Nineties Revisited: Tired of Sex

Original video located here. Accessed 28th July 2018

Song title: Tired of Sex

Artist: Weezer

Year: 1996

Why I like this song:

I said I'll look (listen?) into more Weezer so here we are: The second album where they get nastier.
Perhaps this was less 'revenge of the nerds but with guitars' that was the first album and more leaning towards the emo territory that Weezer, apparently, kicked off. 
I will admit it was unusual that such subject matter would be expressed in a pop song - which in turn solidifies Weezer as music for outsiders. It was equally eyebrow-raising that Rivers would structure this album as a rewrite of the opera Madame Butterfly.

In the end, this is an abrasive album that is hardly easily listening material but it's hardly dull.

Choon of the Month: Default

Original video located here. Accessed 26th March 2012

Song title: Default

Artist: Django Django

Year: 2012

Why I like this song:

Its a given that when one has older siblings, they will provide an influence in one's musical tastes. And that has certainly been the case with me: When I was a teenager, I did get a lot of musical influences from my older brother and sister.
But who says such influence has to stop? My brother has been raving about this band and suggested I try them.
So I did.
Certainly this song is bizarre in it's rhythms but that's what makes it so compelling

This Song Rocks: Heartburn

Original video located here. Accessed 16th December 2019

Song title: Heartburn

Artist: Admella

Year: 2012

Why I like this song:

Currently in a relationship. So this reminds me of her....

Classics: Sultans of Swing

Original video located here. Accessed 19th March 2012

Song title: Sultans of Swing

Artist: Dire Straits

Year: 1978

Why I like this song:

I've been listening to Dire Straits' first album recently.

As a kid in the eighties, these guys seemed to be one of the most ubiquitous acts around. I have come to know this songs through hearing them countless times. 

That being said, it is odd to hear this album over thirty years later: It has an interesting take on blues rock and Mark Knopfler's guitar work is beyond question - and this was right at the same time that the punk movement, making this album a unique work. And ti can be argued that this has aged better than many punk bands of that era.

And that closing guitar solo *chef's kiss*

Classics: Train in Vain

Original video located here. Accessed 12th March 2012

Song title: Train in Vain

Artist: The Clash

Year: 1979

Why I like this song:

Recently I've been listening to the Clash's London Calling.

Albums don't come more intimidating than this. One of the greatest albums ever made. An inspiration to countless bands. An album that rewrote the pop music rulebook. Proof that punk could shake off accusations of being a fad and could do something more. 

Indeed, through listening to London Calling I can see it's DNA in it's successors (Green Day and the Manic Street Preachers). There's a lot of material to be sure to get through but it's the last (secret?) song that is a standout. True I already knew of it but still.... 

Nineties Revisited: Pretend We're Dead

Original video located here. Accessed 9th March 2012

Song title: Pretend We're Dead

Artist: L7

Year: 1992

Why I like this song:

One of the most badass riffs ever conceived. And it's proof that the gals can rock as hard as the fellas - perhaps even harder. 
It's also helps that the song in question is catchy as hell. 

If child me didn't know what to make of Nirvana then this, by contrast, seemed more inviting. Fitting for a song that has the line 'Turn the tables with your unity"

Explorations: Buddy Holly

Original video located here. Accessed 7th March 2012

Song title: Buddy Holly

Artist: Weezer

Year: 1994

Why I like this song:

Recently I have been listening to Weezer's first album (self-titled/blue).

Weezer have an odd history with them: A lot of people hated their first album when it first came out and their second album Pinkerton received an even worse reception. And in more recent years Weezer are acknowledged as a foundation stone of the emo movement. And a lot of people are coming around to them - provided you focus on the first albums and nothing else. 

Contradictions aside, what do I make of the blue album? Well it rocks hard and is a fun listen. And certainly the fan devotion it inspired certainly makes sense. 
May be worth to explore further.....

Classics: Seven Seas of Rhye

Original video located here. Accessed 13th May 2019

Song title: Seven Seas of Rhye

Artist: Queen

Year: 1974

Why I like this song:

Lately I've been listening to Queen's second album (II).

It was a surprise to me as it was so serious: it was devoid of the fun that ultimately defined Queen's work. Indeed, it certainly sounds like a band with their hands deep in progressive rock - which, let be honest, something that doesn't really work for them.
Still it has the above song. And it still rocks. So I'll give it that much,

The Asian Connection: Catch You Catch Me

Original video located here. Accessed 27th June 2020

Song title: Catch You Catch Me

Artist: Gumi

Year: 1998

Why I like this song:

Let's throw a curveball shall we? 
Starting with this post, I will talk about some Asian pop. After all, this is my blog and I will do what I wish with it (isn't alliteration fun?). 
An odd move to be sure but ultimately, I believe that music is music. It can transcend genres and can be enjoyed no matter what it's origin. 

So what is it about this that appeals to me? It's certainly a cheerful opening and really establishes what it's parent anime is all about. There's not much else to say bar it truly is difficult to resist.