Classics: Happy Xmas (War is Over)

Original video located here. Accessed 24th December 2018

Song title: Happy Xmas (War is Over)

Artist: John Lennon

Year: 1971

Why I like this song:

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Nineties Revisited: Killing in the Name

Original video located here. Accessed 22nd December 2018

Song title: Killing in the Name

Artist: Rage Against the Machine

Year: 1992

Why I like this song:

Driving in the car with gf and singing along to the music in the stereo.
The song we're singing? This one

Choon of the Month: You Got Left Behind

Original video located here. Accessed 16th December 2018

Song title: You Got Left Behind

Artist: Jaguar Jonze

Year: 2019

Why I like this song:

This song sticks out for me as nothing quite articulates some of the anxieties of my approaching forties...

The Asian Connection: Inochi No Kioku

Original video located here. Accessed 5th December 2018

Song title: Inochi No Kioku

Artist: Nikaido Kazumi

Year: 2013

Why I like this song:

This is the closing theme to The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. the final movie from Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata. Having recently watched said movie, it is clear that this was intended to be final gesture, with it's musings on a life and how the limited time on this earth should be spent.

Fitting that this heartbreaker should close it out.

Choon of the Month: Cactus Country

Original video located here. Accessed 26th November 2018

Song title: Cool Sounds

Artist: Cactus Country

Year: 2018

Why I like this song:

Yes it may owe more than a little to Tame Impala but that guitar riff in the middle stands out for me.
Not sure why but best not question it,...

Classics: Midnight Rider

Original video located here. Accessed 17th October 2018

Song title: Midnight Rider

Artist: The Allman Brothers Band

Year: 1970

Why I like this song:

Some more explorations with the Allman Brothers band. I heard their first album so it is natural that I graduate to the second album, Idlewild South. And yeah, this is great. 
If it's surprising that I came to this band at all then the bigger surprise is that I'm really enjoying it.

However I wonder if listening to this kind of blues rock is an indication I am approaching middle age....

Choon of the Month: Singularity

Original video located here. Accessed 28th September 2018

Song title: Singularity

Artist: Jon Hopkins

Year: 2017

Why I like this song:

Absolutely staggering in it's hypnotic nature. 
Another leap forward for electronic music? I think so

Explorations: Black-Hearted Woman

Original video located here. Accessed 19th September 2018

Song title: Black-Hearted Woman

Artist: The Allman Brothers Band

Year: 1969

Why I like this song:

Lately I've been listening The Allman Brothers Band.

For all the left-turns I've been taking with my musical tastes, this could be most surprising. I myself am not sure what drew me to this band: Was it the tragic backstory attached to them? Was it the fact that they had two drummers? Was this a progression from me listening to the Black Keys? 

But who cares for reasons? This rocks hard and shows what Duane Allman could accomplish on guitar.

The Asian Connection: Tank!

Original video located here. Accessed 7th September 2018

Song title: Tank!

Artist: Seatbelts

Year: 1998

Why I like this song:

Do I really need to explain this song? Its the opening to Cowboy Bebop. It's intro music that one dare not skip. It's a statement of intent. It never gets old no matter how many times I hear it (and believe you me there have been many times I've heard this). It can easily work without it's parent anime. Its masterfully executed. 

That a song can pull off all of the above, no easy task, makes it a triumph.

We Are Live: In the Fade

Original video located here. Accessed 5th September 2018

Song title: In the Fade

Artist: Queens of the Stone Age

Year: 2000

Why I like this song:

Recently I went to see Queens of the Stone Age perform live. It wasn't the first time I have seen Josh and his crew perform - that occurred back in 2007 - but the first time clearly established what to expect: A band that delivers on stage that they cease being a band and more a force of nature. As such, they are hands down one of the best live bands I've seen and worth a second look. 

First up on stage was the first of two support acts: the Chats. They delivered an energetic performance and were hilarious with their stage banter.

Next was CW Stoneking. He too delivered a solid performance and even had Vika and Linda Bull in his backing band (smart move).

And then came the Queens. They came onstage to the theme of A Clockwork Orange and went ahead into another rip roaring set. The majority of the songs came from the latest Villains album with one song from Rated R (as above), fours songs from Songs For the Deaf, two from Lullabies, one from two Vulgaris and two from Like Clockwork. I suppose it's a given that they are working off the back of a recently released album but I still wait for the way when I can see them live and they play Feel Good Hit of the Summer.

Still the Queens were fun to watch and they still deliver an inpressive live set.

Obituary: The Willow Garden

Original video located here. Accessed 23rd July 2021

Song title: The Willow Garden

Artist: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Year: 1995

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Conway Savage

The Bad Seeds may be Nick Cave's backing band but they are still a force in their own right. So it is indeed a rarity when of them, pianist Conway Savage, steps up to the mike to take lead vocals.
If Nick is the Prince of Darkness then Conway is that guy in a corner in some smoke-filled bar.

Nineties Revisited: Nobody's Fault But My Own

Original video located here. Accessed 30th August 2021

Song title: Nobody's Fault But My Own

Artist: Beck

Year: 1998

Why I like this song:

....When you have to live with your mistakes...

Choon of the Month: Feardom

Original video located here. Accessed 27th August 2018

Song title: Feardom

Artist: Meres

Year: 2018

Why I like this song:

Well this rocks hard so it's good enough for me.
If this is an attempt to replicate the garage sound of the early 2000s then it's fine by me

Nineties Revisited: This Years Love

Original video located here. Accessed 25th August 2018

Song title: This Year's Love

Artist: David Gray

Year: 1998

Why I like this song:

One of the most touching love songs ever written. It has enough heart and soul to make rocks weep

Nineties Revisited: The Everlasting

Original video located here. Accessed 19th August 2021

Song title: The Everlasting

Artist: Manic Street Preachers

Year: 1998

Why I like this song:

This song is the opening track to the Manic's fifth album. I knew of them beforehand but this song truly solidified my interest in them. Indeed, there is something about looking back to where you have come from (hence this series). And at the time, when everyone was venerating big dumb rock, this seemed different and more intelligent. And therefore more interesting.

Of course it meant I was out on my own but to have a guitar solo like that backed with sweeping strings, it was a small price to pay.

Funny thing: For a time afterwards, I would be flicking through the radio stations and I would hear this a lot on the Christian radio. A surprise to be sure (I can imagine the producers would balk at the Manic's earlier stuff) but it is reassuring to know that someone else likes the same stuff as you do.

The Asian Connection: Denwashite Darling

Original video located here. Accessed 8th August 2021

Song title: Denwashite Darling

Artist: Yuki Ishii

Year: 1998

Why I like this song:

The very seventies-sounding ending theme to the Adventures of Mini Goddess (and predated Daft Punk's Random Access Memories by a decade and a half). Yet that seventies replication is part of it's charm.

This Song Rocks: Suburbs

 

Original video located here. Accessed 1st August 2018

Song title: Suburbs

Artist: Bird Automatic

Year: 2008

Why I like this song:

2008 was the year I relocated to Melbourne. I had been offered paid employment and, by accepting it, I was making a bold step forward in my life.

2008 was also the year that this song was released. And I will forever associate it with taking that step forward, wondering how all my friends in Tassie are doing and countless train trips.

Funny how a certain song can pinpoint a certain point in one's life

We Are Live: I've Got a Plan

Original video located here. Accessed 30th July 2018

Song title: I've Got a Plan

Artist: My Friend the Chocolate Cake

Year: 1994

Why I like this song:

Recently I had the pleasure of seeing My Friend the Chocolate Cake live.
Prior to this, I had seen David Bridie live and I'd seen Not Drowning Waving live. Which means that now the trifecta is complete.

This was part of My Friend the Chocolate Cake's farewell tour so I may as well see them while I can.

And it was a real good show: I was told previously that Hope and Helen tend to duke it out with each other on the strings and that was the case here. And despite Andrew Carswell clearly being missed, the rest of the band performed admirably well. David's voice is still in good condition and the stage anter was great.

So yeah, this has been a long time coming and I'm glad it happened. 

Choon of the Month: Be Alright

Original video located here. Accessed 27th July 2018

Song title: Be Alright

Artist: Dean Lewis

Year: 2018

Why I like this song:

There's break up songs and then there's this: An acknowledgement that break ups are a process that's far from easy and will take both time and some considerable work. And you never hear such subject matter often in a pop song, let alone with such honesty, so props to this guy.

I've heard some people compare this to Dry Your Eyes by the Streets. Granted both songs tackle similar subject matter but I will give credit to this one as it acknowledges that break ups aren't the easiest thing to address and will take time to get over. More songs should do that. 

This Song Rocks: Wish You Were Here

Original video located here. Accessed 23rd July 2018

Song title: Wish You Were Here

Artist: Charlie Collins

Year: 2018

Why I like this song:

Dream/jangle pop of the eighties gets a new coat of paint. And it works a treat.

This Song Rocks: Sista Girl

Original video located here. Accessed 20th July 2018

Song title: Sista Girl

Artist: Oetha

Year: 2018

Why I like this song:

A snappy empowerment anthem with a neat sax sample. 
Now that I think about it, it can be hard to write something that props someone up without putting someone else down but this song actually pulls it off. And that's enough to be a winner in my book.

Nineties Revisited: Whippin Piccadilly

Original video located here. Accessed 12th July 2018

Song title: Whippin' Piccadilly

Artist: Gomez

Year: 1998

Why I like this song:

There was this period of time (1998-2000) when this band were making waves - as kind of like the band that a certain brand of person listened to. You know: smart/uni-minded/big brothers/people who know good music that may not be readily available. I will admit it took me a while to latch onto Gomez but when it did, it was worth it.

As for this particular song, I like the build up. I like the mischievous nature of it. I like summer vibe it gives off (much like the rest of Gomez's catalogue). Can't ask for more really....

Nineties Revisited: Resurrection

Original video located here. Accessed 11th July 2018

Song title: Resurrection

Artist: Fear Factory

Year: 1998

Why I like this song:

And now for something heavier

I had no interest in metal in my teens but that doesn't mean there weren't flirtations.

Ultimately, I like this song for it's theme of resurrection (as the title indicates), the sledgehammer riffs and the use of electronics.

And for all the times I have picked myself up off the floor having been knocked down, there is indeed value in the words: "Revive / Once Agaaaaaaaaaaaiiinnnnnnnnn......."

Nineties Revisited: The Day You Come

Original video located here. Accessed 10th July 2018

Song title: The Day You Come

Artist: Powderfinger

Year: 1998

Why I like this song:

For a long time, i have viewed Powderfinger as being in the same boat as Nirvana: That band that people view as the 'be-all-end-all' so everyone else may as well give up now.

But I do maintain a soft spot for this song because I remember hearing ti for the first time back in 1998 and it hitting me like a bullet right between the eyes. It's a comment of racism and frustration that still applies to this day. And those vocals in the climax....

The Asian Connection: Yakitori

Original video located here. Accessed 9th July 2018

Song title: Yakitori

Artist: Yoko Kanno

Year: 2003

Why I like this song:

Another standout track to the Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex OST and a firm reminder of how the damn thing went hard as. Indeed, I recall nicknaming this as 'the seven minute guitar solo'.
Not much else to say really: it rocks hard and features some stunning dynamics. 

Choon of the Month: Nobody

Original video located here. Accessed 29th June 2018

Song title: Nobody

Artist: Mitski

Year: 2018

Why I like this song:

This is quite an unsettling song: The lyrical content is quite clearly someone having a breakdown yet the music behind it is quite funky.
But it's exactly it's unhinged nature that makes it so compelling. 

This Song Rocks: Empty

Original video located here. Accessed 22nd June 2018

Song title: Empty

Artist: Matilda Duncan

Year: 2018

Why I like this song:

Simple but with some great guitar work and some hard-hitting lyrics. The  build to the climax is the icing on the cake.

The Asian Connection: Platinum

Original video located here. Accessed 8th December 2019

Song title: Platinum

Artist: Maaya Sakamoto

Year: 1998

Why I like this song:

Trying to top Catch You Catch Me may be a monumental task but this song certainly gives it a red-hot go. 
Very much a representation of it's parent series. And, much like Sakura herself, if the first opening was youthful enthusiasm then this is said enthusiasm tempered with wisdom and experience. 

Choon of the Month: Magnetise

Original video located here. Accessed 28th May 2018

Song title: Essie Holt

Artist: Magnetise

Year: 2018

Why I like this song:

Beautiful use of synths and vocal effects. 
Kinda gives off the idea of travelling through space (doubt if that was the intention but still..._)

The Asian Connection: Onna No Ko Otoko No Ko

Original video located here. Accessed 7th May 2018

Song title: Onna No Ko Otoko No Ko

Artist: Yuko Ogura

Year: 2004

Why I like this song:

Its cute, as has been a lot of other jpop I've mentioned on this blog, but at the same time there is a degree of nastiness in the lyrics (especially in the English version courtesy of Funimation). And its that juxtaposition that makes the song so interesting.

Choon of the Month: Kidult

Original video located here. Accessed 27th April 2018

Song title: Kidult

Artist: Terra Pines

Year: 2018

Why I like this song:

Spooky guitar riffs and equally spooky vocals certainly make for a compelling listen. 

This Song Rocks: Jesse

Original video located here. Accessed 20th April 2018

Song title: Jesse

Artist: Borneo

Year: 2018

Why I like this song:

It may be oddly structed and disjointed but what's there works wonders.
I guess the harmonica opening won me over.

Got it Covered: Come

Original video located here. Accessed 30th September 2020

Song title: Come

Artist: Namie Amuro

Originally Done By: Sophie Monk

Year: 2003

Why I like this song:

Proof, once again, that InuYasha has the best closing themes.
Compared to My Will and Dearest, this has an aura of mystery that makes it very compelling. It also helps that it starts with a fade in making less of a start and more of an arrival. 
Much like it's brethren, this is a love song but one that takes the seductive approach - and is all the better for it. 

Choon of the Month: About You

Original video located here. Accessed 26th March 2018

Song title: About You

Artist: G-Flip

Year: 2018

Why I like this song:

Some songs arrive, others just stomp in like Godzilla. 
It's certainly different when compared to the other acts proliferating in a post-Lorde world but this one works through it's sheer brute force. And that's what's cool about it.

Nineties Revisited: Derwent River Star

Original video located here. Accessed 21st March 2018

Song title: Derwent River Star

Artist: Paradise Motel

Year: 1998

Why I like this song:

I've always loved this song - most likely it's the strings that make it for me.
Plus this band was formed in Hobart and still has two of those founding members in it. So, Tassie represent yo.

Nineties Revisited: Dreams

Original video located here. Accessed 18th March 2018

Song title: Dreams

Artist: The Cranberries

Year: 1993

Why I like this song:

This past week, I've been going back and discovering The Cranberries 1993 debut album, Everybody Else Is Doing It So Why Can't We?.

It seems the legacy of the Cranberries lies largely on the big hit Zombie that came from the album that followed this one. Indeed, I recall back in 1994/5 when Zombie became ubiquitous to the point where it, and Dolores O'Riordan's unique voice, became a joke. So surely there is more to this band than that big hit, right?

So for me, it comes as a surprise that Everybody Else Is Doing It So Why Can't We sounds like a different band. The two lead-off singles, Dreams and Linger, are indeed gems that have aged little over two decades later. And the rest of the material sound superb, with cracking songs, great guitar work, production by Smiths producer Stephen Street and Dolores' voice bring put to great use.

To me, the title of the album is indeed telling as this album sound remarkably out of step to what else was happening at the time (1993) but honestly? I will champion anyone who shuns trends for marching to the beat of their own drum.

So all in all, a great album and I can see why some Cranberries fans regard it as their best.

The Asian Connection: Arigatou

Original video located here. Accessed 9th March 2018

Song title: Thank You!!

Artist: Home Made Kazoku

Year: 2005

Why I like this song:

Talk about a funky way to close a TV series (Bleach).

It may not fit an action-packed series like Bleach but it's a very chill rap. And I'm a sucker for a snappy chorus

The Asian Connection: Candy Pop

Original video located here. Accessed 28th September 2022

Song title: Candy Pop

Artist: Heartsdales with SOUL'd OUT

Year: 2003

Why I like this song:

First saw this as it was utilised as a Haruhi AMV. And once I got past the mind-boggling editing I realised that this was a snappy song. 
Yes we can laugh at the Engrish but that doesn't take one iota from this song's charm. In fact you could make the argument that the Engrish adds to it.

Choon of the Month: Bininj Kunborrk

Original video located here. Accessed 26th February 2018

Song title: Bininj Kunborrk

Artist: Black Rock Band

Year: 2018

Why I like this song:

Proof that the First Nations people can turn out a cracking rock tune. More please!

Explorations: Mr November

Original video located here. Accessed 29th December 2019

Song title: Mr. November

Artist: The National

Year: 2005

Why I like this song:

Lately I've been listening to the National.
Coming to this band has been along time coming: My brother has been raving on about them and insisted that I would like them, given my adoration for Joy Division and Nick Cave.

And as it happens this album, often regarded as their best, is pretty good. Certainly there are some goth touches throughout but this certainly seems less cold than many of the goth bands I have come to know. Still nothing wrong with taking a new spin and tried and tested material

The Asian Connection: Minami Kaze

Original video located here. Accessed 7th February 2018

Song title: Minami Kaze

Artist: Mikuni Shimokawa

Year: 2005

Why I like this song:

I have previously spoken of how the openings to Full Metal Panic are really strong (of course they are all done by the same artist). But I think that this, the opening the Second Raid, might have to be the strongest of the lot.
Funny how a joyous opening theme accompanies the most grimmest of the Full Metal Panic anime.

Obituary: Linger

Original video located here. Accessed 27th January 2018

Song title: Linger

Artist: The Cranberries

Year: 1993

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Dolores O'Riordan

Zombie may have been the bigger hit but I always felt this was better. Certainly shows off what Dolores could do with that voice of hers.

The Asian Connection: 150 Million Miracles

Original video located here. Accessed 10th January 2018

Song title: 150 Million Miracles

Artist: Akihiko Matsumoto

Year: 2009

Why I like this song:

I recently saw Summer Wars. It's an excellent movie with great ideas and loads of heart.
But the emotional apex comes at the climax, accompanied by this.

"Please use my account. And protect my precious family"
(a moment guaranteed to break the hardest of hearts)

Obituary: Twilight Time

Original video located here. Accessed 5th January 2018

Song title: Twilight Time

Artist: The Moody Blues

Year: 1967

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Ray Thomas

There's a lot a stylistic ground covered on Days of Future Passed and this is, hands down, the spookiest. Even to a point where one would think the Moodies didn't have it in them, let alone the songwriter Ray Thomas - I say that as he plays the flute, which is absent here, and his previous effort on the album, Another Morning, seems lightweight by comparison. 

Still I do recall this song (and it's parent album) making quite the impression on me when I was nine years old. So here's to you Ray.