Classics: Goodbye Blue Sky

Original video located here. Accessed 15th January 2015

Song title: Goodbye Blue Sky

Artist: Pink Floyd

Year: 1979

Why I like this song:

Recently I've been listening to Pink Floyd's The Wall.

This may surprise some people but this is the first time I've heard it all the way through. I guess you can't be a fan of the Pink Floyd and not listen to it.
I guess I was put off by the intimidation of it: It is one of the biggest selling albums of all time and it's the double album that many have tried to duplicate since. And yet, in recent years, there appears to be something of a backlash citing it being too long, too depressing, sexist and the point where the band ceased functioning as a proper unit.
What is there to do but approach The Wall on my own terms (the best way of course).

Well its....something that's for sure. It certainly is a world apart from The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here. There are some great displays of creativity here although the subject seems hard to get into. 
In the end, this album is effectively a Rorschach test: people will have different reactions to it, but it is hardly a boring listen.

Choon of the Month: Tidal Wave

Original video located here. Accessed 23rd April 2012

Song title: Tidal Wave

Artist: The Laurels

Year: 2012

Why I like this song:

Smashes in like a tank, laying waste to anything dumb enough to stand in it's way. 
Clearly the shoegaze movement of the late eighties/early nineties is making a comeback.

This Song Rocks: I'll Sue Ya

Original video located here. Accessed 18th April 2012

Song title: I'll Sue Ya

Artist: 'Weird Al' Yankovic

Year: 2006

Why I like this song:

Recently I got a hold of 'Weird Al' Yankovic's album Straight Outta Lynwood.
It's pretty funny but this one was a stand-out.
You know, given how hyper-serious Rage Against the Machine fans can be, I have to wonder what they make of this....

Classics: Astronomy Domine

Original video located here. Accessed 5th July 2021

Song title: Astronomy Domine

Artist: Pink Floyd

Year: 1967

Why I like this song:

I'm a fan of the Pink Floyd. So it may surprise some of you that it is only now that I am being acquainted with the Syd Barrett era. 
And it is a surprise to me to hear this as it sounds worlds apart from the seventies Pink Floyd. I was informed that this was the pinnacle of sixties psychedelica and they weren't kidding. Jarring guitars, pounding drums, some demented organ and lyrics involving space travel - they all sound like it shouldn't fit together but somehow it does. It sounds crazy and yet somehow enticing. 

Of course this era of Pink Floyd will be short lived. Still as an opening move, it's a big one.

This Song Rocks: Innocence

Original video located here. Accessed 3rd June 2022

Song title: Innocence

Artist: Avril Lavigne

Year: 2007

Why I like this song:

Just came back from a weekend with my girlfriend. During it, she played me this and it stuck out for me.

This is because Avril has built her career around being some bratty punk rocker. Here however she drops it all completely for something more vulnerable. And it works wonders.
It's certainly blurring the lines between devotion and desperation and that's what makes it so compelling.

Nineties Revisited: Jesus Was Way Cool

Original video located here. Accessed 6th April 2012

Song title: Jesus Was Way Cool

Artist: King Missile

Year: 1990

Why I like this song:

Well, seeing as it's Easter...

Obituary: Bring Yourself Home to Me

NOTE: First Nations people are advised this post contains images and sounds of people who have died

Original video located here. Accessed 11th November 2014

Song title: Bring Yourself Home to me

Artist: Jimmy Little

Originally Done By: Jackson Code

Year: 1999

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Jimmy Little

Like a lot of other people, I got into Jimmy Little through his covers album The Messenger. He had a beautiful voice and was blessed with a solid backing behind him. And this, the final moment on the album, was the best cut. Like the rest of the album, it's a great album for a late night.

I had the pleasure of seeing Jimmy Little live back in 2000: He was performing at Christmas time for the Hobart Candles by Candlelight. He had Karma County as his backing band and as well as the obligatory Christmas carols, Jimmy performed The Way I Made You Feel and Under the Milky Way.
He certainly was a charismatic presence and he performed with all his heart.

So here's to you Jimmy.

The Asian Connection: Shaft Drive

Original video located here. Accessed 27th Jan 2014

Song title: Shaft Drive

Artist: Akira Takasaki

Year: 2001

Why I like this song:

I recall back in 2002: a friend of mine showed me his collection of anime music. At the time I didn't think of listening but I went ahead anyway. As it turned out, there was a lot to like and I even surprised myself by finding something I didn't originally think of enjoying. 
And that's what music should do: grab your attention, show you a world beyond one's comfort zone and make you enjoy it no matter what it's origins. 

Needless to say this is a rockin' opening theme and a surefire inspiration air guitarists out there.
Sure the anime itself didn't do much for me but I can still enjoy this regardless.