We Are Live: Everything's (not too good at the moment)

Original video located here. Accessed 27th June 2024

Song title: Everything's Fucked

Artist: Dirty Three

Year: 1994

Why I like this song:

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing the Dirty Three.
This has been a long time coming and was a welcome birthday present from my wife. I knew the Dirty Three had a fearsome reputation as a live act so it was an opportunity to put such a reputation to the test. I mean, I had seen Warren on stage before as part of the Bad Seeds so I should know what to expect, right?

Turns out I was wrong. Seeing the Dirty Three was truly something else: Songs that were stretched out for an astonishing length that - remarkably - never got dull. Warren proving to be a charismatic presence, complete with fascinating dialogues and gyrating. Some truly frenzied playing from all involved. A freakish mental connection between all three players. And all keeping the audience spellbound, often in complete silence.
Truly a remarkable experience. 

Back to the Eighties: Breaking the Law

Original video located here. Accessed 18th June 2024

Song title: Breaking the Law

Artist: Judas Priest

Year: 1980

Why I like this song:

Well seeing it's Pride Month.... ;)

Obituary: Peeled Apples

Original video located here. Accessed 25th May 2024

Song title: Peeled Apples

Artist: Manic Street Preachers

Year: 2009

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Steve Albini

I imagine the music world will be talking up his production skills, particularly with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and the Dirty Three. I however wish to call attention to his production on the Manic Street Preachers album Journal For Plague Lovers.
It certainly gave the Manics the bite that had been lacking since The Holy Bible and, given this was effectively a eulogy for Richey, was the Manics going all out. 
And boy did it deliver. 

Obituary: The Sunset

Original video located here. Accessed 26th April 2024

Song title: The Sunset

Artist: The Moody Blues

Year: 1967

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Mike Pinder

Lots of great songs on Days of Future Passed but this one always stood out for me for both its minimalistic approach and the use of percussion. Perfect for watching the sun go down on a hill somewhere...

Obituary: In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed

Original video located here. Accessed 19th April 2024

Song title: In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed

Artist: The Allman Brothers Band

Year: 1970

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Dickey Betts

Say hi to Duane, Berry, Butch and Gregg for us.

Classics: Sheena Is A Punk Rocker

Original video located here. Accessed 30th March 2024

Song title: Sheena Is A Punk Rocker

Artist: The Ramones

Year: 1976

Why I like this song:

Fifty years to the day

Obituary: Steve Harley

Original video located here. Accessed 18th March 2024

Song title: Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)

Artist: Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel

Year: 1975

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Steve Harley

A snappy pop song that certainly sounds distinctive from the other pop songs of the era. Even now.
Actually I agree with Jeremy Clarkson: Don't trust anyone who doesn't like this song,