Monday, February 26, 2018

Choon of the Month: Bininj Kunborrk


Original video located here. Accessed 26th February 2018

Song title: Bininj Kunborrk

Artist: Black Rock Band

Year: 2018

Why I like this song:

Proof that the First Nations people can turn out a cracking rock tune. More please!

Friday, February 16, 2018

Explorations: Mr November


Original video located here. Accessed 29th December 2019

Song title: Mr. November

Artist: The National

Year: 2005

Why I like this song:

Lately I've been listening to the National.
Coming to this band has been along time coming: My brother has been raving on about them and insisted that I would like them, given my adoration for Joy Division and Nick Cave.

And as it happens this album, often regarded as their best, is pretty good. Certainly there are some goth touches throughout but this certainly seems less cold than many of the goth bands I have come to know. Still nothing wrong with taking a new spin and tried and tested material

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

The Asian Connection: Minami Kaze


Original video located here. Accessed 7th February 2018

Song title: Minami Kaze

Artist: Mikuni Shimokawa

Year: 2005

Why I like this song:

I have previously spoken of how the openings to Full Metal Panic are really strong (of course they are all done by the same artist). But I think that this, the opening the Second Raid, might have to be the strongest of the lot.
Funny how a joyous opening theme accompanies the most grimmest of the Full Metal Panic anime.

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Obituary: Linger


Original video located here. Accessed 27th January 2018

Song title: Linger

Artist: The Cranberries

Year: 1993

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Dolores O'Riordan

Zombie may have been the bigger hit but I always felt this was better. Certainly shows off what Dolores could do with that voice of hers.

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

The Asian Connection: 150 Million Miracles


Original video located here. Accessed 10th January 2018

Song title: 150 Million Miracles

Artist: Akihiko Matsumoto

Year: 2009

Why I like this song:

I recently saw Summer Wars. It's an excellent movie with great ideas and loads of heart.
But the emotional apex comes at the climax, accompanied by this.

"Please use my account. And protect my precious family"
(a moment guaranteed to break the hardest of hearts)

Friday, January 5, 2018

Obituary: Twilight Time


Original video located here. Accessed 5th January 2018

Song title: Twilight Time

Artist: The Moody Blues

Year: 1967

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Ray Thomas

There's a lot a stylistic ground covered on Days of Future Passed and this is, hands down, the spookiest. Even to a point where one would think the Moodies didn't have it in them, let alone the songwriter Ray Thomas - I say that as he plays the flute, which is absent here, and his previous effort on the album, Another Morning, seems lightweight by comparison. 

Still I do recall this song (and it's parent album) making quite the impression on me when I was nine years old. So here's to you Ray.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Nineties Revisited: The Private Psychedelic Reel


Original video located here. Accessed 25th September 2021

Song title: The Private Psychedelic Reel

Artist: The Chemical Brothers

Year: 1997

Why I like this song:

This, dear reader, is my favorite song from 1993-2012.

So what makes this song special? Well, as indicated by previous posts, I like songs that are exciting. I like songs that i can hear over and over again and never tire of. I like instrumentals as they invite the listener to form their own reactions. And I like songs that demand full attention.

Needless to say, The Private Psychedelic Reel fulfills all criteria.

There is a lot going on in this song and it's never overwhelming. It is over nine minutes long and it is never boring. It is energetic but never tiring. Hey, even that clarinet solo fits in with ease.

So it is with confidence that I bestow The Private Psychedelic Reel with the title of the best song of 1993-2012.