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