TTT #43: Covers!

This week I have decided to do another playlist of covers.  These are some of the newer covers I have in my library.  I decided I would share them with you folks.  It's a rainy day out today, and as usual, I like to listen to slow music on a rainy day.  Don't worry though, I end it with a bang...


On with it...


TTT #43 Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist



No Scrubs...No 'Bustas'

No Angels - Bastille & Ella

These one is sort of a remix-y kind of thing.  It is essentially a cover of No Scrubs by TLC.  With a little bit of Angels by XX.  He's got some wicked hair, so it has to be awesome right?

SHE'S LYING!!!!

Billie Jean - The Civil Wars

If you haven't heard of these guys yet, you are welcome.  They named themselves after the bloodiest battle in American history.  More Americans lost their lives in The Civil War than any other war.  That would stand to reason as we were the only country fighting in The Civil War, hence the civil part.  They could have just made up the name, but that seems highly unlikely.



BINGBANGBOOM

Live And Let Die - Duffy

She can get it.  She's got that 60's mod thing going.  I can dig that.  I like the 60's.  I like the Mary Tyler Moore circa 1962 look.  It works.  Plus this is just a really good cover.  It doesn't have "the riff" but it still works in the end, for me at least.



Erin No Likey

Sweet Child O Mine - Taken By Trees

Another artist you should like more if you don't already.  This is a nice cover.  It might have to grow on you a little bit.  I'm not sure how I feel about the main riff being played on a piano but other than that I can really get behind what she has done here.  You go girl.


*snaps*


Highway Rum

Faithfully - Clem Snide

Clem here actually did a 6 or 7 song LP of Journey covers.  This will be some people's cup o tea and other, not so much.  Hardcore Journey fans, probably not.  I like it.  That's why it's here.  I am the most important person typing right now, so as I am my current audience, I only have to please myself.  That doesn't sound right...ah well...



Yes.

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow - Roberta Flack

This is just a beautiful version of this Shirelles hit.  I may even like this more than the original.  That is saying something.  I rarely like things more than the original.  Especially songs from the 60's.  I usually hate people messing with my 60's.  Don't do it.  Don't think about doing it.  70's.  OK that's fine.  50's?  Sure.  Stay your ass out of the 60's.  I mean it.



Say Uncle!

Headlock - Lennon & Maisy

These girls.  These girls right here.  12 and 8.  At least at the time of this recording.  Does that make anyone else feel like they messed up somewhere?  Geez.  Such a good song.  Such a great cover.  These 2 were a random YouTube find, or maybe CouchSeats.com.  Not really sure at this point.  All I know is that those two girls have a future because their harmonies are flawless.  I just love them.



Imogen Heap again...

Hide & Seek - Antoine Dufour

If you don't know the song Hide & Seek by Imogen Heap (it's great) pause this list.  Go listen to that song a few times.  Done?  Ok.  Now hit play and listen to this man flawlessly recreate that song on acoustic guitar.  His harmonics are just so pure and perfect.  I wish I could play half as good as this guy.  So beautiful.  The expression...



Bringing It Back Up!

Rock El Casbah - Rachid Taha

Apparently, boogeyman in Algerian is boogeyman.  Who knew?




I hope you enjoyed this week's list.  Let me know what you think.

Shariff don't like it...

That would be the perfect thing for you to comment with Sherry...

KKNY signing off...

TTT #42: Welcome To Night Vale

I started listening to a new podcast called Welcome To Night Vale.  It is a very strange, and oddly hilarious, story telling podcast.  It is done in the sense that the podcaster is the lone radio personality of a small desert town named Night Vale.  It is clear very quickly that Night Vale is not your ordinary city.  You should listen to find out.

A quote to entice:

"I think the best way to die is to be eaten by a giant snake.  Going feet first, and whole, into a slimy maw would give your life great...symmetry."

That's just great.

Due to the rarity of some of these songs, there will not be a complete Spotifty Playlist.  If you want the whole list, 8tracks is your only bet. =)

And now...the weather...


TTT #42 Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist




The Dog Park

These And More Than These - Joseph Fink

There are no dogs allowed in the dog park.  There are no people allowed in the dog park.  If you see hooded figures in the dog park, do not stare.  Ignore the dog park.  There is no dog park.




The Glow Cloud

The Bus Is Late - Satellite High

All hail the glow cloud.



Station Management

Bill & Annie - Chuck Brodsky

This is one of two people on this list who think they are Bob Dylan.  I do like this song more than the other though...


*gets an envelope from under the door*



PTA Meeting

Closer - The Tiny

It's good to see the glow cloud taking part in the community.



The Shape In Grove Park

Jerusalem - Dan Bern

This guy definitely wishes he were Bob Dylan.

The shape has moved in front of the radio station, in the event you are having trouble finding this town landmark.



The Drawbridge

 

Aye - Dio (Not the one you'd think)

This is a German rap group, not Ronny James.

The entertainment complex does not exist.  You are hallucinating.

History Week

Despite What You've Been Told - Two Gallants

Strange to think that you reading this text right this second is now a part of the history of your life...

The Lights In Radon Canyon

This Too Shall Pass - Danny Schmidt

This is my new absolute favorite song of the moment...

Carlos was hard at work trying to discover what exactly the light above the Arby's is.  That is, until he was given a bad haircut and went missing.

PYRAMID

Last Song - Jason Webley

Get it? Because it's the last...nvm

Do not approach the pyramid.  It's progeny is upon us.

I hope you enjoyed this blog.  Short.  Night Vale.  Joseph Fink.  Genius.

KKNY signing off until next week...sleep tight...

TTT #41: Meh...

I am feeling meh...so this blog will be meh...

The music is good.  But I am meh...

Also, Yahoo has discontinued their video players service.  I will bring videos back whenever I have a better way to display them.  meh...

TTT #41 Playlist

Twitter for Spotify Playlist

Ein Kleine Berliner

Berlin Lovers - Still Corners

I decided to start it all off with a nice mellow electronic song.  It sets my mood right.  I think this might turn out to be a nice list to drive to.  Meh.

You Know Nothing, Jon Snow

Wolf - First Aid Kit

These two are definitely channeling some hippy stuff.  I don't know why but these two fully grown women remind me of the childhood pictures of my sisters.  The ones who never write on this blog any more.  I often feel as though I took it over and I feel bad about it.

You Can Color My World

Little Bit Of Red (Live) - Serena Ryder

Melissa Ethridge.

Thiiiiinking....Thinking...

Think Again - Teddy Thompson

This guy here has a very sad quality to his voice.  It almost drags behind the song, it adds a certain haunting quality to it.

My Mutter...My mutter she loves me...

Youth - Daughter

If you don't like this, you don't like music.

Your Kung Fu Is Strong

Pot, Kettle, Black - Panda Su

I really don't think I need to add anything to this.  That picture says it all.

Your Eyes

See My Eyes - DwnTwn

Bringing it back up...

Mea Culpa

Failure - Laura Marling

...only to bring it back down...

Sorry for the crappiness that is this week's blog.  I just feel like warm garbage.  I will make up for it next week, I hope.

That's it for this week...meh...

KKNY signing meh...

TTT #40: Mellow Men With Beards!

Happy Independence Day America!!!  Happy 4th of July rest of the world!!! 

This week I was thinking since it is America's birthday AND my 40th Thuper Thong Thurthday ANDAND I have a beard, I would do a playlist featuring only men with beards!

Great idea, I know.  I believe that when it comes to mellow acoustic music a beard is a definite must.  As George Carlin once said "The beard acts as a mute for soft passages..."  I doubt this is what he was talking about, but the statement stands.  

You will also notice that as the list progresses, the beards get longer and fuller.  I planned it this way.  I know, I know, I should have done metal bands as there are all sorts of great beards there.  Kerry King, Dimebag Darrell, I could have even included ZZ Top.  But this is mellow men with beards.  So deal.  

On with it...

TTT #40 Playlist

Twitter for Spotify Playlist

I Wanna Go On A Trip

Across The Country - Anthony Da Costa

As you can see here we have a good starter beard.  It's covering but still thin.  Well groomed.  The perfect beard for a light folk song about your girlfriend leaving you and moving across the country.  The heart yearning.  The beard betrayal.  Why'd she go?  Why?

Big Finish!

Spanish Sahara - Foals

As you can see this beard, as the one before, is a good starter beard.  This one, however, seemed to me a little more covering, or at least darker, so I made him number two.  I guess you might say number seven as this is more of a countdown.  So he has the 7th best beard on the list.   

I think I'm...never mind...moving on...

Dallas Green.  A City.  A Color.

As Much As I Ever Could - City & Colour

As you can see we are getting a little fuller.  Thicker.  We like thicker.  Still kempt, but thicker.  If you haven't listened to City & Colour; two things are true.  One, you haven't been listening to my blog.  Two, you hate music.  He has a sweet high voice that will lull you into a sense of belonging and sorrow.  It's everything music should be...

*mumblemumblemumble*

Curs In The Weeds - Horse Feathers

Little thicker.  Little less kempt.  Mustache is catching up to the beard.   This fella here, every time I see him he reminds me of a guy my dad used to work with named Bill Brown.  I was fairly young the last time I saw Mr. Bill (heh) so I don't recall exactly what he looked like.  In my mind though, this is his exact twin.   As for the guy in the picture, you may have to listen to him sing a couple of times before you can start to understand what he is saying.  There is a lilting laziness to his voice, and I mean that in a very good way.  It makes you listen closer.  It has a superb softness to it.  It's his beard.  It's taking all credit...

IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!

Free - Zac Brown Band

Thicker.  Venturing into unkempt territory.    The mustache is a little less full, but this isn't a mustache playlist, so back off...   I have always said that it would be amazing to buy a van, or a small RV, and just vagabond my way across the country.  I think I could really get behind that.  I need someone to do this with me.  I may just up and leave one day.  Chris McCandless style...

If you don't hear from me for a while...you know where I'll be...

It's Erin's Fault

Simple Math - Manchester Orchestra

Unkempt thing of beauty.  I believe Andy Hull, the lead singer of MO, has since shaved this off but who cares.  He shouldn't have.  Also, he is the lead singer of Manchester Orchestra, not Missouri.  I felt that needed to be pointed out.  I realized that going through all of this explanation defeats the purpose of abbreviating it in the first place, but I don't like hitting the backspace.  Backspace is for losers.  Kids, don't backspace.

I wasn't really into Manchester Orchestra when i first heard them.  I was like ehhh.  Then my lovely lady made me go see them live.  Seeing them live will definitely make them grow on you.  Amazing show.  You should catch them if you can.  Live.  I mean, you should go see them not literally capture them live.  Like, don't hold them captive, just see them play.  Ya dig?

I feel like I've lost control here somewhere...

Beatle Beard

Imagine - John Lennon

Epic status.  That is what a Beatle beard is.  Not to be confused with Beetle The Bard.    

John Lennon looks so sad in that picture.  It fits perfectly with this song.  Such a sad song.  Just a guy who thought people would be better if they just agreed and got along.  Crazy right?  Dreamer...

This was the first CD I ever owned.  I was such a cool kid.

Bougainvillea 

Passing Afternoon - Iron & Wine

The way a beard should be.    Long.  Full.  Thick.  Probably has some shit in it.  Not actual shit...just like stuff...well...never mind...

Only Sam Beam could put Bougainvillea blooms in a song and make it work.  The man is a genius.  You should listen to more Iron & Wine if you don't already.  Less talk...more Passing Afternoon.

I also want to comment on the modest piano solo in this song.  Just perfect for the song.  Nothing fancy but fits perfectly.  True genius is not technical skill and speed it's putting what needs to be there, there, and what doesn't, nowhere.

So a bunch of people at work have been asking me if I am related to the Duck Dynasty CEO Willie Robertson.  What do you think?

My Doppelganger?  I bet he could fit way more than 2 boxes of crayons in his beard.  I am shamed...

KKNY signing off...

TTT #39: Hit Songs Against Hit Songs

I haven't been listening to much music this week.  They have banned headphones at work.  They do this many times a year and it will only last a week, two tops.  So for the time being I have been stewing about the crap they constantly play over the speakers at work.  I have also been thinking about the soulless devils that put that stuff out for profit alone.  That led to this week's playlist.

I have heard more music industry horror stories than I care to count.  If you have ever met someone that actually signed to a label,  and talked to them about it at length, the deals they get are frightening.

I recently saw a post on Reddit from an artist, I forget the actual artist, it's irrelevant.  He posted his royalties from his plays on different Internet radio networks.  He had over 1,000,000 plays on Pandora.  That equaled exactly $16.43.  That is sad.  Almost all of the money an artist makes is playing live shows.  

Even if you don't like Macklemore, or rap in general, listen to the last minute of Jimmy Iovine.  He talks about his "deal".  You quickly start to realize why he went Independent.

On to the meat...


TTT #39 Playlist
Twitter for Spotify Playlist 







Taking It

Jimmy Iovine (Feat. Ab-Soul) - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis


I have always sort of thought Jimmy Iovine is kind of a douche.  I don't know him personally (obviously), he could be a fairly nice guy.  His business and outward persona on television and the like:  douche.   His the "mentor" on American Idol.  He usually gives his opinion, which I personally usually disagree with.    

Also, if you don't know who Jimmy Iovine is, he is the co-founder of Interscope Records and chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M.  So there ya go...

As a result of their meetings with record execs Macklemore & Ryan Lewis decided to go independent.  I'm sure that has resulted in them keeping a much, much larger portion of the money their number one record is making.



What Made The Pan Refuse To Grow Was...

Hook - Blues Traveler

I think this song is a little bit about the music industry and a lotta bit about people's taste in music in general.  While I am a full believer in liking what you like and owning your shit there are some people in the world that just listen to stuff that is just...bad.  Just bad.   Now some of the songs he vaguely references in the bridge I actually like.  You shouldn't stop listening to your music because I, or John Popper, don't like it.  That would be silly.  If you like One Direction, own that shit.

Also you should listen to this song with a copy of the lyrics open, here ya go.  It helps.



Schmoke & A Pancake?

Have A Cigar - Pink Floyd

I have noticed there seems to be a lot of bands saying that music execs just talk out of their asses and don't actually like music.  "I wonder if that is prevalent in the industry?" he asked already knowing the answer.



Elba

Napoleon - Ani Difranco

I really like Ani Difranco.  Though I am generally not allowed to like her too much.  Ya see my ex was a HUGE fan of Ani Difranco.  Tattoos and child named after level.  Like Epic fan.  My ex and my current don't exactly get along.  Therefore I have to like Ani on the sly (sorry dear).  I still dig her stuff.  She puts on a great show and is a hell of a guitar player.  My rhythm idol.  Great lyricist.

I just like her in solitude out of respect for my lady.  I just wish I could get her to do the same with celebrity gossip.  It reminds me of...something I don't like.  So stop it...now.  Ya know I love ya...



Candy Pork

Pork & Beans - Weezer

It's true Rivers Cuomo has a bald spot.  It's true they would probably be more popular if  Timbaland remixed one of their tracks.  All of these things do not make me like Weezer and more, or less.   I don't need them to be more popular.  I just want Rivers writing the stuff that makes me like Weezer.

I am glad he is snarky and decided to write this when his record company asked him to write a hit single.



Fry Suit

 

Sell Out - Reel Big Fish

I think this is one of the quintessential "make money by signing your money away" songs.  Plus, I think it really adds something to a song about catchy music and doing your own thing when the song itself is really catchy.

It's like...serendipity.



One Of The First Songs I Learned On Guitar

Life's Been Good - Joe Walsh

That's the lead guitarist for The Eagles.  He's serious.  His Maserati goes 185.

Don't mess with Joe Walsh.  Ever.  <--period



Pinnacle of an Artist's Career?

The Cover of The Rolling Stone - Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show


If I am ever famous (which I won't be) I will have a girl named Cocaine Katie that will embroider my stuff.  I don't like bedazzled stuff though.

Also how crazy is it to hear that Ten Thousand dollars a show was a lot?  And Christina Aguilera got paid 1.2 million dollars to sing three songs at a wedding. Crazy...




Well that's it this week folks.  It has been an extremely annoying blog to write as my keyboard is going out.  Well at least my left shift isn't working on SOME of the letters, go figure.  Also I lost the ability to use my symbols.  I had to copy and paste the pound and dollar sign.  *sigh*

Anyway, until next week.  FORTY?! How crazy is that?  Pretty soon we will be doing 52!  Which will mark (roughly) 1 years worth of playlists.  Nuts.  Gonna have to do somethin special for that.  Hmmmm...

KKNY signing off...

TTT #38: Synth-tastic Epic 80's Songs

This is just an 80's synth kind of day.  I have no other explanation other than that.  If you need an explanation other than that...get your own blog.  Do your own stuff...Geez...

Anyway...short and sweet...on to it...


TTT #38 Playlist
Twitter For Spotify Playlist



We Can Dance If We Want To...

 

 The Safety Dance - Men Without Hats

This song will forever remind me of Bio Dome.  Bio Dome (and most Pauly Shore movies) define my high school years.  I think we should all befriend a bunch of little people and dance around a RenFair somewhere.   Anyone in?

Not Marilyn Manson

Sweet Dreams - Eurythmics

This is just a given to be included.on this list.  This is one of the quintessential synth riffs.  You can never go wrong with this song.  You can always turn it up, roll the windows down and let the sweet, sweet sound of Annie Lennox's voice take you to another world.  Sort of like Into the West, but with less Hobbits and Dwarves.



Might As Well...

Jump - Van Halen

I liked Van Hagar.  But Diva Lee Roth IS the lead singer of Van Halen.  This is a fun song to bust out on a keyboard to pretend like you know how to play keys.  That's what we fake 80's band mates call piano or keyboards, Keys.  I'm a key player...



Shades...in the shade...

Sunglasses At Night - Corey Hart


I remember this one dude that I used to work with.  Him name escapes me right now.  He loved gangsta rap.  He rapped almost the entirety of his time at work.  He liked screwed and chopped and other words I don't understand.  He loved the most ghetto of ghetto rap...and this song.  It would come on at work and he would sing the shit out of it.  It was hilarious...I kind of miss him...




GTA:  Vice City

Japanese Boy - Aneka

I don't really have a lot to say about this one.  That picture up there is kind of freaking me out. 

This song just reminds me of blasting through police barricades in Vice City.  I could play Grand Theft Auto for days.  I used to blast this game on the station that played this song.  I had loud speakers and would blast them in my face.  I miss those days...



Rick Ocasek Will Give You Babies

Hello Again - The Cars

One of the many wonders of rock stardom is a singer's ability to nab the ladies.  Rick Ocasek was once married to Paulina Porizkova.  Check her out.  It's crazy.  What do you ladies think of R.O.?




Digital Getdown

Together In Electric Dreams - Giorgio Moroder

I was going to put a movie poster of Electric Dreams, the epic movie about a computer that falls in love with a guy and when he then falls in love with a real life girl, the computer goes all 2001 HAL on his ass.  It's pretty great.  I couldn't post it once I saw a picture of Giorgio Moroder.  Look. At. That. Mustache.  Damn...he looks like a coke snortin Mario.



Long Version

Tainted Love + - Soft Cell

Ya know I tried to find a picture that was a little less...80's.  It didn't seem to want to come together for Soft Cell.  It seems like their image is one of a gay bar in the 80's that focuses on BDSM and weird leather parties.  Either way, this cover, that's right cover, is a classic 80's song that doesn't remind me of Coneheads at all.



Just To Mellow It All Out

Valley Of The Mind's Eye - Thomas Dolby

I could have ended this playlist with Thomas Dolby's classic hit 'She Blinded Me With Science'.  This song, however, always touched me a little more.  I like the vibe it gives.  He should be more popular I think.  I decided that the last song should just be a little more mellow because I like to mellow out after I get to dancing, which synth always does to me.  Especially bitchin playlists like this one...



That's it for this week folks be sure to tune in next week.  Same Kenny Time.  Same Kenny Channel.

KKNY signing off...