Original video locatedhere. Accessed 2nd August 2018
Song title: Want
Artist: The Cure
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
It was only in college that I really got into the Cure. Sure I knew of them before that but it was only in my mid-teens that I sat down and took their music seriously. And it was a journey that was worth taking - certainly spoke to my teen disgruntlement,
And this certainly helped me survive the minefield that was college. Hands down one of the Cure's best and proof that it's all in the build-up.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 21st December 2016
Song title: Goldfinger
Artist: Ash
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
When you are a teenager, you will latch onto any band that is populated by teenagers (handy to be talked to by someone with first-hand experience). And this was my band. Funny how it takes a teenager to write about being in your room and listening to loud music with only you and your thoughts....
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 9th December 2016
Song title: I Love You Always Forever
Artist: Donna Lewis
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
I secretly loved this song back in the day. And I still enjoy it now: Get past the ear-worm of a chorus and it seems striking in it's honesty. Indeed, when it comes to writing a love song, honesty is the best weapon available and this song understands it completely. It seems to me time has not been kind to this song: What was once a hit is now looked upon in scorn - largely through it's repetitious nature and earnestness. But hey, who says you need to take the bombastic approach?
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 11th August 2018
Song title: This Is Not a Song, It's an Outburst: Or, the Establishment Blues
Artist: Rodriguez
Year: 1970
Why I like this song:
Recently Hobart was graced with the presence of troubadour Rodriguez. Now normally when I go to see acts live I will go watch names I am familiar with. This is not the case: I knew the man not for his music but his extraordinary story of how he achieved success in South Africa without knowing it. As such, this was an act of exploration. To have ones home town visited by this figure was an opportunity too good to miss. So maybe I will find something to enjoy?
First the support act: One Archie Roach. He did all right but I was concerned: He hasn't being doing to well lately what with having a stroke and his life partner Ruby Hunter passing on. So on stage he did talk about the song he was going to play - nothing wrong with that but it drag on a bit. Indeed, I swear I heard someone nearby say afterwards that he may be going senile.
As for Rodriguez himself, he was great: He was charismatic, engaged with the audience and certainly seemed to be enjoying the second wind to his career. His songs managed to have power, after all these years, and they clearly still resonated. Which says a lot seeing as I went into this gig knowing the name and not the music.
It should be noted that when I got my ticket, I paid extra for the DVD of the documentary. Seems I have seem further exploring to do....
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 18th November 2016
Song title: Scooby Snacks
Artist: Fun Lovin' Criminals
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
I didn't know what to think of this song when it first came out but over time it grew on me. Of course its all about robbing banks but that when over my teenaged head: All I knew it was a snappy song. Also of note, it had samples from Quentin Tarantino movies long before I became aware of what Quentin Tarantino movies were.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 14th November 2016
Song title: More
Artist: Sisters of Mercy
Year: 1990
Why I like this song:
Lately I've been listening to the Sisters of Mercy for the first time
Of course I already knew the above song but I always thought it was a Meatloaf song - turns out, I was close: it was a co-write with Jim Steinman, the madman who writes Meatloaf's material. So the Sisters of Mercy: A touchstone of gothic rock which is basically Andrew Eldritch, a drum machine (Doktor Avalanche) and a whole lot of other people. They've been around for quite a while, their recorded output is small, they have had countless members coming and going, they write very long songs and stability is clearly not the order of the day.
Still these songs do have power and clearly a consistent presence for goth playlists for a reason.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 10th August 2020
Song title: What Planet is This?!
Artist: Seatbelts
Year: 2001
Why I like this song:
All right, can't keep putting it off any longer: Lets talk about the soundtrack to Cowboy Bebop.
But really there's not much I can say that hasn't been said before: Its an anime that has a show-stopper of a soundtrack covering snappy tunes across a variety of genres. Why, such intent is spelled out in the title, utilising a reference to a form of jazz.
And whilst I'm spoilt for choice, I went for this gem from the movie. Seems the quintessential track to the anime and it's soundtrack. Its also just the thing to have an aircraft dogfight to.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 4th November 2016
Song title: Australia
Artist: Manic Street Preachers
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
This was my first exposure to the Manic Street Preachers. By this time I knew of the name - largely through me seeing the album charts in the Sunday newspaper at the time and seeing their album, Everything Must Go, doing very well on the UK charts.
It would be the first step on a journey that would last a long time...
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 28th October 2016
Song title: Burden in my Hand
Artist: Soundgarden
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
Another song that took a while to reach me. In hindsight, I guess this was the end of the grunge era. And personally? It couldn't gone out on a higher note. Perhaps that this song has a sense of finality that makes it so engaging to me.
Also, regarding the video, never has four dudes wandering in a desert been so compelling.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 2nd February 2017
Song title: Drive
Artist: Gretta Ray
Year: 2016
Why I like this song:
I would give this song props for a snappy chorus but I find it most striking is that this sounds like it is coming from the voice of experience. In fact, for someone eighteen she sure sounds like someone who's lived a lot.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 21st October 2016
Song title: Good Morning
Artist: You Am I
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
It took me a while to warm up to Hourly Daily and I'm glad I did. This song represents a time and place like no other: When You am I seemed unstoppable and were in the process of changing the course of Australian popular music. And for me, it was a time when so much seemed possible...
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 14th October 2016
Song title: Alternative Rock Polka
Artist: 'Weird Al' Yankovic
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
This is another case of an artist I already knew of that fourteen-year-old me was still surprised to be around. It was also my first exposure to Weird Al's polka medleys. Needless to say, it was odd to hear songs I already knew of (to some extent) reworked in a completely different context.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 12th October 2016
Song title: Blackstar
Artist: David Bowie
Year: 2016
Why I like this song:
And finally my journey with David Bowie's discography comes to an end with Blackstar.
Much has been written about this one: His final album. The sounds of a man nearing the end of his life. The man of many personas speaking in his own voice. A sterling example of someone doing what they do until the very end. Intimidating much?
Needless to say, the shadow of death can't be divorced from this album. And whilst it may be difficult album to get through it is still brave, challenging and worth the effort.
And in the end, this journey I have taken has proven to be a worthy one. David Bowie may have been alien to me (har, har) for quite some time but now, I can safely say that I get it.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 10th July 2016
Song title: Down
Artist: 311
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
At the time I thought this rocked hard and was impressed with the integration of rap and grunge. Still rocks hard now.
But here's a question; In the wake of the revolution that was nu-metal where do these guys fit in? One listen of this would think they would fit in (and the use of both a singer and a rapper predated Linkin Park) but at the same time, 311 did incorporate pop and reggae influences. And, crucially, they looked like they were having fun and weren't angsty enough. Still one could argue that 311's stuff has aged better with time...
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 18th February 2020
Song title: Dearest
Artist: Ayumi Hamasaki
Year: 2002
Why I like this song:
Back in 2004, I was friends with a woman who was keen on anime. She gifted me a cassette tape with a bunch of anime songs on it and this was on it. A very beautiful song. At the time I had no idea what was being conveyed in the lyrics (damn language barrier!) but I could get the gist of it. And it was only later that I got to see it's parent anime, InuYasha, all the way through that I finally picked up on it. So yeah, proof one can enjoy something even being unaware of the context. But that's what music should do, right?
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 28th September 2016
Song title: Found Love in a Graveyard
Artist: Veronica Falls
Year: 2011
Why I like this song:
So I've heard whispers of this band, Veronica Falls. Enough to have my interest piqued and to look into further. I should point out that this was I going in blind: I knew of the name but that was it. Granted such an undertaking may seem strange given how in this day and age it isn't hard to find information about a band, but sometimes I like to be surprised.
And surprised I was: It's an odd combination of gothic music and surf rock. On paper it sure doesn't sound like it should work but somehow it does. It's the kind of music that succeeds because of, or in spite of, it's own bizarre nature.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 26th September 2016
Song title: Long Holiday
Artist: Flyying Colours
Year: 2016
Why I like this song:
They say that revivals happen in chunks of twenty years so of course this decade will see a clutch of acts aiming to recreate the sounds of the 1990s. And that means that someone will try their hand at shoegaze. Of course I could joke that someone got sick and tired of waiting for My Bloody Valentine to follow up Loveless so they decided to do it themselves but said follow-up has since emerged.
Still this is a great song in it's own right. Which is impressive as this is an Australian act and I've never known Australia as having it's own breed of shoegaze (given it is a largely UK genre). Still, nothing wrong with a bit of 'I can do that too' as that's how many acts here get their start.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 21st September 2021
Song title: 1979
Artist: Smashing Pumpkins
Year: 1995
Why I like this song:
In coming up with this list, it is a given that songs that resonated me and/or represent a particular time and place will rank very high. And that is the case here.
I've told the story many times now: In early 1996, i turn to Triple J for the first time and I hear this song. My perspectives on popular music change forever and the alternative rock scene beckons.
Perhaps it is fitting that I discover this song at age fourteen (see Episode 26). Because this song (and accompanying video) is really an ode to youth. Yes Billy Corgan wrote about being twelve years old but if it resonated with a fourteen year old me, then he clearly tapped into something universal.
Furthermore, the Smashing Pumpkins were a very important band for me in my teens and provided a vital soundtrack to that time period. Say what you like about Billy but when he puts his mind to it, he can certainly churn out a winner of a song.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 19th September 2016
Song title: The Next Day
Artist: David Bowie
Year: 2013
Why I like this song:
And now we've come to The Next Day. With David Bowie. it would appear that the further we get from the seventies, the more patchy his material becomes. As such, I have skipped over quite a few albums to come to this: An apparent bright spot in his later-day career. Addressing The Next Day, it is indeed long, with fourteen songs which is odd for a guy who makes quite succinct albums. And yet it still has the oddness I have come to expect from the man. Sure there may be filler but clearly the man still has something to say.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 16th September 2021
Song title: I Was Wrong
Artist: Social Distortion
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
Sometimes a song can take time to reach you.
I first heard this song back in 1996 at age 14 where I didn't think much of it at the time. Flash forward to 2010: I play Rock Band 2 for the first time and notice this song. And then it clicks for me. A song I dismissed in my teens made sense to me as an adult. Maybe it was due to the life experiences behind me. Maybe it was through the mistakes I have made in the past that this song spoke to me. Maybe it was the situation described in this song that resonated with me. Maybe songs really do connect with people who have lived through the situation said song describes.
In any case though, this song rocks hard - and hey, any song that has a chorus with the line: 'Self-destruction's got me again!' deserves some credit.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 9th September 2016
Song title: 1000 Miles
Artist: Dirty Three
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
Another case of an album I didn't know of at the time but eventually arrived to at a later date. When I was a kid I didn't think much of instrumentals as I felt that the guy out front didn't have anything to say. But it was only later that I came to appreciate them as a way to show of what the artist in question can do with their instruments. And that was the case with the Dirty Three: Three instruments being played by masters of their craft.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 2nd September 2016
Song title: Building Steam with a Grain of Salt
Artist: DJ Shadow
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
I didn't know of this album at the time but when I did come around it, it made a sizable impression on me. Constructed entirely of samples it still manages to sound like nothing else.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 29th August 2016
Song title: It Still Matters
Artist: Peter Garrett
Year: 2016
Why I like this song:
I've been listening to Peter Garrett's solo album. It's pretty good - although it is strange to hear him backed by a drummer who isn't Rob Hirst - but it's intriguing to hear the kind of stuff Peter can do having been freed from the confines of Midnight Oil. And as is often the case, the best moment is saved for the end. The vibe I get from this song is one of hopefulness - but not the kind one might think. Consider Diesel and Dust: That ended on a hopeful note with Sometimes but this is a different kind of hopefulness. If Sometimes was pressed home the message of Never Give Up this song was more a case of 'Marching to the Horizon, Bloodied but not looking back'. Of course I'm not sure if that was Peter's intention but that's what I got out of it.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 30th August 2021
Song title: Hail Hail
Artist: Pearl Jam
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
I was still into Pearl Jam in 1996. And this was their middle period, which started with Vitalogy and ended with Last Kiss. It was during this time that they made all kinds of deviations that, may have come across as baffling. As for No Code, it certainly was loaded up with all kinds of experimentation but a highlight was this: a song that, ironically, resembles the fury that Pearl Jam had made their name for. Thing is, it still strikes me how hopeless and defeatist the lyrics are ("All hail the lucky ones..."). Granted that may be more my interpretation but still...
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 19th August 2016
Song title: Pick You Up
Artist: Powderfinger
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
1996. The year that a lot of people, myself included, became aware of a Brisbane named Powderfinger.
This still song still sounds great two decades later although I can't help but think that it has something of a sinister edge to it: The lyrics express a form of devotion but the music suggests otherwise. I'm not sure of that was the intent but this ambiguity makes the song compelling - and a far cry from the radio friendly material that would follow.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 10th August 2016
Song title: El Scorcho
Artist: Weezer
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
I first heard this song back in 1996 and back then it struck just how shambolic it was: The gargle at the start, the wonky drum beat, the fast part in the middle, that odd guitar solo following said fast part and the ad-libbing throughout. As such, the song wormed it's way into my heart and has become an ideal for a shout-along.
Also it can't understated how this works for any teenager who is trying their first awkward steps at romance. And I was fourteen at the time so yes, I could very much relate to this aspect.
And hey: "I'm bring home the turkey if you bring home the bacon!"
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 5th August 2019
Song title: Wrong
Artist: Everything but the Girl
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
I think Everything but the Girl - or more specifically their Walking Wounded period - was my first exposure to Trip-hop: a genre that uses the same tech as dance music but with the beat slowed down in order to make way for something moody.
This does indeed represent the parent album as a whole with mood and emotional depth. It's a far cry from the doof-doof that represents dance music and is all the more welcome for it. And for at the time, my knowledge of dance/electronic music was expanded and proved what it could accomplish.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 22nd August 2019
Song title: Lithium Flower
Artist: Scott Matthews
Year: 2002
Why I like this song:
I love the soundtrack to Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. There's some great pieces throughout but what can one expect from composer Yoko Kanno? It is interesting that there are a number of tracks in the soundtrack that are sung in English - such as this one. Clearly there is an eye for an international audience but who cares? This is a rockin' end credits theme and one I will gladly sing along even if the words seem very random.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 1st August 2016
Song title: All the Way
Artist: New Order
Year: 1989
Why I like this song:
Recently I got ahold of New Order's Technique album.
Was this the point where acid house happened? Maybe. But what I do know is the above song has a magic to it that makes it stand out above the rest. Must be that melodica...
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 28th July 2016
Song title: All of These Things
Artist: Ed Kuepper
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
During my twenties, I did develop a keen interest in the work of Ed Kuepper. I was indeed aware of him in my teens but he always struck me as one of those artists that smart people / older brothers listened to. You know, the kind of people who are onto something you may not be aware of and that something guarantees immediate cred. And how it could it not? For Mr Kuepper is indeed unique and has certainly churned out some interesting songs in his time.
Which brings me to this: Musically, it may owe a sizable debt to Sgt Pepper but it strikes me how this song is indeed an odd marriage of the celebratory and the sarcastic. I will admit I like songs that convey a mood of reveling in giving up and this is indeed one of them.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 26th July 2021
Song title: 46 and 2
Artist: Tool
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
I can't say I'm a major Tool fan. Having said that though, I have to admit they must be doing something right as Tool commands a fan-base that is loyal, passionate and remarkably patient.
Still I do have a soft spot for this song: Mostly because it rocks. Hard. Sp notice must go to that breakdown that climaxes the song before closing out with that Dun-Dun-Dun-Dun-Dunnnnnnnnn (okay so that may not work in text but still).
Aggressive and strangely beautiful - a combination that doesn't come along everyday
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 4th October 2022
Song title: Bermuda
Artist: Hey Geronimo
Year: 2016
Why I like this song:
I've been saying glowing things about Hey Geronimo and they have delivered with their debut album. And this was the standout track: A glorious sense that everything is going wrong but it's still worth celebrating.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 20th July 2016
Song title: A New Career In A New Town
Artist: David Bowie
Year: 1977
Why I like this song:
And now we reach the Berlin Trilogy - Seems you can't tackle David Bowie's oeuvre without addressing these three. A career highlight and often regarded as his best work. So let's talk about the one that wasn't recorded in Berlin: Low.
Listening to Low one thing that strikes me is it's familiarity. If the Bowie albums I've listened to prior sound perplexing to me, this is one that sounds like something I've heard before - largely due to to the fact that it has been replicated many times since: Having grown up with Icehouse and the Cure, I can see (hear?) their DNA in this album. I have even picked up Not Drowning Waving's approach of half pop songs/half instrumentals. But even if this album spawned a host of disciples, it still sounds fresh and timeless. Indeed, if the seventies were indeed a fertile period for music then this could well one of the standouts.
In fact out of all the Bowie albums I've heard, this could well be my favourite.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 18th July 2016
Song title: Halcyon On and On
Artist: Orbital
Year: 1993
Why I like this song:
I've heard some good things about Orbital's 1993 album (the Brown album) so I thought it warranted a look.
I already knew of Orbital as my brother had The Altogether album and he thought highly of it. But apparently much has gushed about the Brown album so it warranted further investigation.
Turns out, the rumours were indeed true: This was a thing of beauty and has aged remarkably well, sounding just as fresh as was twenty seven years prior. Which is indeed a difficult thing to accomplish. Very danceable and very hypnotic at the same time - just as the above track demonstrates.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 8th July 2016
Song title: Mother Mother
Artist: Tracy Bonham
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
I thought this was hilarious as a teen and I still enjoy it as an adult - largely due to the older I get, the more relatable this song becomes.
Funny thing: This is such an unhinged song. Right from the word go, the descending chord pattern establishes the mood and the lyrics don't paint a very positive picture. And let's not forget: that scream is the chorus is potent.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 18th August 2018
Song title: In Memories Kotowari
Artist: Taku Iwasaki
Year: 1999
Why I like this song:
I am a big fan of Rurouni Kenshin, like a lot of other people, and I regard the OVAs, Trust and Betrayal, very highly. And this, it's theme, fits in very well with it, being moody and tragic. Iwasaki may not reach the level of distinction reserved for Yoko Kanno and Joe Hisashi but he can certainly deliver the goods.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 1st July 2016
Song title: Buy Me a Pony
Artist: Spiderbait
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
Full throttle indeed.
My first encounter with Spiderbait was Monty. Didn't think much of it but this was what really won me over. And as it happened, it's parent album, Ivy and the Big Apples, was essential listening to my mid-teens. It spoke to me, with it's mixture of aggression and cuteness, and is pretty much a quintessential teen album. If you disagree, then you were clearly never were a teenager.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 27th June 2016
Song title: Because I Love You
Artist: Montaigne
Year: 2016
Why I like this song:
Its cute and fun. And it made me realise it's the first 'pure' love song I've heard in a while. Sure there's the twist at the end but I welcome more love songs especially since I've heard countless bitter/breakup songs about someone's ex
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 24th June 2016
Song title: 'Til my Head Falls Off
Artist: They Might Be Giants
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
I do enjoy They Might Be Giants. It may be easy to say that for their goofy/witty lyrics but get past that and one can see that John and John are capable of writing some snappy pop tunes. And this is one such example.
There's a lot going for this song. The spiky guitars, the organ and the bass solo midway through. However it takes a special kind of genius to take such a nutty chorus - "And I'm not done and I won't be 'til my Head fall off!" - and extract some kind of defiance out of it.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 6th June 2016
Song title: Kismet Kill
Artist: Haley Bonar
Year: 2016
Why I like this song:
.....Ye Gods...
I've heard some songs about the fear of aging but this takes the cake. Nothing conveys a misspent youth against the never-ending march of time quite like this. I wonder if any of the people I went to high school with can relate to this..... ......probably not but one can only wonder.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 17th June 2016
Song title: Tonight Tonight
Artist: Smashing Pumpkins
Year: 1995
Why I like this song:
It may not look it at first glance but this has to be one of the best songs written about one's years teens. It certainly spoke to teen me and, I can imagine, a lot of other teens too. The strings are fantastic too.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 12th February 2017
Song title: Station to Station
Artist: David Bowie
Year: 1976
Why I like this song:
And so, with my explorations into David Bowie, we reach this: An infamous period in the man's career, where he was coked out of his mind making an album he would never recall making and the emergence of the Thin White Duke persona.
Listening to Station to Station now, it certainly is a challenging one, being weighed down with paranoia and sinister intent. And yet at the same time, it is a compelling listen. It may not make a positive prospect to make something engaging when you're on drugs and paranoid so why does David Bowie get a pass? Well, when you tear up the rulebook you can get away with anything.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 28th January 2022
Song title: The Point Beyond Which Something Will Happen
Artist: Single Gun Theory
Year: 1994
Why I like this song:
Well I heard the Single Gun Theory album Like Stars in My Hands so it was only natural that I would come to the follow-up: Flow River of My Soul.
Yes it's the one with the wonderful single Fall but as it turns out there are other gems on this album. Certainly it sounds like a step up from Like Stars in My Hands: It covers similar ground - what with the trance and use of odd samples - but with a greater sense of refinement. And, as the above track demonstrates, sounds like it was custom made to be played on a summers day,
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 10th June 2016
Song title: I Wish
Artist: Skee-Lo
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
Twenty years ago, I came across this song. At the time, I was well aware of rap music but this stood out for me due it's relatability. As an observation, a lot of nineties music was based around self-loathing - which means a troubled teen is spoiled for choice.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 1st June 2016
Song title: LSI (Love Sex Intelligence)
Artist: Shamen
Year: 1992
Why I like this song:
I heard En-Tact so I may as well go for the follow-up album Boss Drum.
I already knew the above song and it still sounds great years later. Yes it, much it's brother album, is a product of it's time but it is still a gem of house music. "C'mon!"
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 1st June 2021
Song title: If I Could Talk
Artist: The Lemonheads
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
One of the most cheerful songs about drugs ever made. Yeah, we may get suckered in the winning guitar riff and the (seemingly) nonsensical words but one could make the argument that the nature of this song leaves it open for interpretation. And to that end this song did indeed speak to me: Going by the chorus, one would think this is a song about the need for communication - which in turn resonated with me as an autistic teen. That may not have been the intent but it floated my boat.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 25th May 2016
Song title: From a Million Miles
Artist: Single Gun Theory
Year: 1991
Why I like this song:
Lately I've been listening to Single Gun Theory's album Like Stars in My Hands. I knew of this band through their wonderful single Fall - said song isn't on this album but I was still curious to find out more. After all, when electronic/house/dance music was gathering steam and commanding dance floors over the world, did Australia have anything to bring to the table?
Certainly this seems different from what was happening at the time (The KLF anyone?) what with unusual samples, use of world music and ethereal vocals but that's what makes it stand out more. So here's to that pioneering spirit.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 23rd May 2016
Song title: Hyperreal (Orbit mix)
Artist: Shamen
Year: 1990
Why I like this song:
Recently I got a copy of the Shamen's En-Tact album.
I already knew of the Shamen through the big hits Move Any Mountain and Ebenezer Goode so it's interesting to hear what else they had to say for themselves. It is particularly fascinating to hear En-Tact now as it's emblematic of that era of early nineties. If anyone wanted to know what house music was like back then, then all they need to do was listen to this. And this was guided by the hands of producer William Orbit and his touch is as sure as ever.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 23rd December 2018
Song title: If Only
Artist: Hoodoo Gurus
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
When I was a kid in the eighties, the Hoodoo Gurus seemed like the best band ever. So it was quite a surprise to find that, by the time I turned fourteen, that they were still together and still pumping out quality songs. Some may overlook this one but I think it's one of the Gurus' best: It's power pop done right and boasts a killer opening guitar riff.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 13th May 2016
Song title: Here in Your Bedroom
Artist: Goldfinger
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
With my teen discovery of punk, it wouldn't be too long before I came across it's brother genre, ska. Needless to say, this certainly is a fun song and achieves the unlikely feat of making the prospect of staying in one's bedroom appealing....
A snappy song that is, naturally, great to listen to in the car. Funny how a lot of songs one listens to when driving are associated with aggression and going fast, this is far more laid back. And all the better for it. Why shouldn't there be more laid back driving songs?
Also fun fact: This is how hotshot producer Greg Kurstin got his start
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 29th April 2016
Song title: Sonnet 73
Artist: Paul Kelly
Year: 2016
Why I like this song:
Given Paul Kelly's sizable body of work, that he releases an album of music set to Shakespeare's sonnets is certainly a surprise. Still, the theatre nerd in me was delighted. And what do you know, he does a superb job with this. He clearly understands the source material and I love the guitar tone that sounds like a church organ.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 26th August 2016
Song title: Suffragette City
Artist: David Bowie
Year: 1972
Why I like this song:
More explorations with David Bowie.
So Ziggy Stardust: The album that made him a superstar. That may be Bowie's defining moment - depending on who you ask - but I did find this song the pick of the bunch. Nutty lyrics and some superb instrumental parts make this the Starman at the top of his game. But, as it would become clear, it wasn't a place to stay....
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 18th August 2021
Song title: It's Too Slow
Artist: Hoodoo Gurus
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
Say what you want about the eighties: for me, it will forever be a golden age for Australian music. And my favorite of this era were these guys. So you can imagine my surprise and delight to find that they were still going in 1996 (proving that this revelatory year had plenty of surprises).
Whilst In Blue Cave has some decent songs, I however opted for this as being the best of this period: A song that was relegated to B-side status. Which is a baffling decision to me. Why was this gem shunted into some corner where it was unable to reach a wider audience? It certainly leaves some of the songs that did make it to In Blue Cave for dead and shows that for a veteran band, there was still some gas in the tank.
Still, I have previously mentioned that i am sucker for a motivational anthem and this is indeed the case here. It has been helpful to have around in moments of self doubt, informing me that, in some cases, if things aren't working out then jt's best to get out of it and to hell with the repercussions.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 15th April 2016
Song title: Novocaine for the Soul
Artist: Eels
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
I was a weird kid in high school. So Naturally, I would gravitate towards this band. For me, Eels were, and still are, the ultimate outsider band: Their music gave the impression of being abrasive, cute and demented - often at the same time. And this song truly was a statement of intent. Indeed, this is one band where one has to be an unhappy teenager to really latch onto.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 8th April 2016
Song title: Heartspark Dollarsign
Artist: Everclear
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
Being a teen in the mid-nineties, Everclear seemed like the biggest act around: They had some spectacular songs and could draw in big crowds. So they made an impression on my teenaged mind - not bad for bad fronted by a guy in his early thirties... Still credit to Art: he had the experience of a life lived and it came through in his songwriting. And props to him for tackling a lesser-traversed subject as interracial romance. And standing defiant against the forces that would dare split that romance apart.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 4th February 2018
Song title: Soramami Cake
Artist: Oranges and Lemons
Year: 2002
Why I like this song:
As is often the case, this is a fun opening to an equally fun series, Azumanga Daioh. And hey, when your opening theme has the line 'Goodbye Sadness' that is pretty much a mission statement.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 28th March 2016
Song title: Pool Party
Artist: Julia Jacklin
Year: 2011
Why I like this song:
The title and the vibe may establish the vibe but the voice of Julia, and the disappointment therein, suggests otherwise. Needless to say, the juxtaposition is compelling. Still, she got my attention and it will be interesting to see where Julia goes next...
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 23rd March 2016
Song title: Kooks
Artist: David Bowie
Year: 1971
Why I like this song:
Sooo.... Hunky Dory. Some say this is Bowie's best album.
Personally this song stood out for me as a favourite, what with it's quirky nature and mentally of 'you and me versus the world'. Thus is it any surprise that Bowie commanded a sizable LBGTQ audience?
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 11th March 2016
Song title: The Distance
Artist: Cake
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
Everyone has a 'never give up' song that they latch onto during their teen years and this happened to be mine. Giving it your all even when no one cares - which is admirable. In a roundabout kind of way.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 7th March 2016
Song title: The Man Who Sold the World
Artist: David Bowie
Year: 1971
Why I like this song:
With David Bowie's passing, I realised I don't know much about the man's oeuvre. Which is a strange situation given, from the outside perspective, that this guy has been adored by the critics and the public alike, has many highly regarded albums, is recognised as a trailblazer and inspired an ocean of disciples. So why is this guy - for lack of a better choice of words - alien to me? No matter: now is a good as any to get acquainted with David Bowie - and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who is encountering him for the first time.
So I've been listening to his Man Who Sold the World album. Sure we all know the title track through the Nirvana cover but what of the original? Well I found that it, along with the rest of the album, sounds eccentric: Completely unlike anything else at the time and charming in it's own way. And thus is the first step on a long journey....
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 4th March 2016
Song title: Flyers
Artist: Bradio
Year: 2015
Why I like this song:
I have been watching Death Parade recently and I simply have to comment on it's opening (above). Its loud, it grabs attention, displays some amazing vocal prowess and seems like a lot of fun for such a grim anime. Well, it make me interested in the anime so it did its job better than it could've hoped for.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 3rd March 2016
Song title: Woo-Hah!! Got You All In Check
Artist: Busta Rhymes
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
I remember enjoying this song on it's initial release. It's timing couldn't be perfect given that I, at the time, had just discovered cursing. Having Star Wars referenced in the lyrics didn't hurt either.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 22nd February 2016
Song title: A Dedication
Artist: Washed Out
Year: 2011
Why I like this song:
While we're on the topic of playing catch up, I did obtain Washed Out's first album. Five years two late I know but bare with me.
In this case however, the length of time it took to get here was a virtue. For the album itself is pretty good but the best moment comes at the end. Because said song, shown above, spoke to me in the terms of experience,
For me, this song spoke of drifting apart from one's romantic partner. True there are no shortage of songs attacking former lovers but I hold this song as unique as it doesn't take the attack approach: Instead, it is more about realisation and deciding to move on. And whilst it may be painful there is still the sense that the person leaving will look back on the relationship with a fond eye and be glad that it happened.
A situation I have lived through and no doubt many others have as well.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 19th February 2016
Song title: Punk Rock Song
Artist: Bad Religion
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
It was a prime example of punk and it came at a time when I was really tuning into it. Not much that needs to be said really (although the German version is worth a listen)
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 15th February 2016
Song title: Bedroom Eyes
Artist: Dum Dum Girls
Year: 2011
Why I like this song:
It took me a while but I finally got ahold of this album. And I'm glad I did because it's packed to the gills with guitar/dream pop gems. And this could well be the best of the lot. A killer guitar riff, harmonies aplenty and a lead singer who has enough confidence to do Chrissie Hynde proud. Clearly, it's all in the immediacy. Also, I'm watching the video and dem legs....
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 12th February 2016
Song title: Girl From Mars
Artist: Ash
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
Punk rock and girls? An unbeatable formula. As long as there are teenagers there will be an interest in punk rock. And this band did indeed speak to me as a teenager as they a) were relatable as they were still teenagers themselves and b) talked about topics that I was trying to understand (girls). Funny how these guys reached me when Blink-182 did not...
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 10th February 2016
Song title: Wide Open
Artist: The Chemical Brothers with Beck
Year: 2015
Why I like this song:
I've been listening to the Chemical Brothers new album Born in the Echoes. And, as is often the case with the Chemical Brothers, they leave the best part until last.
It certainly is a surprise to see Tom and Ed join forces with Beck - indeed, a sceptic would think this is a deliberate attempt to appeal to nineties nostalgia. But whatever: the end result is magic, with Mr Hansen giving a superb vocal performance and the Brothers making a wonderful backing. In fact, I think this is cut from the same cloth as Surface to Air: Expansive (hence the title?) and yet more mellow. Proof that for all their energy, Tom and Ed can be subtle when they want to.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 10th July 2018
Song title: I Can Hear
Artist: DISH//
Year: 2013
Why I like this song:
Considering that Naruto is well regarded amongst the emo fandom perhaps it is fitting that an emo sounding song should be utilised as one of Naruto's ending themes.
Okay maybe it's more pop-punk than emo but I find it of interest due to it's bonkers nature (use of DJ and very strange Engrish chorus) and it's undeniable energy. I suppose every teenager gets into some form of pop-punk at some point and, once established, it never really leaves you
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 29th January 2016
Song title: Wombo Lombo
Artist: Angelique Kidjo
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
At the time I didn't know what to make of this but, within time. it grew on me. Don't know about the rest of you, but nothing says 'mid-nineties' to me quite like this. And it has a funkiness more modern songs can only dream of. And it takes a Benin woman to show them all how it's done.
1996 was the year the first Mission Impossible movie came out and, proving that the original theme is unbeatable, it came accompanied by this reworking of the theme. Sure everyone knows this version but I always felt this one was better. More energetic.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 15th January 2016
Song title: Fable
Artist: Robert Miles
Year: 1996
Why I like this song:
Yes Children may have been the bigger hit and yes this doesn't sound that much different, but for sone reason I always preferred this. Somehow it has a sense of wonder and mystery that won me over.
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 13th January 2016
Song title: Chili Town
Artist: Hinds
Year: 2015
Why I like this song:
This dropped by seemingly out of the blue: Four young ladies (three Spanish, one Dutch) taking a Lo-Fi approach to music. Can't say I know much about Lo-Fi but this intrigues me: It's ramshackle, the accents are super thick, and it's akin to getting drunk at a party. But that's what make it so appealing. "I am flirting! With this guy!"
Original video locatedhere. Accessed 5th August 2021
Song title: Minna no Peace
Artist: Afromania
Year: 2007
Why I like this song:
I watched a lot of anime in 2015 - call it a catch-up after some time away from the medium. And Gurren Lagann was one of them.
I once heard Gurren Lagann being described as Gainax's 'apology letter for Evangelion' and I can buy it. It was fun, bombastic, and loaded with some interesting narrative choices. And whilst it had numerous closings, I liked this one the best. Definitely has that 'never say die' attitude that powered it's parent anime.