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.