, so I'm back to keep on keepin' on...
...and now with comments on each video! Woot!
F is for Forever Thursday - "How Can It Be?"
Anyone remember this song from the JC Penney's commercial about two years ago? This folk/pop act from Australia got it's only exposure stateside via that commercial. The vocalist on this track Melanie Horsnell has a loyal following in the land down under, check out her music here!
F is for the Frank & Walters - "Miles and Miles"
The lads from Ireland with a reminder that love will make you do some crazy things.
F is for Franz Ferdinand - "Walk Away"
I love this song and the video's old movie drama.
F is for Frente - "The Labour of Love"
I was way into this group in 1992. Lots of memories listening to Marvin, the Album on my headphones in the art room in high school.
F is for Frou Frou - "Breathe In"
Apparently in this video we discover Imogene Heap is not just a beautiful singer and songwriter, but she possesses telepathic abilities too.
Amazing...
...and now with comments on each video! Woot!
F is for Forever Thursday - "How Can It Be?"
Anyone remember this song from the JC Penney's commercial about two years ago? This folk/pop act from Australia got it's only exposure stateside via that commercial. The vocalist on this track Melanie Horsnell has a loyal following in the land down under, check out her music here!
F is for the Frank & Walters - "Miles and Miles"
The lads from Ireland with a reminder that love will make you do some crazy things.
F is for Franz Ferdinand - "Walk Away"
I love this song and the video's old movie drama.
F is for Frente - "The Labour of Love"
I was way into this group in 1992. Lots of memories listening to Marvin, the Album on my headphones in the art room in high school.
F is for Frou Frou - "Breathe In"
Apparently in this video we discover Imogene Heap is not just a beautiful singer and songwriter, but she possesses telepathic abilities too.
Amazing...
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