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...
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.
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,
Original video located here. Accessed 26th April 2013
Song title: Get Lucky
Artist: Daft Punk with Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers
Year: 2013
Why I like this song:
I am at a loss for words: It may be a revamp of seventies disco but it does it so well, with not a single note out of place. Certainly seems a strange progression from the duo that made Homework but it's welcome one.
Original video located here. Accessed 24th April 2013
Song title: Human Spring
Artist: Buchanan
Year: 2013
Why I like this song:
It charges out the speakers with so much force that it's difficult to ignore.
Original video located here. Accessed 22nd April 2013
Song title: I Touch Myself
Artist: Divinyls
Year: 1991
Why I like this song:
R.I.P. Chrissy Amphlett
I must've been nine years old when this song hit big. At the time, it made me giggle with the opening line. This was due because I had already heard the phrase 'They love themselves' and knew it has used in anything but a positive manner (of course, it was only years later that I picked up on what being 'self-absorbed' means).
Needless to say, it took me some considerable time before I latched onto what this song was trying to convey.
Still it's a snappy song and part of the appeal is Chrissy's performance, playing the true provocateur and enjoying every minute of it.
So here's to you Chrissy
Song title: Duvet
Artist: Boa
Year: 1998
Why I like this song:
Back in 2000, I watched all of Serial Experiment Lain in one sitting.
It effectively turned my brain to custard but it did have a really unforgettable opening theme.
Given that this is by a western band, does this count as Asian pop? Maybe not but I can only wonder how many people got into Boa through Serial Experiments Lain.