I'm actually not a big Halloween person (no costumes here), but I do love candy and seeing other people's outfits. I blame my unfun parents. And the fact that most of my friends don't really do anything for it either, other than drink. Also I am getting old. On the other hand, I really dig Neil Gaiman's idea of All Hallow's Read. That's more my style. Anything with books is a good idea for me.
I would do a themed post, but honestly, I am still fighting a lingering cold and basically tonight I plan on hunkering down with chocolate and beer and watching something nice and tacky like The Vampire Diaries (it's super fun, people, don't judge). Currently I am watching Dexter and hoping that it starts raining to keep kids away. No luck yet!
So I have no energy to look for very many videos. (And yes, I know there is a much wider selection of Halloween music out there than my rather narrow scope, whole genres of more 'scary' stuff. This is just a few things off the top of my head, and none of my posts are meant to be exhaustive descriptive studies. Merely a taste.)
First song that came to my mind - "I'm a Vampire" - Future Bible Heroes - but of course there's no video for it. Here is a link to the track (YouTube). Digression: The Magnetic Fields and all related acts really need to make music videos, in my opinion. They have the best music, and based on their lyrics, they're clearly very imaginative and well read and theatrical... And I'd just love to be able to post a constant stream of what I imagine would be very weird and delightful videos for my friends.
The 2nd song that came to my mind was "Zombie Me" - No More Kings, but again, I can't find a real video for it, so here's just a link to a performance.
And the third was "Vampire Blues" - Mercury Rev. This is actually a cover of a Neil Young song. I just love his whiney voice (both artists, LOL). Again, no real video - here is a link to the Mercury Rev song version with a nice vampire picture. And here's a link to the Neil Young track.
So after striking out three times, here is one actual Halloween song.
"Do They Know it's Hallowe'en?" - North American Hallowe'en Prevention Initiative" (NAHPI) - this is is a satire and also a charity song, in case you were wondering. See the Wikipedia article here. A wide variety of talented people are involved. So many! Arcade Fire, Beck, the list goes on and on and on. The video is good too, nice and weird.
And I almost forgot, but here's a (Halloween suitable) hilarious random song which my sister played for me once back in the day, which has an equally hilarious and random video - "Move Your Dead Bones" - Dr. Reanimator
I hope everyone who has a life has a safe and happy Halloween! Enjoy yourselves, and stay away from my house (or my black cat will put the evil eye on you).
Feel free to share your favorite Halloween-y music suggestions in the comments, all 2 people who read this =)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Dreamy & Delicate
I have been so sleepy today! It has been raining by the bucketful for a few days, and quite cold. This morning for some horrible unknown reason I was completely awake at 5am (way too early) and that was sad, although it did ensure I was at work on time. And I have been busy and fairly productive at work, but I still feel kind of blurry. Now, as far as music choice goes, that could mean going for energetic to clear the mental haze, snap one awake, at least try to infuse some vigor - or one can go airy and delicate for the prolonged enjoyment your dazed state. Conducive to reverie.
Thank you, Norway!
Today at least, this my vote: enjoy the drear with a little dreamy Kings of Convenience.
"Toxic Girl" - One of my favorite songs, even though I have never been in love with a toxic girl. Delightful. The video is quiet and not wildly amusing or spectacular (nothing happens), but I think for a song of this mood it is acceptable - introspective, cinematic, a little reserved.
Kings of Convenience - Toxic Girl
Uploaded by francoois. - Arts and animation videos.
Kings of Convenience - Toxic Girl
Uploaded by francoois. - Arts and animation videos.
"I'd Rather Dance With You" - Even though I'd usually never endorse a song with the lyric 'I haven't read a single book for years', this is another great song, and has a ridiculously cute video to go along with it. (Nothing is cuter than dorky guys dancing. Nothing.)
Kings of Convenience - I’d rather dance with you
Uploaded by NextBuzz. - See the latest featured music videos.
Kings of Convenience - I’d rather dance with you
Uploaded by NextBuzz. - See the latest featured music videos.
Thank you, Norway!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
We can live like Jack and Sally
Since I have been home sick for several days now with a horrid cold, with absolutely nothing to do and no energy to do anything anyways, I have been watching a lot more TV than I usually do. Being sick means I can't read as much either, so it's been doubly stultifying. So I've been catching up on my usual shows, plus filling the hours with random things such as "Law & Order: UK" (Confession: I'll watch just about anything on BBCA. Originally caught it cause I find the Bamber very pretty thanks to BSG, even though I didn't really love Apollo; but it's a nice mindless background for reading which is important to me, the accents are soothing, and also I'm kinda digging Ben Daniels).
And then I watched a few eps of "A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus" which I started watching out of a bit of morbid curiosity - a music show hosted by the guy from Blink? Could be a trainwreck, right? Despite blogging about music, I don't really like shows where people talk about music too much - I can find my own stuff (thank you, Internet) and I have my own taste. But I concede that it can be fun to hear interviews with artists, and watch them perform. Also, Mark Hoppus turns out to be a great host because he can work a "I'm perpetually a 17 y.o. skater punk" thing, borderline annoying, cheery faux enthusiasm, cute crooked mouth, etc. Rather charming.
So this of course is all just a lot of introduction for the fact that as a person of a certain age who grew up in Southern California - Blink 182 will always have a special place in my heart. Their stuff was starting when I was like 14 or 15, and getting big when I was like 16. They're from San Diego (my hometown) and SD had a lot of Blink-182 music buzz and t-shirts going around during those years... even I had one! I remember wearing it and getting a thumbs up from a guy in a parking lot at the grocery store. One of my earliest music-related thrills. (I think I gave it away though, that's kind of sad. I should have saved it for the epic band t-shirt quilt I am planning to make some day when I am old.)
And I had just recently discussed them with my friend Michael the other day when I was visiting because she had seen Tom DeLonge somewhere? Something like that (sorry, Michael, I'm sick and can't remember the story, did he come in to your work?). But yeah, it's a time/place thing - as I am not actually a huge fan, I just happen to be more familiar with them and their work because of when/where they started. This fits in with my "get 'em while they're young" theory of life, as these things just stick with you. I do still like them, and their hits are still in my large shuffle playlists for occasional listening, but I don't usually think of them otherwise.
I don't know how I feel about them recording their new album, it's a hard endeavor - if they sound too much like their old stuff, what's the point of a new 2011 album? But if they sound too different, what's the point of being Blink-182? Ahhh the burden of cranky aging fans expectations... LOL. For example, just think about how much Green Day has changed from Dookie (simple and fabulous) to their most recent efforts (political rock operas). Relax, I am not comparing their musical talent, people, just the possible future paths for maturing punk bands! I would imagine Blink has to go kinda indie, right? Not that my own listening trajectory post-high-school would be the right route for everyone, but it's kind of a natural progression for some (think college radio). And based on the few eps of the show I have seen, and the guests, Hoppus has some decent taste. And based on both older (Adam's Song) and newer work (I Miss You) we know they can still have a hit even when the themes are darker and their chords are slower.
Video selections from the greatest hits:
Dammit - Classic song. Iconic. Has to rank as one of the top songs of the 90s. I have little to no actual music talent other than appreciation, but I got my brother to teach me a little of this on the guitar & bass. Like just about everything else I learned in high school, however, I have now tragically forgotten it. The video is pretty juvenile, but understandably so.
All the Small Things - this video is possibly one of my favorites, because they play it all so perfectly - the outfits, the dancing, the fans. Super funny. A little hard to watch because you have to cringe a little at the 90s and the whole boy band thing we all had to live through, but a pretty legit parody.
What's My Age Again - another good video. Short and to the point, hee. I actually think I didn't like this that much when it came out, cause I thought it was silly. Clearly, I hadn't watched enough music videos at that point to realize that cheap joyous nudity is actually far more entertaining than say, a video where everyone just stands there doing nothing, or the dreaded 'party/club' video. Now I am thankful this exists, LOL.
Josie - The one with Alyssa Milano.
Man Overboard - They dream of little people versions of their videos. Also a very catchy song.
I Miss You - slightly more recent, and you can tell - the music is less frantic, and the video is more polished than the last few, with an attempt at a gothy artsy vibe. Which works, if a little heavy-handedly. But let's face it, the real reason everyone likes this song is that it references The Nightmare Before Christmas. They know their fanbase. (Also I am kind of a sucker for the nail polish and the upright bass, and by how much better they all look dressed up nicely. So cute. Also I would take all the ladies clothing shown in the video.)
Looking at the hits, I have to say I pretty solidly like most of their videos. And, with the exception of the more recent 'I Miss You', they all have a quality of wild cheerfulness, which I really like. Yes, they come off a little douchey, but it's late 90s pop skate punk, that's the whole point! A little youthful insouciance can be endearing. Now several years later, do I think they will be able to carry that over into the future? I don't know, it remains to be seen. But I definitely look forward to seeing the videos; here's hoping they retain some of the exuberance of their earlier works.
And wow, did I just reveal WAY too much about myself by devoting this much wordage to Blink-182.
I'm going to say this like more than two people actually read this - what bands did you see get famous? Who got you young? What bands define your hometown's mood when you were in high school?
And then I watched a few eps of "A Different Spin with Mark Hoppus" which I started watching out of a bit of morbid curiosity - a music show hosted by the guy from Blink? Could be a trainwreck, right? Despite blogging about music, I don't really like shows where people talk about music too much - I can find my own stuff (thank you, Internet) and I have my own taste. But I concede that it can be fun to hear interviews with artists, and watch them perform. Also, Mark Hoppus turns out to be a great host because he can work a "I'm perpetually a 17 y.o. skater punk" thing, borderline annoying, cheery faux enthusiasm, cute crooked mouth, etc. Rather charming.
So this of course is all just a lot of introduction for the fact that as a person of a certain age who grew up in Southern California - Blink 182 will always have a special place in my heart. Their stuff was starting when I was like 14 or 15, and getting big when I was like 16. They're from San Diego (my hometown) and SD had a lot of Blink-182 music buzz and t-shirts going around during those years... even I had one! I remember wearing it and getting a thumbs up from a guy in a parking lot at the grocery store. One of my earliest music-related thrills. (I think I gave it away though, that's kind of sad. I should have saved it for the epic band t-shirt quilt I am planning to make some day when I am old.)
And I had just recently discussed them with my friend Michael the other day when I was visiting because she had seen Tom DeLonge somewhere? Something like that (sorry, Michael, I'm sick and can't remember the story, did he come in to your work?). But yeah, it's a time/place thing - as I am not actually a huge fan, I just happen to be more familiar with them and their work because of when/where they started. This fits in with my "get 'em while they're young" theory of life, as these things just stick with you. I do still like them, and their hits are still in my large shuffle playlists for occasional listening, but I don't usually think of them otherwise.
I don't know how I feel about them recording their new album, it's a hard endeavor - if they sound too much like their old stuff, what's the point of a new 2011 album? But if they sound too different, what's the point of being Blink-182? Ahhh the burden of cranky aging fans expectations... LOL. For example, just think about how much Green Day has changed from Dookie (simple and fabulous) to their most recent efforts (political rock operas). Relax, I am not comparing their musical talent, people, just the possible future paths for maturing punk bands! I would imagine Blink has to go kinda indie, right? Not that my own listening trajectory post-high-school would be the right route for everyone, but it's kind of a natural progression for some (think college radio). And based on the few eps of the show I have seen, and the guests, Hoppus has some decent taste. And based on both older (Adam's Song) and newer work (I Miss You) we know they can still have a hit even when the themes are darker and their chords are slower.
Video selections from the greatest hits:
Dammit - Classic song. Iconic. Has to rank as one of the top songs of the 90s. I have little to no actual music talent other than appreciation, but I got my brother to teach me a little of this on the guitar & bass. Like just about everything else I learned in high school, however, I have now tragically forgotten it. The video is pretty juvenile, but understandably so.
All the Small Things - this video is possibly one of my favorites, because they play it all so perfectly - the outfits, the dancing, the fans. Super funny. A little hard to watch because you have to cringe a little at the 90s and the whole boy band thing we all had to live through, but a pretty legit parody.
What's My Age Again - another good video. Short and to the point, hee. I actually think I didn't like this that much when it came out, cause I thought it was silly. Clearly, I hadn't watched enough music videos at that point to realize that cheap joyous nudity is actually far more entertaining than say, a video where everyone just stands there doing nothing, or the dreaded 'party/club' video. Now I am thankful this exists, LOL.
Josie - The one with Alyssa Milano.
Man Overboard - They dream of little people versions of their videos. Also a very catchy song.
I Miss You - slightly more recent, and you can tell - the music is less frantic, and the video is more polished than the last few, with an attempt at a gothy artsy vibe. Which works, if a little heavy-handedly. But let's face it, the real reason everyone likes this song is that it references The Nightmare Before Christmas. They know their fanbase. (Also I am kind of a sucker for the nail polish and the upright bass, and by how much better they all look dressed up nicely. So cute. Also I would take all the ladies clothing shown in the video.)
Looking at the hits, I have to say I pretty solidly like most of their videos. And, with the exception of the more recent 'I Miss You', they all have a quality of wild cheerfulness, which I really like. Yes, they come off a little douchey, but it's late 90s pop skate punk, that's the whole point! A little youthful insouciance can be endearing. Now several years later, do I think they will be able to carry that over into the future? I don't know, it remains to be seen. But I definitely look forward to seeing the videos; here's hoping they retain some of the exuberance of their earlier works.
And wow, did I just reveal WAY too much about myself by devoting this much wordage to Blink-182.
I'm going to say this like more than two people actually read this - what bands did you see get famous? Who got you young? What bands define your hometown's mood when you were in high school?
Friday, October 15, 2010
He's an X-box, and I'm more Atari
I have been home sick for a few days with a terrible cold. I dragged myself into work for a few hours this morning then gave up and came back home. Luckily, it's a Friday (a lot less people) so hopefully I didn't spread the germs too much, hehe. Yeah, so my head's not in the game. But I have watched a lot of music videos from the couch.
And this one is fabulous anyways, I probably should have posted it the second it came out. A delightfully catchy song, and the video is super entertaining as well. I also liked the trailer version for this that came out earlier that was just the words. Very cool vibe, love the outfits and backup singers, the whole thing is just fab. It has a sense of style and of humor, which is a rare combo. I think everyone can identify with the sentiment = masterpiece.
If you are offended by 'language' you might want to skip this one, also might be mildly NSFW for the same reasons, LOL.
"Fuck You" - Cee Lo Green
And this one is fabulous anyways, I probably should have posted it the second it came out. A delightfully catchy song, and the video is super entertaining as well. I also liked the trailer version for this that came out earlier that was just the words. Very cool vibe, love the outfits and backup singers, the whole thing is just fab. It has a sense of style and of humor, which is a rare combo. I think everyone can identify with the sentiment = masterpiece.
If you are offended by 'language' you might want to skip this one, also might be mildly NSFW for the same reasons, LOL.
"Fuck You" - Cee Lo Green
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Earworm: Home
This is a damn catchy song that I woke up with ringing through my head. Not sure why it chose today to get in there, but I really like the song (who couldn't??) so it is fine. Also, since I am home for a visit with the fam and feel both at home but completely not... it's a mildly amusing choice.
"Home" - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
"Home" - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
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