Nineties Revisited: Happy Birthday

Original video located here. Accessed 11 June 2013

Song title: Happy Birthday

Artist: The Ramones

Year: 1993

Why I like this song:

Its that time of the year again....

This Song Rocks: Conventional Lover

Original video located here. Accessed 3rd April 2023

Song title: Conventional Lover

Artist: Speck

Year: 2009

Why I like this song:

I came across this song through Rock Band2 and it still cracks me up every time I hear it. A song loaded with geek references? What not to like?

Obituary: Tribal Voice

Original video located here. Accessed 18th September 2013

Song title: Tribal Voice

Artist: Yothu Yindi

Year: 1991

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. M. Yunupingu

I remember hearing a lot of Yothu Yindi's music in the early nineties. They had a sizable number of hits that were largely inescapable - certainly my school thought so too as they were regularly played on the PA to signal the end of lunch. I guess it was vital for the kids to become aware of First Nations art and culture as well as Keating government throwing their support behind Yothu Yindi. 

Still this song rocks hard and, as a call to arms, leaves a legacy to be proud of.

The Asian Connection: My Place

Original video located here. Accessed 3rd June 2014

Song title: My Place Daiou

Artist: Manzo

Year: 2004

Why I like this song:

Years ago, I watched the anime Genshiken with some buddies of mine - pretty much the only way one can watch it. And, like a lot of other people, I watched this cast of characters and thought: "I know these people". Since then, I have a soft spot for the anime.

And as for it's opening theme? It's fun, energetic and I've played it many times on the way to many a anime convention XD

Choon of the Month: Distance

Original video located here. Accessed 27th May 2013

Song title: Distance

Artist: Beaches

Year: 2013

Why I like this song:

At first listen one would think this is a driving song. And that would be for me but not the kind of driving song one would think: Less about the open road and more heading into the desert with no idea whether or not you'll be coming back...

We Are Live: Don't Let's Start

Original video located here. Accessed 15th May 2013

Song title: Don't Let's Start

Artist: They Might Be Giants

Year: 1987

Why I like this song:

I recently had the pleasure of seeing They Might be Giants when they came to Hobart.

For such a quirky band one would think their live show would be just as bizarre. And that certainly is the case: A sock puppet routine mid-show? Splitting the audience in half and getting opposing chants happening? 

Still it was a fun show with all the recognisable songs: New York City, Don't Let's Start, Istanbul (Not Constantinople), Dr Worm, Ana Ng, Why Does the Sun Shine?, and Birdhouse in Your Soul. What is particularly surprising - at least to me - is that they played some lesser known album tracks: Letterbox and Dead. I didn't thank they were that well-regarded but still... 

Also John Flansburgh is truly an energetic guitarist. 

The Asian Connection: Free Bird

Original video located here. Accessed 6th May 2013

Song title: Free Bird

Artist: Kou Otani

Year: 2002

Why I like this song:

Haibane Renmei is an anime I have fond memories of watching - not least of which is it's opening theme. Very Celtic and truly sets the stage of it's parent anime, with its combination of whimsy and mystery,